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Time for a quick break from the Olympics. Yes, it's tough to pry yourself away. We're big fans of the Hungarian Women's Water Polo Team, and won't miss their next game.
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But there's important music news to share.
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The 13th Annual "AMERICANA MUSIC FESTIVAL and CONFERENCE" doesn't happen until September 14-16, but early registration discounts end when the calendar turns to August 1st.
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This one is a big deal for artists and fans alike. There are prestigious award presentations, plenty of workshops, and lots of performances and performance opportunities.
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Featured performers are BONNIE RAITT, BOOKER T. JONES, RICHARD THOMPSON, TIFT MERRITT, BUDDY MILLER, SARA WATKINS, PUNCH BROTHERS, BRANDI CARLILE, KASEY CHAMBERS, RODNEY CROWELL, JIM LAUDERDALE, THE WALLFLOWERS, JOHN HIATT, DARRELL SCOTT, MINDY SMITH, ROBERT ELLIS, MARY GAUTHIER, plus many others.
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It's in Nashville, Tennessee, proving that it is possible for music to exist there that isn't dysfunctional-relationship / red-state-trailer-park-rock that the Nashville establishment calls Country.
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We'll have more in the Guide when the event gets closer. But if you want to go, hop on the discounts while you can still get 'em. All the info is at their site, www.americanamusic.org
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For the latest list and descriptions of all the concerts, festivals, club gigs, workshops, showcases, open mics and more, check the latest edition of the Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS (there are events tonight!) And there's a new edition of the Guide's NEWS FEATURES.
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Both are July 27th editions, available below or in the sidebar at left, depending on which website you're on.
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Of course, we'll see you again soon with lots more!
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
NEWS FEATURES • Acoustic Americana Music Guide • July 27, 2012 edition
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NEWS FEATURES
from THE ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE
July 27, 2012 edition
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Here are this week’s NEWS FEATURES, with news about, and of interest to, artists and fans of Folk-Americana and acoustic music.
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The Guide’s SPOTLIGHT EVENTS is also BRAND NEW, published separately, and available right here on the same site as a companion edition, with festivals and concerts (indoors and out) and club gigs and benefit shows and workshops and all kindsa things happening on the acoustic music performance scene. We invite you to find your way there, via the sidebar at left or just below this edition, depending on which site you are using. Check it out!
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Here’s this week’s news. Enjoy!
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What’s in this edition…
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♪ 1) Music and The Olympics: What to Expect
♪ 2) “Long Beach Crawfish Festival” Brings Music, Dancing, N’Awlins Food
♪ 3) “Day of the Cowboy & Cowgirl” Festival at the Autry, Saturday
♪ 4) Saturday’s “NoHo Midsummer Festival” Supports Important Charity
♪ 5) “Newport Folk Festival” Live on Web Radio / Video Stream, All Weekend
♪ 6) Arctic Ice Melting Shockingly Fast, as Big Oil Prepares More Drilling
♪ 7) Review: 9 Bands at Last Weekend’s 19th Annual “Los Feliz Street Fair”
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Here are these feature stories…
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♪ 1) MUSIC AND THE OLYMPICS: WHAT TO EXPECT
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Music at the Games has been in the news for weeks. One writer quipped, “Writing Olympic songs seems to be a sporting event in itself this year.”
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There has been controversy and a sense of alienation since it was revealed that the musicians booked to play official Olympic-related events will be playing them without pay. There’s money – millions – for corporatization and branding and spectacle. But there’s no money to pay artists who contribute to the experience for visitors and athletes alike. Unless they’re in commercials that are selling something. Fattening fast food or high-fructose-corn-syrup infested soft drinks, or athletic wear made in third-world sweatshops. Those “participations” get you paid. But if a musician was “hired” just to provide music for some aspect of The Games, he or she must be content with a reward of exposure. Perhaps YouTube will bring them some measure of exposure. Unless somebody else demands money.
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The Summer Games of the XXX OLYMPIAD Opening Ceremonies are supposed to begin when they open, but that isn’t how things work. The Games have been underway since Wednesday, July 25th. Not until Friday, July 27th, from 7:30 pm-midnight, are the Opening Ceremonies are on TV. That’s not because of some multiday time delay. There is just so much competition in so many sports that they need to jump their own starting gate. But Friday is important. This is the broadcast that always has the highest ratings and showcases music. This one, from the Olympic Stadium in London, includes a performance by SIR PAUL McCARTNEY, plus some sports competition that happened during the day.
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Friday’s grandiose Opening Ceremony, plus a grandiose Closing Ceremony two-and-a-half weeks from now, will each attempt to out-spectacle every previous Olympics. How spectacular will the music be? Tune to the Opening Ceremonies and you’ll hear DURAN DURAN, THE SEX PISTOLS (performing their rowdy “God Save the Queen”), SUGABABES, THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS, and other pop-rockers attempting a latter-day British Invasion of global sensibilities. Rumors abound that the ROLLING STONES, ARCTIC MONKEYS, and / or SPICE GIRLS will take part. Still, the opening / closing spectacles will include some music for the traditionalists. There’s “The Eastenders Theme,” “The Eaton Boating Song,” and PAUL McCARTNEY’s traditional-by-contrast “Glastonbury-style” communal sing-along of “Hey Jude.”
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Yet the many, many other live music performances at the London Games can probably be enjoyed only if you are there.
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Of course, on TV in the US, you’ll hear ad finitum “The Bugler’s Dream,” the inescapably inspiring LEO ARNAUD anthem with horns and kettle drums that we all know as the Olympic Theme, originally written for ABC’s coverage decades ago. And there’s the newer JOHN WILLIAMS’ piece with that rapid-fire, delightfully harmonic, horn chorus. (Arnaud lived 1904-1991, so at least he enjoyed a lot of royalties for his Olympic theme and the many film scores he composed. Williams has written more iconic music than anybody can list in under an hour.)
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TV – and in the US, that means the NBC-owned and affiliated networks – will be focused, as always, on over-emphasizing the US team and its members regardless of their standings and competitive performances. They’ll broadcast events every evening, and at abominable hours during the night, and on MSNBC during the day when people who have jobs in this crappy economy are at work. We have known people who use vacation days so they won’t miss anything. And we’ve known those who watch MSNBC’s coverage online all day at the office and don’t get any work done. For most of us, that leaves the evening broadcasts. Those are usually pretty good, but they do keep you up way too late, waiting for the good stuff.
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Olympics fans become dumb about everything else during The Games. They won’t risk spoilers – results of events before they are broadcast, because of the time difference between London and US prime time TV – so they don’t risk exposing themselves to news broadcasts. The newspaper is okay, because the time difference doesn’t permit spoilers after printing press deadlines. But since most Americans get their news electronically, they – we – change our online home pages to ones that won’t spoil Olympics results, and online newspapers, which constantly update, are out. And we just won’t risk any TV or radio news broadcasts.
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That makes this a good time for Mitt Romney to release his tax returns and answer all those questions about exporting American jobs using Bain Capital takeovers of US companies. He can say whatever he wants and there will be no widespread public horror. It can be a prolonged Etch-a-Sketch moment for him. No one is paying attention now. We’re all watching the US Women’s Gymnastics team and the world’s fastest runners and the Decathlon and water polo. Oh, and Romney’s prize dressage horse, Rafalca, dancing at the Olympic Horse Prom.
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At least KNBC and Fred Rogan will proclaim “spoiler alerts” during their broadcasts, allowing you to plug your ears, look away and hum before there’s suddenly no reason to watch anymore that day or night. Their TV competitors love spoiling Olympic results so you’ll watch their usual lineup of junk collectors and hoarders and junk buying scalpers and inarticulate junk sellers, reality shows about pathetic morons and idiots from New Jersey, laugh-track-adorned garbage, contrived celebrity scandals from Hollywood, and carcass-laden forensic crime shows, instead. The Olympics look better by the moment, don’t they?
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Southern Californians can be proud that a disproportionate number of US team members are from our sun-drenched, culturally, aesthetically, and athletically diverse region. Local TV will surely celebrate them. But watch out for those spoilers if you risk watching ANY news, from any source, during the games. Even NPR enjoys screwing you that way. There’s no excuse for radio to do it, but they do.
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Through all of it, the Olympics can be wonderful and dramatic, filled with inspiring stories of the triumph of remarkable individuals over adversity. Even those who have given-up on the usual TV sports often find the Olympics the best drama anywhere. As legendary college football coach ROLAND ORTMAYER was fond of saying, “The difference between amateur athletics and professional sports is the difference between making love and prostitution.” NBA millionaire players aside, the Olympic teams of the world are mostly comprised of young people who strive and compete for the sheer joy of the endeavor. And that’s genuinely beautiful.
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Back to music and the Olympics. Consider this side of the pond. Take time to remember the many music venues that suffer when mega-events happen on TV and keep music hall seats half empty. Take a break (or two, or three) during the nineteen days of The Games, between now and the Closing Ceremonies, and support live music in a local (or a favorite regional) music venue, or a festival. Then drop 99 cents a few times for downloads of some tunes you’ve just discovered there. Yes, we’re still advocates of CDs, of the-album-as-art-form, but most artists are happy when you start with a few downloads of their music. And the venues? Think of them like your favorite flowering plants that especially need watering in the hot summer. Keep ’em green and thriving so they’ll always be there to delight you with their colorful blooms.
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♪ 2) “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” BRINGS MUSIC, DANCING, N’AWLINS FOOD
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The 19th annual “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL,” Saturday & Sunday, July 28 & 29, is all about live music, dancing, and exceptionally good food in large quantities. It’s a Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, on all counts. There are performances by some top Louisiana bands. Listen or dance to CEDRYL BALLOU & THE ZYDECO TRENDSETTERS, ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, ROYALE GARDEN DIXIELAND BAND, A.J. GIBBS “THE MYDECO DANCE KING,” WAYLON THIBODEAUX, LIL’ BRIAN & THE ZYDECO TRAVELERS, STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS, BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS, NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus comedy & magic of KERRY ROSS.
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This festival draws 15,000 people over two days, and features different acts each day, so if you’re a fan of Louisiana music, it’s very worth attending Saturday and Sunday. Plus, you can eat more.
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The “Louisiana to L.A. Second Line Dancers” and “New Orleans High Steppers” take part, and there are large wooden dance floors, shaded, and lessons for all. In addition to the ticket option that includes the crawfish feast, there’s a large international food court with many tasty offerings. As they say Down South, “It’s some kinda good!” There’s a Children’s Stage, running noon-6 pm both days, with storytelling, magicians, inflatable impressions, adjacent inflated bounces, and more.
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The festival runs Noon-11 pm Saturday, Noon-10 pm Sunday, at Rainbow Lagoon Events Park, 400 Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802.
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Parking is available at the Long Beach Convention Center, 300 Ocean Blvd, for $10. Or ride the Metro Blue Line light rail to the end (careful, because it’s a loop that runs back to L.A.) and catch the Long Beach shuttle bus or walk three blocks from the Blue Line.
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Tickets have several options, The $13 advance ticket is admission only (children under age 12 are free, accompanied by an adult). OR, and highly recommended, there’s a $25 advance option that includes admission and a big, rectangular “Crawfish Feast” platter, cooked on site and served by Bristol Farms. Or there’s a more gluttonous option that includes a whole bucket of crawfish and admission, for $30 advance. (Prices for the food options are substantially higher at the gate, and the Guide has been letting you know for months.)
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Just go and listen and dance to the extent you can and eat something while you’re there and you’ll be happy. It’s really a quality event. More at www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com.
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♪ 3) “DAY OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL” FESTIVAL AT THE AUTRY, SATURDAY
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The annual “DAY OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL” is Southern California’s signature event for the 8th Annual “NATIONAL OF THE COWBOY” and a Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick. It runs Saturday, July 28, 10 am-5 pm, at the Autry National Center / Autry Museum of the American West, in L.A.’s Griffith Park.
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This kid-and-family-friendly event has lots of music from JEAN SUDBURY, MISS DEVON & THE OUTLAW, KRISTYN HARRIS, and TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT.
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And there’s plenty, more, pard. Saddle-up to celebrate the American cowboy and cowgirl at the Autry with live music, square dancing, kids' crafts, a tasty down-home outdoor barbecue, and more. Watch performances by amazing gun-slinger JOEY DILLON, trick ropers DAVE THORNBURY and GENE McLAUGHLIN, and skip to the beat of square dance caller BECKY NANKIVELL. Autry docent CHUCK MERMAN brings frontier medicine to life with replica artifacts. And other hands-on carts throughout the museum will let you touch the past.
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There are MANY activities, all day. These include creating your own leather masterpiece with help from STANDING BEAR’S Trading Post. Kids should visit the “Children's Craft Corral” in Heritage Court to make their own Day of the Cowboy souvenirs, including a bolo tie. They can try roping a “cow” in the main plaza and pan for real gold in the museum’s interactive “Trails West.”
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You can watch screenings of “The Gene Autry Show” in the Wells Fargo Theater. There’s a working 1880s chuck wagon and presentations on “Cowboy Life on the Trail.” Visit an Olde Time Western Dress-up Photography Studio and get attired for your own Old West-style portrait, individual or family or group. Horses, down at the South Lawn corral, are there to visit, and you can decorate a horseshoe to take home.
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Ambitious wannabe cowpokes can follow a museum-wide scavenger hunt to find clues about the diverse people who embody cowboy culture.
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Everyone can join-in the festivities by dressing up in your best cowboy and cowgirl Western gear, and that adds to your enjoyment. However, NO GUNS, including replicas, are allowed on the premises.
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Arriving early is a very good idea, to get convenient parking and to avoid traffic snarls. This event has consumed all available parking the past two years and the BBQ sells-out early. It’s best to enter Griffith Park by some entrance other than Zoo Drive off the 134 / 5 Freeways, because that one backs-up at a four-way stop sign that causes long delays.
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The Autry National Center / Autry Museum of the American West is located across the parking lot from the L.A. Zoo, at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027. Info, 323-667-2000; www.theautry.org.
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Festival tickets include complimentary admission to the museum, and are the same price as museum admission rates on any ordinary day. Admission gets you into all the festival events as well as all the museum’s galleries, so plan to spend the day. (It’s free for Autry members.) Giddyup!
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♪ 4) SATURDAY’S “NOHO MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL” SUPPORTS IMPORTANT CHARITY
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The 17th annual “NOHO MIDSUMMER NIGHT COFFEE HOUSE & MUSIC FESTIVAL” includes lots of music – all acoustic – and dinner. It’s a charity benefit for and at the ARC Center in North Hollywood, held Saturday, July 28, from 5:45-11 pm.
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They’ve been at this a long time, and they produce a nice event with a lot of rootsy Folk-Americana and singer-songwriter performances and jams, all to provide a good time for a good cause. ARC is “Activities, Recreation & Care for individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
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Late info bills this as a night of “Traditional, original, and acoustic music under the stars by some of the area’s finest musicians and friends of the ARC.”
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The ARC Center is located at 6456 Whitsett Av, North Hollywood 91606. For info and tix, call ARC at 818-762-4356, or contact festival producer Larry Schallert at LSchallert@aol.com or 661-714-2549.
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Doors open at 5 pm for the best seats. Dinner (included in admission) is served 5:30-8:30 pm. In addition, they will have a cash bar, raffles and other ways to support the ARC Center. Tix are $20 adults, $15 ARC Young Adult Club Members, $15 kids age 5-14; kids under age 5 are free.
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♪ 5) “NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL” LIVE ON WEB RADIO / VIDEO STREAM, ALL WEEKEND
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Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29, FOLK ALLEY travels to Newport, Rhode Island to the storied “NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL” to bring listeners – and web VIEWERS – live coverage of the events. It’s a collaboration that uses the resources of NPR Music, WFUV, MVYRadio and Boston’s forever-folk-friendly radio station WUMB.
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Things kick-off Friday at 4:30 pm (Pacific) with WILCO performing live on the Folk Alley radio stream. Or, you can watch a live video webcast of the show at the same site, FolkAlley.com.
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On Saturday & Sunday, they’ll bring you two full days of live performances. Starting at 8:30 am (Pacific) each day, the live audio and video webcasts continue, from the Fort Stage and Quad Stage.
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The weekend webcast schedule includes Saturday shows by ROBERT ELLIS, BROWN BIRD, JONNY CORNDAWG, PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND, DEER TICK, ALABAMA SHAKES, SHARON VAN ETTEN, DAWES, IRON & WINE, SPIRIT FAMILY REUNION, GUTHRIE FAMILY REUNION, & MY MORNING JACKET.
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Sunday, they’ll bring you the Kossoy Sisters, Sara Watkins, Joe Fletcher, Trampled By Turtles, New Multitudes, Charles Bradley, Gary Clark Jr., The Head And The Heart, Of Monsters And Men, Conor Oberst, Punch Brothers, & Jackson Browne.
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Just remember to subtract three hours from he schedules shown on their site to get Pacific time.
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In addition to the live performances, you can enjoy a special Newport Folk Festival Mix at NPR Music, at www.npr.org/2012/07/10/156572574/newport-folk-2012-the-preview-mix?fa-120726.
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So, if you’re staying home or traped in the office this weekend and missing one of the wonderful festivals in Southern California, you can make the astral projection through cyberspace to Rhode Island. Ain’t life wunnerful?
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♪ 6) ARCTIC ICE MELTING SHOCKINGLY FAST, AS BIG OIL PREPARES MORE DRILLING
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If it were only an exercise in logic, wherein the deniers of climate change could be called on the carpet for preparing to exploit arctic resources once everything is free of ice. At is exactly what they are doing, and things are far too serious to simply shake your head at their hypocrisy.
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This week, satellite images showed the entire ice mass of Greenland is no longer frozen. Where ice used to tower in white frozen cliffs above the ocean, it has retreated so far inland in the past five years that the view from the sea is only a rocky shore.
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Arctic oil drilling has already been condemned by the Insurance companies and the US Coast Guard. In the past week, Greenpeace and others have been taking to the streets. But Big Oil is as powerful a special interest as civilization has ever produced. It will require a groundswell of protest to stop them from doing anything they want to do, from exploiting everything anywhere in search of more and more record profits and bloated bonuses for their executives.
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Right now, Shell is only days away from actually drilling for oil in the Alaskan Arctic, in a breeding ground for whales and polar bears. The far north is one of the world's last untouched places. Even without local invasive stresses on its pristine ecosystem, all that lives there is already endangered by global warming and rapid ice melt.
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Shell is proceeding under the terms of a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -issued permit. But there are serious allegations that they are flagrantly violating the terms of their permit. EPA chief administrator LISA JACKSON can withdraw Shell's Arctic permit right now, because the company is unable to meet mandatory air pollution limits for the ships bringing-in equipment. Violating the permit before any oil is even in production is an ominous harbinger.
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If you believe in direct action, call Lisa Jackson at the EPA, at 202-564-4700. Urge her to save the Arctic and demand revocation of Shell’s permit because they are already polluting beyond allowed limits, even before commencing actual drilling.
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If you’d like to read thoughts and comments from those who have already contacted her office, a global activist organization called Avaaz has established a mobilization bulletin board at www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_arctic_call_in/?bbfCMab&v=16618. You can add your comments there, as well. But there is no substitute for calling the EPA.
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Climate change is driving dangerous temperature rises – the hottest decade on record; over 1200 new record high temperatures so far this year in the US alone; huge pieces of the Antarctic ice sheet detaching from that continent; and record droughts in North America that exceed those of the Great Depression’s Dust Bowl.
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Last week, a chunk of the ice sheet – a mega-glacier nearly 40 kilometers long – broke-off Greenland and will become a monstrous iceberg, drifting south until it melts in warmer waters. New estimates predict that in just four years, the arctic will be completely free of ice in the summer months.
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Ask a Pacific islander what this means for their ancestral lands. They’ll tell you their world is already disappearing beneath the rising sea level. Over 80% of the earth’s population lives near sea level. Rising seas would require resettlement on a scale no one can imagine, and it would remove some of the earth’s most fertile land from food production.
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As Avaaz observes, “For some, this planetary disaster is the 21st century gold rush. Companies and countries who hope to make billions are lining-up to frantically grab their share of oil, gas, and minerals. This is a simple decision: the people and planet’s future, or increasing Big Oil’s profits with a 40% possibility of a catastrophic oil spill.”
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If Lisa Jackson allows EPA to continue Shell’s oil drilling permit despite their ongoing violations, then Exxon, Chevron and the rest of Big Oil are poised to pollute fragile wildlife habitats and despoil beautiful arctic landscapes with dirty rigs, pumps and pipes. There is little time left. You can urge Lisa Jackson to stop Shell before it’s too late. Her office number is 202-564-4700.
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♪ 7) REVIEW: 9 BANDS AT LAST WEEKEND’S 19th ANNUAL “LOS FELIZ STREET FAIR”
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Free is not always synonymous with good, but last Sunday’s event in Los Feliz was both. It delivered good music and a tasty array of affordable food. We gave it a sizeable write-up in advance because the bookings on its two stages were heavily folk-Americana music.
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So far this year, a free full day of “our” music is the exception in L.A. As always, that’s hard to figure. Southern California sees more live performances of Folk-Americana and acoustic music in any given week than of all other kinds of music, combined. Still, a free festival with the opportunity to see favorites we know are good and others we’ve heard about but not yet seen? Put us coach, we’re fresh and ready.
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This free festival was all about making the long walk between stages at opposite ends of the site, sampling from the food booths and navigating through arts and crafts and community organizations and other vendors along the way between the Vermont Stage and the Hillhurst Stage. And about going back and forth, all afternoon and well into the evening. It was mostly worth the exercise of repeated journeys, and it was fun to watch the little kids squealing with delight on the many carnival rides and staring in wonder at musicians making music. DAVE OSTI and RIVER ROUGE had already played before we arrived. We would like to have seen both of them. But we saw and heard a lot of music.
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We review each band that we heard. Small separators, like the ones immediately below, divide the reviews of each act or aspect of the event. Band names appear at the top of each review. Enjoy!
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FORT KING
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The Vermont Stage was almost exclusively Americana. We caught FORT KING there, as they began their 1 pm set. They’re a four-piece with two acoustic six string players, an attractive lass on fiddle, and a guy on standup bass. They’re from all over the map. The lead singer-guitarist is from Florida and told a crowd – fanning themselves and seeking sparse shade – that he loves heat. The others are from Ohio, Colorado, and Oregon – and the latter doesn’t love heat. A couple of press photographers and another journalist were conspicuously evident for this outfit.
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They have several styles and seem to be trying to find themselves, musically. FORT KING had opened with a rollickin’ folk song, classically so, and we kept hoping they would get back to that. Their second song, “In the Lion’s Den,” began very ’60s-ish, sounding promising, with male duo harmony vocals. Then, ominously, it began drifting toward the droll contemporary vocal vogue.
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Their third song, a brand-new original they were performing for the first time, was a thoroughly droll outing. All four sang, and the fiddler switched to mandolin. It should have been nice, but stylistically, it wasn’t. We wanted to like them. They were not cooperating.
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We got a slow song with extended “Ahh-ahhs.” We developed the idea that they are better than their material.
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A few in the mostly-young audience seemed entranced by the droll stuff. Unfortunately, it persisted. The next song was something about dressing cut wrists with iodine and finding arrowheads in the clay. But the delivery was way too droll to want to follow it. Then, egads, they picked-up the tempo for a maudlin song apparently titled, “Always Think About Dying.”
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Their set ended. And instantly came canned bumper music between bands. It emphasized the contrast of their songs against a fine upbeat indie folk-rock song by someone we didn’t recognize. A live performance, clearly upstaged by someone else’s unknown canned music? Unfortunately, yes. We hope FORT KING finds an address that’s not in Drollsville.
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THE “DANCE PAVILION”
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Walking toward the other music stage, we discovered an unadvertised third pseudo-stage, the “Dance Pavilion.” It took no time at all to read the lineup placard and see that it was hopeless. Nothing but wall-to-wall Radio Disney thumping and thudding and kids gyrating to third-rate choreography and recorded songs with a shelf life shorter than it takes to play them. Generic, interchangeable, disposable tripe. Calgon, take me away.
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JAZZ…
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Beating feet got us to the Hillhurst Stage quickly, as much to escape the sound bubble of the Dance Pavilion’s loudspeakers as to reach the new destination. There, we caught a few minutes of a jazz saxophone player doing one of those endlessly repetitive five-note motifs. Jazz people call it improvisation. We find it dreadfully monotonous. Bugler, sound retreat.
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TREMOLOCO
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The schedule allowed a little strolling, shopping, schmoozing and food. Back at the Vermont Stage, we caught up with TREMOLOCO.
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They delivered a fine set that was waaay Tex-Mex / border music, wisely done in half Spanish, half English, so all us gringos could appreciate the stories in the lyrics. They’re an accordion-driven five-piece, with an electric guitar, electric bass, drum kit, and keyboard. Fine performance throughout, with a WARREN ZEVON cover and plenty of originals. One standout is their own song, “Pullin’ Up Stakes and Crossing the Rio Grande,” on their new album due out September 27 and available at their gigs before then.
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TREMOLOCO, contrary to what you’re thinking, is a bunch of blonde guys who would pass for a surf band – until they start playing. Then you’re on the mechanical bull at Gilley’s. Until they break out the rock chops, which they did with “Sunshine of Your Love” (sans accordion) with all the electric guitar pedal effects. The old rock classic brought the crowd, including a guy on a skateboard, out from the shade to dance in the street. When you see them listed in the Guide, go catch their show. Andale andale ariba ariba!
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NICOLE GORDON
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Back to the Hillhurst Stage, where there was a change. The splendid NICOLE GORDON was performing two hours early. It was halfway through her set. She had just given birth to a new baby son (Brandon) three weeks earlier. C-section. Unless she told you, you wouldn’t believe it. Plenty of vocal power to propel her catalog of fine originals. She was performing as a three-piece, with JOHNNY HAWTHORNE and LORI LOU GORE as her side players.
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One of Nicole’s songs, “Prayin’ on What Goes Down Must Come Up,” should be all over the radio in these economic hard times. A writer whose experience informs her songwriting, she does one for moms. And playing for the youthful audience, she does one about being sixteen again, “caught up in a kiss, lost in happiness, shaky in the knees, find it hard to breathe” and that got everybody thinking about getting their first driver’s license so they go on that big date.
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She has depth. Nicole’s closer, with three-part harmony, was “The Snake,” about a guy who “Told the truth on the witness stand,” except that, well, you can figure out the snake part.
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KIND HEARTS & CORONETS
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We scurried back the length of the site to catch this band. A seven-piece, they’re somewhere betwixt rock and Americana. That assessment is mostly due to their instrumentation, which includes a girl on fiddle, a girl on a tiny keyboard, and a guy on a coronet horn. They have two electric guitars, an electric bass, and a drummer. They’re a lot of fun, raucous, danceable, with good melody lines and good song structures. Catch ’em when you’re ready to rock.
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LAUREN ADAMS BAND
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This is an all-star outfit, from superb songwriter / band leader LAUREN ADAMS to PHIL PARLAPIANO on keys and accordion and MARK “POCKET” GOLDBERG on bass. This is easily one of L.A.’s top ten electric Americana bands, and Lauren’s originals should be hit songs.
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Their rendition of ERNEST TROOST’S “Evangeline” with Lauren’s vocals is powerful and compelling and very different from the classic blues ballad delivery that Ernest gives it.
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Lauren’s song “Thirsty,” title track to one of her albums, evokes lost country & western, from a time before Nashville lost the western part and turned it all into dysfunctional relationship, red-state-trailer-park rock.
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Each band member got a featured song, since all are singer-songwriters with solo albums and dozens of credits on records by big names. PHIL PARLAPIANO led the band in his original “Everything is Going My Way,” a song that should have been covered by a big Nashville star by now. We had to leave for the other stage before the rest of the band got their featured solos.
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Lauren found a Michigander in the crowd to receive the dedication of her song, “Henry from Saginaw Michigan.” It’s a solid honkytonker that should have ’em dancin’ at the Cowboy Palace.
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It was hard to run out halfway through their set. Be sure to catch LAUREN ADAMS when she performs in town, or at her monthly “Americana Song Circle” showcase at Genghis Cohen.
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RUBEN RAMOS & CO.
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This act was not what was advertised. It was supposed to be SUDBURY & RAMOS, an instrumental duo with a CD, with Jean on fiddle and Ruben on classical guitar, doing Djangostyle Gypsy jazz and a lot of Latin-flavored and lightning fast intricate string music. Having traded places to go on two hours later than scheduled, Ruben hit the stage with a three-piece and without JEAN SUDBURY.
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On top of that, the schedule had dragged later and later. We caught Ruben just before he went on stage, about 40 minutes behind the planned slot. He greeted us quietly with, “Jean couldn’t make it. Neither could my band. This is a complete throw-together.” He looked concerned, but with that resigned air of “the-show-must-go-on.”
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The resulting trio, RABE & RAMOS & ROSS, had never played together as a band. But sometimes there’s synergy and things just work. With RUBEN RAMOS on acoustic six-string, GIGI RABE (pronounced Rah-Bay) from LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS on steel drum (she’s known for playing Cajun accordion), and CHRIS ROSS on a full drum kit, they nervously and tentatively took the stage and announced themselves. Ruben told the audience, “We’re going to play some island music for you.”
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They opened with “(All Day, All Night) Mary Ann” and went to “Bright Sunshiny Day,” with Ruben filling-in lyrics he didn’t remember with some la-las. But it was one of those times when three people’s collaborative musicianship came through in spite of the odds and the lack of set list or playbook. They served-up a fun session: featured flourishes on Gigi Rabe’s steel drum, Ruben’s ability to make the guitar speak a host of languages, and solid drum work by Chris Ross.
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All three innovated as they improvised through the accelerating tempos of Rastafarian jam and reggae-ish percussion-as-lead. Before long, some dancers took to the hot sunshine. The crowd began to aggregate, as that end of the site took to the nearby shade to listen. It was working.
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Ruben switched to electric bass for some of it. The three got braver and found themselves flirting with SANTANA’S “Oye Como Va,” a bit tentatively at first, but the audience continued to grow as they committed to it. Skateboarders zoomed past the stage, looping the crowd. One old guy stood in the middle of the street vigorously playing air drums with the band. By the time they finished, a stream of listeners was asking if they had CDs. If Ruben learns the lyrics to replace the la-las, they could book this trio – if each has time away from their other projects to do it.
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ATOMIC SHERPAS
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Some broke- field running along the length of the street festival – with a pause for some Indian food – brought a return to the Vermont Stage. The ATOMIC SHERPAS were well into their set. They’re a six-piece electric swing blues and jazz ensemble, with a sax and a trombone. They are animated on stage and their energy feeds the audience, building the biggest crowd of the day. Though the genre isn’t what the Guide looks for, they’re good and served-up the fun.
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BLOCO LATINO
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It took a return run to the Hillhurst Stage to see what this outfit is about. They are a drum line of attractive young people led by teacher / percussion master JUAN ESTANGA who faces them at one end. They will tell you that they “specialize in bringing the samba-reggae feel of Brazilian music to the streets of Los Angeles.” We caught them pounding through a “Tusk”-like motif. Those into melodic percussion should look for them. They have a lot of videos on YouTube.
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LIGHTNIN’ WILLIE & THE POOR BOYS
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We expected maybe a CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL tribute band, but nope. This crew makes music in the classic ’50s-’60s style of electric roadhouse blues. They had the kids dancing in the street. Kids from 6 to their late 60s, that is.
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The Creedence connection wasn’t overt, but was there. They appear to have embraced many of the same influences that captured the imagination of JOHN FOGERTY and his brother TOM – and led the former to write “Willie & the Poor Boys” and all that Sacramento / San Joaquin River Delta swamp music. This band is more Memphis or Kansas City or St. Louis or even Chicago blues than Creedence’s mythical bayou, though both outfits could credibly claim musicians like BOOKER T & THE MGs as influences.
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LIGHTNIN’ WILLIE & THE POOR BOYS are a nine-piece, making you wonder how they can possibly pay everybody. They bring an electric piano, drums, keys, a hollow body electric guitar, electric bass and music that can make you dance your ass off. If they seem too rock and roll for you, we’ll cite the piano as the part of their sound that makes them electric blues-Americana.
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Things were going strong when we left, with one more act to come on each stage.
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This festival has good sound pros. Organizers spend their money on nice stage setups. There’s a strong but non-intimidating LAPD and L.A. Fire Department presence, and local homeless people seem to mix freely with festival goers without incident. It’s all copacetic and it’s one of those too-rare, if hothouse-cultivated moments that lets you feel the love in L.A.
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Next year’s festival promises to be even better. The neighborhood business association that produces the event will add, in front of both stages, high tent canopies over rows of folding chairs, with some shaded space for dancing on the asphalt. That will hugely improve the audience experience, since this year’s listeners either stood in the sun or sat on concrete curbs, migrating as shade moved. That surely felt awkward for those on stage, whose audience seemed distant and strung along oblique lines.
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This street fair / festival was started by local restaurant operators. The food booths offered much better cuisine than most outdoor events, including festivals with pricey admission. Some food was a bargain for what you got. We liked the Chinese food from The Palace, a restaurant located on Hillhurst near Sunset. And the Indian food was tasty, from a restaurant near Vermont and Sunset. If they book good Americana music again, this will be a must-do in July 2013.
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The GUIDE endeavors to bring you news and views of interest to artists, musicians and the creative community, together with schedules that reach waaay into the future! Thanks for making the journey with us.
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||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<|| MORE STUFF THE GUIDE OFFERS >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc
"NEWS FEATURES” is a fresh edition most each week, with news and reviews from the acoustic music universe, features on folk-Americana and “acoustic renaissance” music and artists, a litlle from the electric side of honky-tonk Americana, the latest tours, recordings and projects, reviews of CDs and live shows, industry news, news for artists, and more.
It’s always available by clicking-through at www.acousticmusic.net
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or get the mobile-device-friendly edition at
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www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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"VENUE DIRECTORY" - The Guide's extensive locator – has address and contact . info for OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, from Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, plus a few key spots in San Diego, the deserts, and on the Central Coast.
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UPDATES to the Venue Directory are currently underway. Meanwhile, the 2011 edition of our VENUE DIRECTORY is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html .
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||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<|| . With your help, the road goes on forever (even if we can’t afford the gas anymore to find out where it goes)! . . Questions? Comments? Wanna write for the Acoustic Americana Music Guide? …or get something published that you wrote? – Like a CD REVIEW ? or LIVE PERFORMANCE REVIEW ? Contact us at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com . ||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<|| Contents copyright © 2012, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved. ||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
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NEWS FEATURES
from THE ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE
July 27, 2012 edition
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Here are this week’s NEWS FEATURES, with news about, and of interest to, artists and fans of Folk-Americana and acoustic music.
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The Guide’s SPOTLIGHT EVENTS is also BRAND NEW, published separately, and available right here on the same site as a companion edition, with festivals and concerts (indoors and out) and club gigs and benefit shows and workshops and all kindsa things happening on the acoustic music performance scene. We invite you to find your way there, via the sidebar at left or just below this edition, depending on which site you are using. Check it out!
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Here’s this week’s news. Enjoy!
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What’s in this edition…
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♪ 1) Music and The Olympics: What to Expect
♪ 2) “Long Beach Crawfish Festival” Brings Music, Dancing, N’Awlins Food
♪ 3) “Day of the Cowboy & Cowgirl” Festival at the Autry, Saturday
♪ 4) Saturday’s “NoHo Midsummer Festival” Supports Important Charity
♪ 5) “Newport Folk Festival” Live on Web Radio / Video Stream, All Weekend
♪ 6) Arctic Ice Melting Shockingly Fast, as Big Oil Prepares More Drilling
♪ 7) Review: 9 Bands at Last Weekend’s 19th Annual “Los Feliz Street Fair”
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Here are these feature stories…
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♪ 1) MUSIC AND THE OLYMPICS: WHAT TO EXPECT
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Music at the Games has been in the news for weeks. One writer quipped, “Writing Olympic songs seems to be a sporting event in itself this year.”
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There has been controversy and a sense of alienation since it was revealed that the musicians booked to play official Olympic-related events will be playing them without pay. There’s money – millions – for corporatization and branding and spectacle. But there’s no money to pay artists who contribute to the experience for visitors and athletes alike. Unless they’re in commercials that are selling something. Fattening fast food or high-fructose-corn-syrup infested soft drinks, or athletic wear made in third-world sweatshops. Those “participations” get you paid. But if a musician was “hired” just to provide music for some aspect of The Games, he or she must be content with a reward of exposure. Perhaps YouTube will bring them some measure of exposure. Unless somebody else demands money.
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The Summer Games of the XXX OLYMPIAD Opening Ceremonies are supposed to begin when they open, but that isn’t how things work. The Games have been underway since Wednesday, July 25th. Not until Friday, July 27th, from 7:30 pm-midnight, are the Opening Ceremonies are on TV. That’s not because of some multiday time delay. There is just so much competition in so many sports that they need to jump their own starting gate. But Friday is important. This is the broadcast that always has the highest ratings and showcases music. This one, from the Olympic Stadium in London, includes a performance by SIR PAUL McCARTNEY, plus some sports competition that happened during the day.
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Friday’s grandiose Opening Ceremony, plus a grandiose Closing Ceremony two-and-a-half weeks from now, will each attempt to out-spectacle every previous Olympics. How spectacular will the music be? Tune to the Opening Ceremonies and you’ll hear DURAN DURAN, THE SEX PISTOLS (performing their rowdy “God Save the Queen”), SUGABABES, THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS, and other pop-rockers attempting a latter-day British Invasion of global sensibilities. Rumors abound that the ROLLING STONES, ARCTIC MONKEYS, and / or SPICE GIRLS will take part. Still, the opening / closing spectacles will include some music for the traditionalists. There’s “The Eastenders Theme,” “The Eaton Boating Song,” and PAUL McCARTNEY’s traditional-by-contrast “Glastonbury-style” communal sing-along of “Hey Jude.”
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Yet the many, many other live music performances at the London Games can probably be enjoyed only if you are there.
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Of course, on TV in the US, you’ll hear ad finitum “The Bugler’s Dream,” the inescapably inspiring LEO ARNAUD anthem with horns and kettle drums that we all know as the Olympic Theme, originally written for ABC’s coverage decades ago. And there’s the newer JOHN WILLIAMS’ piece with that rapid-fire, delightfully harmonic, horn chorus. (Arnaud lived 1904-1991, so at least he enjoyed a lot of royalties for his Olympic theme and the many film scores he composed. Williams has written more iconic music than anybody can list in under an hour.)
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TV – and in the US, that means the NBC-owned and affiliated networks – will be focused, as always, on over-emphasizing the US team and its members regardless of their standings and competitive performances. They’ll broadcast events every evening, and at abominable hours during the night, and on MSNBC during the day when people who have jobs in this crappy economy are at work. We have known people who use vacation days so they won’t miss anything. And we’ve known those who watch MSNBC’s coverage online all day at the office and don’t get any work done. For most of us, that leaves the evening broadcasts. Those are usually pretty good, but they do keep you up way too late, waiting for the good stuff.
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Olympics fans become dumb about everything else during The Games. They won’t risk spoilers – results of events before they are broadcast, because of the time difference between London and US prime time TV – so they don’t risk exposing themselves to news broadcasts. The newspaper is okay, because the time difference doesn’t permit spoilers after printing press deadlines. But since most Americans get their news electronically, they – we – change our online home pages to ones that won’t spoil Olympics results, and online newspapers, which constantly update, are out. And we just won’t risk any TV or radio news broadcasts.
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That makes this a good time for Mitt Romney to release his tax returns and answer all those questions about exporting American jobs using Bain Capital takeovers of US companies. He can say whatever he wants and there will be no widespread public horror. It can be a prolonged Etch-a-Sketch moment for him. No one is paying attention now. We’re all watching the US Women’s Gymnastics team and the world’s fastest runners and the Decathlon and water polo. Oh, and Romney’s prize dressage horse, Rafalca, dancing at the Olympic Horse Prom.
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At least KNBC and Fred Rogan will proclaim “spoiler alerts” during their broadcasts, allowing you to plug your ears, look away and hum before there’s suddenly no reason to watch anymore that day or night. Their TV competitors love spoiling Olympic results so you’ll watch their usual lineup of junk collectors and hoarders and junk buying scalpers and inarticulate junk sellers, reality shows about pathetic morons and idiots from New Jersey, laugh-track-adorned garbage, contrived celebrity scandals from Hollywood, and carcass-laden forensic crime shows, instead. The Olympics look better by the moment, don’t they?
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Southern Californians can be proud that a disproportionate number of US team members are from our sun-drenched, culturally, aesthetically, and athletically diverse region. Local TV will surely celebrate them. But watch out for those spoilers if you risk watching ANY news, from any source, during the games. Even NPR enjoys screwing you that way. There’s no excuse for radio to do it, but they do.
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Through all of it, the Olympics can be wonderful and dramatic, filled with inspiring stories of the triumph of remarkable individuals over adversity. Even those who have given-up on the usual TV sports often find the Olympics the best drama anywhere. As legendary college football coach ROLAND ORTMAYER was fond of saying, “The difference between amateur athletics and professional sports is the difference between making love and prostitution.” NBA millionaire players aside, the Olympic teams of the world are mostly comprised of young people who strive and compete for the sheer joy of the endeavor. And that’s genuinely beautiful.
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Back to music and the Olympics. Consider this side of the pond. Take time to remember the many music venues that suffer when mega-events happen on TV and keep music hall seats half empty. Take a break (or two, or three) during the nineteen days of The Games, between now and the Closing Ceremonies, and support live music in a local (or a favorite regional) music venue, or a festival. Then drop 99 cents a few times for downloads of some tunes you’ve just discovered there. Yes, we’re still advocates of CDs, of the-album-as-art-form, but most artists are happy when you start with a few downloads of their music. And the venues? Think of them like your favorite flowering plants that especially need watering in the hot summer. Keep ’em green and thriving so they’ll always be there to delight you with their colorful blooms.
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♪ 2) “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” BRINGS MUSIC, DANCING, N’AWLINS FOOD
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The 19th annual “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL,” Saturday & Sunday, July 28 & 29, is all about live music, dancing, and exceptionally good food in large quantities. It’s a Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, on all counts. There are performances by some top Louisiana bands. Listen or dance to CEDRYL BALLOU & THE ZYDECO TRENDSETTERS, ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, ROYALE GARDEN DIXIELAND BAND, A.J. GIBBS “THE MYDECO DANCE KING,” WAYLON THIBODEAUX, LIL’ BRIAN & THE ZYDECO TRAVELERS, STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS, BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS, NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus comedy & magic of KERRY ROSS.
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This festival draws 15,000 people over two days, and features different acts each day, so if you’re a fan of Louisiana music, it’s very worth attending Saturday and Sunday. Plus, you can eat more.
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The “Louisiana to L.A. Second Line Dancers” and “New Orleans High Steppers” take part, and there are large wooden dance floors, shaded, and lessons for all. In addition to the ticket option that includes the crawfish feast, there’s a large international food court with many tasty offerings. As they say Down South, “It’s some kinda good!” There’s a Children’s Stage, running noon-6 pm both days, with storytelling, magicians, inflatable impressions, adjacent inflated bounces, and more.
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The festival runs Noon-11 pm Saturday, Noon-10 pm Sunday, at Rainbow Lagoon Events Park, 400 Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802.
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Parking is available at the Long Beach Convention Center, 300 Ocean Blvd, for $10. Or ride the Metro Blue Line light rail to the end (careful, because it’s a loop that runs back to L.A.) and catch the Long Beach shuttle bus or walk three blocks from the Blue Line.
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Tickets have several options, The $13 advance ticket is admission only (children under age 12 are free, accompanied by an adult). OR, and highly recommended, there’s a $25 advance option that includes admission and a big, rectangular “Crawfish Feast” platter, cooked on site and served by Bristol Farms. Or there’s a more gluttonous option that includes a whole bucket of crawfish and admission, for $30 advance. (Prices for the food options are substantially higher at the gate, and the Guide has been letting you know for months.)
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Just go and listen and dance to the extent you can and eat something while you’re there and you’ll be happy. It’s really a quality event. More at www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com.
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♪ 3) “DAY OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL” FESTIVAL AT THE AUTRY, SATURDAY
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The annual “DAY OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL” is Southern California’s signature event for the 8th Annual “NATIONAL OF THE COWBOY” and a Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick. It runs Saturday, July 28, 10 am-5 pm, at the Autry National Center / Autry Museum of the American West, in L.A.’s Griffith Park.
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This kid-and-family-friendly event has lots of music from JEAN SUDBURY, MISS DEVON & THE OUTLAW, KRISTYN HARRIS, and TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT.
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And there’s plenty, more, pard. Saddle-up to celebrate the American cowboy and cowgirl at the Autry with live music, square dancing, kids' crafts, a tasty down-home outdoor barbecue, and more. Watch performances by amazing gun-slinger JOEY DILLON, trick ropers DAVE THORNBURY and GENE McLAUGHLIN, and skip to the beat of square dance caller BECKY NANKIVELL. Autry docent CHUCK MERMAN brings frontier medicine to life with replica artifacts. And other hands-on carts throughout the museum will let you touch the past.
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There are MANY activities, all day. These include creating your own leather masterpiece with help from STANDING BEAR’S Trading Post. Kids should visit the “Children's Craft Corral” in Heritage Court to make their own Day of the Cowboy souvenirs, including a bolo tie. They can try roping a “cow” in the main plaza and pan for real gold in the museum’s interactive “Trails West.”
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You can watch screenings of “The Gene Autry Show” in the Wells Fargo Theater. There’s a working 1880s chuck wagon and presentations on “Cowboy Life on the Trail.” Visit an Olde Time Western Dress-up Photography Studio and get attired for your own Old West-style portrait, individual or family or group. Horses, down at the South Lawn corral, are there to visit, and you can decorate a horseshoe to take home.
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Ambitious wannabe cowpokes can follow a museum-wide scavenger hunt to find clues about the diverse people who embody cowboy culture.
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Everyone can join-in the festivities by dressing up in your best cowboy and cowgirl Western gear, and that adds to your enjoyment. However, NO GUNS, including replicas, are allowed on the premises.
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Arriving early is a very good idea, to get convenient parking and to avoid traffic snarls. This event has consumed all available parking the past two years and the BBQ sells-out early. It’s best to enter Griffith Park by some entrance other than Zoo Drive off the 134 / 5 Freeways, because that one backs-up at a four-way stop sign that causes long delays.
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The Autry National Center / Autry Museum of the American West is located across the parking lot from the L.A. Zoo, at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027. Info, 323-667-2000; www.theautry.org.
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Festival tickets include complimentary admission to the museum, and are the same price as museum admission rates on any ordinary day. Admission gets you into all the festival events as well as all the museum’s galleries, so plan to spend the day. (It’s free for Autry members.) Giddyup!
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♪ 4) SATURDAY’S “NOHO MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL” SUPPORTS IMPORTANT CHARITY
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The 17th annual “NOHO MIDSUMMER NIGHT COFFEE HOUSE & MUSIC FESTIVAL” includes lots of music – all acoustic – and dinner. It’s a charity benefit for and at the ARC Center in North Hollywood, held Saturday, July 28, from 5:45-11 pm.
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They’ve been at this a long time, and they produce a nice event with a lot of rootsy Folk-Americana and singer-songwriter performances and jams, all to provide a good time for a good cause. ARC is “Activities, Recreation & Care for individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
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Late info bills this as a night of “Traditional, original, and acoustic music under the stars by some of the area’s finest musicians and friends of the ARC.”
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The ARC Center is located at 6456 Whitsett Av, North Hollywood 91606. For info and tix, call ARC at 818-762-4356, or contact festival producer Larry Schallert at LSchallert@aol.com or 661-714-2549.
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Doors open at 5 pm for the best seats. Dinner (included in admission) is served 5:30-8:30 pm. In addition, they will have a cash bar, raffles and other ways to support the ARC Center. Tix are $20 adults, $15 ARC Young Adult Club Members, $15 kids age 5-14; kids under age 5 are free.
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♪ 5) “NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL” LIVE ON WEB RADIO / VIDEO STREAM, ALL WEEKEND
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Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29, FOLK ALLEY travels to Newport, Rhode Island to the storied “NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL” to bring listeners – and web VIEWERS – live coverage of the events. It’s a collaboration that uses the resources of NPR Music, WFUV, MVYRadio and Boston’s forever-folk-friendly radio station WUMB.
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Things kick-off Friday at 4:30 pm (Pacific) with WILCO performing live on the Folk Alley radio stream. Or, you can watch a live video webcast of the show at the same site, FolkAlley.com.
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On Saturday & Sunday, they’ll bring you two full days of live performances. Starting at 8:30 am (Pacific) each day, the live audio and video webcasts continue, from the Fort Stage and Quad Stage.
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The weekend webcast schedule includes Saturday shows by ROBERT ELLIS, BROWN BIRD, JONNY CORNDAWG, PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND, DEER TICK, ALABAMA SHAKES, SHARON VAN ETTEN, DAWES, IRON & WINE, SPIRIT FAMILY REUNION, GUTHRIE FAMILY REUNION, & MY MORNING JACKET.
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Sunday, they’ll bring you the Kossoy Sisters, Sara Watkins, Joe Fletcher, Trampled By Turtles, New Multitudes, Charles Bradley, Gary Clark Jr., The Head And The Heart, Of Monsters And Men, Conor Oberst, Punch Brothers, & Jackson Browne.
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Just remember to subtract three hours from he schedules shown on their site to get Pacific time.
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In addition to the live performances, you can enjoy a special Newport Folk Festival Mix at NPR Music, at www.npr.org/2012/07/10/156572574/newport-folk-2012-the-preview-mix?fa-120726.
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So, if you’re staying home or traped in the office this weekend and missing one of the wonderful festivals in Southern California, you can make the astral projection through cyberspace to Rhode Island. Ain’t life wunnerful?
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♪ 6) ARCTIC ICE MELTING SHOCKINGLY FAST, AS BIG OIL PREPARES MORE DRILLING
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If it were only an exercise in logic, wherein the deniers of climate change could be called on the carpet for preparing to exploit arctic resources once everything is free of ice. At is exactly what they are doing, and things are far too serious to simply shake your head at their hypocrisy.
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This week, satellite images showed the entire ice mass of Greenland is no longer frozen. Where ice used to tower in white frozen cliffs above the ocean, it has retreated so far inland in the past five years that the view from the sea is only a rocky shore.
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Arctic oil drilling has already been condemned by the Insurance companies and the US Coast Guard. In the past week, Greenpeace and others have been taking to the streets. But Big Oil is as powerful a special interest as civilization has ever produced. It will require a groundswell of protest to stop them from doing anything they want to do, from exploiting everything anywhere in search of more and more record profits and bloated bonuses for their executives.
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Right now, Shell is only days away from actually drilling for oil in the Alaskan Arctic, in a breeding ground for whales and polar bears. The far north is one of the world's last untouched places. Even without local invasive stresses on its pristine ecosystem, all that lives there is already endangered by global warming and rapid ice melt.
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Shell is proceeding under the terms of a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -issued permit. But there are serious allegations that they are flagrantly violating the terms of their permit. EPA chief administrator LISA JACKSON can withdraw Shell's Arctic permit right now, because the company is unable to meet mandatory air pollution limits for the ships bringing-in equipment. Violating the permit before any oil is even in production is an ominous harbinger.
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If you believe in direct action, call Lisa Jackson at the EPA, at 202-564-4700. Urge her to save the Arctic and demand revocation of Shell’s permit because they are already polluting beyond allowed limits, even before commencing actual drilling.
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If you’d like to read thoughts and comments from those who have already contacted her office, a global activist organization called Avaaz has established a mobilization bulletin board at www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_arctic_call_in/?bbfCMab&v=16618. You can add your comments there, as well. But there is no substitute for calling the EPA.
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Climate change is driving dangerous temperature rises – the hottest decade on record; over 1200 new record high temperatures so far this year in the US alone; huge pieces of the Antarctic ice sheet detaching from that continent; and record droughts in North America that exceed those of the Great Depression’s Dust Bowl.
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Last week, a chunk of the ice sheet – a mega-glacier nearly 40 kilometers long – broke-off Greenland and will become a monstrous iceberg, drifting south until it melts in warmer waters. New estimates predict that in just four years, the arctic will be completely free of ice in the summer months.
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Ask a Pacific islander what this means for their ancestral lands. They’ll tell you their world is already disappearing beneath the rising sea level. Over 80% of the earth’s population lives near sea level. Rising seas would require resettlement on a scale no one can imagine, and it would remove some of the earth’s most fertile land from food production.
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As Avaaz observes, “For some, this planetary disaster is the 21st century gold rush. Companies and countries who hope to make billions are lining-up to frantically grab their share of oil, gas, and minerals. This is a simple decision: the people and planet’s future, or increasing Big Oil’s profits with a 40% possibility of a catastrophic oil spill.”
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If Lisa Jackson allows EPA to continue Shell’s oil drilling permit despite their ongoing violations, then Exxon, Chevron and the rest of Big Oil are poised to pollute fragile wildlife habitats and despoil beautiful arctic landscapes with dirty rigs, pumps and pipes. There is little time left. You can urge Lisa Jackson to stop Shell before it’s too late. Her office number is 202-564-4700.
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♪ 7) REVIEW: 9 BANDS AT LAST WEEKEND’S 19th ANNUAL “LOS FELIZ STREET FAIR”
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Free is not always synonymous with good, but last Sunday’s event in Los Feliz was both. It delivered good music and a tasty array of affordable food. We gave it a sizeable write-up in advance because the bookings on its two stages were heavily folk-Americana music.
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So far this year, a free full day of “our” music is the exception in L.A. As always, that’s hard to figure. Southern California sees more live performances of Folk-Americana and acoustic music in any given week than of all other kinds of music, combined. Still, a free festival with the opportunity to see favorites we know are good and others we’ve heard about but not yet seen? Put us coach, we’re fresh and ready.
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This free festival was all about making the long walk between stages at opposite ends of the site, sampling from the food booths and navigating through arts and crafts and community organizations and other vendors along the way between the Vermont Stage and the Hillhurst Stage. And about going back and forth, all afternoon and well into the evening. It was mostly worth the exercise of repeated journeys, and it was fun to watch the little kids squealing with delight on the many carnival rides and staring in wonder at musicians making music. DAVE OSTI and RIVER ROUGE had already played before we arrived. We would like to have seen both of them. But we saw and heard a lot of music.
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We review each band that we heard. Small separators, like the ones immediately below, divide the reviews of each act or aspect of the event. Band names appear at the top of each review. Enjoy!
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FORT KING
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The Vermont Stage was almost exclusively Americana. We caught FORT KING there, as they began their 1 pm set. They’re a four-piece with two acoustic six string players, an attractive lass on fiddle, and a guy on standup bass. They’re from all over the map. The lead singer-guitarist is from Florida and told a crowd – fanning themselves and seeking sparse shade – that he loves heat. The others are from Ohio, Colorado, and Oregon – and the latter doesn’t love heat. A couple of press photographers and another journalist were conspicuously evident for this outfit.
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They have several styles and seem to be trying to find themselves, musically. FORT KING had opened with a rollickin’ folk song, classically so, and we kept hoping they would get back to that. Their second song, “In the Lion’s Den,” began very ’60s-ish, sounding promising, with male duo harmony vocals. Then, ominously, it began drifting toward the droll contemporary vocal vogue.
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Their third song, a brand-new original they were performing for the first time, was a thoroughly droll outing. All four sang, and the fiddler switched to mandolin. It should have been nice, but stylistically, it wasn’t. We wanted to like them. They were not cooperating.
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We got a slow song with extended “Ahh-ahhs.” We developed the idea that they are better than their material.
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A few in the mostly-young audience seemed entranced by the droll stuff. Unfortunately, it persisted. The next song was something about dressing cut wrists with iodine and finding arrowheads in the clay. But the delivery was way too droll to want to follow it. Then, egads, they picked-up the tempo for a maudlin song apparently titled, “Always Think About Dying.”
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Their set ended. And instantly came canned bumper music between bands. It emphasized the contrast of their songs against a fine upbeat indie folk-rock song by someone we didn’t recognize. A live performance, clearly upstaged by someone else’s unknown canned music? Unfortunately, yes. We hope FORT KING finds an address that’s not in Drollsville.
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THE “DANCE PAVILION”
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Walking toward the other music stage, we discovered an unadvertised third pseudo-stage, the “Dance Pavilion.” It took no time at all to read the lineup placard and see that it was hopeless. Nothing but wall-to-wall Radio Disney thumping and thudding and kids gyrating to third-rate choreography and recorded songs with a shelf life shorter than it takes to play them. Generic, interchangeable, disposable tripe. Calgon, take me away.
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JAZZ…
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Beating feet got us to the Hillhurst Stage quickly, as much to escape the sound bubble of the Dance Pavilion’s loudspeakers as to reach the new destination. There, we caught a few minutes of a jazz saxophone player doing one of those endlessly repetitive five-note motifs. Jazz people call it improvisation. We find it dreadfully monotonous. Bugler, sound retreat.
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TREMOLOCO
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The schedule allowed a little strolling, shopping, schmoozing and food. Back at the Vermont Stage, we caught up with TREMOLOCO.
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They delivered a fine set that was waaay Tex-Mex / border music, wisely done in half Spanish, half English, so all us gringos could appreciate the stories in the lyrics. They’re an accordion-driven five-piece, with an electric guitar, electric bass, drum kit, and keyboard. Fine performance throughout, with a WARREN ZEVON cover and plenty of originals. One standout is their own song, “Pullin’ Up Stakes and Crossing the Rio Grande,” on their new album due out September 27 and available at their gigs before then.
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TREMOLOCO, contrary to what you’re thinking, is a bunch of blonde guys who would pass for a surf band – until they start playing. Then you’re on the mechanical bull at Gilley’s. Until they break out the rock chops, which they did with “Sunshine of Your Love” (sans accordion) with all the electric guitar pedal effects. The old rock classic brought the crowd, including a guy on a skateboard, out from the shade to dance in the street. When you see them listed in the Guide, go catch their show. Andale andale ariba ariba!
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NICOLE GORDON
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Back to the Hillhurst Stage, where there was a change. The splendid NICOLE GORDON was performing two hours early. It was halfway through her set. She had just given birth to a new baby son (Brandon) three weeks earlier. C-section. Unless she told you, you wouldn’t believe it. Plenty of vocal power to propel her catalog of fine originals. She was performing as a three-piece, with JOHNNY HAWTHORNE and LORI LOU GORE as her side players.
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One of Nicole’s songs, “Prayin’ on What Goes Down Must Come Up,” should be all over the radio in these economic hard times. A writer whose experience informs her songwriting, she does one for moms. And playing for the youthful audience, she does one about being sixteen again, “caught up in a kiss, lost in happiness, shaky in the knees, find it hard to breathe” and that got everybody thinking about getting their first driver’s license so they go on that big date.
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She has depth. Nicole’s closer, with three-part harmony, was “The Snake,” about a guy who “Told the truth on the witness stand,” except that, well, you can figure out the snake part.
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KIND HEARTS & CORONETS
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We scurried back the length of the site to catch this band. A seven-piece, they’re somewhere betwixt rock and Americana. That assessment is mostly due to their instrumentation, which includes a girl on fiddle, a girl on a tiny keyboard, and a guy on a coronet horn. They have two electric guitars, an electric bass, and a drummer. They’re a lot of fun, raucous, danceable, with good melody lines and good song structures. Catch ’em when you’re ready to rock.
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LAUREN ADAMS BAND
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This is an all-star outfit, from superb songwriter / band leader LAUREN ADAMS to PHIL PARLAPIANO on keys and accordion and MARK “POCKET” GOLDBERG on bass. This is easily one of L.A.’s top ten electric Americana bands, and Lauren’s originals should be hit songs.
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Their rendition of ERNEST TROOST’S “Evangeline” with Lauren’s vocals is powerful and compelling and very different from the classic blues ballad delivery that Ernest gives it.
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Lauren’s song “Thirsty,” title track to one of her albums, evokes lost country & western, from a time before Nashville lost the western part and turned it all into dysfunctional relationship, red-state-trailer-park rock.
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Each band member got a featured song, since all are singer-songwriters with solo albums and dozens of credits on records by big names. PHIL PARLAPIANO led the band in his original “Everything is Going My Way,” a song that should have been covered by a big Nashville star by now. We had to leave for the other stage before the rest of the band got their featured solos.
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Lauren found a Michigander in the crowd to receive the dedication of her song, “Henry from Saginaw Michigan.” It’s a solid honkytonker that should have ’em dancin’ at the Cowboy Palace.
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It was hard to run out halfway through their set. Be sure to catch LAUREN ADAMS when she performs in town, or at her monthly “Americana Song Circle” showcase at Genghis Cohen.
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RUBEN RAMOS & CO.
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This act was not what was advertised. It was supposed to be SUDBURY & RAMOS, an instrumental duo with a CD, with Jean on fiddle and Ruben on classical guitar, doing Djangostyle Gypsy jazz and a lot of Latin-flavored and lightning fast intricate string music. Having traded places to go on two hours later than scheduled, Ruben hit the stage with a three-piece and without JEAN SUDBURY.
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On top of that, the schedule had dragged later and later. We caught Ruben just before he went on stage, about 40 minutes behind the planned slot. He greeted us quietly with, “Jean couldn’t make it. Neither could my band. This is a complete throw-together.” He looked concerned, but with that resigned air of “the-show-must-go-on.”
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The resulting trio, RABE & RAMOS & ROSS, had never played together as a band. But sometimes there’s synergy and things just work. With RUBEN RAMOS on acoustic six-string, GIGI RABE (pronounced Rah-Bay) from LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS on steel drum (she’s known for playing Cajun accordion), and CHRIS ROSS on a full drum kit, they nervously and tentatively took the stage and announced themselves. Ruben told the audience, “We’re going to play some island music for you.”
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They opened with “(All Day, All Night) Mary Ann” and went to “Bright Sunshiny Day,” with Ruben filling-in lyrics he didn’t remember with some la-las. But it was one of those times when three people’s collaborative musicianship came through in spite of the odds and the lack of set list or playbook. They served-up a fun session: featured flourishes on Gigi Rabe’s steel drum, Ruben’s ability to make the guitar speak a host of languages, and solid drum work by Chris Ross.
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All three innovated as they improvised through the accelerating tempos of Rastafarian jam and reggae-ish percussion-as-lead. Before long, some dancers took to the hot sunshine. The crowd began to aggregate, as that end of the site took to the nearby shade to listen. It was working.
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Ruben switched to electric bass for some of it. The three got braver and found themselves flirting with SANTANA’S “Oye Como Va,” a bit tentatively at first, but the audience continued to grow as they committed to it. Skateboarders zoomed past the stage, looping the crowd. One old guy stood in the middle of the street vigorously playing air drums with the band. By the time they finished, a stream of listeners was asking if they had CDs. If Ruben learns the lyrics to replace the la-las, they could book this trio – if each has time away from their other projects to do it.
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ATOMIC SHERPAS
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Some broke- field running along the length of the street festival – with a pause for some Indian food – brought a return to the Vermont Stage. The ATOMIC SHERPAS were well into their set. They’re a six-piece electric swing blues and jazz ensemble, with a sax and a trombone. They are animated on stage and their energy feeds the audience, building the biggest crowd of the day. Though the genre isn’t what the Guide looks for, they’re good and served-up the fun.
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BLOCO LATINO
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It took a return run to the Hillhurst Stage to see what this outfit is about. They are a drum line of attractive young people led by teacher / percussion master JUAN ESTANGA who faces them at one end. They will tell you that they “specialize in bringing the samba-reggae feel of Brazilian music to the streets of Los Angeles.” We caught them pounding through a “Tusk”-like motif. Those into melodic percussion should look for them. They have a lot of videos on YouTube.
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LIGHTNIN’ WILLIE & THE POOR BOYS
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We expected maybe a CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL tribute band, but nope. This crew makes music in the classic ’50s-’60s style of electric roadhouse blues. They had the kids dancing in the street. Kids from 6 to their late 60s, that is.
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The Creedence connection wasn’t overt, but was there. They appear to have embraced many of the same influences that captured the imagination of JOHN FOGERTY and his brother TOM – and led the former to write “Willie & the Poor Boys” and all that Sacramento / San Joaquin River Delta swamp music. This band is more Memphis or Kansas City or St. Louis or even Chicago blues than Creedence’s mythical bayou, though both outfits could credibly claim musicians like BOOKER T & THE MGs as influences.
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LIGHTNIN’ WILLIE & THE POOR BOYS are a nine-piece, making you wonder how they can possibly pay everybody. They bring an electric piano, drums, keys, a hollow body electric guitar, electric bass and music that can make you dance your ass off. If they seem too rock and roll for you, we’ll cite the piano as the part of their sound that makes them electric blues-Americana.
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Things were going strong when we left, with one more act to come on each stage.
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This festival has good sound pros. Organizers spend their money on nice stage setups. There’s a strong but non-intimidating LAPD and L.A. Fire Department presence, and local homeless people seem to mix freely with festival goers without incident. It’s all copacetic and it’s one of those too-rare, if hothouse-cultivated moments that lets you feel the love in L.A.
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Next year’s festival promises to be even better. The neighborhood business association that produces the event will add, in front of both stages, high tent canopies over rows of folding chairs, with some shaded space for dancing on the asphalt. That will hugely improve the audience experience, since this year’s listeners either stood in the sun or sat on concrete curbs, migrating as shade moved. That surely felt awkward for those on stage, whose audience seemed distant and strung along oblique lines.
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This street fair / festival was started by local restaurant operators. The food booths offered much better cuisine than most outdoor events, including festivals with pricey admission. Some food was a bargain for what you got. We liked the Chinese food from The Palace, a restaurant located on Hillhurst near Sunset. And the Indian food was tasty, from a restaurant near Vermont and Sunset. If they book good Americana music again, this will be a must-do in July 2013.
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The GUIDE endeavors to bring you news and views of interest to artists, musicians and the creative community, together with schedules that reach waaay into the future! Thanks for making the journey with us.
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||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<|| MORE STUFF THE GUIDE OFFERS >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc
"NEWS FEATURES” is a fresh edition most each week, with news and reviews from the acoustic music universe, features on folk-Americana and “acoustic renaissance” music and artists, a litlle from the electric side of honky-tonk Americana, the latest tours, recordings and projects, reviews of CDs and live shows, industry news, news for artists, and more.
It’s always available by clicking-through at www.acousticmusic.net
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or get the mobile-device-friendly edition at
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www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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"VENUE DIRECTORY" - The Guide's extensive locator – has address and contact . info for OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, from Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, plus a few key spots in San Diego, the deserts, and on the Central Coast.
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UPDATES to the Venue Directory are currently underway. Meanwhile, the 2011 edition of our VENUE DIRECTORY is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html .
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||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<|| . With your help, the road goes on forever (even if we can’t afford the gas anymore to find out where it goes)! . . Questions? Comments? Wanna write for the Acoustic Americana Music Guide? …or get something published that you wrote? – Like a CD REVIEW ? or LIVE PERFORMANCE REVIEW ? Contact us at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com . ||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<|| Contents copyright © 2012, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved. ||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
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SPOTLIGHT EVENTS • July 27, 2012 Edition • Acoustic Americana Music Guide
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Take time away from the Olympics to support your local live music venue. PLENTY of options await, herein!
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SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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from THE ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE
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July 27, 2012 edition
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Everything is chronological, by date and time of day. FESTIVALS list first each day, in their own daily section (when there are any), followed by that day’s chronology of CONCERTS and everything else.
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Scroll ahead, as necessary, a few days or all the way into next year.
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Friday, July 27
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Fri, Jul 27:
Noon LADY DANVILLE performs a free lunchtime concert presented by Grand Performances on the Water Court stage at California Plaza, 350 S Grand Av, downtown Los Angeles 90071; 213-687-2020. Ride the Red Line subway to Pershing Square Station, exit the Fourth Street end, and ride Angels Flight directly to the concert.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
6 pm “MUSIC IN THE L.A. ZOO” series presents THE ROCKY NECK BLUEGRASS BAND, MARIEVE HERINGTON BAND, PADDY’S PIG, WICKED TINKERS, AK AND HER KALASHNIKOVS, SULTANS OF MAMBO, TROPICAL PUNCH, KENNY HUDSON & WORLD BEAT, in a mostly Celtic, bluegrass-flavored edition of their “Global Fusion” concert series, at the Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr (Griffith Park), Los Angeles 90027; 323-644-6042. If you catch only one of the Zoo’s concerts this year, this should be the one.
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Fri, Jul 27:
6-9 pm KELLY FITZGERALD, award-winning singer-songwriter extraordinaire, plays Salt Creek Grille in El Segundo; www.saltcreekgrille.com. Artist info, www.kellyfitzgerald.net.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. play the outdoor series in Heritage Park, 12100 Mora Dr, Santa Fe Springs 90670. Info, call Mary Tavera, 562-946-6476. Bring lawn chair or blanket and a picnic dinner.
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Fri, Jul 27:
7-11 pm DOUG MacLEOD brings his classic blues and National steel guitar to Lucille’s Smokehouse & BBQ, Long Beach Town Center (at Carson St & 605 Fwy), Long Beach; www.lucillesbbq.com; 562-938-7427.
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Fri, Jul 27, in Ventura:
7 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “BELL ARTS SONG CIRCLE” at Bell Arts Factory, 432 N Ventura Av, Ventura 93001
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Fri, Jul 27:
7:30 pm monthly “FRIDAY OPEN MIC NIGHTS” at the California Traditional Music Society’s Center for Folk Music, the building in the park at 16953 Ventura Bl, Encino 91316; 818-817-7756.
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Fri, Jul 27, on TV:
7:30 pm-midnight Summer XXX OLYMPIC GAMES Opening Ceremonies include a performance by SIR PAUL McCARTNEY, from the Olympic Stadium in London, plus some sports competition that happened today. The Guide’s current NEWS FEATURES edition has an extensive piece on “Music and the Olympics”…
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Fri, Jul 27, in the distant desert:
Time tba “FOLKYEAH” presents an outdoor show with JACKIE GREENE plus THE FARMERS at Pappy & Harriet's, 53688 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown; 760-365-5956; www.pappyandharriets.com. $20 advance, $25 door.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “THE MUSIC OF HAWAI'I” with KAUMAKAIWA KANAKA’OLE, GEORGE KAHUMOKU JR., KEOKI KAHUMOKU, BOBBY INGANO, & “UNCLE” RICHARD HO’OPI’I, all top-rated players from the Pearl of the Pacific, playing the Grand Performances concert series on the Water Court Stage at California Plaza, 350 S Grand Av, downtown Los Angeles 90071. 213-687-2020; www.grandperformances.org. Ride the Red Line subway to Pershing Square Station, exit the Fourth Street end, and ride Angels Flight up the hill directly to the concert. Free, once you get there.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm IAN WHITCOMB plays the musical launch of his new book, “UKE HEROES,” with special performing guests FRED SOKOLOW and JANET KLEIN, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; 626-798-6236. It’s a “Ukulele Singalong and Strumalong” night. Tix, $15.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE FAREWELL DRIFTERS play McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $15. Band info, www.thefarewelldrifters.com.
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Fri, Jul 27:
8 pm SISTER SPARROW & THE DIRTY BIRDS play the free summer outdoor concert series at Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts - Pasadena, in Memorial Park, 85 E Holly St, (really Raymond & Walnut), Pasadena 91103; 626-683-3230; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station. Bring a beach chair or blanket and picnic dinner (no alcohol allowed). Band info, www.sistersparrow.com. Free concert.
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Fri, Jul 27:
8-11 pm WRECK N SOW plays the front room stage Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (next to L.A. Equestrian Center), Burbank; 818-845-2425 or 818-515-4444; www.vivacantina.com. Okay to park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl. Band info, www.wrecknsow.com. No cover.
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Fri, Jul 27:
8 pm weekly “MONROVIA STREET FAIR” includes several venues with acoustic music, some impromptu, some more formal, including the KATTYWOMPUS CONCERT and JAM with all comers – including dulcimer players – at Dollmakers Kattywompus, 412 S Myrtle Av, Monrovia 91016; 626-357-1091. Free.
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Fri, Jul 27:
8:30 pm BRIAN WRIGHT at The Foundry on Melrose, 7465 Melrose Av, L.A. 90046; www.thefoundryonmelrose.com.
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Fri, Jul 27, on TV:
8:30-9 pm “BLUEGRASS UNDERGROUND” features a 2011 performance by MIKE FARRIS & THE McCRARY SISTERS. Broadcast on KLCS, the only public TV station that airs music performances when it’s not pledge drive, and doesn’t chop-up programming to beg for money; check cable and satellite listings. Repeats at 2:30 am.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
9 pm LILY WILSON plays an all-acoustic show at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046; www.genghiscohen.com; 323-653-0640. Lily performs fine self-penned acoustic ballads, and she’s shared stages and recording studios with the likes of MELISSA ETHRIDGE. Venue is known for its Chinese food. If you go early to eat, be sure they seat you in the music hall.
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Fri, Jul 27 (LATE ADDITION):
9 pm-midnight “HIGH FIDELITY RECORDS ACOUSTIC NIGHT,” with performances by BRYAN McPHERSON, BILLY BROWN, MYKUL LEE, ALIYA MARIE, BRAINSTORY, and MILAN, at High Fidelity Records, 1956 N Hillhurst Av, Los Angeles 90027.
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Check out the artists:
Bryan McPherson: http://statelinerecords.bandcamp.com/album/american-boy-american-girl
Billy Brown: www.deathtofalsehoperecords.com/downloads/dtfh104.html
Mykul Lee: www.facebook.com/MykulLee
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Beverages will be served, or you may bring your own beverage.
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All ages, free.
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Fri, Jul 27:
9 pm KEN O’MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS play Ireland’s 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; www.irelands32pub.com; 818-785-4031. No cover.
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Fri, Jul 27:
9 pm JOE WOOD & THE LONELY ONES play the Eldorado in Long Beach; www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/eldo.restuarant.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, on TV:
9-10 pm “AUSTIN CITY LIMITS” features WILLIE NELSON & ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL, performing songs from their 2009 “Willie and the Wheel” CD. Broadcast on KLCS, the only public TV station that airs music performances when it’s not pledge drive, and doesn’t chop-up programming to beg for money; check cable and satellite listings. Repeats at 3 am.
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Fri, Jul 27:
9:30 pm KEN O’MALLEY brings authentic and original Irish music to Ireland’s 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys 91401; 818-785-4031.
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Fri, Jul 27:
10 pm TWO MAN GENTLEMAN BAND, plus DUSTBOWL REVIVAL, and THE WHISKERMEN play a triple-bill at the Redwood Bar & Grill, 316 W 2nd St (between Broadway and Hill), downtown L.A. 90012; www.theredwoodbar.com.
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Fri, Jul 27, on TV:
10-11 pm “FRONT ROW CENTER” features “PHIL COLLINS: GOING BACK – LIVE AT THE ROSELAND BALLROOM” in a 2012 performance of selections from his 2010 album. Broadcast on KLCS, the only public TV station that airs music performances when it’s not pledge drive, and doesn’t chop-up programming to beg for money; check cable and satellite listings. Repeats at 4 am.
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Fri, Jul 27:
10:30 pm CAROLYN EDWARDS & ADAM MARSLAND’S CHAOS BAND plays Taix 321 Lounge, 1911 W Sunset Bl (at Alvarado), Echo Park; www.taixfrench.com; 213-484-1265. No cover.
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Saturday, July 28
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TODAY, Saturday, July 28, is the 8th Annual “NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY” in the U.S. and Canada. The day brings official proclamations and special recognitions from several US states and Canadian provinces, and many events throughout both countries. Of course, that includes plenty of western and western swing music and cowboy poetry. Check the ever-growing and vast array of info and events at www.nationaldayofthecowboy.org.
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Here in Southern California, you can celebrate at “DAY OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL,” an all-day annual festival at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park, 10 am-5 pm, or catch a free 11 am performance in Santa Clarita with the “Read ’Em Cowboy” event, then catch the evening show by multiple-top-award-winning western singer-songwriter BELINDA GAIL at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena at 7 pm (see both listings).
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Before we get to the festival listings, early risers should check these…
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EARLY Sun, Jul 28, on TV:
5-5:30 pm “SUN STUDIO SESSIONS” features a performance by JOSHUA JAMES. Broadcast on KLCS, the only public TV station that airs music performances when it’s not pledge drive, and doesn’t chop-up programming to beg for money; check cable and satellite listings. Repeats at 2 am.
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EARLY Sat, Jul 28, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, on TV:
5:30-6 am “JAMMIN’ AT HIPPIE JACK’S” features JIM LAUDERDALE in a 2012 performance. Broadcast on KLCS, the only public TV station that airs music performances when it’s not pledge drive, and doesn’t chop-up programming to beg for money; check cable and satellite listings.
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Saturday’s FESTIVALS
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Sat & Sun, Jul 28 & 29, FESTIVAL,
a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick,
in Long Beach:
19th annual “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” is all about live music, dancing, and exceptionally good food in large quantities, with performances by CEDRYL BALLOU & THE ZYDECO TRENDSETTERS, ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, ROYALE GARDEN DIXIELAND BAND, A.J. GIBBS “THE MYDECO DANCE KING,” WAYLON THIBODEAUX, LIL’ BRIAN & THE ZYDECO TRAVELERS, STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS, BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS, NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus the comedy & magic of KERRY ROSS, at Rainbow Lagoon Events Park, 400 Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802.
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This festival features different acts each day, so if you’re a fan of Louisiana music, it’s very worth attending both days.
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There’s a large international food court with many tasty offerings, in addition to the ticket option with the crawfish feast. Children’s Stage runs noon-6 pm both days, with storytelling, magicians, inflatable impressions, adjacent bounces, and more. This festival draws 15,000 people over two days. The “Louisiana to L.A. Second Line Dancers” and “New Orleans High Steppers” take part, and there are large wooden dance floors and lessons for all. More at www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com.
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Runs noon-11 pm Saturday, noon-10 pm Sunday.
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Tix, $13 advance, admission only (children under age 12 free, accompanied by adult); or (recommended) there’s a $25 advance option that includes admission and a big, rectangular Crawfish Feast platter, cooked on site and served by Bristol Farms; there’s a more gluttonous option that includes a bucket of crawfish and admission, and that one is $30 advance. (Substantially higher prices at the gate.) Parking at LB Convention Ctr, 300 Ocean Bl, is $10; or ride the Metro Blue Line to the end and catch the Long Beach shuttle bus or walk three blocks.
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Sat, Jul 28, FESTIVAL,
a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, L.A.
10 am-5 pm “FESTIVAL OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL,” Southern California’s signature event for the “NATIONAL OF THE COWBOY,” at the Autry National Center / Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027; 323-667-2000; www.theautry.org. Museum admission rates apply / free for Autry members.
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This kid-and-family-friendly event has lots of music from JEAN SUDBURY, MISS DEVON & THE OUTLAW, KRISTYN HARRIS, and TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT.
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And there’s plenty, more, pard. Saddle up to celebrate the American cowboy and cowgirl at the Autry with live music, square dancing, kids' crafts, delicious down-home outdoor barbecue, and more. Watch performances by amazing gun-slinger JOEY DILLON, trick ropers DAVE THORNBURY and GENE McLAUGHLIN, and skip to the beat of square dance caller BECKY NANKIVELL. Autry docent CHUCK MERMAN brings frontier medicine to life with replica artifacts. Other hands-on carts throughout the museum will let you touch the past.
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All-Day Activities include creating your own leather masterpiece with help from STANDING BEAR’S Trading Post. Visit the Children's Craft Corral in Heritage Court to make your own Day of the Cowboy souvenirs, including a bolo tie. Try roping a cow in the main plaza and gold-panning in Trails West. Watch screenings of “The Gene Autry Show” in the Wells Fargo Theater. See a working 1880s chuck wagon and presentations on “Cowboy Life on the Trail.” Visit an Olde Time Western Dress-up Photography Studio and dress up for your own Old West picture. See horses down at the South Lawn corral and decorate a horseshoe to take home. Follow a museum-wide scavenger hunt to find clues about the diverse people who embody cowboy culture. Join in the festivities by dressing up in your best cowboy and cowgirl Western gear! However, NO GUNS, including replicas, will be allowed on the premises. Tickets include complimentary admission to the museum. Giddyup!
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Sat, Jul 28, FESTIVAL, in Pine Valley:
11 am 5 pm annual “PINE VALLEY DAYS,” with performances by PATTY HALL, GEORGE DICKEY, MARTIN HENRY, GREG CAMPBELL, THE PONY TALES, JUST FRIENDS, PAULINE JIMENEZ, and TRAILS & RAILS, in Pine Valley County Park, 28810 Old Highway 80, Pine Valley 92062; 619-445-1856.
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What better way to spend the 8th Annual “National Day of the Cowboy” than here, enjoying all these Western performing artists?
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Sat, Jul 28, FESTIVAL, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
2-10 pm “LEGENDS OF NEW ORLEANS” outdoor mega-concert with ALLEN TOUSSAINT, KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD, REBIRTH BRASS BAND, & IRMA THOMAS, at Queen Mary Events Park, 1126 Queen’s Hwy, Long Beach 90802; 800-437-2934.
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Sat, Jul 28, PSEUDO-FESTIVAL, in Monrovia:
5-9 pm “MONROVIA PUB CRAWL” brings “an evening of live music, art, and spirits,” to several venues in a coordinated “stroll along the avenue” that being Myrtle Avenue, in Old Town Monrovia. It’s presented by the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts.
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The FREE part is actually most of it: live music performances and exhibiting artists will be located along Myrtle Avenue. As for the pub crawl, you can get one drink at each of several pubs and restaurants by purchasing a $35 “Strollers Passport.” Participating establishments are Sena on Myrtle, Jake’s Roadhouse, Rudy’s Mexican Food, London Gastropub, and T. Phillips Alehouse & Grill. Complete info at www.monroviafinearts.org or 626-802-7873.
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Sat, Jul 28, FESTIVAL:
5:45-11 pm 17th annual “NOHO MIDSUMMER NIGHT COFFEE HOUSE & MUSIC FESTIVAL” includes music and dinner; it’s a charity benefit for and at the ARC Center, 6456 Whitsett Av, North Hollywood 91606. We don’t yet know the lineup or the schedule, but we do know they produce a nice event with a lot of rootsy Folk-Americana and singer-songwriter performances, and they provide a good time for a good cause. ARC is “Activities, Recreation & Care for individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
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Late info bills this as a night of “Traditional, original, and acoustic music under the stars by some of the area’s finest musicians and friends of the ARC.”
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For info and tix, call ARC at 818-762-4356, or contact festival producer Larry Schallert at LSchallert@aol.com or 661-714-2549.
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Doors at 5 pm for the best seats. Dinner (included in admission) served 5:30-8:30 pm. In addition, they will have a cash bar, raffles and other ways to support the ARC Center. Tix are $20 adults, $15 ARC Young Adult Club Members, $15 kids age 5-14; kids under age 5 are free.
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Saturday’s
CONCERTS, CLUB GIGS, SHOWCASES, OPEN MICS, WORKSHOPS, & more…
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Sat, Jul 28, Free, in Santa Clarita:
11 am-3 pm “READ’EM COWBOY!" event for the “NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY” with live music, western authors, western artists, entertainers, and celebrities, in a fundraiser for NDOC at Barnes and Noble, 23630 Valencia Bl, Santa Clarita.
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Award-winning western singer-songwriter RAY DOYLE is among those performing. Ray says, “It will be cool inside and we will have seating for anyone wanting to relax and hear some songs.”
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You can buy a book and have it signed by one of the celebrity authors, have lunch inside the B&N Cafe or at Baja Fresh, have dessert at Ben & Jerry's, get a cupcake at Bake You Happy (winner of Food Networks “Cupcake Wars”), and any or all of that supports NDOC if you register.
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Along with the live western music and celebrity book signings, there are museum displays, offerings from local Western artists, vintage cars, an award-winning western gun spinner, and TV and movie celebrities signing autographs and pics inside the listed restaurants. A portion of the proceeds from purchases made at each of these establishments goes to the National Day Of The Cowboy organization. Producer JULIE REAM says, “There are lots of events happening all over the world, but not all of them are making financial contributions to the cause!” This one does.
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Here’s a radio podcast about the event, with some music: www.hometownstation.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30328:around-the-barn-july-14-2012&catid=157:around-the-barn&Itemid=419.
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There’s more about NDOC events everywhere at www.nationaldayofthecowboy.org.
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Sat, Jul 28:
1 pm monthly “OLD TIME & TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN FIDDLE & BANJO MUSIC JAM” at Audubon Nature Center in Debs Park, 4700 N Griffin Av, Highland Park 90031; off the 110 Fwy; 323-221-2255.
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Sat, Jul 28 (LATE ADDITION):
5 pm KIND HEARTS & CORONETS plays the “DOWNTOWN SUMMER PARTY” at The Down and Out Bar, 5th & Spring St, downtown L.A. Check-out the Guide’s review of their performance at last weekend’s “Los Feliz Street Fair.” It’s in the new edition of our NEWS FEATURES.
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Sat, Jul 28, PSEUDO-FESTIVAL, in Monrovia:
(Repeated from today’s Festival listings) 5-9 pm “MONROVIA PUB CRAWL” brings “an evening of live music, art, and spirits,” to several venues in a coordinated “stroll along the avenue” that being Myrtle Avenue, in Old Town Monrovia. It’s presented by the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts.
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The FREE part is actually most of it: live music performances and exhibiting artists will be located along Myrtle Avenue. As for the pub crawl, you can get one drink at each of several pubs and restaurants by purchasing a $35 “Strollers Passport.” Participating establishments are Sena on Myrtle, Jake’s Roadhouse, Rudy’s Mexican Food, London Gastropub, and T. Phillips Alehouse & Grill. Complete info at www.monroviafinearts.org or 626-802-7873.
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Sat, Jul 28:
6-9 pm NICK WATERHOUSE plus DJ CHRIS ZIEGLER at The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A. 90049; 310-440-7300; parking is $10.
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Sat, Jul 28:
6:30 pm weekly “BLUEGRASS CONCERT” at Me N Eds Pizza Parlor, 4115 Paramount Bl, Lakewood 90712; 562-421-8908.
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Sat, Jul 28, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm BELINDA GAIL, multiple-top-award-winning singing cowgirl, plays a show on the 8th Annual “NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY” at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; 626-798-6236.
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This will sell-out promptly, so don’t dawdle making reservations. More details later. Tix, $20.
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Sat, Jul 28, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, in Ventura Co:
7 pm FISHTANK ENSEMBLE that most delightful eclectic acoustic ensemble, plus an opening set by amazing guitarist and VERY funny singer-songwriter BRUCE GOLDISH, at the “DANCING OAK RANCH CONCERT SERIES,” sponsored by Ojai Concert Series, at Dancing Oak Ranch, off Hwy 150 at 4585 Casitas Pass Rd, above Ventura 93001; 805-649-5189.
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Sat, Jul 28:
7 pm SUSIE HANSEN LATIN BAND brings her well-regarded “Hot Latin Jazz & Salsa” to the “16th Annual Altadena Sheriffs’ Summer Concert Series” in the Amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 East Mt. Curve Av, Altadena 91001; series info, 626-798-6335; www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com. FREE concert series.
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Sat, Jul 28, in San Diego Co:
7 pm PHIL BOROFF & DAVID BOROFF play the “San Diego Folk Heritage” series at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas 92024; 858-566-4040.
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Sat, Jul 28:
7-11 pm JEFF TURMES plays Lucille’s Smokehouse & BBQ, Long Beach Town Center (at Carson St & 605 Fwy), Long Beach; www.lucillesbbq.com; 562-938-7427.
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Sat, Jul 28:
7 pm weekly “RANCH PARTY” brings SUSAN JAMES plus THE BARON SISTERS to the music patio adjacent to EB’s Wine Bar, in the L.A. Farmers Market complex, 6333 3rd (at Fairfax), L.A.; www.farmersmarketla.com. Plenty of places to eat are nearby, and you carry your food to the stage seating. Show and series info, www.reverbnation.com/venue/ranchpartycountrynight. No cover.
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Sat, Jul 28:
7 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “WEST VALLEY HOOT” in Woodland Hills 91367. Location and info at www.songmakers.org.
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Sat, Jul 28:
7:30 pm GRATEFUL DUDES BLUEGRASS play their longtime weekly residency a.t Vincenzo's Pizza, 24500 Lyons Av, Newhall 91350. Some VERY prominent guests have been known to sit-in..
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Sat, Jul 28, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm ERIC SCHWARTZ does an adults-only, uncensored performance of his brilliantly bawdy, politically-charged originals, at a special edition of the Bodie House Concert Series at Four Friends Gallery, 1408 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91362. 805-497-4022; info@fourfriendsgallery.com. This guy is amazingly creative. Check him out on YouTube and note the astonishing number of views his songs have received. And make a reservation, or it’ll be sold-out when you get there.
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Sat, Jul 28:
8 pm THE HANDSOME FAMILY at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. Tix, $15.
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Sat, Jul 28, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm MARIACHI DIVAS, the all-female Grammy-winning superbly talented ensemble of horns and strings and voices and bullfighter suits, brings their joyous music to the free outdoor summer concert series at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, 85 E Holly St, Pasadena 91103; 626-683-3230. This is one of Levitt’s best offerings this summer. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station and you’re right there. Bring a beach chair or blanket and a picnic dinner (or buy food from on-site vendors); no alcohol allowed in the park, and they vigorously enforce that. All ages show. Free.
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Sat, Jul 28, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CALIFORNIA PHILHARMONIC “FESTIVAL ON THE GREEN” summer outdoor concert series brings tonight’s theme of “Center Stage” to Santa Anita Racetrack Park, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia.
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Maestro VICTOR VENER is renowned for presenting accessible classical music with many recognizable melodies for those who are not into tuxedo classical. In fact, there is a jazz combo performing from 5 pm until the main concert at 8. Even if you’re not into jazz, go early.
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Gates open at 5 pm for dining, the instrument petting zoo, pony rides, best placement of beach chairs, and probably additional fun / diversions. A fine catered picnic dinner is available (you should order in advance to get the options you want) or you can bring your own food and beverages. More expensive seats include tables with tablecloths. Cheaper seats are bring-your-own chair or blanket.
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The series continues here on Aug 11 with “Carmen on Broadway,” and on Aug 25 with “Beethoven & John Williams.” Each Saturday evening show repeats as an indoor matinee the next afternoon in Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Music Center in downtown L.A. in air-conditioned comfort. Info and tix for all six performances (three outdoor, three indoor) are available at www.calphil.org or 626-300-8200.
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Sat, Jul 28:
8 pm monthly “4th SATURDAY CONTRA DANCE” with TOM SAUBER & THE SCREAMING EARWIGS making the music and SUSAN MICHAELS calling, at the Woman¹s Club of South Pasadena, 1424 Fremont Av, South Pasadena 91030. Instruction for new dancers at 7:30 pm. Contradancing is 8-11 pm. Adults, $10. Students with ID, $7. Kids under age 12 are free.
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Sat, Jul 28:
8 pm-2 am “SPEEDWAY BLUES PARTY” at Villains Tavern 1356 Palmetto St, downtown L.A.; www.villainstavern.com; 213-613-0766. The place is “a steampunk bar.” Event info, www.facebook.com/speedwayvenice.
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Sat, Jul 28:
Time tba NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS play the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar.
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Sat, Jul 28:
9 pm KARA GRAINGER plays The Foundry on Melrose, 7465 Melrose Av, L.A. 90046; www.thefoundryonmelrose.com.
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Sat, Jul 28:
9 pm WHITE BOY JAMES & THE BLUES EXPRESS play the Eldorado in Long Beach; www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/eldo.restuarant.
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Sat, Jul 28:
9:30 pm “WIZARDS OF THE WEST COAST HARPS” brings harmonica wizards ROD PIAZZA, JAMES HARMAN, LYNWOOD SLIM, JIMMY Z, BILLY WATSON, & LITTLE BARRY G to Harvelle’s Long Beach, 206 The Promenade North, Long Beach 90802; www.harvelles.com; 310-395-1676. ; $15.
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Sat, Jul 28:
9:30 pm 29 MULES at Ireland’s 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; www.irelands32pub.com; 818-785-4031. No cover.
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Sat, Jul 28:
9:30 pm DENNIS JONES BAND at Harvelle's Santa Monica, 1432 Fourth St, Santa Monica; www.harvelles.com; 310-395-1676. $10. Info: www.harvelles.com.
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Sat, Jul 28:
10 pm JASON HEATH & THE GREEDY SOULS at The Press, 129 Harvard Av, Claremont; 909-625-4808; www.thepressrestaurant.com. No cover.
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Sat, Jul 28:
10:30 pm BOLLWEEVIL & THE DIGS at Taix 321 Lounge, 1911 W Sunset Bl (at Alvarado), Echo Park; www.taixfrench.com; 213-484-1265. No cover.
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Sunday, July 29
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Note: a very early morning event on TV…
(Additional music on TV included in listings later in the day / evening)
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Sun, Jul 29, on TV:
6-6:30 am “THE PIANO GUY” brings video piano lessons. Broadcast on KLCS, the only public TV station that airs music performances when it’s not pledge drive, and doesn’t chop-up programming to beg for money; check cable and satellite listings.
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Sunday’s FESTIVALS
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Sun, Jul 29; Sat & Sun, Jul 28 & 29, FESTIVAL,
a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick,
in Long Beach:
19th annual “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” is all about live music, dancing, and exceptionally good food in large quantities, with performances by CEDRYL BALLOU & THE ZYDECO TRENDSETTERS, ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, ROYALE GARDEN DIXIELAND BAND, A.J. GIBBS “THE MYDECO DANCE KING,” WAYLON THIBODEAUX, LIL’ BRIAN & THE ZYDECO TRAVELERS, STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS, BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS, NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus the comedy & magic of KERRY ROSS, at Rainbow Lagoon Events Park, 400 Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802.
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This festival features different acts each day, so if you’re a fan of Louisiana music, it’s very worth attending both days.
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There’s a large international food court with many tasty offerings, in addition to the ticket option with the crawfish feast. Children’s Stage runs noon-6 pm both days, with storytelling, magicians, inflatable impressions, adjacent bounces, and more. This festival draws 15,000 people over two days. The “Louisiana to L.A. Second Line Dancers” and “New Orleans High Steppers” take part, and there are large wooden dance floors and lessons for all. More at www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com.
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Runs noon-11 pm Saturday, noon-10 pm Sunday.
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Tix, $13 advance, admission only (children under age 12 free, accompanied by adult); or (recommended) there’s a $25 advance option that includes admission and a big, rectangular Crawfish Feast platter, cooked on site and served by Bristol Farms; there’s a more gluttonous option that includes a bucket of crawfish and admission, and that one is $30 advance. (Substantially higher prices at the gate.) Parking at LB Convention Ctr, 300 Ocean Bl, is $10; or ride the Metro Blue Line to the end and catch the Long Beach shuttle bus or walk three blocks.
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Sunday’s
CONCERTS, CLUB GIGS, SHOWCASES, OPEN MICS, WORKSHOPS, & more…
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Sun, Jul 29, in San Diego:
10 am weekly “BLUEGRASS BRUNCH” at Urban Solace, 3823 30th St, San Diego 92104; 619-295-6464.
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Sun, Jul 29:
11 am-2 pm weekly “BLUES BRUNCH” with BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena; 626-441-2443; www.eatatfirefly.com.
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Sun, Jul 29:
2:30-7 pm JOHNNY MASTRO & MAMA’S BOYS play their weekly residency at Bliss 525, 525 E Broadway, Long Beach 90802; www.bliss525.com; 562-495-7252. Band info, www.johnnymastro.com.
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Sun, Jul 29:
3 pm MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG & FRIENDS, plus ED TREE, play “Marc Bachrach’s Concerts” series in Thousand Oaks 91362. MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG is a respected “Roots” bass player (upright & electric) who has had the honor of making music with some of the most talented and renowned artists of our time. The host says, “This is Mark's fifth appearance at our events.... because everyone who comes to hear him and the band has been blown away!” Reservations get directions at mark@markpocketgoldberg.com
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Sun, Jul 29:
3-10 pm weekly “EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUNDAY” show brings performers tba to Villains Tavern, 1356 Palmetto St, downtown L.A.; www.villainstavern.com; 213-613-0766. The place is “a steampunk bar.
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Sun, Jul 29:
4-7 pm AUSTIN HANKS & THE KALIFORNIA KINGSNAKES play the Piano Bar, 6429 Selma Av, Hollywood 90028; www.pianobarhollywood.com; 323-466-2750. No cover.
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Sun, Jul 29:
4-7 pm weekly “TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION” at the Auld Dubliner, 71 Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com.
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Sun, Jul 29, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
5:30-9 pm weekly “GRAND OLE ECHO” show brings LESLIE STEVENS, STEVEN CASPER & COWBOY ANGST, MIGUEL GARCIA & THE VAQUETONES, plus THE PORCH GIRLS (that delightful Topanga Canyon all-girl group) performing on, appropriately enough, the back porch, at The Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park; 213-413-8200. www.attheecho.com. Always a full lineup of folk-Americana, western swing, honky-tonk, and/or alt-country recording artists. Show and series info, www.thegrandoleecho.bandzoogle.com/fr_home.cfm. All ages, full bar, BBQ available, no cover.
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Sun, Jul 29:
5:30-8 pm “CRAWFISH BOIL” with THE MUDBUG BRASS BAND performing on the patio at The Foundry on Melrose, 7465 Melrose Av, L.A. 90046; www.thefoundryonmelrose.com.
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Sun, Jul 29:
6:30 pm monthly “OPEN MIC” at the Folk Music Center, 220 Yale Av, Claremont 91711; 909-624- 2928. Signups at 6 pm.
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Sun, Jul 29, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm TOULOUSE ENGELHARDT, phenomenal guitar-playing showman, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations 626-798-6236 (10 am-10 pm); venue phone 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. (“the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).
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Sun, Jul 29:
7 pm DOUG PAISLEY plus MARIEE SIOUX at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. Tix, $12.50.
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Sun, Jul 29:
8:30 pm BABYLON SOCIAL CLUB, the band of SNUFFY WALDEN, SARA NIEMIETZ, LESLIE SMITH, TERRY WISON, BENNETT SALVAY, & HERMAN MATTHEWS, plays Café Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks 91423; dinner reservations, 818-789-1985; info, www.cafecordiale.com/music.html; www.myspace.com/cordiale.
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Sun, Jul 29:
8:30 pm JEREMIAH plays the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar. Free admission but take $$ for the tip jar.
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Sun, Jul 29:
9:30 pm THE DAMNGIVERS at Harvelle’s Long Beach, 206 The Promenade North, Long Beach 90802; www.harvelles.com; 310-395-1676. $5 cover.
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Sun, Jul 29:
10 pm-1 am CARLOS GUITARLOS at the Liquid Kitty, 11780 W Pico Bl (between Barrington & Bundy), West L.A.; www.thekitty.com; 310-473-3707. No cover.
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Sun, Jul 29:
11 pm weekly late-night “ACOUSTIC CORDIALE” at 14 Below, 1348 14th St, Santa Monica 90404; 310-451-5040.
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Monday, July 30
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Mon, Jul 30:
7:30 pm THE BROMBIES play their weekly bluegrass residency at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506; 818-515-4444. Venue has full bar, serves Mexican food. Free parking across the street at Pickwick Bowl (same owners). No cover.
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Mon, Jul 30:
7:30 pm twice-monthly “NEW WESTSIDE BLUEGRASS JAM” at Industry Café & Jazz, 6039 Washington Bl, Culver City 90232.
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Mon, Jul 30, in Ventura:
7:30 pm twice-monthly “ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC” at Zoey's Café, 451 E Main St, Ventura 93001; 805-652-0091.
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Mon, Jul 30:
7:30 pm weekly “OPEN MIC” at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood 91607; 818-766-9913. Sign-ups at 7 pm. Officially, it’s no cover, but venue expects a donation. Watch on the web if you can’t go, at www.kulakswoodshed.com.
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Mon, Jul 30:
8-9:30 pm “SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BLUES SOCIETY” presents a lineup tba at Maui’s Sugar Mill Saloon, 18339 Ventura Bl, Tarzana (just E of Reseda Bl); a blues jam follows. No cover, but $15-$20 donation suggested. Info, www.socalblues.org.
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Mon, Jul 30:
8 pm weekly “IRISH CéILí DANCE & IRISH MUSIC SESSION” at the Celtic Arts Center’s shared location at Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood 91602; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com.
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Dancing at 8, music jam session at 9. No cover, donations appreciated. Always fun and a wonderful place to meet people who are into the Celtic scene.
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Mon, Jul 30:
CANCELLED: 8 pm weekly “BLUE MONDAY JAM” with the BERNIE PEARL BLUES BAND no longer happens at the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, Leimert Park, 4305 Degnan Bl, Los Angeles 90008. Fun while it lasted!
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Mon, Jul 30:
8:30 pm THE HOT CLUB plays their every-Monday residency at the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar.
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Mon, Jul 30:
9 pm “MONDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB” with members of 29 MULES play Ireland’s 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; www.irelands32pub.com; 818-785-4031. No cover.
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Tuesday, July 31
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Tue, Jul 31:
6:30-8:30 pm KAREN TOBIN & FRIENDS play an acoustic show at Big Mama’s Rib Shack on N Lake Av in Pasadena; www.bigmamas-ribshack.com. This place has great BBQ, so make it dinner and a show.
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Tue, Jul 31:
7 pm weekly “JC HYKE'S SONGWRITERS SERENADE” brings a different line-up each week of recording artists playing acoustic sets, at Matt Denny's Ale House Restaurant & Bar, 145 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006. Venue is a restaurant, serves alcohol. All ages. No cover.
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Tue, Jul 31:
7 pm weekly “BLUEGRASS SOUP JAM” at Convert-A-Tape, 2420 Gundry Av, Signal Hill 90755.
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Tue, Jul 31:
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, Jul 31:
8:30 pm BEN VAUGHN TRIO plus PETER GILSTRAP play the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar.
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Tue, Jul 31:
9 pm TED RUSSELL KAMP plays Ireland’s 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; www.irelands32pub.com; 818-785-4031. No cover.
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Tue, Jul 31:
9 pm JACK’S TEA ROOM plays Harvelle’s Long Beach, 206 The Promenade North, Long Beach 90802; www.harvelles.com; 310-395-1676. $10.
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Wednesday, August 1
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Wed, Aug 1, a “SHOW-of-the-YEAR” pick:
7 pm “THE NEVILLE BROTHERS' FAREWELL TOUR,” as the famous brothers add the talents and formidable presence of TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE to bring a memory-book night of New Orleans’ best to the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood; 232-850-2000. Don’t dawdle getting tix, as this’ll sell-out.
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Wed, Aug 1:
7-9 pm weekly “WINE & SONG” series brings KEVIN FISHER with EILEEN CAREY & JOHN McDUFFIE, plus performing host BRAD COLERICK at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena; 626-441-2443; www.eatatfirefly.com.
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Wed, Aug 1:
HOT AUGUST NIGHT, a NEIL DIAMOND tribute band, plays one of only two offerings that will interest Folk-Americana fans at this year’s “TEMPLE CITY WILD WEST CONCERTS IN THE PARK” series, Despite the name, only one event (on Aug 29) is western. The concert places the band in one of Southern Cal’s nicest bandstand gazebos, in the park adjacent to city hall and the city library, at 9701 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic dinner, or buy food from on-site vendors; and a Carl’s Jr is just across the street. Info at 626-285-2171 x 2361. Free.
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Wed, Aug 1:
8 pm DUSTBOWL REVIVAL plays Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (next to L.A. Equestrian Center), Burbank; 818-845-2425 or 818-515-4444; www.vivacantina.com. Okay to park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl. No cover.
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Wed, Aug 1:
8 pm JIMMY ANGEL and TROY WALKER play Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (next to L.A. Equestrian Center), Burbank; 818-845-2425 or 818-515-4444; www.vivacantina.com. Okay to park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl.
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Wed, Aug 1:
10 pm-1:30 am THEM BEARDED MEN play the Auld Dubliner, 71 Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com.
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Thursday, August 2
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Thu, Aug 2:
5-9 pm ANNY CELSI, a delightful performing songwriter, plays an acoustic set at the Sunset Strip Market in West Hollywood’s public lot, 8755 Sunset Bl, West Hollywood. Artist info, www.annycelsi.com.
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Thu, Aug 2:
6-9 pm BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER plays his every-Thursday blues residency at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena; 626-441-2443; www.eatatfirefly.com. No cover.
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Thu, Aug 2, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7-10 pm KASEY CHAMBERS plays the 28th Annual “Santa Monica Pier Twilight Dance Series” on Santa Monica Pier, W off Ocean Av (at Colorado), 2 blks S of Santa Monica Bl, Santa Monica; 310-458-8901 or 310-396-0799; www.twilightdance.org. or www.twilightseries.org. Different show, 7-10 pm every Thu, late Jun to late Aug. Costly nearby parking - walk, bike or take the MTA (www.mta.net) or Big Blue Bus (www.bigbluebus.com) or call 310-451-5444 for bus info. Bike valet starts at 6:30 pm on concert nights, offering safe parking for thousands of bikes. Pier is wheelchair accessible. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. If you want to avoid the crowd and hear but not see, you can sit on the beach under the pier. Free.
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Thu, Aug 2:
7:30-11 pm DOOZY plays their every-Thursday residency at the Culver Hotel in Culver City; www.culverhotel.com. Band info, www.doozytunes.com. No cover.
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Thu, Aug 2:
8 pm MASON SOUTH plays their every-Thursday residency at Tam O’Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Feliz; www.lawrysonline.com/tam-oshanter; 323-664-0228.
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Thu, Aug 2:
9:30 pm THE SKIN WALKERS play the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar.
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Thu, Aug 2:
11 pm DUSTBOWL REVIVAL plays a late set at Harvard & Stone in Hollywood; www.harvardandstone.com.
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Friday, August 3
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Friday’s FESTIVALS
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Fri & Sat, Aug 3 & 4:
“HARD SUMMER” FESTIVAL isn’t likely to interest folk-Americana fans, but we thought you should be aware of what it is, on a 32-acre site at Los Angeles State Historic Park. Some funk, a lot of discotheque performed live, some as dj sets. We’ll pass.
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Friday’s
CONCERTS, CLUB GIGS, SHOWCASES, OPEN MICS, WORKSHOPS, & more…
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Fri, Aug 3:
9 pm FLEETING HEART, MARC ROBILLARD, & THE STEVIE G. BAND play a show co-produced by Koffeehouse Music and BMI, at Harvelle's Santa Monica, 1432 Fourth St, Santa Monica; www.harvelles.com; 310-395-1676. $8 cover.
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It’s preceded by a jam session at 8:15 pm.
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Fri, Aug 3:
9 pm RICK HOLMSTROM BAND at the Eldorado in Long Beach; www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/eldo.restuarant.
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Fri, Aug 3:
9 pm monthly “FIRST FRIDAY” show brings the DUSTBOWL REVIVAL to Joe’s in Venice; www.joesrestaurant.com.
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Fri, Aug 3:
9:30 pm PATROLLED BY RADAR plays the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar.
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Fri, Aug 3:
10:30 pm CRAIG ELKINS plus CHARLES EZELL at Taix 321 Lounge, 1911 W Sunset Bl (at Alvarado), Echo Park; www.taixfrench.com; 213-484-1265. No cover.
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Saturday, August 4
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Saturday’s FESTIVALS
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Sat, Aug 4, FESTIVAL, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, in Altadena:
1:30 pm-1 am 3rd Annual “NEW LA FOLK FEST” with performances by TOM BROSSEAU, TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT, DUSTBOWL REVIVAL, GWENDOLYN, HE’S MY BROTHER SHE’S MY SISTER, LESLIE STEVENS, BEACHWOOD SPARKS, COWBOY & INDIAN, DAVID FEUER, DOMINGO SIETE, DIRT BIRD, FORT KING, GERONIMO GETTY, EMILY LACY, RESTAVRANT, RT N THE 44S, GUY BLAKESLEE, SPINDRIFT, OLIWA & THE PLEASURE CIRCUS, STRIPMINERS, TOMMY SANTEE KLAWS, SEA OF BEES, YELLOW RED SPARKS, and more, at Zorthian’s Ranch in Altadena. $25 advance, $30 doors, $50 VIP. Info at http://lafolkfest.com.
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Sat, Aug 4; Fri & Sat, Aug 3 & 4:
“HARD SUMMER” FESTIVAL isn’t likely to interest folk-Americana fans, but we thought you should be aware of what it is, on a 32-acre site at Los Angeles State Historic Park. Some funk, a lot of discotheque performed live, some as dj sets. We’ll pass.
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Saturday’s
CONCERTS, CLUB GIGS, SHOWCASES, OPEN MICS, WORKSHOPS, & more…
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Sat, Aug 4:
7 pm THE DUO TONES at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations 626-798-6236 (10 am-10 pm); 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.
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Sat, Aug 4:
7 pm weekly “RANCH PARTY” brings the BROKEN NUMBERS BAND and MIKE & THE MOONPIES to the music patio adjacent to EB’s Wine Bar, in the L.A. Farmers Market complex, 6333 3rd (at Fairfax), L.A.; www.farmersmarketla.com. Show and series info, www.reverbnation.com/venue/ranchpartycountrynight. No cover.
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Sat, Aug 4:
7 pm UPSTREAM plays “Reggaelypso,” Soca & Steel Drum music at the “16th Annual Altadena Sheriffs’ Summer Concert Series” in the Amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 East Mt. Curve Av, Altadena 91001; series info, www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com; 626-798-6335. FREE concert series.
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Sat, Aug 4, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm VAUD & THE VILLAINS play the “Levitt Pavilion Pasadena Concerts in the Park” series at Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts - Pasadena, Memorial Park, 85 E Holly St (really Walnut & Raymond) Old Pasadena; 626-683-3230; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org. Series runs early-to-mid-summer, several themed nights each week, and includes an “American Music Series,” a children’s series, and a world music series. Bring your lawn chair or blanket; some bench seating available on the sides. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station, and save expensive parking and gas. (See also: “Pasadena Concerts in the Park” series at the same place, called Memorial Park Band Shell.) Nice outdoor venue. Free.
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Sat, Aug 4:
9 pm LYNWOOD SLIM plays Café Boogaloo, 1238 Hermosa Av, Hermosa Beach; www.boogaloo.com; 310-318-2324.
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Sat, Aug 4:
9:30 pm DAVID SERBY and DAN JANISCH share what promises to be a fine night of alt country / Americana at the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar.
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Sat, Aug 4:
9:30 pm NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS play Universal Bar & Grill, 4093 Lankershim Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-2114; www.universalbarandgrill.net. $7 cover.
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Sat, Aug 4:
10:30 pm BRIAN SPENCE & THE TRANSCENDENT HULA HOOP at Taix 321 Lounge, 1911 W Sunset Bl (at Alvarado), Echo Park; www.taixfrench.com; 213-484-1265. Check out this band at www.reverbnation.com/brianspence. No cover.
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Sunday, August 5
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This week’s
NOTABLE CAMP FOR ARTISTS…
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Sun-Wed, Aug 5-8, MUSIC CAMP, in the Tehachapi Mtns:
Annual “CAMP KIYA MUSIC CAMP” for the whole family, beginners to advanced, is in the Tehachapi Mountains, a 2-3 hour drive from Los Angeles and features a fine lineup of teachers. Here’s a list:
Fiddle: JAN TAPPAN, BRYNN ALBANESE, ANDREA BEATON
Cello: Erin Esses, DEBORAH HAND, ALEX WILSON
Guitar: WILLIAM COULTER, DAVE OGDEN, MAX VALENTINO
Mandolin: ASHLEY BRODER
Acoustic Bass Guitar: MAX VALENTINO
Accordion: MICHAEL GUTIN
Clawhammer Banjo: SHARON MARTINSON
Hammered Dulcimer: SUSIE HASTINGS
Mountain Dulcimer: AL CRISALLI
Irish Dance: ARIA CURZON
Hula: HARRIET NAGATA
Singing: CHRISTA BURCH
Whistle: WILLIAM COULTER, DAVE OGDEN
Harmonica: ROY HERNANDEZ
Bodhran: CHRISTA BURCH
Percussion: MAX VALENTINO
Songwriting: SHARON MARTINSON
Nature and Native American Culture: JON HAMMOND
Ukulele: CHICA NAGATA
Keyboard: JEFFREY SPERO, MARCIA WHITTEN
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Have you ever wanted to try out a cello? Or a ukulele? Bodhran? Fiddle? Or do you play an instrument and want to learn new techniques and jam with other music lovers?
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Camp Kiya has “a reasonable cost.” Check-out the Instructor bios, fee schedule, and other information at www.campkiya.com.
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Saturday’s FESTIVALS
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Sun, Aug 5, FESTIVAL, in Culver City, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
2 pm-midnight “FINNY FEST II” with performances by DAFNI, CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7, JOHNNY HAWTHORN, DAN JANISCH, NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS, TOMMY SALCIDO, JASON FINAZZO, PATROLLED BY RADAR, COLIN HARRIS, and more, at the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317.
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They’re all playing to raise money for the “Southwest Bone Marrow Transplant Fund.” Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive, but everyone is always friendly. Most shows here are no cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar. We’ll let you know if they’re charging admission for this benefit event.
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Sunday’s
CONCERTS, CLUB GIGS, SHOWCASES, OPEN MICS, WORKSHOPS, & more…
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Sun, Aug 5:
11 am-2 pm weekly “BLUES BRUNCH” with BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena; 626-441-2443; www.eatatfirefly.com.
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Sun, Aug 5:
2:30-7 pm JOHNNY MASTRO & MAMA’S BOYS play their every-Sunday residency at Bliss 525, 525 E Broadway, Long Beach 90802; www.bliss525.com; 562-495-7252.
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Sun, Aug 5:
3-10 pm weekly “EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUNDAY” show brings performances tba at Villains Tavern 1356 Palmetto St, downtown L.A.; www.villainstavern.com; 213-613-0766. The place is “a steampunk bar.”
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Sun, Aug 5:
4-7 pm AUSTIN HANKS & THE KALIFORNIA KINGSNAKES play the Piano Bar, 6429 Selma Av, Hollywood 90028; www.pianobarhollywood.com; 323-466-2750. No cover.
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Sun, Aug 5:
4-7 pm weekly “TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION” at the Auld Dubliner, 71 Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com.
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Sun, Aug 5:
5-7 pm DUSTBOWL REVIVAL plays the “JAZZ ON THE LAWN” series at Stewart Street Park in Santa Monica; www.smgov.net/jazz. It may be called “jazz” but folkies love this band. Free concert.
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Sun, Aug 5:
5:30-9 pm weekly “GRAND OLE ECHO” showcase brings STEPHEN SOWAN, THE DAMNGIVERS, and Aussie HENRY WAGONS to The Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park; 213-413-8200. www.attheecho.com. Series and show info, www.thegrandoleecho.bandzoogle.com/fr_home.cfm. No cover.
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Sun, Aug 5:
9 pm RICK HOLMSTROM BAND plays the York in Highland Park; www.theyorkonyork.com. No cover.
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Sun, Aug 5:
10 pm-1 am THE BASTARDS OF BELLEVILLE play late at the Liquid Kitty, 11780 W Pico Bl (between Barrington & Bundy), West L.A.; www.thekitty.com; 310-473-3707. No cover.
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Sun, Aug 5, an “EVENT-of-the-DECADE,” live on TV and the web:
10:31 pm NASA’S “CURIOSITY” LANDER, aka the Volkswagen-sized Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), touches-down on the Red Planet and and will be broadcast live at 10:31 pm (Pacific).
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For the hardcore geeks out there, watching “live” is relative. It’ll take about eight minutes at the speed of light for the spacecraft’s signal to reach earth. So, “live” happened eight minutes ago on Mars… but there’s no way to get the news any faster. Ask Albert Einstein about that.
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Some cable and satellite providers bring you the NASA Channel, which will cover the landing live and have lots of special programming leading up to it. Alas, many cable systems do not give you that channel, even though they get it free from the government. If you are thusly deprived, the whole thing will be live on the web, at www.nasa.gov. On the web, that is, with a caution. Keep reading.
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There’s A WHOLE LOT available online in advance of the landing, include a cool “landing on Mars game” and other interactive gadgets you should download in advance, before the rush locks-up the site. Getting into Mars exploration online has never been so accessible! Seriously, it’s recommended you download anything interactive NOW, because the server will likely be overloaded as the landing time approaches. You can even download a really sophisticated landing simulation game for X-Box.
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Here are some key urls:
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Info on a variety of activities, including virtual landing programs, are at http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/participate.
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You can follow the mission on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marscuriosity
and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/marscuriosity.
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A very full version of ways to play Martian is available at www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2012-205&cid=release_2012-205.
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And the new NASA 3-D app that gives you the ability to experience robotic space travel is at www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2012-202&cid=release_2012-202.
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The Guide’s NEWS FEATURES edition for July 20 (anniversary of the first Moon landing) has a full feature story on Curiosity and the future of Mars and space exploration. It focuses on whether we really WANT to find life on Mars. That’s a tougher question than you may think. It’s feature # 8 at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2012/07/news-features-acoustic-americana-music.html.
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For extra fun while watching the landing, put on your rose-colored sunglasses to give everything a reddish-orange glow, tape a print-out of Marvin the Martian (the brush-helmeted nemesis of Bugs Bunny) to your wall, and stock-up on Mars candy bars… Klatu barada nikto.
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FARTHER AHEAD –
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AUGUST and Beyond…
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Mon, Aug 6:
8 pm-1:30 am monthly “RONNIE MACK'S BARNDANCE” Americana / alt country showcase with STEVE AUSTIN (a great Country songwriter), wonderful Cajun fiddler LISA HALEY, THE GROOVY REDNECKS, BRIAN HOGAN, and more, plus the all-star BARNDANCE BAND, at Joe's Great American Bar & Grill, 4311 W. Magnolia Bl, Burbank 91505; 818-729-0805.
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The Barndance Band opens the night, and plays again before the jam. In between are the featured guests. Check Ronnie's site for confirmation of start time, late additions to the lineup, and more details, at www.electricearl.com/BDance.html .
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FREE admission
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Tue, Aug 7; a “SHOW-of-the-YEAR” pick:
7:30 pm BUDDY GUY & JONNY LANG bring as-good-as-it-gets blues to the Greek Theater in L.A. Get tix early, it’ll sell-out.
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Wed, Aug 8:
6:30-8:30 pm LOS MINEROS DE DURANGO and MARIACHI PONCITLAN play the “DUARTE SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK” series in Duarte Park, 1344 Bloomdale Av, Duarte. Free bus transport to and from the concert is available on Duarte Transit buses. Local businesses have food booths and there is a play area for children. This is the only offering in this year’s Duarte series that might interest Folk-Americana fans, so it’s the only one the Guide lists. Info, 626-357-7931.
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Sat, Aug 11:
7 pm SGT. PEPPER plays “The sounds of THE BEATLES and more” at the “16th Annual Altadena Sheriffs’ Summer Concert Series” in the Amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 East Mt. Curve Av, Altadena 91001; series info, www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com; 626-798-6335. FREE concert series.
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Sat, Aug 11, through Sat, Aug 25 (see dates); a “SHOW-of-the-YEAR” pick:
NEIL DIAMOND reprises his “HOT AUGUST NIGHT” with a 40th Anniversary tour, including these shows at the Greek Theatre in L.A., where he played the original.
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Can you say, “Chance to relive a legendary concert with the music legend who performed it, who etched a very special night into music history?” That’s literally what this is. Any superlative you want to apply, after 40 years and millions of album sales of the show taped on the very same stage way back in 1972, well, the accolades and gushing enthusiasm and stage-lit memories are all warranted.
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Here’s the schedule and status at press time:
Sat, Aug 11 at 8 pm - sold out
Thu, Aug 16 at 8 pm - sold out
Sat, Aug 18 at 8 pm - ON SALE NOW
Thu, Aug 23 at 8 pm - ON SALE NOW
Sat, Aug 25 at 8 pm - just announced & ON SALE NOW
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Every seat will sell-out quickly, so act accordingly.
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Sat, Aug 11, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm TOM RUSSELL, one of new-folk’s best performing songwriters, returns to his Southern Cal roots to play the “CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY” series at Beckman Institute Auditorium, 400 S Wilson Av, on the Caltech campus in Pasadena; 626-395-4652. Park free at the end of Michigan Av, south off Del Mar. Get tix early, as this will sell-out.
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Sat, Aug 11:
8 pm THE FOLK COLLECTION brings all the classic songs of the ’50s-’60s Folk Revival era for an evening at “RUSS AND JULIE'S HOUSE CONCERT” Series in Oak Park (Agoura Hills / Westlake Village area). Reservations get directions at 818-707-2179.
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Sat, Aug 11, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CALIFORNIA PHILHARMONIC “FESTIVAL ON THE GREEN” summer outdoor concert series brings tonight’s theme of “Carmen on Broadway” to Santa Anita Racetrack Park, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia.
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Maestro VICTOR VENER is renowned for presenting accessible classical music with many recognizable melodies for those who are not into tuxedo classical. In fact, there is a jazz combo performing from 5 pm until the main concert at 8. Even if you’re not into jazz, go early.
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Gates open at 5 pm for dining, the instrument petting zoo, pony rides, best placement of beach chairs, and probably additional fun / diversions. A fine catered picnic dinner is available (you should order in advance to get the options you want) or you can bring your own food and beverages. More expensive seats include tables with tablecloths. Cheaper seats are bring-your-own chair or blanket.
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The series began here on with July 28 with “Center Stage,” and concludes Aug 25 with “Beethoven & John Williams.” Each Saturday evening show repeats as an indoor matinee the next afternoon in Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Music Center in downtown L.A. in air-conditioned comfort. Info and tix for all six performances (three outdoor, three indoor) are available at www.calphil.org or 626-300-8200.
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Sun, Aug 12:
7 pm KELLY HOGAN at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. Tix, $15.
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Sun, Aug 12; a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Annual “BLUEGRASS AT THE FORD” concert, featuring THE LONESOME RIVER BAND and LONESOME OTIS, presented by the Bluegrass Association of Southern California (BASC), at one of the Guide’s most-favorite outdoor venues, the John Anson Ford Theater, 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood. Pack a picnic dinner with the beverages of your choice (alcohol is allowed in) and enjoy a fine and fun night of bluegrass under the stars. Everybody who knows looks forward to this one.
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Fri-Sun, Aug 17-19, FESTIVAL,
in Vista,
a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
10th Annual “SUMMERGRASS SAN DIEGO BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL” with BLUE HIGHWAY, LONESOME RIVER BAND, FLATT LONESOME, SWEET TIDINGS, TAIL DRAGGERS, VIRTUAL STRANGERS, LIGHTHOUSE, and more tba, at the 40-acre outdoor Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N santa Fe Av, Vista 92083. There’s a kids’ camp, adult boot camp, raffles, music & craft vendors, jamming, dry camping, food, and more.
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Advance tix are discounted, so hop on it as soon as you know you are going. Tix & info, www.summergrass.net or 858-679-4854; camping questions, camping@summergrass.net or 619-940-4593.
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Fri, Aug 17, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, in South OC:
5:30 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the summer-long “SAWDUST FESTIVAL” on the main stage at the permanent festival grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach 92651; wwwsawdustartfestival.org. Cajun-Zydeco GRAMMY Nominees, Lisa’s new video, “Chicken Fiddler,” has over 555,000 YouTube views! They’re always exciting, whether you dance or just listen, and they are among the few bands that mixes plenty of Cajun fiddle music with zydeco.
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Sat, Aug 18, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS bring their GRAMMY-nominated and highly danceable Cajun & Zydeco music to the “16th Annual Altadena Sheriffs’ Summer Concert Series” in the Amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 East Mt. Curve Av, Altadena 91001; series info, www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com; 626-798-6335. Cajun-Zydeco GRAMMY Nominees, Lisa’s new video, “Chicken Fiddler,” has over 555,000 YouTube views! They’re always exciting, whether you dance or just listen, and they are among the few bands that mixes plenty of Cajun fiddle music with zydeco. FREE concert series.
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Sun, Aug 19, FESTIVAL, in Long Beach:
Noon-5 pm 2nd annual “ROSE PARK BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL” in Rose Park, 800 Orizaba Av, Long Beach. Performers include GRASSLANDS, playing 3-4 pm.
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We’ll bring you more on the festival as we learn it, but here’s some info on GRASSLANDS: this is the band of TIM O’BRIEN on Dobro & vocals, GREG PADGETT on bass & vocals, JIM COOPER on guitar & vocals, RICK MIRSKY on banjo, & SHELAH SPIEGEL on fiddle & vocals. She’s a four-time Southern Cal Fiddle Champ; Tim has been a member of THE WITCHER BROTHERS and RANK STRANGERS; Rick taught banjo at the Blue Ridge Pickin’ Parlor; Greg had his own act at the Grand Ole Opry; all four have “been there, done that.” Check them out on You Tube at www.youtube.com/user/GrasslandBluegrass?ob=5#p/u/3/-p4wwc039Ok. More at www.grasslandsbluegrass.com.
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Sun, Aug 19, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. plus the great JACK TEMPCHIN (songwriter of many of the EAGLES hits) play a concert at the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena. Info, www.paulmarshall.net.
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Thu, Aug 23, in San Diego, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS play Humphrey's By the Bay, Shelter Island Dr, San Diego; 619-224-5377.
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Fri, Aug 24:
7 pm ROY BOOK BINDER at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. Tix, $17.50.
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Sat, Aug 25:
7 pm Guitarist BRIAN HUGHES & his band bring contemporary Latin-Jazz to the “16th Annual Altadena Sheriffs’ Summer Concert Series” in the Amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 East Mt. Curve Av, Altadena 91001; series info, www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com; 626-798-6335. FREE concert series.
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Sat, Aug 25, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CALIFORNIA PHILHARMONIC “FESTIVAL ON THE GREEN” summer outdoor concert series brings tonight’s theme of “BEETHOVEN & JOHN WILLIAMS” to Santa Anita Racetrack Park, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia.
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Maestro VICTOR VENER is renowned for presenting accessible classical music with many recognizable melodies for those who are not into tuxedo classical. In fact, there is a jazz combo performing from 5 pm until the main concert at 8. Even if you’re not into jazz, go early.
+
Gates open at 5 pm for dining, the instrument petting zoo, pony rides, best placement of beach chairs, and probably additional fun / diversions. A fine catered picnic dinner is available (you should order in advance to get the options you want) or you can bring your own food and beverages. More expensive seats include tables with tablecloths. Cheaper seats are bring-your-own chair or blanket.
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The series began here on with July 28 with “Center Stage,” continued Aug 11 with “Carmen on Broadway,” and concludes tonight. Each Saturday evening show repeats as an indoor matinee the next afternoon in Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Music Center in downtown L.A. in air-conditioned comfort. Info and tix for all six performances (three outdoor, three indoor) are available at www.calphil.org or 626-300-8200.
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Sun, Aug 26, not music, but cool:
3rd Annual “NO BUDGET FILM FESTIVAL” at the Downtown Independent in L.A. Info at www.nobudgetfilmfestival.com.
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Sun, Aug 26:
7 pm GEOFF MULDAUR with JIM KWESKIN & SUZY THOMPSON is an all-star night at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. This will sell-out early, so hop right on it. Tix, $22.50.
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Wed, Aug 29:
“WILD WEST CONCERT SUMMER FINALE” and BBQ, with performances by THE SILVERADOS, professional line dancers (with instruction), and TRICK ROPER DAVE, at Temple City Park, 9701 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City. Tonight’s event is one of only two offerings that will interest Folk-Americana fans at this year’s “TEMPLE CITY WILD WEST CONCERTS IN THE PARK” series. Despite the name of the series, only tonight is western.
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The concert places the band in one of Southern Cal’s nicest bandstand gazebos, in the park adjacent to city hall and the city library. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic dinner, or buy the BBQ for $8 ($7 advance) – BBQ tix are limited, so advance purchase is advised. Info at 626-285-2171 x 2361. Free concert.
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Thu, Aug 30, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
ERIC BIBB plays the Skirball Cultural Center, just off the 405 atop Sepulveda Pass. More info wen we have it.
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SEPTEMBER EVENTS…
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Sat, Sep 1; a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS at the Pantages Theatre, Hollywood Bl at Argyle St, Hollywood. Get tix early, they’re on sale now, and it’ll sell-out.
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Tue, Sep 4, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
JOHN HIATT plays Sainte Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach; 310-372-0035.
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Wed, Sep 5, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm B. B. KING plus THE TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND for an end-of-the-summer all-star night at the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood; 232-850-2000. It’ll likely all be electric, and really, really good.
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Fri-Sun, Sep 7-9, FESTIVAL, in OC:
“2012 TOSHIBA TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL” at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point 92629; www.ocean-institute.org; 949-496-2274. Includes sea chanteys and plenty of music. Register early to select your tall ship for one of the “Cannon Battle” cruises, or to ride alongside the battle for the best view on the water on an “Escort Cruise” aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. Check out the fun on land with a “Pirate Adventure Pass” admission ticket. Check their site for all the details.
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Fri, Sep 7; a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm CROSBY, STILLS & NASH at the Greek Theater in L.A. Get tix early, it’ll sell-out.
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Fri, Sep 7, in OC, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN HIATT plays The Coach House, Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano; 949-496-8930.
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Sat, Sep 8, FESTIVAL, in Northern Cal:
Annual “CRAWFISH & CATFISH FESTIVAL” with THE GUMBO BAND, Z.O.O.M., BLUES BOX, ZYDECO FLAMES, FUNKY GATORS, TEBO & FRIENDS, down-home Louisiana Blues, Beau Funk, and more, at Rio Ramaza Marina, 10000 Garden Hwy, Sacramento 95837. Lots of savory foods, including crawfish, catfish, shrimp, alligator, oysters, BBQ, tri-tip, gumbo, etouffee, po boys, more. Dance lessons, kids activities and shopping. Bring lawn chairs and dancing shoes. No outside food.
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Sat, Sep 8, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm THE WALKING PHOENIXES perform “A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CASH & OTHER COUNTRY CLASSICS” with special guests THE RED MUTTS doing “Top Classic Rock,” at the “16th Annual Altadena Sheriffs’ Summer Concert Series” in the Amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 East Mt. Curve Av, Altadena 91001; series info, 626-798-6335; www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com. FREE concert series.
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It’s the season’s Grand Finale, presented by Stage Door Music Productions & SSGA.
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Sat, Sep 8, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, in Ventura:
7:30 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the summer-long “OLIVAS ABODE” concert series, 4200 Olivas Park Dr, Ventura 92002; www.cityofventura.net/mus. Cajun-Zydeco GRAMMY Nominees, Lisa’s new video, “Chicken Fiddler,” has over 555,000 YouTube views! They’re always exciting, whether you dance or just listen, and they are among the few bands that mixes plenty of Cajun fiddle music with zydeco.
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Fri-Sun, Sep 14-16, FESTIVAL,
in Northern Cal:
10th Annual ‘PLYMOUTH BLUEGRASSIN’ IN THE FOOTHILLS” at the Amador County Fairgrounds, 18621 Sherwood St, Plymouth 95669, in the California Gold Rush / Mother Lode country. Booked so far are JAMES KING BAND, TRAVERS CHANDLER & AVERY COUNTY, BLUEGRASS BROTHERS, MARK PHILLIPS & IIIrd GENERATION, GET DOWN BOYS, THOMAS PORTER & COPPER RIVER, NU-BLU, and 2011 Emerging Artists RED DOG ASH. Info & tix, www.landspromotions.com or contact roaddog@caltel.com or 209-785-4693.
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Thu, Sep 20, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, in OC:
7:30 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the summer-long “CONCERTS AT THE MUCK” series, at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malvern Av, Fullerton 92833; www.themuck.org/sep-20-muck-roots-lisa-haleyzydeco/. Cajun-Zydeco GRAMMY Nominees, Lisa’s new video, “Chicken Fiddler,” has over 555,000 YouTube views! They’re always exciting, whether you dance or just listen, and they are among the few bands that mixes plenty of Cajun fiddle music with zydeco.
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Sat, Sep 22; a “SHOW-of-the-YEAR” pick:
7:30 pm BONNIE RAITT plus MAVIS STAPLES in a dazzling “oh wow” of a show at the Greek Theater in Hollywood. Get your tix right away for this one (unless you’re seeing MERLE HAGGARD and KRIS KRISTOFFERSON tonight).
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Sat, Sep 22; a “SHOW-of-the-YEAR” pick:
MERLE HAGGARD and KRIS KRISTOFFERSON share a wonderful bill, two legendary performing songwriters, at the Valley Performing Arts Center, on the campus at Cal State Northridge. The Guide has often encouraged you to see each of these artists. A chance to see them performing together? Get your tix right away for this one (unless you’re seeing BONNIE RAITT and MAVIS STAPLES tonight).
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Sat, Sep 22, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JANET ROBIN and ALI HANDAL, two fine artists and guitar wizards, share the night at “RUSS AND JULIE'S HOUSE CONCERT” Series in Oak Park (Agoura Hills / Westlake Village area). Reservations get directions at 818-707-2179.
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Tue, Sep 25, in San Diego, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm BONNIE RAITT plays Humphrey's By the Bay, Shelter Island Dr, San Diego; 619-224-5377.
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OCTOBER EVENTS…
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Fri-Sun, Oct 5-7, FESTIVAL, in Arkansas:
Annual “KING BISCUIT BLUES FESTIVAL” in Helena, Arkansas, is world renowned, and features a set by Southern Cal blues maestro BERNIE PEARL, accompanied by his bassist, MIKE BARRY.
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Sat, Oct 6, in Thousand Oaks, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
THE KINGSTON TRIO plays the Fred Kavli Theater for the Performing Arts, Thousand Oaks.
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Sat, Oct 13, FESTIVAL, in Mississippi:
Annual “BUKKA WHITE BLUES FESTIVAL” in Aberdeen, in Mississippi, features a set by Southern Cal blues maestro BERNIE PEARL, accompanied by his bassist, MIKE BARRY.
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Sat, Oct 13, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, in San Diego:
7 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the “SAN DIEGO BON TEMPS CAJUN DANCE” series, at War Memorial Hall, 3325 Zoo Dr, Balboa Park (San Diego) 92101. Cajun-Zydeco GRAMMY Nominees, Lisa’s new video, “Chicken Fiddler,” has over 555,000 YouTube views! They’re always exciting, whether you dance or just listen, and they are among the few bands that mixes plenty of Cajun fiddle music with zydeco.
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Sat, Oct 13:
8 pm JEZ LOWE plays the “CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY” series in Beckman Institute Auditorium, 400 S Wilson Av, on the Caltech campus in Pasadena; 626-395-4652. Free parking at the end of Michigan Av, south off Del Mar.
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Sat, Oct 13, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm ANGELO M. and THE SALTY SUITES play “RUSS AND JULIE'S HOUSE CONCERT” series in Oak Park (Agoura Hills / Westlake Village area). THE SALTY SUITES spent the summer playing festivals. They are a rapidly-rising quartet of stellar your players, from CHELSEA WILLIAMS, the beautiful and charming singer-songwriter-guitarist who sings on the nationwide TV commercial for Chevrolet, to mandolin wunderkind SCOTT GATES, to bassist CHUCK HAILES. Reservations get directions at 818-707-2179.
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Sat, Oct 27, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CATHY BARTON & DAVE PARA play the “CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY” series in Beckman Institute Auditorium, 400 S Wilson Av, on the Caltech campus in Pasadena; 626-395-4652. The Missouri-based, autoharp-playing traditional music duo has a huge following in Southern Cal, so get your tix early. Park free at the end of Michigan Av, south off Del Mar.
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NOVEMBER EVENTS…
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Sun, Nov 4, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
RAVI SHANKAR, master of the sitar and more, plays the Center Theater, Long Beach.
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Sat, Nov 17, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm LUNASA plays the Caltech Public Events Concert Series in Beckman Auditorium (“Big Beckman”), on the Caltech campus in Pasadena; 626-395-4652. Park free at the end of Michigan Av, south off Del Mar, if you arrive early enough to get a space.
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2013 ~ Way, way ahead, in the far-off future…
(assuming the Mayans didn’t get it right…)
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Feb 2 & 3, 2013, FESTIVAL, in Elko, NV:
Annual “National Cowboy Poetry Festival” with lots of western music and cowboy poetry. Acts known so far include TOM RUSSELL, for two concerts and a songwriting workshop, and a hundred great cowboy acts including RAMBLIN JACK ELLIOTT, & PAUL ZARZSYKSI. There are “tons of exhibits on the West” and much more at this depth-of-winter indoor festival. It’s important to book early, because lodgings fill-up for a hundred miles. Info at www.westernfolklife.org/National-Cowboy-Poetry-Gathering-General-Info/national-cowboy-poetry-gathering-home-page.html.
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Fri, Feb 8, 2013, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE CAMPBELL BROTHERS play the Smothers Theatre, on the campus at Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; 310-506-4522.
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The GUIDE endeavors to bring you news and views of interest to artists, musicians and the creative community, together with schedules that reach waaay into the future! Thanks for making the journey with us.
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||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<|| MORE STUFF THE GUIDE OFFERS >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc
"NEWS FEATURES” is a fresh edition most each week, with news and reviews from the acoustic music universe, features on folk-Americana and “acoustic renaissance” music and artists, a litlle from the electric side of honky-tonk Americana, the latest tours, recordings and projects, reviews of CDs and live shows, industry news, news for artists, and more.
It’s always available by clicking-through at www.acousticmusic.net
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or get the mobile-device-friendly edition at
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www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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"VENUE DIRECTORY" - The Guide's extensive locator – has address and contact . info for OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, from Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, plus a few key spots in San Diego, the deserts, and on the Central Coast.
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UPDATES to the Venue Directory are currently underway. Meanwhile, the 2011 edition of our VENUE DIRECTORY is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html .
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||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<|| . With your help, the road goes on forever (even if we can’t afford the gas anymore to find out where it goes)! . . Questions? Comments? Wanna write for the Acoustic Americana Music Guide? …or get something published that you wrote? – Like a CD REVIEW ? or LIVE PERFORMANCE REVIEW ? Contact us at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com . ||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<|| Contents copyright © 2012, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved. ||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
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Take time away from the Olympics to support your local live music venue. PLENTY of options await, herein!
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SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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from THE ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE
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July 27, 2012 edition
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Everything is chronological, by date and time of day. FESTIVALS list first each day, in their own daily section (when there are any), followed by that day’s chronology of CONCERTS and everything else.
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Scroll ahead, as necessary, a few days or all the way into next year.
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Friday, July 27
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Fri, Jul 27:
Noon LADY DANVILLE performs a free lunchtime concert presented by Grand Performances on the Water Court stage at California Plaza, 350 S Grand Av, downtown Los Angeles 90071; 213-687-2020. Ride the Red Line subway to Pershing Square Station, exit the Fourth Street end, and ride Angels Flight directly to the concert.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
6 pm “MUSIC IN THE L.A. ZOO” series presents THE ROCKY NECK BLUEGRASS BAND, MARIEVE HERINGTON BAND, PADDY’S PIG, WICKED TINKERS, AK AND HER KALASHNIKOVS, SULTANS OF MAMBO, TROPICAL PUNCH, KENNY HUDSON & WORLD BEAT, in a mostly Celtic, bluegrass-flavored edition of their “Global Fusion” concert series, at the Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr (Griffith Park), Los Angeles 90027; 323-644-6042. If you catch only one of the Zoo’s concerts this year, this should be the one.
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Fri, Jul 27:
6-9 pm KELLY FITZGERALD, award-winning singer-songwriter extraordinaire, plays Salt Creek Grille in El Segundo; www.saltcreekgrille.com. Artist info, www.kellyfitzgerald.net.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. play the outdoor series in Heritage Park, 12100 Mora Dr, Santa Fe Springs 90670. Info, call Mary Tavera, 562-946-6476. Bring lawn chair or blanket and a picnic dinner.
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Fri, Jul 27:
7-11 pm DOUG MacLEOD brings his classic blues and National steel guitar to Lucille’s Smokehouse & BBQ, Long Beach Town Center (at Carson St & 605 Fwy), Long Beach; www.lucillesbbq.com; 562-938-7427.
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Fri, Jul 27, in Ventura:
7 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “BELL ARTS SONG CIRCLE” at Bell Arts Factory, 432 N Ventura Av, Ventura 93001
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Fri, Jul 27:
7:30 pm monthly “FRIDAY OPEN MIC NIGHTS” at the California Traditional Music Society’s Center for Folk Music, the building in the park at 16953 Ventura Bl, Encino 91316; 818-817-7756.
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Fri, Jul 27, on TV:
7:30 pm-midnight Summer XXX OLYMPIC GAMES Opening Ceremonies include a performance by SIR PAUL McCARTNEY, from the Olympic Stadium in London, plus some sports competition that happened today. The Guide’s current NEWS FEATURES edition has an extensive piece on “Music and the Olympics”…
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Fri, Jul 27, in the distant desert:
Time tba “FOLKYEAH” presents an outdoor show with JACKIE GREENE plus THE FARMERS at Pappy & Harriet's, 53688 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown; 760-365-5956; www.pappyandharriets.com. $20 advance, $25 door.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “THE MUSIC OF HAWAI'I” with KAUMAKAIWA KANAKA’OLE, GEORGE KAHUMOKU JR., KEOKI KAHUMOKU, BOBBY INGANO, & “UNCLE” RICHARD HO’OPI’I, all top-rated players from the Pearl of the Pacific, playing the Grand Performances concert series on the Water Court Stage at California Plaza, 350 S Grand Av, downtown Los Angeles 90071. 213-687-2020; www.grandperformances.org. Ride the Red Line subway to Pershing Square Station, exit the Fourth Street end, and ride Angels Flight up the hill directly to the concert. Free, once you get there.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm IAN WHITCOMB plays the musical launch of his new book, “UKE HEROES,” with special performing guests FRED SOKOLOW and JANET KLEIN, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; 626-798-6236. It’s a “Ukulele Singalong and Strumalong” night. Tix, $15.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE FAREWELL DRIFTERS play McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $15. Band info, www.thefarewelldrifters.com.
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Fri, Jul 27:
8 pm SISTER SPARROW & THE DIRTY BIRDS play the free summer outdoor concert series at Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts - Pasadena, in Memorial Park, 85 E Holly St, (really Raymond & Walnut), Pasadena 91103; 626-683-3230; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station. Bring a beach chair or blanket and picnic dinner (no alcohol allowed). Band info, www.sistersparrow.com. Free concert.
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Fri, Jul 27:
8-11 pm WRECK N SOW plays the front room stage Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (next to L.A. Equestrian Center), Burbank; 818-845-2425 or 818-515-4444; www.vivacantina.com. Okay to park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl. Band info, www.wrecknsow.com. No cover.
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Fri, Jul 27:
8 pm weekly “MONROVIA STREET FAIR” includes several venues with acoustic music, some impromptu, some more formal, including the KATTYWOMPUS CONCERT and JAM with all comers – including dulcimer players – at Dollmakers Kattywompus, 412 S Myrtle Av, Monrovia 91016; 626-357-1091. Free.
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Fri, Jul 27:
8:30 pm BRIAN WRIGHT at The Foundry on Melrose, 7465 Melrose Av, L.A. 90046; www.thefoundryonmelrose.com.
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Fri, Jul 27, on TV:
8:30-9 pm “BLUEGRASS UNDERGROUND” features a 2011 performance by MIKE FARRIS & THE McCRARY SISTERS. Broadcast on KLCS, the only public TV station that airs music performances when it’s not pledge drive, and doesn’t chop-up programming to beg for money; check cable and satellite listings. Repeats at 2:30 am.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
9 pm LILY WILSON plays an all-acoustic show at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046; www.genghiscohen.com; 323-653-0640. Lily performs fine self-penned acoustic ballads, and she’s shared stages and recording studios with the likes of MELISSA ETHRIDGE. Venue is known for its Chinese food. If you go early to eat, be sure they seat you in the music hall.
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Fri, Jul 27 (LATE ADDITION):
9 pm-midnight “HIGH FIDELITY RECORDS ACOUSTIC NIGHT,” with performances by BRYAN McPHERSON, BILLY BROWN, MYKUL LEE, ALIYA MARIE, BRAINSTORY, and MILAN, at High Fidelity Records, 1956 N Hillhurst Av, Los Angeles 90027.
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Check out the artists:
Bryan McPherson: http://statelinerecords.bandcamp.com/album/american-boy-american-girl
Billy Brown: www.deathtofalsehoperecords.com/downloads/dtfh104.html
Mykul Lee: www.facebook.com/MykulLee
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Beverages will be served, or you may bring your own beverage.
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All ages, free.
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Fri, Jul 27:
9 pm KEN O’MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS play Ireland’s 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; www.irelands32pub.com; 818-785-4031. No cover.
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Fri, Jul 27:
9 pm JOE WOOD & THE LONELY ONES play the Eldorado in Long Beach; www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/eldo.restuarant.
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Fri, Jul 27, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, on TV:
9-10 pm “AUSTIN CITY LIMITS” features WILLIE NELSON & ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL, performing songs from their 2009 “Willie and the Wheel” CD. Broadcast on KLCS, the only public TV station that airs music performances when it’s not pledge drive, and doesn’t chop-up programming to beg for money; check cable and satellite listings. Repeats at 3 am.
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Fri, Jul 27:
9:30 pm KEN O’MALLEY brings authentic and original Irish music to Ireland’s 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys 91401; 818-785-4031.
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Fri, Jul 27:
10 pm TWO MAN GENTLEMAN BAND, plus DUSTBOWL REVIVAL, and THE WHISKERMEN play a triple-bill at the Redwood Bar & Grill, 316 W 2nd St (between Broadway and Hill), downtown L.A. 90012; www.theredwoodbar.com.
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Fri, Jul 27, on TV:
10-11 pm “FRONT ROW CENTER” features “PHIL COLLINS: GOING BACK – LIVE AT THE ROSELAND BALLROOM” in a 2012 performance of selections from his 2010 album. Broadcast on KLCS, the only public TV station that airs music performances when it’s not pledge drive, and doesn’t chop-up programming to beg for money; check cable and satellite listings. Repeats at 4 am.
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Fri, Jul 27:
10:30 pm CAROLYN EDWARDS & ADAM MARSLAND’S CHAOS BAND plays Taix 321 Lounge, 1911 W Sunset Bl (at Alvarado), Echo Park; www.taixfrench.com; 213-484-1265. No cover.
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Saturday, July 28
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TODAY, Saturday, July 28, is the 8th Annual “NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY” in the U.S. and Canada. The day brings official proclamations and special recognitions from several US states and Canadian provinces, and many events throughout both countries. Of course, that includes plenty of western and western swing music and cowboy poetry. Check the ever-growing and vast array of info and events at www.nationaldayofthecowboy.org.
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Here in Southern California, you can celebrate at “DAY OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL,” an all-day annual festival at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park, 10 am-5 pm, or catch a free 11 am performance in Santa Clarita with the “Read ’Em Cowboy” event, then catch the evening show by multiple-top-award-winning western singer-songwriter BELINDA GAIL at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena at 7 pm (see both listings).
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Before we get to the festival listings, early risers should check these…
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EARLY Sun, Jul 28, on TV:
5-5:30 pm “SUN STUDIO SESSIONS” features a performance by JOSHUA JAMES. Broadcast on KLCS, the only public TV station that airs music performances when it’s not pledge drive, and doesn’t chop-up programming to beg for money; check cable and satellite listings. Repeats at 2 am.
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EARLY Sat, Jul 28, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, on TV:
5:30-6 am “JAMMIN’ AT HIPPIE JACK’S” features JIM LAUDERDALE in a 2012 performance. Broadcast on KLCS, the only public TV station that airs music performances when it’s not pledge drive, and doesn’t chop-up programming to beg for money; check cable and satellite listings.
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Saturday’s FESTIVALS
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Sat & Sun, Jul 28 & 29, FESTIVAL,
a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick,
in Long Beach:
19th annual “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” is all about live music, dancing, and exceptionally good food in large quantities, with performances by CEDRYL BALLOU & THE ZYDECO TRENDSETTERS, ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, ROYALE GARDEN DIXIELAND BAND, A.J. GIBBS “THE MYDECO DANCE KING,” WAYLON THIBODEAUX, LIL’ BRIAN & THE ZYDECO TRAVELERS, STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS, BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS, NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus the comedy & magic of KERRY ROSS, at Rainbow Lagoon Events Park, 400 Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802.
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This festival features different acts each day, so if you’re a fan of Louisiana music, it’s very worth attending both days.
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There’s a large international food court with many tasty offerings, in addition to the ticket option with the crawfish feast. Children’s Stage runs noon-6 pm both days, with storytelling, magicians, inflatable impressions, adjacent bounces, and more. This festival draws 15,000 people over two days. The “Louisiana to L.A. Second Line Dancers” and “New Orleans High Steppers” take part, and there are large wooden dance floors and lessons for all. More at www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com.
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Runs noon-11 pm Saturday, noon-10 pm Sunday.
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Tix, $13 advance, admission only (children under age 12 free, accompanied by adult); or (recommended) there’s a $25 advance option that includes admission and a big, rectangular Crawfish Feast platter, cooked on site and served by Bristol Farms; there’s a more gluttonous option that includes a bucket of crawfish and admission, and that one is $30 advance. (Substantially higher prices at the gate.) Parking at LB Convention Ctr, 300 Ocean Bl, is $10; or ride the Metro Blue Line to the end and catch the Long Beach shuttle bus or walk three blocks.
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Sat, Jul 28, FESTIVAL,
a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, L.A.
10 am-5 pm “FESTIVAL OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL,” Southern California’s signature event for the “NATIONAL OF THE COWBOY,” at the Autry National Center / Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027; 323-667-2000; www.theautry.org. Museum admission rates apply / free for Autry members.
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This kid-and-family-friendly event has lots of music from JEAN SUDBURY, MISS DEVON & THE OUTLAW, KRISTYN HARRIS, and TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT.
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And there’s plenty, more, pard. Saddle up to celebrate the American cowboy and cowgirl at the Autry with live music, square dancing, kids' crafts, delicious down-home outdoor barbecue, and more. Watch performances by amazing gun-slinger JOEY DILLON, trick ropers DAVE THORNBURY and GENE McLAUGHLIN, and skip to the beat of square dance caller BECKY NANKIVELL. Autry docent CHUCK MERMAN brings frontier medicine to life with replica artifacts. Other hands-on carts throughout the museum will let you touch the past.
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All-Day Activities include creating your own leather masterpiece with help from STANDING BEAR’S Trading Post. Visit the Children's Craft Corral in Heritage Court to make your own Day of the Cowboy souvenirs, including a bolo tie. Try roping a cow in the main plaza and gold-panning in Trails West. Watch screenings of “The Gene Autry Show” in the Wells Fargo Theater. See a working 1880s chuck wagon and presentations on “Cowboy Life on the Trail.” Visit an Olde Time Western Dress-up Photography Studio and dress up for your own Old West picture. See horses down at the South Lawn corral and decorate a horseshoe to take home. Follow a museum-wide scavenger hunt to find clues about the diverse people who embody cowboy culture. Join in the festivities by dressing up in your best cowboy and cowgirl Western gear! However, NO GUNS, including replicas, will be allowed on the premises. Tickets include complimentary admission to the museum. Giddyup!
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Sat, Jul 28, FESTIVAL, in Pine Valley:
11 am 5 pm annual “PINE VALLEY DAYS,” with performances by PATTY HALL, GEORGE DICKEY, MARTIN HENRY, GREG CAMPBELL, THE PONY TALES, JUST FRIENDS, PAULINE JIMENEZ, and TRAILS & RAILS, in Pine Valley County Park, 28810 Old Highway 80, Pine Valley 92062; 619-445-1856.
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What better way to spend the 8th Annual “National Day of the Cowboy” than here, enjoying all these Western performing artists?
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Sat, Jul 28, FESTIVAL, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
2-10 pm “LEGENDS OF NEW ORLEANS” outdoor mega-concert with ALLEN TOUSSAINT, KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD, REBIRTH BRASS BAND, & IRMA THOMAS, at Queen Mary Events Park, 1126 Queen’s Hwy, Long Beach 90802; 800-437-2934.
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Sat, Jul 28, PSEUDO-FESTIVAL, in Monrovia:
5-9 pm “MONROVIA PUB CRAWL” brings “an evening of live music, art, and spirits,” to several venues in a coordinated “stroll along the avenue” that being Myrtle Avenue, in Old Town Monrovia. It’s presented by the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts.
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The FREE part is actually most of it: live music performances and exhibiting artists will be located along Myrtle Avenue. As for the pub crawl, you can get one drink at each of several pubs and restaurants by purchasing a $35 “Strollers Passport.” Participating establishments are Sena on Myrtle, Jake’s Roadhouse, Rudy’s Mexican Food, London Gastropub, and T. Phillips Alehouse & Grill. Complete info at www.monroviafinearts.org or 626-802-7873.
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Sat, Jul 28, FESTIVAL:
5:45-11 pm 17th annual “NOHO MIDSUMMER NIGHT COFFEE HOUSE & MUSIC FESTIVAL” includes music and dinner; it’s a charity benefit for and at the ARC Center, 6456 Whitsett Av, North Hollywood 91606. We don’t yet know the lineup or the schedule, but we do know they produce a nice event with a lot of rootsy Folk-Americana and singer-songwriter performances, and they provide a good time for a good cause. ARC is “Activities, Recreation & Care for individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
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Late info bills this as a night of “Traditional, original, and acoustic music under the stars by some of the area’s finest musicians and friends of the ARC.”
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For info and tix, call ARC at 818-762-4356, or contact festival producer Larry Schallert at LSchallert@aol.com or 661-714-2549.
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Doors at 5 pm for the best seats. Dinner (included in admission) served 5:30-8:30 pm. In addition, they will have a cash bar, raffles and other ways to support the ARC Center. Tix are $20 adults, $15 ARC Young Adult Club Members, $15 kids age 5-14; kids under age 5 are free.
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Saturday’s
CONCERTS, CLUB GIGS, SHOWCASES, OPEN MICS, WORKSHOPS, & more…
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Sat, Jul 28, Free, in Santa Clarita:
11 am-3 pm “READ’EM COWBOY!" event for the “NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY” with live music, western authors, western artists, entertainers, and celebrities, in a fundraiser for NDOC at Barnes and Noble, 23630 Valencia Bl, Santa Clarita.
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Award-winning western singer-songwriter RAY DOYLE is among those performing. Ray says, “It will be cool inside and we will have seating for anyone wanting to relax and hear some songs.”
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You can buy a book and have it signed by one of the celebrity authors, have lunch inside the B&N Cafe or at Baja Fresh, have dessert at Ben & Jerry's, get a cupcake at Bake You Happy (winner of Food Networks “Cupcake Wars”), and any or all of that supports NDOC if you register.
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Along with the live western music and celebrity book signings, there are museum displays, offerings from local Western artists, vintage cars, an award-winning western gun spinner, and TV and movie celebrities signing autographs and pics inside the listed restaurants. A portion of the proceeds from purchases made at each of these establishments goes to the National Day Of The Cowboy organization. Producer JULIE REAM says, “There are lots of events happening all over the world, but not all of them are making financial contributions to the cause!” This one does.
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Here’s a radio podcast about the event, with some music: www.hometownstation.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30328:around-the-barn-july-14-2012&catid=157:around-the-barn&Itemid=419.
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There’s more about NDOC events everywhere at www.nationaldayofthecowboy.org.
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Sat, Jul 28:
1 pm monthly “OLD TIME & TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN FIDDLE & BANJO MUSIC JAM” at Audubon Nature Center in Debs Park, 4700 N Griffin Av, Highland Park 90031; off the 110 Fwy; 323-221-2255.
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Sat, Jul 28 (LATE ADDITION):
5 pm KIND HEARTS & CORONETS plays the “DOWNTOWN SUMMER PARTY” at The Down and Out Bar, 5th & Spring St, downtown L.A. Check-out the Guide’s review of their performance at last weekend’s “Los Feliz Street Fair.” It’s in the new edition of our NEWS FEATURES.
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Sat, Jul 28, PSEUDO-FESTIVAL, in Monrovia:
(Repeated from today’s Festival listings) 5-9 pm “MONROVIA PUB CRAWL” brings “an evening of live music, art, and spirits,” to several venues in a coordinated “stroll along the avenue” that being Myrtle Avenue, in Old Town Monrovia. It’s presented by the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts.
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The FREE part is actually most of it: live music performances and exhibiting artists will be located along Myrtle Avenue. As for the pub crawl, you can get one drink at each of several pubs and restaurants by purchasing a $35 “Strollers Passport.” Participating establishments are Sena on Myrtle, Jake’s Roadhouse, Rudy’s Mexican Food, London Gastropub, and T. Phillips Alehouse & Grill. Complete info at www.monroviafinearts.org or 626-802-7873.
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Sat, Jul 28:
6-9 pm NICK WATERHOUSE plus DJ CHRIS ZIEGLER at The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A. 90049; 310-440-7300; parking is $10.
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Sat, Jul 28:
6:30 pm weekly “BLUEGRASS CONCERT” at Me N Eds Pizza Parlor, 4115 Paramount Bl, Lakewood 90712; 562-421-8908.
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Sat, Jul 28, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm BELINDA GAIL, multiple-top-award-winning singing cowgirl, plays a show on the 8th Annual “NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY” at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; 626-798-6236.
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This will sell-out promptly, so don’t dawdle making reservations. More details later. Tix, $20.
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Sat, Jul 28, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, in Ventura Co:
7 pm FISHTANK ENSEMBLE that most delightful eclectic acoustic ensemble, plus an opening set by amazing guitarist and VERY funny singer-songwriter BRUCE GOLDISH, at the “DANCING OAK RANCH CONCERT SERIES,” sponsored by Ojai Concert Series, at Dancing Oak Ranch, off Hwy 150 at 4585 Casitas Pass Rd, above Ventura 93001; 805-649-5189.
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Sat, Jul 28:
7 pm SUSIE HANSEN LATIN BAND brings her well-regarded “Hot Latin Jazz & Salsa” to the “16th Annual Altadena Sheriffs’ Summer Concert Series” in the Amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 East Mt. Curve Av, Altadena 91001; series info, 626-798-6335; www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com. FREE concert series.
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Sat, Jul 28, in San Diego Co:
7 pm PHIL BOROFF & DAVID BOROFF play the “San Diego Folk Heritage” series at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas 92024; 858-566-4040.
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Sat, Jul 28:
7-11 pm JEFF TURMES plays Lucille’s Smokehouse & BBQ, Long Beach Town Center (at Carson St & 605 Fwy), Long Beach; www.lucillesbbq.com; 562-938-7427.
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Sat, Jul 28:
7 pm weekly “RANCH PARTY” brings SUSAN JAMES plus THE BARON SISTERS to the music patio adjacent to EB’s Wine Bar, in the L.A. Farmers Market complex, 6333 3rd (at Fairfax), L.A.; www.farmersmarketla.com. Plenty of places to eat are nearby, and you carry your food to the stage seating. Show and series info, www.reverbnation.com/venue/ranchpartycountrynight. No cover.
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Sat, Jul 28:
7 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “WEST VALLEY HOOT” in Woodland Hills 91367. Location and info at www.songmakers.org.
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Sat, Jul 28:
7:30 pm GRATEFUL DUDES BLUEGRASS play their longtime weekly residency a.t Vincenzo's Pizza, 24500 Lyons Av, Newhall 91350. Some VERY prominent guests have been known to sit-in..
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Sat, Jul 28, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm ERIC SCHWARTZ does an adults-only, uncensored performance of his brilliantly bawdy, politically-charged originals, at a special edition of the Bodie House Concert Series at Four Friends Gallery, 1408 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91362. 805-497-4022; info@fourfriendsgallery.com. This guy is amazingly creative. Check him out on YouTube and note the astonishing number of views his songs have received. And make a reservation, or it’ll be sold-out when you get there.
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Sat, Jul 28:
8 pm THE HANDSOME FAMILY at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. Tix, $15.
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Sat, Jul 28, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm MARIACHI DIVAS, the all-female Grammy-winning superbly talented ensemble of horns and strings and voices and bullfighter suits, brings their joyous music to the free outdoor summer concert series at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, 85 E Holly St, Pasadena 91103; 626-683-3230. This is one of Levitt’s best offerings this summer. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station and you’re right there. Bring a beach chair or blanket and a picnic dinner (or buy food from on-site vendors); no alcohol allowed in the park, and they vigorously enforce that. All ages show. Free.
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Sat, Jul 28, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CALIFORNIA PHILHARMONIC “FESTIVAL ON THE GREEN” summer outdoor concert series brings tonight’s theme of “Center Stage” to Santa Anita Racetrack Park, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia.
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Maestro VICTOR VENER is renowned for presenting accessible classical music with many recognizable melodies for those who are not into tuxedo classical. In fact, there is a jazz combo performing from 5 pm until the main concert at 8. Even if you’re not into jazz, go early.
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Gates open at 5 pm for dining, the instrument petting zoo, pony rides, best placement of beach chairs, and probably additional fun / diversions. A fine catered picnic dinner is available (you should order in advance to get the options you want) or you can bring your own food and beverages. More expensive seats include tables with tablecloths. Cheaper seats are bring-your-own chair or blanket.
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The series continues here on Aug 11 with “Carmen on Broadway,” and on Aug 25 with “Beethoven & John Williams.” Each Saturday evening show repeats as an indoor matinee the next afternoon in Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Music Center in downtown L.A. in air-conditioned comfort. Info and tix for all six performances (three outdoor, three indoor) are available at www.calphil.org or 626-300-8200.
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Sat, Jul 28:
8 pm monthly “4th SATURDAY CONTRA DANCE” with TOM SAUBER & THE SCREAMING EARWIGS making the music and SUSAN MICHAELS calling, at the Woman¹s Club of South Pasadena, 1424 Fremont Av, South Pasadena 91030. Instruction for new dancers at 7:30 pm. Contradancing is 8-11 pm. Adults, $10. Students with ID, $7. Kids under age 12 are free.
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Sat, Jul 28:
8 pm-2 am “SPEEDWAY BLUES PARTY” at Villains Tavern 1356 Palmetto St, downtown L.A.; www.villainstavern.com; 213-613-0766. The place is “a steampunk bar.” Event info, www.facebook.com/speedwayvenice.
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Sat, Jul 28:
Time tba NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS play the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar.
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Sat, Jul 28:
9 pm KARA GRAINGER plays The Foundry on Melrose, 7465 Melrose Av, L.A. 90046; www.thefoundryonmelrose.com.
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Sat, Jul 28:
9 pm WHITE BOY JAMES & THE BLUES EXPRESS play the Eldorado in Long Beach; www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/eldo.restuarant.
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Sat, Jul 28:
9:30 pm “WIZARDS OF THE WEST COAST HARPS” brings harmonica wizards ROD PIAZZA, JAMES HARMAN, LYNWOOD SLIM, JIMMY Z, BILLY WATSON, & LITTLE BARRY G to Harvelle’s Long Beach, 206 The Promenade North, Long Beach 90802; www.harvelles.com; 310-395-1676. ; $15.
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Sat, Jul 28:
9:30 pm 29 MULES at Ireland’s 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; www.irelands32pub.com; 818-785-4031. No cover.
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Sat, Jul 28:
9:30 pm DENNIS JONES BAND at Harvelle's Santa Monica, 1432 Fourth St, Santa Monica; www.harvelles.com; 310-395-1676. $10. Info: www.harvelles.com.
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Sat, Jul 28:
10 pm JASON HEATH & THE GREEDY SOULS at The Press, 129 Harvard Av, Claremont; 909-625-4808; www.thepressrestaurant.com. No cover.
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Sat, Jul 28:
10:30 pm BOLLWEEVIL & THE DIGS at Taix 321 Lounge, 1911 W Sunset Bl (at Alvarado), Echo Park; www.taixfrench.com; 213-484-1265. No cover.
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Sunday, July 29
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Note: a very early morning event on TV…
(Additional music on TV included in listings later in the day / evening)
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Sun, Jul 29, on TV:
6-6:30 am “THE PIANO GUY” brings video piano lessons. Broadcast on KLCS, the only public TV station that airs music performances when it’s not pledge drive, and doesn’t chop-up programming to beg for money; check cable and satellite listings.
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Sunday’s FESTIVALS
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Sun, Jul 29; Sat & Sun, Jul 28 & 29, FESTIVAL,
a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick,
in Long Beach:
19th annual “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” is all about live music, dancing, and exceptionally good food in large quantities, with performances by CEDRYL BALLOU & THE ZYDECO TRENDSETTERS, ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, ROYALE GARDEN DIXIELAND BAND, A.J. GIBBS “THE MYDECO DANCE KING,” WAYLON THIBODEAUX, LIL’ BRIAN & THE ZYDECO TRAVELERS, STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS, BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS, NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus the comedy & magic of KERRY ROSS, at Rainbow Lagoon Events Park, 400 Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802.
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This festival features different acts each day, so if you’re a fan of Louisiana music, it’s very worth attending both days.
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There’s a large international food court with many tasty offerings, in addition to the ticket option with the crawfish feast. Children’s Stage runs noon-6 pm both days, with storytelling, magicians, inflatable impressions, adjacent bounces, and more. This festival draws 15,000 people over two days. The “Louisiana to L.A. Second Line Dancers” and “New Orleans High Steppers” take part, and there are large wooden dance floors and lessons for all. More at www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com.
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Runs noon-11 pm Saturday, noon-10 pm Sunday.
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Tix, $13 advance, admission only (children under age 12 free, accompanied by adult); or (recommended) there’s a $25 advance option that includes admission and a big, rectangular Crawfish Feast platter, cooked on site and served by Bristol Farms; there’s a more gluttonous option that includes a bucket of crawfish and admission, and that one is $30 advance. (Substantially higher prices at the gate.) Parking at LB Convention Ctr, 300 Ocean Bl, is $10; or ride the Metro Blue Line to the end and catch the Long Beach shuttle bus or walk three blocks.
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Sunday’s
CONCERTS, CLUB GIGS, SHOWCASES, OPEN MICS, WORKSHOPS, & more…
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Sun, Jul 29, in San Diego:
10 am weekly “BLUEGRASS BRUNCH” at Urban Solace, 3823 30th St, San Diego 92104; 619-295-6464.
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Sun, Jul 29:
11 am-2 pm weekly “BLUES BRUNCH” with BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena; 626-441-2443; www.eatatfirefly.com.
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Sun, Jul 29:
2:30-7 pm JOHNNY MASTRO & MAMA’S BOYS play their weekly residency at Bliss 525, 525 E Broadway, Long Beach 90802; www.bliss525.com; 562-495-7252. Band info, www.johnnymastro.com.
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Sun, Jul 29:
3 pm MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG & FRIENDS, plus ED TREE, play “Marc Bachrach’s Concerts” series in Thousand Oaks 91362. MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG is a respected “Roots” bass player (upright & electric) who has had the honor of making music with some of the most talented and renowned artists of our time. The host says, “This is Mark's fifth appearance at our events.... because everyone who comes to hear him and the band has been blown away!” Reservations get directions at mark@markpocketgoldberg.com
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Sun, Jul 29:
3-10 pm weekly “EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUNDAY” show brings performers tba to Villains Tavern, 1356 Palmetto St, downtown L.A.; www.villainstavern.com; 213-613-0766. The place is “a steampunk bar.
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Sun, Jul 29:
4-7 pm AUSTIN HANKS & THE KALIFORNIA KINGSNAKES play the Piano Bar, 6429 Selma Av, Hollywood 90028; www.pianobarhollywood.com; 323-466-2750. No cover.
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Sun, Jul 29:
4-7 pm weekly “TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION” at the Auld Dubliner, 71 Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com.
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Sun, Jul 29, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
5:30-9 pm weekly “GRAND OLE ECHO” show brings LESLIE STEVENS, STEVEN CASPER & COWBOY ANGST, MIGUEL GARCIA & THE VAQUETONES, plus THE PORCH GIRLS (that delightful Topanga Canyon all-girl group) performing on, appropriately enough, the back porch, at The Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park; 213-413-8200. www.attheecho.com. Always a full lineup of folk-Americana, western swing, honky-tonk, and/or alt-country recording artists. Show and series info, www.thegrandoleecho.bandzoogle.com/fr_home.cfm. All ages, full bar, BBQ available, no cover.
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Sun, Jul 29:
5:30-8 pm “CRAWFISH BOIL” with THE MUDBUG BRASS BAND performing on the patio at The Foundry on Melrose, 7465 Melrose Av, L.A. 90046; www.thefoundryonmelrose.com.
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Sun, Jul 29:
6:30 pm monthly “OPEN MIC” at the Folk Music Center, 220 Yale Av, Claremont 91711; 909-624- 2928. Signups at 6 pm.
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Sun, Jul 29, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm TOULOUSE ENGELHARDT, phenomenal guitar-playing showman, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations 626-798-6236 (10 am-10 pm); venue phone 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. (“the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).
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Sun, Jul 29:
7 pm DOUG PAISLEY plus MARIEE SIOUX at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. Tix, $12.50.
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Sun, Jul 29:
8:30 pm BABYLON SOCIAL CLUB, the band of SNUFFY WALDEN, SARA NIEMIETZ, LESLIE SMITH, TERRY WISON, BENNETT SALVAY, & HERMAN MATTHEWS, plays Café Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks 91423; dinner reservations, 818-789-1985; info, www.cafecordiale.com/music.html; www.myspace.com/cordiale.
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Sun, Jul 29:
8:30 pm JEREMIAH plays the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar. Free admission but take $$ for the tip jar.
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Sun, Jul 29:
9:30 pm THE DAMNGIVERS at Harvelle’s Long Beach, 206 The Promenade North, Long Beach 90802; www.harvelles.com; 310-395-1676. $5 cover.
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Sun, Jul 29:
10 pm-1 am CARLOS GUITARLOS at the Liquid Kitty, 11780 W Pico Bl (between Barrington & Bundy), West L.A.; www.thekitty.com; 310-473-3707. No cover.
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Sun, Jul 29:
11 pm weekly late-night “ACOUSTIC CORDIALE” at 14 Below, 1348 14th St, Santa Monica 90404; 310-451-5040.
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Monday, July 30
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Mon, Jul 30:
7:30 pm THE BROMBIES play their weekly bluegrass residency at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506; 818-515-4444. Venue has full bar, serves Mexican food. Free parking across the street at Pickwick Bowl (same owners). No cover.
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Mon, Jul 30:
7:30 pm twice-monthly “NEW WESTSIDE BLUEGRASS JAM” at Industry Café & Jazz, 6039 Washington Bl, Culver City 90232.
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Mon, Jul 30, in Ventura:
7:30 pm twice-monthly “ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC” at Zoey's Café, 451 E Main St, Ventura 93001; 805-652-0091.
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Mon, Jul 30:
7:30 pm weekly “OPEN MIC” at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood 91607; 818-766-9913. Sign-ups at 7 pm. Officially, it’s no cover, but venue expects a donation. Watch on the web if you can’t go, at www.kulakswoodshed.com.
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Mon, Jul 30:
8-9:30 pm “SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BLUES SOCIETY” presents a lineup tba at Maui’s Sugar Mill Saloon, 18339 Ventura Bl, Tarzana (just E of Reseda Bl); a blues jam follows. No cover, but $15-$20 donation suggested. Info, www.socalblues.org.
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Mon, Jul 30:
8 pm weekly “IRISH CéILí DANCE & IRISH MUSIC SESSION” at the Celtic Arts Center’s shared location at Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood 91602; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com.
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Dancing at 8, music jam session at 9. No cover, donations appreciated. Always fun and a wonderful place to meet people who are into the Celtic scene.
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Mon, Jul 30:
CANCELLED: 8 pm weekly “BLUE MONDAY JAM” with the BERNIE PEARL BLUES BAND no longer happens at the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, Leimert Park, 4305 Degnan Bl, Los Angeles 90008. Fun while it lasted!
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Mon, Jul 30:
8:30 pm THE HOT CLUB plays their every-Monday residency at the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar.
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Mon, Jul 30:
9 pm “MONDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB” with members of 29 MULES play Ireland’s 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; www.irelands32pub.com; 818-785-4031. No cover.
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Tuesday, July 31
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Tue, Jul 31:
6:30-8:30 pm KAREN TOBIN & FRIENDS play an acoustic show at Big Mama’s Rib Shack on N Lake Av in Pasadena; www.bigmamas-ribshack.com. This place has great BBQ, so make it dinner and a show.
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Tue, Jul 31:
7 pm weekly “JC HYKE'S SONGWRITERS SERENADE” brings a different line-up each week of recording artists playing acoustic sets, at Matt Denny's Ale House Restaurant & Bar, 145 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006. Venue is a restaurant, serves alcohol. All ages. No cover.
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Tue, Jul 31:
7 pm weekly “BLUEGRASS SOUP JAM” at Convert-A-Tape, 2420 Gundry Av, Signal Hill 90755.
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Tue, Jul 31:
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, Jul 31:
8:30 pm BEN VAUGHN TRIO plus PETER GILSTRAP play the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar.
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Tue, Jul 31:
9 pm TED RUSSELL KAMP plays Ireland’s 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; www.irelands32pub.com; 818-785-4031. No cover.
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Tue, Jul 31:
9 pm JACK’S TEA ROOM plays Harvelle’s Long Beach, 206 The Promenade North, Long Beach 90802; www.harvelles.com; 310-395-1676. $10.
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Wednesday, August 1
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Wed, Aug 1, a “SHOW-of-the-YEAR” pick:
7 pm “THE NEVILLE BROTHERS' FAREWELL TOUR,” as the famous brothers add the talents and formidable presence of TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE to bring a memory-book night of New Orleans’ best to the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood; 232-850-2000. Don’t dawdle getting tix, as this’ll sell-out.
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Wed, Aug 1:
7-9 pm weekly “WINE & SONG” series brings KEVIN FISHER with EILEEN CAREY & JOHN McDUFFIE, plus performing host BRAD COLERICK at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena; 626-441-2443; www.eatatfirefly.com.
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Wed, Aug 1:
HOT AUGUST NIGHT, a NEIL DIAMOND tribute band, plays one of only two offerings that will interest Folk-Americana fans at this year’s “TEMPLE CITY WILD WEST CONCERTS IN THE PARK” series, Despite the name, only one event (on Aug 29) is western. The concert places the band in one of Southern Cal’s nicest bandstand gazebos, in the park adjacent to city hall and the city library, at 9701 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic dinner, or buy food from on-site vendors; and a Carl’s Jr is just across the street. Info at 626-285-2171 x 2361. Free.
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Wed, Aug 1:
8 pm DUSTBOWL REVIVAL plays Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (next to L.A. Equestrian Center), Burbank; 818-845-2425 or 818-515-4444; www.vivacantina.com. Okay to park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl. No cover.
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Wed, Aug 1:
8 pm JIMMY ANGEL and TROY WALKER play Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (next to L.A. Equestrian Center), Burbank; 818-845-2425 or 818-515-4444; www.vivacantina.com. Okay to park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl.
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Wed, Aug 1:
10 pm-1:30 am THEM BEARDED MEN play the Auld Dubliner, 71 Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com.
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Thursday, August 2
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Thu, Aug 2:
5-9 pm ANNY CELSI, a delightful performing songwriter, plays an acoustic set at the Sunset Strip Market in West Hollywood’s public lot, 8755 Sunset Bl, West Hollywood. Artist info, www.annycelsi.com.
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Thu, Aug 2:
6-9 pm BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER plays his every-Thursday blues residency at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena; 626-441-2443; www.eatatfirefly.com. No cover.
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Thu, Aug 2, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7-10 pm KASEY CHAMBERS plays the 28th Annual “Santa Monica Pier Twilight Dance Series” on Santa Monica Pier, W off Ocean Av (at Colorado), 2 blks S of Santa Monica Bl, Santa Monica; 310-458-8901 or 310-396-0799; www.twilightdance.org. or www.twilightseries.org. Different show, 7-10 pm every Thu, late Jun to late Aug. Costly nearby parking - walk, bike or take the MTA (www.mta.net) or Big Blue Bus (www.bigbluebus.com) or call 310-451-5444 for bus info. Bike valet starts at 6:30 pm on concert nights, offering safe parking for thousands of bikes. Pier is wheelchair accessible. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. If you want to avoid the crowd and hear but not see, you can sit on the beach under the pier. Free.
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Thu, Aug 2:
7:30-11 pm DOOZY plays their every-Thursday residency at the Culver Hotel in Culver City; www.culverhotel.com. Band info, www.doozytunes.com. No cover.
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Thu, Aug 2:
8 pm MASON SOUTH plays their every-Thursday residency at Tam O’Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Feliz; www.lawrysonline.com/tam-oshanter; 323-664-0228.
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Thu, Aug 2:
9:30 pm THE SKIN WALKERS play the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar.
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Thu, Aug 2:
11 pm DUSTBOWL REVIVAL plays a late set at Harvard & Stone in Hollywood; www.harvardandstone.com.
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Friday, August 3
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Friday’s FESTIVALS
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Fri & Sat, Aug 3 & 4:
“HARD SUMMER” FESTIVAL isn’t likely to interest folk-Americana fans, but we thought you should be aware of what it is, on a 32-acre site at Los Angeles State Historic Park. Some funk, a lot of discotheque performed live, some as dj sets. We’ll pass.
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Friday’s
CONCERTS, CLUB GIGS, SHOWCASES, OPEN MICS, WORKSHOPS, & more…
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Fri, Aug 3:
9 pm FLEETING HEART, MARC ROBILLARD, & THE STEVIE G. BAND play a show co-produced by Koffeehouse Music and BMI, at Harvelle's Santa Monica, 1432 Fourth St, Santa Monica; www.harvelles.com; 310-395-1676. $8 cover.
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It’s preceded by a jam session at 8:15 pm.
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Fri, Aug 3:
9 pm RICK HOLMSTROM BAND at the Eldorado in Long Beach; www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/eldo.restuarant.
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Fri, Aug 3:
9 pm monthly “FIRST FRIDAY” show brings the DUSTBOWL REVIVAL to Joe’s in Venice; www.joesrestaurant.com.
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Fri, Aug 3:
9:30 pm PATROLLED BY RADAR plays the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar.
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Fri, Aug 3:
10:30 pm CRAIG ELKINS plus CHARLES EZELL at Taix 321 Lounge, 1911 W Sunset Bl (at Alvarado), Echo Park; www.taixfrench.com; 213-484-1265. No cover.
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Saturday, August 4
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Saturday’s FESTIVALS
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Sat, Aug 4, FESTIVAL, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, in Altadena:
1:30 pm-1 am 3rd Annual “NEW LA FOLK FEST” with performances by TOM BROSSEAU, TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT, DUSTBOWL REVIVAL, GWENDOLYN, HE’S MY BROTHER SHE’S MY SISTER, LESLIE STEVENS, BEACHWOOD SPARKS, COWBOY & INDIAN, DAVID FEUER, DOMINGO SIETE, DIRT BIRD, FORT KING, GERONIMO GETTY, EMILY LACY, RESTAVRANT, RT N THE 44S, GUY BLAKESLEE, SPINDRIFT, OLIWA & THE PLEASURE CIRCUS, STRIPMINERS, TOMMY SANTEE KLAWS, SEA OF BEES, YELLOW RED SPARKS, and more, at Zorthian’s Ranch in Altadena. $25 advance, $30 doors, $50 VIP. Info at http://lafolkfest.com.
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Sat, Aug 4; Fri & Sat, Aug 3 & 4:
“HARD SUMMER” FESTIVAL isn’t likely to interest folk-Americana fans, but we thought you should be aware of what it is, on a 32-acre site at Los Angeles State Historic Park. Some funk, a lot of discotheque performed live, some as dj sets. We’ll pass.
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Saturday’s
CONCERTS, CLUB GIGS, SHOWCASES, OPEN MICS, WORKSHOPS, & more…
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Sat, Aug 4:
7 pm THE DUO TONES at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations 626-798-6236 (10 am-10 pm); 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.
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Sat, Aug 4:
7 pm weekly “RANCH PARTY” brings the BROKEN NUMBERS BAND and MIKE & THE MOONPIES to the music patio adjacent to EB’s Wine Bar, in the L.A. Farmers Market complex, 6333 3rd (at Fairfax), L.A.; www.farmersmarketla.com. Show and series info, www.reverbnation.com/venue/ranchpartycountrynight. No cover.
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Sat, Aug 4:
7 pm UPSTREAM plays “Reggaelypso,” Soca & Steel Drum music at the “16th Annual Altadena Sheriffs’ Summer Concert Series” in the Amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 East Mt. Curve Av, Altadena 91001; series info, www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com; 626-798-6335. FREE concert series.
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Sat, Aug 4, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm VAUD & THE VILLAINS play the “Levitt Pavilion Pasadena Concerts in the Park” series at Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts - Pasadena, Memorial Park, 85 E Holly St (really Walnut & Raymond) Old Pasadena; 626-683-3230; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org. Series runs early-to-mid-summer, several themed nights each week, and includes an “American Music Series,” a children’s series, and a world music series. Bring your lawn chair or blanket; some bench seating available on the sides. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station, and save expensive parking and gas. (See also: “Pasadena Concerts in the Park” series at the same place, called Memorial Park Band Shell.) Nice outdoor venue. Free.
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Sat, Aug 4:
9 pm LYNWOOD SLIM plays Café Boogaloo, 1238 Hermosa Av, Hermosa Beach; www.boogaloo.com; 310-318-2324.
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Sat, Aug 4:
9:30 pm DAVID SERBY and DAN JANISCH share what promises to be a fine night of alt country / Americana at the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive. No cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar.
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Sat, Aug 4:
9:30 pm NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS play Universal Bar & Grill, 4093 Lankershim Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-2114; www.universalbarandgrill.net. $7 cover.
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Sat, Aug 4:
10:30 pm BRIAN SPENCE & THE TRANSCENDENT HULA HOOP at Taix 321 Lounge, 1911 W Sunset Bl (at Alvarado), Echo Park; www.taixfrench.com; 213-484-1265. Check out this band at www.reverbnation.com/brianspence. No cover.
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Sunday, August 5
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This week’s
NOTABLE CAMP FOR ARTISTS…
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Sun-Wed, Aug 5-8, MUSIC CAMP, in the Tehachapi Mtns:
Annual “CAMP KIYA MUSIC CAMP” for the whole family, beginners to advanced, is in the Tehachapi Mountains, a 2-3 hour drive from Los Angeles and features a fine lineup of teachers. Here’s a list:
Fiddle: JAN TAPPAN, BRYNN ALBANESE, ANDREA BEATON
Cello: Erin Esses, DEBORAH HAND, ALEX WILSON
Guitar: WILLIAM COULTER, DAVE OGDEN, MAX VALENTINO
Mandolin: ASHLEY BRODER
Acoustic Bass Guitar: MAX VALENTINO
Accordion: MICHAEL GUTIN
Clawhammer Banjo: SHARON MARTINSON
Hammered Dulcimer: SUSIE HASTINGS
Mountain Dulcimer: AL CRISALLI
Irish Dance: ARIA CURZON
Hula: HARRIET NAGATA
Singing: CHRISTA BURCH
Whistle: WILLIAM COULTER, DAVE OGDEN
Harmonica: ROY HERNANDEZ
Bodhran: CHRISTA BURCH
Percussion: MAX VALENTINO
Songwriting: SHARON MARTINSON
Nature and Native American Culture: JON HAMMOND
Ukulele: CHICA NAGATA
Keyboard: JEFFREY SPERO, MARCIA WHITTEN
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Have you ever wanted to try out a cello? Or a ukulele? Bodhran? Fiddle? Or do you play an instrument and want to learn new techniques and jam with other music lovers?
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Camp Kiya has “a reasonable cost.” Check-out the Instructor bios, fee schedule, and other information at www.campkiya.com.
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Saturday’s FESTIVALS
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Sun, Aug 5, FESTIVAL, in Culver City, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
2 pm-midnight “FINNY FEST II” with performances by DAFNI, CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7, JOHNNY HAWTHORN, DAN JANISCH, NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS, TOMMY SALCIDO, JASON FINAZZO, PATROLLED BY RADAR, COLIN HARRIS, and more, at the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.thecinemabar.com; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317.
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They’re all playing to raise money for the “Southwest Bone Marrow Transplant Fund.” Venue is 21+, the size of a shoebox, and known as “the world’s smallest honky-tonk.” Barstool seating is competitive, but everyone is always friendly. Most shows here are no cover, bring $ for artists’ tip jar. We’ll let you know if they’re charging admission for this benefit event.
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Sunday’s
CONCERTS, CLUB GIGS, SHOWCASES, OPEN MICS, WORKSHOPS, & more…
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Sun, Aug 5:
11 am-2 pm weekly “BLUES BRUNCH” with BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena; 626-441-2443; www.eatatfirefly.com.
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Sun, Aug 5:
2:30-7 pm JOHNNY MASTRO & MAMA’S BOYS play their every-Sunday residency at Bliss 525, 525 E Broadway, Long Beach 90802; www.bliss525.com; 562-495-7252.
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Sun, Aug 5:
3-10 pm weekly “EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUNDAY” show brings performances tba at Villains Tavern 1356 Palmetto St, downtown L.A.; www.villainstavern.com; 213-613-0766. The place is “a steampunk bar.”
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Sun, Aug 5:
4-7 pm AUSTIN HANKS & THE KALIFORNIA KINGSNAKES play the Piano Bar, 6429 Selma Av, Hollywood 90028; www.pianobarhollywood.com; 323-466-2750. No cover.
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Sun, Aug 5:
4-7 pm weekly “TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION” at the Auld Dubliner, 71 Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com.
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Sun, Aug 5:
5-7 pm DUSTBOWL REVIVAL plays the “JAZZ ON THE LAWN” series at Stewart Street Park in Santa Monica; www.smgov.net/jazz. It may be called “jazz” but folkies love this band. Free concert.
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Sun, Aug 5:
5:30-9 pm weekly “GRAND OLE ECHO” showcase brings STEPHEN SOWAN, THE DAMNGIVERS, and Aussie HENRY WAGONS to The Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park; 213-413-8200. www.attheecho.com. Series and show info, www.thegrandoleecho.bandzoogle.com/fr_home.cfm. No cover.
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Sun, Aug 5:
9 pm RICK HOLMSTROM BAND plays the York in Highland Park; www.theyorkonyork.com. No cover.
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Sun, Aug 5:
10 pm-1 am THE BASTARDS OF BELLEVILLE play late at the Liquid Kitty, 11780 W Pico Bl (between Barrington & Bundy), West L.A.; www.thekitty.com; 310-473-3707. No cover.
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Sun, Aug 5, an “EVENT-of-the-DECADE,” live on TV and the web:
10:31 pm NASA’S “CURIOSITY” LANDER, aka the Volkswagen-sized Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), touches-down on the Red Planet and and will be broadcast live at 10:31 pm (Pacific).
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For the hardcore geeks out there, watching “live” is relative. It’ll take about eight minutes at the speed of light for the spacecraft’s signal to reach earth. So, “live” happened eight minutes ago on Mars… but there’s no way to get the news any faster. Ask Albert Einstein about that.
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Some cable and satellite providers bring you the NASA Channel, which will cover the landing live and have lots of special programming leading up to it. Alas, many cable systems do not give you that channel, even though they get it free from the government. If you are thusly deprived, the whole thing will be live on the web, at www.nasa.gov. On the web, that is, with a caution. Keep reading.
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There’s A WHOLE LOT available online in advance of the landing, include a cool “landing on Mars game” and other interactive gadgets you should download in advance, before the rush locks-up the site. Getting into Mars exploration online has never been so accessible! Seriously, it’s recommended you download anything interactive NOW, because the server will likely be overloaded as the landing time approaches. You can even download a really sophisticated landing simulation game for X-Box.
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Here are some key urls:
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Info on a variety of activities, including virtual landing programs, are at http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/participate.
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You can follow the mission on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marscuriosity
and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/marscuriosity.
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A very full version of ways to play Martian is available at www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2012-205&cid=release_2012-205.
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And the new NASA 3-D app that gives you the ability to experience robotic space travel is at www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2012-202&cid=release_2012-202.
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The Guide’s NEWS FEATURES edition for July 20 (anniversary of the first Moon landing) has a full feature story on Curiosity and the future of Mars and space exploration. It focuses on whether we really WANT to find life on Mars. That’s a tougher question than you may think. It’s feature # 8 at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2012/07/news-features-acoustic-americana-music.html.
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For extra fun while watching the landing, put on your rose-colored sunglasses to give everything a reddish-orange glow, tape a print-out of Marvin the Martian (the brush-helmeted nemesis of Bugs Bunny) to your wall, and stock-up on Mars candy bars… Klatu barada nikto.
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FARTHER AHEAD –
. in
AUGUST and Beyond…
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Mon, Aug 6:
8 pm-1:30 am monthly “RONNIE MACK'S BARNDANCE” Americana / alt country showcase with STEVE AUSTIN (a great Country songwriter), wonderful Cajun fiddler LISA HALEY, THE GROOVY REDNECKS, BRIAN HOGAN, and more, plus the all-star BARNDANCE BAND, at Joe's Great American Bar & Grill, 4311 W. Magnolia Bl, Burbank 91505; 818-729-0805.
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The Barndance Band opens the night, and plays again before the jam. In between are the featured guests. Check Ronnie's site for confirmation of start time, late additions to the lineup, and more details, at www.electricearl.com/BDance.html .
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FREE admission
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Tue, Aug 7; a “SHOW-of-the-YEAR” pick:
7:30 pm BUDDY GUY & JONNY LANG bring as-good-as-it-gets blues to the Greek Theater in L.A. Get tix early, it’ll sell-out.
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Wed, Aug 8:
6:30-8:30 pm LOS MINEROS DE DURANGO and MARIACHI PONCITLAN play the “DUARTE SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK” series in Duarte Park, 1344 Bloomdale Av, Duarte. Free bus transport to and from the concert is available on Duarte Transit buses. Local businesses have food booths and there is a play area for children. This is the only offering in this year’s Duarte series that might interest Folk-Americana fans, so it’s the only one the Guide lists. Info, 626-357-7931.
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Sat, Aug 11:
7 pm SGT. PEPPER plays “The sounds of THE BEATLES and more” at the “16th Annual Altadena Sheriffs’ Summer Concert Series” in the Amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 East Mt. Curve Av, Altadena 91001; series info, www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com; 626-798-6335. FREE concert series.
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Sat, Aug 11, through Sat, Aug 25 (see dates); a “SHOW-of-the-YEAR” pick:
NEIL DIAMOND reprises his “HOT AUGUST NIGHT” with a 40th Anniversary tour, including these shows at the Greek Theatre in L.A., where he played the original.
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Can you say, “Chance to relive a legendary concert with the music legend who performed it, who etched a very special night into music history?” That’s literally what this is. Any superlative you want to apply, after 40 years and millions of album sales of the show taped on the very same stage way back in 1972, well, the accolades and gushing enthusiasm and stage-lit memories are all warranted.
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Here’s the schedule and status at press time:
Sat, Aug 11 at 8 pm - sold out
Thu, Aug 16 at 8 pm - sold out
Sat, Aug 18 at 8 pm - ON SALE NOW
Thu, Aug 23 at 8 pm - ON SALE NOW
Sat, Aug 25 at 8 pm - just announced & ON SALE NOW
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Every seat will sell-out quickly, so act accordingly.
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Sat, Aug 11, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm TOM RUSSELL, one of new-folk’s best performing songwriters, returns to his Southern Cal roots to play the “CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY” series at Beckman Institute Auditorium, 400 S Wilson Av, on the Caltech campus in Pasadena; 626-395-4652. Park free at the end of Michigan Av, south off Del Mar. Get tix early, as this will sell-out.
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Sat, Aug 11:
8 pm THE FOLK COLLECTION brings all the classic songs of the ’50s-’60s Folk Revival era for an evening at “RUSS AND JULIE'S HOUSE CONCERT” Series in Oak Park (Agoura Hills / Westlake Village area). Reservations get directions at 818-707-2179.
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Sat, Aug 11, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CALIFORNIA PHILHARMONIC “FESTIVAL ON THE GREEN” summer outdoor concert series brings tonight’s theme of “Carmen on Broadway” to Santa Anita Racetrack Park, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia.
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Maestro VICTOR VENER is renowned for presenting accessible classical music with many recognizable melodies for those who are not into tuxedo classical. In fact, there is a jazz combo performing from 5 pm until the main concert at 8. Even if you’re not into jazz, go early.
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Gates open at 5 pm for dining, the instrument petting zoo, pony rides, best placement of beach chairs, and probably additional fun / diversions. A fine catered picnic dinner is available (you should order in advance to get the options you want) or you can bring your own food and beverages. More expensive seats include tables with tablecloths. Cheaper seats are bring-your-own chair or blanket.
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The series began here on with July 28 with “Center Stage,” and concludes Aug 25 with “Beethoven & John Williams.” Each Saturday evening show repeats as an indoor matinee the next afternoon in Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Music Center in downtown L.A. in air-conditioned comfort. Info and tix for all six performances (three outdoor, three indoor) are available at www.calphil.org or 626-300-8200.
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Sun, Aug 12:
7 pm KELLY HOGAN at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. Tix, $15.
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Sun, Aug 12; a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm Annual “BLUEGRASS AT THE FORD” concert, featuring THE LONESOME RIVER BAND and LONESOME OTIS, presented by the Bluegrass Association of Southern California (BASC), at one of the Guide’s most-favorite outdoor venues, the John Anson Ford Theater, 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood. Pack a picnic dinner with the beverages of your choice (alcohol is allowed in) and enjoy a fine and fun night of bluegrass under the stars. Everybody who knows looks forward to this one.
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Fri-Sun, Aug 17-19, FESTIVAL,
in Vista,
a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
10th Annual “SUMMERGRASS SAN DIEGO BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL” with BLUE HIGHWAY, LONESOME RIVER BAND, FLATT LONESOME, SWEET TIDINGS, TAIL DRAGGERS, VIRTUAL STRANGERS, LIGHTHOUSE, and more tba, at the 40-acre outdoor Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N santa Fe Av, Vista 92083. There’s a kids’ camp, adult boot camp, raffles, music & craft vendors, jamming, dry camping, food, and more.
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Advance tix are discounted, so hop on it as soon as you know you are going. Tix & info, www.summergrass.net or 858-679-4854; camping questions, camping@summergrass.net or 619-940-4593.
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Fri, Aug 17, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, in South OC:
5:30 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the summer-long “SAWDUST FESTIVAL” on the main stage at the permanent festival grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach 92651; wwwsawdustartfestival.org. Cajun-Zydeco GRAMMY Nominees, Lisa’s new video, “Chicken Fiddler,” has over 555,000 YouTube views! They’re always exciting, whether you dance or just listen, and they are among the few bands that mixes plenty of Cajun fiddle music with zydeco.
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Sat, Aug 18, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS bring their GRAMMY-nominated and highly danceable Cajun & Zydeco music to the “16th Annual Altadena Sheriffs’ Summer Concert Series” in the Amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 East Mt. Curve Av, Altadena 91001; series info, www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com; 626-798-6335. Cajun-Zydeco GRAMMY Nominees, Lisa’s new video, “Chicken Fiddler,” has over 555,000 YouTube views! They’re always exciting, whether you dance or just listen, and they are among the few bands that mixes plenty of Cajun fiddle music with zydeco. FREE concert series.
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Sun, Aug 19, FESTIVAL, in Long Beach:
Noon-5 pm 2nd annual “ROSE PARK BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL” in Rose Park, 800 Orizaba Av, Long Beach. Performers include GRASSLANDS, playing 3-4 pm.
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We’ll bring you more on the festival as we learn it, but here’s some info on GRASSLANDS: this is the band of TIM O’BRIEN on Dobro & vocals, GREG PADGETT on bass & vocals, JIM COOPER on guitar & vocals, RICK MIRSKY on banjo, & SHELAH SPIEGEL on fiddle & vocals. She’s a four-time Southern Cal Fiddle Champ; Tim has been a member of THE WITCHER BROTHERS and RANK STRANGERS; Rick taught banjo at the Blue Ridge Pickin’ Parlor; Greg had his own act at the Grand Ole Opry; all four have “been there, done that.” Check them out on You Tube at www.youtube.com/user/GrasslandBluegrass?ob=5#p/u/3/-p4wwc039Ok. More at www.grasslandsbluegrass.com.
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Sun, Aug 19, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. plus the great JACK TEMPCHIN (songwriter of many of the EAGLES hits) play a concert at the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena. Info, www.paulmarshall.net.
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Thu, Aug 23, in San Diego, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS play Humphrey's By the Bay, Shelter Island Dr, San Diego; 619-224-5377.
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Fri, Aug 24:
7 pm ROY BOOK BINDER at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. Tix, $17.50.
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Sat, Aug 25:
7 pm Guitarist BRIAN HUGHES & his band bring contemporary Latin-Jazz to the “16th Annual Altadena Sheriffs’ Summer Concert Series” in the Amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 East Mt. Curve Av, Altadena 91001; series info, www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com; 626-798-6335. FREE concert series.
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Sat, Aug 25, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CALIFORNIA PHILHARMONIC “FESTIVAL ON THE GREEN” summer outdoor concert series brings tonight’s theme of “BEETHOVEN & JOHN WILLIAMS” to Santa Anita Racetrack Park, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia.
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Maestro VICTOR VENER is renowned for presenting accessible classical music with many recognizable melodies for those who are not into tuxedo classical. In fact, there is a jazz combo performing from 5 pm until the main concert at 8. Even if you’re not into jazz, go early.
+
Gates open at 5 pm for dining, the instrument petting zoo, pony rides, best placement of beach chairs, and probably additional fun / diversions. A fine catered picnic dinner is available (you should order in advance to get the options you want) or you can bring your own food and beverages. More expensive seats include tables with tablecloths. Cheaper seats are bring-your-own chair or blanket.
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The series began here on with July 28 with “Center Stage,” continued Aug 11 with “Carmen on Broadway,” and concludes tonight. Each Saturday evening show repeats as an indoor matinee the next afternoon in Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Music Center in downtown L.A. in air-conditioned comfort. Info and tix for all six performances (three outdoor, three indoor) are available at www.calphil.org or 626-300-8200.
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Sun, Aug 26, not music, but cool:
3rd Annual “NO BUDGET FILM FESTIVAL” at the Downtown Independent in L.A. Info at www.nobudgetfilmfestival.com.
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Sun, Aug 26:
7 pm GEOFF MULDAUR with JIM KWESKIN & SUZY THOMPSON is an all-star night at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. This will sell-out early, so hop right on it. Tix, $22.50.
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Wed, Aug 29:
“WILD WEST CONCERT SUMMER FINALE” and BBQ, with performances by THE SILVERADOS, professional line dancers (with instruction), and TRICK ROPER DAVE, at Temple City Park, 9701 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City. Tonight’s event is one of only two offerings that will interest Folk-Americana fans at this year’s “TEMPLE CITY WILD WEST CONCERTS IN THE PARK” series. Despite the name of the series, only tonight is western.
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The concert places the band in one of Southern Cal’s nicest bandstand gazebos, in the park adjacent to city hall and the city library. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic dinner, or buy the BBQ for $8 ($7 advance) – BBQ tix are limited, so advance purchase is advised. Info at 626-285-2171 x 2361. Free concert.
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Thu, Aug 30, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
ERIC BIBB plays the Skirball Cultural Center, just off the 405 atop Sepulveda Pass. More info wen we have it.
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SEPTEMBER EVENTS…
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Sat, Sep 1; a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS at the Pantages Theatre, Hollywood Bl at Argyle St, Hollywood. Get tix early, they’re on sale now, and it’ll sell-out.
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Tue, Sep 4, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
JOHN HIATT plays Sainte Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach; 310-372-0035.
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Wed, Sep 5, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm B. B. KING plus THE TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND for an end-of-the-summer all-star night at the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood; 232-850-2000. It’ll likely all be electric, and really, really good.
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Fri-Sun, Sep 7-9, FESTIVAL, in OC:
“2012 TOSHIBA TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL” at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point 92629; www.ocean-institute.org; 949-496-2274. Includes sea chanteys and plenty of music. Register early to select your tall ship for one of the “Cannon Battle” cruises, or to ride alongside the battle for the best view on the water on an “Escort Cruise” aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. Check out the fun on land with a “Pirate Adventure Pass” admission ticket. Check their site for all the details.
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Fri, Sep 7; a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm CROSBY, STILLS & NASH at the Greek Theater in L.A. Get tix early, it’ll sell-out.
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Fri, Sep 7, in OC, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN HIATT plays The Coach House, Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano; 949-496-8930.
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Sat, Sep 8, FESTIVAL, in Northern Cal:
Annual “CRAWFISH & CATFISH FESTIVAL” with THE GUMBO BAND, Z.O.O.M., BLUES BOX, ZYDECO FLAMES, FUNKY GATORS, TEBO & FRIENDS, down-home Louisiana Blues, Beau Funk, and more, at Rio Ramaza Marina, 10000 Garden Hwy, Sacramento 95837. Lots of savory foods, including crawfish, catfish, shrimp, alligator, oysters, BBQ, tri-tip, gumbo, etouffee, po boys, more. Dance lessons, kids activities and shopping. Bring lawn chairs and dancing shoes. No outside food.
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Sat, Sep 8, a “FREE SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7 pm THE WALKING PHOENIXES perform “A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CASH & OTHER COUNTRY CLASSICS” with special guests THE RED MUTTS doing “Top Classic Rock,” at the “16th Annual Altadena Sheriffs’ Summer Concert Series” in the Amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 East Mt. Curve Av, Altadena 91001; series info, 626-798-6335; www.altadenasheriffs.blogspot.com. FREE concert series.
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It’s the season’s Grand Finale, presented by Stage Door Music Productions & SSGA.
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Sat, Sep 8, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, in Ventura:
7:30 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the summer-long “OLIVAS ABODE” concert series, 4200 Olivas Park Dr, Ventura 92002; www.cityofventura.net/mus. Cajun-Zydeco GRAMMY Nominees, Lisa’s new video, “Chicken Fiddler,” has over 555,000 YouTube views! They’re always exciting, whether you dance or just listen, and they are among the few bands that mixes plenty of Cajun fiddle music with zydeco.
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Fri-Sun, Sep 14-16, FESTIVAL,
in Northern Cal:
10th Annual ‘PLYMOUTH BLUEGRASSIN’ IN THE FOOTHILLS” at the Amador County Fairgrounds, 18621 Sherwood St, Plymouth 95669, in the California Gold Rush / Mother Lode country. Booked so far are JAMES KING BAND, TRAVERS CHANDLER & AVERY COUNTY, BLUEGRASS BROTHERS, MARK PHILLIPS & IIIrd GENERATION, GET DOWN BOYS, THOMAS PORTER & COPPER RIVER, NU-BLU, and 2011 Emerging Artists RED DOG ASH. Info & tix, www.landspromotions.com or contact roaddog@caltel.com or 209-785-4693.
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Thu, Sep 20, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, in OC:
7:30 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the summer-long “CONCERTS AT THE MUCK” series, at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malvern Av, Fullerton 92833; www.themuck.org/sep-20-muck-roots-lisa-haleyzydeco/. Cajun-Zydeco GRAMMY Nominees, Lisa’s new video, “Chicken Fiddler,” has over 555,000 YouTube views! They’re always exciting, whether you dance or just listen, and they are among the few bands that mixes plenty of Cajun fiddle music with zydeco.
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Sat, Sep 22; a “SHOW-of-the-YEAR” pick:
7:30 pm BONNIE RAITT plus MAVIS STAPLES in a dazzling “oh wow” of a show at the Greek Theater in Hollywood. Get your tix right away for this one (unless you’re seeing MERLE HAGGARD and KRIS KRISTOFFERSON tonight).
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Sat, Sep 22; a “SHOW-of-the-YEAR” pick:
MERLE HAGGARD and KRIS KRISTOFFERSON share a wonderful bill, two legendary performing songwriters, at the Valley Performing Arts Center, on the campus at Cal State Northridge. The Guide has often encouraged you to see each of these artists. A chance to see them performing together? Get your tix right away for this one (unless you’re seeing BONNIE RAITT and MAVIS STAPLES tonight).
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Sat, Sep 22, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JANET ROBIN and ALI HANDAL, two fine artists and guitar wizards, share the night at “RUSS AND JULIE'S HOUSE CONCERT” Series in Oak Park (Agoura Hills / Westlake Village area). Reservations get directions at 818-707-2179.
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Tue, Sep 25, in San Diego, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm BONNIE RAITT plays Humphrey's By the Bay, Shelter Island Dr, San Diego; 619-224-5377.
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OCTOBER EVENTS…
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Fri-Sun, Oct 5-7, FESTIVAL, in Arkansas:
Annual “KING BISCUIT BLUES FESTIVAL” in Helena, Arkansas, is world renowned, and features a set by Southern Cal blues maestro BERNIE PEARL, accompanied by his bassist, MIKE BARRY.
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Sat, Oct 6, in Thousand Oaks, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
THE KINGSTON TRIO plays the Fred Kavli Theater for the Performing Arts, Thousand Oaks.
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Sat, Oct 13, FESTIVAL, in Mississippi:
Annual “BUKKA WHITE BLUES FESTIVAL” in Aberdeen, in Mississippi, features a set by Southern Cal blues maestro BERNIE PEARL, accompanied by his bassist, MIKE BARRY.
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Sat, Oct 13, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick, in San Diego:
7 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the “SAN DIEGO BON TEMPS CAJUN DANCE” series, at War Memorial Hall, 3325 Zoo Dr, Balboa Park (San Diego) 92101. Cajun-Zydeco GRAMMY Nominees, Lisa’s new video, “Chicken Fiddler,” has over 555,000 YouTube views! They’re always exciting, whether you dance or just listen, and they are among the few bands that mixes plenty of Cajun fiddle music with zydeco.
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Sat, Oct 13:
8 pm JEZ LOWE plays the “CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY” series in Beckman Institute Auditorium, 400 S Wilson Av, on the Caltech campus in Pasadena; 626-395-4652. Free parking at the end of Michigan Av, south off Del Mar.
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Sat, Oct 13, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm ANGELO M. and THE SALTY SUITES play “RUSS AND JULIE'S HOUSE CONCERT” series in Oak Park (Agoura Hills / Westlake Village area). THE SALTY SUITES spent the summer playing festivals. They are a rapidly-rising quartet of stellar your players, from CHELSEA WILLIAMS, the beautiful and charming singer-songwriter-guitarist who sings on the nationwide TV commercial for Chevrolet, to mandolin wunderkind SCOTT GATES, to bassist CHUCK HAILES. Reservations get directions at 818-707-2179.
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Sat, Oct 27, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CATHY BARTON & DAVE PARA play the “CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY” series in Beckman Institute Auditorium, 400 S Wilson Av, on the Caltech campus in Pasadena; 626-395-4652. The Missouri-based, autoharp-playing traditional music duo has a huge following in Southern Cal, so get your tix early. Park free at the end of Michigan Av, south off Del Mar.
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NOVEMBER EVENTS…
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Sun, Nov 4, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
RAVI SHANKAR, master of the sitar and more, plays the Center Theater, Long Beach.
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Sat, Nov 17, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm LUNASA plays the Caltech Public Events Concert Series in Beckman Auditorium (“Big Beckman”), on the Caltech campus in Pasadena; 626-395-4652. Park free at the end of Michigan Av, south off Del Mar, if you arrive early enough to get a space.
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2013 ~ Way, way ahead, in the far-off future…
(assuming the Mayans didn’t get it right…)
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Feb 2 & 3, 2013, FESTIVAL, in Elko, NV:
Annual “National Cowboy Poetry Festival” with lots of western music and cowboy poetry. Acts known so far include TOM RUSSELL, for two concerts and a songwriting workshop, and a hundred great cowboy acts including RAMBLIN JACK ELLIOTT, & PAUL ZARZSYKSI. There are “tons of exhibits on the West” and much more at this depth-of-winter indoor festival. It’s important to book early, because lodgings fill-up for a hundred miles. Info at www.westernfolklife.org/National-Cowboy-Poetry-Gathering-General-Info/national-cowboy-poetry-gathering-home-page.html.
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Fri, Feb 8, 2013, a “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE CAMPBELL BROTHERS play the Smothers Theatre, on the campus at Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; 310-506-4522.
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The GUIDE endeavors to bring you news and views of interest to artists, musicians and the creative community, together with schedules that reach waaay into the future! Thanks for making the journey with us.
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||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<|| MORE STUFF THE GUIDE OFFERS >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc
"NEWS FEATURES” is a fresh edition most each week, with news and reviews from the acoustic music universe, features on folk-Americana and “acoustic renaissance” music and artists, a litlle from the electric side of honky-tonk Americana, the latest tours, recordings and projects, reviews of CDs and live shows, industry news, news for artists, and more.
It’s always available by clicking-through at www.acousticmusic.net
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or get the mobile-device-friendly edition at
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www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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"VENUE DIRECTORY" - The Guide's extensive locator – has address and contact . info for OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, from Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, plus a few key spots in San Diego, the deserts, and on the Central Coast.
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UPDATES to the Venue Directory are currently underway. Meanwhile, the 2011 edition of our VENUE DIRECTORY is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html .
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||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<|| . With your help, the road goes on forever (even if we can’t afford the gas anymore to find out where it goes)! . . Questions? Comments? Wanna write for the Acoustic Americana Music Guide? …or get something published that you wrote? – Like a CD REVIEW ? or LIVE PERFORMANCE REVIEW ? Contact us at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com . ||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<|| Contents copyright © 2012, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved. ||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
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