SEARCH the Guide, by date, band, artist, event, festival, etc. (in addition to the sidebar)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Spotlight Events: Acoustic Americana Music Guide - Feb 22 update

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The reinvention of The Acoustic Americana Music Guide is at hand… fast access, new approach, new content, new format… drum roll, maestro…


||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||

SPOTLIGHT EVENTS

from THE ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE

February 22, 2011 edition

||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||


Welcome to the inaugural week of the Guide’s new “SPOTLIGHT EVENTS” section. Together with its new companion, “The Scene,” we’re making it easier AND FASTER than ever to get a complete overview of where to find acoustic music performances whenever you want!

“SPOTLIGHT EVENTS” is where you’ll find the Guide’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks, “EVENTS-OF-THE-WEEK FOR ARTISTS” and whatever deserves a spotlight. You’ll find a select preview of festivals and music conferences (happening everywhere) and the hottest shows in Southern California. This consolidates and includes our previous “TIX ALERTS,” advance notice to get tickets while you still can. Here, we cover things happening in the months to come – starting with what’s happening RIGHT NOW, today, tonight, this weekend.

Everything is NOT in “SPOTLIGHT EVENTS”– only what’s spotlighted, so it’s a quick read.

USE THIS WITH ITS NEW COMPANION – “THE SCENE” – to get the complete picture of what’s happening in YOUR MUSICAL NEIGHBORHOOD. “The Scene” is organized by town and micro-region, so it’s easy to find music nearby – and in a hurry! Plus, THE SCENE has a link each day for broadcast and internet RADIO SHOWS and TV with acoustic music.

“THE SCENE” – the complete editions for each of the next few days – are at

Tuesday, Feb 22:

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/scene-from-guide-for-events-on-feb-22.html


Wednesday, February 23:

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/guide-scene-events-on-wednesday-feb-23.html


NEVER FEAR, THE GUIDE’S THIRD SECTION – our “NEWS FEATURES” – are still with us, fresh every week. The Guide’s “NEWS FEATURES” – the complete current edition – can be found at

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/reinvented-acoustic-americana-music.html


||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||

This edition of

SPOTLIGHT EVENTS, MONTH-BY-MONTH

lets you know about the best of what’s still coming up in FEBRUARY – and WAAAY beyond – to help you make informed plans, and to get tickets before they sell-out.
.
(Published February 22 – check back frequently for more.)

||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||

First, our little commercial…
BUY AN AD, HELP KEEP THE GUIDE GOING!

Sending us $25 gets you an ad in the Guide (prepared, run in the Guide, and sent to you for other uses) for your event or CD release or gig, AND you become a Guide Annual Subscriber (making you eligible for ticket giveaways and more!)

Please become an annual supporter by sending us $25. That helps sooooo very much! Bringing you all this information is a time-devouring production, on par with gathering and reporting the news for any full-size 40-page WEEKLY newspaper!

Seriously: Throughout 2010, the Guide often ran 100 pages – or more – of 8 ½ x 11 size pages, EVERY WEEK… Yes, there IS that much acoustic music happening out there! And it’s why we’re changing to the new format.

WRITE US at tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com … and THANK YOU for your support!

||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||<§>||


SPOTLIGHT EVENTS, MONTH-BY-MONTH, all the way to December!

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

THE REMAINDER OF FEBRUARY is LOADED with SPOTLIGHT EVENTS! ...


Tue, Feb 22, in Ojai; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick ♣♣♣♣:
7 pm SOLAS brings their “mind-blowing Irish folk music” to the Ojai Music Series at the Ojai Woman’s Club, 441 Ojai Av, Ojai; info (& tix through PayPal) at www.ojaiconcertseries.com or call 805-665-8852.

Solas has been loudly proclaimed as the most popular, influential, and one of the most exciting Celtic band in the world. They can play undiluted traditional Irish music, and they are always varying the mix of fire tested tradition and contemporary sensibility with an ease and naturalness that is as astonishing as their overwhelming musicianship. An internationally acclaimed supergroup, they’ve not only captured the hearts and ears of Irish music fans, but fans all around the globe with their blend of Celtic traditional, folk and country melodies.

The Solas sound today is anchored by founders Seamus Egan, who plays flute, banjo, mandolin, whistle, guitar and bodhran, and fiddler Winifred Horan. Mick McAuley from Kilkenny plays accordion and concertina; Eamon McElholm from Tyrone plays guitar and keyboards and Máiréad Phelan on vocals.

The Irish Echo calls them, “most exciting band anywhere in the world.” The Philadelphia Inquirer adds, “mind-blowing Irish folk music, maybe the world’s best,” while the Washington Post acclaims them for the “world’s finest Celtic-folk ensembles.”

Check out their live performance at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO8dSRL_m2w and www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD_3CnaeCoM&feature=related

For out-of-town concert goers who want to stay the night in Ojai, Casa Ojai (www.ojaiinn.com) is offering a 15% discount off their winter rates. In addition, concert producers will give hotel guests 20% off on tickets for the show.

Tix, $25 advance, $28 at the door (if any remain).

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Tue, Feb 22, a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION play Hotel Café in Hollywood, for a “Last Call with Carson Daly” taping at the venue.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Tue, Feb 22; a SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN McEUEN with MATT CARTSONIS & CRAIG EASTMAN 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”). $20.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Wed, Feb 23, 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

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Wed, Feb 23; free film screening:
7:30 pm “LOCKED OUT” - free screening of the documentary film at the historic Warner Grand Theater, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; 310-833-4813; www.grandvision.org. ILWU Local 13 and the Harry Bridges Institute present a screening of filmmaker JOAN SEKLER'S riveting documentary. It chronicles a true-life "David and Goliath" struggle by 560 unionized miners in Boron, CA against the corporate greed of multinational mining giant Rio Tinto. The latter bought the legendary US company US Borax of “Twenty Mule Team” fame and took over the giant open pit mine and mill complex in the Mojave Desert town of Boron. FREE.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

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.

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.”

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).

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Wed, Feb 23, a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
10 pm RICH McCULLEY and CARL BYRON “acoustic and accordion” at Taix Lounge, 1911 W Sunset Bl, Echo Park. Catch ’em tonight, and catch Rich’s song on “Grey's Anatomy” tomorrow Thursday at 9 pm on ABC-TV. The song "Forget it All Again" is from Rich’s album "Cerro Gordo.” You can get that CD at CD Baby, www.cdbaby.com/cd/richmcculley4 or on Itunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cerro-gordo/id263848555. Or get the single, from CD Baby at www.cdbaby.com/cd/RichMcCulley1 or Itunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/starting-all-over-again/id353759430. Catch his videos at http://richmcculley.com/videos or just go to his website, http://www.richmcculley.com

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Feb 24:
8 pm MALCOM HOLCOMBE plus opener JOHN GORAJ 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”). Tickets $18.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Thu, Feb 24, a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION with THE FAMILY TREES at SOHO in Santa Barbara.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Thu, Feb 24, on TV:
9 pm “GREY'S ANATOMY” on ABC-TV features an original song by RICH McCULLEY. (He played last night with CARL BYRON “acoustic and accordion” at Taix Lounge in Echo Park.) The song "Forget it All Again" is from Rich’s album "Cerro Gordo.” You can get that CD at CD Baby, www.cdbaby.com/cd/richmcculley4 or on Itunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cerro-gordo/id263848555. Or get the single, from CD Baby at www.cdbaby.com/cd/RichMcCulley1 or Itunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/starting-all-over-again/id353759430. Catch his videos at http://richmcculley.com/videos or just go to his website, http://www.richmcculley.com

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Thu-Sun, Feb 24-27; Festival; an out-of-town “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick, in Bellevue, WA:
Annual “WINTERGRASS” festival, loaded with bluegrass star performances and workshops. If you go, note that one workshop, on Thursday, is the “Harmony Singing Intensive” with NorCal Americana / bluegrassers Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Fri, Feb 25 a ‘”SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CLIFF EBERHARDT 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”). Tix, $15.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Fri, Feb 25; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
SOLD OUT: 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.

(Plus, see Feb 26, 8 pm listing for Country Joe’s “Woody Guthrie Tribute” at the Caltech Folk Music Society series for more info.)

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Feb 26:
2 pm matinee with ANDY HACKBARTH, plus all-female a capella group THE TRIO TEMPS opening, 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”). Tix, $15.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Feb 26:
6-10 pm “Ranch-n-Roll Presents ‘The Cowgirl Way’ Artists Reception” at Ranch-n-Roll, 5106 Fountain Av, L.A. Four talented artists at this opening, with paintings by Patricia Freeman Martin, photography by Christy Burleson, shadowboxes and primitive furniture by Jeanette Candum, and a book signing by Holly George Warren, author of "The Cowgirl Way." Sponsors say, “There will be a taco truck and valet parking across the street from the shop. Ranch-n-Roll was named one of the “Best 35 New Stores in Los Angeles” by Los Angeles Magazine in September 2010. Sponsors add that, “Libby Knudson [the shop’s proprietor] is doing her part to help the economy by selling handmade goods by American artists and craftspeople. Remember you vote with every dollar you spend.” Products available include furniture, clothing, purses, totes, jewelry, art, and hand made goods that reflect the "ranch-n-roll" lifestyle. For info, see www.latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/design and there’s more at www.ranch-n-roll.com.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Feb 26:
7 pm THE GENERATIONS TRIO plus THE LINDY SISTERS 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”). Tix, $20.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Feb 26, a ‘”SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm PETER CASE (PLIMSOULS) plus ERNEST TROOST at the Folk Music Center & Museum, 220 Yale Av, Claremont 91711; tix, 909-624-2928; www.folkmusiccenter.com. Doors at 7 for the best seats. PETER CASE info, www.yeproc.com/artist_info.php?artistId=11317; ERNEST TROOST, winner of “KERRVILLE NEW FOLK CONTEST,” www.ernesttroost.com. Tix, $15.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Feb 26, 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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

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.

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.

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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Feb 27, on broadcast & internet radio:
“MOUNTAIN STAGE” roots-Americana radio show from Charleston, WV, with LUCINDA WILLIAMS, RED HORSE (JOHN GORKA, LUCY KAPLANSKY, ELIZA GILKYSON), SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION, THE LOW ANTHEM, and IVAN & ALYOSHA, Broadcast nationwide, but available in L.A. only on a web simulcast from some other city’s radio broadcast (ANY other city, anywhere).

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Feb 27:
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.)

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Feb 27; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2–7 pm DAVE STAMEY, top-award-winning western singer-songwriter, plus young Cowboy Poet JD SEIBERT, at the Slater-Luntsford House Concert series in Lancaster. Directions at http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=102405462660290990797.00000111ceceac6e82914&ll=34.664036,-118.16716&spn=0.007292,0.0276&source=embed

Music at 2 pm, light refreshments provided, but feel free to “BYO” (bring our own) too. Weather permitting, concerts are held in the outdoor pavilion, but hosts say, “if Mother Nature is in one of her moods, we convene in the Great Hall instead” (aka the large living room). House Concerts here are FREE, but they ask that you “please reserve your seat by donating $20 for the artists’ expenses.” (That’s a real bargain, to see Dave Stamey up-close. – ed)

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Feb 27:
2 pm JOHN BERGSTROM and JOE HERRINGTON do a western music and cowboy poetry / storytelling show 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”). Tix $15.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Feb 27, 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

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Feb 27:
7 pm JANET KLEIN & THE PARLOR BOYS 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”). Tix $20.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Mon, Feb 28; an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK” FOR ARTISTS:
8 pm “AN EVENING WITH ROGER HODGSON,” the legendary composer and voice of SUPERTRAMP, at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage, 800 W Olympic Bl, L.A. 90015; 213-765-6800; www.grammymuseum.org.

Remember when rock and roll had lyrics as good as any folk song, and great arrangements and superb instrumentation? One of the best example ever is SUPERTRAMP’s “Breakfast in America” album.

ROGER HODGSON is universally acclaimed as one of the most gifted composers and lyricists of our time, and he helped define a generation of progressive rock. Join us in welcoming Roger Hodgson, co-founder and lead vocalist of Supertramp, to the GRAMMY Museum. Hear Hodgson in a reflective discussion about his passion for music and what keeps him inspired. Following the interview, Hodgson will perform a collection of some of his most loved classic songs. Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats. Advance tickets at the Museum Box Office or Ticketmaster.com. All proceeds benefit The GRAMMY Museum. Tix, $25.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Mon, Feb 28; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8:15 pm “AN EVENING WITH MAC DAVIS” presented by the Society of Singers at Cafe Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks 91423 (3 blocks W of Woodman, N side of st);
www.cafecordiale.com; 818-789-1985. Doors open at 6:15 pm for dinner (the only way to get a seat and be sure you’ll be in the room). Show at 8:15 pm. For reservations, call 818-995-7100 ext 102 or buy tickets online at www.singers.org or email sos@singers.org. Check the venue’s full music schedule at www.cafecordiale.com/music.html

<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

MARCH: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS

♣♣♣♣ ST. PATRICK’S DAY arrives March 17, but traditional Irish music is prominently and joyously present all month! ♣♣♣♣

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Wed, Mar 2:
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.

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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Wed, Mar 2:
8 pm STEVE GILLETTE & CINDY MANGSEN 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”). Tix $20

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Thu, Mar 3:
8 pm TERESA TUDURY plus ANNIE & AMY 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”). Tix $18.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Fri, Mar 4; 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

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Fri, Mar 4:
8 pm MICHAEL McGINNIS & FRIENDS 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”). Tix $15.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Mar 5:
7 pm CHRIS BURGAN & FRIENDS 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”). Tix $ 15.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Mar 6; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS (“A Prairie Home Companion”) 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”). Tix $25.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Tue, Mar 8; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm ALEX DEPUE & MIGUEL DE HOYOS 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”). Tix $20.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Thu, Mar 10:
8 pm MONTANA SKIES 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”). Tix $15.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Fri, Mar 11:
8 pm BORDER RADIO 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”). Tix $18.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat & Sun, Mar 12 & 13; FESTIVAL; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick ♣♣♣♣:
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.)

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Mar 12 ♣♣♣♣:
“IRISH CENTER’S ANNUAL ST PATRICK'S CELEBRATION” at the Hilton Hotel in Glendale. More info to come, or check www.irishcenter.org.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Mar 12; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm SALTY SUITES, the band of SCOTT GATES, CHUCK HAILES, & CHELSEA WILLIAMS, plus THE WIMBERLEY BLUEGRASS BAND, 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”). Tix $15.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Mar 12; 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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Mar 13; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2-5 pm “SONGWRITER SANCTUM” this month brings SEVERIN BROWNE, DAVID STONE, KRIS GARRETT, & JOE HAMILTON at the Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St, Santa Monica 90405; 310-399-1631; www.churchop.org. Dana Charnofsky’s series welcomes all ages, includes potluck snacks and beverages, and is free, though donations are appreciated and enable the artists to receive some compensation.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Mar 13:
7 pm DOWN 4 THE COUNT 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”). Tix $16.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Mon, Mar 14:
8 pm OFF THE RECORD 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”). Tix $15.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Tue, Mar 15; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm WILL RYAN and the CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS 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”). Tix $18.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Wed, Mar 16:
8 pm SIXTH WAVE 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”). Tix $15.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Thu, Mar 17; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “THE BYRDS & BEYOND,” with JOHN YORK with BILLY DARNELL now featuring CHAD WATSON on bass, 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”). Tix $20.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Fri, Mar 18:
8 pm TAYLOR MADE, “The James Taylor Tribute Band,” 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”). Tix $15.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Mar 19; 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.

Don’t dismiss this as a kids’ show. He has a CD that won a Grammy for “Best Children’s Music Album” and got airplay on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”

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).

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Mar 19:
2 pm matinee: SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY 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”). Tix $15.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Mar 19, in Thousand Oaks; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm VICKI PETERSON (from THE BANGLES) plays solo acoustic, plus DAVID ZINK (from the EDITED trio) opening and DAVE MORRISON hosting, at the “FOUR FRIENDS ACOUSTIC MUSIC SERIES” at Four Friends Gallery, 1408 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91362; 805-497-4022; www.fourfriendsgallery.com. This is the new series second show, and their launch on January 29 was well-produced, well attended, and very well-received. This is a fine new venue for music. Admission includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and there’s a no-host bar. Info, marilynbabcock@mac.com. Tix, $20.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Mar 19; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm INCENDIO 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”). Tix $20.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Mar 19; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm EVE SELIS BAND brings “THE MUSIC OF CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG” to the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. Americana blues rocker Eve Selis and her blazing band of ruffians deliver their own originals and a fabulous selection of CSNY classics. Eve Selis, says the promo, “isn’t just a singer — she’s an emotional powerhouse of R&B, blues, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll.” Karla Peterson of the San Diego Union Tribune says, “Selis delivers … with equal parts sanctification and sweat. Her bottomless lung power is matched by an emotional gusto that could blast your happy-hour oysters out of their shells.”

The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.

Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Mar 19:
8 pm GO HOME featuring BEN GOLDBERG, CHARLIE HUNTER, ELLERY ESKELIN, & SCOTT AMENDOLA at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Mar 20:
The “LARRY BROWN / JOHN SCHLOCKER MEMORIAL CONCERT” with a line-up yet to be finalized, at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Probably a 7 pm show, but check with venue.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Mar 20:
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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Mar 23; 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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

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.

<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

APRIL: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS

Sat, Apr 2; 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.

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).

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Apr 2; 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.

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.
~
The annual series brings seven shows for its 2010-2011 season. Tix, including new “facilities surcharges,” $48.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Apr 2; 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.

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).

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Apr 2; 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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Apr 2; 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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Fri-Sun, Apr 8-10; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“ARLO GUTHRIE - A WEEKEND OF GUTHRIE IN REDLANDS” is a festival, venue tba. Info, www.BodieHouse.com.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Fri, Apr 8; 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.

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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Apr 10:
2-5 pm “SONGWRITER SANCTUM” this month brings MARC PLATT, ANDREW KELSEY, TIM TURNER, & BRETT MIKELS at the Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St, Santa Monica 90405; 310-399-1631; www.churchop.org. This edition is billed as “from retro to cutting edge, pop-influenced music.” Dana Charnofsky’s series welcomes all ages, includes potluck snacks and beverages, and is free, though donations are appreciated and enable the artists to receive some compensation. More info, purpleDCconcerts@yahoo.com

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, Apr 10:
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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Apr 14:
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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Apr 15, 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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Apr 16; 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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Wed, Apr 20:
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.

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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Apr 23; 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.

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).

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
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.

The two Poet Laureates share the stage for an evening of readings from their acclaimed work and Q&A with the audience.

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.”

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.

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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Apr 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BORDER RADIO at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. A lineup of Souther Cal all-star musicians bring a refreshing spin on traditional bluegrass. Border Radio’s original “gypsygrass” style is a fusion of bluegrass, classic country and old country sounds. – like that once heard in the days of 100,000 Watt radio from just over the Mexican radio. Deeply rooted in tradition, this is what “country” music is supposed to sound like. "Call it rural Tin Pan Alley, prairie jazz, hand-me-down country, city folk -- Border Radio is an original stew of American music that blasts across all these borders” - Kerrville New Folk Competition.

The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.

Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.

<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

MAY: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS

Sat, May 7; 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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, May 7; world music (and now for something completely different…):
8 pm EAST L.A. TAIKO with LYSA FLORES combines innovative reinvention of traditional Japanese percussion with the venue’s ongoing “Ritmos Latinos” series, at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. EAST L.A. TAIKO, aka ELAT, led by master drummer MACEO HERNANDEZ, marries Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythms with driving Taiko beats – a fiery eclectic blend of world rhythm that travels the globe and takes you right into the heart of Los Angeles. ELAT performs at the Annex with LYSA FLORES, named in Newsweek magazine as one of “20 young Latinos to watch in the new millennium.” A first generation Mexican-American, Flores has been a pioneer in the “EastLos” alternative music scene since her teens, making music that now defines an urban L.A. style.

The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.

Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Thu, May 12; 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.

Two pillars of American music from two distinct lineages come together for a wonderfully unlikely evening “to celebrate the glory of tradition and the power of newfound collaboration.” Starting as a sideman the legendary “father of bluegrass” BILL MONROE nearly 50 years ago, DEL 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 perform – and record(!) – 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).

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Fri, May 13; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm MOLLY’S REVENGE brings splendid Irish music to the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. Known for its unique and infectious on-stage enthusiasm, dynamic acoustic Celtic band Molly's Revenge is a classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, and song. Their arrangements of traditional jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more. They’re festival favorites.

The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.

Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sun, May 15; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
9 am-6 pm: 51st annual “TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL” at Paramount Ranch near Agoura Hills, in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area.

“Southern California’s favorite Bluegrass, Old-Time & Folk Music Event” and the best one-day festival anywhere returns with contests for all kinds of acoustic instrument players – drawing contestants from several western states – plus professional musicians performing scheduled sets on three stages, and a whole lotta jamming goin’ on beneath the oak trees and on the porches of the old west movie set town.

Since 1961, this event has been an always-anticipated old-time, bluegrass, folk song, folk dancing and crafts festival.

Entertainment on three stages, plus The Dance Barn and Children's area, all set within the western movie sets and mountain locations. Bring your instruments and "sit in" with jamming musicians, or pre-register for any of the prestigious contests.

Some highlights, including acts already booked (with latest changes included):

The Main Stage: Over 100 instrumental and singing contestants, plus performances by
DUSTBOWL CAVALIERS, HABERDASHERY ENSEMBLE, FRANK FAIRFIELD, SCOTT GATES & THE SALTY SUITES.


Dance Barn: Band Playoffs, Clogging, Square Dancing, Contra Dancing - with all live music by TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT and OLD SLEDGE.


Pavilion Stage: Beginner Instrument Playoffs, plus scheduled shows by OLD SLEDGE – roots & history of string band music; MIKE MAHANEY & FRIENDS – cowboy music & poetry show; FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER – songs of the open road.


Railroad Stage: Traditional Singing Playoffs, Intermediate Fiddle Playoffs, plus scheduled shows by EVIE LADEN – old-time banjo and songs; EVAN MARSHALL – “Mr. Solo Mandolin;” SUSIE GLAZE & HILONESOME – mountain music; ROSS ALTMAN – bringing a theme tba.


Eucalyptus Grove: “Family Fun” with “new, expanded programs in the grove,” including organized jams and sing-alongs, beginning at 11 am, with “Folk Songs with FUR & STEVE (aka FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER),” “Kids Crafts with ALAINA SMITH,” DAN, THE FIDDLE MAN, SOUTHWEST FIDDLERS, SCOTTISH FIDDLERS, OLD-TIME FIDDLE WORKSHOP, OLD-TIME BANJO WORKSHOP, CELTIC SLOW SESSION, HAWAIIAN SONGS – UKES & GUITARS. This stage includes the long-running Kids Program, ever-popular Arts & Crafts for young children, and youth-oriented traditional music.


ADVANCE TICKETS available online at a discount, and more info, at www.topangabanjofiddle.org.

Tix at the gate cost more on the day of the event. Online ticket prices are lower this year than last, with tix this year at $10 for ages 18-64 ($15 at gate), and $8 for ages 10-17 or over age 65 ($10 at gate). No charge for children under age 10. Free parking and free shuttle bus to gate.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, May 21; 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.

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.”

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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

May 22; 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.

More info:
LA Acoustic Music Festival, www.laacousticmusicfestival.com
California Acoustic Music Project, www.californiaacousticmusicproject.org

<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

JUNE: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS

Jun 5-10, 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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Jun 12-16:
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.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Fri, Jun 17; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLACK CROWN STRING BAND plus CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7 at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. The latest super-group to emerge from the SF Bay-Area bluegrass and old-timey scene, BLACK CROWN STRING BAND combines the best elements of old-time string band music and Bill Monroe's "high lonesome" sound to create a fusion that is at once old-school and brand new. When they played last year in Sierra Madre with Tom & Patrick Sauber, they brought delight to a full house. Tonight is musically hosted by CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7, San Pedro’s own nationally-recognized bluegrass-Americana band. Unless you’re in Telluride for the Bluegrass Festival, be here tonight.

The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.

Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Jun 18; 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.

<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

JULY: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS

Sat, Jul 23; 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.

<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

AUGUST: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS

Sat, Aug 13; 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.

<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

SEPTEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS

Sat & Sun, Sep 17 & 18, festival:
2011 “FALL EQUINOX FOLK MUSIC DANCE & STORYTELLING FESTIVAL,” presented by the California Traditional Music Society (CTMS) for this second year, is scheduled at the Rancho Cordillera del Norte in Northridge.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

Sat, Sep 17; 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.

<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

OCTOBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS

Sat, Oct 29:
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.

<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

NOVEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS

Sat, Nov 19; 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.

<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

DECEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS

Sat, Dec 3; 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.


||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||


MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc…

Our frequently updated VENUE DIRECTORY is available at

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/01/venue-directory-updated-january-28-2011.html


||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||

HELP KEEP THE GUIDE GOING! Send us $25, and you’ll get an ad in the Guide – for your event or CD release or gig – and you’ll become a Guide Annual Subscriber (you’ll be eligible for ticket giveaways and more!) Write us at tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com

||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||


UPDATED EDITIONS bring more (always more -- as we have time to organize all of it).

We do all we can to bring you news and notices of all the many, many, acoustic music events in and around Los Angeles.

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.)

And, we bring news and reviews of the many acoustic music FESTIVALS near and far, hither and yon, here, there and everywhere! With your help, we’ll keep doing it!


||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||

Questions? Comments? Contact us at tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com (remove all the spaces when you type it.)

||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||


THE LATEST EDITION of the Guide, the NEWS FEATURES, THE SCENE, and SPOTLIGHTED EVENTS, covering the world of current acoustic music happenings, including “heads up” notices to buy advance tix for shows likely to sell-out – and lots more – is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at

www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com or through 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.


<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Entire contents copyright © 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

No comments: