Live from NAMM, and live music throughout Southern California, Friday, Jan 24, 2014

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Yesterday, we told you how to experience NAMM without a badge, AND we gave you the scoop on bunches of concerts at NAMM, through Saturday – read it, before you head for Anaheim. Today, we have more on what’s happening inside NAMM (for those WITH badges). And for one and all, from your young ’uns to your Aunt Tilly, we have the best of Southern California’s acoustic and Americana music scene. All neatly packaged in this edition.


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In this edition…

♪ NEWS FEATURES

√ NOWELL SIEGEL at NAMM: “From the Luthier's Chest”

♪ ONGOING MUSIC & ART EVENTS

♪ FRIDAY-Only MUSIC EVENTS



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NEWS FEATURES for
Friday, January 24
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√ NOWELL SIEGEL at NAMM 2014: “From the Luthier's Chest”

NAMM 2014 is loaded with high tech gadgets and beautiful Instruments. For the first time, the Guide attended the Press Day, the day before the enormous event opened to attendees. Of course, it looked like complete madness as booths were being prepared, with everything from finishing touches to cranes rigging signs high above. A crew of 50 was rolling-out carpet as we walked through the aisles. The NAMM "Idea center" functioned this day as media central, stocked full of the newest, which might or might not mean the most innovative, in what was probably well-bought space from famous companies.

Here are the things that brought out the “wow” factor, or were especially interesting.

√ IK MULTI MEDIA has a camera-based control system using "finger rings" to control different things, from stage setups to pong game paddles. It’s done by moving the rings in 3-D space in front of the camera, without physically touching anything. The possibilities are wide open, to the point that the Guide’s editor remarked, “I wonder if they know what they actually have there?” IK also has a wide range of products aimed at interfacing music into the iPad / iPhone The trend is really leaning toward Mac, with PC-based apps running farther behind. I'm a PC guy, so I would like to see more stuff breaking through on this and other platforms like "Android."

√ MARTIN GUITAR is introducing another fine "Eric Clapton" signed Limited edition Guitar with a slightly longer scale. It was colored solid, but underneath lay Rosewood and spruce. It’s reminiscent of the ’40s and smartly decorated. Only a few hundred will be sold and should be collector’s items shortly.

√ TWO OLD HIPPIES (a WEBER side brand) is showcasing some fine mandolins and two of the four members of SHEL, a band of sisters from Colorado, played some fine music. [The Guide had info on them yesterday, and the play Hotel Café in Hollywood on Jan 28 at 7 pm.]

√ DPA (DANISH PRO AUDIO) had Pickup Microphones that are of note. They deliver sound that is especially real and natural.

√ GO PRO CAMERAS, as seen recently on “60 Minutes,” are there with innovations. These are tiny 2-by-3-inch cameras with removable / interchangeable SD memory cards, recording video in HD quality. In use already, they serve to capture wild points of view from wild angles. At NAMM, the press demo had stable camera brackets affixed to instruments that attach with no-mark, no damage temporary adhesives. For making music videos, the possibilities here are many.

√ MATSIKAS INSTRUMENTS, from the "old country" of Greece are making their first appearance at NAMM. We stopped and played some wonderfully crafted handmade Bouzoukis in the Matsikas Instruments booth. They have Lutes and Mandolins, Bouzoukis , smaller Tzouras (with 6 strings), and Baglamas which look like a miniature Bouzouki, with 6 strings. The attention to visual impact in their design is quite outstanding, and no two displayed are the same. All are highly ornate.

√ KALA, known for their Ukuleles, showed-off a neat uke-sized string Bass. Equipped with a LR Baggs’ pickup system, the U-Bass would be great for travel, at the size of a tenor Uke. That one stuck with me, and I wanted to really hear it, but booth construction noises were coming from everywhere on this day before the show opened. This little instrument is an interesting alternative to a big standup bass. [Editor’s note: we got to hear the U-Bass in the hands of STEVE BILLMAN, performing with DANIEL HO on Friday morning. The little bass, not plugged-in to anything, fully lives up to all you could hope for it.]

√ HASS CNC has a large milling machine doing demonstrations at NAMM. It was brought in directly from an instrument factory floor in Oxnard, where it earns its keep every day. Musical instrument companies have been using CNC machines for years. Hass can show you how integral they have become in today's market.

√ BOUCHER INSTRUMENTS is a company renowned for creating beautiful musical instruments, and they are newbies at NAMM this year, with an especially good space for hearing guitars – they’re in a concrete alcove, and it’s one of the quietest places at the show. Boucher also sells a great deal of fine-tone Adirondack Spruce. $300 will get you a mastergrade guitar top, if you want to build your own guitar, or hire someone to build it. It’s expensive, yes, but the wood is key to a great sounding instrument.

√ WOOD, in general, is not getting cheaper as demand by instrument makers throughout the world increases. Every maker of quality string instruments needs fine woods for their market. As the really fine lumber is used up, the day is approaching where costs must be passed to those who will pay for it.

√ “SEGUE (seg-way) TO SYNTHETIC” -- many companies are now making things with man-made, rather than traditional natural materials. ONARI guitar straps is touting their "Cowless" straps that are very close to leather (Really!). It’s an ongoing process, as you think about the materials used today for instrument strings, instead of traditional cat gut.

√ D'ADDARIO was a destination in my search for better Instrument. Their BRANDON CARMINE is developing a program that will help determine the right string for different tunings. We applaud his efforts. This is important, because too much tension will ruin an otherwise great-sounding instrument. When choosing strings for a guitar or whatever you play, consider string length, pitch, and different personal tastes. This will help you get the most out of our music.

√ PETERSON MUSICAL PRODUCTS makes some of the most accurate tuners for use on any and all Instruments. They are debuting a computer-based program for displaying correct pitch. I hope to be using this to create a better (In-tune) guitar. Pick up any guitar, and there are several notes that are close – but a guitar is really never in tune. Never.

√ GUITAR PICKUP SYSTEMS in general, from many different manufacturers, have come a long way. We expect the acoustic sound to really improve. TAYLOR is displaying a unique pickup system; and innovative models, including some new ones, are made by LR Baggs, Fishman, Barcus Berry, and DPA, all at the NAMM Show.

√ CADE CLARK GUITARS deserves special mention for the patented system on their guitars. Using three elements, it sounds quite good. Based in Australia, they are making some unique and quality guitars, using sustainable resources and locally-grown woods. And they have a limited run available now of guitars made from 3,000 year-old wood from a long-submerged tree that was found at the bottom of a Tasmanian lake.

Theses are just a few of the highlights here. NAMM is really huge. During the show, new ideas and innovations will be discovered by all who look. It’s a glimpse into the future – at least for the next year – of exiting advancements in the music industry. More as I come by it....

-- Nowell Siegel, Guide correspondent and professional luthier; www.Livingtreemusic.com



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♪ ONGOING MUSIC & ART EVENTS


Ongoing (opened Jan 17),
in Santa Monica:
"CIRQUE DU SOLEIL" presents "TOTEM" opening today under the Big Top at the Santa Monica Pier.
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"TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations. Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend, TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential." -- the show's promo.
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"Spectacular, artful. Breathtaking and deliciously ironic." -- The Toronto Star.
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"TOTEM is visually ravishing" -- The Boston Globe.
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Tix by phone, at 800-450-1480.
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Tix & info online, at:
http://m.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/americas/usa/california/santa-monica.aspx

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Through January, in L.A.:
"JOHN FOGERTY: WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE, " is the wonderful temporary exhibition at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, on display through this month. It features artifacts from his personal collection, and it is named after his current album, hailed by fans and critics alike. John Fogerty’s music was considered rock when he first made it with CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL, but, current and retro, it’s classic roots-rock-Americana now. The album received a rare 5-star lead review in Rolling Stone. Included with regular museum admission, which also includes the temporary exhibition, “RINGO: PEACE & LOVE.”
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At the Grammy Museum, 800 W Olympic Bl (entrance around the corner on Figueroa), L.A. 90015; check for museum hours: 213-765-6803; www.grammymuseum.org.



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♪ FRIDAY-Only MUSIC EVENTS
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Friday, January 24, 2014
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Fri, Jan 24; Thu-Sun, Jan 23-26, 2014,
MUSIC TRADE SHOW & CONFERENCE,
in OC (Anaheim):
Annual NAMM SHOW is happening at the Anaheim Convention Center and in ALL the meeting and convention facilities and performance spaces of ALL the surrounding hotels, in Anaheim. See the feature stories in this edition, yesterday’s edition, and several recent editions.
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This event is music industry-only, though there ARE publicly-accessible performances. Thursday’s edition brings you the scoop on all that.
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NAMM is ENORMOUS, and is THE showcase for new music industry innovations, instruments, sound systems, mics, and anything ’n everything you can think of that’s related to recording and / or performance, teaching and learning music, instrument-making and new technologies for repair, and more.
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The performances at (and surrounding) NAMM are amazing, and VERY inclusive of acoustic and Folk-Americana artists and bands. Plus, the many top artists who are endorsed by instrument makers are brought by their sponsors to Southern California for the NAMM Show, and they perform at numerous L.A. and OC venues while they’re in town – so everybody benefits when NAMM is in town.
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The Guide is bringing, and will bring you full coverage of the NAMM Show as the four days happen.

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Fri, Jan 24,
Today’s “not music, but cool” event,
at USC:
4 pm “COLLECTING THE COSMOS” presented by Friends of the USC Libraries Lecture Hall, in Doheny Memorial Library 240, on the USC Campus in University Park (L.A.)
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Admission is free and open to everyone. Reservations required. It’s not every day that you hunt for planets inside a library. Dramatizing NASA’s search for planets outside our solar system, Dan Goods and David Delgado’s art installation Hidden Light simulates the process by which astronomers look for Earth-like objects throughout the galaxy by spotting the dimming of a star’s light as a planet crosses in front of it. Explore the intersections of scientific knowledge and artistic innovation in a fascinating conversation with Goods and Delgado of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and USC professors Clifford Johnson (Physics and Astronomy) and Holly Willis (Institute for Multimedia Literacy)..
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Get your free, but required, ticket at www.visionsandvoices.com

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Fri, Jan 24, in Santa Barbara:
6-8 pm MARINA V plays "The Barrel Room" at Carr Winery, 414 N Salsipuedes St, Santa Barbara 93103; 805-965-7985.
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Free performance, all ages. She’s wonderful on stage.

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Fri, Jan 24, in Ventura:
6 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “BELL ARTS SONG CIRCLE” at Bell Arts Factory, 432 N Ventura Av, Ventura 93001.

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Fri, Jan 24, in San Diego:
7 pm JOE RATHBURN & BAND play the “Folkey Monkey” series at the Visual Center for Spiritual Living, 6154 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego 92120; 619-871-1653.

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Fri, Jan 24, in VC (Simi Valley):
7 pm DOYLE DYKES plays Monikers, 2251 B Ward Av, Simi Valley 93065; 805-285-2177.

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Fri Jan 24, in Claremont:
7:30 pm SMALL POTATOES, that marvelous Chicago-based folk duo, plays the Galencser House Concerts series in Claremont. Reservations get directions at http://gelencserhouseconcerts.com/ or 909-596-1266.
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More at: www.smallpotatoesmusic.com

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Fri, Jan 24, in San Diego:
7:30 pm THE IRISH ROVERS play the Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Av, San Diego 92101; 619-570-1100.

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Fri & Sat, Jan 24 & 25, in Santa Monica:
8 pm DAVID LINDLEY, master multi-instrumentalist, plays McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497.
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Tix, $22.50.

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Fri, Jan 24; Thu-Sat, Jan 23-25, in OC (Costa Mesa):
8 pm PINK MARTINI, plus THE VON TRAPP FAMILY, perform for three nights with the PACIFIC SYMPHONY in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the OC Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa.
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The genre-crossing Big Band sound of Pink Martini combines with Pacific Symphony for the first Pops concert of 2014. With eclectic flavors from around the world and classic spunk, Pink Martini has been deemed, "the perfect concoction." This energetic “little orchestra” finds its musical inspiration from cultures around the world, easily jumping from genres like pop, jazz and classical to establish its own blend of music. The ensemble has been a popular favorite in many countries for more than a decade with its revitalization of vintage Big Band sound in combination with 1940s jazz, cross-cultural rhythms and more.
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Special guests The von Trapp Family, who are currently working on a collaborative album with Pink Martini, also join the fun.
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Advance tix (it'll sell-out), 714-755-5799 or
www.PacificSymphony.org

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Fri, Jan 24, in Pasadena:
SOLD OUT: 8 pm JOHN McCUTCHEON plays a rare Friday show for the Pasadena Folk Music Society (formerly Caltech Folk Music Society) concert series, in Beckman Institute Auditorium ("Little Beckman") on the Caltech campus in Pasadena.
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Series bookers Rex Meyreis and Nick Smith tell us:
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"It is with great pride that we welcome back this fine performer who excels in so many ways. He is a gifted songwriter and songfinder, one of the very best! Consider such original songs as 'Christmas in the Trenches' and 'Water from Another Time,' or songs by others, such as the great alternate birthday song, Tina Liza Jones' 'Cut the Cake,' or Si Kahn's 'Gone, Gonna Rise Again.'
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"Traditional songs are also important in his repertoire, and 'Step by Step' and 'How Can I Keep from Singing' are just a couple of examples. He has a storehouse of outstanding songs, and always some new ones, too.
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"His newest recording, '22 Days,' has 13 fine originals. John is an amazing musician, equally talented on guitar, hammered dulcimer, banjo, piano, autoharp, fiddle and other instruments. He is an excellent singer, both in his children's and family concerts, and his shows for adults, like this one."
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They continue, "For many, it is his dedication to social justice and ability to articulate in words and music a world that strives for justice and harmony that make his music and shows so compelling. His concerts are fun and you always get a chance or two to sing along."
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John McCutcheon on YouTube:
"Christmas in the Trenches," a moving song about improbable but true history, is at:
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www.youtube.com/watch? v=sJi41RWaTCs
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His wonderful version of Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land," with autoharp, and complete with a spirited 4-minute intro about Pete Seeger that gives you a good insight into the spirit of this man, is at:
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qfw6Y1xNyng
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You can also listen there to "Step by Step," a tremendous song made even better with John's hammered dulcimer and vocal.
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Advance tix, $20 for adults, $5 for Caltech students and children. This will sell-out. Call the Caltech Ticket Office at 626-395-4652 to order or for info (open 9 am-4 pm Monday through Friday).
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Upcoming shows are on the series' web site, http://folkmusic.caltech.edu -- Scotland's Tannahill Weavers are next, on Feb 15.

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Fri, Jan 24, in San Diego Co (Poway):
8 pm “CELTIC NIGHTS: THE EMIGRANTS BRIDGE” performs at the Poway Center for Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd, Poway 92064; 858-668-4797.

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Fri, Jan 24, in L.A.:
8 pm “NETTE RADIO & FRIENDS” showcase is a live show, recorded for web radio cast, at MUSE on 8th, 759 S La Brea Av, Los Angeles 90036; 323-933-MUSE (6873); www MUSEon8th.com
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Performing are The Conlons, Shannon Hurley, and others.
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All ages, no cover.

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Fri, Jan 24, in Arcadia:
8 pm CHRIS DUARTE BAND from Atlanta, plus THE BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND opening, at the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 Huntington Dr (just E of Santa Anita Av), Arcadia.

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Fri, Jan 24, in SFV (Chatsworth):
8 pm An undisclosed “AMERICANA / ALT-COUNTRY / TRAD COUNTRY BAND” plays the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
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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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Fri, Jan 24, in Long Beach:
Time tba MIKE FLANAGAN of PADDY’S PIG plays solo at the Auld Dubliner in Long Beach. Details at www.paddyspig.com

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Fri, Jan 24, in OC (iRVINE):
Time tba “MILES DAVIS & THE BLUE FLAME INCIDENT” is a performance by the New York-based METTA QUINTET at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr, Irvine 92612 .
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It’s a multi-media celebration of the groundbreaking music of the iconic trumpeter, bandleader and cultural provocateur, Miles Davis featuring New York's Metta Quintet.
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Using jazz and 20th century America as a backdrop, Miles Davis and the Blue Flame Incident (which alludes to one of Davis' earliest childhood memories) traverses the music of one of the most compelling, infinitely creative, and trailblazing artists the music world has known.
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Tickets: $17, available at www.vendini.com

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Fri, Jan 24, in Agoura Hills:
9 pm BLUE OYSTER CULT plays the Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Dr, Agoura Hills 91301; 818-879-5016; www.canyonclub.net
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Okay, okay, we know. They’re a rock act. But they’re one with fabulous songwriting and string melodic sense. Long Island's Blue Oyster Cult has been making music now for over four decades, and has influenced millions of music fans with their brand of hard rock. With massive rock radio hits like "Don't Fear The Reaper," "Burning For You," "Cities On Flame With Rock & Roll," and of course, "Godzilla," it is no wonder the band is still capable of entertaining their fan base with a live show that still delivers a big punch.
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Opening sets by Desert Dragon and Stephen Anthony Gregory.
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Doors at 6 pm for dinner; show at 9 pm.
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Tix, $48 / $58 / $83 + applicable fees.
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Under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
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The sooner you purchase tickets/make your reservations, the better your seats. Call 818-879-5016 to make dinner reservations. Reservations are held until 7 pm the night of the event.

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Fri, Jan 24, in Culver City:
9:30 pm THE JOLENES (some top male L.A. Americana songwriters), followed by RICH McCULLEY and THE PUNCH DRUNKS, at The Cinema Bar, 3967 N Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.thecinemabar.com
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Free, bring $ for the artists’ tip jar.

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Fri, Jan 24, in SFV (Van Nuys):
9:30 pm KEN O’MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS play their residency at Ireland's 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys 91401; www.irelands32pub.com



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More, soon, as always.
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♪ The Guide will be making CH-CH-CHANGES – turn, embrace the change -- in 2014. Some folks will like some, others will not. There will be points of departure to make room (and time) for the new. We’ll do what we can, because as always, we operate with the editor’s motto, “One does what one can.”

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CONTACT US / Questions / Comments / SUBSCRIBE to our notices, etc., all at
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Contents copyright © 2014,
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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