Festival Preview & Arts & Music News & Events – Thu, May 22 edition, 2014

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♪  News of MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND’S music festivals in Southern California and Thursday night’s theatrical and acoustic & Americana music scene awaits you within.
 
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♪  CONGRATULATIONS to all of this year’s winners at the 54th annual TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL. A reminder to all of us of just what it takes to compete – whether or not you win – is embodied in this quote:

"If I take one day off from practicing, the other musicians notice. If I take two days off, the critics notice. If I take three days off from practicing, the audience notices."


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In this edition…

♪  FESTIVALS on MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND in Southern California:
.  √  Annual “SCOTTISH FEST,” billed as “America's Festival of Celtic Music, Entertainment, Food & Libations,” in OC (Costa Mesa), Sat & Sun, May 24 & 25.
.  √  25th annual “SIMI VALLEY CAJUN & BLUES FESTIVAL” brings two full festival stages in VC (Simi Valley), Sat & Sun, May 24 & 25,
.  √  41st Annual “TOPANGA DAYS” is the only local festival that runs all three days of Memorial Day weekend; in the heart of Topanga Canyon, Sat-Mon, May 24-26,

♪  FESTIVALS later this month in Southern California:
.  √  Annual “CLAREMONT FOLK FESTIVAL” features a wide range of music, art and learning experiences, housed within the natural beauty of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont, Sat, May 31.

♪  FESTIVALS happening ELSEWHERE this month:
.  √  Annual “Kerrville Folk Festival” begins its run of 18 straight days, Thu, May 22-Sun, Jun 8, at Quiet Valley Ranch in the Texas Hill Country.
.  √  Annual “NORTHWEST FOLK LIFE FESTIVAL” is one of the largest free music festivals in the US, taking-over the entirety of Seattle Center, the former World’s Fair site, in downtown Seattle, Washington, Thu-Mon, May 22-26.

♪  NEWS FEATURES:
.  √  Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band bringing hot acoustic strings to Alvas, May 25.
.  √  Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Finalists Named.

♪  THIS DAY IN HISTORY:
.  √  Today is National Maritime Day.

♪  TICKET ALERTS:
.  √  IAN ANDERSON (Jethro Tull)
.  √  Crosby, Stills & Nash 2nd show added at the Greek
.  √  “ROADSHOW REVIVAL – JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE FESTIVAL”

♪  THURSDAY’s MUSIC & ART EVENTS

♪  ONGOING MUSIC & ART EVENTS
 
 
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♪  FESTIVALS
on MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
in Southern California
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√  Sat & Sun, May 24 & 25,
FESTIVAL,
in OC (Costa Mesa):
Annual “SCOTTISH FEST,” billed as “America's Festival of Celtic Music, Entertainment, Food & Libations,” on MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND at the Orange County Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa.
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Celtic Entertainment with Pipe and Drum Bands, and main stage sets by:
♪  Eric Rigler & Bad Haggis
♪  The Irish Volunteers
♪  Sligo Rags
♪  Highland Way
♪  The Ploughboys
♪  1916 Band
♪  Neil O'Neill
and more.
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There’s also a Whiskey Pavilion and Whiskey Tastings.
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Tix and more info at:
www.scottishfest.com


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√  Sat & Sun, May 24 & 25,
FESTIVAL,
in VC (Simi Valley):
Noon-7:30 pm  25th annual “SIMI VALLEY CAJUN & BLUES FESTIVAL” brings two full festival stages and runs for two of the three days of Memorial Day weekend, at Rancho Santa Susanna Community Park, 5005 Los Angeles Av, Simi Valley.
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Headliners include ROBERT RANDOLPH & THE FAMILY BAND, SWAMP DOGG, JOHN MAYALL, CANNED HEAT, C.J. CHENIER, and GUITAR SHORTY.
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This first-class event features two full stages, one for each of its musical genres. Both stages proceed non-stop each day from noon until 7:30 pm. The Los Angeles area’s largest Cajun, Zydeco, Blues and Roots Music festival features a daily Mardi Gras parade, kids’ activities, crafts, and dozens of food booths.
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The blues stage brings the festival’s debut of new blues stage booker Martin Fleischmann. The stage presents its strongest bill ever, featuring Robert Randolph & the Family Band, the American Funk and Soul Ensemble led by pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph; Los Angeles-based Southern soul and blues legend Swamp Dogg; British blues patriarch John Mayall; blues revival pioneers Canned Heat; Texas-born bluesman Guitar Shorty; and Blues Music Award-winning singer and guitarist Tommy Castro. The blues stage will also feature Flattop Tom & His Jump Cats, Nancy & the Nightcrawlers, Dennis Jones and Andy Walo.
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On the Cajun-Zydeco stage, C.J. Cheneir brings the Red Hot Louisiana Band, assembled by his father, Zydeco king and Grammy Lifetime Achievement winner Clifton Chenier. Veteran Zydeco accordionist Nathan Williams Sr. will appear, as will Nathan Williams Jr. & His Zydeco Big Timers. Dwayne Dopsie, hailing from one of the top Zydeco families in the world, will front the Zydeco Hellraisers. Feufollet is a brilliant young band that presents authentic old-style Cajun classics, and their own indie-rock-influenced Cajun music. Southern California’s own Lisa Haley & the Zydecats, Grammy nominees and a popular attraction at the festival for many years, will return, as will Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic, and the Bayou Brothers.
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The annual Mardi Gras Parade will take place both days at 4 pm.
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Tix, $22 adults, age 13+; $15 for children ages 7-12; tix available online at www.simicajun.org/2014 or at the gate, unless it sells-out. Parking is ample and free, with a free shuttle to/from the remote lot.


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√  Sat-Mon, May 24-26,
FESTIVAL,
in Topanga:
41st Annual “TOPANGA DAYS” is the only local festival that runs all three days of Memorial Day weekend, including Monday; at the Topanga Community House & Fair Grounds, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga 90290.
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There are multiple music stages all three days, much of it acoustic, and venues include the picturesque main stage with the on the audience on the ball field and the stage terraced on the hillside above, and the indoor stage in the Community House. The ambiance here is a bit of hippie heaven, and a lot of fun. Plenty of good food is offered, too.
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There’s even a parade through the canyon on Sunday morning. (It closes the road, so plan your trip accordingly.)
 
 
 
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♪  FESTIVALS later this month in Southern California:
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√  Sat, May 31,
FESTIVAL,
in Claremont:
Annual “CLAREMONT FOLK FESTIVAL” features a wide range of music, art and learning experiences, housed within the natural beauty of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, at 1500 N College Av, Claremont.
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Performers include:
♪  Ben & Ellen Harper
♪  Dave Alvin & the Guilty Ones
♪  The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet
♪  The Coals
♪  The Chapin Sisters
♪  Rick Shea
♪  Phoebe Bridgers
♪  The Ooks of Hazzard
♪  Blue Highway
♪  Steve James
♪  Ross Altman
♪  Peter Harper
♪  Old Brown Shoe
And more, tba.
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Plus Storytellers, Workshops, and all-day Kid’s Activities. General Admission and VIP Seating tickets are available. Children age 12 and under are admitted free, except in the VIP section, where they require VIP tix.
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Last year sold-out in advance, so get your tix now, at:
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http://m.bpt.me/event/573893
 
 
 
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♪  FESTIVALS
this month,
ELSEWHERE
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√  Annual “Kerrville Folk Festival” begins its run of 18 straight days, Thu, May 22-Sun, Jun 8, at Quiet Valley Ranch in the Texas Hill Country.
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Celebrating songwriters for 43 years, the Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest continuously running festival of its kind in North America. It was created by Rod Kennedy, affectionately known as “The RodFather,” who died in April. In addition to concerts each evening, Kerrville features “Ballad Tree” song-sharing sessions, campfire jam sessions, concerts and activities for children, organized canoe trips on the Guadelupe River and Hill Country bike rides, a professional development program for teachers, as well as a three-day songwriters school and instrumental workshops. All the info and schedules are at: www.kerrville-music.com.
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See feature story #2 in today’s NEWS section.


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√  Annual “NORTHWEST FOLK LIFE FESTIVAL” is one of the largest free music festivals in the US, taking-over the entirety of Seattle Center, the former World’s Fair site, in downtown Seattle, Washington, Thu-Mon, May 22-26.
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There is an entire stage devoted to a full day of sea chanteys, plus every kind of Folk-Americana and Canadiana music, an amazingly complete schedule of folk dancing options, vendors that aren’t anywhere else, and at least 16 or 17 stages of music at any given time. At least once in your life, you must go.
 
 
 
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♪  NEWS FEATURES
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News Feature #1

√  Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band
bringing hot acoustic strings to Alvas, May 25

by Larry Wines

When’s the last time you heard “international award-winning Folk-Americana music” and “Broadway star” in the same sentence? Susie Glaze brings that. Most recently, her band’s latest album, White Swan, was Number One for three months on Roots Music Report and is still charting in the Folk Category’s Top 50 more than a year later.

Her Hilonesome Band has enjoyed steady bookings since her debut CD, Blue Eyed Darlin’, won the Just Plain Folks award (with 40,000+ people voting, worldwide) for Best Roots Album in 2006. Early on, Entertainment Weekly declared, “She can blow the roof off any joint lucky enough to book her.” And yes, her music career began on Broadway, in Big River.

Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band arrive May 25th for their first time at Alvas Showroom, having played the Grand Annex three times to enthusiastic San Pedro audiences.

After building a strong reputation in bluegrass, Susie and company have blazed their own path in contemporary and traditional folk-americana, including pre-bluegrass Appalachian string-based and a cappella songs and plenty of fine originals with contemporary sensibilities. There is no longer a banjo player, and that’s ’purt near unheard of in bluegrass land. Along the way, there have been several changes. Mark Indictor, literally a rocket scientist with many TV music credits, was added as fiddle maestro after he and Susie met playing the Concert for Haiti benefit in 2010.

Fortunately, musical innovation is welcome on our stretch of coastline, where both the Long Beach Bayou Festival and the Crawfish Festival draw huge attendance for Cajun, zydeco, and blues music. So why not Americana with a soaring, crystal-clear voice, fine pickers, some down-in-the-hollar nimble-fingered picking, and a contemporary feel?

Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band have cultivated comparisons to classic British bands Pentangle and Fairport Convention, and that’s valid. They blend classic folk music with rough-edged stories of tragedy and fate, and they craft it with orchestral arrangements akin to string-band-folky chamber music. Sometimes you hear lush newgrass Americana. In other songs, they’re a folk-fusion quintet presenting eclectic blends, perhaps mountain folk, perhaps new grassy, perhaps from Celtic-inspired originals.

The band spent the past year touring White Swan and adding songs from their upcoming album, due out this summer. Roz Larman, host of FolkScene, radio’s longest-running weekly folk music show, helped submit the last album for a GRAMMY nomination. It received shining reviews in the Acoustic Americana Music Guide, FolkWorks, No Depression, Pop Matters, M Magazine for Musicians, Music News Nashville and FolkWords UK.

Susie hasn’t rested on the band’s laurels. From January through April, they anchored a monthly series hosting prominent and award-winning guest artists and introducing their own new songs. Surprisingly, Susie Glaze the Broadway veteran speaks of “Some terrifying moments with song debuts” each month at those “woodshed sessions,” then beams as she realizes “they were all well received” by the paying audience.

That anxiety comes with changing directions. Susie talks about “Why we got out of bluegrass,” a genre with rigid conventions that bring the same round of solo instrumentals in the same sequence, song after song. Clearly, she feels more liberated in recent years, working on originals with band member and master songwriter Rob Carlson.

Some old roads will never be abandoned. Appalachian music legend Jean Ritchie endorsed Susie as her heir apparent a few years back, and the Hilonesome Band keeps the mountain folk icon’s music in today’s ears. The band adds musical members of the Ritchie family when they play back east. With a role in perpetuating that music, Susie shows humility when she speaks of her friendship with Ritchie, who is now 91. It was Jean Ritchie who collected songs, wrote more, and brought the music of the barely accessible valleys of her coal dusty region to Greenwich Village, where she played them alongside the new songs of a neophyte Bob Dylan and other then unknowns, like Barry McGuire, who would have a hit with “Eve of Destruction” and star in Broadway’s Hair.

Though far too young to have been a part of that scene, Susie has a feel for the importance of a show rich in a variety of good acoustic music. Albums past and future contain covers first performed by others, and the band’s live sets feature these songs. They often perform J.D. Souther and Steve Earle songs, along with several Jean Ritchie songs and tunes.

Classics or originals, Susie has always known how to get everything she can from her talented band, doing what musicians call “being generous” on stage. That takes the form of giving each player their own credited lead roles on “their” songs, while everyone else, including Susie on guitar, becomes that member’s back-up ensemble. Few band leaders do it so well, and keep everyone happy so easily. On their latest, and as Susie says, “most truly collaborative” CD, audiences enjoy the variety as the spotlight moves from player to player, song by song. And that way of doing business perfectly translates to the stage, making them festival favorites.

Upright bass player Fred Sanders gets the lead on “his” song, as do fiddler Indictor, guitarist Carlson and mandolin player Rankin. “It’s a better show when the audience doesn’t keep hearing the same singer, song after song,” says Susie, with no false modesty about her own vocal prowess.

Of course, all that writing, woodshedding, and audience testing is rehearsal for the next recording session. Herb Pedersen is producing the band’s upcoming album, and it’s due for release this summer. He was lead guitar on the band’s 2008 CD, Green Kentucky Blues, an album produced by GRAMMY winner Laurie Lewis. Pedersen’s involvement always creates that “buzz factor” that entertainers chase. He has done recording sessions, toured or otherwise worked with everyone from Emmylou Harris to Linda Ronstadt to the Dillards, John Denver, Kris Kristofferson, Chris Hillman of the Byrds, and many others. Susie adds, “He’ll regale you with stories of everybody from Doc Watson to Sergio Mendes!”

And that makes Pedersen the perfect choice for the direction Susie and her band are taking, as they continue to move farther away from bluegrass.

The new album with her Hilonesome Band will have company. Susie and band member/husband Steve Rankin played on Dear Jean, a much-anticipated two-disc Jean Ritchie tribute album due in August on Compass Records, produced by Joan Baez and Dolly Parton. Susie’s track joins others by Judy Collins, Janis Ian, Kathy Mattea, Pete Seeger (one of his last recordings). They’ll go to Berea, Kentucky, Jean’s home, for a gala CD release concert.

Those attending the show at Alvas won’t have to wait. Susie will have a limited number of pre-release copies of the Ritchie tribute album, three months early.

That’s icing on the cake. Susie told Random Lengths, “We really enjoyed being in San Pedro before and we’re looking forward to presenting favorites and our new unreleased songs.”

With Americana music a hot commodity in venues nationwide, the show at Alvas kicks-off a busy summer for five veterans always reaching for more. Glaze and her band are eyeing the circuit being played by comic-turned-banjo-master Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, and the success of Bonnie Raitt and her three-year tour with her five-piece band. Clearly, it’s not a phenomenon limited to Old Crow Medicine Show and Mumford & Sons.

Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band play a 4 pm matinee on May 25 at Alva’s Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, Weymouth Corners, San Pedro 90732; alvasshowroom.com. Advance tickets, 800-403-3447 or 310-519-1314. You can bring your own food and drinks into the venue.

(This originally ran in the San Pedro weekly newspaper, “Random Lengths.”)


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News Feature #2

√  Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Finalists Named

by Michael Kornfeld

Thirty-two songwriters have been named as finalists in the 2014 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters. Chosen from among hundreds of submissions from throughout the U.S. and Canada, the finalists will perform the two songs they submitted during the New Folk Concerts slated for Saturday and Sunday afternoons, May 24 and 25, as part of the Kerrville Folk Festival.

Scheduled, in order of performance, at the Threadgill Theater on the Quiet Valley Ranch Campgrounds in the Texas Hill Country on May 24 are Drew Kennedy (New Braunfels, TX), David McMillin (Chicago, IL), Chris Ronald (Vancouver, BC, Canada), Addie Brownlee (New York, NY), Chase Gassaway (Austin, TX), Ellen Tipper (Appleton, ME), Charlotte Thistle (Seattle, WA), Matt Nakoa (Brooklyn, NY), David Berkeley (Santa Fe, NM), Katie Gosnell (Austin, TX), Dan Weber (Vancouver, WA), Carolina Story (Nashville, TN), Rosie Tucker (Los Angeles, CA), Connor Garvey (South Portland, ME), Savannah King (Youngstown, NY), and Brittany Ann Tranbaugh (Easton, PA).

New Folk Finalists slated to perform on May 25 include Frank Martin Gilligan (Dickinson, TX), Lindsay White (San Diego, CA), Jeffrey Martin (Eugene, OR), Brad Boyer (Friendswood, TX), Jenna Lindbo (South Portland, ME), Aaron Howard (Phoenix, AZ), Anna Paddock (Brooklyn, NY), Justin Pecina (Gunter, TX), Ben Bochner (Eugene, OR), Brad Cole (New York, NY), David White (Franklin, TN), Mariana Bell (Los Angeles, CA), Roy Schneider (Fort Myers, FL), Catherine Terrones (San Pedro, CA), Caroline Spence (Nashville, TN), and Tall Heights (Somerville, MA).

Named as alternates were Jan Krist & Jim Bizer (Franklin, MI), Marc Douglas Berardo (Westerly, RI), Daniel Boling (Albuquerque, NM), and Adam Klein (Athens, GA).

After performing, six songwriters will be selected as 2014 New Folk Winners by a panel of judges. The six will perform in the New Folk Award Winners Concert on Sunday, June 1, and will receive cash honorariums and other prizes, as well as the opportunity to participate in the New Folk Concerts Fall Tour culminating with the opening slot on the 2014 Fischer Festival stage (previously Rice Fest). Established in 1972 at the urging of Peter Yarrow, the Kerrville New Folk concerts have become a highlight of the annual festival that is geared towards singer-songwriters of various musical styles and their fans.
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Celebrating songwriters for 43 years, the Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest continuously running festival of its kind in North America. It was created by Rod Kennedy, affectionately known as “The RodFather,” who died earlier this month. In addition to concerts each evening, Kerrville features “Ballad Tree” song-sharing sessions, campfire jam sessions, concerts and activities for children, organized canoe trips on the Guadelupe River and Hill Country bike rides, a professional development program for teachers, as well as a three-day songwriters school and instrumental workshops.

All the info and schedules are at: www.kerrville-music.com.
 
 
 
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♪  THIS DAY IN HISTORY…
a notable May 22nd event
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√  Today is the annual “National Maritime Day.” Unfortunately, we could not find a night of sea chanteys anywhere in Southern California to honor all our seafarers. But you can catch the musical stage play “THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE” at the Warner Grand in San Pedro for three shows, Fri-Sun, May 23-25.
 
 
 
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♪  TICKET ALERTS
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√   FISH TANK ENSEMBLE plays the FolkWorks Concert series at the Talking Stick Café in Venice, on Sat, May 24, 8 pm.

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√  SUSIE GLAZE & THE HILONESOME BAND play Alvas Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, Weymouth Corners, San Pedro 90732, on Sun, May 25, 4 pm.
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See Feature story #1 in this edition. More at www.alvasshowroom.com. Advance tickets, 800-403-3447 or 310-519-1314. You can bring your own food and drinks into the venue,

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√  IAN ANDERSON (Jethro Tull) performs legendary hits and his new album ‘Homo Erraticus’ at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in OC, on Sep 18. Tix available now at: www.scfta.org

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√  Crosby, Stills & Nash – 2nd show added at the Greek Theatre on Oct 3; originally set for only one show on Oct 4. Tix on sale now.

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√  “ROADSHOW REVIVAL – JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE FESTIVAL” happens Sat, June 14; tix available now.

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Maestro Ennio Morricone conducts for the first time ever in L.A., at the Nokia Theatre, Jun 15 at 8 pm.
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The Oscar and Grammy winning legend does a concert of his most memorable film scores.
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Tickets at: http://m.axs.com/events/245467/ennio-morricone-tickets?cid=AEGLIVE_ENMOFB_032014

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PLUS:
We’ve alerted you to presale ticket opportunities for all the following shows. Some remaining tix are still available:

√  Shawn Colvin and Steve Earle play the City National Grove of Anaheim on May 24.

√  "A Prairie Home Companion" with Garrison Keillor on Fri, Jun 6, at 7:30 pm, at the Greek Theatre.

√  Rodriguez plays Fri, May 30, at 7:30 pm, at the Greek Theatre.

√  Paul McCartney plays Aug 10 at Dodger Stadium, doors at 7 pm. Tix $25, $49.50, $69.50, $99.50, $125, $165, $250.

√  The Both, the duo of Aimee Mann & Ted Leo,  with Nick Diamonds of Islands, perform Jun 14 at 8 pm at the El Rey Theatre. Tix, $25, on sale now.
 
 
 
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♪  THURSDAY’s Today/Tonight-Only
MUSIC & ART EVENTS
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Thursday, May 22, 2014
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Thu, May 22, in Long Beach:
5 pm  KEN O'MALLEY brings a solo show of his authentic and original Irish music to his residency at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine, Long Beach 90802; 562-437-8300.

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Thu, May 22, in South Pasadena:
5 pm  BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER plays his blues residency at the Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena 91030; 626-441-2443.

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Thu, May 22, in VC (Camarillo):
5:30 pm  SONGMAKERS monthly “ROUND TABLE PIZZA SONG CIRCLE” at Round Table Pizza in Camarillo 93010; info and directions on Songmakers website, at www.songmakers.org

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Thu, May 22, in OC (Fountain Valley):
6-10 pm  Weekly “BLUEGRASS JAM” at Orange County Archery, 18792 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley 92708.

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Thu, May 22, in SFV (Universal City):
6-9 pm  Piano man MARC BOSSERMAN plays the Hilton Universal in Universal City.
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Marc tells us, “It's a great space. Huge atrium. Kawai Grand piano. And I'm singing and playing – everything from Stephen Foster to Bruno Mars! The food is great. And it's at Universal Studios so you just never know who might be hanging out.”

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Thu, May 22, in San Diego Co (Santee):
6:30-9:30 pm  “WOOD 'N' LIPS OPEN MIC” at Kaffee Meister Coffeehouse, 9225 Carlton Hills Bl, #30, Santee.

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Thu, May 22, in San Diego:
7-11 pm  CAJUN ZYDECO LIVE MUSIC at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego 92101; 619-224-3577. Happy Hour is 5- 7pm, $5 cover after 7 pm.

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Thu, May 22, in SFV (NoHo):
7:30 pm  MUSICAL GUESTS and the DAVE MORRISON BAND play the monthly "RENT CLUB" show at and for Kulak's Woodshed, 5230 1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood 91607.
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DAVE MORRISON explains, “Rent Club is a monthly show that we do to help with the rent on the two commercial properties that comprise our funky little listening room.” He continues, “Kulak's has always been the place to spot fine new talent dropping in from all over the country and the world.”
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“The show starts at 7:30 with me doing a short set of songs solo. The Pizza will arrive around 8:30 (yes it is included with your $15 donation.”
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You can watch live online at www.kulakswoodshed.com and send a few bucks via Paypal.
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$15 cover includes pizza and refreshments.

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Thu, May 22, in Burbank:
7:30 pm  WHITEY O’KANE BAND plays Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (next to L.A. Equestrian Center), Burbank; 818-845-2425 or 818-515-4444; www.vivacantina.com.
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More here at 10 pm. See listing.
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No cover. Venue is known for its Mexican food and full bar. Okay to park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl (free, nearly unlimited parking for Viva patrons).

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Thu, May 22, in Altadena:
8 pm  THE JANGLE BROTHERS, the ensemble of JOHN YORK , BILLY DARNELL (both former BYRDS), & award-winning musician CHAD WATSON on bass, plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena.
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Reservations, 626-798-6236, 10 am-10 pm, seven days. All-ages. There’s more on the venue’s website, at www.coffeegallery.com

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Thu, May 22, in L.A.:
8 pm  “L.A. HOOTENANNY” happens at Villains Tavern, 1356 Palmetto St, near downtown Los Angeles 90013; 213-613-0766.
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What started as a bunch of friends playing music for food became one of the most fun music parties in L.A. Just reporting their usual personnel the way do will give you some idea:
Guil- Vocals, Guitar, Pugilist
Todd- Vocals, Guitar, Communications
Eric- Vocals, Guitar, Underwater Demolition
Cody- Vocals, Washtub Bass, Edged Weapons
Kevin- Drums, Engineer, Poisons
Nick aka Knuckles- Electric Bass, Tuhon
Gerard- Lead Guitar, Ballistics
Tim- Banjo, Jester, sniper
Mars- Lead Guitar, Pharmacology
Ben- Harmonica, Sax, Interpreter
Miranda- Fiddle, Demolitions
Dustin- Vocals, Hoofer
Jessica- Vocals, Diva
Sally- M.I.A

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Thu, May 22, in SFV (Chatsworth):
8 pm  An UNDISCLOSED AMERICANA / ALT-COUNTRY / or HONKY TONLK 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 free dance lesson.

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Thu, May 22, in Murrieta:
8 pm  An UNDISCLOSED (AND PROBABLY IRISH) BAND plays the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta 92563; 951-696-5252; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com

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Thu, May 22, in Valencia:
8:30 pm-12:30 am  HUMBLE HOOLIGANS, a big hit at the 2014 “L.A. Irish Fest,” play the Tilted Kilt in Valencia (the town next to Santa Clarita).
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More at: http://humblehooligans.com

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Thu, May 22, in Silver Lake (L.A.):
9 pm "HONKY TONK HACIENDA" weekly show, usually with renowned recording artists, happens at El Cid, 4212 W Sunset Bl, Los Angeles 90029; 323-668-0318.
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Every Thursday, El Cid turns into “Honky Tonk Hacienda” with bands, songwriters and musical instigators tearing it up with Outlaw Country, Roots, Old Time and Americana.
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No cover before 8:30 pm, $5 thereafter. Venue is 21+. Doors at 7 pm, music starts at 8. Ample street parking; valet parking available.

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Thu, May 22, in SFV (Sherman Oaks):
9 pm  Weekly “ACOUSTIC CORDIALE” showcase at Café Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks 91423; 818-789-1985.

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Thu, May 22, in Burbank:
10 pm  REVEREND MARTINI'S PSYCHO THURSDAY with, from Germany, WILD AT HEART, at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (next to L.A. Equestrian Center), Burbank; 818-845-2425 or 818-515-4444; www.vivacantina.com.
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No cover. Venue is known for its Mexican food and full bar. Okay to park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl (free, nearly unlimited parking for Viva patrons).
 
 
 
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♪  ONGOING MUSIC & ART EVENTS
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CLOSING TONIGHT, May 22, in San Pedro:
8 pm “CENTRAL PARK WEST” in San Pedro; $45 tix for the Whale & Ale Dinner/Theater package. Central Park West is a neurotic look at two wealthy, professional New York couples whose relationships are simmering pots of dysfunction. In one, celebrated psychoanalyst Phyllis discovers that her husband, entertainment lawyer Sam, not only is divorcing her but has also slept with almost every woman she knows. Meanwhile their friends, Carol & Howard, are enmeshed in their own scandals. One-liners fly by in typical Allen fashion, as accusations are tossed around pell mell, like dishware & china. ”It’s Woody Allen at his very best very smarmy, very funny, & very New York.” – METRO WEEKLY

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ONGOING, through Jun 1, in L.A.:
“THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS,” presented by Center Theatre Group, opens tonight, runs Apr 22-Jun 1, at the Ahmanson Theatre at the L.A. Music Center, 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles 90012; www.musiccenter.org
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Winner of the 2012 Tony Award® for “Best Musical Revival,” The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess arrives at the Ahmanson Theatre with award-winning members of the Broadway cast in this stunning and stirring new staging. This re-envisioned Broadway production includes such legendary songs as “Summertime” and “I Got Plenty of Nothing.”

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ONGOING, through May 25, in L.A.:
“THE TALLEST TREE IN THE FOREST,” presented by Center Theatre Group, runs Apr 12-May 25 at the Mark Taper Forum at the L.A. Music Center, 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles 90012; www.musiccenter.org
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Obie Award-winner DANIEL BEATY chronicles PAUL ROBESON’s remarkable life in an extraordinary theatrical biography. Beaty fills the theatre with the dreams, words and songs – American classics like “Ol’ Man River” – of a man who sacrificed everything in the name of liberty. This play, with live music, is directed by Moisés Kaufman.

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ONGOING at the Getty Villa, through Aug 25, in Malibu:
“Heaven and Earth: Art of Byzantium from Greek Collections” at the Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu; 310-440-7300; parking, $15.
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Marked by glittering mosaics, luminous icons, and opulent churches, the Byzantine Empire (A.D. 330–1453) flourished for more than one thousand years. Over 170 national treasures from Greece illustrate the development of a mighty empire, from its pagan origins to a deeply spiritual Christian society. This exhibition is presented in conjunction with “Heaven and Earth: Byzantine Illumination at the Cultural Crossroads” at the Getty Center.
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The exhibition was organized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, Athens, with the collaboration of the Benaki Museum, Athens, in association with the J. Paul Getty Museum and the National Gallery of Art, Washington. The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

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ONGOING at the Getty, through Jun 1, in L.A.:
“JACKSON POLLOCK’S MURAL,” and “HATCHED! CREATING FORM WITH LINE,” are two concurrent temporary exhibitions at the Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A. 90049; 310-440-7300; parking is $15.

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ONGOING at the Getty, through Jun 8, in L.A.:
“A ROYAL PASSION: QUEEN VICTORIA & PHOTOGRAPHY” and “HIROSHI SUGIMOTO: PAST TENSE” are two concurrent temporary exhibitions at the Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A. 90049; 310-440-7300; parking is $15.

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ONGOING at the Getty, through Jun 22, in L.A.:
“HEAVEN AND EARTH: BYZANTINE ILLUMINATION AT THE CULTURAL CROSSROADS” is a new temporary exhibition at the Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A. 90049; 310-440-7300; parking is $15.
 
 
 
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More, soon, as always.
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♪  The Guide has made some CH-CH-CHANGES – turn, embrace the change – with more to come as spring becomes summer of 2014. There are, and 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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www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to:
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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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