What's Up on Monday, Sep 24, 2012

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The Space Shuttle "Endeavour" circled and buzzed millions of us Friday (hopefully, you shared in that thrill); it will soon join the Battleship Iowa as our newest mega-attraction.
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Also this weekend just ended, the annual "Harvest Festival of Dulcimers," with it's AMAZING Saturday evening concert, entered the history books. Autumn has truly arrived, despite the continuing heat, and it's brought us more musical opportunities.
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The IBMA's annual "INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS" and related events happen all this week in Nashville, but you probably aren't there.
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Here's what's up in Southern Cal tonight, with a couple of heads-up inclusions for the next two days.
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One TV offering tonight; not music, but cool:
7-8 pm "EVEREST: A CLIMB FOR PEACE" (2008)is documentary follows climbers from different nations, different religious and cultural backgrounds, who work together in an effort to put some of their number on the summit of the world's highest mountain. Especially topical, given last week's riots in 23 Muslim nations, and this weekend's deadly avalanche on Manaslu, Everest's neighboring Himalayan peak. The latter killed at least eight climbers, with three still missing.
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Monday's Live Music
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Tonight's top show...
7:30 pm EVAN MARSHALL & ALEX FINAZZO play the Rancho Room Stage at Viva Cantina in Burbank. Evan is a top multi-instrumental master; his signature duo-style solo mandolin is dazzling, and his fiddle (in which he has a degree) makes crowds cheer. Wunderkind ALEX FINAZZO began performing on the Southern Cal roots music scene at age 16, and is already a veteran of the BLUE CREEK BAND, SCOTT GATES BAND, SOLEDAD MOUNTAIN BAND, and more.
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Divide your time at the venue; on the other stage, at the same time, there's:
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THE BROMBIES playing their bluegrass residency. Viva Cantina is at 900 Riverside Dr, next to the L.A. Equestrian Center in Burbank. Venue has full bar, serves good Mexican food. Park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl (same owners). No cover.
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8 pm weekly "TALENT CONTEST" with CHAD WATSON, who also performs, at the Cowboy Palace in Chatsworth. This long-running contest for country / alt-country / honky-tonk musicians and bands has great prizes and has opened doors for many of its winners. Plus, the place is always fun. Go early for free two step dance lessons (beginner and intermediate) at 7 pm. No cover.
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7:30 pm weekly "OPEN MIC" at Kulak's Woodshed in North Hollywood. Sign-ups at 7. No cover, but venue expects a donation. If you're stuck home, watch on the web at www.kulakswoodshed.com
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8 pm weekly "IRISH CEILI 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 at 9. No cover, donations appreciated. Always fun and a wonderful place to meet people who are into the Celtic and Irish scene.
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8:30 pm THE HOT CLUB plays their every-Monday residency at the Cinema Bar in Culver City. 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 the artists' tip jar.
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Tuesday, Sep 25
Preview
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One show, in San Diego, is a "SHOW-of-the-WEEK"pick pick :
7:30 pm BONNIE RAITT plus THE RANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND play Humphrey's By the Bay; 619-224-5377 or 619-523-1010.
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Wednesday, Sep 26
Preview
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One four-day festival starts today; not specifically music, but everyone who loves Irish and Celtic music and culture will want to know...
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Wed-Sat, Sep 26-30, FESTIVAL:
Annual "LOS ANGELES IRISH FILM FESTIVAL" brings an Opening Night reception, screenings, Irish music and entertainment, and special events. Info, www.lairishfilm.com
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More in the latest full edition of the Acoustic Americana Music Guide's "Spotlight Events" published September 14, and more tomorrow.
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