NEWS plus Wednesday’s LIVE MUSIC, Jan 29, 2014

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The Guide continues its tributes and remembrances of PETE SEEGER with a separate edition today as our “part two,” available in a separate click. Yesterday’s Guide contains part one of our tribute to Folk-Americana’s incomparable icon, who died Monday evening at the age of 94.

THIS edition has a cornucopia of News Features on various musical topics, plus tonight’s live music scene.
 
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Quickie recognitions…

Happy birthday to bass player / singer-songwriter MARK “POCKET” GOLDBERG.

January 29th is also the birthday of Tea Party darling PAUL RYAN. And, it’s “National Cornchip Day” (the day after “National Kazoo Day,” the day before “Escape Day,” followed by the combined “National Popcorn Day” and “Child Labor Day,” from which some may derive some significance).

Uhh, okay, fine. We DO have real news in this edition. Seriously.
 
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In this edition…

♪  PICKS for Wednesday

♪  NEWS FEATURES:

.    √  A WHIRLWIND SATURDAY at NAMM  by Annette Siegel

.    √  “THE DROP: SUZY BOGGUSS” TONIGHT AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM IN L.A.

.    √  BANJO LEGEND BILL EMERSON & SWEET DIXIE HAVE NEW RELEASE


.    √  “REEL ROCKUMENTARIES” FILM SERIES RETURNS TO SAN PEDRO

.    √  CAJUN artist GANEY ARSEMENT goes for AMERICANA AUDIENCE with album, “LE FORGERON”

.    √  LEVON HELM, in a VIDEO BLAST FROM THE PAST

♪  ONGOING MUSIC & ART EVENTS

♪  WEDNESDAY-Only MUSIC EVENTS
 
 
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♪  PICKS for Wednesday

√   “THE DROP: SUZY BOGGUSS” is a performance-interview commemorating the release of her new CD, “Lucky,” at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage in L.A., 8 pm.

√   AJ CROCE, son of legendary singer-songwriter Jim Croce, plays Largo at the Coronet in L.A., 7 pm.

√   PACIFIC SYMPHONY begins the first of three nights of “A BERNSTEIN APPRECIATION” in Segerstrom Hall at Orange County Performing Arts Center in OC (Costa Mesa), 8 pm.
 
 
 
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NEWS FEATURES for
Wednesday, January 29
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♪  A WHIRLWIND SATURDAY at NAMM

Guide correspondent Annette Siegel covers a lot of ground in a single day at the music industry’s biggest show

by Annette Siegel

Plotting my day in advance for NAMM was essential, knowing I would only have so much time and energy to see all I could in the one day I could be there.

My first stop was a meeting with SCOTT TICHENOR, the owner and Webmaster of the “Mandolin Café,” the place to go on the web for anything you want to know about that eight-stringed instrument and those who play it, or want to learn to play it better. The interview is lengthy, so it will be published separately (watch for it).

Then it was off to the Anaheim Convention Center’s Hall E, which I knew would feature more of what interests acoustic string players. That brought a stop to visit with BRUCE WEBER. Some may not know that he sold his company, Weber String Instruments, to the Two Old Hippies Stringed Instruments brand, where it joins Breedlove and Bedell under the same banner. Bruce spoke of the many changes he has seen in his life with his son and Weber, now in Bend, Oregon.

Oasis, Inc. makes a humidifier for acoustic instruments, and I talked with the folks at their display. Properly humidifying your instruments is among the most important factors to prevent damage to your instrument and avoid shrinkage and cracks. I’ve tried the Dampit and was curious about their product. They were kind enough to give me a sample to try at home and showed me how to put it in a case or instrument. I’ll let you know after some evaluation time.

Jeff Hoffee from Hoffee custom cases was there to show his carbon fiber instrument cases, made in the USA. They are beautiful, as well as very protective of your instrument. Not inexpensive, but worth it for your nicer instruments.

Collings Instruments were showcasing their new tenor guitar model. I tried it out, but with all of the noise in the Hall it’s hard to give you a meaningful review. Same with one of the mandolins I picked up. There is something to be said for the booths that feature an enclosed area where you can truly hear an instrument without all the distraction and cacaphonous Decibels around you.

A planned highlight was the journey upstairs to visit the Taylor Guitar suite. They sure know how to showcase their instruments and take care of their customers. With their own stage for musicians and interviews and excellent sound, it’s a great hideaway. Of course, there is plenty of Taylor gear on hand to try, and unlike other exhibitors, they have a sales counter, so you can take home something, from a t-shirt to something substantial.

My only venture into Hall C was to check-out Clarke’s Tin Whistles from the UK. They are a relatively inexpensive instrument to buy and very easy to tote around. Yes, I had to enact a transaction to take a couple home to try. They come in various colors, and that’s a cosmetic consideration. Unfortunately for the Clark people, they were put right next to the Ludwig drum booth. I’m sure this made a very long NAMM for them.

Our staff from the Guide wrapped-up the day with Muriel Andersen’s annual “All Star Guitar Night” benefit concert. Muriel, the only woman player ever to win the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship, knows everyone in the business, and always books the best for her annual trademarked show. The night’s lineup was an incredible array of musicians, showing us their talent in two or three songs / tunes each. Most of it was acoustic guitars, and that made it especially delightful.

And there you have it. NAMM in a day. All of it can’t be done, but even one day there is amazing.

*** You can contact Annette Siegel at www.LivingTreeMusic.com
 
 
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♪  “THE DROP: SUZY BOGGUSS” TONIGHT AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM IN L.A.

Her new album, “Lucky,” is a collection of acoustic-based arrangements of MERLE HAGGARD classics. Tonight brings a performance-interview commemorating the CD release.

Suzy Bogguss is one of country music’s most pristine and evocative vocalists. With the release of the Illinois native’s 1989 major label debut, “Somewhere Between,” Bogguss quickly became one of the key artists that defined those golden days of ’90s country. She scored a string of Top 10 singles with country radio staples like “Outbound Plane,” “Drive South,” “Hey Cinderella,” “Letting Go” and “Aces,” and her 1991 album of that name was certified platinum. In addition, she scored a trio of gold albums and notched more than 3 million sales. With her latest release, “Lucky,” on Suzy’s own label Loyal Dutchess, the singer comes full circle, returning to her early inspiration, Merle Haggard. “Lucky” is remarkable in its freshness. Its acoustic-based arrangements, while sparse, crackle with vibrancy. Each song is driven by the perfect marriage of Bogguss’ delicate voice and the adventurous, yet tasteful, playing of the band. It’s indicative of what Haggard himself would do in the studio.

Tonight, you can celebrate “Lucky,” just days before its release, and buy a copy before it becomes available elsewhere. In addition to an interview, Bogguss will take audience questions and perform a selection of songs.

Doors open at 7:30 pm, and the event begins at 8 pm  “THE DROP: SUZY BOGGUSS” happens at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage, 800 W Olympic Bl (entrance around the corner on Figueroa), L.A. 90015.

All proceeds benefit the GRAMMY Museum. Doors at 7 pm for the best seats.

Tix, $15, at 213-765-6803 or www.grammymuseum.org

The Guide suggests you avoid the expensive parking at Staples Center by parking a few blocks away, or riding the Red Line subway ($1.50 each way) from one of the free park-and-ride lots at the Universal City or North Hollywood Stations. The Grammy Museum is a three-block walk down Figueroa from the 7th St / Metro Center Station.
 
 
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♪  BANJO LEGEND BILL EMERSON & SWEET DIXIE HAVE NEW RELEASE

Called a “Banjo Legend” by the Washington Post, BILL EMERSON is certainly one of the most influential musicians in today’s Bluegrass music.

Nashville-based Rural Rhythm Records made an unusual announcement January 28 for a new single from BILL EMERSON & SWEET DIXIE. A single, warranting a press release? Written by SWEET DIXIE member and featured vocalist Chris Stifel, the single “Dancin’ Annie” is the title track of the upcoming BILL EMERSON & SWEET DIXIE album scheduled for release on CD and digital formats on March 4th. The label obviously expects good things and is ramping-up early.

“Bill Emerson embodies the best of what bluegrass music is all about. ‘Dancin' Annie’ couples Bill's precise, crisp banjo playing with soulful vocals to give the listener nearly three minutes of bluegrass perfection. It's excellent!” ~ Kyle Cantrell, Sirius XM’s “Bluegrass Junction.”

The “Dancin’ Annie” album will be Bill’s fourth on Rural Rhythm Records. That includes his solo album “Eclipse” from 2011. The new album will have 12 songs, including two new originals by renowned bluegrass and country songwriters Pete Goble and Leroy Drumm. The tracks are “Days When You Were Mine,” “This Heart You Have Broken,” Bill Emerson’s instrumental “State Line Ride,” “He Knows My Name” by Rob Mills, “Two Hands on the Wheel” by Nancy Pate, and two songs from SWEET DIXIE band members, including the first single, “Dancin’ Annie,” by Chris Stifel, and “Whistle Stop” by Wayne Lanham.

When the full album arrives, it will bring an acoustic blend of traditional and contemporary bluegrass, classic country, dynamic instrumentals and rich gospel songs featuring three distinct lead singers; Chris Stifel, Teri Chism and Wayne Lanham.

And that’s representative of one current in today’s music – an effort to broaden appeal by giving roots music and bluegrass a sound that’s akin enough to country to draw that audience. Still, this isn’t a project by wild-eyed new-fangled types who don’t know their bluegrass. BILL EMERSON first established himself in 1957 as a banjo virtuoso and history-maker. He was a founding member of the famed Bluegrass ensemble THE COUNTRY GENTLEMEN, and he was billed as a featured artist while he performed with JIMMY MARTIN during the height of that bluegrass legend's career. Emerson is the man who introduced the classic "Fox on the Run" to bluegrass, and he was the founder and shaper of COUNTRY CURRENT, the world renowned bluegrass ensemble of the United States Navy Band.

We ’spect things to get interesting. Meantime, check-out the new single.

More at: www.bluegrassville.com/billemerson
And at their label, www.ruralrhythm.com
 
 
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♪  “REEL ROCKUMENTARIES” FILM SERIES RETURNS TO SAN PEDRO

Grand Vision Foundation, the nonprofit arts and education organization that operates the Warner Grand Theatre and Grand Annex in San Pedro, announced yesterday their schedule of screenings for the second annual “Reel Rockumentary Film Series.” Four award-winning and highly acclaimed music-themed documentaries will screen, one time each, from February through April 2014 on the big screen at the Warner Grand Theatre. They are:

“Good Ol’ Freda” (2013) on Sun, Feb 9
“The Last Waltz” (1978) on Fri, Feb 14
“Woodstock” (1970) on Fri, Mar 14
Muscle Shoals (2013) on Fri, Apr 11

These events are co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the San Pedro Film Society, Art in Motion, and the San Pedro International Film Festival (SPIFFest).

Taran Schinder, Artistic Director of the Grand Annex / Grand Vision Foundation, tells us, "Grand Vision has a long history as the Friends Group to the Warner Grand, and now, we also play a new role in town, producing live music at the Grand Annex. We’re connecting the two with Reel Rockumentaries, by putting iconic concerts and the behind-the-scenes stories on the big screen and celebrating rock and roll history.”

Tickets for each screening are $12 general admission, $10 for students, seniors and military. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased online at www.grandvision.org.

The screening of “Woodstock” occasions a “Cosplay” event (a word that combines “costume” and “play.” Screening attendees are encouraged to come dressed as hippies, and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

2014 Reel Rockumentary Films:

“GOOD ‘OL FREDA” (2013) screens Sunday, Feb 9, at 7 pm. Directed by Ryan White (“Pelada”), it tells the tale of the Beatles' devoted secretary and friend, Freda Kelly. Freda was there as history unfolded, and she tells her stories for the first time in 50 years. One of the few films with the support of the living Beatles, it features original Beatles music and offers an insider perspective on the lads from Liverpool who changed the music industry.

“THE LAST WALTZ” (1978) screens Friday, Feb 14, at 8 pm. This is Martin Scorsese’s famous account of Levon Helms' and Robbie Robertson's legendary rock group, The Band. The series is billing it as a "Rocker's Date Night." The film offers a glimpse at one of the greatest groups of the 1960s, and includes brilliant performances by The Band, Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Emmylou Harris, the Staple Singers, and more. The all-star camera crew and superb stereo sound mix create what is considered to be of the best-looking and sounding rock films ever.

“WOODSTOCK” (1970) screens Friday, March 14, at 8 pm. The series gets some "flower power" with the iconic film that covers the three-day 1969 event that remains the most famous music festival of all time. The film includes performances by Jimi Hendrix; The Who; Joe Cocker; Jefferson Airplane; Crosby, Stills and Nash; John Sebastian; Santana; Sly and The Family Stone; Sha-Na-Na; Arlo Guthrie; Richie Havens; and Joan Baez. It has been called “the benchmark of concert movies and one of the most entertaining documentaries ever made.” Directed by Michael Wadleigh, “Woodstock” received the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature as well as a nomination for Best Sound.

“MUSCLE SHOALS” (2013) screens Friday, April 11, at 8 pm, and concludes the series. “Muscle Shoals” is a true story about Alabama’s FAME Recording Studios during the 1960s. Directed by Greg ‘Freddy’ Camalier, FAME Recording Studios became the surprise hitmaker for some of America's most defining music. Overcoming crushing poverty and staggering tragedies, FAME Studios founder Rick Hall brought black and white together in Alabama's cauldron of racial hostility to create music for the generations. Greg Allman, Bono, Clarence Carter, Mick Jagger, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Keith Richards, Percy Sledge and others bear witness to Muscle Shoals' magnetism, mystery, and why it remains influential today.

More on the film series, concerts, and other events at the foundation’s pair of venues, at www.grandvision.org
 
 
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♪   CAJUN artist GANEY ARSEMENT goes for AMERICANA AUDIENCE with album, “LE FORGERON”

“Le Forgeron,” despite its mixture of tracks in Cajun French and English, is Ganey Arsement’s intentional giant step away from Cajun and into Americana. Influenced by the music of Sonnier and Kershaw in the eighties and nineties, as well as the music of Buddy and Julie Miller, the CD covers a broad spectrum of genres ranging from Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, Country and Texas Swing.

A twenty-year veteran in the Cajun music industry, Ganey Arsement has shared the stage with some of the most revered names in the genre. A former member of the bands Balfa Toujours and the Basin Brothers, Ganey has performed with Jo-EL Sonnier, Doug Kershaw, Wayne Toups, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Sheryl Cormier, Jesse Lege’ and many others.

Nine of the songs on “Le Forgeron” are original tunes composed by Ganey. Six of the tunes are in English (one with English and French), and the remaining tunes are in Cajun French. The entire CD is a tribute to his great-grandfather, his greatest musical influence. The opening track is Ganey’s modernized version of his great-grandfather’s song, featured in its original form as the album’s final track.

The production of Le Forgeron was funded in part by the Louisiana Division of the Arts, which recognized Ganey as a valuable asset to the musical community of Louisiana and awarded him an “Artist Career Advancement” grant.

This album blends the pulse of the accordion and the moaning of the fiddle in Cajun music, and mixes them with gut-wrenching emotion derived from a screaming electric guitar and rocking rhythm section. There is the twang of a tearful Country song here, too. The label refers to the totality as “AmeriCajun.”

Devon Leger, writing in No Depression, says, “I've been a fan of Ganey Arsement for a while now, not just because of his powerful accordion playing or excellent Cajun singing, but really because he's a great French language songwriter. There aren't a ton of Cajuns actively writing songs in French these days, so it's meaningful to have a good writer bringing out new songs. Arsement is a good English writer, as well. He writes what he knows.”

The album has fifteen tracks; English titles indicate English lyrics:
1. Le Forgeron (3:17); 2. La Verite’ (3:45); 3. John Dale’s Zydeco (2:44); 4. La Pistache a Tante Nana (3:47); 5. Petite ou la Grosse (3:42); 6. C’est Trop Tard (3:34); 7. Pipeliner Blues (5:45); 8. Quand les Temps Après Finir (4:39); 9. Bayou Anglais (3:20); 10. Here, in My Arms (4:28); 11. In the Pines (2:29); 12. A Small Town (4:13); 13. I’m Sorry (2:44); 14. Back to You (2:51); 15. Le Two-Step du Forgeron (2:58).

While it’s not acoustic Americana, we choose to tell you about it because the album was named one of the “Top Ten Roots Albums of 2013” by:
√  Philadelphia City Paper
√  OffBeat Magazine (December 2013)
√  Americana Music Show

More at:
www.ganeyarsement.com
 
 
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♪  LEVON HELM, in a VIDEO BLAST FROM THE PAST

Before he died, LEVON HELM held concerts at his barn in Woodstock, New York, and he called these “The Midnight Ramble.” On January 28, from Southport, Connecticut, Roy Ward reported, “Last night, the Midnight Ramble Band, including the great Larry Campbell, played at the Capitol Theater in Portchester, joined by Bill Payne and David Bromberg. Among a lot of other songs, they played this one.”

He sent a link for The Band, "Shape I'm In," album version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=oHCVTM6obmo
 
 
 
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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;  HYPERLINK "http://www.grammymuseum.org" www.grammymuseum.org.
 
 
 
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♪  WEDNESDAY-Only MUSIC EVENTS
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Wednesday, January 29, 2014
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Wed-Sat, Jan 29-Feb 1,
FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE,
in Northern Nevada:
♪  30th Annual “NATIONAL COWBOY POETRY GATHERING” in Elko, Nevada, fills all the lodgings for a hundred miles, and brings stage performances, showcases, music and poetry, awards, western art exhibitions, and a lot of saddle pal camaraderie.
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Info at: www.westernfolklife.org/National-Cowboy-Poetry-Gathering-General-Info/national-cowboy-poetry-gathering-home-page.html


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Wed, Jan 29, in Venice:
5:30 pm  Twice-monthly “OPEN MIC” at the Talking Stick Coffee Lounge, 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091.

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Wed, Jan 29, in San Diego:
6 pm  “SAN DIEGO SONGWRITERS MEETUP” at New Expression Music, 4434 30th St, San Diego 92116; 619-280-9035.

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Wed, Jan 29, in Murrieta:
6:30 pm  THE SHAM JAM hosted by SIMON & HUNTER at the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta 92563; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com; 951-696-5252.

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Wed, Jan 29, in VC (Simi Valley):
6:30 pm  SONGMAKERS twice-monthly “SIMI VALLEY HOOT” in Simi Valley. Location and info at www.songmakers.org

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Wed, Jan 29, in L.A.:
7 pm  AJ CROCE, son of legendary singer-songwriter Jim Croce, plays Largo at the Coronet, 366 N La Cienega Bl, L.A. 90048;  HYPERLINK "http://largo-la.com" http://largo-la.com; 310-855-0350.
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Willie Nelson says, “A.J. Croce has wisdom beyond his years. With his music, he represents his generation with a profound sense of honesty in his lyrics and quality in his delivery. The future of entertainment is safe in his hands!”
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A.J. Croce will unveil his most ambitious recording project to date, entitled “TWELVE TALES,” due out February 4 on Compass Records. In anticipation of this new release, AJ is bringing his talents and original material to the Los Angeles area this week. Croce began his career at age 17 opening for B.B. King and has since spanned genres from jazz to Americana to blues to pop. Croce has written with artists including Willie Nelson, Arlo Guthrie, Ben Harper and Steve Poltz and headlined festivals and shared the stage with artists including Ray Charles, James Brown, Lyle Lovett, and Rod Stewart. Additionally, Croce has performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, and Austin City Limits, and received praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, People Magazine and more.

More at www.ajcrocemusic.com
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Catch some videos of AJ performing at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ajcrocemusic
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More at:
http://compassrecords.com/AJ-Croce 
and
http://shorefire.com/client/AJ-Croce

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Wed, Jan 29, in South Pasadena:
7 pm  Weekly “WINE & SONG” showcase series with invited recording artists and performing host BRAD COLERICK, all playing acoustic, at the Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena 91030; 626-441-2443; www.WineAndSong.com

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Wed, Jan 29, near LAX:
7 pm  Weekly “GUITAROLOGY” showcase at Melody Bat & Grill, 9132 S Sepulveda Bl, Los Angeles 90045; 310-670-1994.

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Wed, Jan 29, in L.A.:
8 pm  “THE DROP: SUZY BOGGUSS” is a performance-interview commemorating the release of her new CD, “Lucky,” at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage, 800 W Olympic Bl (entrance around the corner on Figueroa), L.A. 90015; 213-765-6803;  HYPERLINK "http://www.grammymuseum.org" www.grammymuseum.org.
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Her new album is a collection of acoustic-based arrangements of Merle Haggard classics.
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Suzy Bogguss is one of country music’s most pristine and evocative vocalists. With the release of the Illinois native’s 1989 major label debut, “Somewhere Between,” Bogguss quickly became one of the key artists that defined those golden days of ’90s country. She scored a string of Top 10 singles with country radio staples like “Outbound Plane,” “Drive South,” “Hey Cinderella,” “Letting Go” and “Aces,” and her 1991 album of that name was certified platinum. In addition, she scored a trio of gold albums and notched more than 3 million sales. With her latest release, “Lucky,” on Suzy’s own label Loyal Dutchess, the singer comes full circle, returning to her early inspiration, Merle Haggard. “Lucky” is remarkable in its freshness. Its acoustic-based arrangements, while sparse, crackle with vibrancy. Each song is driven by the perfect marriage of Bogguss’ delicate voice and the adventurous, yet tasteful, playing of the band. It’s indicative of what Haggard himself would do in the studio. Celebrate “Lucky,” just days before its release. In addition to an interview, Bogguss will take audience questions and will perform a selection of songs. Doors open at 7:30 pm.
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All proceeds benefit the GRAMMY Museum. Doors at 7 pm for the best seats.
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Tix, $15, at 213-765-6803 or www.grammymuseum.org
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The Guide suggests you avoid the expensive parking at Staples Center by parking a few blocks away, or riding the Red Line subway ($1.50 each way) from one of the free park-and-ride lots at the Universal City or North Hollywood Stations. The Grammy Museum is a three-block walk down Figueroa from the 7th St / Metro Center Station.


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Wed-Fri, Jan 29-31, in OC (Costa Mesa):
8 pm  PACIFIC SYMPHONY plays “A BERNSTEIN APPRECIATION” for three nights in Segerstrom Hall at Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa; 714-556-2787;  HYPERLINK "http://www.ocpac.org" \t "_blank" www.ocpac.org.
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The first American-born conductor to become a superstar, LEONARD BERNSTEIN changed the face of music. Together with other artists who were privileged to work with the fabled conductor, Pacific Symphony Music Director CARL St.CLAIR offers a heartfelt tribute to the man he calls the greatest influence on his musical life.
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Program:
Bernstein:  Symphony No. 2, “Age of Anxiety”
Bernstein:  Slava!
Bernstein:  Arias and Barcarolles
Bernstein:  Selections from “Trouble In Tahiti”
Bernstein:  Selections from “Wonderful Town”
Bernstein:  “Somewhere” from “West Side Story”
Bernstein:  Overture to “Candide”
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Featured members of the symphony:
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Benjamin Pasternack, piano
Dawn Upshaw, soprano
Jamie Bernstein, special guest host
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“Music Unwound” enhancements are thanks to a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
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Tix at 714-755-5799 or www.PacificSymphony.org

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Wed, Jan 29, in Venice:
8 pm  JENNI ALPERT begins an every-other-week residency with special guests at Witz End, 1717 Lincoln Bl, Venice 90291.
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Jenni tells us, “Come on down and join the fun. I will be performing several new songs that will be on my my new record which is in the making for later this year. If you are a songwriter, feel free to say hello and I will get you up for a song.”
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She adds, “Also excited to announce some very exciting news that will be taking place in Austin, TX during SXSW so please stay tuned for showcase information.”
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Wednesday Jan 29, 8 pm; guests: secret surprise.
Wednesday Feb 12, 8 pm; guests: Tracee Perrin, Pontea.
Wednesday Feb 26, 8 pm; guests, Devyn Rush, Chris Joyner.

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Wed, Jan 29, in SFV (Sherman Oaks):
8 pm  Weekly “ACOUSTIC CORDIALE” showcase at Café Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks, 91423; 818-789-1985.

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Wed, Jan 29, 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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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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Direct to the current editions /
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MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY editions load quickly at
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www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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CONTACT US / Questions / Comments / SUBSCRIBE to our notices, etc., all at
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tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
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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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