Today is "MAKE MUSIC LOS ANGELES," happening County-Wide -- Friday, June 21, 2013

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First up, a traditional FOLK MUSIC EVENT is part of "Make Music Los Angeles" ...
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"Sing-A-Long: Social Justice Lyrics, Old Favorite Tunes," is a Folk Music event, 6-8 pm tonight in Eagle Rock (L.A.). It's at 1100 Eagle Vista Dr, in Eagle Rock Park, west of the tennis courts, on the northeast side of the park.
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It's about "Raising our voices in song, as Ann Porter leads a group sing about our hopes and dreams for a better world. From "ending corporate personhood" and "jobs not jails," to "where have all the flowers gone." Ann hopes this will be the first of many such gatherings. Song sheets provided. Bring a blanket or chair, and goodies to share. (Many songs from the "Raging Grannies' Song Book.")
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Here's the Guide's FEATURE STORY on "Make Music Los Angeles"
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Organizers of the L.A. County-wide event tout, "This is the first-ever 'National Music Day' in the United States. Modeled after France’s 'Fête de la Musique,' established in 1982, 'National Music Day' unites the harmonious efforts of 514 cities in 110 countries around the world in the single largest global outdoor music celebration, with U.S. cities participating under the name 'Make Music.'
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Of course, "Make Music Pasadena" already happened this year, as did the new "Make Music Downey." And while Pasadena's event began a few years as an American pioneer on the same day as France's long-running celebration, American adherents have lately seemed content to make something happen sometime in June, when it was convenient. Today's events return things to the Summer Solstice, the original day.
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And the solstice really is important to the tale.
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Things started in France because it is illegal to busk there: you'll get arrested if you open your guitar case on the sidewalk to attract donations and begin playing. When Francois Mitterrand was elected France's 21st President, French musicians rejoiced because he was one of them, and all foresaw the end of that law.
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But France's bistro operators lobbied to keep things the way they were. In the end, Mitterrand had to settle for just one day a year when the law would be waived. So he picked the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year.
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He was France's longest-serving president, in office from 1981-1995. Mitterrand died in 1996. But in France today, office productivity will be nil, traffic jams will abound, and sidewalks and plazas and porticoed gardens and every wide spot on every thoroughfare is filled with music makers and celebrating listeners.
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It's spread.
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All over the planet, for one happy day, it's all about participation in the joy of making music, for musicians and listeners alike. And preparing for it produces some unlikely success stories.
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Phil Brock, Chair of the City of Santa Monica's Recreation and Parks Commission, was strolling along on a Sunday afternoon in Palisades Park when he was drawn to the sounds of live music. It was TEE-M with AL THE BASSMAN. Brock invited them to perform at "Santa Monica Celebrates 'MAKE MUSIC L.A.'" part of what's happening today, June 21st.
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Energetic musician TEE-M, aka Tariq Mirza, is a veteran of "World Music Day," and that, alone, makes him one artist notably playing "Make Music Los Angeles" in Santa Monica. For him, it's been an interesting journey.
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While touring Pakistan in 2007, "Alliance Francaise," the French organization most responsible for the musical day's global dissemination, sponsored TEE-M for "Fête de la Musique" performances in three cities in Pakistan --  Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
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TEE-M is acutely aware of the singular nature of his participation, saying, "Thanks to the people of France, Pakistan, and now the City of Santa Monica for the honor."
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But that's not all. The same day Brock invited him to perform, he was discovered by Brazilian TV in the Rehearsal Hall in Santa Monica. The duo were interviewed by Brazilian TV from Sao Paulo, the largest city of Brazil, and 7th largest on the planet.
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You can hear the song they did on TV when TEE-M performs today, 3:15 to 3:45 pm, on the stage at Santa Monica Blvd and Ocean Ave in Santa Monica. He cautions, "Please come early," and promises, "We'll kick it off with my original song performed for Brazilian TV, 'Senorita Margarita (from North of South America),'" adding, "We dedicate the song to the upcoming Brazilian Olympics."
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Elsewhere, the guy is already a star. TEE-M's video "Aao, Suji Ka Halwa" made the Top 10 and was selected in the "Top 62 Songs of the 62 Years of Pakistan's Independence" on Pakistani FM radio. You can catch a video of the song at www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gpDCfeLkQ4
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While we're on the subject, TEE-M w/ AL THE BASSMAN also have upcoming performances at Hollywood Beach Wine Company in Oxnard, at 7 pm on Saturdays, June 29, and July 6, 13, & 20. They're regulars there. One fan raved, "Saw your birthday show Saturday night at Hollywood Wine Company. Sat on the couch in front. Loved it!"
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No doubt others will love them in Santa Monica by the end of the day. There's more about TEE-M and his music at www.tee-m.com
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Back to the vast scope of "MAKE MUSIC LOS ANGELES." There are an incomprehensible number of performances at venues today, many of them impromptu, with live music of all kinds. You can try to get a handle on it in your neighborhood at www.makemusicla.org
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There are FREE performances everywhere today. Merci, monsieur Mitterrand!
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While online, you can watch Santa Monica's "Make Music L.A." video promo (PSA) which features Mr. & Mrs. Ed O'Neill (Al Bundy), Pam O'Connor (Mayor of Santa Monica), Mr. Phil Brock, and others, at http://makemusicla.org/santa-monica-make-music-la-psa/
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A brand-new full edition of the Acoustic Americana Music Guide, with a huge abundance of WEEKEND FESTIVALS, concerts and more, is available just below or in the sidebar at left, depending on where you are reading this.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. We're on it.
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Entire contents copyright (c) 2013,
Lawrence Wines and Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
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