Spotlight Events: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, December 7, 2011 edition

     THIS EDITION IS NOW OBSOLETE, replaced by the December 10 edition...
     
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Check often, as we often add more to each edition after it is first published.
     
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Welcome to the Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS section, our roundup of concerts, club gigs, workshops, and acoustic music-related events.
    
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The Guide's NEWS FEATURES, December 8 edition, will be available in its own section at    
    
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com  
    
    
CHECK ON OR AFTER December 8, or read archived editions anytime.
    
...keep reading HERE for the comprehensive presentation of all the concerts, club gigs, workshops, and live acoustic music EVENTS!
    
    
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                        Acoustic Americana Music Guide's
    
                                        SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
    
                                                       December 7, 2011 edition       
    
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Wednesday, December 7
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     The previous night, there had been a band competition, and many Navy musicians had been told to sleep late. When this day dawned 70 years ago, America was at peace. Within a few hours, America was at war. Shortly after 7 am Hawaii time, the US Navy's Pacific Fleet, resting at anchor in Pearl Harbor, was attacked and almost completely destroyed by Imperial Japanese Naval Aviation bombers and torpedo bombers. Japan's diplomats had been attending a peace conference in Washington, D.C. and their nation's military action came as a sneak attack. It galvanized an isolationist America to punish the attackers. By December 11, 1941, America was at war not only with Imperial Japan, but with its Axis partners, Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Seven months later, the miracle of the Battle of Midway would stop Japan's expansion by sinking four of its aircraft carriers.
     
     When the war began for America, the US and Japan each had 11 aircraft carriers. When the war ended in 1945, Japan had 11 carriers, and the US had 330. Alas, the manufacturing capacity that made 1940s America a juggernaut is all but vanished today, in an America with a post-manufacturing, post-“services,” now “information-based” economy. It seems we don't actually make anything, but we can exchange information at unprecedented speed – and one wonders if it's all information about all the things we don't make anymore. Thus, there is good cause, for the implications of modern economics and the arrogance of complacency, as well as honoring the sacrifices of our forebears, to Remember Pearl Harbor.
     
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Wed, Dec 7, in Ventura Co:
6:30 pm twice-monthly “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” every first & third Wednesday at Brendan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, 1755 E Daily Dr, Camarillo 93010.
     
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Wed, Dec 7:
7 pm weekly OPEN MIC every Wednesday at The Talking Stick, 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091. Signups at 6:45 pm.
     
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Wed, Dec 7, in Simi Valley:
7:30 pm SONGMAKERS weekly “SIMI VALLEY HOOT” every Wednesday; info and location at www.songmakers.org.
     
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Wed, Dec 7:
8 pm KEB' MO' plays the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Dr, Cerritos 90703; 800-300-4345.
     
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Wed, Dec 7:
8 pm LAWRENCE LEBO brings her classic Americana-flavored early jazz-style vocals to this week's “GUITAROLOGY” at Bar Melody and Grill, 9132 S Sepulveda Bl, Los Angeles 90045; 310-670-1994. Series runs every Wednesday with different artists.
     
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Wed, Dec 7:
8 pm weekly “O'BRIEN'S IRISH MUSIC SESSION” every Wednesday at O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant, 2226 Wilshire Bl, Santa Monica 90403; 310-829-5303.
     
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Wed, Dec 7:
THE DEACON JONES BLUES REVIEW plays exciting electric blues at Seven Grand, 515 W 7 th St, downtown L.A.; www.sevengrand.la; 213-614-0737.  
     
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Wed, Dec 7:
9 pm weekly “ACOUSTIC CORDIALE” every Wednesday at Café Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks 91423; 818-789-1985.
     
     
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Thursday, December 8
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Thu, Dec 8:
Noon-9 pm “DOWNTOWN ART WALK” puts on its holiday edition this month, in its today-and-tonight-only celebration in the big area bounded (roughly) by Third, Seventh, Main, & Spring Streets, in downtown L.A. Yes, live Music is part of it all.
     
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Thu, Dec 8:
6 pm twice-monthly “VALLEY OLD TIME JAM” every second & fourth Thursday at Jerry's Pizzeria, 22035 Sherman Way, Canoga Park 91303; 818-346-3033.
     
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Thu, Dec 8:
6 pm weekly “THURSDAY NIGHT SOFA JAM” every Thursday at Westwood Music, 1627 Westwood Bl, Los Angeles 90024; 310-478-4251.
     
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Thu, Dec 8, in Ventura:
6:30 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “ROUND TABLE VENTURA SING CIRCLE” every second Thursday at Round Table Pizza, 4255 E Main St, Ventura 93003.
     
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Thu, Dec 8:
7 pm weekly “LORD OF THE STRINGS” series OPEN MIC, every Thursday at Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan St Dana Point 92629; info, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com; 949-842-2227.
     
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Thu, Dec 8, this week's mid-week “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm WILL RYAN & THE CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS with Grammy-winner IAN WHITCOMB and special guest JOHNNY CRAWFORD (from TV's “The Rifleman”) at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations (highly recommended), 626-798-6236.
     
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Thu, Dec 8:
8 pm ELIZABETH COOK plays The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, Los Angeles 90035; 323-954-9630. She's a big Americana star, but we find her inconsistent. If you caught the televised “Americana Music Awards” a couple weeks ago, you know why. That performance was droll and monotonic and rather dreadful. Still, she ascended the charts for a reason.
     
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Thu & Fri, Dec 8 & 9:
8 pm L.A. PHILHARMONIC presents “THE HOLLYWOOD SOUND” as THOMAS WIOLKENS conducts a cavalcade of motion picture scores at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Av, downtown L.A.; www.laphil.org; 323-850-2000. There is a third performance, in a 2 pm Sunday matinee.
     
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Thu, Dec 8:
9 pm DUSTBOWL REVIVAL plays Harvard & Stone, 5221 Hollywood Bl, Hollywood 90027; harvardandstone.com; 323-466-6063.
     
     
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Friday, December 9
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Fri, Dec 9:
6 pm TRACY NEWMAN plays Strings Music, 142 N Glendora Av, Glendora 91741; 626-914 4100. She's the only singer-songwriter we know who has an Emmy and a Peabody Award; she still needs a Grammy for the trifecta.
     
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Fri, Dec 9:
7:30 pm Fingerstyle Guitarist DOYLE DYKES plays the “LORD OF THE STRINGS” Concert Series at the Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan St, Dana Point 92629; 949-842-2227 or 949-244-6656. One of two OC venues used by this series; often, the same show plays on different nights at both venues.
     
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Fri, Dec 9:
8 pm TERESA TUDURY & THE VENTUCKY STRING BAND at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236.
     
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Fri, Dec 9:
8 pm THE BELLE BRIGADE at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. Tix, $16.
     
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Fri, Dec 9:
8 pm L.A. PHILHARMONIC presents “THE HOLLYWOOD SOUND” as THOMAS WIOLKENS conducts a cavalcade of motion picture scores at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Av, downtown L.A.; www.laphil.org; 323-850-2000. Runs Thu & Fri, Dec 8 & 9, at 8 pm; there is a third performance, in a 2 pm Sunday matinee.
     
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Fri, Dec 9, in Santa Barbara:
8 pm ELIZABETH COOK plays the Lobero Theatre, 33 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara 93101; 805-963-0761. She's a big Americana star, but we find her inconsistent. If you caught the televised “Americana Music Awards” a couple weeks ago, you know why. That performance was droll and monotonic and rather dreadful. Still, she ascended the charts for a reason.
     
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Fri, Dec 9:
8 pm monthly “OLD TIME JAM” every second Friday at Fretted Frog Acoustic Guitar Store, 1200 N Alvarado St, Los Angeles 90026; 213-353-0734.
     
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Fri, Dec 9:
SOLD OUT: 8:30 pm TRAMPLED BY TURTLES at The Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Bl, West Hollywood 90069; 310-276-6168.
     
     
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Saturday, December 10
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Sat, Dec 10:
11 am-7 pm annual “PERSHING SQUARE WINTER HOLIDAY FESTIVAL” with Santa, live music, actual snow imported from the mountains, ice skating, a fake train ride around the park for the kids, craft making, puppet shows and “youthy performances,” at Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive, downtown L.A.; www.laparks.org; 213-847-4970. The “Downtown on Ice” season runs Nov 17-Jan 16, with the skating rink open every day (including the holidays) and live lunchtime music on some days, Dec 19-Jan 6. Skating is $6, skate rentals $2. All else is free.
     
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Sat, Dec 10:
HUGE “SCHECTER SIDEWALK SALE” featuring Daisy Rock and Seymour Duncan gear at the Schecter Warehouse, 1840 Valpreda St., Burbank 91504. They promise major savings on factory seconds, samples, and one \-of-a-kinds. The Grill 'Em All food truck will be on hand and Monster Energy drinks will be available for heart palpitations. More at www.schecterguitars.com    
     
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Sat, Dec 10:
1 pm monthly “CELTIC & TRADITIONAL MUSIC JAM” every second Saturday in Green Valley Lake (well, not actually in the lake...) every second Saturday at Lake Inn Restaurant, 33241 Green Valley Lake Rd, Green Valley Lake 92341. Followed by the monthly “MOUNTAIN AREA ACOUSTIC JAM” at 2 pm. (See listing.)
     
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Sat, Dec 10:
2 pm Famous music photographer HENRY DILTZ does a book signing for his new book “Unpainted Faces” at Barnes & Noble at The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles.
    It's the Los Angeles launch of the legendary photographer's book from Morrison Hotel Publishing (if you're a Doors fan, you get that; Diltz took that famous album cover photo). Henry will present a slide show featuring iconic photographs from the book, and a Q&A and book signing will follow. More info at kiva@thepresshouse.com.     
     
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Sat, Dec 10:
2 pm monthly “MOUNTAIN AREA ACOUSTIC JAM” every second Saturday at Lake Inn Restaurant, 33241 Green Valley Lake Rd, Green Valley Lake 92341. Preceded by the monthly “CELTIC & TRADITIONAL MUSIC JAM” at 1 pm. (See listing.)
     
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Fri, Dec 9:
3-5 pm matinee HAL RATLIFF & LES FERRELL (RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS) at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236.
     it's the annual Pasadena Star-News and San Gabriel Valley Tribune Holiday Party & Concert. Rub elbows with the elite of local print media and enjoy a highly-entertaining show of music and comedy by former RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS touring musicians, Hal Ratliff and Lee Ferrell (father of actor Will Ferrell). Hal is the keyboard player, Les plays saxophone. $20.
     
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Sat, Dec 10 in OC:
5:30 pm WHEN PIGS FLY! play Heritage Hill Historic Park, 25151 Serrano Rd, Lake Forest 92630; 949-923-2230.
     
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Sat, Dec 10:
6:30 pm weekly “BLUEGRASS NIGHT” with live performances at Me N Eds Pizza Parlor, 4115 Paramount Bl, Lakewood 90712; 562-421-8908. Every Saturday.
     
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Sat, Dec 10:
7 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “MISSION HILLS SONG CIRCLE” every second Saturday in Mission Hills 91345 (North SFV); info and location at www.songmakers.org.
     
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Sat, Dec 10:
7 pm THE REYNOLDS BROTHERS and FINN MacCOOL play a double-bill at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236. It's four-piece acoustic string proto jazz from top musicians, and Celtic music “with an edge” in the same night. $15.
     
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Sat, Dec 10, in Palmdale:
7 pm BORDER RADIO and JOHN BERGSTROM play a double-bill at Butler’s Coffee, 40125 10th St West, Palmdale 93551; 661-272-9530.
     
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Sat, Dec 10, in San Diego:
7 pm LEROY THOMAS & THE ZYDECO ROADRUNNERS play the Bon Temp Social Club's Cajun-zydeco dance at War Memorial Hall in Balboa Park, 3325 Zoo Dr, San Diego 92101; 858-496-6655.
     
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Sat, Dec 10:
7:30 pm monthly “LOS ANGELES MENSA FOLKSONG SING” every second Saturday; info, contact Alan Stillson, 818-884-4284.
     
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Sat, Dec 10, in Santa Barbara Co:
7:30 pm KIMBERLY FORD, RANDY TICO, GEORGE FRIEDENTHAL, & RAY PANNEL play the “Song Tree” Concert Series at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 820 N Fairview Av, Goleta 93117; SongTree@cox.net; 805-403-2639.
     
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Sat, Dec 10:
8 pm JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. More details in the near future. Tix on sale Nov 26; $17.50.
    
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Sat, Dec 10:
8 pm KEVIN BURKE plays the “CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY” series at California Institute of Technology in Beckman Institute Auditorium, on the campus in Pasadena 91106; 626-395-4652.
     
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Sat, Dec 10:
8 pm JACKSH*T returns to McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
     
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Sat, Dec 10:
10 pm GET DOWN BOYS play the R Bar LA, 3331 W 8t St, L.A. 90005; 213-387-7227.
     
     
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Sunday, December 11
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Sun, Dec 11 in San Diego:
10 am weekly “BLUEGRASS BRUNCH” every Sunday at Urban Solace, 3823 30th St, San Diego 92104; 619-295-6464.
     
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Sun, Dec 11:
12:30 pm monthly “BLUEGRASS JAM SESSION” every second Sunday at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; 626-398-7917. Free.
     
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Sun, Dec 11:
1 pm monthly “FOLK SONG JAM” every second Sunday at the CTMS Center for Folk Music, 16953 Ventura Bl, Encino 91316; 818-817-7756.
     
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Sun, Dec 11:
2 pm monthly “SONGWRITER SANCTUM” happens either the first or second Sunday every month with different recording artsists playing acoustic, at the Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St, Santa Monica 90405; 310-399-1631. Free; bring something for the potluck food tables and donations for artists are welcome.
     
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Sun, Dec 11:
2 pm L.A. PHILHARMONIC presents “THE HOLLYWOOD SOUND” as THOMAS WIOLKENS conducts a cavalcade of motion picture scores at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Av, downtown L.A.; www.laphil.org; 323-850-2000. Also runs Thu & Fri, Dec 8 & 9, at 8 pm.
     
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Sun, Dec 11:
3 pm "IRELAND AND THE CHRISTMAS STAR" is a holiday-themed KEN O'MALLEY solo show, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations 626-798-6236. Seating is limited and tickets will be sold online in advance at altadenastar.eventbrite.com . Purchase tickets to be assured seating at this venue. Seats may be purchased at the door if available. $18.
     
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Sun, Dec 11:
4:30 pm LEROY THOMAS & THE ZYDECO ROADRUNNERS play the “HOLIDAY DANCE” and celebrate Leroy’s birthday at the Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club, 6285 E Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach 90803. Dance lesson at 4:30, band plays 5-9 pm. Info, call Karen, 562-708-8946 or check www.LouisianaDanceLA.com. $15 at the door.
     
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Sun, Dec 11, in OC:
5:30 pm WHEN PIGS FLY! play Heritage Hill Historic Park, 25151 Serrano Rd, Lake Forest 92630; 949-923-2230.
     
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Sun, Dec 11:
7 pm “HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY CHRISTMAS SHOW” with JIM “KIMO” WEST & FRIENDS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236. $15.
     
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Sun, Dec 11:
7 pm annual “McCABE'S HOLIDAY SHOW” at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. Free.
     
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Sun, Dec 11:
7 pm JIM "KIMO" WEST brings his award-winning “HAWAI'IAN SLACK KEY GUITAR” for a holiday-themed show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236.
     
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Sun, Dec 11, in Ventura:
7:30 pm COWBOP brings amazing Western Swing flavored with splendid bebop jazz riffs to Zoeys Café, 185 E Santa Clara, Ventura 93001; 805-652-1137.
     
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Sun, Dec 11:
“MARIACHI USA” Christmas show with MARIACHI SOL DE MEXICO, MARIACHI CAMPANAS DE AMERICA, MICHAEL SALGADO, NYDIA ROJAS and more at Nokia Theatre / L.A. Live, 777 Chick Hearn Ct, downtown L.A. 90015; info 213-763-6030.
     
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Sun, Dec 11:
8 pm THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA with SARA & SEAN WATKINS at the Belly Up Tavern, 143 S Cedros Av, Solana Beach (San Diego) 92075; 858-481-9022. We caught this splendid ensemble edition at the Grammy Museum this past summer. Go.
     
     
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Monday, December 12
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Ongoing, Dec 12-23:
Annual “TWELVE NIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS” with live music, ice skating, holiday programs,” at Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive, downtown L.A.; www.laparks.org; 213-847-4970. The “Downtown on Ice” season runs Nov 17-Jan 16, with the skating rink open every day (including the holidays) and live lunchtime music on some days, Dec 19-Jan 6. Skating is $6, skate rentals $2. All else is free.
     
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Mon, Dec 12:
7:30 pm weekly “VIVA CANTINA BLUEGRASS JAM” at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506; 818-515-4444. The BROMBIES play bluegrass on some Mondays on the venue's other stage.
     
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Mon, Dec 12:
7:30 pm weekly “KULAK'S WOODSHED OPEN MIC” at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood 91607; 818-766-9913. Sign-ups at 7 pm.
     
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Mon, Dec 12:
8-11 pm “BLUE MONDAY JAM” hosted by the BERNIE PEARL BLUES BAND at the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, 4305 Degnan Bl, Leimert Park; 310-462-1439.
     
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Mon, Dec 12:
8 pm weekly “CELTIC ARTS CENTER IRISH CéILí DANCE & IRISH MUSIC SESSION” at the shared Celtic Arts Center / Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood 91602; info, www.celticartscenter.com; 818-760-8322. Dance at 8, music session at 9 pm. Free.
     
     
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Tuesday, December 13
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Tue, Dec 13, in Ventura:
6 pm twice monthly “VENTURA BLUEGRASS JAM” every second & fourth Tuesday at Zoey's, 451 E Main St, Ventura 93001; www.zoeyscafe.com; 805-652-0091.
     
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Tue, Dec 13:
7 pm weekly “JC HYKE'S SONGWRITERS SERENADE” with different recording artists playing acoustic each week, at Matt Denny's Ale House Restaurant & Bar, 145 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006. No cover.
     
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Ongoing, Dec 12-23:
Annual “TWELVE NIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS” with live music, ice skating, holiday programs,” at Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive, downtown L.A.; www.laparks.org; 213-847-4970. The “Downtown on Ice” season runs Nov 17-Jan 16, with the skating rink open every day (including the holidays) and live lunchtime music on some days, Dec 19-Jan 6. Skating is $6, skate rentals $2. All else is free.
     
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Tue, Dec 13:
7 pm monthly “BEACH CITIES FOLK CLUB” every second Tuesday at Wayland House in Manhattan Beach 90266; info & directions at 310-376-8760.
     
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Tue, Dec 13, in San Diego:
7 pm wonderful acoustic bluesman DOUG MacLEOD plays the Saville Theatre, on the campus of San Diego City College, 1400 C St, San Diego 92101; 619-388-3037.
     
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Tue, Dec 13, in San Diego:
7 pm monthly “ SAN DIEGO BLUEGRASS SOCIETY BLUEGRASS NIGHT” every second Tuesday at Fuddruckers, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa 91942, or at New Expression Music, 4434 30th St, San Diego 92116; 619-280-9035.
     
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Tue, Dec 13:
8 pm THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA with SARA & SEAN WATKINS play the Smothers Theatre at Pepperdine University, 24255 P.C.H., Malibu 90265; 310-506-4522. We caught this splendid ensemble edition at the Grammy Museum this past summer. Go.
     
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Tue, Dec 13:
8 pm weekly “TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION” at Timmy Nolan's Tavern and Grill, 10111 Riverside Dr, Toluca Lake 91602; 818-985-3359.
     
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Tue, Dec 13:
8 pm weekly “BOURBON & BLUEGRASS” at South Santa Monica Sports Bar and Grill, 3001 Wilshire Bl Santa Monica 90403; 310-828-9988.
     
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Tue, Dec 13:
8 pm monthly OPEN MIC every second & fourth Tuesday at Fretted Frog Acoustic Guitar Store, 1200 N Alvarado St, Los Angeles 90026; 213-353-0734.
     
     
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Wednesday, December 14
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Happy 87th Birthday to Blueswoman and Gospel Singer LINDA HOPKINS, born Melinda Helen Matthews on Dec. 14, 1924 in New Orleans.
     
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Wed, Dec 14:
6:30 pm monthly “WESTSIDE HAMMERED DULCIMER SESSION” every second Wednesday at Culver Palms United Methodist Church, 4464 Sepulveda Bl, Room 6, Culver City 90230.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Ongoing, Dec 12-23:
Annual “TWELVE NIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS” with live music, ice skating, holiday programs,” at Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive, downtown L.A.; www.laparks.org; 213-847-4970. The “Downtown on Ice” season runs Nov 17-Jan 16, with the skating rink open every day (including the holidays) and live lunchtime music on some days, Dec 19-Jan 6. Skating is $6, skate rentals $2. All else is free.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Wed, Dec 14:
7 pm THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA with SARA & SEAN WATKINS play the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W Lancaster Bl, Lancaster 93534; 661-723-5950. We caught this splendid ensemble edition at the Grammy Museum this past summer. Go.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Wed, Dec 14:
7 pm PERLA BATALLA plays the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach, 6200 Atherton St, Long Beach 90815; 562-985-7000.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Wed, Dec 14:
7 pm weekly OPEN MIC every Wednesday at The Talking Stick, 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091. Signups at 6:45 pm.
     
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Wed, Dec 14, in Simi Valley:
7:30 pm SONGMAKERS weekly “SIMI VALLEY HOOT” every Wednesday; info and location at www.songmakers.org.
     
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Wed, Dec 14:
8 pm weekly “GUITAROLOGY” at Bar Melody and Grill, 9132 S Sepulveda Bl, Los Angeles 90045; 310-670-1994.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Wed, Dec 14:
8 pm weekly “O'BRIEN'S IRISH MUSIC SESSION” at O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant, 2226 Wilshire Bl, Santa Monica 90403; 310-829-5303.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Wed, Dec 14:
9 pm weekly “ACOUSTIC CORDIALE” at Café Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks 91423; 818-789-1985.
     
     
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Thursday, December 15
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Thu, Dec 15:
6 pm weekly “THURSDAY NIGHT SOFA JAM” every Thursday at Westwood Music, 1627 Westwood Bl, Los Angeles 90024; 310-478-4251.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Ongoing, Dec 12-23:
Annual “TWELVE NIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS” with live music, ice skating, holiday programs,” at Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive, downtown L.A.; www.laparks.org; 213-847-4970. The “Downtown on Ice” season runs Nov 17-Jan 16, with the skating rink open every day (including the holidays) and live lunchtime music on some days, Dec 19-Jan 6. Skating is $6, skate rentals $2. All else is free.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Thu, Dec 15:
7 pm PERLA BATALLA plays the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach, 6200 Atherton St, Long Beach 90815; 562-985-7000.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Thu-Sat, Dec 15-17:
7 pm “TRIPPING THE '60s” is an energetic, highly entertaining retrospect by BARRY McGUIRE (“Eve of Destruction”) & JOHN YORK (The BYRDS) at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; ; reservations, 626-798-6236.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Thu, Dec 15:
8 pm THE SPRING STANDARDS, playing their only L.A. show; headlined by MIKE BLOOM, plus NIK FREITAS, & MIRACLE PARADE, at the Silverlake Lounge, Los Angeles. Doors at 7:30 pm. 21+, $8.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Thu, Dec 15:
7 pm weekly “LORD OF THE STRINGS” series OPEN MIC, every Thursday at Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan St Dana Point 92629; info, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com; 949-842-2227.
     
     
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~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
LATE DECEMBER 2011 (first look at what's coming...)
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Ongoing, Dec 12-23:
Annual “TWELVE NIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS” with live music, ice skating, holiday programs,” at Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive, downtown L.A.; www.laparks.org; 213-847-4970. The “Downtown on Ice” season runs Nov 17-Jan 16, with the skating rink open every day (including the holidays) and live lunchtime music on some days, Dec 19-Jan 6. Skating is $6, skate rentals $2. All else is free.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Fri, Dec 16:
IVAN & ALYOSHA with THE MOUNTAIN GOATS at the Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Bl, West Hollywood; www.troubadour.com; 310-276-6168. "Think of a literary-minded cross between Local Natives and Fleet Foxes" – FILTER. More at www.ivanandalyosha.com    
     
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Sat, Dec 17:
7 pm KATY MOFFATT plus BRAD COLERICK play the “FOUR FRIENDS ACOUSTIC MUSIC SERIES” at Four Friends Gallery, 1408 Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91362; 805-497-4022; info@fourfriendsgallery.com. Promoter MARILYN BABCOCK cooks dinner for guests at these events; doors open at 6 to eat; music begins at 7 pm. Marilyn adds, “The venue has very accessible seating for 100. Soft drinks free, no host bar. Kids OK. Song circle follows performances, so bring your guitars; amazing piano available.” Performing emcee is Trough Records artist DAVE MORRISON. Directions from L.A. & the Valley: Take 101 Fwy to Rancho Rd exit; right at Rancho; right on Thousand Oaks Blvd. to venue, two blocks on the right. Parking lot in back.
    $15 admission each show, and that includes dinner.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Sat, Dec 17:
8 pm THE WITCHER BROTHERS bring dynamite bluegrass to Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. This one will sell-out early. Tix on sale Dec 4; $15.
    
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Sat, Dec 17:
8 pm "IRELAND AND THE CHRISTMAS STAR" is a holiday-themed KEN O'MALLEY solo show, in the sanctuary of the Unitarian Chrch of Studio City, 12355 Moorpark Street (near Whitsett), Studio City. This is Ken's final Christmas show for this season. Tickets available online at www.studiocitystar.eventbrite.com. General Admission $18 / VIP preferred seating $25. Tickets also available directly from Ken O'Malley. Info, call Chris at 818-389 8512.
    
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Sat, Dec 17:
GOLDEN STATE POPS ORCHESTRA performs their “HOLIDAY POPS SPECTACULAR” at the Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W 6th St, San Pedro. Info and tix, www.gspo.com or call the GSPO Box Office at 310-433-8774.
    
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Sun, Dec 18:
5-9 pm monthly “CAJUN / ZYDECO DANCE” (aka “Sidney’s Dance”) this time brings live music by HORACE TRAHAN at the Long Beach Petroleum Club, 3636 Linden Av, Long Beach. $20.
     
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Sun, Dec 18:
7 pm Annual “FREE HOLIDAY SHOW” at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. An established tradition here, with entertainment provided by the teachers (recording stars / session players all) at the venue / music store. Cookies and baked confections are always anticipated at this event, too. More details in the near future. Free.
    
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Dec 31, in Ojai:
3rd Annual Celtic “NEW YEARS CELEBRATION” with “the international sensation” MOLLY’S REVENGE at the Ojai Concert Series. Tix & info, www.ojaiconcertseries.com or call Shane Butler at 805-665-8852.
    
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
As always, MUCH MORE COMING SOON!
     
     
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~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
EARLY 2012 (first look at what's coming...)
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
     
Sun, Jan 1:
7-9:30 pm “NEW YEAR'S MUSIC BENEFIT for THE LAUGHTER FOUNDATION,” with headlining set by WILL RYAN & THE CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS, plus other acts, several comedians on the bill, at Flapper's, at Main St & Magnolia in Burbank. WILL RYAN says, “As Official Troubadour of the City of Burbank, I wrote the song 'Beautiful Downtown Burbank' back in the 1980s. The band will re-premiere this classic at the New Year's show.”
    Free parking off of Magnolia in building. Enter venue from Main. Further details to follow.
Will Ryan tells us, “GUARANTEED: This will be the BEST SHOW of the YEAR! (For at least one day).” The genius of playing 01-01, eh?!
    
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
    
Sat, Jan 14:
7 pm EDITED trio of DAVID ZINK, BRETT PERKINS, & MARK DAVIS, with individual sets by each, too, at the Four Friends Acoustic Music Series, Four Friends Gallery, 1408 Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91362; 805-497-4022; info@fourfriendsgallery.com.
    These three guys are all seasoned pros who have played the world. In fact, they've done several European tours since we last saw them together a year ago in Southern Cal. MARK DAVIS had the “Album of the Decade” in the L.A. Times OC edition; tgransplanted Californian BRETT PERKINS has had originals in the European charts; DAVID ZINK has built a loyal fan base with innovative acoustic originals for years. Together, their writing, instrumental arrangements and rich vocal harmonies are extra special. Come hear why they keep getting booked in Europe.
    Promoter Marilyn Babcock cooks dinner for guests at these events; doors open at 6 to eat; music begins at 7 pm. Marilyn adds, “The venue is very accessible seating for 100. Soft drinks free, no host bar. Kids OK. Song circle follows performances, so bring your guitars; amazing piano available.” Emcee is Dave Morrison. Directions from L.A. & the Valley: Take 101 Fwy to Rancho Rd exit; right at Rancho; right on Thousand Oaks Blvd. To venue, two blocks on the right. Parking lot in back.$15 admission each show, and that includes dinner. More info, info@fourfriendsgallery.com; 805-497-4022.   
    
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
    
Sat, Feb 4:
7 pm JAIME MICHAELS plus DAVE MORRISON at the Four Friends Acoustic Music Series, Four Friends Gallery, 1408 Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91362; 805-497-4022; info@fourfriendsgallery.com. Promoter Marilyn Babcock cooks dinner for guests at these events; doors open at 6 to eat; music begins at 7 pm. Marilyn adds, “The venue is very accessible seating for 100. Soft drinks free, no host bar. Kids OK. Song circle follows performances, so bring your guitars; amazing piano available.” Emcee is Dave Morrison. Directions from L.A. & the Valley: Take 101 Fwy to Rancho Rd exit; right at Rancho; right on Thousand Oaks Blvd. To venue, two blocks on the right. Parking lot in back.$15 admission each show, and that includes dinner. More info, info@fourfriendsgallery.com; 805-497-4022.   
    
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
    
Fri, Feb 24:
JACKIE EVANCHO at Nokia Theatre / L.A. Live, 777 Chick Hearn Ct, downtown L.A. 90015; info 213-763-6030. Tix on sale Mon, Dec 5, 10 am.
     
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    MORE COMING as soon as we're ready to reckon with the idea of 2012 and what will likely be a tumultuous and rancorous ELECTION YEAR... at least we can all take refuge in a world of delightful music that big media ignores...
     
     
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc
     
"NEWS FEATURES” is a fresh edition each week, with news and reviews from the acoustic music universe, with features on folk-Americana, the “acoustic renaissance,” latest releases, reviews of CDs and live shows, industry news, news for artists, and more. Always available at www.acousticmusic.net  and via one click at www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com    
     
"VENUE DIRECTORY" - The Guide's extensive locator – has location and contact info for OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, from Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, plus a few for San Diego, the deserts, and the Central Coast. It's always available from the link at www.acousticmusic.net 
     
VENUE DIRECTORY UPDATES are made every few months – the current edition is at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html   
     
     
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The Guide’s weekly News Features and Spotlight Events 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, MANY acoustic music events in and around the Los Angeles region, from the North border of Santa Barbara County to the South border of Orange County, and inland through San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
     
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!
     
     
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Questions? Comments? Contact us through the Blogspot site or by email at
     
mountain14495@gmail.com
     
YES, that is a NEW email address – temporary but necessary... more about that later...
     
     
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LATEST EDITION of the Guide, the NEWS FEATURES, THE SCENE, and SPOTLIGHT 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 go directly to a text-only version of the most current edition at
               www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
     
               - or by following any of many links on the web to get to one of those sites.
     
The Guide’s weekly NEWS FEATURES are published in 16 websites / webgroups!
    
TO GET THE NEWS FEATURES DIRECTLY in your inbox, email us and subscribe directly!
     
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contents copyright © 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
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