Live Music and NEWS for Wednesday, Nov 20, 2013

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In today’s edition:
♪   four NEWS ITEMS…
♪   MUSIC CONFERENCE, starts today…
♪   two TICKET ALERTS
♪   Wednesday’s LIVE MUSIC SCENE
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Hold on, Mabel, here we go!
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♪ .NEWS ITEM ONE...

MUSICIANS RECEIVE "MEDAL OF FREEDOM" TODAY AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Musicians LORETTA LYNN and ARTURO SANDOVAL were among 16 recipients today of the "Presidential Medal of Freedom," the nation's highest civilian honor.

President Barack Obama bestowed the medals in a White House ceremony. He noted that it was President Kennedy who first conceived the honor. In 1963, Kennedy was set to present the first round of 31 medals, but his assassination on November 22 -- 50 years ago, on Friday -- prevented that. It's a legacy that lives on, and more than 500 people, living and dead, have been awarded the Medal of Freedom.

President Obama's remarks featured introductions of each honoree. Of the musicians receiving the medal, he said:

"We... salute musicians, who bring such joy to our lives. LORETTA LYNN was 19 the first time she won the big — she won big at the local fair. Her canned vegetables brought home 17 blue ribbons — (laughter) — and made her “Canner of the Year.” (Laughter.) Now, that’s impressive. (Laughter.)

"For a girl from Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, that was fame. Fortunately for all of us, she decided to try her hand at things other than canning. Her first guitar cost $17, and with it this coal miner’s daughter gave voice to a generation, singing what no one wanted to talk about and saying what no one wanted to think about. And now, over 50 years after she cut her first record — and canned her first vegetables — (laughter) — Loretta Lynn still reigns as the rule-breaking, record-setting queen of country music."

A few minutes later, the following citation was read as the president placed the medal around her neck:

"Loretta Lynn. [Applause.] Born a coal miner’s daughter, Loretta Lynn has followed a bold path to become a legend in country music. A singer, songwriter, and author, she has written dozens of chart-topping songs, released scores of albums, and won numerous accolades. Breaking barriers in country music and entertainment, she opened doors for women not only by winning tremendous achievements, but also by raising issues few dared to discuss. Fearlessly telling her own stories with candor and humor, Loretta Lynn has brought a strong female voice to mainstream music, captured the emotions of women and men alike, and revealed the common truths about life as it is lived. [Applause.]"

The president introduced the other musician honoree, saying:

"As a young man in Cuba, ARTURO SANDOVAL loved jazz so much it landed him in jail. It was the Cold War, and the only radio station where he could hear jazz was the Voice of America, which was dangerous to listen to. But Arturo listened anyway. Later, he defected to the United States knowing he might never see his parents or beloved homeland again. 'Without freedom,' he said, 'there is no life.' And today, Arturo is an American citizen and one of the most celebrated trumpet players in the world. 'There isn’t any place on Earth where the people don’t know about jazz,' he says, and that’s true in part because musicians like him have sacrificed so much to play it."

When it came time for Sandoval's medal, the citation read:

"Arturo Sandoval. [Applause.] Arturo Sandoval is one of the world’s finest jazz musicians. Born into poverty in Cuba and held back by his government, he risked everything to share his gifts with the world — eventually defecting with help from Dizzy Gillespie, his mentor and friend. In the decades since, this astonishing trumpeter, pianist, and composer has inspired audiences in every corner of the world and awakened a new generation of great performers. He remains one of the best ever to play. [Applause.]"

There was a third musician, if we look beyond the reasons given for receipt of the honor. A sax player named Bill Clinton received the medal as of the sixteen honorees.

The honorees span a variety of fields including sports, music, public service and human rights. It's a mix of living recipients and those who received their medal posthumously.

Here's the full roster of today's medal recipients:

√  Bill Clinton, former President
√  Oprah Winfrey, television personality and philanthropist
√  Ernie Banks, former Chicago Cubs baseball player
√  Ben Bradlee (a hero of the Guide's editor), the executive editor of The Washington Post when they broke news of the Watergate scandal
√  Daniel Inouye, the late US Senator (D-Hawaii), a WW II recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, and first Japanese-American to serve in Congress
√  Daniel Kahneman, a pioneering psychology scholar who earned the Nobel Prize in economics
√  Richard Lugar, former US Senator (R-Indiana) who worked to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons
√  Loretta Lynn, country music legend
√  Mario Molina, chemist and scientist
√  Sally Ride, the first female American astronaut to travel to space
√  Bayard Rustin, a civil rights and gay rights activist who worked with Dr. Martin Luther King
√  Arturo Sandoval, Cuban immigrant and nine-time Grammy-winning musician
√  Dean Smith, the head coach of the University of North Carolina basketball team from 1961 to 1997 and civil rights advocate
√  Gloria Steinem, feminist movement leader and author
√  Cordy Tindell "C.T." Vivian, minister and civil rights leader
√  Judge Patricia Wald, first female judge on the D.C. Circuit, and once a top candidate for Attorney General. President Obama noted, "After leaving the bench, her idea of retirement was to go to The Hague to preside over the trials of war criminals."

The President drew chuckles from the crowd when he noted that Oprah Winfrey, early in her career, had been encouraged to change her name to "Susie."

"I got the same advice," the president said, bringing laughter, before he clarified, "they didn't say I should be named Susie, but they suggested I should change my name."

At the conclusion, the president said, "I hope we carry away from this a reminder of what JFK understood to be the essence of the American spirit — that it’s represented here. And some of us may be less talented, but we all have the opportunity to serve and to open people’s hearts and minds in our smaller orbits. So I hope everybody has been as inspired, as I have been, participating and being with these people here today."

Later today, current and past nominees will gather at the National Museum of American History, where President Obama will pay tribute to the legacy of President Kennedy.
JFK's grandson, Jack Schlossberg, whom the president called "a pretty good basketball player," is set to introduce the president.

Other past recipients attending the dinner include some beloved and some controversial figures. Those lining the red carpet will see baseball's Hank Aaron, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, singer Aretha Franklin, economist Alan Greenspan, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
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♪   NEWS ITEM TWO...

GUITAR WIZARD JANET ROBIN TO UNDERGO VOCAL CORD SURGERY

If you’ve seen her perform, you know her fingers are a blur and her guitar produces more notes than you knew were in there. Janet Robin does it all, from deep folk-roots Americana to innovative original compositions as fresh as right-now. She performs worldwide, has a big following in Eastern Europe, and she sometimes adds the welcome dimension of her own voice in song.

This morning, November 20, Janet posted the following:

Doc: “Janet, you have a cyst on your right vocal cord. It's embedded inside and will only continue to cause you multiple problems.”

Janet: “Well, I guess we better get that THING outta there.”

Doc: “Yes, if you don't, you may sound like a crying lamb forever.”

Janet: “Let's do it”.

She concludes, “December 20th Surgery booked. Lots of people will be happy to know I will have to SHUT UP completely for 2 weeks... I know certain people that will be very happy about that. That said, no singing for a few months, either. All good, I will be ready to ROCK next year. In the meantime, it will be a quiet XMAS, contemplating world peace....”
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♪   NEWS ITEM THREE...

MUSICIAN STABS FATHER, SHOOTS SELF

This is in a separate Guide Nov 20 special edition published earlt this morning and available at a separate click.

Here’s a synopsis…
Gus Deeds was a passionate old-time banjo player who wrote that his interests were "solitude, God and women... homesteading and survivalism, instrument-making, blacksmithing, herbal medicine, wine-making and 'worshipping Christ.'" Now he's dead, after trying to kill his father. His father is popular Virginia State Senator and former gubernatorial nominee Creigh Deeds, a Democrat in a red area. Our story explores who Gus Deeds was, as a roots musician, music honor student, and more. It’s here on the site, one edition ahead of this one.
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♪   NEWS ITEM FOUR...

(this feature originally ran in the Guide on Nov 18)

JFK: THE 50th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Fri, Nov 22, in Venice:
7-10 pm "JFK: THE 50th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT" in observance of November 22, 1963, produced by performing host ROSS ALTMAN, happens only once, at the Talking Stick Coffee Lounge, 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 90291; 310-450-6052.
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With special guests poet SHERMAN PEARL, finger-style guitarist JILL FENIMORE, storyteller MARTHA STEVENS, psychiatrist / musician DR. NEIL HARTMAN, blues musician ALEX “ALEJANDRO” SOSCHIN, and "Change-Links" Editor JOHN JOHNSON, the evening promises to be informative, inspiring, and entertaining. Ash Grove alumnus and Venice Arts Council Webmaster ERIC AHLBERG will be running the sound board.
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From “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,” to That Dallas morning on November 22,1963, "In Memoriam JFK" looks back on the major themes and events of President Kennedy’s Thousand Days in office, using songs, poems, and a prose narrative to tell the story of a time that is indelibly etched in history books and the personal memory of everyone who lived through it.
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It's hosted by Los Angeles folksinger ROSS ALTMAN on the 50th anniversary of the sudden end of the Kennedy presidency on that long ago Friday, November 22nd.
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The event is FREE and open to the public, with a one-purchase minimum (drink or food) to support the venue.  "JFK: The 50th Anniversary Concert" is a © production of Grey Goose Music (BMI).
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♪   MUSIC CONFERENCE, starts today…


Wed-Sun, Nov 20-24,
FESTIVAL /CONFERENCE / AWARDS,
in New Mexico:
Annual "WESTERN MUSIC ASSOCIATION CONVENTION" at the Marriott in Albuquerque NM. Event info and registration, www.westernmusic.org
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WMA heads into its 25th year, and events include a 100th Birthday Party for western music / jazz icon Herb Jeffries, "The Bronze Buckaroo," last of the silver screen cowboys and last surviving member of the Duke Ellington Band. Yes, Herb says he will be there.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS are numerous, and include:
Coffee with the DJs - getting airplay for your new CD.
Education Workshop: Programs for Schools.
Working With Your Sound Man - by Syd Masters, an entertainer who performs more than 150 shows every year and has mixed live sound for hundreds of bands.
Yodeling Workshop - by Judy Coder, named "Patsy Montana National Yodeling Champion," Academy of Western Artists "Yodeler of the Year," and two-time WMA "International Yodeling Champion."
WMA Forum: Using Social Media & Digital Marketing.
Songwriters Speed Session - meet the songwriters.
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"Crisis Fund Dinner & Founders’ Show" featuring WMA’s founding members Tom Chambers, Jim Robson, Liz Masterson, Joyce Woodson, Gary McMahan, Mike Mahaney and "lots of surprises."
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There are Harmony & Yodeling Contests, Poet's Jam Sessions, Open Jam Sessions, Roundtable Breakfasts, WMA Youth Chapter Workshops and a main stage showcase, Poetry Workshops, a Mercantile & Vendor Area, a Pro/Am Open Stage, and more.
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Showcase performers include:
♪ The Hanson Family Singers
♪ Susie Knight
♪ Kerry Grombacher
♪ KG & The Ranger
♪ Trinity Seely
♪ Terry Brown
♪ Tumbleweed Rob & The Southwest Junction
♪ Kristyn Harris
♪ Jon Messenger
♪ Belinda Gail
♪ Jim Jones
♪ Fred Hargrove
♪ GT Hurley
♪ Barry Ward
♪ The Red Hot Rhythm Rustlers
♪ Gary Allegretto & Ian Espinoza
♪ Allen Chapman
♪ Bill Barwick & The Sons of the Tumbleweed
♪ Sam DeLeeuw
♪ The Ball Family
♪ The Anslovers
♪ Mary Kaye
♪ Miss Devon & The Outlaw
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The "Friday Night Opry," features Mountain Saddle Band, “Buffalo Bill” Band, Christina & Sons of the Oregon Trail, Peggy Malone, Joe Herrington, James Michael, Doc & Tub, Doug Figgs, Open Range, Juni Fisher, Sons of the Rio Grande, Steve Spurgin, Glenn Moreland & Washtub Jerry, Keeter Stuart, Yampa Valley Boys, Steve Porter, Prairie Moon, Judy Coder, Mikki Daniel, Joyce Woodson, Dennis Jay, Miss Devon & The Outlaw, Many Strings & Company, LeeLee Robert, Jerry Hall & Trick Shot, Gary Allegretto & Ian Espinoza, and a few surprise appearances.
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There's a Western Swing Dance with music by Syd Masters & The Swing Riders.
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The "WMA Awards Show" in the historic KiMo Theatre is one of two annual nights that are very big deals because there are no GRAMMYS for western music.
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Sunday includes "Cowboy Church" led by Steve Harrington, with Troy Bateson, The Carr Family Cowboy Band, Belinda Gail, Earl Gleason, Kerry Grombacher, Peggy Malone, Dave McClure, Jon Messenger, Open Range, Francine Roark Robison, The Cowboy & The Chick, Barry Ward, Doug Muchmore, Keeter Stuart, Royce Smithey, Aspen Black, Almeda Bradshaw, Mary Kaye, Doug Figgs, LeeLee Robert, GT Hurley, Steve Porter, Mountain Saddle Band, Buck “The Big Man” Helton, Mark Baker, Janice Deardorff, Christina & The Sons of the Oregon Trail, Alias Smith & Owens, Mikki Daniell, The Anslovers, Skeeter Mann, Steve Spurgin, and Trinity Seely.
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The full event schedule and events with live performances are still being confirmed at press time. Check the WMA site for updates: www.westernmusic.org
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♪   TICKET ALERTS...

First, a “Dinner-and-a-Show”…

On Sat, Nov 23, ANDY & RENEE of HARD RAIN, the Dylan-tribute-and-beyond band that was named “Best Band in the South Bay” for 2013, perform for a “Pre-Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner with all the fixins” at the Cabrillo Yacht Club, 211 W 22nd St, San Pedro 90731. The event runs 5:30-8:30 pm, and tix are $20. Reservations need to be made TODAY, Wednesday, Nov 20, by calling 310-519-1694 or email office@cbyc.org.
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Second, a much-awaited return…

NEW WEST makes a rarer-than-a-blue-moon return to the stage, performing Saturday, January 11, in a 3 pm matinee show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; seats will fill-up FAST; reservations, only by phone, are being taken NOW at 626-798-6236.
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NEW WEST, founded in 1995, remains one of western music's favorite trios, and they spent a decade touring and playing the top festivals in the genre. Then, when leader MICHAEL FLEMING was hired full-time to produce the annual "Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival," it all came to an end. They have played only a handful of times in Southern California in recent years, including a concert set for a packed hall at the 2013 NAMM Show.
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This dynamic trio from California is all about new and award-winning original Western music. Performing songs that pay tribute to the men and women of the American West, the band features award-winning songwriter MIKE FLEMING, renowned lead guitarist RAUL REYNOSO, and the incredibly talented "he's-played-everywhere-man" DAVE JACKSON on bass.
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Winner of three "Song of the Year" awards from the Academy of Western Artists and The Western Music Association, and the "Will Rogers Award" for "Best Western Group," NEW WEST has toured as part of the Arts Midwest and APAP touring programs. They’ve been a featured act at the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, The Strawberry Music Festival in Northern California, and they recently completed a "we're back" four-week tour of Arizona. Over the last 18 years, New West has always held true to their belief that in the end, it’s all about the music. Come hitch your pony to the rail before all the space is gone.
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You pay for your tix at the show; if you reserve, GO or call and cancel; this’ll sell-out. Tix, $20.
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♪   Wednesday night’s MUSIC SCENE…
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Wednesday, November 20, 2013
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Wed, Nov 20, in Venice:
5:30 pm  Monthly “OPEN MIC” at the Talking Stick Coffee Lounge, 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091.
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Wed, Nov 20, in Torrance:
6-8:30 pm  ANDY & RENEE of HARD RAIN, named the South Bay’s best Band for 2013, play their weekly residency at the Buffalo Fire Department, 1261 Cabrillo Av, Torrance 90501; 310-320-2332.
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No cover, all-ages.
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Wed, Nov 20, in San Diego:
6 pm  Monthly “SAN DIEGO SONGWRITERS MEETUP” at New Expression Music, 4434 30th St, San Diego 92116; 619-280-9035.
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Sat, Nov 23, in Altadena:
6:30-8:30 pm "DINNER & SONG" at Amy's Patio Cafe, 900 E Altadena Dr (waaay up the hill, at Lake Av), Altadena 91001
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DUANE THORIN, GLENN HAIR, uke songstress DONNA BEA, and possibly additional performers, promise to "charm your little socks off at Amy's." Donna says, "We will be doing some standards and some not. Great food, great vibe. Don't miss it - it is ALWAYS different."
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No cover. The venue puts-on a nice dinner menu, plus there are specials that are not on the menu, and you must ask about those.
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Wed, Nov 20, in VC (Simi):
6:30 pm  SONGMAKERS monthly “SIMI VALLEY HOOT” in Simi Valley. Location and info at www.songmakers.org
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Wed, Nov 20, in South Pasadena:
7 pm Weekly "WINE & SONG" showcase brings guest recording artists plus performing host BRAD COLERICK, all performing all-acoustic, at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena 91030; 626-441-2443; www.WineAndSong.com
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Wed, Nov 20, near LAX:
7 pm  Weekly “GUITAROLOGY” showcase at Melody Bar & Grill, 9132 S Sepulveda Bl, Los Angeles 90045; 310-670-1994.
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Wed, Nov 20, in Santa Monica:
7:30 pm CLIFF WAGNER plays banjo-based old-time, bluegrass and nu-grass at Areal Restaurant, 2820 Main St, Santa Monica.
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Cliff says, "After much harumfing by the city of Santa Monica, they have allowed me to start playing music at Areal again. I['ve] just got to keep the noise down. No volume knob on a banjo! Come by tonight, we start at 7:30 and keep it down!"
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Wed, Nov 20, in Altadena:
7:30 pm  Monthly "SONGNET SHOWCASE" is a free show presented by the L.A. Songwriters Network at the Coffee Gallery Frontstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena.
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Tonight's lineup is: Mark TangMan Tang, Thomas Valle Guatemala, Jim Bond, Patrick Bryant, Joe Normal, Medel, Patrick Nicholson, Brittany Pearl, Irene Carole, Melissa Thatcher, Diana Green, Phil & Paul Davies, Ed Pausic, Scott Phillips, Jessica Hendrickson, Dustin Uhlman, Paul Conklin, Jimi Yamagishi
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No cover, but buy something (food or drink) to support the venue.
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Wed, Nov 20, in Altadena:
8 pm  GRACE KELLY, world-renowned jazz musician, plays almost NO small venues, but she likes this one, and they love her, so she makes her annual return – with her band -- at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations (by phone only) at 626-798-6236.
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Wed, Nov 20, in WeHo:
8 pm  Monthly “FREEBO & FRIENDS” showcase features guests HAROLD PAYNE and NICK JAMESON at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046;  HYPERLINK "http://www.genghiscohen.com" www.genghiscohen.com; 323-653-0640.
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Freebo tells us, “I'm very excited about my special guests HAROLD PAYNE and NICK JAMESON finally meeting and bringing their brilliance to my stage at the same time. Both can be given a title and a musical genre and come up with a complete song on the spot! To have them jamming with each other, never having met or done this before, is incredibly exciting to me, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed in the resulting humor ,spontaneity, and brilliance. And I'll be joined once again by my amazing band of FUZZBEE MORSE and CHAD WATSON who help me take my songs to new and exciting places.”
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$10 cover. If you go early for a Chinese dinner, be sure they seat you in the music hall.
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Wed, Nov 20, in SFV (Chatsworth):
8 pm  BRANT VOGEL performs at the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
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Special tonight is a Pool Tournament that starts at 7:30 pm; “Double Elimination Blind Draw Partners,” $5 or $10 per person to enter. Sign up sheet is with the bartenders.
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This is L.A.’s last real honky tonk. No cover, full bar, lots of fun. Go early for the nightly free dance lesson.
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Wed, Nov 20, in L.A.:
9 pm ASHLEY MAHER with a six-piece band plays the Blue Whale, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St Suite 301, Japan Town, L.A. 90012; 213-620-0908;  HYPERLINK "http://www.facebook.com/thebluewhale" www.facebook.com/thebluewhale;  HYPERLINK "http://www.bluewhalemusic.com" www.bluewhalemusic.com. (NE corner of Los Angeles St & 2nd St, next to Kyoto Grand Hotel, in Weller Court Plaza. Parking below in the building, no charge with validation; street parking available.)
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The Guide eschews “world music” because it seldom has anything in common with the sensibilities of Folk-Americana. But we always cover Ashley Maher. She’s a delight, a stunningly powerful vocalist, an acrobatic dancer, a choreographer who could be on Broadway, and an excellent composer and songwriter who uses melody (unlike too much world music that doesn’t) and she’s a superb performer.
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Tix, $10; $5 parking. Entrance is on 2nd St between Los Angeles St and San Pedro St.
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More on Facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/564142686968700/
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More tomorrow.
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CONTACT US / Questions / Comments / SUBSCRIBE to our notices, etc., all at
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Contents copyright © 2013,
Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
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The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS and views of interest to artists everywhere, more specifically to musicians and the creative community, and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music, both traditional and innovative. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules of performances in Southern California venues large and small. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kids o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to proto blues.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. We’re on it.
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