NYE edition: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, Dec 28 to 31, with NEW YEAR’S EVE events!

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NEW YEAR’S EVE events are here – EXPANDED from last edition – including one that’s MID-DAY IN L.A., CELEBRATING THE ARRIVAL OF 2011 IN IRELAND. And there are extensive listings of places to take your holiday guests all week, and info you’ll need to get advance tickets for places you’ll want to go, waaaay into 2011.
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So, introduce your friends to live acoustic music and give ’em a HAPPY GNU EAR!
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"Where the speech of man stops short, then the art of music begins." - Richard Wagner
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Tied to the Tracks
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
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DECEMBER 28 to 31, with NEW YEAR’S EVE events, 2010
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“QUICKIE ACCESS:” “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” PICKS, & THIS WEEK’S NEWS…
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1) “Show of-the-Week Picks” – Dec 28th through 30th
2) New Year’s Eve Music Party Picks Are Abundant – EXPANDED Listings!
3) Mid-Day New Year’s Eve Party in L.A. Marks 2011 in Ireland
4) We’d Like You to Meet… SIMON LYNGE
5) Cornell Glee Club Presents “Folk Music of the Americas” January 16
6) Guide Readers Help “Kids in Need of Desks – K.I.N.D.”
7) R.I.P., Captain Beefheart – a.k.a. Don Van Vliet
8) Let Gandhi Shape your New Year’s Resolutions
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Here are these feature stories…
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1) “SHOW OF-THE-WEEK PICKS” – DEC 28th THROUGH 30th
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Tuesday, December 28th’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick
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* 8 pm I see hawks in l.a. with musical guest RICK SHEA at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
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Wednesday, December 29th’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick
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* 8 pm “THE PEEPSHOW TRIO'S POST-HOLIDAY DETOX” at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, Altadena.
* 8 pm Rick Shea performs at Café 322 in Sierra Madre.
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Thursday, December 30th’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick
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* Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” sponsored by the California Traditional Music Society at Camp Hess Kramer, Malibu; runs Dec 30-Jan 2.
* 8 pm LYQUID AMBER, the collaborative duo of award-winning musicians Evo Bluestein and haNS YORK, with jazz bassist Kevin Hill, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
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2) NEW YEAR’S EVE MUSIC PARTY PICKS ARE ABUNDANT!
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Wow! You can start celebrating mid-day in L.A., with the arrival of the New Year IN IRELAND, then grab dinner and get to a second celebration when Pacific Time greets 2011. There’s a family-friendly (early) acoustic evening in San Pedro, where dinner is available. Later at night, DAVE ALVIN is playing N.Y.E. with PHIL ALVIN (The Blasters), & banjo guru FRANK FAIRFIELD, with the GENE TAYLOR BLUES BAND, at the Redwood Bar & Grill in downtown L.A., and it’s only twenty bucks! There’s a NO COVER CHARGE show and music party in Claremont. The Guide has plenty of listings, offering fine choices.
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Friday, December 31st’s N.Y.E. “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks
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* Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” sponsored by the California Traditional Music Society at Camp Hess Kramer, Malibu; runs Dec 30-Jan 2.
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* 3 pm KEN O’MALLEY brings a special solo matinee of his authentic & original Irish music to the Auld Dubliner in Long Beach. (No 10 pm performance.) The venue has booked him for this special show, as they did last year, to celebrate and count down to the New Year in Ireland, which is 8 hours ahead of us in L.A. So, this show starts at what is 11 pm in Dublin.
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* 6-10 pm RUSS LEWARK (ONE FOOT IN, KAHUNA COWBOY BAND) & TOM FERJO play a family-friendly early New Year’s Eve at the Think Café in San Pedro.
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* 7 & 10:30 pm KRISTIN CHENOWETH, multiple Emmy & Tony winner, at Walt Disney Concert Hall, downtown L.A.
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* “New Years EVE” with blues bands Corey Stevens, Bobby Bluehouse, Dave Melton, Howard Deere, Walter Thompson and Friends, at the Arcadia Blues Club, Arcadia.
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* LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play “DISNEYLAND’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY.”
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* YARD DOG ROAD SHOWS, the 13-member wildly musical cabaret act, at the Edison in L.A.
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* 8 pm LUCINDA WILLIAMS and JACKSH*T at The Viper Room, 21+. Tix, $100, and VIP packages are available. www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail. Only 150 tickets left at press time.
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* 8 pm-12:30 am SLIGO RAGS plays a family-friendly “wild Celtic concert, then food and waltzing,” at the Ojai Concert Series at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club.
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* “COWBOY PALACE NEW YEARS EVE PARTY” with RANDY EMMETT & SIDESHOW BAND with a buffet dinner and more at L.A.’s last real honky-tonk, the Cowboy Palace in Chatsworth.
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* PAUL CHESNE BAND at Tony's Saloon, as part of the eight-venues-for-$100-ticket, entrance to 8 bars and open drinks all night downtown. Some venues have DJs, others have bands, including GRAM RABBIT. All the info is at events.la.com/los-angeles-ca/events/show/156901605-nye-downtown-la-1-ticket-8-open-bars-featuring-gram-rabbit-and-other-musical-acts
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* THE LINDY SISTERS bring their ANDREWS SISTERS USO-type show for New Years Eve at the Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue in Claremont.
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* THE CLAREMONT VOODOO SOCIETY, featuring harmonica whiz BILL BARRETT, with “LAZY” BRAD LEWIS, JERRY O'SULLIVAN, & WYMAN REESE, play The Press' N.Y.E. party in Claremont. There is NO COVER CHARGE, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, hats & horns. Dinner served from 5 pm, reservations required. Party starts at 9, music at 10. After the live music, DJ “The Mixologist” finishes the night.
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* 9 pm GENE TAYLOR BLUES BAND with members DAVE ALVIN, JOHNNY BAZZ, & PHIL BATEMAN, plus special guests PHIL ALVIN (The Blasters), & banjo guru FRANK FAIRFIELD, at the Redwood Bar & Grill, L.A. At $20, this is THE bargain for N.Y.E.
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* 9 pm I SEE HAWKS IN LA. play Pappy and Harriet’s Place in Pioneertown (in the desert, near 29 Palms)
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* 10:30 pm KRISTIN CHENOWETH, multiple Emmy & Tony winner, at Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown L.A. (Shows at 7 & 10:30 pm.)
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3) MID-DAY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY IN L.A. MARKS 2011 IN IRELAND
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It’s a concept that worked so well last year, it’s back. And you get to celebrate the arrival of the New Year TWICE.
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Y’see, 4 pm Pacific Time is Midnight in Dublin. So, commencing at 3 pm (L.A. time), KEN O’MALLEY plays a special New Year’s Eve solo matinee at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach, 90802; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com. Ken’s authentic and original Irish music, with his superb baritone voice and fine guitar, are a joy anytime. He’s probably the only one out there who can play all those melancholy Irish ballads and ne’er depress the lot of ye. Plenty of jigs and reels – and that voice. More at www.kenomalley.com. Since NYE comes early in Dublin – and therefore at the Auld Dubliner in Long Beach – there’s no 10 pm show.
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It all means that you can celebrate and count down to the New Year twice – first in Long Beach’s bit o’ Ireland, which, like the Emerald Isle itself, is 8 hours ahead of us in L.A. And then, you can celebrate again when our little blue planet rotates the Left Coast into 2011. Leave it to the Irish to find a way to double the chances for a party. And it’s 76 days to St. Paddy’s! Erin Go Braugh!
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4) WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET… SIMON LYNGE
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He’s just signed with the same agency – Asgard – that represents TOM WAITS, STEVE EARLE, RICHARD THOMPSON, JACKSON BROWNE, ALLISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION, RAY DAVIES, LAURA CANTRELL, JOAN BAEZ and other prominent American musicians in Europe.
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It’s a deserved association. Simon has one of the best voices and song delivery styles anywhere, from new folk to meaningful acoustic pop and sometimes into light rock.
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His songwriting in English is first rate – though he hails from Greenland(!) and Denmark. He gained friends, fans, and respect during his few years in L.A. He speaks clear, unaccented English with more aplomb than most native-born Americans. Following a recent stint on Washington State’s beautiful Olympic Peninsula, SIMON LYNGE and his musician spouse JANNA MARIT, a veteran of the L.A. music scene, now live in England with their young son DJANGO.
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Simon checked-in last week to tell us, “What a year this has been! My debut album, ‘The Future,’ has been released in large parts of the world from Norway to New Zealand through Lo-Max Records in London. I have toured through twelve countries, been in a variety of publications from ‘Rolling Stone’ to ‘The Sunday Times,’ and had songs used in commercials and TV series.”
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As for that high-horsepower representation, Simon says, “I'm very happy that I've just started working with the wonderful PAUL FENN and GERMAINE-NICHOL HUGHES of Asgard Agency in London, who will represent me throughout Europe.”
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But those who know Simon won’t be surprised that those stellar career achievements are not what he ranks as tops. He says, “The most memorable part of this year, though, was when I went to Alluitsoq, my village in Greenland, to shoot a mini documentary and a radio show for BBC Radio. I had never brought anyone there before and I had strong sense of coming full circle. You can see the documentary we shot… at www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1XCikk2RDY .“
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Simon’s new “mini documentary” features the magnificent beauty of southern Greenland, and he tells you a little about where he grew up, in a decidedly different environment than most 21st century musicians (or anyone else, for that matter) can imagine. Plus, Simon takes you through some of his songwriting process, and more. It was produced by Allison McGourty and directed by Ben Hodgson, and has an interview with him by Jonathan Wingate, courtesy of Lo-Max Records Ltd.
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Finally, Simon has a brand-new website as 2011 dawns. It’s designed by Janna Marit and coded by Heather Taracka of Sky Valley Ltd. Check it out and hear music samples at www.simonlyngemusic.com
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5) CORNELL GLEE CLUB PRESENTS “FOLK MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS” JAN 16
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The CORNELL GLEE CLUB has taken their music from Ithaca, New York, to the world. They’re one of the premier men’s choruses in the country. Now, we’ll get a chance to see them here. In a shared concert with their hosts, the PASADENA MASTER CHORALE, they present a diverse program including “FOLK MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS,” at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church on January 16.
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Over the past 15 years, the CORNELL GLEE CLUB, whose singing was described by legendary conductor Eugene Ormandy as “superb,” and as “virtuosic” by the Washington Post, has left the university campus in Ithaca, New York to share its artistry with music lovers in China, Brazil, England and Venezuela. Audiences in Southern California will now have a chance to hear the renowned ensemble when the Pasadena Master Chorale (PMC) hosts the Club in La Crescenta.
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The concert opens with a performance by the Pasadena Master Chorale of the “Introit” and “Kyrie” from Mozart’s Requiem, K. 626. Soloists include soprano Lauren Buckley and pianist Renee Gilormini. PMC’s Jeffrey Bernstein will conduct. The Cornell Glee Club will then present all-male choral music from a variety of cultures, ranging from compositions from the European Renaissance to folk music of the Americas.
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It’s sure to be of interest well beyond the local population of Cornell grads. “The Cornell Glee Club has long been considered one of the finest male choruses in the country,” says PMC’s Artistic Director Jeffrey Bernstein, whose ties to the University run deep, considering that his father, mother and brother all studied and taught at Cornell.
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“Under the direction of Scott Tucker the Glee Club has developed a stunning sound, supple and intense, and they sing with great musicality,” Bernstein continues. “I'm delighted that PMC can host Cornell on its California Tour and thrilled that PMC audiences will get a chance to hear an ensemble like the Cornell Glee Club. It will be an unforgettable concert experience.”
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The PASADENA MASTER CHORALE, under the direction of Jeffrey Bernstein, is one of Pasadena's newest and most vibrant arts organizations. An amateur choir with professional standards, PMC presents well-loved and affordable concerts of the highest quality. The composer of over 50 concert works, Bernstein has enjoyed premieres of his music across this country and in Europe. Active as a guest conductor, Bernstein has led Bach’s “St. John Passion” with Sanford Sylvan in Boston, Haydn’s “Creation” with the Arad Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus in Romania, Dvorak’s “Czech Suite” with the Naples Philharmonic in Florida, and over a dozen other orchestral performances at the Harvard Business School.
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It’s a Guide “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick, on Sunday, January 16th, at 4 pm, at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, 2902 Montrose Av, La Crescenta 91214; Recorded info by phone, 626-208-0009. More at www.pasadenamasterchorale.org. Tix available at the door. Suggested donation $20.
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6) GUIDE READERS HELP “KIDS IN NEED OF DESKS – K.I.N.D.”
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We’ve heard from readers who are helping. It’s truly remarkable – over a million dollars raised for kids in need in the first week of its existence. Last week, we were among the first to lend our support to “K.I.N.D. – Kids In Need of Desks” – with our news feature, “A Gift That Makes A Difference: The Guide’s Recommendation.” We invited our readers to “Help some kids who REALLY need it. Literally, get them off the floor at school.”
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And you are responding.
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K.I.N.D. – Kids In Need of Desks – is an organization that hires local craftspeople in the African nation of Malawi to build desks for school classrooms there. It literally gets Malawai’s children up off the floor, and gives them an opportunity to learn in school. These kids have been trying to write, on the dirt floor, and to learn and take tests, on the dirt floor, of their classrooms in schools throughout the developing African nation. Many of them have been unable even to catch more than a glimpse of their teacher – who, invariably, doesn’t have a desk, either, and who must stand for seven hours while the kids sit on the floor – for the seven hours of their school day.
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As we reported last week, we learned all this from, and are grateful to, LAWRENCE O’DONNELL. He went to Malawi, saw the conditions there, and contracted with local craftspeople to get sturdy, steel-framed wooden desks made for $48 each. He made arrangements through “The Last Word,” the MSNBC show he hosts, to collect funds for K.I.N.D. that are administered through UNICEF, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
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Christmas and Hanukah are over, but the need for your charity remains. Even the first million dollars is not enough to get all the kids off the floor and seated, two to each new desk. You can still engage in late holiday gift-giving – as a gift from you, or on behalf of special friends and family members, living or dead. This is something with benefits that transcend the momentary packages under the tree with the shiny baubles.
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While the Guide remains committed to restoring arts and music education in American public schools, and believes these are essential to creativity and the basic maintenance of culture, the goals of K.I.N.D. are fundamental. The situation in Malawi shows that, as much as things have deteriorated here, we still have so much more than others who lack the most basic necessities.
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We thank our readers who took part in raising that first million dollars for this most worthy cause.
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You can go, still, to www.lastworddesks.msnbc.com or call 800-FOR-KIDS to learn more about K.I.N.D and to make your contribution.
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7) R.I.P., CAPTAIN BEEFHEART – A.K.A. DON VAN VLIET
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We received the news just before Christmas from DOUG MOON, a banjo winner at the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and well-know blues slide guitarist. That’s the same Doug Moon who, in a previous life, was guitarist for CAPTAIN BEEFHEART.
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Doug wrote, “Artist, musician, poet, and icon in American pop culture, but to me, an old friend and ex-band mate. Don, old times are not forgotten. We may not have always seen eye to eye, but some things go beyond what vision can see. ‘I've got the key to the hiway, I'm bill-out and bound to go.’ Adios, Doug Moon.”
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Don Van Vliet was one of a kind, musically and in his very avant garde life. Often cited as a contemporary of his friend FRANK ZAPPA, a careful examination of copyright and studio session dates reveals that it was CAPTAIN BEEFHEART who usually inspired Zappa – and often did most of those very same wildly innovative things first. And the Captain’s approach to things wasn’t limited to his music. Doug once told us about Don taking his vacuum cleaner for a walk around the block, like walking the dog.
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More info at
www.google.com/#hl=en&expIds=17259,17311,28091&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=don+van+vliet+dies&cp=18&pf=p&sclient=psy&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=don+van+vliet+dies&gs_rfai=&pbx=1&fp=7b989c6c17f79c85
and
www.beefheart.com/index.html
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8) LET GANDHI SHAPE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
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Perhaps it’s a good indication of the value of things that artists choose to include in fan newsletters. When we did the “We’d Like You to Meet” feature on Simon Lynge in this edition, we kept thinking about something he included in his end-of-the year e-newsletter.
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We agree with Simon’s reasoning of this being good timing, when he wrote, “MOHANDAS KARAMACHAND GANDHI, one of my great heroes, considered these traits to be the most spiritually perilous to humanity and I feel this is a good time to consider them for a bit.”
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Gandhi’s Seven Traits to Avoid are:
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* Wealth without Work
* Pleasure without Conscience
* Science without Humanity
* Knowledge without Character
* Politics without Principle
* Commerce without Morality
* Worship without Sacrifice
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Too often, as artists and as global citizens (and particularly as American citizens) we see rampant and disgraceful manifestations of these negative traits – often tangled up with unbridled greed. Of course, other traditions offer guidance of a similar kind. Catholicism has its Seven Deadly Sins, and various religions and philosophies offer or demand adherence to codes or lists. We are not proponents of fear-based thinking, ever – in fact, we believe the artist best influences society for good when inspirations are communicated in ways that make them universal, and things that are fear-based are left behind. Seems Gandhi did that.
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So, we offer the above in the spirit of “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
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Happy New Year!
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RECENT NEWS FEATURES (in the past 30 days):
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December 17 edition’s News Features are available at
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/12/acoustic-americana-music-guide-dec-14_17.html
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The topics are…
1) “Show of-the-Week picks” – Weekend, Dec 17th through 19th
2) “Show of-the-Week Picks” – Dec 20th through 30th
3) New Year’s Eve Music Party Picks
4) Central Library Book Sale to Include CDs, LPs, Videos, More
5) A Gift that Makes a Difference: The Guide’s Recommendation
6) Our Cowboy Poetry for Christmas
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December 9 edition’s News Features are available at
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/12/acoustic-americana-music-guide-dec-9-to.html
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This edition had TWO updates:
The Dec 11 “late edition” updates affects the contents of those stories and is available at
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/12/acoustic-americana-music-guide-dec-11.html
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The Dec 14 updated edition brought a NEW News Item, a review of the ongoing show, “Free Coffee & Doughnuts: Songs of the Great Depression(s) 1929-2010,” which replaced the “Show of the Week” picks for the weekend that had then passed. It’s at
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/12/acoustic-americana-music-guide-dec-14.html
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The topics of these editions are…
1) [in Dec 9 & 11 editions] 1) “Show-Of-The-Week” Picks, THIS WEEKEND, December 11th & 12th
1) [in Dec 14 edition] REVIEW: “Free Coffee & Doughnuts: Songs of the Great Depression(s) 1929-2010”
2) [in Dec 9 edition] “Show-Of-The-Week” Picks, WEEKDAYS, December 9th through 16th
2) [in Dec 11 edition] “Show-Of-The-Week” Picks, WEEKDAYS, December 14th through 16th
3) Tix Alerts: Weekend of December 17-19 (Plus Monday, Dec 20)
4) Russ & Julie's House Concerts Announces 2011 Schedule
5) Todd Snider Names his Favorite Troubadours
6) Pirates Have a Top 20 Chart? Who Knew! (Maybe the Parrot…)
7) Gift Ideas for Music Lovers
8) 41 Years Later, “You Know that it Would Be Untrue, You Know that I Would Be a Liar…”
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December 2 edition’s News Features are available at
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/12/acoustic-americana-music-guide-dec-2-to.html
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The December 3 “late edition” updates to those stories are available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/12/acoustic-americana-music-guide-dec-3-to.html
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The topics are…
1) “Show-Of-The-Week” Picks, December 3rd through 5th
2) Join the All Star Lineup, Caroling for Shut-Ins, this Sunday
3) Enjoy Live Music While Buying Your Holiday Junk (er, Gifts)…
4) Plan Now – December 11th Offers an Amazing Array of Shows
5) Out-of-Town Holiday Guests? Where to Take ’Em for Music
6) December’s Origins and our “Poem of the Month”
7) December 7th – a Day of Enduring Relevance
8) “Own Chrifmaf Dire in the Moaning” (Yes, we meant to spell it that way…)
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THE LATEST FULL EDITION of the Acoustic Americana Music Guide is always available at
www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com or by links from the News-only edition at www.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks
or by following any of MANY links on the web to get to one of those sites.
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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2010, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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Updated Sunday, Dec 26. All “recurring events” are included in this edition through December 31, with MANY additional listings of upcoming events in 2011.
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Each weekly edition is designed to be useful not just for the current week, but well beyond. Each edition focuses on ALL THINGS ACOUSTIC for a span of a week or so – AND adds MORE events to those days’ listings than we had the previous week – PLUS, it’s updated with more events, farther into the future, as we learn of them.
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Now, here’s what’s happening…
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 27
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On this day in 1822, French chemist LOUIS PASTEUR was born. His revolutionary research into the role of bacteria in fermentation and diseases enabled him to develop pasteurization, saving countless lives while setting the stage for modern biochemistry.
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(1) Monday’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:
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Uhhh, we seem to have only the 22 recurring events to report (ONLY TWENTY-TWO things to do… see the link, below)
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See the complete listings below for all the details.
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(2) Monday’s RADIO & TV SHOWS
~ that feature live performance-interviews with acoustic musicians, and selected other acoustic music shows (mostly on-line, simulcast from radio stations elsewhere) are listed, in all their abundance, at
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/mondays-radio-web-radio-tv-acoustic.html
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(3) Monday’s “BEST OUT-OF-TOWN EVENTS”
~ beyond the region covered by the Guide’s usual listings:
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None reported.
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(4) Monday’s LOCAL FESTIVALS:
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Nightly, Dec 2–Dec 30:
5-10 pm (Light Display Hours) 15th annual “LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWER GRIFFITH PARK LIGHT FESTIVAL” on Crystal Springs Drive, in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. This year’s annual event has nights for pedestrians and bicycles, horseback riders, and more, in addition to the run of nights when only cars make the trip to view the park’s annual light displays. Come see this magnificent display of lights that’s been a tradition for 13 years.
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Schedule for what conveyances are allowed when (including your feet):
> Dec 4-17 are “Vehicle Free Nights,” no cars allowed - you can walk, jog, run, bike, stroll, crawl…anything, except drive.
> Dec 9-30 on Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thurs only - “Horse Enthusiasts” nights, when you can see the lights on horseback.
> Dec 18-30: “Drive through” nights to see the Griffith Park Festival of lights from the comforts of your warm car.
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Exit the Golden State Fwy (I-5) at Los Feliz. Go west on Los Feliz and turn right onto Crystal Springs Dr. Proceed to the entrance of the Light Festival. To view the Light Festival by foot on the walking path, park at the L.A. Zoo’s big parking lot. More info at www.ladwp.com. Free.
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(5a) Monday’s TODAY-AND-TONIGHT-ONLY
“LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events:
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Uhhh, we seem to have only the 22 recurring events to report (ONLY TWENTY-TWO things to do… see the link, below)
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(5b) Monday’s RECURRING
“LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events.
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THERE ARE 22 (yep, Twenty-two!) ADDITIONAL EVENTS, TODAY & TONIGHT!
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Included are today & tonight’s weekly and monthly residencies, series, showcases, workshops, open mics and other acoustic music events that are scheduled in advance to happen today and tonight, from northern Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, from downtown L.A. to the valleys to the Inland Empire, from the desert to the sea.
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/07/monday-fourth-last-monday-of-month-in.html
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28
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On this day in 1856, (Thomas) WOODROW WILSON was born. He would become the only US president with a PhD. His visionary “League of Nations,” created at the end of World War I, was a precursor to the United Nations that developed from World War II. Had President Wilson’s “League” been accepted by isolationist Republicans in the US Senate, there would not have been a WWII.
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(1) Tuesday’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:
+
* 8 pm I see hawks in l.a. with musical guest RICK SHEA at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
+
.
See the complete listings below for all the details.
.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(2) Tuesday’s RADIO & TV SHOWS
~ that feature live performance-interviews with acoustic musicians, and selected other acoustic music shows (mostly on-line, simulcast from radio stations elsewhere) are listed, in all their abundance, at
.
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/tuesdays-radio-web-radio-tv-acoustic.html
.
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.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(3) Tuesday’s “BEST OUT-OF-TOWN EVENTS”
~ beyond the region covered by the Guide’s usual listings:
.
.
None reported.
.
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.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(4) Tuesday’s LOCAL FESTIVALS:
.
.
Nightly, Dec 2–Dec 30:
5-10 pm (Light Display Hours) 15th annual “LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWER GRIFFITH PARK LIGHT FESTIVAL” on Crystal Springs Drive, in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. This year’s annual event has nights for pedestrians and bicycles, horseback riders, and more, in addition to the run of nights when only cars make the trip to view the park’s annual light displays. Come see this magnificent display of lights that’s been a tradition for 13 years.
+
Schedule for what conveyances are allowed when (including your feet):
> Dec 4-17 are “Vehicle Free Nights,” no cars allowed - you can walk, jog, run, bike, stroll, crawl…anything, except drive.
> Dec 9-30 on Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thurs only - “Horse Enthusiasts” nights, when you can see the lights on horseback.
> Dec 18-30: “Drive through” nights to see the Griffith Park Festival of lights from the comforts of your warm car.
+
Exit the Golden State Fwy (I-5) at Los Feliz. Go west on Los Feliz and turn right onto Crystal Springs Dr. Proceed to the entrance of the Light Festival. To view the Light Festival by foot on the walking path, park at the L.A. Zoo’s big parking lot. More info at www.ladwp.com. Free.
.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
.
(5a) Tuesday’s TODAY-AND-TONIGHT-ONLY
“LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events:
.
.
Tue, Dec 28:
6-8:45 pm “DOWNEY FOLK MUSIC JAM” has a special holidays edition, led by Bea & Jim Romano, at Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center, 7810 Quill Dr, Downey 90242; http://tiny.cc/DFMJ.
+
Hosts say, “It’s not just folk – we play it all!” All acoustic instruments and singers welcome. Free event; free parking just outside the door. More at www.Celticana.net and www.scdh.org.
.
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.
==============
.
Tue, Dec 28; every Tue (NEW LISTING):
7-9:30 pm weekly “SONGWRITER SERENADE” with first-rate local artists, hosted by singer-songwriter J.C. Hyke at Matt Denny’s Ale House, 145 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia. One two-week period brought performances by Rick Shea, Tom Corbett, Nicole Gordon, Tim Tedrow & Terry Vreeland, Tom Renaud, Lorin Hart, Phil Ward, & Marty Axelrod. The shows are outside on a covered patio equipped with heaters; dress warm when appropriate. Free parking in back. Venue offers dinner and drinks while you enjoy the music. Series info and lineup at www.JCHyke.com (click “Songwriter Serenade”) or www.jchyke.com/jc-friends-songwriter-seren.html
.
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.
==============
.
Tue, Dec 28; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm I see hawks in l.a. with musical guest RICK SHEA at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
+
Named by Larry Wines in his “Best of 2009 / Top Ten” for FolkWorks magazine as one of the best bands in Southern California, the Hawks are one of the few acts whose live performance is as good as their superb CDs.
+
Johnny Whiteside wrote in the LA WEEKLY, "These freewheeling lords of California psych country approach their music as if it were a portal, an unseen threshold that, once crossed, promises a wholly unpredictable experience. The Hawks' singular style operates on an epic scale, exploring weird panoramas of hallucinatory metaphor with a sound as much traditional hillbilly as it is acceleratedlysergic-rock spontaneity. Any flight taken with I See Hawks In L.A. assures a view to startling new perspectives. Up, up and away."
+
Rick Shea is a longtime roots-Americana Southern Cal favorite, a top-notch musician who has co-produced with DAVE ALVIN. Hi's songs embrace everything from norteño and border rock to traditional folk and country music, his voice is smooth and bittersweet and his guitar playing goes from subtle on the ballads to blazing through the rockers. His 5 critically acclaimed albums have been called “ marvelous…4 stars... LA Daily News, (“Sawbones”) to “stunningly good”... Dirty Linen (“Trouble and Me”) and he's worked with everyone from roots rock kingpin Dave Alvin to folk chanteuse Katy Moffatt to indie rock legends R.E.M.“Staunchly independent...represents the best of California music.” - LA Weekly.
+
Rick’s latest CD, “Shelter Valley Blues,” made #2 on the FAR Chart, #3 on the EuroAmericana Chart, the “Top Ten of 2009” in FolkWorks, and earned a blurb in USA Today.
+
FolkWorks Joel Okida, in naming “Shelter Valley Blues” to the Top Ten, says, “Long time Southern California singer-songwriter-musician who has a resume of arresting songs and a habit of abetting almost every other singer or band of country or honky-tonk notoriety that rolls into town. This is a captivating piece of work and fits in nicely with the excellent recordings that he has generated over the years. Don't know if he is underrated or overlooked, but if he is, it's your fault, not his.”
+
Blll Lavery of Village Records wrote of “Shelter Valley Blues,” “Years from now writers will refer to this as “his career album.” In case I'm not around to do it, I'll just do it here. He's had a long and storied career and worked with music royalty in several genres. As is the case with in demand players they often don't get the proper respect for their own recordings. This one will change all of that for Shea. This self produced and recorded album feels like something The Band would have done early in their career.”
+
Tix, $15.
.
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.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(5b) Tuesday’s RECURRING
“LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events.
+
THERE ARE 29 (wow, Twenty-nine!) ADDITIONAL EVENTS, TODAY & TONIGHT!
+
Included are today & tonight’s weekly and monthly residencies, series, showcases, workshops, open mics and other acoustic music events that are scheduled in advance to happen today and tonight, from northern Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, from downtown L.A. to the valleys to the Inland Empire, from the desert to the sea.
.
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/12/tuesday-recurring-fourth-last-tuesday.html
.
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.
.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
.
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
.
.
On this date in 1876, cellist PABLO CASALS was born in a small Catalan town in Spain, 40 miles from Barcelona. His name would become synonymous with the cello. In the 1930s. he chose self-exile from Spain, rather than live under the fascist dictator Francisco Franco. In 1956, he adopted Puerto Rico as his home and founded a music festival there. He lived there until age 97, dying in 1973.
.
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
.
.
(1) Wednesday’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:
+
* 8 pm Rick Shea performs at Café 322 in Sierra Madre.
* 8 pm “THE PEEPSHOW TRIO'S POST-HOLIDAY DETOX”at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, Altadena.
.
See the complete listings below for all the details.
.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(2) Wednesday’s RADIO & TV SHOWS
~ that feature live performance-interviews with acoustic musicians, and selected other acoustic music shows (mostly on-line, simulcast from radio stations elsewhere) are listed, in all their abundance, at
.
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/wednesdays-radio-web-radio-tv-acoustic.html
.
///\\\///\\\
.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(3) Wednesday’s “BEST OUT-OF-TOWN EVENTS”
~ beyond the region covered by the Guide’s usual listings:
.
.
None reported.
.
///\\\///\\\
.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(4) Wednesday’s LOCAL FESTIVALS:
.
.
Nightly, Dec 2–Dec 30:
5-10 pm (Light Display Hours) 15th annual “LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWER GRIFFITH PARK LIGHT FESTIVAL” on Crystal Springs Drive, in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. This year’s annual event has nights for pedestrians and bicycles, horseback riders, and more, in addition to the run of nights when only cars make the trip to view the park’s annual light displays. Come see this magnificent display of lights that’s been a tradition for 13 years.
+
Schedule for what conveyances are allowed when (including your feet):
> Dec 4-17 are “Vehicle Free Nights,” no cars allowed - you can walk, jog, run, bike, stroll, crawl…anything, except drive.
> Dec 9-30 on Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thurs only - “Horse Enthusiasts” nights, when you can see the lights on horseback.
> Dec 18-30: “Drive through” nights to see the Griffith Park Festival of lights from the comforts of your warm car.
+
Exit the Golden State Fwy (I-5) at Los Feliz. Go west on Los Feliz and turn right onto Crystal Springs Dr. Proceed to the entrance of the Light Festival. To view the Light Festival by foot on the walking path, park at the L.A. Zoo’s big parking lot. More info at www.ladwp.com. Free.
.
///\\\///\\\
.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(5a) Wednesday’s TODAY-AND-TONIGHT-ONLY
“LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events:
.
.
Wed, Dec 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Rick Shea performs at Café 322, 322 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre 91024. He’s a longtime roots-Americana Southern Cal favorite, a top-notch musician.
+
Rick Shea is a longtime roots-Americana Southern Cal favorite, a top-notch musician who has co-produced with DAVE ALVIN. Hi's songs embrace everything from norteño and border rock to traditional folk and country music, his voice is smooth and bittersweet and his guitar playing goes from subtle on the ballads to blazing through the rockers. His 5 critically acclaimed albums have been called “ marvelous…4 stars... LA Daily News, (“Sawbones”) to “stunningly good”... Dirty Linen (“Trouble and Me”) and he's worked with everyone from roots rock kingpin Dave Alvin to folk chanteuse Katy Moffatt to indie rock legends R.E.M.“Staunchly independent...represents the best of California music.” - LA Weekly.
+
Rick’s latest CD, “Shelter Valley Blues,” made #2 on the FAR Chart, #3 on the EuroAmericana Chart, the “Top Ten of 2009” in FolkWorks, and earned a blurb in USA Today.
+
FolkWorks Joel Okida, in naming “Shelter Valley Blues” to the Top Ten, says, “Long time Southern California singer-songwriter-musician who has a resume of arresting songs and a habit of abetting almost every other singer or band of country or honky-tonk notoriety that rolls into town. This is a captivating piece of work and fits in nicely with the excellent recordings that he has generated over the years. Don't know if he is underrated or overlooked, but if he is, it's your fault, not his.”
+
Blll Lavery of Village Records wrote of “Shelter Valley Blues,” “Years from now writers will refer to this as “his career album.” In case I'm not around to do it, I'll just do it here. He's had a long and storied career and worked with music royalty in several genres. As is the case with in demand players they often don't get the proper respect for their own recordings. This one will change all of that for Shea. This self produced and recorded album feels like something The Band would have done early in their career.”
.
///\\\///\\\
.
==============
.
Wed, Dec 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “THE PEEPSHOW TRIO'S POST-HOLIDAY DETOX” at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations 626-794-2424; venue phone 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. (“the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).
+
Featuring frequent Comedy Central “Sit-n-Spin” musicians GARY STOCKDALE (Penn & Teller:BULLSH*T!) and AMY ENGELHARDT (The Bobs).

Collectively, THE PEEPSHOW TRIO peeps have shared the stage, screen or studio with everyone from Barbra Streisand to Buckethead, Paul Provenza to Neil Diamond, Cop Rock to Jim Henson’s Muppets, Neil Young to Florence Henderson.
+
Join them and their SPECIAL GUESTS as they wind-up the fun and wind-down the holiday season with “a collection of chestnuts old and new.” Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “A midweek musical treat that will mid-tempo rock your year's end!” Tix, $13.
.
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.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(5b) Wednesday’s RECURRING
“LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events.
+
THERE ARE 24 (Yep, Twenty-Four!) ADDITIONAL EVENTS, TODAY & TONIGHT!
+
Included are today & tonight’s weekly and monthly residencies, series, showcases, workshops, open mics and other acoustic music events that are scheduled in advance to happen today and tonight, from northern Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, from downtown L.A. to the valleys to the Inland Empire, from the desert to the sea.
.
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/12/wednesday-recurring-fifth-wednesday.html
.
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.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
.
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
.
.
On this day in 1865, (Joseph) RUDYARD KIPLING was born in India where his father was a British colonial official. Kipling would write several successful adult novels and volumes of poetry, but his children’s stories would bring him enduring fame. These include the “Jungle Books” published in 1894 & 1895 (from which the Disney cartoon musical would be derived) and “Just So Stories” in 1902.
.
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
.
.
(1) Thursday’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:
+
* Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” sponsored by the California Traditional Music Society at Camp Hess Kramer, Malibu; runs Dec 30-Jan 2.
+
* 8 pm LYQUID AMBER, the collaborative duo of award-winning musicians Evo Bluestein and haNS YORK, with jazz bassist Kevin Hill, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
+
.
See the complete listings below for all the details.
.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(2) Thursday’s RADIO & TV SHOWS
~ that feature live performance-interviews with acoustic musicians, and selected other acoustic music shows (mostly on-line, simulcast from radio stations elsewhere) are listed, in all their abundance, at
.
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/thursdays-radio-web-radio-tv-acoustic.html
.
///\\\///\\\
.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(3) Thursday’s “BEST OUT-OF-TOWN EVENTS”
~ beyond the region covered by the Guide’s usual listings:
.
.
None reported.
.
///\\\///\\\
.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(4) Thursday’s LOCAL FESTIVALS:
.
.
Thu, Dec 30-Sun, Jan 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” sponsored by the California Traditional Music Society at Camp Hess Kramer, Malibu; info & registration, www.ctmsfolkmusic.org; 818-817-7756. Music workshops, jams, traditional dance.
.
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.
==============
.
Nightly, Dec 2–Dec 30:
5-10 pm (Light Display Hours) 15th annual “LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWER GRIFFITH PARK LIGHT FESTIVAL” on Crystal Springs Drive, in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. This year’s annual event has nights for pedestrians and bicycles, horseback riders, and more, in addition to the run of nights when only cars make the trip to view the park’s annual light displays. Come see this magnificent display of lights that’s been a tradition for 13 years.
+
Schedule for what conveyances are allowed when (including your feet):
> Dec 4-17 are “Vehicle Free Nights,” no cars allowed - you can walk, jog, run, bike, stroll, crawl…anything, except drive.
> Dec 9-30 on Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thurs only - “Horse Enthusiasts” nights, when you can see the lights on horseback.
> Dec 18-30: “Drive through” nights to see the Griffith Park Festival of lights from the comforts of your warm car.
+
Exit the Golden State Fwy (I-5) at Los Feliz. Go west on Los Feliz and turn right onto Crystal Springs Dr. Proceed to the entrance of the Light Festival. To view the Light Festival by foot on the walking path, park at the L.A. Zoo’s big parking lot. More info at www.ladwp.com. Free.
.
///\\\///\\\
.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(5a) Thursday’s TODAY-AND-TONIGHT-ONLY
“LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events:
.
.
Thu, Dec 30-Sun, Jan 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” – see “Local Festivals,” above.
.
///\\\///\\\
.
==============
.
Thu, Dec 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm LYQUID AMBER, the collaborative duo of award-winning musicians Evo Bluestein and haNS YORK, with jazz bassist Kevin Hill, plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
+
HANS YORK, 2008 Kerrville “New Folk” Winner, has performed live, numerous times, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” during his coast-to-coast concert tours, BEFORE he won at Kerrville. Hans is a master of DADGAD guitar – a tuning that produces unique harmonies and voicings. As a classically-trained musician who grew up in Germany, Hannsjoerg – as he was known then – studied jazz, rock, and world music traditions. He hasn’t sat still, musically or geographically. Living in Brazil added to his repertoire of musical styles and rhythms. In addition to composing, Hans is a noted producer and arranger. Known for his infectious shows and his captivating performances – including his soaring three-octave voice – Hans mixes the musical sensibilities of acoustic Americana with his native German roots and influences of the infectious music of South America. His grassroots approach and close interaction with the audience have made friends for Hans and his music throughout the country. His US debut album “Inside Out” received various awards including “Best Acoustic Album” of 2005 from Indie Acoustic Project. His current album “Young Amelia” takes you on a subtle sojourn to explore the hidden recesses of the human heart, in a journey with outstanding musicianship and deep compassion.
+
Evo Bluestein employs a myriad of banjo tunings, traditional and original, to compose funky and quirky new music. Evo comes from a noted folk music family and he has spent his life performing and teaching traditional music and dance. This music is yet another facet of his vast musical expression.
+
Jazz bassist Kevin Hill was born in Texas and grew up in China and West Africa. He began performing at age 12 and has been playing bass since age 16. Kevin studied jazz and contemporary music at The New School in New York.
+
Lyquid Amber music draws from the members’ collective experience in jazz, rock, classical, Brazilian, and Southern Appalachia to create inspiring new landscapes in music. One review captured it nicely: "From the attractive packaging to the superb production, Lyquid Amber's 'Ritual' is a musical journey bringing together the wide spectrum of seemingly diverse musical influences such as folk, pop, jazz and world and melding them into a harmonius whole. Ably supported by an all-star cast of musicians from the Central Valley of California, the singing, writing and playing talents of Hans York and Evo Bluestein are impressive.. The final track, the utterly charming "Down with the Elements" will appeal to anyone with a pop sensibility. A "hit" waiting to happen. Bravo gentlemen!" – Vince DiCiccio, Valley Public Radio, Fresno/Bakersfield. Tix, $20.
.
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.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(5b) Thursday’s RECURRING
“LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events.
+
THERE ARE 30 (Thirty!) ADDITIONAL EVENTS, TODAY & TONIGHT!
+
Included are today & tonight’s weekly and monthly residencies, series, showcases, workshops, open mics and other acoustic music events that are scheduled in advance to happen today and tonight, from northern Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, from downtown L.A. to the valleys to the Inland Empire, from the desert to the sea.
.
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/12/thursday-recurring-fifth-thursday.html
.
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.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
.
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
.
.
(1) Friday’s NEW YEAR’S EVE “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:
+
Wow! You can celebrate mid-day in L.A., with the arrival of the New Year IN IRELAND, then have dinner someplace and get to a second celebration when Pacific Time greets 2011. There’s a family-friendly acoustic (early) evening in San Pedro, and dinner is available there. Later at night, DAVE ALVIN is playing N.Y.E. with PHIL ALVIN (The Blasters), & banjo guru FRANK FAIRFIELD, with the GENE TAYLOR BLUES BAND, at the Redwood Bar & Grill in downtown L.A., and it’s only twenty bucks! There’s a NO COVER CHARGE show and music party in Claremont. The Guide has plenty of listings, offering fine choices.
+
* Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” sponsored by the California Traditional Music Society at Camp Hess Kramer, Malibu; runs Dec 30-Jan 2.
+
* 3 pm KEN O’MALLEY brings a special solo matinee of his authentic & original Irish music to the Auld Dubliner in Long Beach. (No 10 pm performance.) The venue has booked him for this special show, as they did last year, to celebrate and count down to the New Year in Ireland, which is 8 hours ahead of us in L.A. So, this show starts at what is 11 pm in Dublin.
+
* 6-10 pm RUSS LEWARK (ONE FOOT IN, KAHUNA COWBOY BAND) & TOM FERJO play a family-friendly early New Year’s Eve at the Think Café in San Pedro.
+
* 7 & 10:30 pm KRISTIN CHENOWETH, multiple Emmy & Tony winner, at Walt Disney Concert Hall, downtown L.A.
+
* “New Years EVE” with blues bands Corey Stevens, Bobby Bluehouse, Dave Melton, Howard Deere, Walter Thompson and Friends, at the Arcadia Blues Club, Arcadia.
+
* LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play “DISNEYLAND’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY.”
+
* YARD DOG ROAD SHOWS, the 13-member wildly musical cabaret act, at the Edison in L.A.
+
* 8 pm LUCINDA WILLIAMS and JACKSH*T at The Viper Room, 21+. Tix, $100, and VIP packages are available. www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail. Only 150 tickets left at press time.
+
* 8 pm-12:30 am SLIGO RAGS plays a family-friendly “wild Celtic concert, then food and waltzing,” at the Ojai Concert Series at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club.
+
* “COWBOY PALACE NEW YEARS EVE PARTY” with RANDY EMMETT & SIDESHOW BAND with a buffet dinner and more at L.A.’s last real honky-tonk, the Cowboy Palace in Chatsworth.
+
* PAUL CHESNE BAND at Tony's Saloon, as part of the eight-venues-for-$100-ticket, entrance to 8 bars and open drinks all night downtown. Some venues have DJs, others have bands, including GRAM RABBIT. All the info is at events.la.com/los-angeles-ca/events/show/156901605-nye-downtown-la-1-ticket-8-open-bars-featuring-gram-rabbit-and-other-musical-acts
+
* THE LINDY SISTERS bring their ANDREWS SISTERS USO-type show for New Years Eve at the Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue in Claremont.
+
* THE CLAREMONT VOODOO SOCIETY, featuring harmonica whiz BILL BARRETT, with “LAZY” BRAD LEWIS, JERRY O'SULLIVAN, & WYMAN REESE, play The Press' N.Y.E. party in Claremont. There is NO COVER CHARGE, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, hats & horns. Dinner served from 5 pm, reservations required. Party starts at 9, music at 10. After the live music, DJ “The Mixologist” finishes the night.
+
* 9 pm GENE TAYLOR BLUES BAND with members DAVE ALVIN, JOHNNY BAZZ, & PHIL BATEMAN, plus special guests PHIL ALVIN (The Blasters), & banjo guru FRANK FAIRFIELD, at the Redwood Bar & Grill, L.A. At $20, this is THE bargain for N.Y.E.
+
* 9 pm I SEE HAWKS IN LA. play Pappy and Harriet’s Place in Pioneertown (in the desert, near 29 Palms)
+
* 10:30 pm KRISTIN CHENOWETH, multiple Emmy & Tony winner, at Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown L.A. (Shows at 7 & 10:30 pm.)
.
See the complete listings below for all the details.
.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(2) Friday’s RADIO & TV SHOWS
~ that feature live performance-interviews with acoustic musicians, and selected other acoustic music shows (mostly on-line, simulcast from radio stations elsewhere) are listed, in all their abundance, at
.
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/fridays-radio-web-radio-tv-acoustic.html
.
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.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(3) Friday’s “BEST OUT-OF-TOWN EVENTS”
~ beyond the region covered by the Guide’s usual listings:
.
.
None reported.
.
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.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(4) Friday’s LOCAL FESTIVALS:
.
.
Plenty of New Year’s Eve events might feel like festivals… just watch yourself on the roads!
.
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.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.
.
.
(5a) Friday’s TODAY-AND-TONIGHT-ONLY
“LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events:
.
.
Fri, Dec 31; runs Thu, Dec 30-Sun, Jan 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” – see “Local Festivals,” above.
.
///\\\///\\\
.
==============
.
Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
3 pm KEN O’MALLEY brings a special solo matinee of his authentic and original Irish music, with his superb baritone voice and fine guitar, to NYE at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach, 90802; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com. More at www.kenomalley.com. (No 10 pm show.)
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The venue has booked Ken for this special show, as they did last year, to celebrate and count down to the New Year in Ireland, which is 8 hours ahead of us in L.A. So, this show starts at what is 11 pm in Dublin.
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
6-10 pm RUSS LEWARK (ONE FOOT IN, KAHUNA COWBOY BAND) & TOM FERJO play a family-friendly early New Year’s Eve at the Think Café, 302 W 5th St, San Pedro; 310-519-3662.
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You know Russ from ONE FOOT IN and the KAHUNA COWBOY BAND. He says, it’s “a bevy of your favorite acoustic tunes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Call the Think Café for a reservation as this night will be packed. They will take walk-ins if seating is available. Enjoy a great meal and a glass of wine Think Café is kid friendly, and there have been several nights when a spontaneous ‘under 3 foot’ dance party has broken out in the middle of the restaurant, so finding a babysitter isn't essential. Come enjoy the fantastic food of Chef Sonny, the smiles of the friendliest waitresses in Pedro and a tune or two.”
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“New Years EVE” with blues bands Corey Stevens, Bobby Bluehouse, Dave Melton, Howard Deere, Walter Thompson & Friends, at the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006; 626-447-9349; www.arcadiabluesclub.com. Venue is taking reservations for this annual “New Years Eve / Fan Appreciation Night” music party. Advance tix, $20.
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 & 10:30 pm KRISTIN CHENOWETH, multiple Emmy & Tony winner, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, L.A. Music Center, 135 N Grand Av, L.A. (downtown) 90012; 213-850-2000; www.musiccenter.org or www.laphil.org
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The diminutive artist with the big voice has numerous stage, screen and TV credits. She originated the role of Glinda in Broadway’s “Wicked,” and won a Best Supporting Actress Emmy for TV’s “Pushing Daisies.” Tonight, she brings material from her albums, Broadway shows and holiday classics. Two performances, 7 & 10:30 pm.
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play “DISNEYLAND’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY” returning for what’s become their annual gig, bringing their Grammy-nominated Cajun & zydeco the Magic Kingdom in Anaheim. Info, www.bluefiddle.com
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
YARD DOG ROAD SHOWS, the 13-member cabaret act, at The Edison, 108 W 2nd St #101, Los Angeles 90012; www.edisondowntown.com; 213-613-0000.
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They’re wild, bringing everything from Vaudeville to rock ‘n roll, with a “hobo cabaret” that includes musicians, song-and-dance routines, sword swallowers, fire eaters, and more, all based (sort of) on 1800s Old West touring troupes. $75 per person, entire tables from $300 up.
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm LUCINDA WILLIAMS and JACKSH*T at The Viper Room, 21+. Tix, $100, and VIP packages are available. www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail. Only 150 tickets left at press time.
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Fri, Dec 31, in Ojai; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm-12:30 am SLIGO RAGS plays a family-friendly “wild Celtic concert, then food and waltzing,” at the Ojai Concert Series at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club, 441 E Ojai Av, Ojai; 805-665-9952; www.ojaiconcertseries.com.
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Bring the family, bring all your friends, and help ring in the New Year with a wild, fun Celtic concert featuring the return to Ojai of the splendid Sligo Rags. After the concert from 8-11 pm, enjoy food and elegant and romantic waltzes until 12:30 in the morning.
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"Sligo Rags have mastered the ability to take songs from a time gone by and make them fresh and relevant for a modern audience. Their passion for the music and their willingness to take risks combine for an outstanding live show."--Music Connection.
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Named among the top acoustic bands in LA (by Folkworks Magazine) and two-time winners of the Orange County Music Award for Best Folk Band, this dynamic ensemble presents Irish Folk with a decidedly bluegrass attitude. Sligo Rags is taking the local and not-so-local Folk and Irish music scenes by storm with a unique blend of eclectic musical influences. Dan Miller of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine says “These guys have it all--great vocals, lots of energy, captivating songs, well executed arrangements, and tasteful solos.” Their debut studio recording, "The Night Before the Morning After", was called "the best I've heard from a stateside band" by Celtic Beat Magazine, while their sophomore effort, “The Whiskey Never Lies,” (called “the best from the West Coast Celts in many years” by Shay Clark of the Irish-American News), was named one of the top 10 of 2007 by Folkworks. Don’t be surprised if elements of country, gypsy jazz and swing manage to sneak their way into the act as well. Award-winning flatpicking and fingerstyle guitarist David Burns (recently featured in Flatpicking Guitar Magazine), fiddler extraordinaire Michael Kelly, world-renowned bassist Gordon Rustvold, and percussion whiz-kid Jonathan Baer are guaranteed to fill the room and your lives with electricity. They may give you a good laugh or two along the way as well.
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This is “a dessert and finger-food potluck party, so bring something to share and we’ll supply the party favors and the bubbly,” say hosts Shane & Kelly.
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Watch a short video from last years show at www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV0tYoRE27Y
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Out-of-town attendees who want to stay the night in Ojai can get a 15% discount at Casa Ojai (from already low winter rates - www.ojaiinn.com). In addition, you can get 20% off on your N.Y.E. tickets for the show if you are staying there.
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$20 advance, $24 at door. Kids under age 15 are $10 (and under age 6 are free if you can keep ’em quiet during the show).
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
9 pm GENE TAYLOR BLUES BAND with members DAVE ALVIN, JOHNNY BAZZ, & PHIL BATEMAN, plus special guests PHIL ALVIN (The Blasters), & banjo guru FRANK FAIRFIELD, at the Redwood Bar & Grill, 316 W 2nd St (between Broadway and Hill), downtown L.A. 90012; www.theredwoodbar.com. At $20, this is THE bargain for N.Y.E. Call for info, 213-680-2600.
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“COWBOY PALACE NEW YEARS EVE PARTY” with RANDY EMMETT & SIDESHOW BAND at L.A.’s last real honky-tonk, the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166. It’s a buffet dinner, complimentary champagne, a balloon drop filled with cash and prizes, music and dancing. Tix, $25 per person before New Year's Eve Party, $30 per person at the door.
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
PAUL CHESNE BAND at Tony's Saloon, as part of the eight-venues-for-$100-ticket, entrance to 8 bars and open drinks all night downtown. Some venues have DJs, others have bands, including GRAM RABBIT. All the info is at events.la.com/los-angeles-ca/events/show/156901605-nye-downtown-la-1-ticket-8-open-bars-featuring-gram-rabbit-and-other-musical-acts
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
THE LINDY SISTERS do a New Years Eve show and party at the Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue, 502. W First St, Claremont 91711; www.hipkittyjazz.com; 909-447-6700.
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THE LINDY SISTERS bring their USO-type show with plenty to enjoy for all generations. The show features a variety of vocals as sung with the big bands and plenty of songs from the ’40s, ’50s and maybe even the ’60s, as well as a blend of patriotic and country favorites. Should be a lot of fun for a very nostalgic New Year’s Eve celebration.
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When venue impresario Bob Stane booked ’em to play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, he raved, “three beautiful and talented ladies know as THE LINDY SISTERS who reminisce in song, dance and costume with the same harmonic excellence as the Andrews Sisters and the McGuire Sisters and now you have a show that radiates with ‘CHARMONY.’”
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The Guide editor likes them a whole lot, too. Prices for tonight’s party range from $20 per individual with small amenities to $180 per couple with a four-course dinner and more.
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
9 pm THE CLAREMONT VOODOO SOCIETY, featuring harmonica whiz BILL BARRETT, with “LAZY” BRAD LEWIS, JERRY O'SULLIVAN, & WYMAN REESE, play The Press' N.Y.E. party in Claremont. There is NO COVER CHARGE, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, hats & horns. Dinner served from 5 pm, reservations required. Party starts at 9, music at 10. After the live music, DJ “The Mixologist” finishes the night.
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
9 pm GENE TAYLOR BLUES BAND with members DAVE ALVIN, JOHNNY BAZZ, & PHIL BATEMAN, plus special guests PHIL ALVIN (The Blasters), & banjo guru FRANK FAIRFIELD, at the Redwood Bar & Grill, L.A. At $20, this is THE bargain for N.Y.E.
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick; in the desert, near 29 Palms:
9 pm I SEE HAWKS IN LA. play the party at Pappy and Harriet’s Place, 53688 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown 92268; 760-365-5956; www.pappyandharriets.com. More at www.iseehawks.com.
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Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
10:30 pm KRISTIN CHENOWETH, multiple Emmy & Tony winner, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, L.A. Music Center, 135 N Grand Av, L.A. (downtown) 90012; 213-850-2000; www.musiccenter.org or www.laphil.org
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The diminutive artist with the big voice has numerous stage, screen and TV credits. She originated the role of Glinda in Broadway’s “Wicked,” and won a Best Supporting Actres Emmy for TV’s “Pushing Daisies.” Tonight, she brings material from her albums, Broadway shows and holiday classics. Two performances, 7 & 10:30 pm.
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(5b) Friday’s RECURRING
“LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events.
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THERE ARE 20 (Twenty!) ADDITIONAL EVENTS, TODAY & TONIGHT!
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Included are today & tonight’s weekly and monthly residencies, series, showcases, workshops, open mics and other acoustic music events that are scheduled in advance to happen today and tonight, from northern Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, from downtown L.A. to the valleys to the Inland Empire, from the desert to the sea.
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/07/friday-fifth-friday-when-month-has-one.html
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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BEYOND THE CURRENT EDITION…
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Coming up, as the short days (and long nights!) of winter gradually get longer, and onward into 2011…
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(6) EARLY ANNOUNCEMENTS / UPCOMING EVENTS / BUY TIX NOW
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(Updated December 17 - Check back frequently for more.)
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HELP KEEP THE GUIDE GOING! Send us $25 and get great goodies in return! Find out WHAT you get, and more, at
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/support-guide-and-get-some-great-dvds.html )
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2011’s UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS – GET TIX EARLY…
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January:
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Sat & Sun, Jan 1 & 2, 2011; runs Dec 30-Jan 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” sponsored by the California Traditional Music Society at Camp Hess Kramer, Malibu; info & registration, www.ctmsfolkmusic.org; 818-817-7756. Music workshops, jams, traditional dance.
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Sun, Jan 2:
2:30 pm “SONGWRITER SANCTUM NEW YEAR’S KICK-OFF” with DAVE MORRISON, PHIL WARD, BRAD COLERICK, and others tba, at The Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St, Santa Monica 90405; www.churchop.org; 310-399-1631.
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Sponsors say, “Half hour sets, then we shall eat, carelessly, with no regard to our waistlines, laughing and talking with our mouths full. And then we will circle the chairs as if they are wagons pin-cushioned with the arrows of the past year, and sing lustily at one another. Or tell stories. Or share a poem. Or gesticulate wildly for no apparent reason. We're taking donations at the door to pay for the food and give a little to Pastor Janet's good works. Bring a favorite beverage. We'll bring ice and cups. Alexia, Marilyn and the gang will be there to keep us from hurting ourselves. New Year's songs of your own device are strongly encouraged.” More at www.davemorrisonmusic.com
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Mon, Jan 3, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm FOY WILLING’S RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE play their monthly potluck dinner show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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The Riders of the Purple Sage featuring Cody Bryant, and “Wild West Ragtime Piano Dinner & Cocktail Hour” with Doug “Fingers” Livingston, starting at 7 pm.
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After that, as venue impresario Bob Stane says, it’s “Hard swinging cowboy tunes, burning tempos, hot harmonies. Songs that tug at the heart. Songs written with their bare hands mixed with well-crooned silver screen classics. All alive and kickin’.”
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Drums, guitars, fiddles, bass, harmonica, penny whistle, steel guitar, accordion and an occasional sax. They kindle all the warm glowing romance of the west while infusing it with new spirit and fire. They sing the present as well as giving a well-tuned nod to the sound born in Hollywood almost 70 years ago. Like the originals from the 1940s, they are musicians from studios, clubs, sound stages and concert halls who’ve come together to play a style and sound that remains timeless. An American tradition. Reinvented under the influence of a lot of coffee.
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Today’s Riders croon on with Cody Bryant, Cowboy Mike, Evan “Relaxin’ Jackson” Marshall, Doug “Fingers” Livingston, and “The King of the Cowboy Drummers,” Landon McCoy.
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Foy Willing started the band in Hollywood in 1943. He co-starred in over two-dozen westerns and released records on four major labels. He shared the silver screen with Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Gene Autry, Monte Hale and recorded with jazz saxophonist Plas Johnson and Louis Prima. Jerry Garcia named a band after them. Sinatra sang with them. The Andrew Sisters toured with them.
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Bring food to share in the potluck dinner (a dish that feed four) and you get $5 off the admission price. Tix $19.99 if you don’t participate in the dinner; with potluck participation, it’s $14.99.
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Mon, Jan 3; 1st Mon, every month:
8 pm-1 am “RONNIE MACK'S BARN DANCE” celebrates its “BIG ANNIVERSARY SHOW” tonight, with RICK SHEA and a full lineup of other guest performers and THE BARNDANCE BAND, at Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill, 4311 W Magnolia Bl (between Cahuenga Bl & Pass Av), Burbank; 818-729-0905; venue info, www.danceatjoes.com/barndance; series info, www.myspace.com/421889964. Since 1988, Ronnie Mack has marshaled forward the Los Angeles roots and alt country scene with his once-a-month Barn Dance. It’s simply amazing who has played the series. In 2003, Jim Hollander filmed his documentary, "First Tuesdays at Ronnie Mack's Barndance," featuring performances and interviews with series alumni Dwight Yoakam, Dave Alvin, Rosie Flores, Big Sandy, James Intveld, Mike Stinson and more. It’s available at www.hollandermedia.com.
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In addition to each month’s lineup of guest performers, there’s always the BARN DANCE BAND. That brings Ronnie Mack on lead vocals & rhythm guitar (with a lead here & there), Skip Edwards on the keys, Marty Rifkin on Pedal Steel, Harry Orlove on lead guitar, Paul Marshall (I See Hawks in L.A.) on bass, Dave Raven on drums (or on occasion John Palmer). A fun note: Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill is the old Crazy Jack’s, where the Barn Dance first began many years ago. More on Ronnie Mack and his legendary Barn Dance at www.electricearl.com/BDance.html
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Tue, Jan 4; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm THE SWINGIN’ ARMANI BROTHERS bring their monthly “Italian Party Night Dinner Show” to the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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It’s the Swingin’ Armani Brothers, who look remarkably like some members of the Riders of the Purple Sage, but in pinstripes. The night features catered Italian food, a drawing for an Armani mandolin signed by the band, as well as other Italiana flavored items. Tap your toe and sway to classic Neopolitan Italian folk music with a little Frank & Dino thrown in, on violin, mandolin, guitar, bass and percussion by the Brothers.
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Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “Legend has it the Brothers stowed away on a freighter carrying olive oil from the old country to pursue their musical dreams in the Small Apple. See them before their green cards expire! The Coffee Gallery has cleverly stolen them away from a nearly endless tour of Italian restaurant lounges to perform for you at the Coffee Gallery. Jackson Armani will dazzle you with his mandolin virtuosity and his oh so romantic violin, and Codio will croon the night away. Relax, dance the tarantella with a ‘Stranger In The Night’ and sing along with your new found Italian friends to ‘That’s Amore.’ Come hungry!” Tix $19.99.
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Thu, Jan 6, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm DAVID LINDLEY plays The Canyon Club, 28192 Rdside Dr, Agoura Hills; 818-879-5016. One of the world’s most respected rock guitarists, he can play anything with strings, acoustic or electric or anywhere in between.
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Thu, Jan 6, 2011, in Santa Ynez; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm WILLIE NELSON plays the Samala Showroom at Chumash Casino, 3400 East Hwy 246, Santa Ynez 93460; 800-CHUMASH; www.chumashcasino.com/entertainment
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The legendary Willie Nelson is one of the most beloved, enduring and influential talents in the history of country music. A winner of 6 Grammy Awards and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, his twenty #1 hits include standards like "On the Road Again," "Mommas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" and many more. Tix, $75, $90, $105, $120, $135.
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Fri, Jan 7, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm ERNEST TROOST plus special guest Mark “Pocket” Goldberg, for Pocket’s CD RELEASE SHOW of his new “Off the Alleyway,” at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497.
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ERNEST TROOST is a renowned, multiple Music Emmy winning composer, and winner of the Kerrville “New Folk” competition.
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Mark “Pocket” Goldberg has performed live or recorded with everybody you’ve ever heard of in music, and his new CD, “Off the Alleyway,” is marvelous (we’ll have review in the near future.) Tix, $15.
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Fri, Jan 7, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN McCUTCHEON at the Smothers Theatre at Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu. Tickets are now on sale at 310-506-4522 or www.arts.pepperdine.edu.
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Johnny Cash called him, "The most impressive instrumentalist I've ever heard."
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The Washington Post wrote, "He has an uncanny ability to breathe new life into the familiar. His storytelling has the richness of fine literature."
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Tonight, you’ll have a chance to find out why. IF you took the Guide’s advice in November, and didn’t delay getting tickets. (If this is sold-out, he plays the plays the “Performances to Grow On” series in Ojai on Jan 8.)
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Multiple Grammy nominee, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and storyteller John McCutcheon is America's balladeer. He sings of the nation's heritage, channeling the conscience of our people into streams of poetry and melody. He writes about subjects both small and great, from a child's haircut to human dignity – issues eternal and enduring. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, including guitar, banjo, autoharp, and, most notably, the beautiful hammer dulcimer. He’s been at it so long his website is www.folkmusic.com
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No one remembers when the neighbors started calling the McCutcheons to complain about the loud singing from young John's bedroom. But it didn't seem to do much good. Seems that after a shaky, lopsided battle between piano lessons and baseball – he was a mediocre pianist and an all-star catcher, John had "found his voice" thanks to a cheap, mail-order guitar and a used book of chords.
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From such inauspicious beginnings, McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folksingers.
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His latest, two-CD, album, “Untold” (2009, Appalseed Productions), showcases his double-barreled talents as both a singer-songwriter-instrumental virtuoso and a world-class storyteller. The set's first CD was recorded live at the 2008 “National Storytelling Festival” in Jonesborough, TN. The second CD, says his label, “features some of the most compelling and popular songwriting of McCutcheon's career.”
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McCutcheon's songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His 30 recordings have won every imaginable honor, including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over 20 albums for other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works.
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His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. His commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers.
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Even before graduating summa cum laude from Minnesota's St. John's University, this Wisconsin native literally "headed for the hills," forgoing a college lecture hall for the classroom of the eastern Kentucky coal camps, union halls, country churches, and square-dance halls.
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His apprenticeship to many of the legendary figures of Appalachian music imbedded in him not only a love of homemade music but a sense of community and, as he says, “rootedness.” The resulting music, whether traditional or from his huge catalog of original songs, has the profound mark of place, family, and strength. With it is McCutcheon’s storytelling, in a style that’s been compared to Will Rogers and Garrison Keillor.
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The Washington Post described McCutcheon as folk music's "Rustic Renaissance Man." The Dallas Morning News says, "Calling John McCutcheon a 'folksinger' is like saying Deion Sanders is just a football player..."
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Besides his usual circuit of major concert halls and theatres, McCutcheon is equally at home in an elementary school auditorium, on a festival stage, or at a farm rally. He’s been called “a whirlwind of energy, packing five lifetimes into one.”
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In the past few years alone he has headlined at over a dozen different festivals in North America, including repeated performances at the National Storytelling Festival, recorded an original composition for Virginia Public Television involving over 500 musicians, toured Australia for the sixth time, toured Chile in support of a women's health initiative, appeared in a Woody Guthrie tribute concert in New York City, given a featured concert at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, taught performance art skills at a North Carolina college, given symphony pops concerts across America, served as president of the fastest-growing local in the Musicians Union, and performed a special concert at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This is all in his "spare time." His "real job," he's quick to point out, is father to two grown sons.
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McCutcheon feels most at home performing live. It’s brought his music into the lives and homes of one of the broadest multi-generational audiences of any contemporary folk musician. McCutcheon takes the stage to produce what critics describe as "little feats of magic," "breathtaking in their ease and grace...," "like a conversation with an illuminating old friend."
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Tickets went on sale in November at 310-506-4522 or www.arts.pepperdine.edu. Tix are $25 gen’l or $10 for full-time Pepperdine students.
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Fri, Jan 7, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm DAVID LINDLEY plays Brixton South Bay, 100J W Torrance Bl, Redondo Beach 90277; 310-406-1931. One of the world’s most respected rock guitarists, he can play anything with strings, acoustic or electric or anywhere in between.
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Fri, Jan 7:
8 pm THE RON ELLINGTON SHY TRIO brings their quartet formation to the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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The Trio plays rhythm & blues, jazz, and oldies with fresh arrangements. The unique sounds of Preston Epps' bongos mix with the incredible vocals of Ron Shy to form the core of this timeless music. They run the list of memorable oldies, and drummer Clifton "Fou-Fou" Eddie backs the Shy-Epps sound with percussion beats that fill the house.
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They are:
Ron Ellington Shy is the lead singer, and he plays keyboard, sax, and harmonica
Aldolph “Al” Jacobs, original lead guitar for the Coasters, on guitar and vocals
Preston Epps on congas and bongos
Clifton "Fou-Fou" Eddie on drums
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Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “These amazing showmen blend the oldies right into blues and jazz, and many impressions highlight the most famous entertainers and songs well-known by all audiences. Horns, keyboard, strings and bass, guitar, and harmonica are part of this Trio's incredible range. There is nothing they can't play, and no audience they can't please.” Tix, $18.
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Sat, Jan 8; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm JERRY BURGAN with THOLOW CHAN ~ “FOLKSONGS & STORIES” at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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Appearing with JERRY BURGAN is fellow alum from Randy Sparks’ BACK PORCH MAJORITY, his long-time friend, bass player and humorist THOLOW CHAN. “Folksongs & Stories” follows the path traditional folk music took from farms, front porches, churches, prisons and honky-tonks to become popular recordings about life and the American dream. It’s an audio exploration of the folk explosion that began in the mid 1950s and lead to the emergence of folk-rock group pioneers, WE FIVE.
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There’s a special magic in music popularized by the folk movement of the late ’50s and early ’60s. Even conservative Grinches can’t help moving their lips and humming when they hear classics of the era today. Expect a songfest to break out when Jerry Burgan comes to the Coffee Gallery Backstage leading eager audiences on a guided tour through some of the most memorable moments, songs and stories from days passed…when the times were indeed, a changing.’
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A co-founder of WE FIVE, the group that scored a million-selling hit with the folk-rock classic, “You Were On My Mind” (still one of the best folk-pop albums ever), Jerry explores our musical common ground in an engaging and entertaining show that has the audience singing along from the first song. Between songs, Jerry takes the role of wizened sage, sharing fascinating tales woven from the spirit of Woody Guthrie, John & Alan Lomax, Leadbelly, Pete Seeger and the Weavers, to the more contemporary artists they inspired when he was coming of age in the mid sixties under the mentoring eye of John Stewart. No, not the comedic TV host, but the former Kingston Trio banjo player and writer of countless classic songs in the musical form that’s come to be called Americana. Count on hearing some treasures that were learned from the master.
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Jerry always includes some surprises and a few originals that fit into the moment, and it’s all tastily complimented by bassist and humorist THOLOW CHAN. Their stage rapport has a seamless quality that’s been honed by time as they draw each audience into the feel-good experience--often with spontaneous laughter and comments coming from the room. When joined on stage by his wife, DEBBIE BURGAN, their tight arrangements bring to life the exhilarating power, harmony and charm that made folk trios so popular.
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Venue impresario Bob Stane adds, “It’s a total package with memories you’ll want to share. But don’t just talk about it: Bring your friends along for a post-holiday treat they won’t forget. Don’t miss it.”
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Jerry, speaking about WE FIVE, the band he co-founded with the late MIKE STEWART, recalls, “It was the experience of a lifetime when our little group was sandwiched between ‘Satisfaction’ and ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’ on the Billboard charts – not to mention on concert stages!”
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Their hit recording of “You Were on My Mind” was the #4 song of 1965, and it marked the beginning of the end for the softer, more intimate folk era that had thrived for over a decade, and first attracted the likes of Jerry Burgan, James Taylor, and so many others, to play the guitar. That era returns tonight. Tix, $15.
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Sat, Jan 8, 2011, in Ventura Co; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm JOHN McCUTCHEON plays the “Performances to Grow On” series at Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Rd, Ojai; 805-646-8907; www.ptgo.org.
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Johnny Cash called him, "The most impressive instrumentalist I've ever heard."
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The Washington Post wrote, "He has an uncanny ability to breathe new life into the familiar. His storytelling has the richness of fine literature."
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Multiple Grammy nominee, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and storyteller John McCutcheon is America's balladeer. He sings of the nation's heritage, channeling the conscience of our people into streams of poetry and melody. He writes about subjects both small and great, from a child's haircut to human dignity – issues eternal and enduring. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, including guitar, banjo, autoharp, and, most notably, the beautiful hammer dulcimer. He’s been at it so long his website is www.folkmusic.com
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No one remembers when the neighbors started calling the McCutcheons to complain about the loud singing from young John's bedroom. But it didn't seem to do much good. Seems that after a shaky, lopsided battle between piano lessons and baseball – he was a mediocre pianist and an all-star catcher, John had "found his voice" thanks to a cheap, mail-order guitar and a used book of chords.
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From such inauspicious beginnings, McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folksingers.
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His latest, two-CD, album, “Untold” (2009, Appalseed Productions), showcases his double-barreled talents as both a singer-songwriter-instrumental virtuoso and a world-class storyteller. The set's first CD was recorded live at the 2008 “National Storytelling Festival” in Jonesborough, TN. The second CD, says his label, “features some of the most compelling and popular songwriting of McCutcheon's career.”
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McCutcheon's songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His 30 recordings have won every imaginable honor, including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over 20 albums for other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works.
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His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. His commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers.
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Even before graduating summa cum laude from Minnesota's St. John's University, this Wisconsin native literally "headed for the hills," forgoing a college lecture hall for the classroom of the eastern Kentucky coal camps, union halls, country churches, and square-dance halls.
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His apprenticeship to many of the legendary figures of Appalachian music imbedded in him not only a love of homemade music but a sense of community and, as he says, “rootedness.” The resulting music, whether traditional or from his huge catalog of original songs, has the profound mark of place, family, and strength. With it is McCutcheon’s storytelling, in a style that’s been compared to Will Rogers and Garrison Keillor.
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The Washington Post described McCutcheon as folk music's "Rustic Renaissance Man." The Dallas Morning News says, "Calling John McCutcheon a 'folksinger' is like saying Deion Sanders is just a football player..."
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Besides his usual circuit of major concert halls and theatres, McCutcheon is equally at home in an elementary school auditorium, on a festival stage, or at a farm rally. He’s been called “a whirlwind of energy, packing five lifetimes into one.”
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In the past few years alone he has headlined at over a dozen different festivals in North America, including repeated performances at the National Storytelling Festival, recorded an original composition for Virginia Public Television involving over 500 musicians, toured Australia for the sixth time, toured Chile in support of a women's health initiative, appeared in a Woody Guthrie tribute concert in New York City, given a featured concert at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, taught performance art skills at a North Carolina college, given symphony pops concerts across America, served as president of the fastest-growing local in the Musicians Union, and performed a special concert at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This is all in his "spare time." His "real job," he's quick to point out, is father to two grown sons.
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Sat, Jan 8, 2011, in Santa Barbara Co; world music:
7:30 pm UCSB MIDDLE EAST ENSEMBLE plays the “Song Tree” Concert Series at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 820 N Fairview Av, Goleta; 805-403-2639; SongTree@cox.net
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Sat, Jan 8, 2011:
8 pm EXENE CERVENKA plus special guest PAUL BURCH at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $16.
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Sat, Jan 8, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm ED GERHARD plays the Fret House, 309 N Citrus, Covina; 626-339-7020. Ed Gerhard has created a “guitar voice” of his own that is recognized and praised worldwide. Known for his gorgeous tone and compositional depth, Gerhard can move a listener with a single note. Scott Alarik of the Boston Globe said it best when he wrote, “Gerhard does not write instrumentals. He writes songs only a guitar can sing.”
Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats. Tix, $20.
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Sun, Jan 9, 2011:
5 pm DIKKI DU & THE ZYDECO CREW play the Cajun-zydeco dance series at the Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club, 6285 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach; 562-596-1631 or 562-708-8946.
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Sun, Jan 9; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm LOAFER’S GLORY, the all-star ensemble of HERB PEDERSEN, TOM SAUBER, PAT SAUBER & BILL BRYSON, at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497.
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Wow. HERB PEDERSEN on guitar and vocals. BILL BRYSON on bass and vocals. TOM SAUBER on fiddle, banjo, and vocals. PATRICK SAUBER on banjo, mandolin and vocals. The Guide lists this group among the best, anywhere.
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This one truly features legends of pickin' & grinnin'. When he booked ’em across town, Coffee Gallery Backstage impresario Bob Stane called this ensemble, “A unique engagement of the finest of bluegrass players. A show that will be talked about for years to come.”
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HERB PEDERSEN is among the very, very few in American music who has been there, done that, as a guitarist, banjo player, and singer-songwriter, playing with a “who’s who” of roots-Americana and more, in a variety of musical styles over the past forty years. Pedersen is a founding member of the legendary DESERT ROSE BAND. He fronted his own band, the LAUREL CANYON RAMBLERS. He’s worked with the PINE VALLEY BOYS, EARL SCRUGGS, THE DILLARDS, SMOKEY GRASS BOYS, OLD AND IN THE WAY, DAVID GRISMAN, PETER ROWAN, VASSAR CLEMENTS, GRAM PARSONS, EMMYLOU HARRIS, TONY RICE, DAN FOGELBERG, STEPHEN STILLS, LINDA RONSTADT, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, JOHN PRINE, JACKSON BROWNE, JOHN DENVER, JOHN JORGENSON, and LELAND SKLAR.
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TOM SAUBER brings his stellar talents on fiddle, banjo and vocals. A native of Southern California, Tom has helped bring authentic traditional music to the film industry. In 1980, along with RY COODER & DAVID LINDLEY, he played the music for the motion picture “The Long Riders.” He appeared in “Bound for Glory,” “Geronimo,” and numerous TV movies and series. He’s among the best known and most respected purveyors of “old time” music, anywhere.
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PATRICK SAUBER joins the group on banjo, mandolin and vocals. Patrick, son of Tom, has mastered the old-time pre-bluegrass styles on banjo and mandolin, as well as the classic approach to good solid Scruggs-style 5-string banjo and mandolin, Bill Monroe and more current styles. He’s still a young player, and it’s always thrilling to see where he’s carrying his talent (he’s already played Japan). Patrick sings all the needed parts in the good trio and quartet numbers.
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BILL BRYSON, on upright bass and vocals, comes from a long discography of bluegrass and country music. One of the most skilled of the upright bass players in the business, has been or is with such great groups as THE BLUEGRASS CARDINALS, THE COUNTRY GAZETTE, THE LAUREL CANYON RAMBLERS, THE DESERT ROSE BAND, and BLUEGRASS ETC. Bill is a wonderful lead singer, one of the best “in-demand” baritones today. In addition to the bass, he plays guitar and minstrel 5-string banjo. Tix, $15
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Sun, Jan 9; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm JOHN BATDORF & THE KOLES at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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You probably know the wonderful JOHN BATDORF, so we’ll start with THE KOLES.
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Originally from Canada, THE KOLES are a gifted mother / father / daughter vocal group whose original songs and unique vocal arrangements captivated audiences at the Folk Alliance FAR West conference. The songwriting is deep and heartfelt and mom and award winning solo performer ARLENE KOLE will tell you, “family issues often accompany [us] onstage, making for some hilarious moments throughout the show.”
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Arlene was named in Music Connection Magazine’s Top 100 Live Acts in the USA for 2009 and the nationally syndicated public radio show “Art of the Song” dedicated their hour-long program to her critically-acclaimed album “ONE DAY...”, calling it “Brilliant”.
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They joke that they “have yet to land their own variety show,” but their voices can be heard on albums, commercials, movies, television, video games and even Las Vegas shows.
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Plus,
JOHN BATDORF, of the Top-30 ’70s folk-rock duo, BATDORF & RODNEY. Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “Some may ask, what is it about the qualities of John Batdorf that set him apart from other excellent singer-songwriters? It’s his vulnerability: his complete opening the door to his heart. John invites the listener into his soul and shares a couple hours, open and trusting as he sings of love and hope: transforming despair to hope, hate to love and fear/ignorance to tolerance/acceptance. We share his understanding, forgiveness and are filled with compassion when the song is done. When you hear John sing live for the first time, you'll understand why his music has meant so much to his fans that have now spanned nearly four decades.”
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He’s performed numerous times on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and his voice, guitar, and songwriting, always first rate, have gotten better than ever. Tix, $20.
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Sun, Jan 9, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“ART FEIN'S ANNUAL ELVIS BIRTHDAY BASH” at the Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Bl, Echo Park; 213-413-8200. www.attheecho.com.
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This is one of the best music parties in town. Top musicians play only one or two songs each – all Elvis covers – then make way for more and more and more top musicians to follow them on stage. Art Fein always does an amazing job booking this. The house band is astonishingly wonderful, immediately able to accompany anybody in any key and any arrangement of anything Elvis ever performed. Whether you plan to stay the whole evening, you will. Bring earplugs, as it can get loud.
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Sun, Jan 9, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
The New Christy Minstrels reunite to play the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Dr, Cerritos; info, 562-916-8501; 800-300-4345; tix, 562-467-8818; www.cerritoscenter.com. Tix now available, and going fast.
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Randy Sparks, the founder of the uber-famous folk revival group The New Christy Minstrels, does from time-to-time reassemble as many of the alumni as will fit on one stage. Not that it’s always the same group. When your members have included the likes of BARRY McGUIRE (famous for his banned-on-the-radio ’60s anthem, “Eve of Destruction”), and KENNY ROGERS (pre FIRST EDITION), and an underage TRACY NEWMAN, and so many more who graduated to lead or star in their own bands or groups or as solo folk or rock acts, you could craft an entire season of “Where Are They Now?” just tracking-down former band members.
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Randy Sparks is himself quite a character. For Randy, the presumed radicalism of the ’60s often takes the form these days of comedic ditties from a decidedly conservative perspective; some are blatant in their “politically incorrect” expressions. Perhaps some of that can be explained when you know he was the best-known protégé of the late BURL IVES, and he cared for Ives in his final declining months. Ives was the Disney-movie-favorite folksinger who famously (or infamously) cooperated with HUAC – the House Un-American Activities Committee – during the McCarthy Era.
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Randy Sparks is a complex guy. He is devoted to his music charity. He still gets ’60s folk revival-era Baby Boomers singing along with big smiles, when he plays the group’s classics instead of his own newer material. And he is possessed with the artist’s penchant for a certain measure of disorganization, telling us, “I'm generally communicating with media people at the last minute, but this time I'm early,” as, for the first time ever, he sends us info a full three to four months (gasp) in advance.
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In typically Randy Sparks fashion, he adds, “I suppose I ought to mention The McCallum Theater in Palm Desert on the 16th of January, also.”
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But what of the storied New Christy Minstrels -? Randy tells us, “My restored group is phenomenal these days. We have not been in concert anywhere that we haven't been asked back, and that’s gratifying. I'm 77 years old and likely couldn't get a job at Burger King, but I'm still gainfully employed, albeit we all work for a non-profit organization these days: The ‘New Christy Minstrels Foundation.’ Our goal is to give back to the schools; we NEVER charge schools for our performances.”
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He continues, “Our concert at Cerritos is a return visit. We were there on a Sunday afternoon in November of 2007, and we sold EVERY seat. We're looking to repeat that accomplishment, and we're already pretty far along, as all of the main floor $60 seats are gone. Half the house has already been sold, and we have [three] months to go. We are very quietly big business these days. We had 19 concerts in the month of October alone. What recession?”
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In addition to this full group show, Randy is out there from with what he calls Randy Sparks & Friends, which he says, is “a lesser offering.”
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We have an idea that the “lesser offering” has a decidedly different character. He noted, in advance of the “& Friends” show on December 5, “We're unrestricted at Bob's [Coffee Gallery Backstage] showroom, so our program [there] is wildly entertaining and great fun for me. I'm able to sing my best stuff: ‘Sluts With Tattoos,’ ‘The Man In The Moon Mooned Me,’ and ‘The Only Thing More Ferocious Than A Polar Bear Is A Bi-Polar Bear.’ Of course, we also perform the songs that the people come to hear.”
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We did mention Randy’s “politically incorrect” songs.
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As for the audiences Randy draws with both his “& Friends” show and his NCM reunion productions, he says, “They are most kind to us wherever we work, and it's thrilling to actually be in demand.”
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As for the audiences Randy Sparks draws with both his “& Friends” show and his New Christy Minstrels reunion productions, he says, “They are most kind to us wherever we work, and it's thrilling to actually be in demand.”
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There’s more at www.thenewchristyminstrels.com.
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Mon, Jan 10; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm MARSEILLE EXPRESS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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MARSEILLE EXPRESS is a jazz trio with a French flavor. Playing some of the hippest instrumental jazz on the scene, the group was started by jazz guitar great JACQUES BARREAU. Jacques studied music at Marseille's conservatory in France and taught Electro-Acoustic Music at the University of Aix en Provence.
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Drummer ED EBLEN and bassist JOE IAQUINTO have played with Grammy award winning pop, rock and country artists, and their diverse and well rounded musical backgrounds make this ensemble a formidable entity. Joe Iaquinto, on electric bass and fretless bass, has played with Grammy-winning artists and such music heavy-weights as Chicago, the Doobie Brothers, Rita Coolidge, Billy Preston and Stephen Bishop. Ed Eblen, drummer and percussionist, has played with top artists, including Jim Messina, Little River Band, Freddie Fender and Hank Williams Jr.
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By blending elements of traditional melodic jazz, European avant-garde music, urban grooves and simple folk tunes, the band creates music that is sophisticated yet with broad appeal.
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Tix, $15.
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Tue, Jan 11; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm WILL RYAN & the CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS plus THE ROYAL UKULELE BAND OF HOLLYWOOD at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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Yep, they’re back in town, and The Guide still maintains that they’re the best unheralded acoustic band in L.A., cornball image and all. Meet America’s three-time Jackalope Award-winners, WILL RYAN & the CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS. Get past all that stuff about them being “the Band that Won the West,” and the stuff about WILL RYAN being “the Undisputed King of Cowboy Skiffle” – though he does have three Gold Records. For real. And you’ll still need to hear the shtick about the other oh-so-musical band members, like the part about “WESTY” WESTENHOFER being “the Paderewski of the Tuba,” and JOHN “PRESTO” REYNOLDS being “the Einstein of the Six-String” (though plenty of Gypsy jazz guitar fans would agree with that one). And there’s “CHAPARALL KATIE” CAVERA, who they bill as “The Ingrid Bergman of the Banjo.” And, yeah, she does look like young Ingrid Bergman.
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They are adding “Special guest star PROFESSOR LORENZO and his collection of the World’s Spiffiest Ocarinas! The Crown Prince of the Sweet Potato!”
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PLUS,
THE ROYAL UKULELE BAND OF HOLLYWOOD, comprised mostly of members of the first band in alter egos with different instruments and a costume change. You can figure the altered names as you read their promo: “Meet KEKE KABERRA, and the KAHUNA BROTHERS, Keoni, Li and Oahu! Four-time Guitar Planet champion John Reynolds calls them, ‘My favourite Hawaiian band since Sol Ho’opi’i!’ Hear audience-pleasing originals such as ‘When You Take Your Ukulele to the Opera,’ ‘Cocoanut Oil!’ and ‘The La-La Land Hula-Hula.’ Snappy spins on such all-time favorites as ‘Whispering,’ ‘La Marseilles’ and ‘Momma Said There’ll Be Days Like This.’ Sheer joy!”
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We do expect that last assertion to be true. Tix, $15.
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Wed, Jan 12, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm MURIEL ANDERSON & TIERRA NEGRA play the “Acoustic Voices” series at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; 562-907-4203; www.shannoncenter.org. Tix, $20; seniors & students, $15.
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Wed, Jan 12. 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Round Mountain “New Mexico's two-man singing folk orchestra” play the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Dr, Cerritos; info, 562-916-8501; 800-300-4345; tix, 562-467-8818; www.cerritoscenter.com. They don’t often get to Southern Cal, and they always impress and make fans when they do. More at www.roundmountainmusic.com & www.myspace.com/roundmountainmusic
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Wed, Jan 12. 2011, in south OC; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm DAVID WILCOX plays The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano; 949-496-8927.
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Wed, Jan 12. 2011, in the desert; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE KINGSTON TRIO play the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert; 760-340-ARTS or 866-889-ARTS.
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Wed, Jan 12. 2011, in San Diego; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “MARK HUMMEL'S HARMONICA BLOW-OUT” with Rod & Honey Piazza, Billy Branch, Sugar Blue, Carlos Del Junco, Rusty & The Blues Survivors, at the Belly Up Tavern, 143 S Cedros Av, Solano Beach (San Diego); 858-481-9022.
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Thu-Sun, Jan 13-16, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
10 am-6 pm Annual “NAMM SHOW” takes over the entire Anaheim Convention Center complex, 800 W Katella Av, Anaheim 92802. While entrance to the show, in all its vastness and complexity, is open to music industry only, MANY artists who are sponsored by instrument makes DO perform in places where the public can enjoy their music-making. You can always go hang-out in the nearby hotels and find scheduled performances or high-level big names just jamming. Plus, be on the lookout for shows in venues – often on short notice – that musicians book all over Southern Cal, while they’re in town for NAMM.
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Thu & Fri, Jan 13 & 14; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “Trippin' the ’60s” with Barry McGuire (“Eve of Destruction”) and John York (the BYRDS) at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com (“the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).
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Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the “Andy Williams Show” as the gravelly-voiced lead singer of the NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar."
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In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit, "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times – and was banned from US radio play by the FCC for sedition (yep, they thought he was trying to overthrow the government with a song).
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Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "HAIR." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation.
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DICK CLARK says, “When world events collide with rock & roll, you get Barry McGuire.”
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JOHN YORK (the BYRDS) is currently working with Barry in "Trippin' The Sixties." John is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned folk rock / country rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of musical luminaries including Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band), and many others. The TV show, “The Place Where I Am Dreaming,” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." He stays busy. John’s work with Patrick Brayer in the duet REDNECK NINJA highlights John's other creative partnership with another acclaimed songwriter. In 2007, John did his third concert tour of Japan. Tix, $20, either night.
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Thu, Jan 13, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE JOHN JORGENSON QUINTET plays the Fret House, 309 N Citrus, Covina; 626-339-7020. John is recognized as the greatest Djangostyle gypsy jazz guitarist in the world, in addition to his landmark work as a member of the DESERT ROSE BAND, and so much more.
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Thu, Jan 13, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8:30 pm “MARK HUMMEL'S HARMONICA BLOW-OUT” with ROD & HONEY PIAZZA, BILLY BRANCH, SUGAR BLUE, CARLOS DEL JUNCO, RUSTY & THE BLUES SURVIVORS, at SOHo Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St, Santa Barbara; 805-962 7776.
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Fri, Jan 14, 2011:
7:30 pm DOYLE DYKES plays the Grace First Presbyterian Church concert series, at 3955 Studebaker Rd, Long Beach; 562-420-3393.
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Fri & Sat, Jan 14 & 15; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN DOE at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497.
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Runs two nights. Tix, $20, either night.
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Fri, Jan 14; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “Trippin' the ’60s” with Barry McGuire (“Eve of Destruction”) and John York (the BYRDS) at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com (“the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).
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Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the “Andy Williams Show” as the gravelly-voiced lead singer of the NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar."
+
In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit, "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times – and was banned from US radio play by the FCC for sedition (yep, they thought he was trying to overthrow the government with a song).
+
Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "HAIR." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation.
+
DICK CLARK says, “When world events collide with rock & roll, you get Barry McGuire.”
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JOHN YORK (the BYRDS) is currently working with Barry in "Trippin' The Sixties." John is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned folk rock / country rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of musical luminaries including Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band), and many others. The TV show, “The Place Where I Am Dreaming,” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." He stays busy. John’s work with Patrick Brayer in the duet REDNECK NINJA highlights John's other creative partnership with another acclaimed songwriter. In 2007, John did his third concert tour of Japan.
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Runs two nights, Thu & Fri, Jan 13 & 14. Tix, $20, either night.
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Sat, Jan 15, 2011; an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK for artists:”
Noon-2 pm “THE LUKE HALPIN SONG ARRANGING ON GUITAR WORKSHOP FOR THE SINGER PERFORMER” workshop at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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This workshop is billed as “Good for the singer-songwriter or folksinger.” Series producer Duane Thorin says, “The first half is Luke demonstrating many dynamic techniques that even a non-pro guitar player can use to vary his arrangements and add drama and build to a song... making it performable on stage. It is a much-needed workshop. We all got a lot out of it. He demonstrated on his own material, showing the steps he went through, to arrive at his current performance state. And then we took songs from the audience to work over a bit. TERRY KIRKMAN (THE ASSOCIATION) participated, and we may well have Dave Morrison as a guest along with Terry.”
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Workshop fee is $25, and it’s limited to 12 people. (Luke performs a concert here tonight with STEPHANIE BETTMAN; see 7 pm listing.)
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January 15th,   12 noon to 2pm.....  
  The Luke Halpin Song Arranging on Guitar Workshop... for the singer performer.    $25.   limit 12 people.  

   Followed that night by a Stephanie and Luke concert at 7pm. 


Sat, Jan 15, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
3 & 8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings THE MAKAHA SONS at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; 562-907-4203; www.shannoncenter.org.
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These guys make an annual trip to play this series, where they are known for delivering “mirth, mayhem, and magical harmonies.”
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The annual series brings seven shows for its 2010-2011 season. Tix, including new “facilities surcharges,” $48.
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Sat, Jan 15, 2011, in Santa Barbara Co; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm BYRON BERLINE, PETER FELDMANN & THE VERY LONESOME BOYS, PHIL SALAZAR & THE KIN FOLK, in a festival-like line-up for the “Song Tree” Concert Series, at the Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 820 N Fairview Av, Goleta; 805-403-2639; SongTree@cox.net
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Sat, Jan 15; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm STEPHANIE BETTMAN & LUKE HALPIN present an original and extraordinary fiddle & guitar show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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They’ve recently moved to Colorado, and we’re lucky to get ’em back in Southern Cal so soon to perform for us. If anybody in Big Music has a brain in their head, this is a duo bound for stardom.
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“That Stephanie Bettman has reached a level comparable to others like Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez and Alison Krauss so quickly it’s a bit uncanny.” –Country Jukebox, Germany.
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“Bettman jams it up like few others as she leads an ensemble with great imagination.” – Maverick Magazine, UK
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Stephanie Bettman is a singer-songwriter-fiddler extraordinaire and has been generating a buzz in bluegrass/country circles with inevitable comparisons to Alison Krauss and Emmylou Harris. Her partner, multi-instrumentalist, Luke Halpin, is an awesome talent in his own right. Named by Folkworks Magazine as one of LA’s top ten Female Singer Songwriters, Stephanie’s songs are sometimes sad, sometimes sassy but always stunning. Together she and Luke have been winners in many local and national competitions including:
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* Grand Prize Winners in the 2008 So Cal Live Acoustic Music Competition.
* Winners in the 2007 Topanga Banjo / Fiddle contest.
* Folk Works Top Ten Los Angeles based female singer-songwriters of 2008.
* Music Connection’s Top Twenty-Five New Music Critiques of 2008.
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Inspired by the likes of Sam Bush, Tony Rice, and Mark O’Conner, Luke’s perfectly blended harmonies and his instrumental expertise together with Stephanie’s artistry and performance make for a dynamic entertaining experience. One thing’s for sure, if Stephanie Bettman & Luke Halpin are on the bill, you are in for an unforgettable performance that will have you hooked from the first fiddle line to the last sweet harmony.
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In addition to tonight’s concert, LUKE HAL:PIN does an artists workshop here today, noon to 2 pm. See listing.
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Concert tix, $18.
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Sat, Jan 15, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm “GUITAR MASTERS TOUR” with ERIC JOHNSON, ANDY McKEE, & PEPPINO D'AGOSTINO play the “Lord Of The Strings” Concert Series at the Norman P. Murray Center, Sycamore Room, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo 92692. (Note different venue.)
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Sat, Jan 15, 2011, in OC; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm KEN O'MALLEY plays “The Living Tradition” series at the Anaheim Downtown Community Center, 250 E. Center St, Anaheim; 949-646-1964.
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Sat, Jan 15, 2011, in San Diego:
7:30 pm BRUCE MOLSKY plays the “San Diego Folk Heritage” series at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas (San Diego); 858-566-4040.
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Sat, Jan 15, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Jeff Larson & Friends play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179.
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”JEFF LARSON is the sound of California pop, conjuring the wisp of a summer's eve, the light breeze of an affecting melody, the warmth of the sun sliding across a clear, cloudless day. Jeff's following is so strong and his live appearances so rare that we already have RSVPs from people coming in town to see this show from Texas, Utah, New York and San Francisco!” – Russ & Julie, house concert series hosts.
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Larson is a musical marvel, raising the bar with each new release. His many melodic albums include musical guests such as Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (America), Robert Lamm (Chicago), Jeffrey Foskett (Beach Boys & Brian Wilson), Timothy B. Schmit (Eagles) and Randell Kirsch (The Beach Boys). They will all gladly tell you that Jeff Larson's music is not to be missed.
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"Larson obviously has a lot on his mind, and he's able to express it in literate, lyrical ways that require repeated listening." – Performing Songwriter Magazine.
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Jeff's latest CD, Heart Of The Valley, is a collaboration with America's Gerry Beckley and welcomed appearances from soft-rock stalwarts including America's other half, Dewey Bunnell, Poco pedal steel player Rusty Young, and Brian Wilson associate Jeff Foskett. The America signature sound is immediate and unavoidable, given that Beckley penned the majority of the songs and produced the sessions as well, but it's Jeff’s smooth vocals that make this collection one of our favorite releases from this past year.
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Want a small sampling of Jeff Larson's music?
* The title track from his latest album, www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2d0HtOpASU
* From "Swimming in the Make Believe" (2006), www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO4bevrsI40
* And from "Left of a Dream" (2008), www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqHp7atZ7pM
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More at www.jefflarson-music.com. Tonight’s show “is sponsored by Barb & Gary Bickmore.” All house concert’s include their famous potluck coffee and dessert bar. Admission “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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Sat, Jan 15, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings THE MAKAHA SONS at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; 562-907-4203; www.shannoncenter.org. Shows at 3 & 8 pm. See 3 pm listing for details.
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Sat, Jan 15; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN DOE at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Runs two nights, Fri & Sat, Jan 14 & 15. Tix, $20, either night.
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Sun, Jan 16:
11 am RHYTHM CHILD plays the “Matinee Kids' Show” series at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $8 (kids under age 2 are free).
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Sun, Jan 16, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
4 pm CORNELL GLEE CLUB, one of the premier men’s choruses in the country, presents a program including “FOLK MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS,” in a shared concert with hosts, the PASADENA MASTER CHORALE, at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, 2902 Montrose Av, La Crescenta 91214; Recorded info by phone, 626-208-0009. More at www.pasadenamasterchorale.org.
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Over the past 15 years, the CORNELL GLEE CLUB, whose singing was described by legendary conductor Eugene Ormandy as “superb,” and as “virtuosic” by the Washington Post, has left the university campus in Ithaca, New York to share its artistry with music lovers in China, Brazil, England and Venezuela. Audiences in Southern California will now have a chance to hear the renowned ensemble when the Pasadena Master Chorale (PMC) hosts the Club in La Crescenta.
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The concert opens with a performance by the Pasadena Master Chorale of the “Introit” and “Kyrie” from Mozart’s Requiem, K. 626. Soloists include soprano Lauren Buckley and pianist Renee Gilormini. PMC’s Jeffrey Bernstein will conduct. The Cornell Glee Club will then present all-male choral music from a variety of cultures, ranging from compositions from the European Renaissance to folk music of the Americas.
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It’s sure to be of interest well beyond the local population of Cornell grads. “The Cornell Glee Club has long been considered one of the finest male choruses in the country,” says PMC’s Artistic Director Jeffrey Bernstein, whose ties to the University run deep, considering that his father, mother and brother all studied and taught at Cornell.
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“Under the direction of Scott Tucker the Glee Club has developed a stunning sound, supple and intense, and they sing with great musicality,” Bernstein continues. “I'm delighted that PMC can host Cornell on its California Tour and thrilled that PMC audiences will get a chance to hear an ensemble like the Cornell Glee Club. It will be an unforgettable concert experience.”
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The PASADENA MASTER CHORALE, under the direction of Jeffrey Bernstein, is one of Pasadena's newest and most vibrant arts organizations. An amateur choir with professional standards, PMC presents well-loved and affordable concerts of the highest quality. The composer of over 50 concert works, Bernstein has enjoyed premieres of his music across this country and in Europe. Active as a guest conductor, Bernstein has led Bach’s “St. John Passion” with Sanford Sylvan in Boston, Haydn’s “Creation” with the Arad Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus in Romania, Dvorak’s “Czech Suite” with the Naples Philharmonic in Florida, and over a dozen other orchestral performances at the Harvard Business School.
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Tix available at the door. Suggested donation $20.
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Sun, Jan 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm “SLACK KEY SUNDAY” with JIM KIMO WEST & STEPHEN INGLIS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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It’s an enchanting evening of Hawaiian “Slack Key” Guitar. And if you haven’t heard this genre of music, you’re in for a real treat with two masters.
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JIM "KIMO" WEST is well-known in the world of “ki ho'alu,” having performed at many of Hawaii’s festivals. He has shared the stage with most of the living masters of slack key. His “nahenahe” style and highly original take on slack key gives him a unique place in this great acoustic guitar tradition. He recently was a featured performer at George Kahumoku’s “Masters of Slack Key” series on Maui and at the “Kauai Slack Key Festival.” Kimo is a winner of the “Hawaii Music Award” and a nominee for “Na Hoku Hanohano,” the “Hawaiian Grammy." He is a two-time winner of the “L.A. Treasures Award” from the L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs. Kimo has created his own tunings for slack key which have been added to George Winston's comprehensive directory of ki ho'alu tunings on the Dancing Cat records website. More at www.jimkimowest.com
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STEPHEN INGLIS, from Palolo Valley on the island of Oahu to Northern California, brings a treasury of diverse influences to his slack key style. Stephen's composition "Redwood Slack Key" was featured on the Grammy nominated and Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning album, "Hawaiian Slack Key Kings Volume 2”. Deeply rooted in Hawaii and the slack key tradition, Stephen's release on Aumakua Records, entitled “Mahina O Waialae, " says John Berger in the Honolulu Star Bulletin, “evokes memories of Keola Beamer and establishes his credentials as an artist who can sing in the old island style as well."
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“Mahina O Wai‘alae” was recorded to honor Stephen's island home of O‘ahu with many mele (songs) about places, love stories and experiences on O‘ahu. His most recent release, “Slackin’ On Dylan,” was released in August of 2010. More at www.stepheninglis.com
Tix, $15.
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Sun, Jan 16, 2011, in the desert; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm The New Christy Minstrels reunite to play the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert. Tix now available, and going fast. Info, www.thenewchristyminstrels.com.
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Randy Sparks, the founder of the uber-famous folk revival group The New Christy Minstrels, does from time-to-time reassemble as many of the alumni as will fit on one stage. Not that it’s always the same group. When your members have included the likes of BARRY McGUIRE (famous for his banned-on-the-radio ’60s anthem, “Eve of Destruction”), and KENNY ROGERS (pre FIRST EDITION), and an underage TRACY NEWMAN, and so many more who graduated to lead or star in their own bands or groups or as solo folk or rock acts, you could craft an entire season of “Where Are They Now?” just tracking-down former band members.
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Randy Sparks is himself quite a character. For Randy, the presumed radicalism of the ’60s often takes the form these days of comedic ditties from a decidedly conservative perspective; some are blatant in their “politically incorrect” expressions. Perhaps some of that can be explained when you know he was the best-known protégé of the late BURL IVES, and he cared for Ives in his final declining months. Ives was the Disney-movie-favorite folksinger who famously (or infamously) cooperated with HUAC – the House Un-American Activities Committee – during the McCarthy Era.
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Randy Sparks is a complex guy. He is devoted to his music charity. He still gets ’60s folk revival-era Baby Boomers singing along with big smiles, when he plays the group’s classics instead of his own newer material. And he is possessed with the artist’s penchant for a certain measure of disorganization, telling us, “I'm generally communicating with media people at the last minute, but this time I'm early,” as, for the first time ever, he sends us info a full three to four months (gasp) in advance.
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But what of the storied New Christy Minstrels -? Randy tells us, “My restored group is phenomenal these days. We have not been in concert anywhere that we haven't been asked back, and that’s gratifying. I'm 77 years old and likely couldn't get a job at Burger King, but I'm still gainfully employed, albeit we all work for a non-profit organization these days: The ‘New Christy Minstrels Foundation.’ Our goal is to give back to the schools; we NEVER charge schools for our performances.”
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He continues, “Our concert at Cerritos is a return visit. We were there on a Sunday afternoon in November of 2007, and we sold EVERY seat. We're looking to repeat that accomplishment, and we're already pretty far along, as all of the main floor $60 seats are gone. Half the house has already been sold, and we have [three] months to go. We are very quietly big business these days. We had 19 concerts in the month of October alone. What recession?”
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In addition to this full group show, Randy is out there from with what he calls Randy Sparks & Friends, which he says, is “a lesser offering.”
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We have an idea that the “lesser offering” has a decidedly different character. He noted, in advance of the “& Friends” show on December 5, “We're unrestricted at Bob's [Coffee Gallery Backstage] showroom, so our program [there] is wildly entertaining and great fun for me. I'm able to sing my best stuff: ‘Sluts With Tattoos,’ ‘The Man In The Moon Mooned Me,’ and ‘The Only Thing More Ferocious Than A Polar Bear Is A Bi-Polar Bear.’ Of course, we also perform the songs that the people come to hear.”
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We did mention Randy’s “politically incorrect” songs.
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As for the audiences Randy draws with both his “& Friends” show and his NCM reunion productions, he says, “They are most kind to us wherever we work, and it's thrilling to actually be in demand.”
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As for the audiences Randy Sparks draws with both his “& Friends” show and his New Christy Minstrels reunion productions, he says, “They are most kind to us wherever we work, and it's thrilling to actually be in demand.”
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Sun, Jan 16, 2011, in Santa Barbara:
7:30 pm NEW WEST GUITAR GROUP plays SOHo Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St, Santa Barbara; 805-962 7776.
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Mon, Jan 17; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BOB EVANS, U.S. National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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Bob Evans is an award-winning guitarist from the Great White North (aka Canada). He is a former U.S. National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion and has received several awards for his albums of instrumental guitar music.
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Bob Stane adds, “But WAIT! He also sings! He is an equal opportunity performer; original fingerstyle guitar compositions, an introspective Japanese guitar piece, a Beatles standard, The Theme From Peter Gunn, a Blind Boy Fuller classic, and a lot of other stuff in between, all have an equal opportunity of showing up in one of his shows. It's all tied together with stories and humor. An evening for music lovers in general; definitely not just for ‘guitar geeks.’" Tix $15.
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Thu, Jan 20, in Santa Ynez:
8 pm JOHNNY RIVERS plays the Samala Showroom at Chumash Casino, 3400 East Hwy 246, Santa Ynez 93460; 800-CHUMASH; www.chumashcasino.com/entertainment
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Johnny Rivers made a name for himself as a straight-ahead rock & roll singer/guitarist during the ’60s and beyond. He’ll sing hits including “Secret Agent Man,” “Memphis,” “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu,” and more. Tix, $15, $20, $25.
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Fri, Jan 21; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
6 pm “THINK THIRTIES” is live music, a movie and cocktail party as the historic Warner Grand Theatre celebrates 80 Years, at the Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W 6th St, San Pedro; 310-833-4813; www.grandvision.org.
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Doors at 530 pm, screening at 6 of “The Brothers Warner,” the story of the four legendary Hollywood film pioneers; Cocktail Party Reception at 7 pm with retro-cocktails & appetizers, and an unveiling of the restored ceiling section.
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DEAN MORA'S SWINGIN' TIP TOP TRIO continues the celebration with live music of the 1930s. , and camaraderie
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Fri & Sat, Jan 21 & 22; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm TOM PAXTON, the legendary folk star, plays two nights at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497.
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THIS WILL SELL-OUT VERY EARLY, SO GET TIX RIGHT AWAY. Tix, $24.50.
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Fri, Jan 21; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Guitar wizard VICKI GENFAN at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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Using 29 alternate tunings and the percussive technique she calls 'slap-tap', Vicki creates waves of sound with two hands and her voice. Drawing from folk, jazz, pop, soul and world music, whether covering the tunes of others or presenting her own compositions, Vicki has a distinctive style that is pushing the boundaries of the singer/songwriter genre.
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“I understand completely why the audience applauds and whistles so wildly...this is fiery, living music.” - IndieMusic.com
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She has been featured at the International Montreal Jazz Festival, Germany’s Open Strings Guitar Festival and Italy’s Soave Guitar Festival. Luna Guitars has unveiled the Vicki Genfan model (created by master luthier Gray Burchette) with all the bells and whistles that Vicki’s playing requires, including a Jumbo body which lends itself to the full tones she needs for her percussive style.
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"I forgive myself for forgetting what a great singer she is; it's no wonder...her voice moves inside me as only something that comes from inside can." - Frank Goodman, Pure Music
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Sometimes the revolution begins quietly and only later does the full impact sink in. That’s how it was when Vicki Genfan won the title of Guitar Superstar in the 2008 competition sponsored by Guitar Player Magazine.
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Jim Fusilli of the Wall Street Journal said, “It's a stunning victory, a barrier shattered. Guitar Player is a male-dominated domain -- the only photo of a woman musician at work in the current issue is a microscopic shot of bassist Rachel Haden with her back to the camera. The magazine is often a tribute to speed, power, volume and gear. Ms. Genfan plays an acoustic guitar without effects."
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Vicki has joined the world’s greatest guitarists and musicians at festivals such as The International Montreal Jazz Festival, Germany’s Open Strings Guitar Festival and Italy’s Soave Guitar Festival. In 2005, she was a featured artist on “La Guitara”, the first compilation CD featuring female guitarists from around the globe, released by Vanguard Records. In the US, sample venues include Swannanoa Gathering, Mayfair Festival of the Arts, Don Quixote’s and other listening rooms, including house concerts. She is in demand for guitar workshops, master classes, clinics and dealer demos.
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In 2009, guitar maker Luna unveiled the Vicki Genfan model, created by master luthier Gray Burchette, with all the bells and whistles that Vicki’s particular type of playing requires. It including a jumbo body which lends itself full tones for percussive style. Vicki’s connection with Luna led to, as she says, her “12 seconds of fame” on “The Price Is Right,” demonstrating a guitar.
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That same year, Vicki won an award from the “IndieGrrl” organization, in recognition for her “valuable contributions to Music & Arts.”
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Coming soon is Vicki’s first instructional video, "3-D Acoustic Guitar" made at the Truefire Studios in July.
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Chris Buono wrote in Guitar Player Magazine, “After witnessing her mind-blowing performance of an original composition entitled ‘Atomic Reshuffle,’ a panel of guitardom’s elite dubbed Vicki Genfan 2008 Guitar Superstar. Contained within the 3:57 acoustic tour-de-force was a combination of playing techniques that produced not just chords and melodies, but also bell-like harmonics and percussive rhythms. Genfan’s approaches to composition and playing stem from her desire to capture dense harmonic ingredients, her affinity for open tunings, and her dream to groove like Earth, Wind & Fire’s Verdine White.”
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Tix, $18.
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Fri, Jan 21; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm STEPHANIE BETTMAN & LUKE HALPIN plus MELANIE DEVANEY play the “Camarillo Café” series at the Camarillo Community Center, 1605 E Burnley St, Camarillo. Stephanie & Luke have moved to Colorado, so the chances to catch ’em performing here have become rare treats.
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Sat, Jan 22; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm “A NIGHT WITH THE TIKI BAR ALLSTARS - SAN DIEGO STYLE” with JOE RATHBURN, JERRY GONTANG, GARY SEILER & ROB MEHL, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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It’s “A night of 6-string Trop-rock music on a Panamanian coffee wharf.” What would happen if you invited four very popular San Diego area trop-rock band leader / songwriter / performers, who are old friends, to put together a super-group to play your wedding? The result would be The Tiki Bar Allstars. That's exactly how the band got together. They had so much fun playing that wedding, and were so well received, they decided to approach the San Diego Parrot Head Club to book them at their mega fundraiser anniversary event.
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Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “Now, imagine you, and them with nothing but their acoustic guitars and their voices, are stranded on a coffee wharf in Panama because your cruise ship is in dry dock for repairs. You're sitting around on some crates and whatever chairs you can find with a tropical breeze comin' in off the Caribbean and these guys just start singing whatever comes to mind to pass the time. That's what's going to happen at The Coffee Gallery Backstage on January 22.”
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The friendship, the camaraderie, the common love of the trop-rock sound, the laughter, the spontaneity, you'll not find that in a show anywhere else. Though they'd never been on stage all together before that wedding, they are all old friends and have a rapport with each other that matches that which they each have with their audiences. Their common affinity for the music of Jimmy Buffett, Harry Belafonte, The Kingston Trio, Bob Marley, the Hawaiian Islands, the Caribbean, and good old American country and rock & roll, infuses their own songs with that unique blend sounds and style that says kick back and enjoy life.
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Bob Stane adds. “Put on your tropical camp shirt, your flip flops, your shorts and straw hat and come on down for a tropical shindig to remember.” More at www.tikibarallstars.homestead.com. Tix, $20.
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Sat, Jan 22, 2011, in Ojai; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm RENAISSANCE brings its fabulous doo wop and street corner a cappella singing to the “Performances to Grow On” series at Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Rd, Ojai; 805-646-8907.
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Sat, Jan 22, 2011:
8 pm “WALLACE SHAWN: REAL WORLD, FAKE WORLD, DREAM WORLD” is a spoken word performance at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
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Writer and actor Wallace Shawn delivers a reading and interpretation from his most recent work, alongside an offering of excerpts from the works of writers and thinkers he admires. Known to stage and film audiences as an extraordinary character actor, Shawn is an Obie Award-winning playwright and best-selling author. His celebrated works include “The Designated Mourner,” and “The Fever,” along with the poignant film “My Dinner with Andre,” which Shawn co-wrote. His most recent work, “Essays,” released in 2009, is a highly personal, often self-deprecating collection of Shawn’s perspective on life, politics, morality and the power of art. Tix, $28-48 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Sat, Jan 22; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm TOM PAXTON, the legendary folk star, plays two nights at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497.
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He plays two nights, Jan 21 & 22. BOTH WILL SELL-OUT VERY EARLY, SO GET TIX RIGHT AWAY. Tix, $24.50.
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Sat, Jan 22; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm STEPHANIE BETTMAN & LUKE HALPIN play the Gelencser House Concert series in Claremont; reservations get directions, at 909-596-1266 or singfolk@yahoo.com. Stephanie & Luke have moved to Colorado, so the chances to catch ’em performing here have become rare treats.
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Sun, Jan 23, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2 pm Annual “SLACK KEY FESTIVAL” brings Hawaiian slack key guitar maestros to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Bl, Redondo Beach; 310-937-6607.
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Sun, Jan 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
3 pm Matinee with the renowned JOHN JORGENSON QUINTET – acclaimed as the greatest Djangostyle gypsy jazz band in the world – at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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Wherever this act goes in the world, headlining Django Rheinhardt festivals or any other kind of event, they are always the featured performers. Everyone else gets lower billing. They always headline. The John Jorgenson Quintet features guitarist John Jorgenson, a founding member of the Desert Rose Band, the Hellecasters, and six-year member of Elton John's band. Artists ranging from Barbra Streisand to Bonnie Raitt to Earl Scruggs have sought out Jorgenson's guitar work, and he was recently chosen to portray Django Reinhardt in the film "Head in the Clouds".
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In one evening, music lovers hear an eclectic musical blend of Gypsy jazz, Dixieland, swing, Latin, classical and more. Audiences are amazed when John picks up the clarinet and plays it like a demon, and by his engaging singing style. Whether playing his own accessible compositions or classic standards, John and his band make music that is equal parts romantic and ecstatic, played with virtuosity and soul. Tix, $25.
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Sun, Jan 23, 2011:
3:30 pm CLAREMONT TRIO with NOKUTHULA NGWENYAMA, viola, plays the “SUNDAYS WITH COLEMAN” 107th season (2010-2011), presented by the Coleman Chamber Music Association in Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; series info 626-793-4191; www.colemanchambermusic.org. Season subscription (6 concerts) $108-$234; single-event tix $24-45.
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Sun, Jan 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm ELLIS PAUL at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $17.50.
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Sun, Jan 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm NATHAN McEUEN with CHELSEA WILLIAMS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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NATHAN McEUEN grew up in and around the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by incredible music and talented musicians. At an early age, he started performing with his Grammy-winning father, John McEuen (of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), and musician brother, Jonathan McEuen. Undoubtedly, the family has powerfully shaped his musical inclinations and style, but his influences and pursuits span much farther. As a singer-songwriter, he constructs universal, nostalgic melodies and lyrics. His study and mastery of several instruments, including guitar, piano, drums and bass, allow him great compositional range. Plus, he has the very rare and entertaining gift of “beat-boxing” – something that comes in handy when he’s playing without a rhythm section.
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“Over the next five years,” says Nathan, he plans “to complete several more records and continue collaborating with various artists.” He then “hopes to expand [his] talents to film with writing, scoring and composition and eventually become a producer.” For Nathan, it’s all about entertainment, stirring emotion - making people feel good and happy to be alive.
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Plus,
CHELSEA WILLIAMS - songs written and sung by Chelsea have honest lyrics that just “make sense” and strong hooks that “stick in your head but don’t hit you over the head.” As her new demo tracks are released, they seem to become top-rated downloads on myspace.com, where she currently has a loyal and growing fan base of over 31,000.
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And, oh, that voice….! It’s unforgettable, unmistakably Chelsea and has been described as soulful and natural, and yet strong and in control. Chelsea’s guitar and vocal chops are seemingly always in the pocket and in shape. Live takes will do just fine, no vocal tuning needed. We first learned of her from John McEuen, and booked her to perform live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” before we’d ever seen her perform – the only time in the show’s history that was done.
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Chelsea currently makes her living by playing on the street for tips and selling a home-made demo, having sold tens of thousands of CDs in recent months, one-by-one, simply on her own, from her guitar case, on the street. Her magnetic presence draws them in and her songs set the hook. She’s somethin’ special, and performing with Nathan McEuen, this’ll be QUITE a show. Tix, $15.
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Sun, Jan 23, 2011, in San Diego; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm Folk great TOM PAXTON plays the “AMSD” Concert series at 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego; 619-303-8176. This will sell out fast, so don’t dawdle with your ticket orders.
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Sun, Jan 23, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm MATT CARTSONIS & VAN DYKE PARKS play the ” Bodie House Concert Series at the Thousand Oaks Library,” at the Grant R. Brimhall T.O. Library, 1401 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks 91362; reservations & info, 818-621-8309. This’ll be a fine evening with two uber-talented multi-instrumentalist musicians who have “been there, done that.” Van Dyke was on RCA and has recorded for dozens of big names. Matt’s resume includes membership in the AUSTIN LOUNGE LIZARDS, tours with JOHN McEUEN and many more.
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Mon, Jan 24; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm TROUBADOURS OF DIVINE BLISS hit Southern Cal for just one show, tonight at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations 626-794-2424; venue phone 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. (“the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).
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In both New Orleans and Louisville, they’ve been voted "Best Folk Band." (New Orleans’ Offbeat Magazine & Louisville's LEO Weekly.) This Louisville, Kentucky-based band is a bit on the crazy side, and very acclaimed as musicians. Their promo opens with, “EXPLANATION IS FUTILE ONLY SEEING IS BELIEVING!”
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MUSE magazine calls them, "A caravan of creativity from Houdini to Fellini, front porch to torch, from jamboree to gypsy."
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Nefarious Magazine says, "It's a scream. It's a tranquilizer. It's a riot and a philosophy class. It might even move the stoics. It's the only product you will ever require."
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Oddly enough, though things clearly haven’t stayed there, the TROUBADOURS OF DIVINE BLISS story began in a spirit-filled, holy rollin', charismatic church in Kentucky. Things center on band members RENEE and AIM ME. Renee's dad was the pastor and Aim Me's dad was a Deacon. “Aim Me's dad ended-up kicking Renee's Dad out of the pulpit,” they say, and we’re sure there’s a story there (that they promised to tell).
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Ten years later, they became sweethearts, and Troubadours of Divine Bliss, born from the church, were launched to the street, performing in New Orleans and playing clubs and festivals in the US and Europe. With accordion, guitar and sweet, unique harmonies "smooth as Kentucky bourbon, soft as Spanish moss," these gals sing about courage of the heart and revolution of the spirit. Critics say it’ll soothe and inspire your soul. They’re joined by STEPH DLUGON on violin for this rare West Coast performance.
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"They are the embodiment of a new generation of Folk Artists who have taken the genre to the next level... with a 21st Century Creative Edge. Since their appearance, the Troubadours have stolen the hearts of the Blissfest faithful" - Jim Gillespie, Blissfest Founder.
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Check out their music:
"L&N Don't Stop Here" (bluegrass traditional) at www.musicxray.com/xrays/36246/public
"Bird Called Hope" (pop/rock) at www.musicxray.com/xrays/36243/public
"Wild Darling" (folk/Gypsy) at www.musicxray.com/xrays/36181/public
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (upbeat) at www.musicxray.com/xrays/36175/public
"Bowling Green, Kentucky" (bluegrass) at www.musicxray.com/xrays/36248/public
"Scarlot Carnival" (New Orleans) at www.musicxray.com/xrays/36311/public
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More at www.troubadoursofdivinebliss.com. Tix, $15.
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Mon, Jan 24, 2011; world music, in the desert:
8 pm TANGO BUENOS AIRES plays the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert; 760-340-ARTS or 866-889-ARTS.
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Wed, Jan 26, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm DAVID LINDLEY plays the Belly Up Tavern, 143 S Cedros Av, Solano Beach (San Diego); 858-481-9022. One of the world’s most respected rock guitarists, he can play anything with strings, acoustic or electric or anywhere in between.
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Thu, Jan 27:
8 pm SURFIN’ SAFARI at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations 626-794-2424; venue phone 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. (“the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).
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This is a faithful recreation of what it would have been like to see The Beach Boys live, in concert, in their prime. Venue impresario Bob Stane is a big fan of this group, saying, “This five-member lineup is unrivaled in their sound, presentation, and professionalism. There are NO BACKING TRACKS or extra musicians playing off-stage! SURFIN' SAFARI is as close as you will ever get to seeing the original 5 member line up of the Beach Boys. The incomparable beauty of their vocal harmonies, the crashing back beat of Dennis Wilson's drums, the soaring surf guitar of Carl Wilson, and the genius of Brian Wilson's music is all here. The uniband choreography, the Fender guitar line up, the famous custom striped shirts, right down to the black suede Beach Boy boots, it's all here. SURFIN' SAFARI provides you with a great show, a great time, and fun, fun, fun till our Daddy takes the T-Bird away!” Tix, $18.
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Fri-Sun, Jan 28-30, 2011:
“CEAIT FESTIVAL ~ ‘IANNIS XENAKIS: NOW & TOMORROW’” at REDCAT, The Roy & Edna Disney CalArts Theater, at the L.A. Music Center, 631 W 2nd St (at Hope St), inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex, downtown L.A. 90012; www.redcat.org; 213-237-2800; www.redcat.org/sites/redcat.org/files/REDCAT_Fall10_Brochure.pdf.
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This is described as “Three scintillating concerts by the legendary pioneer of music and architecture and composers he inspired.”
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Fri, Jan 28; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm PETER CASE (the Plimsouls) at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
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Fri, Jan 28, 2011, in south OC:
8 pm ROD PIAZZA & THE MIGHTY FLYERS with JACK THE MUSIC, and SIX30JAM, at The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano; 949-496-8927.
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Sat, Jan 29, 2011, in San Diego:
7 pm ZAPF DINGBATS play the “San Diego Folk Heritage” series at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas (San Diego); 858-566-4040. From stilt walkers to rollickin’ vaudeville and klezmer music, this is high-energy fun.
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Sat, Jan 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm KATY MOFFATT plays the “Caltech Folk Music Society” series in Beckman Institute Auditorium (“Little Beckman”) on the campus, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; 626-395-4652, or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832). More on the Caltech Folk Music Series at www.folkmusic.caltech.edu - and check-out other music on campus at Caltech Presents / Caltech Public Events series at www.events.caltech.edu.
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KATY MOFFATT is a genuine folk star who plays too seldom in L.A. Though she lives in Southern Cal, she’s constantly on the festival and prestigious-venue circuit, performing all over the world. She’s been called both “America's Queen of the West” and praised as one of the originators of country rock. Katy got her start on the road as an opener for blues legend MUDDY WATERS, and she’s been the subject of a major feature story in the Wall Street Journal (how many musicians get ink there?) She continues to be a most formidable vocal powerhouse, plus a masterful guitarist and finger-picking phenom. With over 15 albums to her credit, Katy sings classic acoustic country rock songs of fractured love, plus country blues, western classics and originals, and heartfelt ballads. She’s performed live, multiple times, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” and debuted an album there. Her newest CD, "Cowboy Girl," on Western Jubilee/Shanachie, has received rave reviews.
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The campus ticket office handles the Folk Music Society’s advance tickets, takes credit cards, and is open Noon-5 pm, Mon-Fri; their number is 626-395-4652. As the date gets close, this will likely sell-out. Tickets are $15, $5 for children and Caltech students.
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Sat, Jan 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm DOUG MacLEOD at the Fret House, 309 N Citrus, Covina; 626-339-7020. One of the great bluesmen, with his southern Louisiana speech and resume that includes learning from and playing with the legendary delta blues players of the previous generation. The venue says, “Doug MacLeod is one of the last remaining bluesmen who learned from the old masters, lived the music, survived the life and carries forward that valuable tradition. Within the blues world, MacLeod is known for his superb songwriting, guitar wizardry, warm soulful vocals, wit and unforgettable live performances. At the heart of this is his knack for storytelling, bringing characters-from the faceless to the legendary-to strikingly real life.” Doors at 7:30 for the best seats. Tix, $15.
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Sat, Jan 29:
8 pm THE HANDSOME FAMILY plus SEAN ROWE at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $15.
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Sat, Jan 29:
8 pm KLEZMER JUICE plays the Folk Music Center & Museum, 220 Yale Av, Claremont 91711; 909-624-2928; www.folkmusiccenter.com. Tix are a bargain at $10.
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Sat, Jan 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JIM ST. OURS plays the “Noble House Concert” series in Van Nuys; reservations get directions at 818-780-5979 or barb@noblehouseconcerts.com
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Sun, Jan 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2 pm matinee with SOS, THE SISTERS OF SWING, bring music in the style of the ANDREWS SISTERS to the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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This is the second group to appear at the venue recently, doing Andrews Sisters classics. Late in 2010 was the Lindy Sisters, who are due back in February.
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SOS is a Los Angeles-based trio that delivers tight vocal harmony with, they tell us, “a golden blend.” The trio performs vocal gems from the 1940’s era and beyond. They stay true to the styles of the music they sing, and continue a tradition of tasteful interpretations, not seeking to impersonate the greats.
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“We’re SOS – hold the cheese!” Their 1940s selections bring Patty, Maxine, and LaVerne – THE ANDREWS SISTERS – roaringly to life. Belting out hits like “Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen” and “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” to beat the (big) band. Venue ompresario Bob Stane says, “Their vocal blend and right-on physical style sweeps audiences off their feet and straight back to the glory days of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman!”
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Bob adds, “These are the original arrangements folks, faithfully performed in true swing style incorporating ’40s attire, plenty of wiggling, and of course, seamed stockings!”
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SOS is Stephanie Krystad, Teresa Parente and Ember Vaughan. All are described as “smashing singers,” each of the three is a discerning musician and accomplished soloist. They each bring their own style to the mix adding lush ballads, jazz standards, blues and R&B. Tix, $15.
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Sun, Jan 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm LI’L REV, National Blues Harmonica Champion, Wisconsin’s Best Folk Singer (WAMI), and Traditional Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, and mega-multi-instrumentalist, plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.
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LI’L REV is a strong musical presence likened to “a cross between Theodore Bikel, Al Joslon and Woody Guthrie,” and he’s often called “the Jewish Pete Seeger.” Rev is well known for his engaging, high energy, heart-felt concerts, performing on guitar, mandolin, ukulele and harmonica. Rev moves seamlessly, mixing instruments and song, story, poetry, folklore and humor. In the best sense of the word, Rev is at heart, a modern day minstrel whose Vaudeville affections are obvious. Just look for the laughter and the tears and you'll know why Rev is regarded as one of the finest troubadours out on the American musical highway today.
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His accolades include:
Voted Best Folk Singer in Wisconsin, 2004 (WAMI)
National Blues Harmonica Champion, 1996
Inducted into the Traditional Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame, 2003
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Classic blues fans, you need to be here. Tix, $18.
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Sun, Jan 30:
7 pm ADRIAN LEGG at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $17.50.
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Mon, Jan 31, 2011, in Santa Barbara; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “BLUES AT THE CROSSROADS: THE ROBERT JOHNSON CENTENNIAL CONCERT” with BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONSTERS, DAVID “HONEYBOY” EDWARDS, HUBERT SUMLIN, CEDRIC BURNSIDE, & LIGHTNIN’ MALCOLM, at UCSB Campbell Hall, on the campus in Santa Barbara; 805-893-3535.
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February:
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Fri, Feb 4, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE BATTLEFIELD BAND brings their renowned Celtic music, complete with bagpipes, to McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com. Tix, $24.50.
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Fri, Feb 4, 2011, in San Diego; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm AL STEWART plays Anthology, 1337 India St, San Diego; 619-595-0300. He’s still famous for “Year of the Cat,” and “Time Passages,” and he continues to make new fans as keeps writing and touring.
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Sat, Feb 5, 2011:
7 pm THE FOLK COLLECTION plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com
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Sat, Feb 5, 2011, in San Diego; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm ALASDAIR FRASER & NATALIE HAAS play the “San Diego Folk Heritage” series at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas (San Diego); 858-566-4040.
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Sat, Feb 5, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm PIERRE BENSUSAN plays McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com. Tix, $22.50.
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Sun, Feb 6:
11 am SANDRA SANDIA plays the “Matinee Kids' Show” at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $8 (kids under age 2 are free).
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Sun, Feb 6, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
3 pm GARRISON KEILLOR, the creative force behind radio’s long-running “A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION,” brings his storytelling concert to the Cerritos Performing Arts Center’s Lyric Theatre, 12700 Center Court Dr, Cerritos; 562 916-8501 or 800-300-4345.
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Sun, Feb 6, 2011:
7 pm SAM BAKER & DON CONOSCENTI play the “Bodie House Concert Series at the Thousand Oaks Library,” at the Grant R. Brimhall T.O. Library, 1401 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks 91362; 818-621-8309.
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Tue, Feb 8, 2011, in the desert; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm GARRISON KEILLOR, the creative force behind radio’s long-running “A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION,” brings his storytelling concert to the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert; 760-340-ARTS or 866-889-ARTS.
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Wed, Feb 9, 2011, in Santa Barbara; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm PIERRE BENSUSAN plays a “TRIBUTE TO PAT MILLIKEN” at SOHo Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St, Santa Barbara; 805-962 7776.
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Thu, Feb 10, 2011, in San Diego; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JUDY COLLINS plays 4th and B, 345 B St, San Diego 92101; 619-231-4343.
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Feb 10, 2011, in Santa Ynez; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm SARAH MCLACHLAN plays the Samala Showroom at Chumash Casino, 3400 East Hwy 246, Santa Ynez 93460; www.chumashcasino.com/entertainment; 800-CHUMASH.
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Sarah McLachlan's atmospheric folk-pop has made her a major voice in the growing adult alternative pop format. She will perform her favorites, including "Possession," “Good Enough,” and "I Will Remember You." Tix, $75, $90, $105, $120, $135.
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Thu, Feb 10, 2011, in Santa Barbara:
8 pm STEVE POLTZ with MEGHAN LEHMAN play SOHo Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St, Santa Barbara; 805-962 7776.
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Thu, Feb 10, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “THE ONION EDITORS” bring their satirical spoken word to UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
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Deadpan satire and journalistic skill collide in the phenomenon that is “The Onion.” Founded in 1988 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the “fake news” newspaper is the notable precursor to such biting, faux-news programs as "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report." Last year, “The Onion News Network,” an online send-up of 24-hour cable TV news, was named a Peabody Award winner and praised as “hilarious, trenchant and not infrequently hard to distinguish from the real thing.” In their UCLA Live debut, current Onion editor JOE RANDAZZO and fellow staffers present a multimedia discussion on the state of media, politics and pop culture, as they offer insight into how the paper’s culture-skewering stories and hilarious headlines are created. Tix, $28-48 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Feb 11, 2011:
8 pm DANIEL HOPE & JEFFREY KAHANE at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
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Britain's versatile violinist DANIEL HOPE, the youngest person ever to perform as part of the prestigious BEAUX ARTS TRIO, is joined on piano by JEFFREY KAHANE, music director of the LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA. The duo appears for a stirring performance of Brahms’ Sonata No. 1 in G Major, Op. 78, Regenlied, O. Messiaen’s Théme et Variations, Schulhoff’s Sonata No. 2, Sz. 76 and Franck’s Sonata in A Major.
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DANIEL HOPE is one of the most sought-after violin soloists in music today and has been described by The New York Times as “...a violinist of probing intellect and commanding style.”
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JEFFREY KAHANE is a multitalented conductor and pianist who made his debut at Carnegie Hall in 1983 and regularly appears as a soloist with leading orchestras around the world. Tix, $28-58 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Fri, Feb 11, 2011, world music:
8 pm FLAMENCO VIVO CARLOTA SANTANA (FIESTA FLAMENCA) performs at the “Caltech Public Events” series in Beckman Auditorium, 332 S Michigan Av, on the Caltech campus in Pasadena; 626-395-4652.
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Sat, Feb 12, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm RICK SHEA with RITA HOSKING at the Fret House, 309 N Citrus, Covina; 626-339-7020,
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RITA HOSKING's songs have been praised for their sense of story and place, and her performances for capturing the audience. Honors include "Best Country Album" nomination by the 2010 Independent Music Awards, winner of the '08 Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Contest at the Sisters Folk Festival, finalist in the '09 Telluride Troubadour Contest, and others as well. She has played her songs for appreciative listeners at the Strawberry Music Festival, Kate Wolf Music Festival, and many more. "There’s a grit to her songs and sinewy toughness to her voice that weave their own spell," (Q Magazine.)
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Rick Shea is a longtime roots-Americana Southern Cal favorite, a top-notch musician who has co-produced with DAVE ALVIN. Hi's songs embrace everything from norteño and border rock to traditional folk and country music, his voice is smooth and bittersweet and his guitar playing goes from subtle on the ballads to blazing through the rockers. His 5 critically acclaimed albums have been called “ marvelous…4 stars... LA Daily News, (“Sawbones”) to “stunningly good”... Dirty Linen (“Trouble and Me”) and he's worked with everyone from roots rock kingpin Dave Alvin to folk chanteuse Katy Moffatt to indie rock legends R.E.M.“Staunchly independent...represents the best of California music.” - LA Weekly.
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Rick’s latest CD, “Shelter Valley Blues,” made #2 on the FAR Chart, #3 on the EuroAmericana Chart, the “Top Ten of 2009” in FolkWorks, and earned a blurb in USA Today.
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FolkWorks Joel Okida, in naming “Shelter Valley Blues” to the Top Ten, says, “Long time Southern California singer-songwriter-musician who has a resume of arresting songs and a habit of abetting almost every other singer or band of country or honky-tonk notoriety that rolls into town. This is a captivating piece of work and fits in nicely with the excellent recordings that he has generated over the years. Don't know if he is underrated or overlooked, but if he is, it's your fault, not his.”
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Blll Lavery of Village Records wrote of “Shelter Valley Blues,” “Years from now writers will refer to this as “his career album.” In case I'm not around to do it, I'll just do it here. He's had a long and storied career and worked with music royalty in several genres. As is the case with in demand players they often don't get the proper respect for their own recordings. This one will change all of that for Shea. This self produced and recorded album feels like something The Band would have done early in their career.”
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Doors at 7:30 for the best seats. Tix, $15.
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Sat, Feb 12, 2011, in San Diego:
7:30 pm DAVID MALDONADO plays the “AMSD” concert series, 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego; 619-303-8176.
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Sat, Feb 12, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Nathan Rogers plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.nathanrogers.ca. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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Sat, Feb 12, 2011:
8 pm “COLEMAN ORCHESTRA CONCERTS” brings the COLBURN SCHOOL ORCHESTRA, SIR NEVILLE MARRINER, conductor, to Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St John St, Pasadena 91105. Program is Ravel’s “Suite from Ma Mer l’Oye (Mother Goose);” Korngold’s “Violin Concerto;” Bartok’s “Concerto for Orchestra.” Info, 213-621-2200 or www.colburnschool.edu. Tix, $10, gen’l admission.
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Sat, Feb 12, 2011:
8 pm BROOKLYN RIDER with COLBURN SCHOOL OF MUSIC QUARTET plays the “Tango Rhythms” series at Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach. Part of this month’s “Laguna Beach Music Festival,” which is mostly world music – Google it if you’re interested in their schedule.
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Sun, Feb 13, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
5 pm MARK ST. MARY ZYDECO BAND plays the Cajun-Zydeco Dance Series at the Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club, 6285 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach; 562-596-1631 or 562-708-8946.
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Fri, Feb 18, 2011:
8 pm DEL REY AND SUZY THOMPSON play Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; 310-398-2583.
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Fri, Feb 18, 2011:
9 pm ROD PIAZZA & THE MIGHTY FLYERS bring their blues to Cafe Boogaloo, 1238 Hermosa Av, Hermosa Beach; 310-318-2324.
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Sat, Feb 19, 2011, in OC; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm STEVE GILLETTE & CINDY MANGSEN make their annual Southern Cal tour, tonight playing at St. Matt’s After Dark, 1111 Town and County, Orange; 714-792-3964.
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Sat, Feb 19, 2011:
7:30 pm BRIAN PETERS plays “The Living Tradition” series at Anaheim Downtown Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim; 949-646-1964.
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Sat, Feb 19, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm MAYA ANGELOU at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
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Inspiring poet, feminist, author, actress, director and activist Maya Angelou is one of the most recognizable and beloved names in contemporary American literature and one of the most powerful voices in American culture. Her work is vigorous, elegant and wields the power to blur racial and socioeconomic lines. Angelou’s influential “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is a classic that transcends generations. Her prolific career includes a litany of best-selling works of poetry and prose, and this appearance is a rare chance to celebrate this extraordinary woman in her own notable presence.
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Angelou recited her original poetry at President Bill Clinton’s Inauguration in 1993. Not since John F. Kennedy took office in 1961 was a poet invited to take part. (Kennedy chose Carl Sandberg.) President Barack Obama revived the tradition again at his Inauguration in 2009 (the poet was Elizabeth Alexander, though most people remember that ARETHA FRANKLIN sang, and JOHN WILLIAMS conducted ITZHAK PERLMAN, YO-YO MA, GABRIELA MONTERO, & ANTHONY McGILL). Tix, $33-63 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Sat, Feb 19; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 & 10 pm DAVID LINDLEY at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Lindley is one of the world’s most respected rock guitarists who can play anything with strings, acoustic or electric or anywhere in between. He’s here 2/19 at 8 & 10 pm and 2/20 at 7 pm. Tix, $20.
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Sun, Feb 20, 2011:
3:30 pm BORODIN QUARTET plays the “SUNDAYS WITH COLEMAN” 107th season (2010-2011), presented by the Coleman Chamber Music Association in Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; series info 626-793-4191; www.colemanchambermusic.org. Season subscription (6 concerts) $108-$234; single-event tix $24-45.
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Sun, Feb 20; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm DAVID LINDLEY at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Lindley is one of the world’s most respected rock guitarists who can play anything with strings, acoustic or electric or anywhere in between. He’s here 2/19 at 8 & 10 pm and 2/20 at 7 pm. Tix, $20.
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Wed, Feb 23, 2011, in San Diego; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
6 pm STEVE GILLETTE & CINDY MANGSEN make their annual Southern Cal tour, tonight playing at Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Dr, San Diego; 858-538-8163; rbconcerts@earthlink.net
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Wed, Feb 23:
8 pm JOHN WATERS: “THIS FILTHY WORLD GOES HOLLYWOOD,” plus opening act ELVIS PERKINS, is an evening of music and one-man theatre at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
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As a screenwriter, director, artist, actor, and all-around filth elder, John Waters has become a rotten renaissance man of unprecedented cultural influence. Not only was his movie “Hairspray” turned into a wildly successful Tony Award-winning musical, his recently published memoir, “Role Models,” has been called “alarmingly refined.”
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Waters’ one-man vaudeville act, “This Filthy World Goes Hollywood,” sends up show business, the art world, and his own lunatic career in a rapid-fire performance. Dynamic modern-rock recording artist ELVIS PERKINS opens the show with a solo set, and actor MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER hosts as the evening’s emcee. Tix, $28-48 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Fri, Feb 25; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm COUNTRY JOE McDONALD at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $22.50.
(See Feb 26, 8 pm listing for Country Joe’s “Woody Guthrie Tribute” at the Caltech Folk Music Society series for more info.)
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Sat, Feb 26, 2011, in San Diego; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm STEVE GILLETTE & CINDY MANGSEN make their annual Southern Cal tour, tonight playing the “San Diego Folk Heritage” series at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas (San Diego); 858-566-4040.
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Sat, Feb 26; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “WOODY GUTHRIE TRIBUTE,” the new show by COUNTRY JOE McDONALD (Country Joe & the Fish) at the CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY series in Beckman Institute Auditorium (“Little Beckman”) on the campus, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; 626-395-4652, or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832). More on the Caltech Folk Music Series at www.folkmusic.caltech.edu - and check-out other music on campus at Caltech Presents / Caltech Public Events series at www.events.caltech.edu.
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COUNTRY JOE McDONALD has been touring his “TRIBUTE TO WOODY GUTHRIE” for the past few years to strong audience acclaim. In his highly-entertaining tribute, Country Joe deftly conveys the charm, talent, and social and political consciousness of the legendary folksinger from Oklahoma. It helps to know that McDonald’s father, Worden, shared Oklahoma’s Dust Bowl roots with Guthrie in the ‘20s & ‘30s. Country Joe opens the tribute with a moving performance of Woody’s best-known tune, “This Land is Your Land,” and takes the audience through a journey of 13 Woody Guthrie songs, all in a strong clear voice that doesn’t mimic Guthrie’s style, but conveys the emotion and energy that defines Guthrie. More at www.countryjoe.com.
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The campus ticket office handles the Folk Music Society’s advance tickets, takes credit cards, and is open Noon-5 pm, Mon-Fri; their number is 626-395-4652. As the date gets close, this will likely sell-out. Tickets are $20, $5 for children and Caltech students.
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Sun, Feb 27, 2011:
2 pm WOVEN IMAGE plays the Grace First Presbyterian Church concert series, at 3955 Studebaker Rd, Long Beach; 562-420-3393. (There may be a second show at 7:30 pm.)
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Sun, Feb 27, 2011, in N San Diego Co; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
4 pm STEVE GILLETTE & CINDY MANGSEN make their annual Southern Cal tour, today playing the “Ken and Phee House Concert Series” in Fallbrook (N San Diego Co); reservations get directions at 760-723-7255 or Phee21@mac.com
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March:
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Wed, Mar 2, 2011:
7 pm “CLASSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE CONCERT SERIES” continues its 6th season tonight with special guest LESLIE GILBERT-LURIE and other performing musicians (tba) in the Cay Mortenson Auditorium at Arcadia Public Library, 20 W Duarte Rd, Arcadia 91006; www.library.ci.arcadia.ca.us; 626-821-5567. Series has one remaining Wednesday night concert, April 20, at 7 pm. Info on this program and the series, 626-821-5569.
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This is a free series, no reservations, but seating is limited to the first 150 people in line to enter. Doors at 6:30 pm.
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Fri, Mar 4, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm NOEL PAUL STOOKEY (of Peter, Paul & Mary) plays McCabe's, 3101 W Pico Bl, Santa Monica; 310-828-4403 or 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com
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Sat, Mar 12:
2:30 pm “SHAMROCK TALES” celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with stories and crafts of the Emerald Isle, in the Cay Mortenson Auditorium at Arcadia Public Library, 20 W Duarte Rd, Arcadia 91006; www.library.ci.arcadia.ca.us; 626-821-5567. Info on this program, 626-821-5566. All ages, free.
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Sat & Sun, Mar 12 & 13, 2011:
Annual “LOS ANGELES IRISH FAIR” at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds – Fairplex – in Pomona; www.fairplex.com. Many bands perform on multiple stages. KEN O'MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS perform both days. (Note that the event is a different weekend this year.)
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Sat, Mar 12, 2011:
“Irish Center’s Annual St Patrick's Celebration” at the Hilton Hotel in Glendale. More info to come, or check www.irishcenter.org.
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Sat, Mar 12, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Marshall Crenshaw plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.marshallcrenshaw.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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Sat, Mar 19, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
11 am & 2 pm DAN ZANES & FRIENDS make their annual return for two shows at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
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Don’t dismiss this as a kids’ show. He has a CD that won a Grammy and got airplay on radio’s “Tied to the Trtacks.”
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UCLA Live series favorite Dan Zanes and his band perform exuberant, handmade music for enthusiastic crowds of kids and kids at heart. Filled with irresistible grooves drawn from a wealth of musical traditions, Zanes, his Brooklyn-based band and his surprising and eccentric special guests, create a rollicking Woodstock for kids, including American traditional songs, dance classics, and smart, inventive originals. The audience is invited to sing along with gusto before things heat up and ultimately evolve into an all-ages dance party. Tix, $18-28 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Sun, Mar 20, 2011:
3:30 pm SCHUMANN TRIO plays the “SUNDAYS WITH COLEMAN” 107th season (2010-2011), presented by the Coleman Chamber Music Association in Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; series info 626-793-4191; www.colemanchambermusic.org. Season subscription (6 concerts) $108-$234; single-event tix $24-45.
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Sat, Mar 23, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm SLIGO RAGS plays the Grace First Presbyterian Church concert series, at 3955 Studebaker Rd, Long Beach; 562-420-3393.
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Sat, Mar 26:
2:30-4 pm “TOLKIEN DAY” celebrates with live music, readings and more, in the Cay Mortenson Auditorium at Arcadia Public Library, 20 W Duarte Rd, Arcadia 91006; www.library.ci.arcadia.ca.us; 626-821-5567. Info on this program, 626-821-5566. The L.A.-based “Tolkein Society” presents this afternoon of dramatic readings, musical interludes and costumed characters from “The Hobbit,” “The Lord of the Rings,” and other works by J.R.R. Tolkien. All ages, free.
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April:
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Sat, Apr 2, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2 pm BILL FRISELL TRIO: “SELECTED WORKS OF BUSTER KEATON” plays the first of two different shows today at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
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The matinee is family-friendly, and the show tonight takes a different focus. Incomparable guitarist BILL FRISELL, along with his bandmates TONY SCHERR and KENNY WOLLESEN, create a live score to the Buster Keaton classics “Go West,” “The High Sign,” and “One Week.” Rediscover the timeless charm of Keaton’s magic, as re-imagined with live music, in an afternoon of film and music the whole family can enjoy. The trio plays another show here tonight at 8 pm, with an adult focus; it, too is a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick. See listing. Tix, $18-28 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Sat, Apr 2, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
3 & 8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings Grammy winners GEORGE, MOSES & KEOKI KAHUMOKU at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; 562-907-4203; www.shannoncenter.org.
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The three Kahumokus bring a triple dose of great guitar. They’ve won Grammys among the three of them, run a renowned music camp for slack key guitar and ukulele, plus recorded for GEORGE WINSTON’s respected Dancing Cat label. George & Keoki have played the series before, but getting Moses here to perform on one of his rare trips to the Mainland is extra special.
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The annual series brings seven shows for its 2010-2011 season. Tix, including new “facilities surcharges,” $48.
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Sat, Apr 2, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BILL FRISELL TRIO: “SELECTED WORKS OF BUSTER KEATON, JIM WOODRING AND BILL MORRISON” is the second of Frisell’s two different shows today at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
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The show tonight takes a different focus, unlike today’s family-friendly matinee. Geniuses collide as iconic guitarist BILL FRISELL and his bandmates TONY SCHERR and KENNY WOLLESEN play original compositions to a truly fantastic collection of visuals that includes classic slapstick comedy from a trio of Buster Keaton classics, the bold illustrations of Seattle animator JIM WOODRING and selections from avant-garde filmmaker BILL MORRISON’s “The Mesmerist.” Frisell’s trio sets this eclectic footage to music with a thrilling live score. The trio plays a matinee here at 11 am today, with a different focus and cheaper tix, intended for families; it, too is a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick. See listing. Tix, $28-43 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Sat, Apr 2, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Ronny Cox and Jack Williams play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.ronnycox.com & www.jackwilliamsmusic.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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Sat, Apr 2, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings Grammy winners GEORGE, MOSES & KEOKI KAHUMOKU at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; www.shannoncenter.org; 562-907-4203. Shows at 3 & 8 pm. See 3 pm listing for details.
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Fri-Sun, Apr 8-10, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“ARLO GUTHRIE - A WEEKEND OF GUTHRIE IN REDLANDS” is a festival, venue tba. Info, www.BodieHouse.com.
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Fri, Apr 8, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm ARLO GUTHRIE & FRIENDS at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
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Son of the illustrious WOODY GUTHRIE and current patriarch of folk music’s most notable family, Arlo Guthrie returns to UCLA Live for an evening of American music tinged with humor, warmth and his endearing and often meandering storytelling style. Guthrie shares timeless tales and unforgettable classic songs as he carries on the Guthrie family legacy. With his singular voice as both a singer-songwriter and social commentator, he has maintained a dedicated fan base that spans the globe. His artistic ventures leave lasting impressions of hope and inspiration, and his inimitable musical ingenuity leaps to new creative heights as he perseveres through the times. Tix, $33-58 ($15 for UCLA students) (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
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Sun, Apr 10, 2011:
3:30 pm REBEL plays the “SUNDAYS WITH COLEMAN” 107th season (2010-2011), presented by the Coleman Chamber Music Association in Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; series info 626-793-4191; www.colemanchambermusic.org. Season subscription (6 concerts) $108-$234; single-event tix $24-45.
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Apr 14, 2011:
CANCELLED: Poet SEAMUS HEANEY’S spoken word engagement at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101. Event cancelled due to Visa issues. Full refunds or exchanges are available at the point of purchase to patrons who purchased tickets to this event during UCLA Live’s subscription-sales window.
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Apr 15, 2011, in Washington State:
7:30-10 pm RED HORSE - ELIZA GILKYSON, JOHN GORKA & LUCY KAPLANSKY – play the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St, SE, Olympia WA; 360-753-8586; www.washingtoncenter.org. More at www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Horse/100743976643456. Check out the #1 folk album of October 2010, “Red Horse,” at www.redhouserecords.com
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Apr 16, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN FLYNN & JOHN WORT HANNAM play the “Bodie House Music Series at the Thousand Oaks Library,” at Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks 91362; 818-621-8309; info, www.BodieHouse.com. Canadian singer-songwriter JOHN WORT HANNAM took L.A. by storm when he toured a number of local venue in October, 2009. At home in the Great White North, he’s won just about every acoustic music award there is.
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Wed, Apr 20, 2011:
7 pm “CLASSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE CONCERT SERIES” concludes its 6th season tonight with special guests RAYNOR CARROLL & AFRICAN AMERICAN DRUMMING and other performing musicians (tba) in the Cay Mortenson Auditorium at Arcadia Public Library, 20 W Duarte Rd, Arcadia 91006; www.library.ci.arcadia.ca.us; 626-821-5567. Info on this program and the series, 626-821-5569.
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This is a free series, no reservations, but seating is limited to the first 150 people in line to enter. Doors at 6:30 pm.
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Sat, Apr 23, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2 pm CHRISTOPH BULL performs a stirring BACH ORGAN RECITAL for UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
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Bull is a UCLA Live favorite. This is a delightful afternoon of classical music on Royce Hall’s glorious Skinner organ from acclaimed organist Christoph Bull, known for his energizing and often eclectic musical interpretation of organ repertoire. Bull will perform a thrilling and ethereal program of Bach on the UCLA campus treasure, which is known as one of the country’s great musical devices of its kind. Tix, $23/28/33 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Sat, Apr 23, 2011:
8 pm BILLY COLLINS and KAY RYAN, two former U.S. Poet Laureates in a spoken word event, at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
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The two Poet Laureates share the stage for an evening of readings from their acclaimed work and Q&A with the audience.
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BILLY COLLINS, winner of the 2004 inaugural Mark Twain Prize for Humor in Poetry, served as America’s Poet Laureate from 2001-2003. Beloved for his ironic style, Collins is one of the top-selling modern poets and author of nine collections including “Questions about Angels”,” The Art of Drowning,” and “The Trouble With Poetry and Other Poems.”
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KAY RYAN, California native and UCLA alumna, was U.S. Poet Laureate from 2008-2010 and is revered for her complex and rueful style. Her work includes “The Jam Jar Lifeboat & Other Novelties Exposed,” a delightful collection inspired by stories from “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!,” as well as “Flamingo Watching”, a finalist for both the Lamont Poetry Selection and the Lenore Marshall Prize. In 2004, Ryan was awarded The Ruth Lilly Prize—the Poetry Foundation’s highest honor.
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In conjunction with this event and April’s National Poetry Month, UCLA Live will launch a poetry-writing contest for the Los Angeles community, with winning submissions to be read onstage in Royce Hall. More details will be available closer to the event. Tix, $28-53.
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May:
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Sat, May 7, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Claudia Russell & the Folk Unlimited Orchestra play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.claudiarussell.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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Thu, May 12, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND and THE DEL MCCOURY BAND in a stellar double-bill at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
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Two pillars of American music from two distinct lineages come together for an unforgettable evening to celebrate the glory of tradition and the power of newfound collaboration. Starting as a sideman for the legendary “father of bluegrass” Bill Monroe nearly 50 years ago, McCoury has broadened the audience for the genre. During that same period, the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band has defined the tradition of New Orleans jazz. Now, they have converged to record and perform an unforgettable mix of bluegrass and traditional jazz. Each band will play individual sets, followed by a soul-stirring joint finale. Tix, $38-63 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Sat, May 21, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
3 & 8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings THE BROTHERS CAZIMERO at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; 562-907-4203; www.shannoncenter.org.
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ROBERT & ROLAND, being brothers, naturally perform as THE BROTHERS CAZIMERO. The venue tells us, “No group has made more of a contribution to Hawaiian music then they have, and the season wouldn’t be complete without them. Every season they put on a different show and they never cease to amaze.”
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This closes the annual series of seven shows for the 2010-2011 season; contact them regarding discounts for buying tix to next season’s entire series. Tix, for today, including new “facilities surcharges,” $48.
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May 22, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL” returns after a year of hiatus, with ELLIS PAUL, ELIZA GILKYSON, JIMMY LaFAVE, SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION. This year, it’s a one-day event at the Broad Stage Theatre at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica; 310-434-3200; www.thebroadstage.com; www.events.smc.edu. Even before we knew the lineup, we were comfortable recommending it as a “Show-of-the-Week” pick, given the talent that Renee Bodie booked the first year, and the fact that this is a MUCH more manageable venue where costs can be contained and ticket prices should be kept to reasonable limits. The festival is a benefit for the nonprofit California Acoustic Music Project.
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More info:
LA Acoustic Music Festival, www.laacousticmusicfestival.com
California Acoustic Music Project, www.californiaacousticmusicproject.org
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June:
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Jun 5-10, 2011, in New Orleans:
Annual “NEW ORLEANS TRAD JAZZ CAMP” for all enthusiasts of traditional and New Orleans-style jazz. The first discount price-break deadline for registration is Oct 31, 2010.
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Jun 12-16, 2011:
22nd annual “NORTH AMERICAN JAMES JOYCE CONFERENCE” at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, and at Caltech in Pasadena. This event takes place in a different locale each year, and this year, Southern Cal fans of James Joyce have it right here at home. Info, www.joyceconference2011.com.
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Sat, Jun 18, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Caroline Aiken plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.carolineaiken.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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July:
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Sat, Jul 23, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Laurence Juber plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.laurencejuber.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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August:
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Sat, Aug 13, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “Trippin' the ’60s” with Barry McGuire and John York at Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.trippinthesixties.com & www.barrymcguire.com & www.johnyorkmusic.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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September:
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Sat, Sep 17, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Blame Sally plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.blamesally.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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October:
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Sat, Oct 29, 2011:
8 pm Jeni & Billy and Nathan McEuen play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.jeniandbilly.com & www.nathanmceuen.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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November:
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Sat, Nov 19, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Jaime Michaels and Severin Browne play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.jaimemichaels.com & www.severinbrowne.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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December:
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Sat, Dec 3, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm The Koles and John Batdorf play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.arlenekolemusic.com & www.johnbatdorfmusic.com) All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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(7) MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc…
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Our frequently updated VENUE DIRECTORY is available at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/04/venue-directory-from-tied-to-tracks_16.html
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HELP KEEP THE GUIDE GOING! Send us $25 and get great goodies in return! Find out WHAT you can get, and more, at
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/support-guide-and-get-some-great-dvds.html )
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Updated editions bring more (always more -- as we have time to organize all of it).
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We do all we can to bring you news and notices of all the many, many, acoustic music events in and around Los Angeles.
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Plus, we tell you about RADIO SHOWS with acoustic music, focusing on those with live acoustic performances. (They’re available mostly on the web, of course, since we are in acoustic-music-radio-deprived Los Angeles.)
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And, we bring news and reviews of the many acoustic music FESTIVALS near and far, hither and yon, here, there and everywhere! With you help, we’ll keep doing it!
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In FOLKWORKS: you can check out Larry Wines’ most recent “SOMEWHERE OUT THERE” column in every issue, available free online at www.folkworks.org
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RADIO NEWS: the return from hiatus of the syndicated TIED TO THE TRACKS radio show is delayed, due to the producer / host’s ongoing recovery from eye surgeries. (At least he has time to listen to all those submitted CDs that arrive daily!) We’ll keep you posted.
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NEED TO KNOW MORE about the GUIDE and its companion, THE ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC NEWS,
or
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR GIG FOR INCLUSION?
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Our “stuff ya wanna know “ (FAQs) page is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/10/guide-faqs-and-more.html
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
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The editor continues to readapt to the computer following his eye surgeries, and is once again able to read - even if he sees everything like it’s in a funhouse mirror…
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PLEASE HELP!
Submit your gigs in our format! Otherwise, it takes many, many, MANY hours just to convert what you send into listings we can use, and we may not be able to unscrew the inscrutable in time to include your gig. Look at ANY write-up in the Guide, and follow the format you see there!
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WANT TO HELP KEEP THE GUIDE GOING? Send us $25 and get great goodies in return! Find out WHAT you can get, and more, at
+
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/support-guide-and-get-some-great-dvds.html )
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================================================================
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THE LATEST EDITION OF THE GUIDE, the News, current events, “heads up” notices to buy tix for upcoming events, and more – is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at ~
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www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com or by links from the News-only edition at www.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks
or by following any of many links on the web to get to one of those sites.
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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2010, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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