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Guide Blogspot edition no. 1,532.
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Special news edition...
Contents
1) 21st Annual "USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION" OFFERS EARLY ENTRY BONUS THROUGH MARCH 31
2) 33rd Annual "INTERNATIONAL URANIUM FILM FESTIVAL" ARRIVES APRIL 27th, AS "THE ATOMIC AGE CINEMA FEST IN L.A."
Jump on both of these while you can.
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# 1 news feature...
21st Annual "USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION" OFFERS EARLY ENTRY BONUS THROUGH MARCH 31
If you've written songs, and you're proud of your creative efforts, you're invited to enter them in the 21st Annual "USA Songwriting Competition." Sponsors say, "Help us and our industry partners 'discover you.' We also want to invest in your success and help fuel even more creative inspiration."
Accordingly, they're offering a FREE EARLY ENTRY BONUS: the first 1,000 entries entered by March 31st or earlier will each receive a FREE 12 month subscription to "Recording" magazine, one of the contest sponsors.
2016 marks the 21st consecutive year this contest has been honoring songwriters. Winners have come from Australia, Japan, UK, Germany, Brazil, Africa, and of course, the USA and Canada. Past winners have collected $50,000 in prizes and cash that includes gear from Sony, D'Addario Strings, PreSonus, Audio-Technica, PRS Guitars & more — and received publishing, recording contracts, representation, songs used on films and TV, and cuts with major artists.
The contest gushes, "We discover stars. Just entering boosts your confidence and oftentimes has a surprisingly positive effect on your fate and fortune."
You can enter in Folk, Instrumental, Pop, Rock/Alt, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and other categories.
Enter online at the url below.
Contest sponsors are top players in the music industry: Sony, PRS Guitars, D'Addario Strings, Recording Magazine, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, Airplay Access, Audio-Technica, Presonus, Sonoma Wireworks, IK Multimedia, Intellitouch Tuners, Sweetwater Music, Landr, and more.
The contest claims to be "THE world's biggest, most respected song writing discovery organization, with countless now-famous and prosperous artists tracing THEIR success and discovery to entering our Songwriting Competition." They claim Alannah Myles, Justine & Kerris Dorsey, American Authors, Meghan Trainor, Darrell Scott, Kate Voegele, The Waifs, Ari Gold, and "many many more" who "all burst to fame and their careers quickly hurtled upward once they entered and won one of our contests."
Here's a roundup of some recent years:
√ 2015's winning song was placed on "American Idol" and the box office hit movie "This Is Where I Leave You" starring Jason Bateman & Tina Fey.
√ The 2014 winner got signed to Walt Disney Music, the winning song appeared in the hit movie "Alexander the Terrible..." starring Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner.
√ The 2013 winner hit #1 on the Billboard charts and went Double Platinum, selling over 2 million copies.
√ The 2008 winner appeared on the "David Letterman" TV show and got signed to a record label
√ The 2007 winner hit Top 10 on the Billboard charts with his winning song.
√ The 2005 Winner of the "Country" category had his winning song cut by country superstar Faith Hill.
√ The 2005 winner of the "Pop" category was signed by Interscope Records.
The contest organization says, "Bottom line: we 'get you,' both artistically and emotionally, and we love and believe in you because of your passion and desire!"
Enter online at:
https://online.songwriting.net/? promo=SAL3
or print out a mail-in entry form here: http://www.songwriting.net/entryform
Testimonials...
"We are so excited to win this competition. We entered this competition as unsigned acts, came out as top winner, signed to Island Records and we hit #1 on the Billboard charts!" — Dave Rublin, Winner of the 18th Annual USA Songwriting Competition (2013); hit #1 on the Billboard Charts and went double platinum, selling over 2 million copies.
"This is a great place for talent to be found"..Monte Lipman, President & CEO of Universal Records.
If you have a song (or more than one) that you think is contest-worthy, you can take advantage of their bonus offer of a FREE 12-month Recording Guitar magazine subscription if you're among those first 5,000 entrants through March 31st.
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# 2 news feature...
33rd Annual "INTERNATIONAL URANIUM FILM FESTIVAL" ARRIVES APRIL 27th, AS "THE ATOMIC AGE CINEMA FEST IN L.A."
April 27th brings quite a day and evening of consciousness-raising cinema on all things nuke, including a Nuclear Power Panel discussion, at Raleigh Studios' Charlie Chaplin Theater, 5300 Melrose Avenue, in Hollywood.
Sponsors make sure you understand, going in: "It is not a typical Hollywood film festival, it is more of a forum."
Indeed, a key sponsor is "Kat Kramer's Films That Change the World," an important cinema series in the film industry community that highlights socially significant films and is currently focused on "Unforgettable movies of the Atomic Age."
The L.A. event is part of the "International Uranium Film Festival," a non-profit foundation founded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which has traveled to 33 cities in 7 countries on 5 continents. Most of the people who attend the festival, worldwide, are concerned about the dangers of nuclear power.
The facts have moved beyond the traditional concerns. And new and old, they are sobering.
√ The "Atomic Age Film Festival" is dedicated to films about nuclear power, and the clear and present danger of terrorist threats with ISIL stating their next target could be nuclear.
√ Fears are being revived of "dirty bombs" — basic explosive devices that contain radioactive materials — and the very real risks of radioactive contamination causing millions of deaths.
√ Concerns are heightened for the safety and security of the 440 nuclear power plants that operate in 31 countries.
√ "Recent terror events make it imperative that we become aware of the problem to resolve the problems," say sponsors.
√ Nuclear accidents like Three Mile Island,Chernobyl, or Fukushima "should never be forgotten, nor repeated," they add.
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The long-running event, the annual Uranium Film Festival, has global reach. The festival has toured to dozens of cities in Brazil, Germany, India, Portugal,Canada, Salvador, and India. What's coming to Los Angeles as the 33rd edition is titled the Atomic Age Film Festival. It's made U.S. stops in New York, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Washington D.C. The goal is to establish the "Atomic Age Film Festival" on all continents.
What You'll See
Of all the films on this sensitive subject, internationally acclaimed German Director Michael Von Hohenberg’s "Final Picture" and his alluring model/actress star Nadine Badewitz are being called, "without doubt, the strongest one yet."
One reviewer wrote, "From the first scene, the audience swiftly lays waste to the oft-repeated saber-rattling threat statements by world leaders who intonate, 'we will survive, our enemies will be vanquished.'"
"Final Picture" could be described in historical cinematic terms. It is the inheritor of the legacy of Stanley Kramer’s "On The Beach" for the Now Generation. Tag Hollywood calls it, "Unnerving and unforgettable, a must see."
Atomic Age Cinema Fest Schedule:
• Noon: "HOT WATER"
• 2 pm: "NUCLEAR SAVAGE: THE ISLANDS OF SECRET PROJECT 4.1"
• 4:15 pm: "FINAL PICTURE"
• 6:30 pm: Red Carpet
• 7:30 pm: "THE MAN WHO SAVED THE WORLD" (first aired as an acclaimed and gripping PBS documentary)
• 9:20 pm: Nuclear Power Panel /Audience Q & A
• 10 pm: After-Party, with live entertainment, in the courtyard.
The 40-minute Panel, 9:20-10 pm, happens on the theatre's stage. The Panel is Harvey Wasserman, co-moderator; Kat Kramer, co-moderator; Mimi Kennedy, actress/activist; Esai Morales, actor/activist; and Libbe HaLevy, host, “Nuclear Hotseat.“
Another in the series of "Kat Kramer's Films That Change the World" will take place in May, 2016, with the screening "THE CHINA SYNDROME."
The festival is April 27, 2016, at Raleigh Studios' Charlie Chaplin Theater, 5300 Melrose Av, Hollywood.
TICKETS are available by sending an email to:
ilenepr@sbcglobal.net
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The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS, arts and industry events, and ticket alerts, available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.
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More soon, as always.
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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 forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds 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 bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
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Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
Fresh Music, Fresh Music News to start your week... including events tonight!
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In this edition...
1) FESTIVALS THIS WEEKEND
2) CONCERTS & EVENTS, THIS WEEK AND ONWARD: RECOMMENDATIONS, BEST SHOWS, BEST VENUES
3) MUSIC CENTER ADDRESSING "FUTURE ART LOVERS"
4) LATEST AMERICANA RADIO AIRPLAY CHART
5) TOM WILSON, JUNO NOM, AS LEE HARVEY OSMOND, DEBUTS HIS "ACID-FOLK" FOR "BLUEGRASS SITUATION"
6) FRONTIER FOLK NEBRASKA: WHAT? AREN'T THEY ROCKERS? FROM CINCINNATI?
Jump right in!
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# 1 news feature...
FESTIVALS THIS WEEKEND...
• Sat, Apr 2; 1-6 pm: 9th Annual "DON THOMPSON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL" in the Ray Stark Family Theatre, School of Cinematic Arts 108, on the USC University Park Campus in L.A. Tickets required, available in advance. This Film Festival celebrates the work of USC’s emerging LGBT and ally filmmakers. Started eight years ago as a small scholarship fundraiser by the running group "L.A. Frontrunners," the festival has become a dynamic USC Lambda signature event. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Don Thompson Scholarship in Cinematic Arts, given to an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in the USC School of Cinematic Arts who demonstrates a commitment to advancing LGBT issues through creative work, scholarship, and/or community engagement. The event featured film screenings, awards, and a reception. Info and tix:
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• Sun, Apr 3; 3 pm: Annual "MARIACHI FESTIVAL" with performances by Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, Mariachi Garibaldi (Southwestern College), Mariachi Toreros (Univ. of San Diego), and Ballet Folklorico Tierra Caliente, at the California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Bl, Escondido 92025; 800-988-4253.
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# 2 news feature...
CONCERTS & EVENTS, THIS WEEK AND ONWARD: RECOMMENDATIONS, BEST SHOWS, BEST VENUES
Featured music & arts events, listed BY VENUE. All are recommended by the Guide.
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The COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE, McCABE's, BOULEVARD MUSIC, THE FRET HOUSE, THE GRAND ANNEX, and ALVAS SHOWROOM schedules were published last Thursday. They are easy to access in that edition.
HERE are things you haven't seen yet — including some happening TONIGHT!
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√ L.A. CO. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, 900 Exposition Bl, Los Angeles 90007; www.nhm.org
• Friday, April 1; 5 pm: FREE monthly "FIRST FRIDAYS — Big Screen, Bigger Science" series, in which scientists discuss the good, the bad, and the ridiculous in film, and how Hollywood continues to inspire the next frontier of science exploration. This evening features an exhibit tour, 5-5:30 pm, then more, including live music. The keynote lecture is at 6:30 pm: “In Space, No One Can Hear You Emote,” with Dr. Sean Carroll, Caltech professor of physics, and Prof. Clifford V. Johnson, Physics, USC, who explore the influence of movies on our perceptions and expectations of space and time travel. Moderator is Patt Morrison. Also, music performances: Night Beats, and Car Seat Headrest. Plus, the DJ Lounge with KCRW DJ Aaron Byrd featuring Mo: Rockin. We'll take the science lecture, thank you. Adv. tix $18, on sale now, or at the door. Parking is $12 (cash or credit card) in the Museum’s Car Park on Exposition Bl & Bill Robertson Ln. Tix & info: www.nhm.org/site/activities-programs/first-fridays/april-2016
• info us coming soon on the "Summer Nights in the Garden" music series. It'll post at: www.nhm.org
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√ "VISIONS & VOICES" ARTS / MUSIC SERIES at USC, University Park Campus (adjacent to Exposition Park), Los Angeles;
FOUR events this week...
• Mon, Mar 28; 7 pm: ASIAN PACIFIC LITERATURE is explored in "Rolling the R’s: Literary Revolutions in the Asian Pacific Diaspora," in Friends of the USC Libraries Lecture Hall, Doheny Memorial Library Room 240. Reception and book signing follow. Admission is free and open to everyone; advance reservations are full, but tickets will be available at the event check-in on a first-come, first-served basis. Check-in begins at 6:15 pm. "Twenty years ago, a new generation of Asian Pacific American writers from island nations published their first novels—and changed American literature."
• Tue, Mar 29; 7:30 pm: ★★ "HISTORY OF THE CELLO: The Music of the Cello from Baroque through Modern," in the Alfred Newman Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to everyone, reservations required and still available online at press time. Rush tickets will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 6:45 pm. Ralph Kirshbaum, chair of the USC Thornton School of Music Strings Department and one of the world’s top cellists, moderates a riveting presentation featuring the best of the cello repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and modern eras. The evening explores different styles, fingering and bowing choices, the aesthetic and technical range of the instrument, and the relationship between cello music and other art forms. Enjoy a recital of the works discussed, plus a surprise or two.
• Thu, Mar 31; 4 pm: ★★★ "THE WAYS MUSIC AFFECTS THE HUMAN MIND" is explored in this unique event, "Music and Medicine: Experiments and Explorations," presented in the USC Medical Humanities, Arts, and Ethics Series, in Mayer Auditorium, on the Health Sciences Campus (next to USC County Medical Center, NOT the Univ. Park Campus.) Reception follows. Admission is free and open to everyone. Seating in Mayer Auditorium is limited and not guaranteed. An overflow room will be available with a live video simulcast of the event. Advance reservations are full, BUT tickets will be available at the event check-in on a first-come, first-served basis. Check-in begins at 3:30 pm. So, how does music affect the human brain? Berislav Zlokovic, director of the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, a leader in Alzheimer’s disease research, and a classically-trained tenor — whom Thomson Reuters has listed among “the world’s most influential scientific minds” — moderates a fascinating discussion with world-renowned neurologist Marcus Raichle; harpist and PhD candidate at the USC Davis School of Gerontology Alison Balbag; Christopher Snowdy, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry; Assal Habibi, research scientist at the Brain and Creativity Institute at USC; and singers from L.A. Opera who have participated in the "Music and Memories" program, in which young singers perform for individuals affected by dementia. Concert pianist Zora Mihailovich also performs in this multidisciplinary event illuminating the ways music impacts the mind.
• Sat, Apr 2; Noon: "MADAMA BUTTERFLY" in a breathtaking new production by The Metropolitan Opera, via satellite in HD. Pre-Opera Discussion at noon. HD Opera Broadcast at 1 pm. Both in the Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre/Frank Sinatra Hall. Admission is free and open to everyone. Advance reservations are full, but tickets are available at the event check-in on a standby basis. Check-in begins at 11:30 am. Following a pre-opera discussion hosted by Ken Cazan, chair of vocal arts and opera/resident stage director at the USC Thornton School of Music, the USC School of Cinematic Arts hosts this delayed satellite broadcast of Anthony Minghella’s breathtaking production of "Madama Butterfly" — a production that has wowed audiences since its premiere in 2006. One of the world’s foremost Butterflys, soprano Kristine Opolais, takes on the title role, and Roberto Alagna sings Pinkerton, the naval officer who breaks Butterfly’s heart. Karel Mark Chichon conducts. Presented in HD digital projection and 5.1 surround sound.
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Make FREE reservations NOW (coming soon)...
• Thu, Apr 14; 7 pm: ★★★ "UNTIL, UNTIL, UNTIL..." by Edgar Arceneaux, in The Ray Stark Family Theatre, School of Cinematic Arts 108. Admission is free and open to everyone. Reservations required. Acclaimed artist Edgar Arceneaux and special guests present the world-premiere screening of Arceneaux's "Until, Until, Until..." The film investigates the late Broadway legend BEN VEREEN’s infamous 1981 performance that was televised nationally as part of Ronald Reagan’s inaugural celebration. Intended as an homage to vaudevillian Bert Williams — America’s first mainstream black entertainer — the final five minutes of the performance were censored for the television audience. It meant that Vereen’s biting commentary on the history of segregation and racist stereotypes inthe the history of performance in America was lost, never seen by the entire viewing audience of millions at home. "Until, Until, Until..." is based on the footage that never aired that night. "The piece questions the truth of past narratives and creates an opportunity to reconsider our collective understanding of historic events." Organized by Nao Bustamante and the USC Roski School of Art and Design.
• Sat, Apr 16; 7:30 pm: "FUNERAL DOOM SPIRITUAL: For Male Soprano, Piano, and Electronics," is a performance by M. Lamar at Tommy’s Place, in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center. Admission is free and open to everyone. Reservations required and now open. From the ashes and ruins of long dead earth and the infinite blacknesses of what will be the year 2116 emerges M. Lamar’s dystopian tale. "Drawing on themes of apocalypse, end times, and rapture found in Negro Spirituals, this new performance by Lamar explores radical historical expressions and futuristic longings for DESTRUCTION of the white supremacist world order." Following the performance, Lamar will engage in a discussion with Tucker Culbertson, assistant professor of law and LGBT studies at Syracuse University College of Law. The performance is presented in conjunction with the similarly themed exhibition of Lamar’s work at ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives at the USC Libraries, opening April 15.
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THIS WEEK: Reservations become available for...
• Mon, Apr 18; 4 pm: "MICROLIBRARIES IN THE EVERYWHERE" Part II: Exhibit Opening and Discussion, at the Friends of the USC Libraries Lecture Hall, Doheny Memorial Library Room 240. Admission is free and open to everyone. Reservations required. Last year, the Guide told you about the concept and the events for "Part I." This "Part II" opening is the "Microlibraries in the Everywhere" exhibit in Doheny Memorial Library. The event explores "the moral and ethical dimensions of free access to knowledge" with California State Librarian Greg Lucas, USC professor of architecture Lee Olvera, and the creators of ten new microlibraries that contain unique collections of books and other materials, functioning as pieces of public art, vessels of information, and sites of curated knowledge that interact with historic and present communities of inquiry across the USC campus — and offering a model for dissemination just about anywhere. The exhibition will be on view from April 18 to July 31. By April 22, ten exciting collaboratively created microlibraries will be installed in campus locations. Organized by the USC Libraries, USC School of Architecture, and USC Sidney Harman Academy for Polymathic Study. Online reservations for the event open Tue, Mar 29, at 9 am.
• Tue, Apr 26; 7 pm: a just-added event features Chilean rapper ANA TIJOUX. Admission is free and open to everyone; reservations required. “South America’s answer to Lauryn Hill.” — New York Times.
• Wed, Apr 27; 7:30 pm: "MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY" performs in "A Visions and Voices Signature Event," in Bovard Auditorium. ADMISSION: FREE for USC Students, Staff, and Faculty with Valid ID (one free ticket per ID) $25 for USC Alumni, $30.General Public. The close of the tenth season of the Visions and Voices series is this performance by the extraordinary dance company. Informed by the expansive vision of pioneering choreographer Martha Graham, the company brings to life a timeless style of dance that has influenced generations of artists and continues to captivate audiences. Graham and the company that bears her name have forever altered the scope of dance by rooting works in contemporary social, political, psychological, and sexual contexts. Graham’s groundbreaking techniques and unmistakable style have earned the company acclaim from audiences around the world. Expect an exceptional performance showcasing masterpieces by Graham and her contemporaries alongside newly commissioned works inspired by her legacy. The evening also includes a classic Graham work performed by the inaugural class of the USC Kaufman School of Dance. Tix available online beginning Wednesday, March 30, at 9 am.
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Ahead at USC...
• May 15: "Piatigorsky International Cello Festival Concert."
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Details on all these and other events, and RESERVATIONS, are available on the Visions and Voices site, at:
www.visionsandvoices.usc.edu.
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# 3 news feature...
MUSIC CENTER ADDRESSING "FUTURE ART LOVERS"
Imagine being able to help more than 80,000 Los Angeles County schoolchildren begin a journey that could lead to a lifelong passion for the arts. The Los Angeles Music Center — the people who operate that iconic complex of landmark buildings surrounding the plaza atop Bunker Hill — are again deploying "Music Center on Tour," taking musicians and other performing artists to school assemblies.
Each year, Music Center On Tour introduces thousands of students to the world of the performing arts through performances in their schools. It's a real, not virtual, experience, which, in the words of the folks who do it, "provides students with access to rich educational content that celebrates cultural diversity and artistic excellence."
To be sure, they have a roster of artists representing some of the finest artistic contributions of the world’s cultures.
Producers tell us, "There is no better testament to the power of the arts than witnessing students open their eyes — and hearts — to live performance! From dancing along to the exuberant rhythms of Brazil, to the golden harmonies of 20th century America, our school assemblies make classroom curriculum come to life."
Last year, The Music Center presented 452 school assemblies. This spring, they hope to surpass that number. They've set a fundraising goal of $5,000 to propel "Music Center On Tour."
They welcome your support at:
www.musiccenter.org
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# 4 news feature...
LATEST AMERICANA RADIO AIRPLAY CHART
From time to time, the Guide offers readers a look at the Americana Airplay chart. We feel obligated, since so little Folk-Americana radio is available in Los Angeles. Now hold on: that's a statement addressing quantity, not quality. We DO have a few good radio shows. Thing is, we have such a VERY few Folk-Americana radio shows in L.A. — fewer than anywhere in America. Even though L.A. is by far the nation's largest radio market, it is, without question, the nation's least diverse, least inclusive market. In terms of the Americana chart? It's simply an impossibility to hear much of what's on the chart if too few hours are available each week for the genre. So this gives you an idea what to look for, online.
The chart represents the reported play of 'purt near everything: terrestrial radio stations, nationally syndicated radio shows, satellite radio, and internet stations — all who have agreed to submit weekly spin counts. You can get more info at: www.americanamusic.org.
Here are the latest charts.
NEWEST: Top 5 Most Added Last Week
Artist: Title; Label:
• Mark Erelli: For A Song; Independent.
• Elephant Revival: Petals; It's Evolving Records/Thirty Tigers.
• Hackensaw Boys: Charismo; Free Dirt.
• Hayes Carll: Lovers And Leavers; Highway 87/Thirty Tigers.
• Margo Price: Midwest Farmer's Daughter; Third Man.
• Teddy Thompson & Kelly Jones: Little Windows; Cooking Vinyl.
Latest full chart...
AMERICANA TOP 40
Week of Monday, March 28, 2016
Chart placement. ARTIST: Title; Label:
1. TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND: Let Me Get By; Fantasy/Concord.
2. BONNIE RAITT: Dig In Deep; Red Wing.
3. LUCINDA WILLIAMS: The Ghosts Of Highway 20; Highway 20/Thirty Tigers.
4. PARKER MILLSAP: The Very Last Day; Okrahoma/Thirty Tigers.
5. LORETTA LYNN: Full Circle; Legacy/Sony Music.
6. HAYES CARLL: Lovers And Leavers; Highway 87/Thirty Tigers.
7. CARRIE RODRIGUEZ: Lola Luz; Thirty Tigers.
8. AUBRIE SELLERS: New City Blues; Thirty Tigers.
9. DYLAN LEBLANC: Cautionary Tale; Single Lock/Thirty Tigers.
10. WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE: Wynonna & The Big Noise; Curb.
11. INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS: Ladies & Gentlemen; Compass.
12. CACTUS BLOSSOMS: You're Dreaming; Red House.
13. VARIOUS - THE SONGS OF BLIND WILLIE JOHNSON: God Don't Never Change; Alligator.
14. BUDDY MILLER & FRIENDS: Cayamo Sessions At Sea; New West.
15. RECORD COMPANY: Give It Back To You; Concord.
16. LUTHER DICKINSON: Blues & Ballads; New West.
17. JAMES HUNTER SIX: Hold On!; Daptone.
18. AOIFE O'DONOVAN: Magic Hour; Yep Roc.
19. NATHANIEL RATELIFF AND THE NIGHTSWEATS: Nathaniel Rateliff and The Nightsweats; Stax/Concord.
20. GRANT LEE PHILLIPS: The Narrows; Yep Roc.
21. MARGO PRICE: Midwest Farmer's Daughter; Third Man.
22. MALCOLM HOLCOMBE: Another Black Hole; Proper.
23. ANDERSON EAST: Delilah; Elektra.
24. BIRDS OF CHICAGO: Real Midnight; Independent.
25. SIERRA HULL: Weighted Mind; Rounder/Concord.
26. LUMINEERS: Cleopatra; Dualtone.
27. JOSH RITTER: Sermon On The Rocks; Pytheas Recordings/Thirty Tigers.
28. SARAH BORGES: Good And Dirty; Dry Lightning Records/RED.
29. LARRY KEEL: Experienced Keel; Fish Music.
30. HENRY WAGONS: After What I Did Last Night; Goldview/Metropolitan Groove Merchants.
31. RANDY ROGERS BAND: Nothing Shines Like Neon; Tommy Jackson/Thirty Tigers.
(Debut) 32. TEDDY THOMPSON & KELLY JONES: Little Windows; Cooking Vinyl.
33. GREEN RIVER ORDINANCE: Fifteen; Residence Music.
34. BOB WOODRUFF: The Year We Tried To Kill The Pain; Steel Derrick.
(Debut) 35. JANIVA MAGNESS: Love Wins Again; Blue Elan Records.
36. SHOVELS & ROPE: Busted Jukebox Volume 1; Shrimp Records/Dualtone.
(Debut) 37. ROOSEVELTS: The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn; Independent.
38. TAMI NEILSON: Dynamite!; Outside Music.
39. DORI FREEMAN: Dori Freeman; Free Dirt.
(Debut) 40. SEAN WATKINS: What To Fear; Family Hour/Thirty Tigers.
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# 5 news feature...
TOM WILSON, JUNO NOM, AS LEE HARVEY OSMOND, DEBUTS HIS "ACID-FOLK" FOR "BLUEGRASS SITUATION"
What do you make of this when you first encounter it? A "Bluegrass Situation" debut-? Attractive charge. "Acid folk project"-? Repelling charge. That name-? Sheeesh.
Nobody, but nobody, names their kid "Lee Harvey" -anything. And this guy, Tom Wilson, picks it for himself. But if you dig, he is known as a member of the Americana trio Blackie & the Rodeo Kings. Jason Isbell lends vocals on Wilson's composition, "Land of The Living," for a forthcoming Blackie & the Rodeo Kings album. So that increases the comfort zone.
All that is stage dressing for Wilson / Osmond's new full-length album "BEAUTIFUL SCARS," released March 25 via Latent Recording and distributed by Megaforce/RED.
As with anything in music, ultimately it comes down to "What's it sound like?"
Well, on March 18, this guy, Wilson, or Osmond — a 2016 Juno Award-nominee for "Contemporary Roots Album of the Year" and an obviously multi-faceted artist — partnered with "The Bluegrass Situation" to premiere the video for the album's single, "Blue Moon Drive."
That can be viewed at: http://thebluegrasssituation.com/read/watch-lee-harvey-osmond-blue-moon-drive
Now he's getting additional bookings for an already-set tour, with dates ahead in Chicago, Dallas, L.A., Phoenix, and Seattle. (We have the L.A. show info, below.)
"No Depression" noted the album, "...brings to mind the imagined result of an unholy alliance between Tom Waits and Nick Cave, one that might also find Leonard Cohen lurking in the dark shadows. Happily then, Wilson's ominous growl syncs well with the album's general sway and rumble, making for an insurgent sound if ever there was one." (3/20/2016.)
"Elmore" Magazine says, "Wilson's an inspired songwriter, constantly picking at scabs. This album offers ten fine tunes...they all have merit." (3/24/2016.)
"BEAUTIFUL SCARS" was produced by the Cowboy Junkies' Michael Timmins. Wilson — as Osmond — has announced U.S. shows running throughout spring and into summer, starting in Buffalo, NY on April 13 and reaching the West Coast before wrapping in Alberta, Canada at the "Bear Creek Folk Festival." Clearly, his sound is finding a far-flung fan base.
In "POPMATTERS," Sarah Zupko described one song as "...dark, haunting grooves blended with low, raspy, whispery vocals that recall Alabama 3 at their very best." (2/5/2016.)
The album's cover depicts Wilson as a powerful, raw and warrior-like figure, a result of his discovering at age 55 that his cousin was actually his mother and of Mohawk heritage, not Irish as he was raised to believe.
"That's actually how I feel as an artist," Wilson explains. "At 56, I'm just emerging from the woods, with all of this new knowledge of who I am."
BEAUTIFUL SCARS was originally released in Canada, hence the Juno nom. "The album is where I am now," Wilson says, adding, "It was made during this discovery."
Wilson adds: "I didn't know where the inspiration was from, and I'm not a cosmic guy, but if you see my art or listen to what I've been writing about on this album, I've been documenting this through the fu*king cosmos for the last couple of years."
There are two Southern Cal TOUR DATES for him as LEE HARVEY OSMOND:
• Mon, May 16: The Troubadour, Los Angeles.
• Tue, May 17: The Music Box, San Diego.
"...LEE HARVEY OSMOND is his most unusual undertaking to date, boasting a style that's both soft and sinister in equal measure...three albums on, they project a persona that might have been birthed in the bayou before slowly and deliberately snaking its way through the swamp... the sly shuffle of 'Laser Without Your Love,' the vampish 'Blue Moon Drive' and the jazzier approach of 'Black Spruce' find Wilson spreading his wings...yet,the best offerings of the album are also the most subdued - the measured 'Hey, Hey, Hey,' the raspy sprawl of the slower paced 'Planet Love' and the solemn,somber balladry of 'Dreams Come and Go.' Each brings to mind the imagined result of an unholy alliance between Tom Waits and Nick Cave, one that might also find Leonard Cohen lurking in the dark shadows. Happily then,Wilson's ominous growl syncs well with the album's general sway and rumble,making for an insurgent sound if ever there was one." — Lee Zimmerman, "NO DEPRESSION," March 20, 2016.
"Beautiful Scars is like nothing out there right now. If you're a fan of Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, or the movies of David Lynch and Jim Jarmusch, this is the album for you. It's deep,powerful and strangely seductive." — Luke Goldstein, BLOGCRITICS.ORG, March 27, 2016.
"Osmond (whose real name is Tom Wilson) is no stranger to the world of music. Lots of folks already knew/know him as a member of the bands Junkhouse and Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. But it seems as if the music he's making as a solo artist is the stuff that's really capturing peoples' hearts and imagination...Beautiful Scars is cut from the same fabric as Osmond's last album (The Folk Sinner). The songs are subdued and slightly spooky. But it's those vocals that really make the mark. Tom has a great deep focused voice that really grabs you and doesn't let go." — BABYSUE.COM, February 29, 2016.
"'Blue Moon Drive' encapsulated the molten, mysterious feeling that stands out on the new Beautiful Scars album, with silvery slide guitar from Tom's old colleague and friend Colin Linden... Then came a righteous stomper and a set-closing, sexy slow walker called 'Freedom' with Linden playing righteously reverby Gretsch electric guitar. Lee Harvey's low whisper and rumble of a voice was thrilling and the mood was consistently in a minor key. It was like opening the show with a modern day film noir soundtrack." — Craig Havighurst, MUSICCITYROOTS.COM, February 19, 2016.
"...Wilson's alter-ego Lee Harvey Osmond lives up to both the moniker and his immense talents on Beautiful Scars... a monster of a songwriter and performer, Wilson's subtle extravaganzas contain elements in both lyrics and groove that push and pull like adverse forces... Wilson's voice echoes, and the music shakes like a Shaman rattling bones." — Tom Clarke, TAHOEONSTAGE.COM, March 23, 2016.
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# 6 news feature...
FRONTIER FOLK NEBRASKA: WHAT? AREN'T THEY ROCKERS? FROM CINCINNATI?
... and now for something completely different.
Frontier Folk Nebraska's name has only one word that's marginally truthful: frontier, since it's pushing the envelope to use the other two words when they aren't at all accurate. Y'see, they're an alt-rocker bunch from Ohio. But fans on the plains love 'em. Enough so, that their tour schedule isn't bringing them west of the Great Plains states.
So we're telling you about them and their new live album — it with the year's wordiest title, "This One's For the Kid in The Back: Live at the Southgate House Revival." It premiered at Glide Magazine, and it comes out April 1st on Old Flame Records.
In their review for the premiere, Glide said the album sounds as if "the Old 97's met The Hold Steady in a back alley for a joint and came up with a way to fuse their sounds."
Well, mebbe. The band's track, "Desert Car Chase," recently premiered with The Wild Honey Pie who describes it as "an ode to classic American rock & roll," adding, "the song is unprocessed and natural — the electric guitar/snare drum combo is assertive and driven, the vocals are coarse and resilient and the lyrics are young and reckless."
The band has previously shared "Buffalo Summer" via Relix.
With true honest rock and roll spirit, three full length albums, appearances on Daytrotter and the legendary now defunct WOXY, and opening spots for acclaimed acts including Jason Isbell, Damien Jurado, Pierced Arrows, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, and Polyphonic Spree, Frontier Folk Nebraska brought their music to this record live. Recorded over two nights in August 2015 at the Newport, Kentucky venue Southgate House Revival, the band plowed through nearly 30 tunes — staying true to its longstanding approach of no setlist — then chose the strongest 18 tracks to create a powerhouse live album in the tradition of "Live at Leeds," "At Fillmore East," "Get Yer Ya Ya's Out," and "Live Rust."
Formed in 2007 around the principle songwriting of Michael Hensley, Frontier Folk Nebraska's current lineup solidified in 2014 with the new rhythm section of veteran drummer Mark Becknell and Matt McCormick, all joining Hensley's long time collaborator, guitarist Travis Talbert. The following year, they released their critically acclaimed LP, "Frontier F**k Nebraska."
Touring in their signature 1999 Ford F150, the band continues to bring their thunderous live show to stages across the midwest.
"Frontier Folk Nebraska believes in the continuing relevance of a classic‐era kind of alt‐rock that flirts with occasional messiness in order to let its organically electric sound come together... Neither from Nebraska nor a folk group, Frontier Folk Nebraska is instead a Cincinnati band that sounds like the Replacements attacking power pop with their thrashing guitar‐and‐drum energy kept in check by their love for melody and appealing song structure.” — Steve Rosen, Blurt Magazine.
"This One's For the Kid in the Back: Live at the Southgate House Revival" is available for sample listening and pre-order at the band's site:
https://frontierfolknebraska.bandcamp.com/album/this-ones-for-the-kid-in-the-back-live-at-the-southgate-house-revival
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The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.
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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 forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds 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 bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
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In this edition...
1) FESTIVALS THIS WEEKEND
2) CONCERTS & EVENTS, THIS WEEK AND ONWARD: RECOMMENDATIONS, BEST SHOWS, BEST VENUES
3) MUSIC CENTER ADDRESSING "FUTURE ART LOVERS"
4) LATEST AMERICANA RADIO AIRPLAY CHART
5) TOM WILSON, JUNO NOM, AS LEE HARVEY OSMOND, DEBUTS HIS "ACID-FOLK" FOR "BLUEGRASS SITUATION"
6) FRONTIER FOLK NEBRASKA: WHAT? AREN'T THEY ROCKERS? FROM CINCINNATI?
Jump right in!
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# 1 news feature...
FESTIVALS THIS WEEKEND...
• Sat, Apr 2; 1-6 pm: 9th Annual "DON THOMPSON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL" in the Ray Stark Family Theatre, School of Cinematic Arts 108, on the USC University Park Campus in L.A. Tickets required, available in advance. This Film Festival celebrates the work of USC’s emerging LGBT and ally filmmakers. Started eight years ago as a small scholarship fundraiser by the running group "L.A. Frontrunners," the festival has become a dynamic USC Lambda signature event. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Don Thompson Scholarship in Cinematic Arts, given to an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in the USC School of Cinematic Arts who demonstrates a commitment to advancing LGBT issues through creative work, scholarship, and/or community engagement. The event featured film screenings, awards, and a reception. Info and tix:
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• Sun, Apr 3; 3 pm: Annual "MARIACHI FESTIVAL" with performances by Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, Mariachi Garibaldi (Southwestern College), Mariachi Toreros (Univ. of San Diego), and Ballet Folklorico Tierra Caliente, at the California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Bl, Escondido 92025; 800-988-4253.
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# 2 news feature...
CONCERTS & EVENTS, THIS WEEK AND ONWARD: RECOMMENDATIONS, BEST SHOWS, BEST VENUES
Featured music & arts events, listed BY VENUE. All are recommended by the Guide.
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The COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE, McCABE's, BOULEVARD MUSIC, THE FRET HOUSE, THE GRAND ANNEX, and ALVAS SHOWROOM schedules were published last Thursday. They are easy to access in that edition.
HERE are things you haven't seen yet — including some happening TONIGHT!
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√ L.A. CO. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, 900 Exposition Bl, Los Angeles 90007; www.nhm.org
• Friday, April 1; 5 pm: FREE monthly "FIRST FRIDAYS — Big Screen, Bigger Science" series, in which scientists discuss the good, the bad, and the ridiculous in film, and how Hollywood continues to inspire the next frontier of science exploration. This evening features an exhibit tour, 5-5:30 pm, then more, including live music. The keynote lecture is at 6:30 pm: “In Space, No One Can Hear You Emote,” with Dr. Sean Carroll, Caltech professor of physics, and Prof. Clifford V. Johnson, Physics, USC, who explore the influence of movies on our perceptions and expectations of space and time travel. Moderator is Patt Morrison. Also, music performances: Night Beats, and Car Seat Headrest. Plus, the DJ Lounge with KCRW DJ Aaron Byrd featuring Mo: Rockin. We'll take the science lecture, thank you. Adv. tix $18, on sale now, or at the door. Parking is $12 (cash or credit card) in the Museum’s Car Park on Exposition Bl & Bill Robertson Ln. Tix & info: www.nhm.org/site/activities-programs/first-fridays/april-2016
• info us coming soon on the "Summer Nights in the Garden" music series. It'll post at: www.nhm.org
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√ "VISIONS & VOICES" ARTS / MUSIC SERIES at USC, University Park Campus (adjacent to Exposition Park), Los Angeles;
FOUR events this week...
• Mon, Mar 28; 7 pm: ASIAN PACIFIC LITERATURE is explored in "Rolling the R’s: Literary Revolutions in the Asian Pacific Diaspora," in Friends of the USC Libraries Lecture Hall, Doheny Memorial Library Room 240. Reception and book signing follow. Admission is free and open to everyone; advance reservations are full, but tickets will be available at the event check-in on a first-come, first-served basis. Check-in begins at 6:15 pm. "Twenty years ago, a new generation of Asian Pacific American writers from island nations published their first novels—and changed American literature."
• Tue, Mar 29; 7:30 pm: ★★ "HISTORY OF THE CELLO: The Music of the Cello from Baroque through Modern," in the Alfred Newman Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to everyone, reservations required and still available online at press time. Rush tickets will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 6:45 pm. Ralph Kirshbaum, chair of the USC Thornton School of Music Strings Department and one of the world’s top cellists, moderates a riveting presentation featuring the best of the cello repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and modern eras. The evening explores different styles, fingering and bowing choices, the aesthetic and technical range of the instrument, and the relationship between cello music and other art forms. Enjoy a recital of the works discussed, plus a surprise or two.
• Thu, Mar 31; 4 pm: ★★★ "THE WAYS MUSIC AFFECTS THE HUMAN MIND" is explored in this unique event, "Music and Medicine: Experiments and Explorations," presented in the USC Medical Humanities, Arts, and Ethics Series, in Mayer Auditorium, on the Health Sciences Campus (next to USC County Medical Center, NOT the Univ. Park Campus.) Reception follows. Admission is free and open to everyone. Seating in Mayer Auditorium is limited and not guaranteed. An overflow room will be available with a live video simulcast of the event. Advance reservations are full, BUT tickets will be available at the event check-in on a first-come, first-served basis. Check-in begins at 3:30 pm. So, how does music affect the human brain? Berislav Zlokovic, director of the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, a leader in Alzheimer’s disease research, and a classically-trained tenor — whom Thomson Reuters has listed among “the world’s most influential scientific minds” — moderates a fascinating discussion with world-renowned neurologist Marcus Raichle; harpist and PhD candidate at the USC Davis School of Gerontology Alison Balbag; Christopher Snowdy, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry; Assal Habibi, research scientist at the Brain and Creativity Institute at USC; and singers from L.A. Opera who have participated in the "Music and Memories" program, in which young singers perform for individuals affected by dementia. Concert pianist Zora Mihailovich also performs in this multidisciplinary event illuminating the ways music impacts the mind.
• Sat, Apr 2; Noon: "MADAMA BUTTERFLY" in a breathtaking new production by The Metropolitan Opera, via satellite in HD. Pre-Opera Discussion at noon. HD Opera Broadcast at 1 pm. Both in the Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre/Frank Sinatra Hall. Admission is free and open to everyone. Advance reservations are full, but tickets are available at the event check-in on a standby basis. Check-in begins at 11:30 am. Following a pre-opera discussion hosted by Ken Cazan, chair of vocal arts and opera/resident stage director at the USC Thornton School of Music, the USC School of Cinematic Arts hosts this delayed satellite broadcast of Anthony Minghella’s breathtaking production of "Madama Butterfly" — a production that has wowed audiences since its premiere in 2006. One of the world’s foremost Butterflys, soprano Kristine Opolais, takes on the title role, and Roberto Alagna sings Pinkerton, the naval officer who breaks Butterfly’s heart. Karel Mark Chichon conducts. Presented in HD digital projection and 5.1 surround sound.
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Make FREE reservations NOW (coming soon)...
• Thu, Apr 14; 7 pm: ★★★ "UNTIL, UNTIL, UNTIL..." by Edgar Arceneaux, in The Ray Stark Family Theatre, School of Cinematic Arts 108. Admission is free and open to everyone. Reservations required. Acclaimed artist Edgar Arceneaux and special guests present the world-premiere screening of Arceneaux's "Until, Until, Until..." The film investigates the late Broadway legend BEN VEREEN’s infamous 1981 performance that was televised nationally as part of Ronald Reagan’s inaugural celebration. Intended as an homage to vaudevillian Bert Williams — America’s first mainstream black entertainer — the final five minutes of the performance were censored for the television audience. It meant that Vereen’s biting commentary on the history of segregation and racist stereotypes inthe the history of performance in America was lost, never seen by the entire viewing audience of millions at home. "Until, Until, Until..." is based on the footage that never aired that night. "The piece questions the truth of past narratives and creates an opportunity to reconsider our collective understanding of historic events." Organized by Nao Bustamante and the USC Roski School of Art and Design.
• Sat, Apr 16; 7:30 pm: "FUNERAL DOOM SPIRITUAL: For Male Soprano, Piano, and Electronics," is a performance by M. Lamar at Tommy’s Place, in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center. Admission is free and open to everyone. Reservations required and now open. From the ashes and ruins of long dead earth and the infinite blacknesses of what will be the year 2116 emerges M. Lamar’s dystopian tale. "Drawing on themes of apocalypse, end times, and rapture found in Negro Spirituals, this new performance by Lamar explores radical historical expressions and futuristic longings for DESTRUCTION of the white supremacist world order." Following the performance, Lamar will engage in a discussion with Tucker Culbertson, assistant professor of law and LGBT studies at Syracuse University College of Law. The performance is presented in conjunction with the similarly themed exhibition of Lamar’s work at ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives at the USC Libraries, opening April 15.
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THIS WEEK: Reservations become available for...
• Mon, Apr 18; 4 pm: "MICROLIBRARIES IN THE EVERYWHERE" Part II: Exhibit Opening and Discussion, at the Friends of the USC Libraries Lecture Hall, Doheny Memorial Library Room 240. Admission is free and open to everyone. Reservations required. Last year, the Guide told you about the concept and the events for "Part I." This "Part II" opening is the "Microlibraries in the Everywhere" exhibit in Doheny Memorial Library. The event explores "the moral and ethical dimensions of free access to knowledge" with California State Librarian Greg Lucas, USC professor of architecture Lee Olvera, and the creators of ten new microlibraries that contain unique collections of books and other materials, functioning as pieces of public art, vessels of information, and sites of curated knowledge that interact with historic and present communities of inquiry across the USC campus — and offering a model for dissemination just about anywhere. The exhibition will be on view from April 18 to July 31. By April 22, ten exciting collaboratively created microlibraries will be installed in campus locations. Organized by the USC Libraries, USC School of Architecture, and USC Sidney Harman Academy for Polymathic Study. Online reservations for the event open Tue, Mar 29, at 9 am.
• Tue, Apr 26; 7 pm: a just-added event features Chilean rapper ANA TIJOUX. Admission is free and open to everyone; reservations required. “South America’s answer to Lauryn Hill.” — New York Times.
• Wed, Apr 27; 7:30 pm: "MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY" performs in "A Visions and Voices Signature Event," in Bovard Auditorium. ADMISSION: FREE for USC Students, Staff, and Faculty with Valid ID (one free ticket per ID) $25 for USC Alumni, $30.General Public. The close of the tenth season of the Visions and Voices series is this performance by the extraordinary dance company. Informed by the expansive vision of pioneering choreographer Martha Graham, the company brings to life a timeless style of dance that has influenced generations of artists and continues to captivate audiences. Graham and the company that bears her name have forever altered the scope of dance by rooting works in contemporary social, political, psychological, and sexual contexts. Graham’s groundbreaking techniques and unmistakable style have earned the company acclaim from audiences around the world. Expect an exceptional performance showcasing masterpieces by Graham and her contemporaries alongside newly commissioned works inspired by her legacy. The evening also includes a classic Graham work performed by the inaugural class of the USC Kaufman School of Dance. Tix available online beginning Wednesday, March 30, at 9 am.
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Ahead at USC...
• May 15: "Piatigorsky International Cello Festival Concert."
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Details on all these and other events, and RESERVATIONS, are available on the Visions and Voices site, at:
www.visionsandvoices.usc.edu.
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# 3 news feature...
MUSIC CENTER ADDRESSING "FUTURE ART LOVERS"
Imagine being able to help more than 80,000 Los Angeles County schoolchildren begin a journey that could lead to a lifelong passion for the arts. The Los Angeles Music Center — the people who operate that iconic complex of landmark buildings surrounding the plaza atop Bunker Hill — are again deploying "Music Center on Tour," taking musicians and other performing artists to school assemblies.
Each year, Music Center On Tour introduces thousands of students to the world of the performing arts through performances in their schools. It's a real, not virtual, experience, which, in the words of the folks who do it, "provides students with access to rich educational content that celebrates cultural diversity and artistic excellence."
To be sure, they have a roster of artists representing some of the finest artistic contributions of the world’s cultures.
Producers tell us, "There is no better testament to the power of the arts than witnessing students open their eyes — and hearts — to live performance! From dancing along to the exuberant rhythms of Brazil, to the golden harmonies of 20th century America, our school assemblies make classroom curriculum come to life."
Last year, The Music Center presented 452 school assemblies. This spring, they hope to surpass that number. They've set a fundraising goal of $5,000 to propel "Music Center On Tour."
They welcome your support at:
www.musiccenter.org
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# 4 news feature...
LATEST AMERICANA RADIO AIRPLAY CHART
From time to time, the Guide offers readers a look at the Americana Airplay chart. We feel obligated, since so little Folk-Americana radio is available in Los Angeles. Now hold on: that's a statement addressing quantity, not quality. We DO have a few good radio shows. Thing is, we have such a VERY few Folk-Americana radio shows in L.A. — fewer than anywhere in America. Even though L.A. is by far the nation's largest radio market, it is, without question, the nation's least diverse, least inclusive market. In terms of the Americana chart? It's simply an impossibility to hear much of what's on the chart if too few hours are available each week for the genre. So this gives you an idea what to look for, online.
The chart represents the reported play of 'purt near everything: terrestrial radio stations, nationally syndicated radio shows, satellite radio, and internet stations — all who have agreed to submit weekly spin counts. You can get more info at: www.americanamusic.org.
Here are the latest charts.
NEWEST: Top 5 Most Added Last Week
Artist: Title; Label:
• Mark Erelli: For A Song; Independent.
• Elephant Revival: Petals; It's Evolving Records/Thirty Tigers.
• Hackensaw Boys: Charismo; Free Dirt.
• Hayes Carll: Lovers And Leavers; Highway 87/Thirty Tigers.
• Margo Price: Midwest Farmer's Daughter; Third Man.
• Teddy Thompson & Kelly Jones: Little Windows; Cooking Vinyl.
Latest full chart...
AMERICANA TOP 40
Week of Monday, March 28, 2016
Chart placement. ARTIST: Title; Label:
1. TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND: Let Me Get By; Fantasy/Concord.
2. BONNIE RAITT: Dig In Deep; Red Wing.
3. LUCINDA WILLIAMS: The Ghosts Of Highway 20; Highway 20/Thirty Tigers.
4. PARKER MILLSAP: The Very Last Day; Okrahoma/Thirty Tigers.
5. LORETTA LYNN: Full Circle; Legacy/Sony Music.
6. HAYES CARLL: Lovers And Leavers; Highway 87/Thirty Tigers.
7. CARRIE RODRIGUEZ: Lola Luz; Thirty Tigers.
8. AUBRIE SELLERS: New City Blues; Thirty Tigers.
9. DYLAN LEBLANC: Cautionary Tale; Single Lock/Thirty Tigers.
10. WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE: Wynonna & The Big Noise; Curb.
11. INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS: Ladies & Gentlemen; Compass.
12. CACTUS BLOSSOMS: You're Dreaming; Red House.
13. VARIOUS - THE SONGS OF BLIND WILLIE JOHNSON: God Don't Never Change; Alligator.
14. BUDDY MILLER & FRIENDS: Cayamo Sessions At Sea; New West.
15. RECORD COMPANY: Give It Back To You; Concord.
16. LUTHER DICKINSON: Blues & Ballads; New West.
17. JAMES HUNTER SIX: Hold On!; Daptone.
18. AOIFE O'DONOVAN: Magic Hour; Yep Roc.
19. NATHANIEL RATELIFF AND THE NIGHTSWEATS: Nathaniel Rateliff and The Nightsweats; Stax/Concord.
20. GRANT LEE PHILLIPS: The Narrows; Yep Roc.
21. MARGO PRICE: Midwest Farmer's Daughter; Third Man.
22. MALCOLM HOLCOMBE: Another Black Hole; Proper.
23. ANDERSON EAST: Delilah; Elektra.
24. BIRDS OF CHICAGO: Real Midnight; Independent.
25. SIERRA HULL: Weighted Mind; Rounder/Concord.
26. LUMINEERS: Cleopatra; Dualtone.
27. JOSH RITTER: Sermon On The Rocks; Pytheas Recordings/Thirty Tigers.
28. SARAH BORGES: Good And Dirty; Dry Lightning Records/RED.
29. LARRY KEEL: Experienced Keel; Fish Music.
30. HENRY WAGONS: After What I Did Last Night; Goldview/Metropolitan Groove Merchants.
31. RANDY ROGERS BAND: Nothing Shines Like Neon; Tommy Jackson/Thirty Tigers.
(Debut) 32. TEDDY THOMPSON & KELLY JONES: Little Windows; Cooking Vinyl.
33. GREEN RIVER ORDINANCE: Fifteen; Residence Music.
34. BOB WOODRUFF: The Year We Tried To Kill The Pain; Steel Derrick.
(Debut) 35. JANIVA MAGNESS: Love Wins Again; Blue Elan Records.
36. SHOVELS & ROPE: Busted Jukebox Volume 1; Shrimp Records/Dualtone.
(Debut) 37. ROOSEVELTS: The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn; Independent.
38. TAMI NEILSON: Dynamite!; Outside Music.
39. DORI FREEMAN: Dori Freeman; Free Dirt.
(Debut) 40. SEAN WATKINS: What To Fear; Family Hour/Thirty Tigers.
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# 5 news feature...
TOM WILSON, JUNO NOM, AS LEE HARVEY OSMOND, DEBUTS HIS "ACID-FOLK" FOR "BLUEGRASS SITUATION"
What do you make of this when you first encounter it? A "Bluegrass Situation" debut-? Attractive charge. "Acid folk project"-? Repelling charge. That name-? Sheeesh.
Nobody, but nobody, names their kid "Lee Harvey" -anything. And this guy, Tom Wilson, picks it for himself. But if you dig, he is known as a member of the Americana trio Blackie & the Rodeo Kings. Jason Isbell lends vocals on Wilson's composition, "Land of The Living," for a forthcoming Blackie & the Rodeo Kings album. So that increases the comfort zone.
All that is stage dressing for Wilson / Osmond's new full-length album "BEAUTIFUL SCARS," released March 25 via Latent Recording and distributed by Megaforce/RED.
As with anything in music, ultimately it comes down to "What's it sound like?"
Well, on March 18, this guy, Wilson, or Osmond — a 2016 Juno Award-nominee for "Contemporary Roots Album of the Year" and an obviously multi-faceted artist — partnered with "The Bluegrass Situation" to premiere the video for the album's single, "Blue Moon Drive."
That can be viewed at: http://thebluegrasssituation.com/read/watch-lee-harvey-osmond-blue-moon-drive
Now he's getting additional bookings for an already-set tour, with dates ahead in Chicago, Dallas, L.A., Phoenix, and Seattle. (We have the L.A. show info, below.)
"No Depression" noted the album, "...brings to mind the imagined result of an unholy alliance between Tom Waits and Nick Cave, one that might also find Leonard Cohen lurking in the dark shadows. Happily then, Wilson's ominous growl syncs well with the album's general sway and rumble, making for an insurgent sound if ever there was one." (3/20/2016.)
"Elmore" Magazine says, "Wilson's an inspired songwriter, constantly picking at scabs. This album offers ten fine tunes...they all have merit." (3/24/2016.)
"BEAUTIFUL SCARS" was produced by the Cowboy Junkies' Michael Timmins. Wilson — as Osmond — has announced U.S. shows running throughout spring and into summer, starting in Buffalo, NY on April 13 and reaching the West Coast before wrapping in Alberta, Canada at the "Bear Creek Folk Festival." Clearly, his sound is finding a far-flung fan base.
In "POPMATTERS," Sarah Zupko described one song as "...dark, haunting grooves blended with low, raspy, whispery vocals that recall Alabama 3 at their very best." (2/5/2016.)
The album's cover depicts Wilson as a powerful, raw and warrior-like figure, a result of his discovering at age 55 that his cousin was actually his mother and of Mohawk heritage, not Irish as he was raised to believe.
"That's actually how I feel as an artist," Wilson explains. "At 56, I'm just emerging from the woods, with all of this new knowledge of who I am."
BEAUTIFUL SCARS was originally released in Canada, hence the Juno nom. "The album is where I am now," Wilson says, adding, "It was made during this discovery."
Wilson adds: "I didn't know where the inspiration was from, and I'm not a cosmic guy, but if you see my art or listen to what I've been writing about on this album, I've been documenting this through the fu*king cosmos for the last couple of years."
There are two Southern Cal TOUR DATES for him as LEE HARVEY OSMOND:
• Mon, May 16: The Troubadour, Los Angeles.
• Tue, May 17: The Music Box, San Diego.
"...LEE HARVEY OSMOND is his most unusual undertaking to date, boasting a style that's both soft and sinister in equal measure...three albums on, they project a persona that might have been birthed in the bayou before slowly and deliberately snaking its way through the swamp... the sly shuffle of 'Laser Without Your Love,' the vampish 'Blue Moon Drive' and the jazzier approach of 'Black Spruce' find Wilson spreading his wings...yet,the best offerings of the album are also the most subdued - the measured 'Hey, Hey, Hey,' the raspy sprawl of the slower paced 'Planet Love' and the solemn,somber balladry of 'Dreams Come and Go.' Each brings to mind the imagined result of an unholy alliance between Tom Waits and Nick Cave, one that might also find Leonard Cohen lurking in the dark shadows. Happily then,Wilson's ominous growl syncs well with the album's general sway and rumble,making for an insurgent sound if ever there was one." — Lee Zimmerman, "NO DEPRESSION," March 20, 2016.
"Beautiful Scars is like nothing out there right now. If you're a fan of Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, or the movies of David Lynch and Jim Jarmusch, this is the album for you. It's deep,powerful and strangely seductive." — Luke Goldstein, BLOGCRITICS.ORG, March 27, 2016.
"Osmond (whose real name is Tom Wilson) is no stranger to the world of music. Lots of folks already knew/know him as a member of the bands Junkhouse and Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. But it seems as if the music he's making as a solo artist is the stuff that's really capturing peoples' hearts and imagination...Beautiful Scars is cut from the same fabric as Osmond's last album (The Folk Sinner). The songs are subdued and slightly spooky. But it's those vocals that really make the mark. Tom has a great deep focused voice that really grabs you and doesn't let go." — BABYSUE.COM, February 29, 2016.
"'Blue Moon Drive' encapsulated the molten, mysterious feeling that stands out on the new Beautiful Scars album, with silvery slide guitar from Tom's old colleague and friend Colin Linden... Then came a righteous stomper and a set-closing, sexy slow walker called 'Freedom' with Linden playing righteously reverby Gretsch electric guitar. Lee Harvey's low whisper and rumble of a voice was thrilling and the mood was consistently in a minor key. It was like opening the show with a modern day film noir soundtrack." — Craig Havighurst, MUSICCITYROOTS.COM, February 19, 2016.
"...Wilson's alter-ego Lee Harvey Osmond lives up to both the moniker and his immense talents on Beautiful Scars... a monster of a songwriter and performer, Wilson's subtle extravaganzas contain elements in both lyrics and groove that push and pull like adverse forces... Wilson's voice echoes, and the music shakes like a Shaman rattling bones." — Tom Clarke, TAHOEONSTAGE.COM, March 23, 2016.
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# 6 news feature...
FRONTIER FOLK NEBRASKA: WHAT? AREN'T THEY ROCKERS? FROM CINCINNATI?
... and now for something completely different.
Frontier Folk Nebraska's name has only one word that's marginally truthful: frontier, since it's pushing the envelope to use the other two words when they aren't at all accurate. Y'see, they're an alt-rocker bunch from Ohio. But fans on the plains love 'em. Enough so, that their tour schedule isn't bringing them west of the Great Plains states.
So we're telling you about them and their new live album — it with the year's wordiest title, "This One's For the Kid in The Back: Live at the Southgate House Revival." It premiered at Glide Magazine, and it comes out April 1st on Old Flame Records.
In their review for the premiere, Glide said the album sounds as if "the Old 97's met The Hold Steady in a back alley for a joint and came up with a way to fuse their sounds."
Well, mebbe. The band's track, "Desert Car Chase," recently premiered with The Wild Honey Pie who describes it as "an ode to classic American rock & roll," adding, "the song is unprocessed and natural — the electric guitar/snare drum combo is assertive and driven, the vocals are coarse and resilient and the lyrics are young and reckless."
The band has previously shared "Buffalo Summer" via Relix.
With true honest rock and roll spirit, three full length albums, appearances on Daytrotter and the legendary now defunct WOXY, and opening spots for acclaimed acts including Jason Isbell, Damien Jurado, Pierced Arrows, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, and Polyphonic Spree, Frontier Folk Nebraska brought their music to this record live. Recorded over two nights in August 2015 at the Newport, Kentucky venue Southgate House Revival, the band plowed through nearly 30 tunes — staying true to its longstanding approach of no setlist — then chose the strongest 18 tracks to create a powerhouse live album in the tradition of "Live at Leeds," "At Fillmore East," "Get Yer Ya Ya's Out," and "Live Rust."
Formed in 2007 around the principle songwriting of Michael Hensley, Frontier Folk Nebraska's current lineup solidified in 2014 with the new rhythm section of veteran drummer Mark Becknell and Matt McCormick, all joining Hensley's long time collaborator, guitarist Travis Talbert. The following year, they released their critically acclaimed LP, "Frontier F**k Nebraska."
Touring in their signature 1999 Ford F150, the band continues to bring their thunderous live show to stages across the midwest.
"Frontier Folk Nebraska believes in the continuing relevance of a classic‐era kind of alt‐rock that flirts with occasional messiness in order to let its organically electric sound come together... Neither from Nebraska nor a folk group, Frontier Folk Nebraska is instead a Cincinnati band that sounds like the Replacements attacking power pop with their thrashing guitar‐and‐drum energy kept in check by their love for melody and appealing song structure.” — Steve Rosen, Blurt Magazine.
"This One's For the Kid in the Back: Live at the Southgate House Revival" is available for sample listening and pre-order at the band's site:
https://frontierfolknebraska.bandcamp.com/album/this-ones-for-the-kid-in-the-back-live-at-the-southgate-house-revival
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The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.
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More soon, as always.
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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 forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds 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 bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
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Saturday, March 26, 2016
Guide NEWS for the Weekend and Beyond. March 26, 2016...
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This is Guide Blogspot edition no. 1,530.
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Welcome!
A fun live web show, Saturday afternoon, is in here for you. There's a harmonica festival, too. The rest of our picks for Southern Cal's weekend concerts are in Thursday's edition, but don't run off yet. It's not going anywhere.
TODAY, we bring you the latest music & arts news — including one SPECIAL FEATURE story that examines what happens when show biz collides with civil rights discrimination (hint: billions of lost dollars).
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In this edition:
1) FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND
2) LIVE FOLK CONCERT: VERMONT DUO ON WEB RADIO SATURDAY
3) SHOW BIZ, POLITICS, ECONOMICS COLLIDE
a special major feature in the Guide
4) 26th ANNUAL DYLANFEST ANNOUNCED
5) 2015 FILM IGNORED BY OSCARS SENDS MORE CULTURAL SHOCKWAVES
6) SKIRBALL MUSIC SEASON STARTS EARLY
7) MUSIC, SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS, PROTEST IN D.C. — LIKE THE '60s, BUT WITH BIG GRASSROOTS & ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
8) HEAAAVY, DUDE. UMM, DEPENDS WHERE YOU FALL OFF THAT LOG — the Guide goes science geek
Let's get started!
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# 1 news feature...
FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND
√ Annual Spring "HARP FEST" is Sat, Mar 26, 10 am-7 pm at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa (N San Diego Co.) This festival promotes Blues Harmonica and is said to be "A great event for the entire family."
(This weekend's concert picks are in Thursday's edition.)
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# 2 news feature...
LIVE FOLK CONCERT: VERMONT DUO ON WEB RADIO SATURDAY
From time to time, and for years, we've talked about the long-running "Acoustic Harmony" radio show hosted by Mark Michaelis from the Green Mountains of Vermont on WGDR and WGDH with a web simulcast.
Mark wrote to tell us, "I wanted to let you know about some great live music coming up on today's edition of 'Acoustic Harmony.' Central Vermont's fabulous folk artists Patti Casey and Colin McCaffrey will be my guests Saturday afternoon (3/26) on WGDR / WGDH. Patti and Colin are well known throughout Vermont and beyond, and both are wonderful singer-songwriters, regularly playing in a variety of projects with other Vermont artists."
The Guide assures you, the live concert sound is great, Mark's conversation with his guests is always interesting, and you'll really enjoy this.
Catch it live online at 2 pm PDT, Saturday, at:
http://www.wgdr.org
Mark adds, "If you can't listen in live today, there's always the WGDR air schedule archive, where you can stream any program for up to 2 weeks after its original air date. You can find the on demand stream here:
http://www.wgdr.org/on-demand/
Mark has more live music coming up on "Acoustic Harmony" with the duos Quiles & Cloud and Cricket Blue, both confirmed for guest appearances in the upcoming month.
More on the show and upcoming guests at www.acoustic-harmony.com
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# 3 news feature...
SHOW BIZ, POLITICS, ECONOMICS COLLIDE
For North Carolina and Georgia, it's clear: embrace civil rights discrimination and lose billions — that's the cost of gratifying ideological "absolutists"
By Larry Wines
The arts — from guitar-slinging folksinger to biggest of the big production companies — are very much in the center of this. We'll untangle what's complicated.
Thursday, North Carolina enacted a law that doesn't simply discriminate against LGBT persons. The new law, House Bill 2, endangers the safety of LGBT individuals, and maybe their lives. Thing is, it's so subtle that it's insidious, because things look simple enough: all persons must use the public restroom corresponding to the sex recorded on their birth certificates. Yet that's anything but simple.
From Matthew Sheppard, the young gay man found crucified and murdered on a Wyoming barbed-wire fence, to dozens of hate crimes every year in America's cities and small towns, America's LGBT citizens are at risk. The new North Carolina law is being compared to Jim Crow-era regimentation, wherein black citizens were forced to use "the correct" restroom — and every other specified public facility — or risk arrest, beating, lynching, or any combination of possibly deadly abrogation of their civil rights.
North Carolina's new anti-LGBT law has plenty of critics, all agreeing that it is the most sweeping in the nation. And every aspect of it fails the smell test.
First, there was a specially-called Wednesday legislative session in Raleigh, the state capital, to facilitate the bill's speedy passage by the Republican-controlled General Assembly.
Second, it came about as the most reactionary kind of response to a city ordinance in Charlotte, one of the state's most important cities for global commerce. The ordinance guaranteed no restriction on use of public restrooms by transgender individuals. It broadened Charlotte's prior city ordinances specifically including LGBT persons in civil rights protections. But conservatives in the rest of the state rushed to show Charlotte it couldn't get away with somethin' like that. The result was House Bill 2.
It took no time for North Carolina to immediately lose business with cancellation of conventions and removal of North Carolina from lists of states under consideration to host a vast variety of events. Europe prominently featured the story, just after the latest on the Belgian bombings, in its newscasts.
In Charlotte, a campaign was launched to hand-deliver restroom door signs to any business that wants them. The signs, designed to symbolically sabotage the new state law, read, "Non Gender Designated Restroom."
A Thursday evening protest in Raleigh — known as a Southern city with an active arts scene and a prominent gay community — began with an open-air performance by iconic local singer-songwriter Kat Williams. Williams was recently un-invited to play a festival where a sponsor is the Catholic archdiocese, ostensibly because she has been married to a woman. While the demonstration drew a modest crowd — between 250 and 300 people — it happened after the bill's nearly clandestine sudden passage. The local NAACP took part, and has steadfastly supported equality for LGBT individuals.
Taking Stock: a "Come to Jesus Moment"
If we are honest as a society, we must recognize that we live in rapidly changing times where awkwardness and confusion are to be expected. But that doesn't allow room for forgetting the hard-won struggle for civil rights, or selectively applying protections of anti-discrimination to some, but not to all.
We are on the cusp of a regressive trend. Because it isn't just North Carolina or what's heard from overt racists and bigots of all sorts in the crowd at Donald Trump rallies. There's a far broader bill sitting on the governor's desk in Georgia. And other states with repressive urges — where evangelical voters comprise politically sizeable blocks — are watching both these states to see what happens.
The Christian admonition to "Love one another" does not apply in practice to evangelical advocacy for laws to clamp-down what's allowed out there in their vision of the real 'Murica. And with the US Supreme Court in a limbo of eight-member-tie territory, possibly for two calendar years or more, a lot of civil rights matters presumed settled for decades could begin to come unraveled.
Politics, Money, Sport
Contrary to Citizens United and the Koch Brothers billions, money isn't always attracted to politics. Sometimes politics drives money away.
In fact, for a state adopting a discriminatory law, the wheels can come off their economy. Thursday's passage of the North Carolina law brought prompt action from both college and professional basketball. Both sports organizations have reopened consideration of host sites for events worth millions. For the NCAA, it's a full series of 2017 and 2018 championship games currently scheduled there. The NBA may move next year's All-Star Game out of the state.
Even more pro and college sports leagues are poised to flee Georgia, should a much farther reaching law pass there. It would give special legal protections to anyone engaging in discrimination against another persons' civil rights. They could neither be charged nor sued for damages for discrimination.
Marching Out of Georgia: Goodbye, Show Biz
For the past two decades, Hollywood has found Georgia just peachy. In 2015 alone, a record 158 runaway productions, film and tv, went there. The business is becoming entrenched. Leaving Georgia would cost Hollywood millions. But the South's old specter — civil rights discrimination — has resurfaced in its new form, and is imminently on the verge of being signed into law. If that happens, Hollywood invokes an industry-wide boycott.
The film and tv studios and production companies have a love affair with the state and its locations and ever-growing production infrastructure. That's because state laws in Georgia grant lucrative tax credits and more direct financial benefits than any other state. And it's a region where various businesses, industries, and large numbers of retirees settle because many costs are already lower.
Of course, Hollywood's location spending is worth more than the millions it gains in savings and subsidies. Georgia's economy gained $6 billion in 2015 alone, according to the state's own published figures.
The state has even seen a flurry of development of huge sound stages and vast backlots, complete with manicured forests and rivers and streams with controlled flows. An entire closed army base is in the process of being transformed into a fully-equipped studio facility.
But all of it can end with the stroke of a pen.
Georgia's pending law, protecting anyone who discriminates against LGBT persons, has reached the desk of Governor Nathan Deal. Now it's up to him to sign or veto it.
Hollywood wasn't prepared to stand-up for principle before, gleefully embracing financial savings from Georgia's ban on accepting established union contracts. That state, under that old misleading banner of "right-to-work laws," effectively bans unions — and with them, the wages, health and pension benefits that unions have won for workers.
But now, essentially all of Hollywood has found its soul, declaring it will invoke a total boycott on working in Georgia if the law is signed that allows discrimination.
For Governor Deal, it's the will of the most ideological "absolutist" of his state's voters vs. billions of dollars in damage to an economy for which he is responsible. There's already buzz in business circles that convention and large-scale conference business would go elsewhere. The NFL has also indicated it will not consider Georgia to host a Superbowl if the governor signs the law.
Gov. Deal doesn't need to look far to see how these things produce push-back. In North Carolina, the largest corporations with a major presence in the state have rushed to condemn the new law there.
A growing number of music stars are signing a pledge not to perform in North Carolina, and similarly, not to play in Georgia if the discrimination law is adopted there.
More, specific to the Georgia situation, with some sobering financials, is explored today in a piece at Indiewire.
http://www.indiewire.com/article/georgia-lgbt-hollywood-boycott-weinstein-company-nathan-deal-amc-lionsgate-20160324
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# 4 news feature...
26th ANNUAL BOB DYLANFEST ANNOUNCED
Always a spring highlight, the 26th annual "Bob Dylanfest," returns to the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, outside at the Torino Plaza, on May 1. The festival runs noon to 8 pm. Produced by and featuring the splendid ANDY HILL & RENEE SAFIER, award-winning singer-songwriters, and their award-winning Dylan tribute band, HARD RAIN, the event is characterized by the on-stage performances and tuneful interactions of a great many musical guests,
Some 65 iconic Bob Dylan-composed songs will be performed by more than 70 musicians in various combinations of the duo's band, Hard Rain, and dozens of other musicians. Sometimes you'll hear artfully original arrangements. Often, there's a full horn section. Sometimes things are fully acoustic, sometimes delivered with electric guitars. You get masterfully played keyboards. The selections include interpretations of material that cover a broad spectrum of Dylan's musical styles. Nearly everything arrives with instantly recognizable opening notes. You smile a lot at this festival.
A real signature of Dylanfest is that the music flows — with no songs repeated — so if you arrive late and miss one of your favorites, you'll have to wait 'til next year.
Together with Hill and Safier and Hard Rain, performers this year include Marty Rifkin, who has toured with Bruce Springsteen and is a top L.A. session musician. Somehow, with his global touring schedule, he has made room to play Dylanfest many times through the years. Rifkin is among more than 70 accomplished musicians performing some of America's most loved songs written by the legendary Dylan.
Some audience members attend in costumes that represent themes or characters in the songs. There are great visuals and opportunities to join-in with "Tangled Up in Blue," "Just Like a Woman," "Like a Rolling Stone," and more, or you can start a new tradition.
This one-day outdoor festival has become a must-attend event for fans from throughout Southern California and beyond. The photo gallery displayed inside represents every previous year, and proves the point (yes, you can hang-out inside, if the sun is too much for you or your little kids).
The family-friendly celebration includes a free souvenir program. T-shirts, CDs, DVDs and other memorabilia are available for purchase at the show. Acclaimed chef Michael Shafer of the popular restaurants The Depot and Buffalo Fire Department purveys casual food and beverages. (No outside food or drinks are allowed.)
Each ticket holder is eligible for raffle prizes. Things run well because much of this is ingrained tradition. What began as a small backyard party, with talented Bob Dylan fans taking turns performing his music, has evolved into an eight-hour festival attended by hundreds and featuring some of the L.A. area’s top musician — some of them marking their own 26th appearance.
Dylanfest's host band is first-rate. In 2005, Renee Safier, showcasing her prodigious blues and jazz vocal chops, won the Telluride Blues Festival Acoustic Blues Competition, receiving a rousing response from the 12,000-plus festival crowd. Together, Andy and Renee and Hard Rain have taken their polished sound and vocal and multi-instrumental skills to venues large and small all over the world: they were headliners at the "Bob Dylan 60th Birthday Festival" in Alba, Italy along with Michelle Shocked, Bruce Forbert, and long-time Dylan sideman Bucky Baxter. They've played the Kerrville and Napa Valley Folk Festivals, Sierra Songwriter's Festival. Their PBS Concert Special won a Regional Emmy. Titled, “Andy & Renee-Live at The Boulder Black Box,” it was recorded at the University of Colorado, and it will be available on DVD at the festival.
The duo and their band have played top Southern California venues. Highlights include the House of Blues and the El Rey Theatre in Hollywood, The Grand Annex, Coffee Gallery Backstage, and the Hermosa Beach Civic Center.
Their fourteen independent CD releases have won numerous awards, including the Los Angeles Music Awards "Americana Group of the Year." They won Best Duo/Group at the International Acoustic Music Awards, Qweevak.com "Top-40 CDs of the Year. They were semi-finalists in the 2011 ISC International Song Competition (competing among more than 16,000 entries from 37 different countries), and were runner-up for best folk act at the Crossroads Music Awards. In addition, they've been named two years in a row in Musician Magazine’s “Best Unsigned Band” Semifinals.
Andy & Renee’s CD, “It Takes A Lot To Laugh", is a musical tribute to Bob Dylan that has earned them "4-out-of-4 stars" from many Dylan websites. A cut from that CD was featured on the BMG international release "May Your Song Always Be Sung, Vol. 3."
In addition to their skills with Dylan's music, Andy & Renee were featured on the International Hemifran release, "Music Is Love," a tribute to the music of CSNY. That album also features cuts from Judy Collins, Carrie Rodriguez, Venice, and Karla Bonoff.
Find highlights from DylanFest performances on YouTube, at:
https://youtu.be/PYswk04o9S8?list=PLSSQTppDm1QQXywCUiL5bBPMEAUmOew0n
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Tickets for this year's Dylanfest are $30 online / $35 at the door for adults. Children's tickets (under age 14) are $10. VIP tickets are $100 and come with lots of goodies, including the entry fee, event T-shirt, the 2015 Dylanfest highlight CD, the post-Dylanfest VIP Party, your own lil' musical instrument Dylanfest Shaker Egg, a VIP Hanging to wear , and more.
Tix and info are available by phone at 310-346-9383. Buy tix online at: www.andyandrenee. com.
For more info, contact Andy Hill at andyhillmusic@hotmail.com or Renee Safier at reneesafier@hotmail.com
Dylanfest happens May 1, 2016, on the Torino Plaza at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA. There is plenty of free parking, and the lot accommodates motor homes for those coming-in from far away.
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# 5 news feature...
2015 FILM IGNORED BY OSCARS SENDS MORE CULTURAL SHOCKWAVES
The 2015 movie "Concussion" and Will Smith's outstanding performance in it both may have been suppressed and ignored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Despite the clearly told true story of the consistent efforts of a big-money sport to suppress science that was trying to save lives, there were no Oscar nominations.
But public interest in the film's disturbing subject was aroused. Media attention keeps disclosing more, in what looks to be an NFL conspiracy to cover-up what it knew.
"More than 100 diagnosed concussions left out of NFL studies, per report NFL," read a headline in the New York Times this week. It represented a bombshell.
In studies conducted from 1996 through 2001, the NFL omitted concussion cases even as it downplayed the effects of head injuries on players, according to the New York Times.
Based on confidential documents The Times obtained, more than 100 diagnosed concussions were left out of the League's studies. Shockingly, star quarterbacks, including Steve Young and Troy Aikman, were among the players who suffered concussions but were not counted. A total of zero concussions involving Dallas Cowboys players were documented in NFL research during that entire six season period.
The research, published in 13 peer-reviewed articles beginning in October 2003, was supposed to be based on a full account, a compilation of all diagnosed concussions that each team's doctors had reported between 1996 and 2001. But the missing concussions accounted for about 10 percent of the total number of cases, according to The Times.
Dr. Robert Cantu, one of the peer reviewers who, at the time, criticized the committee's analyses, told The Times, "It should be an unmistakable red flag that a team does not report any concussions over multiple years."
ESPN made its own damning additions that pile-on in their reporting of the latest NY Times report. It's available at:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15056955/nfl-concussion-studies-based-underreported-head-injury-numbers
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# 6 news feature...
SKIRBALL MUSIC SEASON STARTS EARLY
The Skirball Cultural Center, that lovely museum and arts complex off the 405 atop Sepulveda Pass on the SFV side, is checking-in with us early, because they have music in April. They're including first word of their "Family Amphitheater Performances" that don't start 'til late June, and the 20th season of their free "Sunset Concerts" that aren't 'til late July. But you'll miss plenty if you ignore 'em until then.
Most events at the Skirball are included with museum admission; some evening performances are free, others require advance ticket purchase; there's free on-site parking, and street parking is strictly prohibited over a wide area.
Here's what's coming up.
• ARITMIA, on April 3. The Jewish Music Commission of Los Angeles and Valley Beth Shalom present ARITMIA, the ensemble of Merima Kljuço, world-renowned concert accordionist, and famed guitarist Miroslav Tadić. The Skirball tells us, "This new project is a perfect vehicle for their compositions, arrangements, and improvisations."
• ESTER RADA on April 28; Early-bird tickets available through April 14. Israeli-born singer-songwriter Ester Rada takes the stage with a sound that effortlessly blends the power of American soul with the musical traditions of her Ethiopian heritage and Israeli upbringing. Compared to songstresses ranging from Ella Fitzgerald to Erykah Badu, Rada brings a new voice to contemporary soul that has undeniable global appeal.
• CLASSICAL CLASS: "The Golden Age of Opera: Nineteenth-Century Europe—The Middle Years (1840–1870)." Runs Wednesdays, May 18–June 22. In this class, explore opera’s romantic period during three decades of intense change. With the social upheavals of unification in full sway, new national identities emerged and, amidst the chaos, the literary and performing arts produced some of the world’s most lasting treasures. Register now, it'll fill-up early.
• "Make Music Los Angeles" happens citywide and beyond on June 21, FREE everywhere, and the Skirball is joining-in for its first time as a venue. They're enthusiastic about it, saying, "Dance, sing, and jam along at the Skirball's first annual Make Music Day! Enjoy art making and interactive musical performances from Las Colibrí, Motherland Music, Gary Allegretto, and Yale Strom." All ages and musical experience levels welcome.
• "Family Amphitheater Performances" return with this year's theme, "The Sounds of Our City." They run Saturdays and Sundays, June 25–September 4. The same artists play twice each day, but it's different acts each day, all included with museum admission and free to Skirball members. This summer, the Skirball’s family amphitheater series honors the diverse cultural communities of Los Angeles through the eclectic sounds of our city — from son jarocho to indie rock to Yiddish folk tunes. First up are the ever-popular Buyepongo followed by the award-winning ensemble Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando.
• "Into the Night," July 8, is a "late-night party featuring indie bands, DJ sets, exhibitions, signature cocktails, and more."
• "Sunset Concerts 2016," runs Thursdays, July 21–August 25, and is completely FREE. "World music" fans can celebrate the 20th season of the "Sunset Concerts" series in the Skirball's spectacular yet intimate central courtyard. We don't know if they'll throw the dog a bone this year and include any Folk-Americana or Canadiana.
√ Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Bl, Los Angeles 90049; www.skirball.org ; 310-440-4500.
More details are promised soon at:
www.skirball.org
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# 7 news feature...
MUSIC, SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS, PROTEST IN D.C. — LIKE THE '60s, BUT WITH BIG GRASSROOTS & ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
Wow. It's called "Democracy Awakening," and it features a "Congress of Conscious." Which already sounds like it'll bring two things to Washington, D.C., April 16 –18, that have been in short supply there for a while.
Musicians who have signed-on include SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK.
Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, says, "Democracy Awakening will be a historic event that will send an unapologetic message to Congress: there is a political price to pay for standing in the way of an inclusive democracy."
She continues, "I am more and more proud to be a part of Democracy Awakening. I am truly humbled by the opportunity to take the stage alongside stellar performers like Sweet Honey in the Rock and speakers like the longtime rabble-rouser Jim Hightower.
"But what is even more exciting is the opportunity to mobilize alongside Americans across the country who share a commitment to justice and a firm belief that we can do better. Now is the time to begin building a truly representative government. But it’s going to take commitment."
Now that sounds hopeful. Positive. Good thing all around. Makes you want to go, even.
Except that part of the agenda — hopefully an optional part — includes deliberately getting arrested. And now you see the '60s part.
Leonard explains, "The stakes have never been higher; we must stand up to corporate interests like Shell and Exxon holding our democracy hostage, widespread voter suppression targeting communities of color, and leaders in Congress blocking the fair consideration of President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee. In moments like these, we have to give it everything we’ve got. Lock in your plans for the Democracy Awakening action and help us shape a system that works for everyone — not just the wealthy elite."
Thousands from across America have signed-up to go. Greenpeace director Leonard says, "Hundreds will risk arrest in peaceful direct action with the Democracy Awakening on Monday April 18th – I’ll be one of them!"
It's an organized effort. You can reserve transportation to D.C. to attend the mobilization, whether or not you want to sign-on to get arrested.
Check-out the program and all the musicians, and see what's planned for April 16-18 in the streets of Washington, D.C.
Get all the info at:
www.democracyawakening.org
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# 8 news feature...
HEAAAVY, DUDE. UMM, DEPENDS WHERE YOU FALL OFF THAT LOG
the Guide goes science geek
Gravity. We take it for granted, sometimes to our detriment. Like when we when we try that Acapulco cliff dive after forgeting about the accelleration constant of 32 feet per second per second. Oops. Still, it seems pretty regular. Seems. A fly ball to deep center field. That tennis ball that just clears the net. Frisbee at the beach. Your guitar that really wasn't leaning against that chair all that well (ouch).
'Purt near everybody accepted that a heavy hammer and an eagle's feather, both dropped from the same height, would hit the ground at the same time if it weren't for air resistance. An Apollo astronaut actually proved it on the Moon.
So, anybody suggesting that gravity could be stronger in some places, and weaker in others? It just sounded crazy, at least counter-intuitive. And until recently, there was no real way to find out.
But in spite of a congress that does its best to starve what little is left of our space program, science is resilient enough to keep learning things.
A new map showing places where gravity is, uh, different, has been made with three NASA spacecraft over a period of years. It shows variable gravity — on Mars.
It's the most detailed thing of its kind to date, providing a revealing glimpse into the hidden interior of the Red Planet.
"Gravity maps allow us to see inside a planet, just as a doctor uses an X-ray to see inside a patient," explained Antonio Genova of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge.
And what do we find? Well, there are regions of stronger and lesser gravity. True on Mars. True on Earth.
Of course, things dropped side by side won't show it. But if you're in orbit, some places you pass over will pull you down, while passing over others, your path is higher — farther from the surface below because gravity beneath you is weaker. And it has nothing to do with how you use your spacecraft maneuvering rockets. It's about your mass, and gravity. And stuff like atmospheric drag and solar wind pushing on big surfaces, like your solar panels. But let's stay out of the tall cosmic cotton. We're talking about variable gravity here. Well, not here. On Mars.
Why does it matter?
Dr. Genova continued, "The new gravity map will be helpful for future Mars exploration, because better knowledge of the planet's gravity anomalies helps mission controllers insert spacecraft more precisely into orbit about Mars. Furthermore, the improved resolution of our gravity map will help us understand the still-mysterious formation of specific regions of the planet."
Genova, who is affiliated with MIT but is located at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, is the lead author of a paper on this research published online March 5 in the journal "Icarus." It's quite revealing. A tale with gravitas.
Read the whole story at:
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=6165
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The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.
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More soon, as always.
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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 forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds 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 bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
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This is Guide Blogspot edition no. 1,530.
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Welcome!
A fun live web show, Saturday afternoon, is in here for you. There's a harmonica festival, too. The rest of our picks for Southern Cal's weekend concerts are in Thursday's edition, but don't run off yet. It's not going anywhere.
TODAY, we bring you the latest music & arts news — including one SPECIAL FEATURE story that examines what happens when show biz collides with civil rights discrimination (hint: billions of lost dollars).
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In this edition:
1) FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND
2) LIVE FOLK CONCERT: VERMONT DUO ON WEB RADIO SATURDAY
3) SHOW BIZ, POLITICS, ECONOMICS COLLIDE
a special major feature in the Guide
4) 26th ANNUAL DYLANFEST ANNOUNCED
5) 2015 FILM IGNORED BY OSCARS SENDS MORE CULTURAL SHOCKWAVES
6) SKIRBALL MUSIC SEASON STARTS EARLY
7) MUSIC, SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS, PROTEST IN D.C. — LIKE THE '60s, BUT WITH BIG GRASSROOTS & ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
8) HEAAAVY, DUDE. UMM, DEPENDS WHERE YOU FALL OFF THAT LOG — the Guide goes science geek
Let's get started!
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# 1 news feature...
FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND
√ Annual Spring "HARP FEST" is Sat, Mar 26, 10 am-7 pm at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa (N San Diego Co.) This festival promotes Blues Harmonica and is said to be "A great event for the entire family."
(This weekend's concert picks are in Thursday's edition.)
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# 2 news feature...
LIVE FOLK CONCERT: VERMONT DUO ON WEB RADIO SATURDAY
From time to time, and for years, we've talked about the long-running "Acoustic Harmony" radio show hosted by Mark Michaelis from the Green Mountains of Vermont on WGDR and WGDH with a web simulcast.
Mark wrote to tell us, "I wanted to let you know about some great live music coming up on today's edition of 'Acoustic Harmony.' Central Vermont's fabulous folk artists Patti Casey and Colin McCaffrey will be my guests Saturday afternoon (3/26) on WGDR / WGDH. Patti and Colin are well known throughout Vermont and beyond, and both are wonderful singer-songwriters, regularly playing in a variety of projects with other Vermont artists."
The Guide assures you, the live concert sound is great, Mark's conversation with his guests is always interesting, and you'll really enjoy this.
Catch it live online at 2 pm PDT, Saturday, at:
http://www.wgdr.org
Mark adds, "If you can't listen in live today, there's always the WGDR air schedule archive, where you can stream any program for up to 2 weeks after its original air date. You can find the on demand stream here:
http://www.wgdr.org/on-demand/
Mark has more live music coming up on "Acoustic Harmony" with the duos Quiles & Cloud and Cricket Blue, both confirmed for guest appearances in the upcoming month.
More on the show and upcoming guests at www.acoustic-harmony.com
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# 3 news feature...
SHOW BIZ, POLITICS, ECONOMICS COLLIDE
For North Carolina and Georgia, it's clear: embrace civil rights discrimination and lose billions — that's the cost of gratifying ideological "absolutists"
By Larry Wines
The arts — from guitar-slinging folksinger to biggest of the big production companies — are very much in the center of this. We'll untangle what's complicated.
Thursday, North Carolina enacted a law that doesn't simply discriminate against LGBT persons. The new law, House Bill 2, endangers the safety of LGBT individuals, and maybe their lives. Thing is, it's so subtle that it's insidious, because things look simple enough: all persons must use the public restroom corresponding to the sex recorded on their birth certificates. Yet that's anything but simple.
From Matthew Sheppard, the young gay man found crucified and murdered on a Wyoming barbed-wire fence, to dozens of hate crimes every year in America's cities and small towns, America's LGBT citizens are at risk. The new North Carolina law is being compared to Jim Crow-era regimentation, wherein black citizens were forced to use "the correct" restroom — and every other specified public facility — or risk arrest, beating, lynching, or any combination of possibly deadly abrogation of their civil rights.
North Carolina's new anti-LGBT law has plenty of critics, all agreeing that it is the most sweeping in the nation. And every aspect of it fails the smell test.
First, there was a specially-called Wednesday legislative session in Raleigh, the state capital, to facilitate the bill's speedy passage by the Republican-controlled General Assembly.
Second, it came about as the most reactionary kind of response to a city ordinance in Charlotte, one of the state's most important cities for global commerce. The ordinance guaranteed no restriction on use of public restrooms by transgender individuals. It broadened Charlotte's prior city ordinances specifically including LGBT persons in civil rights protections. But conservatives in the rest of the state rushed to show Charlotte it couldn't get away with somethin' like that. The result was House Bill 2.
It took no time for North Carolina to immediately lose business with cancellation of conventions and removal of North Carolina from lists of states under consideration to host a vast variety of events. Europe prominently featured the story, just after the latest on the Belgian bombings, in its newscasts.
In Charlotte, a campaign was launched to hand-deliver restroom door signs to any business that wants them. The signs, designed to symbolically sabotage the new state law, read, "Non Gender Designated Restroom."
A Thursday evening protest in Raleigh — known as a Southern city with an active arts scene and a prominent gay community — began with an open-air performance by iconic local singer-songwriter Kat Williams. Williams was recently un-invited to play a festival where a sponsor is the Catholic archdiocese, ostensibly because she has been married to a woman. While the demonstration drew a modest crowd — between 250 and 300 people — it happened after the bill's nearly clandestine sudden passage. The local NAACP took part, and has steadfastly supported equality for LGBT individuals.
Taking Stock: a "Come to Jesus Moment"
If we are honest as a society, we must recognize that we live in rapidly changing times where awkwardness and confusion are to be expected. But that doesn't allow room for forgetting the hard-won struggle for civil rights, or selectively applying protections of anti-discrimination to some, but not to all.
We are on the cusp of a regressive trend. Because it isn't just North Carolina or what's heard from overt racists and bigots of all sorts in the crowd at Donald Trump rallies. There's a far broader bill sitting on the governor's desk in Georgia. And other states with repressive urges — where evangelical voters comprise politically sizeable blocks — are watching both these states to see what happens.
The Christian admonition to "Love one another" does not apply in practice to evangelical advocacy for laws to clamp-down what's allowed out there in their vision of the real 'Murica. And with the US Supreme Court in a limbo of eight-member-tie territory, possibly for two calendar years or more, a lot of civil rights matters presumed settled for decades could begin to come unraveled.
Politics, Money, Sport
Contrary to Citizens United and the Koch Brothers billions, money isn't always attracted to politics. Sometimes politics drives money away.
In fact, for a state adopting a discriminatory law, the wheels can come off their economy. Thursday's passage of the North Carolina law brought prompt action from both college and professional basketball. Both sports organizations have reopened consideration of host sites for events worth millions. For the NCAA, it's a full series of 2017 and 2018 championship games currently scheduled there. The NBA may move next year's All-Star Game out of the state.
Even more pro and college sports leagues are poised to flee Georgia, should a much farther reaching law pass there. It would give special legal protections to anyone engaging in discrimination against another persons' civil rights. They could neither be charged nor sued for damages for discrimination.
Marching Out of Georgia: Goodbye, Show Biz
For the past two decades, Hollywood has found Georgia just peachy. In 2015 alone, a record 158 runaway productions, film and tv, went there. The business is becoming entrenched. Leaving Georgia would cost Hollywood millions. But the South's old specter — civil rights discrimination — has resurfaced in its new form, and is imminently on the verge of being signed into law. If that happens, Hollywood invokes an industry-wide boycott.
The film and tv studios and production companies have a love affair with the state and its locations and ever-growing production infrastructure. That's because state laws in Georgia grant lucrative tax credits and more direct financial benefits than any other state. And it's a region where various businesses, industries, and large numbers of retirees settle because many costs are already lower.
Of course, Hollywood's location spending is worth more than the millions it gains in savings and subsidies. Georgia's economy gained $6 billion in 2015 alone, according to the state's own published figures.
The state has even seen a flurry of development of huge sound stages and vast backlots, complete with manicured forests and rivers and streams with controlled flows. An entire closed army base is in the process of being transformed into a fully-equipped studio facility.
But all of it can end with the stroke of a pen.
Georgia's pending law, protecting anyone who discriminates against LGBT persons, has reached the desk of Governor Nathan Deal. Now it's up to him to sign or veto it.
Hollywood wasn't prepared to stand-up for principle before, gleefully embracing financial savings from Georgia's ban on accepting established union contracts. That state, under that old misleading banner of "right-to-work laws," effectively bans unions — and with them, the wages, health and pension benefits that unions have won for workers.
But now, essentially all of Hollywood has found its soul, declaring it will invoke a total boycott on working in Georgia if the law is signed that allows discrimination.
For Governor Deal, it's the will of the most ideological "absolutist" of his state's voters vs. billions of dollars in damage to an economy for which he is responsible. There's already buzz in business circles that convention and large-scale conference business would go elsewhere. The NFL has also indicated it will not consider Georgia to host a Superbowl if the governor signs the law.
Gov. Deal doesn't need to look far to see how these things produce push-back. In North Carolina, the largest corporations with a major presence in the state have rushed to condemn the new law there.
A growing number of music stars are signing a pledge not to perform in North Carolina, and similarly, not to play in Georgia if the discrimination law is adopted there.
More, specific to the Georgia situation, with some sobering financials, is explored today in a piece at Indiewire.
http://www.indiewire.com/article/georgia-lgbt-hollywood-boycott-weinstein-company-nathan-deal-amc-lionsgate-20160324
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# 4 news feature...
26th ANNUAL BOB DYLANFEST ANNOUNCED
Always a spring highlight, the 26th annual "Bob Dylanfest," returns to the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, outside at the Torino Plaza, on May 1. The festival runs noon to 8 pm. Produced by and featuring the splendid ANDY HILL & RENEE SAFIER, award-winning singer-songwriters, and their award-winning Dylan tribute band, HARD RAIN, the event is characterized by the on-stage performances and tuneful interactions of a great many musical guests,
Some 65 iconic Bob Dylan-composed songs will be performed by more than 70 musicians in various combinations of the duo's band, Hard Rain, and dozens of other musicians. Sometimes you'll hear artfully original arrangements. Often, there's a full horn section. Sometimes things are fully acoustic, sometimes delivered with electric guitars. You get masterfully played keyboards. The selections include interpretations of material that cover a broad spectrum of Dylan's musical styles. Nearly everything arrives with instantly recognizable opening notes. You smile a lot at this festival.
A real signature of Dylanfest is that the music flows — with no songs repeated — so if you arrive late and miss one of your favorites, you'll have to wait 'til next year.
Together with Hill and Safier and Hard Rain, performers this year include Marty Rifkin, who has toured with Bruce Springsteen and is a top L.A. session musician. Somehow, with his global touring schedule, he has made room to play Dylanfest many times through the years. Rifkin is among more than 70 accomplished musicians performing some of America's most loved songs written by the legendary Dylan.
Some audience members attend in costumes that represent themes or characters in the songs. There are great visuals and opportunities to join-in with "Tangled Up in Blue," "Just Like a Woman," "Like a Rolling Stone," and more, or you can start a new tradition.
This one-day outdoor festival has become a must-attend event for fans from throughout Southern California and beyond. The photo gallery displayed inside represents every previous year, and proves the point (yes, you can hang-out inside, if the sun is too much for you or your little kids).
The family-friendly celebration includes a free souvenir program. T-shirts, CDs, DVDs and other memorabilia are available for purchase at the show. Acclaimed chef Michael Shafer of the popular restaurants The Depot and Buffalo Fire Department purveys casual food and beverages. (No outside food or drinks are allowed.)
Each ticket holder is eligible for raffle prizes. Things run well because much of this is ingrained tradition. What began as a small backyard party, with talented Bob Dylan fans taking turns performing his music, has evolved into an eight-hour festival attended by hundreds and featuring some of the L.A. area’s top musician — some of them marking their own 26th appearance.
Dylanfest's host band is first-rate. In 2005, Renee Safier, showcasing her prodigious blues and jazz vocal chops, won the Telluride Blues Festival Acoustic Blues Competition, receiving a rousing response from the 12,000-plus festival crowd. Together, Andy and Renee and Hard Rain have taken their polished sound and vocal and multi-instrumental skills to venues large and small all over the world: they were headliners at the "Bob Dylan 60th Birthday Festival" in Alba, Italy along with Michelle Shocked, Bruce Forbert, and long-time Dylan sideman Bucky Baxter. They've played the Kerrville and Napa Valley Folk Festivals, Sierra Songwriter's Festival. Their PBS Concert Special won a Regional Emmy. Titled, “Andy & Renee-Live at The Boulder Black Box,” it was recorded at the University of Colorado, and it will be available on DVD at the festival.
The duo and their band have played top Southern California venues. Highlights include the House of Blues and the El Rey Theatre in Hollywood, The Grand Annex, Coffee Gallery Backstage, and the Hermosa Beach Civic Center.
Their fourteen independent CD releases have won numerous awards, including the Los Angeles Music Awards "Americana Group of the Year." They won Best Duo/Group at the International Acoustic Music Awards, Qweevak.com "Top-40 CDs of the Year. They were semi-finalists in the 2011 ISC International Song Competition (competing among more than 16,000 entries from 37 different countries), and were runner-up for best folk act at the Crossroads Music Awards. In addition, they've been named two years in a row in Musician Magazine’s “Best Unsigned Band” Semifinals.
Andy & Renee’s CD, “It Takes A Lot To Laugh", is a musical tribute to Bob Dylan that has earned them "4-out-of-4 stars" from many Dylan websites. A cut from that CD was featured on the BMG international release "May Your Song Always Be Sung, Vol. 3."
In addition to their skills with Dylan's music, Andy & Renee were featured on the International Hemifran release, "Music Is Love," a tribute to the music of CSNY. That album also features cuts from Judy Collins, Carrie Rodriguez, Venice, and Karla Bonoff.
Find highlights from DylanFest performances on YouTube, at:
https://youtu.be/PYswk04o9S8?list=PLSSQTppDm1QQXywCUiL5bBPMEAUmOew0n
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Tickets for this year's Dylanfest are $30 online / $35 at the door for adults. Children's tickets (under age 14) are $10. VIP tickets are $100 and come with lots of goodies, including the entry fee, event T-shirt, the 2015 Dylanfest highlight CD, the post-Dylanfest VIP Party, your own lil' musical instrument Dylanfest Shaker Egg, a VIP Hanging to wear , and more.
Tix and info are available by phone at 310-346-9383. Buy tix online at: www.andyandrenee. com.
For more info, contact Andy Hill at andyhillmusic@hotmail.com or Renee Safier at reneesafier@hotmail.com
Dylanfest happens May 1, 2016, on the Torino Plaza at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA. There is plenty of free parking, and the lot accommodates motor homes for those coming-in from far away.
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# 5 news feature...
2015 FILM IGNORED BY OSCARS SENDS MORE CULTURAL SHOCKWAVES
The 2015 movie "Concussion" and Will Smith's outstanding performance in it both may have been suppressed and ignored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Despite the clearly told true story of the consistent efforts of a big-money sport to suppress science that was trying to save lives, there were no Oscar nominations.
But public interest in the film's disturbing subject was aroused. Media attention keeps disclosing more, in what looks to be an NFL conspiracy to cover-up what it knew.
"More than 100 diagnosed concussions left out of NFL studies, per report NFL," read a headline in the New York Times this week. It represented a bombshell.
In studies conducted from 1996 through 2001, the NFL omitted concussion cases even as it downplayed the effects of head injuries on players, according to the New York Times.
Based on confidential documents The Times obtained, more than 100 diagnosed concussions were left out of the League's studies. Shockingly, star quarterbacks, including Steve Young and Troy Aikman, were among the players who suffered concussions but were not counted. A total of zero concussions involving Dallas Cowboys players were documented in NFL research during that entire six season period.
The research, published in 13 peer-reviewed articles beginning in October 2003, was supposed to be based on a full account, a compilation of all diagnosed concussions that each team's doctors had reported between 1996 and 2001. But the missing concussions accounted for about 10 percent of the total number of cases, according to The Times.
Dr. Robert Cantu, one of the peer reviewers who, at the time, criticized the committee's analyses, told The Times, "It should be an unmistakable red flag that a team does not report any concussions over multiple years."
ESPN made its own damning additions that pile-on in their reporting of the latest NY Times report. It's available at:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15056955/nfl-concussion-studies-based-underreported-head-injury-numbers
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# 6 news feature...
SKIRBALL MUSIC SEASON STARTS EARLY
The Skirball Cultural Center, that lovely museum and arts complex off the 405 atop Sepulveda Pass on the SFV side, is checking-in with us early, because they have music in April. They're including first word of their "Family Amphitheater Performances" that don't start 'til late June, and the 20th season of their free "Sunset Concerts" that aren't 'til late July. But you'll miss plenty if you ignore 'em until then.
Most events at the Skirball are included with museum admission; some evening performances are free, others require advance ticket purchase; there's free on-site parking, and street parking is strictly prohibited over a wide area.
Here's what's coming up.
• ARITMIA, on April 3. The Jewish Music Commission of Los Angeles and Valley Beth Shalom present ARITMIA, the ensemble of Merima Kljuço, world-renowned concert accordionist, and famed guitarist Miroslav Tadić. The Skirball tells us, "This new project is a perfect vehicle for their compositions, arrangements, and improvisations."
• ESTER RADA on April 28; Early-bird tickets available through April 14. Israeli-born singer-songwriter Ester Rada takes the stage with a sound that effortlessly blends the power of American soul with the musical traditions of her Ethiopian heritage and Israeli upbringing. Compared to songstresses ranging from Ella Fitzgerald to Erykah Badu, Rada brings a new voice to contemporary soul that has undeniable global appeal.
• CLASSICAL CLASS: "The Golden Age of Opera: Nineteenth-Century Europe—The Middle Years (1840–1870)." Runs Wednesdays, May 18–June 22. In this class, explore opera’s romantic period during three decades of intense change. With the social upheavals of unification in full sway, new national identities emerged and, amidst the chaos, the literary and performing arts produced some of the world’s most lasting treasures. Register now, it'll fill-up early.
• "Make Music Los Angeles" happens citywide and beyond on June 21, FREE everywhere, and the Skirball is joining-in for its first time as a venue. They're enthusiastic about it, saying, "Dance, sing, and jam along at the Skirball's first annual Make Music Day! Enjoy art making and interactive musical performances from Las Colibrí, Motherland Music, Gary Allegretto, and Yale Strom." All ages and musical experience levels welcome.
• "Family Amphitheater Performances" return with this year's theme, "The Sounds of Our City." They run Saturdays and Sundays, June 25–September 4. The same artists play twice each day, but it's different acts each day, all included with museum admission and free to Skirball members. This summer, the Skirball’s family amphitheater series honors the diverse cultural communities of Los Angeles through the eclectic sounds of our city — from son jarocho to indie rock to Yiddish folk tunes. First up are the ever-popular Buyepongo followed by the award-winning ensemble Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando.
• "Into the Night," July 8, is a "late-night party featuring indie bands, DJ sets, exhibitions, signature cocktails, and more."
• "Sunset Concerts 2016," runs Thursdays, July 21–August 25, and is completely FREE. "World music" fans can celebrate the 20th season of the "Sunset Concerts" series in the Skirball's spectacular yet intimate central courtyard. We don't know if they'll throw the dog a bone this year and include any Folk-Americana or Canadiana.
√ Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Bl, Los Angeles 90049; www.skirball.org ; 310-440-4500.
More details are promised soon at:
www.skirball.org
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# 7 news feature...
MUSIC, SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS, PROTEST IN D.C. — LIKE THE '60s, BUT WITH BIG GRASSROOTS & ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
Wow. It's called "Democracy Awakening," and it features a "Congress of Conscious." Which already sounds like it'll bring two things to Washington, D.C., April 16 –18, that have been in short supply there for a while.
Musicians who have signed-on include SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK.
Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, says, "Democracy Awakening will be a historic event that will send an unapologetic message to Congress: there is a political price to pay for standing in the way of an inclusive democracy."
She continues, "I am more and more proud to be a part of Democracy Awakening. I am truly humbled by the opportunity to take the stage alongside stellar performers like Sweet Honey in the Rock and speakers like the longtime rabble-rouser Jim Hightower.
"But what is even more exciting is the opportunity to mobilize alongside Americans across the country who share a commitment to justice and a firm belief that we can do better. Now is the time to begin building a truly representative government. But it’s going to take commitment."
Now that sounds hopeful. Positive. Good thing all around. Makes you want to go, even.
Except that part of the agenda — hopefully an optional part — includes deliberately getting arrested. And now you see the '60s part.
Leonard explains, "The stakes have never been higher; we must stand up to corporate interests like Shell and Exxon holding our democracy hostage, widespread voter suppression targeting communities of color, and leaders in Congress blocking the fair consideration of President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee. In moments like these, we have to give it everything we’ve got. Lock in your plans for the Democracy Awakening action and help us shape a system that works for everyone — not just the wealthy elite."
Thousands from across America have signed-up to go. Greenpeace director Leonard says, "Hundreds will risk arrest in peaceful direct action with the Democracy Awakening on Monday April 18th – I’ll be one of them!"
It's an organized effort. You can reserve transportation to D.C. to attend the mobilization, whether or not you want to sign-on to get arrested.
Check-out the program and all the musicians, and see what's planned for April 16-18 in the streets of Washington, D.C.
Get all the info at:
www.democracyawakening.org
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# 8 news feature...
HEAAAVY, DUDE. UMM, DEPENDS WHERE YOU FALL OFF THAT LOG
the Guide goes science geek
Gravity. We take it for granted, sometimes to our detriment. Like when we when we try that Acapulco cliff dive after forgeting about the accelleration constant of 32 feet per second per second. Oops. Still, it seems pretty regular. Seems. A fly ball to deep center field. That tennis ball that just clears the net. Frisbee at the beach. Your guitar that really wasn't leaning against that chair all that well (ouch).
'Purt near everybody accepted that a heavy hammer and an eagle's feather, both dropped from the same height, would hit the ground at the same time if it weren't for air resistance. An Apollo astronaut actually proved it on the Moon.
So, anybody suggesting that gravity could be stronger in some places, and weaker in others? It just sounded crazy, at least counter-intuitive. And until recently, there was no real way to find out.
But in spite of a congress that does its best to starve what little is left of our space program, science is resilient enough to keep learning things.
A new map showing places where gravity is, uh, different, has been made with three NASA spacecraft over a period of years. It shows variable gravity — on Mars.
It's the most detailed thing of its kind to date, providing a revealing glimpse into the hidden interior of the Red Planet.
"Gravity maps allow us to see inside a planet, just as a doctor uses an X-ray to see inside a patient," explained Antonio Genova of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge.
And what do we find? Well, there are regions of stronger and lesser gravity. True on Mars. True on Earth.
Of course, things dropped side by side won't show it. But if you're in orbit, some places you pass over will pull you down, while passing over others, your path is higher — farther from the surface below because gravity beneath you is weaker. And it has nothing to do with how you use your spacecraft maneuvering rockets. It's about your mass, and gravity. And stuff like atmospheric drag and solar wind pushing on big surfaces, like your solar panels. But let's stay out of the tall cosmic cotton. We're talking about variable gravity here. Well, not here. On Mars.
Why does it matter?
Dr. Genova continued, "The new gravity map will be helpful for future Mars exploration, because better knowledge of the planet's gravity anomalies helps mission controllers insert spacecraft more precisely into orbit about Mars. Furthermore, the improved resolution of our gravity map will help us understand the still-mysterious formation of specific regions of the planet."
Genova, who is affiliated with MIT but is located at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, is the lead author of a paper on this research published online March 5 in the journal "Icarus." It's quite revealing. A tale with gravitas.
Read the whole story at:
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=6165
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
More soon, as always.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Direct to the current editions /
MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY
editions load quickly at
.
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to: . Tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Contents copyright © 2016, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
♪ 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 forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds 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 bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
.
The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Guide for Thursday Tunefulness, News, & First Look at Weekend Music
.
.
++++++++++
Quick fact...
Every day in this country, 89 people are shot and killed with guns. Even worse, in terms of how ominous things are: as many as 40% of all gun sales don’t even require an instant background check, which, as any reasonable person must realize, is making it far too easy for violent criminals and mentally unbalanced individuals to access guns.
++++++++++
In this edition:
1) MUSIC TONIGHT, THURSDAY, MARCH 24...
2) THIS WEEKEND (AND SOON): CONCERTS & SHOWS
3) FOLK ALLIANCE "FAR WEST" 2016 FALL CONFERENCE DISCOUNT & MORE NOW AVAILABLE
4) NEW ORLEANS TRAD "JAZZFEST AT SEA" BECKONS
Jump right in!
=++=++=++=++=++=
# 1 news feature...
MUSIC TONIGHT, THURSDAY, MARCH 24...
__________
√ CODY’S VIVA CANTINA, 900 W Riverside Dr, Burbank; www.vivacantina.com ; 818-845-2425.
• Thu, Mar 24, in SFV (Burbank):
7 pm: ★★★ Great Folk-Americana / Country singer-songwriter and "Viva’s good friend," RICK SHEA returns with special guests.
• On the other stage at 7 pm, THE GLEN ROBERTS BIG BAND brings "classic swing from the best in the business!"
• Later, at 9 pm, it's "CODY BRYANT'S CLASSIC COUNTRY GUITAR PULL" ★★★ with RONNIE MACK, plus CODY, JIMMYLEE HARRIS, JOHN PALMER, CARMINE & BUDDY SARDO, JIMMY ANGEL, and special guests TBD.
Named "Best Country Venue" in the "LA Weekly" 2012 "Best of L.A" issue, their "Huell Howser Cantina Stage" and "Trailside Showroom" have live music seven nights a week, Mexican dining (American food, too), two full bars, and two patios. All shows are free with purchase of food or beverage. All ages, no minimum, acres of free parking across the street at Pickwick Gardens.
And as you can see, tonight is exceptionally good there.
__________
√ THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; Phone for reservations (10 am-10 pm, 7 days), 626-798-6236. Info, www.coffeegallery.com
• Thu, Mar 24; 8 pm: The LICATA BROTHERS, plus THORIN, with special guests THE BOHEMIAN SOUL RUSTLERS, and featuring Chad Watson. ★★ The venue's youngest and most raved about discovery, the Licata's, bring their carefully crafted stage show and youthful vitality for a set of music celebrating many decades of the best American tunes, from Cab Calloway, the Everly Brothers, Paul Simon, Jimmie Rodgers, Bob Wills, classic Surf, the Beatles, to Sinatra and even Bowie. They play with full band this time, headed up by bass man CHAD WATSON of "The Byrds and Beyond." Tix, $15.
__________
√ THE FEDERAL BAR, 5303 Lankershim, North Hollywood.
• Thu, Mar 24, in SFV (NoHo):
10 pm DAMNGIVERS play the "Hollowbody L.A." show. Band member Gerry tells us, "Federal Bar is a great location with great food and a great bar. We've got new tunes and would really love to see our Valley friends out there." $10 cover.
=++=++=++=++=++=
# 2 news feature...
THIS WEEKEND (AND SOON): CONCERTS & SHOWS
Just SOME of what's ahead this weekend & beyond.
NOTE: also see the Guide's TICKET ALERTS sections in recent editions (last ten days or so), because we do not repeat them here.
__________
√ FILM SCREENING & MORE...
• Sat, Mar 26, film screening, lecture, more:
12:30 pm ART DECO SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES (adsla.org) presents "To Live and Dine in L.A." a lecture on 1920s & '30s L.A. restaurants, and screening of "MILDRED PIERCE," preceded by period-appropriate social time and food, at the Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Bl, Hollywood 90028.
Co-sponsored by American Cinematheque and the Library Foundation of Los Angeles.
• 12:30 pm - Fried Chicken & Pie.
• 2 pm - "To Live and Dine in L.A." Lecture.
• 3:30 pm "MILDRED PIERCE" (1945) screening, starring Joan Crawford, dir. by Michael Curtiz.
Info, tix, film trailer:
www.americancinemathequecalendar.com/content/to-live-and-dine-in-la-mildred-pierce?utm_source=ADSLA+events+March+2016&utm_campaign=Cliftons+Cocktails+Walking+Tour&utm_medium=email
__________
√ JEFF GOLD'S WEST VALLEY MUSIC CENTER, 24424 Vanowen St, West Hills 91307; 818-992-4142; www.westvalleymusiccenter.com
• Sat, Mar 26, in SFV (West Hills):
8 pm Monthly "Acoustic Concert Series" brings BRAD COLERICK and ALLAN WACHS to play original songs and tell stories from the heart; two authentically original performers, both exceptional singer-songwriters.
• Allan Wachs is known for his recorded works on True Vine Records, Smithsonian Folkways, and Numero Group. Allan Wachs recounts stories filled with heart, woven with a social conscience.
• Brad Colerick’s stories and songs, both newest and seasoned, are always worth hearing, in part because he makes singing them appear so easy. His warm, sunny, homey tenor brings alive characters, places, and relationships.
Get advance tix (info above).
__________
√ McCABE's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com
• Fri, Mar 25; 8 pm: BRETT HARRIS plus ELENI MANDELL. Tix, $16. It'll sell-out.
• Sat, Mar 26; 8 pm: DOUG MacLEOD plus LAWRENCE LEBO. A wonderful doubleheader of acoustic blues. McCloud's deep delta sensibilities and National steel guitar (he's an endorsed artist) and Lebo's hot swing jazz sensibilities are a strong combination. Tix, $20. Get 'em in advance.
__________
√ THE FRET HOUSE, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com
• Sat, Mar 26; 8-11 pm: JOAN DOAN, Emmy nominee, performs “Beyond Six Strings – Beyond Borders and the Ordinary” on 20 string harp guitar with brief story telling. 1st half: “Beyond Borders” – music composed from world travels in China, Europe, USA; 2nd half: “Beyond the Ordinary” inspired from performances with John Fahey (Father of the American Fingerstyle Guitar), Burl Ives (Movie Star and Pioneer of Urban folk music), Mason Williams ("Classical Gas"), and more. Tix, $20.
__________
√ KULAK'S WOODSHED in North Hollywood; www.kulakswoodshed.com
• Sat, Mar 26, in SFV (NoHo):
8 pm TRACY NEWMAN & THE REINFORCEMENTS plus SHELBY & TIEG (along with their band) return to Kulak's Woodshed.
Tracy Newman's award-winning children's album "I Can Swing Forever," an 18-track CD that comes with a whimsically illustrated coloring book, will be available at the show. Could be exactly right for a special kid's Easter basket.
Get there early for best seats. Plenty of street parking. Suggested donation of $15 at the door.
There's a possibility of a LIVE WEB SIMULCAST — details at their website (above).
__________
√ THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; Phone for reservations (10 am-10 pm, 7 days), 626-798-6236. Info, www.coffeegallery.com
• Sat matinee, Mar 26; 2 pm: THE NE'ER DUWELS ★★ bring their innovative fusion of traditional Irish music and contemporary world sounds. “It’s always exciting to hear musicians as good as this . . . a fresh new slant to traditional music” says Ann Peck McBride of radio's nationally-syndicated "Celtic Music Hour." Led by Ken O’Malley’s fine tenor voice, guitar and mandolin, plus a fine ensemble. Patrick D'Arcy, also from Dublin, is one of the finest uilleann pipers in the United States. Bryan Dobbs, originally from New Mexico, adds the mysterious and the romantic that traverses the musical spectrum, accompanying on the mandolin, the acoustic guitar or the very creative, innovative sounds of his Fender Stratocaster. Tix, $20.
• Sun, Mar 27; 7 pm: JOHN DOAN, ★★★ Emmy nominee, master of the twenty string harp guitar, presents “Beyond Six Strings” featuring his acclaimed music — "Best Celtic Album of the Year" and Billboard's "Editors Choice." Mason Williams ("Classical Gas") says, "John returns audiences to a time when we use to dream before movies did that for us." Doc Watson says, "I have no idea where I have been for the past several minutes! What incredible music you make!" More at: www.johndoan.com ; Tix, $20.
• YUGE BARGAIN!
Mon, Mar 28; 8 pm: KATIE McNALLY AND NEIL PEARLMAN ★★★ bring "The vibrant musical traditions of Scotland and Cape Breton," infused with new life in the hands of Katie McNally, "the new face of Scottish fiddling in America" - Living Tradition. And Neil Pearlman, "a tremendous pianist" - BBC Radio Scotland. Based in Boston, MA, this young musical couple is making waves internationally with their fresh approaches to traditional forms. A member of the cross genre fiddle super-group Childsplay since 2009; in the fall of 2012, she accompanied famed Galician bagpiper Carlos Núñez on his first North American tour. Neil is recognized in many Celtic music circles for his unique approach to the piano, called “a force to be reckoned with” by WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan. Rooted in traditional Cape Breton piano styles, Neil brings in ideas from many other genres. More? www.NeilPearlman.com ; www.KatieMcNally.com ; unbelievably, just $5-!
• Tue, Mar 29; 7 pm. "DAVID HARVEY PRESENTS" Showcase of local talent. Always fun and worthwhile. Tickets: $10. Cash or check at the door. No reservations.
• Wed, Mar 30; 8 pm: STRING FEVER. ★★★★ Venue impresario calls them one of the best acts he's ever booked. We concur. Get your tickets before they're gone.
__________
Get tix now...
√ GRAND ANNEX, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro. Tix & info, www.grandvision.org
• Sat, Apr 2: "SPACE ODDITY," David Brighton's brilliant live re-creation of the music and style of the late David Bowie, praised by Bowie himself.
=++=++=++=++=++=
# 3 news feature...
FOLK ALLIANCE "FAR WEST" 2016 FALL CONFERENCE DISCOUNT & MORE NOW AVAILABLE
Discounted early registration for the FAR-West Conference, coming Oct 13-16, in Bellevue, WA, opened Tuesday, March 15.
Folk Alliance Region-West (FAR-West) 2016 Conference offers nice discounts now on merch and swag, too.
Early Bird registration fees are $150 for FAI members and $180 for non-members.
If you're thinking of participating, it's worth reading some detailed particulars:
• If you host a house concert series or host a small venue, or are a DJ or other radio host, you might qualify for a registration discount. Contact Jeanette (meetmepresents@gmail.com) to find out if you qualify.
• Canadian attendees: ignore the FAI / non-FAI options and choose the one that says "Special Code" on the registration page. That gets a discounted rate to help with US / Canadian $ conversion rates. Then enter the Special Code for Canadians.
• Musicians Union Local 1000 members: contact the Local 1000 office to get a code to register at your discounted rate.
• A few things to remember before you jump at going. If you're an FAI member, you'll need your membership number when you register. Members should have received an email last Sunday with directions how to log in to the system (from membership@folk.org). Login is your first and last name, with no spaces. Having problems? Email Janet Dukes (jdukester1@gmail.com) and she'll help.
• Also for Folk Alliance members: you can submit a biography for the directory with your registration; get details on their site and prepare your bio before you start registering.
• To help with some promotion costs, there is a special merchandise discount on specific options. Select two or more items (Networking Center tables, tote bag inserts, and certain program book ads) and get a 20% discount on each item. Be sure to enter the code after each item chosen. Purchases must be made at the same time. (They can't make adjustments after the purchases are made.)
• Those ready to register now, go to:
http://www.far-west.org/far-west-2016.html
• That url has links for the conference page with all the information, including the registration link, Larman Scholarship, Performance and PGS opportunities, marketing and promotion, Hyatt Regency hotel reservations and get started.
• You can also sign-up for FAI & FAR-WEST social media sites and the FAR-West listserv to stay up to date on the Conference details.
=++=++=++=++=++=
# 4 news feature...
NEW ORLEANS TRAD "JAZZFEST AT SEA" BECKONS
Produced by the same folks who present the annual "New Orleans Trad Jazz Camp," the Dec. 6 -16, 2016, "JazzFest at Sea" has an incredible lineup and emphasizes, "Come sail and play!"
If you just want to listen, the scheduled acts are a who's-who of the great players of early jazz.
In addition to the internationally acclaimed artists, they will once again be offering more than twenty hours of opportunities for amateur and unbooked musicians to get up on stage and jam — both with the pros and in your own "JazzFest Jammer" sessions led by the talented John Skillman and by Mike Evans & Jim Glover. This is in addition to the regular schedule.
But, they make it clear that only those who book with Cruise & Vacation Depot or an approved agency will be allowed to participate.
If you book before the end of March, you can get an Oceanview stateroom for the price of an inside berth, or you can get a balcony for the price of an Oceanview.
You can call their travel agency and ask for Bret. Tell them "Jazz Camp sent you" for the best deal. That's the Bret E. Bradford Cruise & Vacation Depot, 1033 State Rd 436, Suite 201, Casselberry, FL 32707.
Their phone is 407-571-2252 or 800-654-8090. Online info is at www.JazzFestatSea.com
The Musicians on the Cruise:
Allan Vache - Clarinet; Harry Allen - Tenor Sax; Duke Heitger - Trumpet; John Altman - Soprano Sax; Paul Keller - Bass; Banu Gibson - Vocals; Russ Phillips - Trombone; Paolo Alderighi - Piano; Stephanie Trick - Piano; Bob Leary - Guitar/Banjo; Kevin Dorn- Drums; Davey Jones - Cornet; Anne Barnhart -Flute/Vocals; Jeff Barnhart - Piano; Charlie Silva - Bass; Danny Coots - Drums; Terry Blaine - Vocals.
The cruise departs Miami to Cartagena, Columbia, then to Oranjestad, Aruba. Then Willemstad, Curacao, on to Grand Turk, Nassau, Bahamas, and returns to Miami.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
More soon, as always.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Direct to the current editions /
MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY
editions load quickly at
.
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to: . Tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Contents copyright © 2016, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
♪ 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 forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds 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 bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
.
The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
.
++++++++++
Quick fact...
Every day in this country, 89 people are shot and killed with guns. Even worse, in terms of how ominous things are: as many as 40% of all gun sales don’t even require an instant background check, which, as any reasonable person must realize, is making it far too easy for violent criminals and mentally unbalanced individuals to access guns.
++++++++++
In this edition:
1) MUSIC TONIGHT, THURSDAY, MARCH 24...
2) THIS WEEKEND (AND SOON): CONCERTS & SHOWS
3) FOLK ALLIANCE "FAR WEST" 2016 FALL CONFERENCE DISCOUNT & MORE NOW AVAILABLE
4) NEW ORLEANS TRAD "JAZZFEST AT SEA" BECKONS
Jump right in!
=++=++=++=++=++=
# 1 news feature...
MUSIC TONIGHT, THURSDAY, MARCH 24...
__________
√ CODY’S VIVA CANTINA, 900 W Riverside Dr, Burbank; www.vivacantina.com ; 818-845-2425.
• Thu, Mar 24, in SFV (Burbank):
7 pm: ★★★ Great Folk-Americana / Country singer-songwriter and "Viva’s good friend," RICK SHEA returns with special guests.
• On the other stage at 7 pm, THE GLEN ROBERTS BIG BAND brings "classic swing from the best in the business!"
• Later, at 9 pm, it's "CODY BRYANT'S CLASSIC COUNTRY GUITAR PULL" ★★★ with RONNIE MACK, plus CODY, JIMMYLEE HARRIS, JOHN PALMER, CARMINE & BUDDY SARDO, JIMMY ANGEL, and special guests TBD.
Named "Best Country Venue" in the "LA Weekly" 2012 "Best of L.A" issue, their "Huell Howser Cantina Stage" and "Trailside Showroom" have live music seven nights a week, Mexican dining (American food, too), two full bars, and two patios. All shows are free with purchase of food or beverage. All ages, no minimum, acres of free parking across the street at Pickwick Gardens.
And as you can see, tonight is exceptionally good there.
__________
√ THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; Phone for reservations (10 am-10 pm, 7 days), 626-798-6236. Info, www.coffeegallery.com
• Thu, Mar 24; 8 pm: The LICATA BROTHERS, plus THORIN, with special guests THE BOHEMIAN SOUL RUSTLERS, and featuring Chad Watson. ★★ The venue's youngest and most raved about discovery, the Licata's, bring their carefully crafted stage show and youthful vitality for a set of music celebrating many decades of the best American tunes, from Cab Calloway, the Everly Brothers, Paul Simon, Jimmie Rodgers, Bob Wills, classic Surf, the Beatles, to Sinatra and even Bowie. They play with full band this time, headed up by bass man CHAD WATSON of "The Byrds and Beyond." Tix, $15.
__________
√ THE FEDERAL BAR, 5303 Lankershim, North Hollywood.
• Thu, Mar 24, in SFV (NoHo):
10 pm DAMNGIVERS play the "Hollowbody L.A." show. Band member Gerry tells us, "Federal Bar is a great location with great food and a great bar. We've got new tunes and would really love to see our Valley friends out there." $10 cover.
=++=++=++=++=++=
# 2 news feature...
THIS WEEKEND (AND SOON): CONCERTS & SHOWS
Just SOME of what's ahead this weekend & beyond.
NOTE: also see the Guide's TICKET ALERTS sections in recent editions (last ten days or so), because we do not repeat them here.
__________
√ FILM SCREENING & MORE...
• Sat, Mar 26, film screening, lecture, more:
12:30 pm ART DECO SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES (adsla.org) presents "To Live and Dine in L.A." a lecture on 1920s & '30s L.A. restaurants, and screening of "MILDRED PIERCE," preceded by period-appropriate social time and food, at the Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Bl, Hollywood 90028.
Co-sponsored by American Cinematheque and the Library Foundation of Los Angeles.
• 12:30 pm - Fried Chicken & Pie.
• 2 pm - "To Live and Dine in L.A." Lecture.
• 3:30 pm "MILDRED PIERCE" (1945) screening, starring Joan Crawford, dir. by Michael Curtiz.
Info, tix, film trailer:
www.americancinemathequecalendar.com/content/to-live-and-dine-in-la-mildred-pierce?utm_source=ADSLA+events+March+2016&utm_campaign=Cliftons+Cocktails+Walking+Tour&utm_medium=email
__________
√ JEFF GOLD'S WEST VALLEY MUSIC CENTER, 24424 Vanowen St, West Hills 91307; 818-992-4142; www.westvalleymusiccenter.com
• Sat, Mar 26, in SFV (West Hills):
8 pm Monthly "Acoustic Concert Series" brings BRAD COLERICK and ALLAN WACHS to play original songs and tell stories from the heart; two authentically original performers, both exceptional singer-songwriters.
• Allan Wachs is known for his recorded works on True Vine Records, Smithsonian Folkways, and Numero Group. Allan Wachs recounts stories filled with heart, woven with a social conscience.
• Brad Colerick’s stories and songs, both newest and seasoned, are always worth hearing, in part because he makes singing them appear so easy. His warm, sunny, homey tenor brings alive characters, places, and relationships.
Get advance tix (info above).
__________
√ McCABE's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com
• Fri, Mar 25; 8 pm: BRETT HARRIS plus ELENI MANDELL. Tix, $16. It'll sell-out.
• Sat, Mar 26; 8 pm: DOUG MacLEOD plus LAWRENCE LEBO. A wonderful doubleheader of acoustic blues. McCloud's deep delta sensibilities and National steel guitar (he's an endorsed artist) and Lebo's hot swing jazz sensibilities are a strong combination. Tix, $20. Get 'em in advance.
__________
√ THE FRET HOUSE, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com
• Sat, Mar 26; 8-11 pm: JOAN DOAN, Emmy nominee, performs “Beyond Six Strings – Beyond Borders and the Ordinary” on 20 string harp guitar with brief story telling. 1st half: “Beyond Borders” – music composed from world travels in China, Europe, USA; 2nd half: “Beyond the Ordinary” inspired from performances with John Fahey (Father of the American Fingerstyle Guitar), Burl Ives (Movie Star and Pioneer of Urban folk music), Mason Williams ("Classical Gas"), and more. Tix, $20.
__________
√ KULAK'S WOODSHED in North Hollywood; www.kulakswoodshed.com
• Sat, Mar 26, in SFV (NoHo):
8 pm TRACY NEWMAN & THE REINFORCEMENTS plus SHELBY & TIEG (along with their band) return to Kulak's Woodshed.
Tracy Newman's award-winning children's album "I Can Swing Forever," an 18-track CD that comes with a whimsically illustrated coloring book, will be available at the show. Could be exactly right for a special kid's Easter basket.
Get there early for best seats. Plenty of street parking. Suggested donation of $15 at the door.
There's a possibility of a LIVE WEB SIMULCAST — details at their website (above).
__________
√ THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; Phone for reservations (10 am-10 pm, 7 days), 626-798-6236. Info, www.coffeegallery.com
• Sat matinee, Mar 26; 2 pm: THE NE'ER DUWELS ★★ bring their innovative fusion of traditional Irish music and contemporary world sounds. “It’s always exciting to hear musicians as good as this . . . a fresh new slant to traditional music” says Ann Peck McBride of radio's nationally-syndicated "Celtic Music Hour." Led by Ken O’Malley’s fine tenor voice, guitar and mandolin, plus a fine ensemble. Patrick D'Arcy, also from Dublin, is one of the finest uilleann pipers in the United States. Bryan Dobbs, originally from New Mexico, adds the mysterious and the romantic that traverses the musical spectrum, accompanying on the mandolin, the acoustic guitar or the very creative, innovative sounds of his Fender Stratocaster. Tix, $20.
• Sun, Mar 27; 7 pm: JOHN DOAN, ★★★ Emmy nominee, master of the twenty string harp guitar, presents “Beyond Six Strings” featuring his acclaimed music — "Best Celtic Album of the Year" and Billboard's "Editors Choice." Mason Williams ("Classical Gas") says, "John returns audiences to a time when we use to dream before movies did that for us." Doc Watson says, "I have no idea where I have been for the past several minutes! What incredible music you make!" More at: www.johndoan.com ; Tix, $20.
• YUGE BARGAIN!
Mon, Mar 28; 8 pm: KATIE McNALLY AND NEIL PEARLMAN ★★★ bring "The vibrant musical traditions of Scotland and Cape Breton," infused with new life in the hands of Katie McNally, "the new face of Scottish fiddling in America" - Living Tradition. And Neil Pearlman, "a tremendous pianist" - BBC Radio Scotland. Based in Boston, MA, this young musical couple is making waves internationally with their fresh approaches to traditional forms. A member of the cross genre fiddle super-group Childsplay since 2009; in the fall of 2012, she accompanied famed Galician bagpiper Carlos Núñez on his first North American tour. Neil is recognized in many Celtic music circles for his unique approach to the piano, called “a force to be reckoned with” by WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan. Rooted in traditional Cape Breton piano styles, Neil brings in ideas from many other genres. More? www.NeilPearlman.com ; www.KatieMcNally.com ; unbelievably, just $5-!
• Tue, Mar 29; 7 pm. "DAVID HARVEY PRESENTS" Showcase of local talent. Always fun and worthwhile. Tickets: $10. Cash or check at the door. No reservations.
• Wed, Mar 30; 8 pm: STRING FEVER. ★★★★ Venue impresario calls them one of the best acts he's ever booked. We concur. Get your tickets before they're gone.
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Get tix now...
√ GRAND ANNEX, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro. Tix & info, www.grandvision.org
• Sat, Apr 2: "SPACE ODDITY," David Brighton's brilliant live re-creation of the music and style of the late David Bowie, praised by Bowie himself.
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# 3 news feature...
FOLK ALLIANCE "FAR WEST" 2016 FALL CONFERENCE DISCOUNT & MORE NOW AVAILABLE
Discounted early registration for the FAR-West Conference, coming Oct 13-16, in Bellevue, WA, opened Tuesday, March 15.
Folk Alliance Region-West (FAR-West) 2016 Conference offers nice discounts now on merch and swag, too.
Early Bird registration fees are $150 for FAI members and $180 for non-members.
If you're thinking of participating, it's worth reading some detailed particulars:
• If you host a house concert series or host a small venue, or are a DJ or other radio host, you might qualify for a registration discount. Contact Jeanette (meetmepresents@gmail.com) to find out if you qualify.
• Canadian attendees: ignore the FAI / non-FAI options and choose the one that says "Special Code" on the registration page. That gets a discounted rate to help with US / Canadian $ conversion rates. Then enter the Special Code for Canadians.
• Musicians Union Local 1000 members: contact the Local 1000 office to get a code to register at your discounted rate.
• A few things to remember before you jump at going. If you're an FAI member, you'll need your membership number when you register. Members should have received an email last Sunday with directions how to log in to the system (from membership@folk.org). Login is your first and last name, with no spaces. Having problems? Email Janet Dukes (jdukester1@gmail.com) and she'll help.
• Also for Folk Alliance members: you can submit a biography for the directory with your registration; get details on their site and prepare your bio before you start registering.
• To help with some promotion costs, there is a special merchandise discount on specific options. Select two or more items (Networking Center tables, tote bag inserts, and certain program book ads) and get a 20% discount on each item. Be sure to enter the code after each item chosen. Purchases must be made at the same time. (They can't make adjustments after the purchases are made.)
• Those ready to register now, go to:
http://www.far-west.org/far-west-2016.html
• That url has links for the conference page with all the information, including the registration link, Larman Scholarship, Performance and PGS opportunities, marketing and promotion, Hyatt Regency hotel reservations and get started.
• You can also sign-up for FAI & FAR-WEST social media sites and the FAR-West listserv to stay up to date on the Conference details.
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# 4 news feature...
NEW ORLEANS TRAD "JAZZFEST AT SEA" BECKONS
Produced by the same folks who present the annual "New Orleans Trad Jazz Camp," the Dec. 6 -16, 2016, "JazzFest at Sea" has an incredible lineup and emphasizes, "Come sail and play!"
If you just want to listen, the scheduled acts are a who's-who of the great players of early jazz.
In addition to the internationally acclaimed artists, they will once again be offering more than twenty hours of opportunities for amateur and unbooked musicians to get up on stage and jam — both with the pros and in your own "JazzFest Jammer" sessions led by the talented John Skillman and by Mike Evans & Jim Glover. This is in addition to the regular schedule.
But, they make it clear that only those who book with Cruise & Vacation Depot or an approved agency will be allowed to participate.
If you book before the end of March, you can get an Oceanview stateroom for the price of an inside berth, or you can get a balcony for the price of an Oceanview.
You can call their travel agency and ask for Bret. Tell them "Jazz Camp sent you" for the best deal. That's the Bret E. Bradford Cruise & Vacation Depot, 1033 State Rd 436, Suite 201, Casselberry, FL 32707.
Their phone is 407-571-2252 or 800-654-8090. Online info is at www.JazzFestatSea.com
The Musicians on the Cruise:
Allan Vache - Clarinet; Harry Allen - Tenor Sax; Duke Heitger - Trumpet; John Altman - Soprano Sax; Paul Keller - Bass; Banu Gibson - Vocals; Russ Phillips - Trombone; Paolo Alderighi - Piano; Stephanie Trick - Piano; Bob Leary - Guitar/Banjo; Kevin Dorn- Drums; Davey Jones - Cornet; Anne Barnhart -Flute/Vocals; Jeff Barnhart - Piano; Charlie Silva - Bass; Danny Coots - Drums; Terry Blaine - Vocals.
The cruise departs Miami to Cartagena, Columbia, then to Oranjestad, Aruba. Then Willemstad, Curacao, on to Grand Turk, Nassau, Bahamas, and returns to Miami.
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The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.
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More soon, as always.
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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 forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds 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 bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
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Friday, March 18, 2016
WEEKEND News & Events, with Two Festivals, a Workshop, Concerts, MORE Irish Music, and, oh, go look...
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More added, Sunday morning: LATE ADDITIONS... there are more noteworthy weekend events, added late... right up-front where you can find 'em, since you prob'ly already read the full edition:
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Late news item...
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS!
Officially proclaimed by the United Nations, is Sunday, March 20. In case you're wondering, there IS a survey of citizens of each country to produce an "Index of Happiness" rating. Denmark is # 1, closely followed by Switzerland. Canada, New Zealand, and Australia join European nations to complete the top 10.
The US is number 13. And hey, that's based on our stagnant wages, high portion of earnings consumed by rent, lack of access to needed health care, obesity, lack of upward mobility, educational standards, crumbling infrastructure that we won't fix, lack of vacation time, multiple part-time jobs with no benefits instead of careers with ever-declining benefits, and other defining, depressing characteristics of American life. No wonder we need our artists to inspire us. Our smiling, starving artists. At least they seem to find fulfillment in sacrifice and devotion. :)
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Great Stuff on AXS tv...
For those fortunate enough to have it, or can access AXS on the web, Sunday offers two wowsa premieres in one night.
First: THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND in concert from the band's induction in the Colorado Musical Hall of Fame, with FIREFALL, POCO, and a tribute to STEPHEN STILLS & MANASSAS. Premieres at 2 pm PDT.
Second: DR. JOHN brings his New Orleans piano-based musical mojo with special guests BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, JOHN FOGERTY, & MAVIS STAPLES. At 5 pm PDT, immediately following the first concert.
Find AXS TV in your area at:
www.axs.tv
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ON PBS...
Irish Rebellion Remembered on TV
"1916: THE IRISH REBELLION" is a new, three-part, 2016 look at the causes and struggle of the Irish people to end 300 years of oppressive British rule.
Part 1 airs 7-8 pm Sunday on KLCS.
Part 1 repeats Monday night in a block with parts 2 & 3, all of that on the PBS World channel:
Mon, Mar 21, on PBS World:
9-10 pm Part 1
10-11 pm Part 2
11 pm-midnight Part 3
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Additional LIVE shows in the venues, out 'n about...
√ Sat, Mar 19; 7 pm: ELAYNA and RANDALL KIRBY play Butler's Coffee, 40125 10th St W, Palmdale 93551; menu, etc.: www.butlerscoffee.com ; scheduled act MAYDE IN IRELAND had to cancel due to a death in the family. Singer-songwriters ELAYNA and RANDALL KIRBY, "and possibly a few other members of the Butler's Coffee Emergency Guild," stepped in to serve-up a little feistiness and chutzpah with your beverage of choice. Free, one-menu-item cover.
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Yikes! One entire venue's schedule got left-out!
And plan now: you're spending your whole evening there on March 24th. Check-out their schedule...
√ CODY’S VIVA CANTINA, 900 W Riverside Dr, Burbank; www.vivacantina.com ; 818-845-2425; Named "Best Country Venue" in the "LA Weekly" 2012 "Best of L.A" issue, their "Huell Howser Cantina Stage" and "Trailside Showroom" have live music seven nights a week, Mexican dining (American food, too), two full bars, and two patios. All shows are free with purchase of food or beverage. All ages, no minimum, acres of free parking across the street at Pickwick Gardens.
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• Sat matinee, Mar 19; Noon-2 pm: cowboy singer BOB THOMAS.
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• Sat, Mar 19; 8 pm: THE CODY BRYANT EXPERIENCE, an exhilaratingly eclectic, musically masterful, country-surf-rock-Italian session when "Fearless Leader" Cody and his outstanding band storm the stage.
• Then, at 9 pm, the high voltage rock & roll of '50s Bop Cat JIMMY ANGEL.
• Also — starting at 8 pm, in the Trailside Showroom: Psychedelic pop band THE RUNNING JUMPS returns, plus Americana all-stars GospelbeacH (featuring members of Beachwood Sparks, Everest and Ryan Adams’ Cardinals), and special guest Sie Sie Benhoff, with pedal steel genius Tim Walker.
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• Sun matinees, Mar 20; 12 & 2 pm.
First, 12 to 2 pm: BLUEGRASS GHOSTS plus MURPHY'S FLAW return to play "Bluegrass Brunch." The Flaw is back, says the band, "Because they forgot to change the locks."
• Then, at 2 pm, BLUE MONDAY plays the Trailside Showroom.
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• Sun, Mar 20; 6 pm: On onr stage, the monthly "MESSAROUND" brings a "War of the Wild, Wild Women" musicians, featuring a rockin’ Battle Royale with stone country siren TRACY DAWN, Calibama Outlaw bombshell TONYA WATTS, thunderous punk princess SUZI MOON & TURBULENT HEARTS, and trash rock vixen supreme PAIGE DARLING & INGRATES.
• On the other stage (Trailside Showroom), also at 6 pm: Favorite country singing sensation DEBRA LEE and her wonderful TRIGGER HAPPY band (big hits at the late, great Cowboy Palace for the last few years before it closed in January), plus Debra brings her special guests, the venue serves-up giant margaritas, and they have free dance lessons! Be on-time at 6 pm for the latter.
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COMING UP at Viva...
• Mon, Mar 21; 7:30 pm: "Bluegrass Night" with the excellent band THE BROMBIES.
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• Tue, Mar 22; 7:30 pm: On one stage, "JOHN PISANO’S GUITAR NIGHT" with Brad Rabuchin, John Pisano, guitars, plus Chris Conner, bass, Tim Pleasant, drums.
• On the other stage (Trailside Showroom) also at 7:30 pm: Swing with THE FLIGHT 584 BIG BAND, 7:30 pm.
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• Wed, Mar 23; 7 pm:
On one stage, first rate, kickin’ California country, courtesy of CODY BRYANT, JIMMYLEE HARRIS, JOHN PALMER, CARMINE & BUDDY SARDO, JIMMYANGEL.
• On the other stage (Trailside Showroom) at 7:30 pm: "THIS AIN'T YOUR DADDY'S BIG BAND!" A wild "Big Band Rock Party" featuring two slamming sets from an "amazingly great outfit featuring members of the bands of Buddy Rich, Brian Setzer, Manhattan Transfer, Tower of Power, The Captain & Tennille, Rod Stewart, and more!"
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• Thu, Mar 24; 7 pm: In the Cantina at 7 pm: ★★★ Great Folk-Americana / Country singer-songwriter and "Viva’s good friend," RICK SHEA returns with special guests.
• On the other stage at 7 pm, THE GLEN ROBERTS BIG BAND brings "classic swing from the best in the business!"
• Later, at 9 pm, it's "CODY BRYANT'S CLASSIC COUNTRY GUITAR PULL" ★★★ with RONNIE MACK, plus CODY, JIMMYLEE HARRIS, JOHN PALMER, CARMINE & BUDDY SARDO, JIMMY ANGEL, and special guests TBD.
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(Of course, MANY other
venues & shows ARE in
this edition, too.)
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Here's the full edition
as originally published.
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(GUIDE BlogSpot edition no. 1,528.)
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In this edition:
1) WEEKEND FESTIVALS... (2 of 'em)
2) WEEKEND CONCERTS plus upcoming at the best venues...
3) WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, WITH A BIG TIME SONGWRITER...
4) HOW TO PLAY ST. PADDY'S CATCH-UP ON SUNDAY...
5) TWO EXCITING LITERARY EVENTS AT STORIES BOOKS & CAFE IN ECHO PARK
6) BIG BAND SHOW, FREE, MARCH 24th IN BURBANK
7) MEET JAMES TAYLOR BACKSTAGE IN CHICAGO; ROUND-TRIP TRANSPORTATION & LODGING INCLUDED!
8) DEADLINES NEARING: 56th ANNUAL TOPANGA BANJO•FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL
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Here are all those features and event recommendations. Let's get started!
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# 1 news feature...
WEEKEND FESTIVALS... (2 of 'em)
We hope all your green duds aren't in the laundry after Thursday. You'll need them this weekend.
Sat & Sun, Mar 19-20,
FESTIVAL,
in Pomona:
10 am-6 pm Annual "CELTIC FAIRE" at Fairplex, the L.A. County Fairgrounds in Pomona.
• Trad Celtic & Irish music.
• Irish rock.
• Trad dancing.
• Jousting.
• Sheepherding demonstrations.
• Family & kids activities.
• Rich Celtic traditions.
• Food, pubs, vendors.
The Fairplex folks produced the first one themselves a couple years back, when the long-running "Irish Faire" suddenly cancelled and left holes in both the schedule and the Fairplex revenue stream. Things went well — so well that the event has continued ever since.
Lineup & schedule: www.fairplex.com
Tix are cheap! $10 adult, $5 ages 6-12, free age 5 & under with paying adult.
Note that parking does cost, in addition to gate admission.
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Sat, Mar 19,
FESTIVAL,
in San Diego Co (Encinitas):
10 am-6 pm Annual "SAN DIEGO STORYTELLING FESTIVAL" at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Dr, Encinitas 92024; 760-753-7376. Produced by the Storytellers of San Diego.
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# 2 news feature...
WEEKEND CONCERTS plus upcoming at the best venues...
√ MCCABE'S GUITAR SHOP, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com
• Fri, Mar 18; 8 pm: CARLA OLSON & JOHN YORK, with friends Scott Kempner (The Del-Lords), Rob Waller (I See Hawks In L.A.), with and introducing Lael Neale, play an all-acoustic evening. Tix, $16.
• Sat, Mar 19; 8 pm: WILLY PORTER. Tix, $24.50.
• Sun, Mar 20; 11 am: "Matinee Kids' Show" with JAZZY ASH. Tix. $10 (kids under 2 are free).
• Sun, Mar 20; 8 pm: DENNY LAINE plays "Band On The Run," plus special guests BROKEN SKY (feat. The Records' John Wicks, and Debbie Peterson of The Bangles). Tix, $26.50.
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√ GRAND ANNEX, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro. Tix & info, www.grandvision.org
• Fri, Mar 18, : PADDY'S PIG, Irish festival veterans and a So Cal-based quartet, play lively acoustic renditions of traditional and new Irish & Celtic music. Adv. tix sales closed; seats available: $20 at door.
UPCOMING...
• Wed, Mar 23; 8 pm: SIERRA HULL. A protege of Alison Krauss, Hull came to bluegrass at the early age of 11, playing the Grand Ole Opry stage with Krauss herself. Now at the ripe old age of 22, Hull is making her mark as a remarkable mandolin player, vocalist, and a recording artist of high order. Her new album, "Weighted Mind," was produced by Bela Fleck and features Fleck’s banjo with enchanting harmonies by the ensemble of Krauss, Abigail Washburn, and Rhiannon Giddens — aka the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
• Sat, Apr 2: "SPACE ODDITY," David Brighton's brilliant live re-creation of the music and style of the late David Bowie, praised by Bowie himself.
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√ COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena. Reservations (10 am-10 pm, 7 days), 626-798-6236; info: www.coffeegallery.com
• Fri, Mar 18; 8 pm: SUSIE GLAZE & THE HILONSOME TRIO, plus JOHN PICKOW and JOEELLEN LAPIDUS. ★★★ "A Night of Appalachian Folk." Jean Ritchie tribute artists all: Susie Glaze & the Hilonesome Trio with Ritchie's son Jon Pickow and Southern California dulcimer virtuoso Joellen Lapidus. This'll be great. Tix, $20.
• Sat, Mar 19; 7 pm: THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, ★★ ten-piece all-female Celtic and folk band based in Pasadena. "The Wives' harmonies are exquisite!" — Music Connection Magazine. Blending four- and five-part vocal harmonies with acoustic folk instruments, they've played the El Rey, The Galaxy Theatre, and Renaissance Faires across the country. More at: www.mwow.net. Tix, $20.
• Sun matinee, Mar 20; 3 pm: THE SOUND ACCORD ★★ brings "multiple cellos, multiple violins, infinite talent, music and show. A wow afternoon," says Bob Stane. Irish and American influences. The musicians say, "As a chamber-folk string sextet, we draw upon our eclectic strengths and skills to create innovative arrangements of melodies both old and new. Why can't you have a band with 3 cellists?" More at: www.thesoundaccord.com ; Tix, $15.
• Sun, Mar 20; 7 pm: JIM "KIMO" WEST and KEN EMERSON play "A HAWAIIAN FANDANGO" ★★★ with slack key, singing, & hula dancing. Grammy Award folks, both living legends in the world of Hawaiian slack key and acoustic steel guitar. "Emerson writes pieces that update the classic sounds of Hawaiian Slack Key guitar. His unaccompanied songs have an open, relaxing quality to them, moving forward in a gentle rhythm.." — Jessy Terry, Rolling Stone. Tix, $20.
COMING UP...
• Mon, Mar 21; 8 pm: MOOD INDIGO.... "MOVIES, RECORDS & WORLD TOURS." ★★★ This is truly a great swing trio: Casey MacGill (lead vocals, ukelele), John Reynolds (vocals, National Resophonic guitar), & David Jackson (vocals, bass). They reunite for an evening of merriment and frolicking, being the musicians who brought swing music back to Southern California in the '80s and reunited after twenty-something years for a few special performances in 2015. And proving to be just as talented and swingin’ as before. They shared many wild adventures throughout the 80’s, including touring in Australia, Japan and Hawaii, and can be spotted in Hollywood feature films, including "Frances" (1981) and "Swing Shift" (1983). Tix, $18, while they last.
• Wed, Mar 23; 8 pm: THE GENE BUTLER BAND, ★★ with Gene Butler, Brantley Kearns, Al "Shotgun" Weiss, and Patrick Gilham, play what Butler has coined as 'Concrete Americana.' It's a mixture of Blue Grass, Rock-A-Billy, Blues, and Old School Country ..and all original. Tix, $15.
• Thu, Mar 24; 8 pm: The LICATA BROTHERS, plus THORIN, with special guests THE BOHEMIAN SOUL RUSTLERS, and featuring Chad Watson. ★★ The venue's youngest and most raved about discovery, the Licata's, bring their carefully crafted stage show and youthful vitality for a set of music celebrating many decades of the best American tunes, from Cab Calloway, the Everly Brothers, Paul Simon, Jimmie Rodgers, Bob Wills, classic Surf, the Beatles, to Sinatra and even Bowie. They play with full band this time, headed up by bass man CHAD WATSON of "The Byrds and Beyond." Tix, $15.
• Sat matinee, Mar 26; 2 pm: THE NE'ER DUWELS ★★ bring their innovative fusion of traditional Irish music and contemporary world sounds. “It’s always exciting to hear musicians as good as this . . . a fresh new slant to traditional music” says Ann Peck McBride of radio's nationally-syndicated "Celtic Music Hour." Led by Ken O’Malley’s fine tenor voice, guitar and mandolin, plus a fine ensemble. Patrick D'Arcy, also from Dublin, is one of the finest uilleann pipers in the United States. Bryan Dobbs, originally from New Mexico, adds the mysterious and the romantic that traverses the musical spectrum, accompanying on the mandolin, the acoustic guitar or the very creative, innovative sounds of his Fender Stratocaster. Tix, $20.
• Sun, Mar 27; 7 pm: JOHN DOAN, ★★★ Emmy nominee, master of the twenty string harp guitar, presents “Beyond Six Strings” featuring his acclaimed music — "Best Celtic Album of the Year" and Billboard's "Editors Choice." Mason Williams ("Classical Gas") says, "John returns audiences to a time when we use to dream before movies did that for us." Doc Watson says, "I have no idea where I have been for the past several minutes! What incredible music you make!" More at: www.johndoan.com ; Tix, $20.
• YUGE BARGAIN!
Mon, Mar 28; 8 pm: KATIE McNALLY AND NEIL PEARLMAN ★★★ bring "The vibrant musical traditions of Scotland and Cape Breton," infused with new life in the hands of Katie McNally, "the new face of Scottish fiddling in America" - Living Tradition. And Neil Pearlman, "a tremendous pianist" - BBC Radio Scotland. Based in Boston, MA, this young musical couple is making waves internationally with their fresh approaches to traditional forms. A member of the cross genre fiddle super-group Childsplay since 2009; in the fall of 2012, she accompanied famed Galician bagpiper Carlos Núñez on his first North American tour. Neil is recognized in many Celtic music circles for his unique approach to the piano, called “a force to be reckoned with” by WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan. Rooted in traditional Cape Breton piano styles, Neil brings in ideas from many other genres. More? www.NeilPearlman.com ; www.KatieMcNally.com ; unbelievably, just $5-!
• Tue, Mar 29; 7 pm. "DAVID HARVEY PRESENTS" Showcase of local talent. Always fun and worthwhile. Tickets: $10. Cash or check at the door. No reservations.
• Wed, Mar 30; 8 pm: STRING FEVER. ★★★★ Venue impresario calls them one of the best acts he's ever booked. We concur. Get your tickets before they're gone.
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√ ARCADIA BLUES CLUB, 16 E Huntington Dr (Santa Anita Av exit, S off 210 Fwy), Arcadia.
• Fri, Mar 18: Jacob Huffman Band, plus Bobby Bluehouse
• Sat, Mar 19: Johnny Rawls, plus Bobby Bluehouse
Great food, generous portions, befitting a real blues club. Full bar with specials (ask). Two stages, opposite ends of the house, so there's no dead time. Fun place. But bring earplugs — seriously.
Coming up at ABC:
• Fri, Apr 1: Preston Smith and the Crocodiles
• Sat, Apr 2: Delgado Brothers
Advance tix get substantial discounts (all shows), at:
http://arcadiabluesclub.ticketleap.com/
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√ ALVAS SHOWROOM, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro 90732; venue provides complimentary hot coffee, tea, cocoa, and a filtered water from the fountain. Bring your own food & drinks.
Sat, Mar 19; 8 pm: "C&C" Candi Sosa - Cristina Rebull. Powerhouse Cuban songstresses blend their voices to a Cuban Danzon, an Argentine Tango, some classic American Songbook ballads, and more. Tix: $30. Waiting list is all that's left, at: 310-519-1314
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Sun, Mar 20; 4 pm: Nite at the Puppet Asylum. They explore the outer edges of puppetry with inventive, absurdly funny and wicked acts of puppetry, independently produced for an adult-only audience. Due to adult subject material, no one under the age of 18 will be admitted. Tix: $12.
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√ BOSTON COURT THEATRE, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena; box office, 626-683-6883 (11 am-5 pm Tue-Sat); www.bostoncourt.com
• Fri, Mar 18; 8 pm: ★★★ "Music at Boston Court" performance is something special tonight at Boston Court Theatre.
Not only is the beautiful music being played by Robert Thies and Damjan Krajacic (on piano and flute), but video artist J-Walt is accompanying them with a live animation, which can best be described as magic. The theatre manager says, "I took a short video of their rehearsal just to give the tiniest taste."
It's available at:
https://vine.co/v/iwEeqwXpg9O
Everything else is on the venue's site, where you can get tix: www.bostoncourt.com
• Sat, Mar 19; 8 pm: ★★★ This is the season's FINAL "Music at Boston Court" concert. They present cellist John Walz with Edith Orloff and friends. These masterful musicians will perform a concert of Schumann cello masterworks including the A minor Cello Concerto arranged for string quartet. Tix, www.bostoncourt.com
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√ Sat, Mar 19, in Pasadena:
7 pm LIVE RECORDING NIGHT at the concert with Brad Swanson & Frequencies and The Quarter-Moon All-Stars, at Old Throop Hall, adjacent to Throop Unitarian, 300 S Los Robles Av, Pasadena.
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$15 donation includes dinner and goodies. Your potluck of Desserts to share is accepted. The series' other trademark, a Song Circle, follows the show.
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RSVPs appreciated at:
dmorrisonmusic@gmail.com
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More at:
www.davemorrisonmusic.com
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√ THE FRET HOUSE, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com
• Sat, Mar 19; 8-11 pm: JIM KIMO WEST AND KEN EMERSON, both living legends in the world of Hawaiian slack key and acoustic steel guitar, and GRAMMY winners. They strive for freshness and spontaneity in there duet shows, often performing without a set list or any idea of what comes next. Tix, $20.
COMING SOON...
• Sat, Mar 26; 8-11 pm: JOAN DOAN, Emmy nominee, performs “Beyond Six Strings – Beyond Borders and the Ordinary” on 20 string harp guitar with brief story telling. 1st half: “Beyond Borders” – music composed from world travels in China, Europe, USA; 2nd half: “Beyond the Ordinary” inspired from performances with John Fahey (Father of the American Fingerstyle Guitar), Burl Ives (Movie Star and Pioneer of Urban folk music), Mason Williams ("Classical Gas"), and more. Tix, $20.
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√ BOULEVARD MUSIC, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583; www.boulevardmusic.com
• Sat, Mar 19; 8 pm: LEFTOVER CUTIES – Shirli McAllen (lead vocals, ukulele), Austin Nicholsen (bass, vocals), Mike Bolger (brass, keys, accordion, vocals ) and Stuart Johnson (drums, percussion, vocals) – have sparked a fire with music lovers with a timeless jazz-tinged sound, combining sultry vocals, pop-perfect songwriting, and seasoned musicianship. Their spellbinding first album “Places to Go” won raves from critics. Their impeccable and atmospheric live performances draw ever-growing and increasingly passionate crowds in the clubs and cabarets of their hometown Los Angeles. A string of impressive licensing placements has won them fans the world over. Among those big spots: the theme for the Showtime series “The Big C” and an ad for Samsung that aired over and over (and over and over…) during the 2012 Olympics, generating more than 3 million YouTube views. Tickets $17.50
• Sun, Mar 20; 7-9 pm: UKULELE KANIKAPILA WITH CALI ROSE. Bring your ukulele, music stand and a great big smile to Boulevard's second “Ukulele Kanikapila with Cali Rose.” Also known as The Force of the Ukulele Awakens. That means participants sing, play and make music together. Cali hands out the songs and you get to make happy. There is an “open mic” segment later in the evening for those who would like to participate. Each participant who would like to, will perform one song in keeping with the “ukulele only” theme. Five sign-ups. Do it or review it, please contact Boulevard Music. Singers, ukulele, and music lovers are welcome, and please note this evening is a uke instrument only event. No tubas. www.calirose.com ; the venue notes, " Variety Nite returns next month." Tickets for tonight, $12.
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Miscellaneous venues with great shows...
√ ★★★ Sun, Mar 20, in OC (Costa Mesa):
3 pm ACOUSTIC EIDOLON plays the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series" at LCA Wine at SOCO Center, 3303 Hyland Av, Costa Mesa 92626.
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√ ★★★ Sun, Mar 20, in L.A.:
4 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS plus the NEW ASHGROVE PLAYERS play the "Ash Grove at the Improv" concert series at the Hollywood Improv, 8162 Melrose Av, Los Angeles 90048.
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√ ★★★ Sun, Mar 20, in Venice:
5 pm ROSS ALTMAN performs his "Voice in the Well Production," "Chimes of Freedom Flashing," with spoken word artists at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Bl, Venice 90291; 310-822-3006.
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√ Sun, Mar 20, in Malibu:
4 pm SIERRA HIGHWAY plays Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio, 18741 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. See the band outside under the palms with the ocean breeze and warm spring afternoon. You can drink fine Rosenthal Wine and bring a picnic lunch, or a food truck is available. Major Label Music is providing sound engineering. Band spokesman Larry Schallert says, "This is a great venue to see the band and bring friends and family."
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Next week...
√ Tue, Mar 22, in Malibu:
8 pm CHERISH THE LADIES in concert with Irish Dancers and THE ENNIS SISTERS, at Pepperdine Center for the Arts, Smothers Theater, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu 90263; http://arts.pepperdine.edu/performances/cherishtheladies.htm ; Tix from $20.
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# 3 news feature...
WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, WITH A BIG TIME SONGWRITER...
"Confessions of a Serial Songwriter" happens Saturday, March 19, in Hollywood, 11 am-1 pm, with multi-platinum GRAMMY nominated songwriter SHELLY PEIKEN, presented by Los Angeles Women in Music (LAWIM) at SAE-LA Institute, 6700 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038.
"I don't know what I'm doing and maybe that's a good thing!" says SHELLY PEIKEN, the author of "Confessions of a Serial Songwriter."
In this special interview, she discusses the creative process of songwriting, humorous stories, personal conflicts, and more. It's a candid commentary about her unique perspective on the music business and how to navigate the changes ("even when you're not so young anymore!" adds LAWIM). She'll dive into "Ideas are all around us… even at Ralph's; Writer’s block: either be its bitch or do not dignify it with your attention; Co-writing: finding suitable collaborators; Daring to Suck; Technology has changed the game; The single vs. the album cut; umm, what’s an album cut?; Getting (or not getting) paid in a digital world; Combining a creative career and a family; Dealing with rejection (even after success); Keeping a sense of humor." One lucky attendee will win a signed copy of Shelly's book.
Parking is free in the on-site gated parking lot (enter off Las Palmas).
ADVANCE TICKETS (guaranteed seating): $20 LAWIM Members (current membership verified); $25 student discount (must present valid student photo i.d. at the door); $30 general public (all are welcome).
Advance tix required for a guaranteed seat; available thru midnight Friday, at:
reservations@lawim.com or by phone at 213-243-6440.
Tix at door, space permiting, $25 LAWIM members, $30 student discount, $35 general public.
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# 4 news feature...
HOW TO PLAY ST. PADDY'S CATCH-UP, ON SUNDAY
We're calling it "IRISH SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016." Because it's not just that St. Patrick's day fell on Thursday, when you couldn't indulge in a lot of Irish music and culture. It's just "a gimme," because there is so MUCH Irish music (and even and Irish Festival!) happening this weekend.
Here's the scene.
Irish Sunday FESTIVAL, Mar 20, in Pomona:
10 am-6 pm Annual "POMONA CELTIC FAIRE" is a St. Patrick-season festival with Patti Amelotte, Brand McFarland, Whiskey Sunday, The McClouds, Galway Hooker Band, and more, at Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Av, Pomona 91768; 909-623-3111; www.fairplex.com
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Irish Sunday, Mar 20, in Van Nuys:
8 pm STEVE GILLETTE & CINDY MANGSEN play the Noble House Concerts series in Van Nuys 91411. Their trad folk-americana repertoire is inclusive of Irish music. Reservations get directions at 818-780-5979, or by email to barb@noblehouseconcerts.com
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Western-Irish Sunday, Mar 20, in Griffith Park:
Noon-2 pm Monthly "WESTERN MUSIC JAM" will emphasize the many cowboy songs with Irish roots, at the Autry National Center / Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles 90027; 323-667-2000. If you come to make music, or you're a member of the Western Music Association, you get in free at this event. Regular museum admission applies for all others.
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Irish Sunday, Mar 20, in L.A.:
3-5:30 pm "WILDE THISTLE WEEKLY IRISH SESSION" where you can peruse the art gallery and listen or make music, at thr Wilde Thistle, 3456 Motor Av, Los Angeles; 310-730-6208; www.thewildethistle.com
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Irish Sunday, Mar 20, in Long Beach:
4-7 pm "TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC WEEKLY SESSION" at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach 90802; 562-437-8300.
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Irish Sunday, Mar 20, in SaMo:
7:30-11 pm "IRISH MUSIC WEEKLY SESSION" at one of two O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant locations, this one at 2226 Wilshire Bl, Santa Monica 90403; 310-829-5303.
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Irish Sunday, Mar 20, in SaMo:
9 pm KEN O'MALLEY, the wonderful Irish singer-songwriter & acoustic multi-instrumentslist, plays his every-Sunday gig at at one of two O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant locations, this one at 2941 Main St, Santa Monica 90405.
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# 5 news feature...
TWO EXCITING LITERARY EVENTS AT STORIES BOOKS & CAFE IN ECHO PARK
First, on March 24...
CHRIS MORRIS DEBUTS HIS NEW BOOK, "LOS LOBOS: DREAM IN BLUE"
Thursday, March 24th, at 7:30 pm, author-journalist-photographer CHRIS MORRIS — just in the national news for being taken-down while covering a Donald Trump rally for TIME magazine — will find a happier reception here.
Chris presents "Los Lobos: Dream in Blue," his newest book and the first comprehensive treatise on the storied band.
Los Lobos leaped into the national spotlight in 1987, when their cover of “La Bamba” became a No. 1 hit. But what looked like an overnight achievement to the band’s new fans was actually a way station in a long musical journey that began in East Los Angeles in 1973 and is still going strong. Across four decades, Los Lobos (Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, David Hidalgo, Louie Perez, and Steve Berlin) have ranged through virtually the entire breadth of American vernacular music, from rockabilly to primal punk rock, R&B to country and folk, Mexican “son jarocho” to Tex-Mex “conjunto” and Latin American “cumbia.”
Their “sui generis” sound has sold millions of albums and won acclaim from fans and critics alike, including three Grammy Awards.
"Los Lobos," the first book on this unique band, traces the entire arc of the band’s career. Music journalist Chris Morris draws on new interviews with Los Lobos members and their principal collaborators, as well as his own reporting since the early 1980s, to recount the evolution of Los Lobos’ music. He describes the creation of every album, lingering over highlights such as “How Will the Wolf Survive?,” “La Pistola y El Corazon,” and “Kiko,” while following the band’s trajectory from playing Mexican folk music at weddings and dances in East L.A. to international stardom and major-label success, as well as their independent work in the new millennium.
"Giving one of the longest-lived and most-honored American rock bands its due, 'Los Lobos' celebrates the expansive reach and creative experimentalism that few other bands can match.” — Kim Grant.
“Morris is the ideal teller of this tale, drawing on decades of his own fandom and reportage and a wealth of experience in both consumer and trade journalism (including long, distinguished runs at 'The Reader,' the 'Hollywood Reporter,' and 'Billboard’). . . . Morris writes with care and insight about each Los Lobos record, providing rich geographical, cultural, and historical context along the way.” – Michael Sigman, The Huffington Post.
“Los Lobos is a slice of pure East L.A. that I never even knew existed. Chris Morris is a wildass ethnomusicologist, social critic, raconteur, and L.A. music bon vivant for the new millennium. Viva Chris — El Gato de East Los.” – James Ellroy, author of "L.A. Confidential."
Chris Morris is a music journalist and disc jockey. He was music editor of the "Hollywood Reporter" from 2004–2007, and senior writer for "Billboard" from 1986–2004. His writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, "Rolling Stone," "Spin," "Musician," "Mojo, "LA Weekly," the "Chicago Reader," "Variety," and other publications.
******
Then, on March 28...
NOTABLE GATHERING OF POETS, PRESENTED BY READ AND RED HEN PRESS AT STORIES BOOKS & CAFE
Monday, March 28th, at 6:30 pm, immerse yourself in a surprisingly large covey of award-winning published poets in a fun atmosphere. All were gathered by RED HEN PRESS and, since St. Patrick's is just past, it's worth noting all have special connections to IRELAND.
It's an evening with:
• Brendan Constatine
• Nicelle Davis
• Anne-Marie Fyfe
• C.L. Dallat
You're invited to "Bring out your own ire or Irishness."
Here's a bit about each:
BRENDAN CONSTANTINE
His first book, "Letters To Guns," is now taught extensively in schools across the nation. His most recent collection is "Dementia, My Darling," forthcoming in April 2016. His work has inspired artists in a variety of other mediums, from the canvas to the concert hall, and he has received grants and commissions from the Getty Museum, James Irvine Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. A popular performer, he has presented his work to audiences throughout the U.S. and Europe, also appearing on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and KPFK’s “Inspiration House.” In 2014, he headlined at the Dodge Poetry Festival with many of the nation’s most celebrated authors. He currently teaches poetry at the Windward School in Los Angeles, and regularly conducts workshops for hospitals, foster homes, and with the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project.
NICELLE DAVIS
She's a California poet, collaborator, and performance artist who walks the desert with her son J.J. in search of owl pellets and rattlesnake skins. Her poetry collections include "The Walled Wife" (Red Hen Press, forthcoming Spring 2016), "In the Circus of You" (Rose Metal Press, 2015), "Becoming Judas" (Red Hen Press, 2013), and "Circe" (Lowbrow Press, 2011). Her poetry film collaborations with Cheryl Gross have been shown across the world. She has taught poetry at Youth for Positive Change, an organization that promotes success for youth in secondary schools, at MHA, at Volunteers of America in their Homeless Youth Center, and with Red Hen’s WITS program. Recipient of the 2013 "AROHO retreat 9 3/4 Fellowship," she is honored to work as a consultant for this important feminist organization. She currently teaches at Paraclete High School.
ANNE-MARIE FYFE
Her fifth poetry collection, "House of Small Absences" (Seren Books) has just been published. Born in Cushendall, County Antrim, Ireland, Anne-Marie now lives in London where she works as an arts organiser. She has won the Academi Cardiff International Poetry Prize, has run Coffee-House Poetry’s readings & classes at London’s leading live literature venue, the Troubadour, since 1997; is Poetry Co-ordinator for the annual John Hewitt International Summer School in Armagh City; and is a former chair of the UK’s Poetry Society. More at: www.annemariefyfe.com
C.L. DALLAT
Is poet, musician and critic, (b. Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, Ireland) and now lives in London where he reviews literature and the arts for the TLS and Guardian among others. Also, he continues as a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s weekly "Saturday Review" since 1998. His first poetry collection, "Morning Star," was published in 1998. He won the Strokestown International Poetry Competition in 2006, and his latest collection is "The Year of Not Dancing" (Blackstaff Press, 2009). More at: www.cahaldallat.com
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# 6 news feature...
BIG BAND SHOW, FREE, MARCH 24th IN BURBANK
THE BBB FEATURING BERNIE DRESEL brings 18 original swingin' arrangements from a whole passel of players with more'n enough brass to be taken seriously. Thursday, March 24, catch 'em at Joe's Great American Bar & Grill, 4311 W Magnolia Bl, Burbank 91505.
They play the full evening, 8:30-11:15 pm. There's NO COVER CHARGE and no reservations necessary. But we do advise supporting the venue with food & drink purchases and tending to the musicians' tip jar.
The band is — deep breath to get through this big Big Band lineup: Bernie Dresel-drums; Johnny "Spazz" Hatton-upright slap bass; Andrew Synowiec-guitar; Jamie Hovorka-trumpet; Tony Bonsera-trumpet; Carl Saunders-trumpet; Jeff Bunnell-trumpet; Brian Scanlon- alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet, flute; Kirsten Edkins-alto sax, flute; Rob Lockart-tenor sax, piccolo & alto flutes; Scheila Gonzalez-tenor sax, flute; Brian Williams-bari sax, piccolo & alto flutes; Alan Kaplan-trombone; Ryan Dragon-trombone; Jim McMillen-trombone; Juliane Gralle-bass trombone.
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# 7 news feature...
MEET JAMES TAYLOR BACKSTAGE IN CHICAGO; ROUND-TRIP TRANSPORTATION & LODGING INCLUDED!
Yep, Sweet Baby James himself. Organizing for Action, a progressive political organization that evolved from the 2008 Obama for President campaign, is sponsoring this contest.
No purchase, payment, pledge, or contribution is necessary to enter to win. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 31, 2016. One Grand Prize winner will receive the following prize package: round trip tickets for winner and one guest from within the fifty United States, DC or Puerto Rico to Chicago, IL; two night's hotel accommodations for winner and one guest; tickets for winner and guest to James Taylor concert at Wrigley Field on June 30, 2016 (approximate retail value of Grand Prize: $2,200.00). Five second prize winners will receive a signed vinyl copy of James Taylor's latest album (approximate retail value: $25.00) Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Promotion open to all U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia and 18 or older (or of majority under applicable law). Promotion subject to Official Rules and additional restrictions on eligibility.
Enter with or without making a contribution to the sponsoring organization, Organizing for Action. Enter and contribute or enter without making a contribution, either way, at:
https://my.barackobama.com/Meet-James-Taylor
Sponsor: Organizing for Action, P.O. Box 618120, Chicago, IL 60661.
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# 8 news feature...
DEADLINES NEARING: 56th ANNUAL TOPANGA BANJO•FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL
It happens Sunday, May 15, 2016, from 9 am-5 pm. It's the best annual one-day festival anywhere. And, oh-by-the-way, it's also a VERY prestigious competition for folk and traditional musicians.
It all happens out there in YOUR protected public land run by the National Park Service, at Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills 91301.
Here's more you should know:
√ Along with many instrument categories and levels, there are vocal and band competitions, and new this year, FLATFOOT Dancing is added as a competitive category.
√ Contestant Registration is open through April 15, 2016. NEW, ON-LINE registration is available; no need to print and mail those forms any more.
√ Available space filling up fast! Don’t wait until it’s too late and there is no longer room in your chosen field of artistic endeavor.
√ There are NEW RULES for Intermediate Level Instrument Contestants, on the website under "Contestant FAQ’s."
√ Advance Ticket Purchase is available. Save money and avoid long lines getting-in.
√ You can sign-up for the TBFC email list, using the link on their Home Page.
√ Sign-up to Volunteer and enjoy a FREE Admission.
√ Want to distribute “Save the Date” Postcards? Contact Joy Felt at the e-address below.
√ Like TBFC on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/topangabanjofiddle
√ Follow TBFC on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TopangaContest
All the event's info may be found on the TBFC website, at:
www.topangabanjofiddle.org
√ Call the hotline, 818-382-4819, or email JOY FELT at info@topangabanjofiddle.org to VOLUNTEER, or with questions.
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The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.
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More soon, as always.
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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 forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds 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 bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
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More added, Sunday morning: LATE ADDITIONS... there are more noteworthy weekend events, added late... right up-front where you can find 'em, since you prob'ly already read the full edition:
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Late news item...
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS!
Officially proclaimed by the United Nations, is Sunday, March 20. In case you're wondering, there IS a survey of citizens of each country to produce an "Index of Happiness" rating. Denmark is # 1, closely followed by Switzerland. Canada, New Zealand, and Australia join European nations to complete the top 10.
The US is number 13. And hey, that's based on our stagnant wages, high portion of earnings consumed by rent, lack of access to needed health care, obesity, lack of upward mobility, educational standards, crumbling infrastructure that we won't fix, lack of vacation time, multiple part-time jobs with no benefits instead of careers with ever-declining benefits, and other defining, depressing characteristics of American life. No wonder we need our artists to inspire us. Our smiling, starving artists. At least they seem to find fulfillment in sacrifice and devotion. :)
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Great Stuff on AXS tv...
For those fortunate enough to have it, or can access AXS on the web, Sunday offers two wowsa premieres in one night.
First: THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND in concert from the band's induction in the Colorado Musical Hall of Fame, with FIREFALL, POCO, and a tribute to STEPHEN STILLS & MANASSAS. Premieres at 2 pm PDT.
Second: DR. JOHN brings his New Orleans piano-based musical mojo with special guests BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, JOHN FOGERTY, & MAVIS STAPLES. At 5 pm PDT, immediately following the first concert.
Find AXS TV in your area at:
www.axs.tv
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ON PBS...
Irish Rebellion Remembered on TV
"1916: THE IRISH REBELLION" is a new, three-part, 2016 look at the causes and struggle of the Irish people to end 300 years of oppressive British rule.
Part 1 airs 7-8 pm Sunday on KLCS.
Part 1 repeats Monday night in a block with parts 2 & 3, all of that on the PBS World channel:
Mon, Mar 21, on PBS World:
9-10 pm Part 1
10-11 pm Part 2
11 pm-midnight Part 3
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Additional LIVE shows in the venues, out 'n about...
√ Sat, Mar 19; 7 pm: ELAYNA and RANDALL KIRBY play Butler's Coffee, 40125 10th St W, Palmdale 93551; menu, etc.: www.butlerscoffee.com ; scheduled act MAYDE IN IRELAND had to cancel due to a death in the family. Singer-songwriters ELAYNA and RANDALL KIRBY, "and possibly a few other members of the Butler's Coffee Emergency Guild," stepped in to serve-up a little feistiness and chutzpah with your beverage of choice. Free, one-menu-item cover.
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Yikes! One entire venue's schedule got left-out!
And plan now: you're spending your whole evening there on March 24th. Check-out their schedule...
√ CODY’S VIVA CANTINA, 900 W Riverside Dr, Burbank; www.vivacantina.com ; 818-845-2425; Named "Best Country Venue" in the "LA Weekly" 2012 "Best of L.A" issue, their "Huell Howser Cantina Stage" and "Trailside Showroom" have live music seven nights a week, Mexican dining (American food, too), two full bars, and two patios. All shows are free with purchase of food or beverage. All ages, no minimum, acres of free parking across the street at Pickwick Gardens.
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• Sat matinee, Mar 19; Noon-2 pm: cowboy singer BOB THOMAS.
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• Sat, Mar 19; 8 pm: THE CODY BRYANT EXPERIENCE, an exhilaratingly eclectic, musically masterful, country-surf-rock-Italian session when "Fearless Leader" Cody and his outstanding band storm the stage.
• Then, at 9 pm, the high voltage rock & roll of '50s Bop Cat JIMMY ANGEL.
• Also — starting at 8 pm, in the Trailside Showroom: Psychedelic pop band THE RUNNING JUMPS returns, plus Americana all-stars GospelbeacH (featuring members of Beachwood Sparks, Everest and Ryan Adams’ Cardinals), and special guest Sie Sie Benhoff, with pedal steel genius Tim Walker.
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• Sun matinees, Mar 20; 12 & 2 pm.
First, 12 to 2 pm: BLUEGRASS GHOSTS plus MURPHY'S FLAW return to play "Bluegrass Brunch." The Flaw is back, says the band, "Because they forgot to change the locks."
• Then, at 2 pm, BLUE MONDAY plays the Trailside Showroom.
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• Sun, Mar 20; 6 pm: On onr stage, the monthly "MESSAROUND" brings a "War of the Wild, Wild Women" musicians, featuring a rockin’ Battle Royale with stone country siren TRACY DAWN, Calibama Outlaw bombshell TONYA WATTS, thunderous punk princess SUZI MOON & TURBULENT HEARTS, and trash rock vixen supreme PAIGE DARLING & INGRATES.
• On the other stage (Trailside Showroom), also at 6 pm: Favorite country singing sensation DEBRA LEE and her wonderful TRIGGER HAPPY band (big hits at the late, great Cowboy Palace for the last few years before it closed in January), plus Debra brings her special guests, the venue serves-up giant margaritas, and they have free dance lessons! Be on-time at 6 pm for the latter.
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COMING UP at Viva...
• Mon, Mar 21; 7:30 pm: "Bluegrass Night" with the excellent band THE BROMBIES.
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• Tue, Mar 22; 7:30 pm: On one stage, "JOHN PISANO’S GUITAR NIGHT" with Brad Rabuchin, John Pisano, guitars, plus Chris Conner, bass, Tim Pleasant, drums.
• On the other stage (Trailside Showroom) also at 7:30 pm: Swing with THE FLIGHT 584 BIG BAND, 7:30 pm.
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• Wed, Mar 23; 7 pm:
On one stage, first rate, kickin’ California country, courtesy of CODY BRYANT, JIMMYLEE HARRIS, JOHN PALMER, CARMINE & BUDDY SARDO, JIMMYANGEL.
• On the other stage (Trailside Showroom) at 7:30 pm: "THIS AIN'T YOUR DADDY'S BIG BAND!" A wild "Big Band Rock Party" featuring two slamming sets from an "amazingly great outfit featuring members of the bands of Buddy Rich, Brian Setzer, Manhattan Transfer, Tower of Power, The Captain & Tennille, Rod Stewart, and more!"
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• Thu, Mar 24; 7 pm: In the Cantina at 7 pm: ★★★ Great Folk-Americana / Country singer-songwriter and "Viva’s good friend," RICK SHEA returns with special guests.
• On the other stage at 7 pm, THE GLEN ROBERTS BIG BAND brings "classic swing from the best in the business!"
• Later, at 9 pm, it's "CODY BRYANT'S CLASSIC COUNTRY GUITAR PULL" ★★★ with RONNIE MACK, plus CODY, JIMMYLEE HARRIS, JOHN PALMER, CARMINE & BUDDY SARDO, JIMMY ANGEL, and special guests TBD.
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(Of course, MANY other
venues & shows ARE in
this edition, too.)
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Here's the full edition
as originally published.
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(GUIDE BlogSpot edition no. 1,528.)
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In this edition:
1) WEEKEND FESTIVALS... (2 of 'em)
2) WEEKEND CONCERTS plus upcoming at the best venues...
3) WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, WITH A BIG TIME SONGWRITER...
4) HOW TO PLAY ST. PADDY'S CATCH-UP ON SUNDAY...
5) TWO EXCITING LITERARY EVENTS AT STORIES BOOKS & CAFE IN ECHO PARK
6) BIG BAND SHOW, FREE, MARCH 24th IN BURBANK
7) MEET JAMES TAYLOR BACKSTAGE IN CHICAGO; ROUND-TRIP TRANSPORTATION & LODGING INCLUDED!
8) DEADLINES NEARING: 56th ANNUAL TOPANGA BANJO•FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL
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Here are all those features and event recommendations. Let's get started!
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# 1 news feature...
WEEKEND FESTIVALS... (2 of 'em)
We hope all your green duds aren't in the laundry after Thursday. You'll need them this weekend.
Sat & Sun, Mar 19-20,
FESTIVAL,
in Pomona:
10 am-6 pm Annual "CELTIC FAIRE" at Fairplex, the L.A. County Fairgrounds in Pomona.
• Trad Celtic & Irish music.
• Irish rock.
• Trad dancing.
• Jousting.
• Sheepherding demonstrations.
• Family & kids activities.
• Rich Celtic traditions.
• Food, pubs, vendors.
The Fairplex folks produced the first one themselves a couple years back, when the long-running "Irish Faire" suddenly cancelled and left holes in both the schedule and the Fairplex revenue stream. Things went well — so well that the event has continued ever since.
Lineup & schedule: www.fairplex.com
Tix are cheap! $10 adult, $5 ages 6-12, free age 5 & under with paying adult.
Note that parking does cost, in addition to gate admission.
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Sat, Mar 19,
FESTIVAL,
in San Diego Co (Encinitas):
10 am-6 pm Annual "SAN DIEGO STORYTELLING FESTIVAL" at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Dr, Encinitas 92024; 760-753-7376. Produced by the Storytellers of San Diego.
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# 2 news feature...
WEEKEND CONCERTS plus upcoming at the best venues...
√ MCCABE'S GUITAR SHOP, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com
• Fri, Mar 18; 8 pm: CARLA OLSON & JOHN YORK, with friends Scott Kempner (The Del-Lords), Rob Waller (I See Hawks In L.A.), with and introducing Lael Neale, play an all-acoustic evening. Tix, $16.
• Sat, Mar 19; 8 pm: WILLY PORTER. Tix, $24.50.
• Sun, Mar 20; 11 am: "Matinee Kids' Show" with JAZZY ASH. Tix. $10 (kids under 2 are free).
• Sun, Mar 20; 8 pm: DENNY LAINE plays "Band On The Run," plus special guests BROKEN SKY (feat. The Records' John Wicks, and Debbie Peterson of The Bangles). Tix, $26.50.
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√ GRAND ANNEX, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro. Tix & info, www.grandvision.org
• Fri, Mar 18, : PADDY'S PIG, Irish festival veterans and a So Cal-based quartet, play lively acoustic renditions of traditional and new Irish & Celtic music. Adv. tix sales closed; seats available: $20 at door.
UPCOMING...
• Wed, Mar 23; 8 pm: SIERRA HULL. A protege of Alison Krauss, Hull came to bluegrass at the early age of 11, playing the Grand Ole Opry stage with Krauss herself. Now at the ripe old age of 22, Hull is making her mark as a remarkable mandolin player, vocalist, and a recording artist of high order. Her new album, "Weighted Mind," was produced by Bela Fleck and features Fleck’s banjo with enchanting harmonies by the ensemble of Krauss, Abigail Washburn, and Rhiannon Giddens — aka the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
• Sat, Apr 2: "SPACE ODDITY," David Brighton's brilliant live re-creation of the music and style of the late David Bowie, praised by Bowie himself.
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√ COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena. Reservations (10 am-10 pm, 7 days), 626-798-6236; info: www.coffeegallery.com
• Fri, Mar 18; 8 pm: SUSIE GLAZE & THE HILONSOME TRIO, plus JOHN PICKOW and JOEELLEN LAPIDUS. ★★★ "A Night of Appalachian Folk." Jean Ritchie tribute artists all: Susie Glaze & the Hilonesome Trio with Ritchie's son Jon Pickow and Southern California dulcimer virtuoso Joellen Lapidus. This'll be great. Tix, $20.
• Sat, Mar 19; 7 pm: THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, ★★ ten-piece all-female Celtic and folk band based in Pasadena. "The Wives' harmonies are exquisite!" — Music Connection Magazine. Blending four- and five-part vocal harmonies with acoustic folk instruments, they've played the El Rey, The Galaxy Theatre, and Renaissance Faires across the country. More at: www.mwow.net. Tix, $20.
• Sun matinee, Mar 20; 3 pm: THE SOUND ACCORD ★★ brings "multiple cellos, multiple violins, infinite talent, music and show. A wow afternoon," says Bob Stane. Irish and American influences. The musicians say, "As a chamber-folk string sextet, we draw upon our eclectic strengths and skills to create innovative arrangements of melodies both old and new. Why can't you have a band with 3 cellists?" More at: www.thesoundaccord.com ; Tix, $15.
• Sun, Mar 20; 7 pm: JIM "KIMO" WEST and KEN EMERSON play "A HAWAIIAN FANDANGO" ★★★ with slack key, singing, & hula dancing. Grammy Award folks, both living legends in the world of Hawaiian slack key and acoustic steel guitar. "Emerson writes pieces that update the classic sounds of Hawaiian Slack Key guitar. His unaccompanied songs have an open, relaxing quality to them, moving forward in a gentle rhythm.." — Jessy Terry, Rolling Stone. Tix, $20.
COMING UP...
• Mon, Mar 21; 8 pm: MOOD INDIGO.... "MOVIES, RECORDS & WORLD TOURS." ★★★ This is truly a great swing trio: Casey MacGill (lead vocals, ukelele), John Reynolds (vocals, National Resophonic guitar), & David Jackson (vocals, bass). They reunite for an evening of merriment and frolicking, being the musicians who brought swing music back to Southern California in the '80s and reunited after twenty-something years for a few special performances in 2015. And proving to be just as talented and swingin’ as before. They shared many wild adventures throughout the 80’s, including touring in Australia, Japan and Hawaii, and can be spotted in Hollywood feature films, including "Frances" (1981) and "Swing Shift" (1983). Tix, $18, while they last.
• Wed, Mar 23; 8 pm: THE GENE BUTLER BAND, ★★ with Gene Butler, Brantley Kearns, Al "Shotgun" Weiss, and Patrick Gilham, play what Butler has coined as 'Concrete Americana.' It's a mixture of Blue Grass, Rock-A-Billy, Blues, and Old School Country ..and all original. Tix, $15.
• Thu, Mar 24; 8 pm: The LICATA BROTHERS, plus THORIN, with special guests THE BOHEMIAN SOUL RUSTLERS, and featuring Chad Watson. ★★ The venue's youngest and most raved about discovery, the Licata's, bring their carefully crafted stage show and youthful vitality for a set of music celebrating many decades of the best American tunes, from Cab Calloway, the Everly Brothers, Paul Simon, Jimmie Rodgers, Bob Wills, classic Surf, the Beatles, to Sinatra and even Bowie. They play with full band this time, headed up by bass man CHAD WATSON of "The Byrds and Beyond." Tix, $15.
• Sat matinee, Mar 26; 2 pm: THE NE'ER DUWELS ★★ bring their innovative fusion of traditional Irish music and contemporary world sounds. “It’s always exciting to hear musicians as good as this . . . a fresh new slant to traditional music” says Ann Peck McBride of radio's nationally-syndicated "Celtic Music Hour." Led by Ken O’Malley’s fine tenor voice, guitar and mandolin, plus a fine ensemble. Patrick D'Arcy, also from Dublin, is one of the finest uilleann pipers in the United States. Bryan Dobbs, originally from New Mexico, adds the mysterious and the romantic that traverses the musical spectrum, accompanying on the mandolin, the acoustic guitar or the very creative, innovative sounds of his Fender Stratocaster. Tix, $20.
• Sun, Mar 27; 7 pm: JOHN DOAN, ★★★ Emmy nominee, master of the twenty string harp guitar, presents “Beyond Six Strings” featuring his acclaimed music — "Best Celtic Album of the Year" and Billboard's "Editors Choice." Mason Williams ("Classical Gas") says, "John returns audiences to a time when we use to dream before movies did that for us." Doc Watson says, "I have no idea where I have been for the past several minutes! What incredible music you make!" More at: www.johndoan.com ; Tix, $20.
• YUGE BARGAIN!
Mon, Mar 28; 8 pm: KATIE McNALLY AND NEIL PEARLMAN ★★★ bring "The vibrant musical traditions of Scotland and Cape Breton," infused with new life in the hands of Katie McNally, "the new face of Scottish fiddling in America" - Living Tradition. And Neil Pearlman, "a tremendous pianist" - BBC Radio Scotland. Based in Boston, MA, this young musical couple is making waves internationally with their fresh approaches to traditional forms. A member of the cross genre fiddle super-group Childsplay since 2009; in the fall of 2012, she accompanied famed Galician bagpiper Carlos Núñez on his first North American tour. Neil is recognized in many Celtic music circles for his unique approach to the piano, called “a force to be reckoned with” by WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan. Rooted in traditional Cape Breton piano styles, Neil brings in ideas from many other genres. More? www.NeilPearlman.com ; www.KatieMcNally.com ; unbelievably, just $5-!
• Tue, Mar 29; 7 pm. "DAVID HARVEY PRESENTS" Showcase of local talent. Always fun and worthwhile. Tickets: $10. Cash or check at the door. No reservations.
• Wed, Mar 30; 8 pm: STRING FEVER. ★★★★ Venue impresario calls them one of the best acts he's ever booked. We concur. Get your tickets before they're gone.
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√ ARCADIA BLUES CLUB, 16 E Huntington Dr (Santa Anita Av exit, S off 210 Fwy), Arcadia.
• Fri, Mar 18: Jacob Huffman Band, plus Bobby Bluehouse
• Sat, Mar 19: Johnny Rawls, plus Bobby Bluehouse
Great food, generous portions, befitting a real blues club. Full bar with specials (ask). Two stages, opposite ends of the house, so there's no dead time. Fun place. But bring earplugs — seriously.
Coming up at ABC:
• Fri, Apr 1: Preston Smith and the Crocodiles
• Sat, Apr 2: Delgado Brothers
Advance tix get substantial discounts (all shows), at:
http://arcadiabluesclub.ticketleap.com/
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√ ALVAS SHOWROOM, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro 90732; venue provides complimentary hot coffee, tea, cocoa, and a filtered water from the fountain. Bring your own food & drinks.
Sat, Mar 19; 8 pm: "C&C" Candi Sosa - Cristina Rebull. Powerhouse Cuban songstresses blend their voices to a Cuban Danzon, an Argentine Tango, some classic American Songbook ballads, and more. Tix: $30. Waiting list is all that's left, at: 310-519-1314
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Sun, Mar 20; 4 pm: Nite at the Puppet Asylum. They explore the outer edges of puppetry with inventive, absurdly funny and wicked acts of puppetry, independently produced for an adult-only audience. Due to adult subject material, no one under the age of 18 will be admitted. Tix: $12.
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√ BOSTON COURT THEATRE, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena; box office, 626-683-6883 (11 am-5 pm Tue-Sat); www.bostoncourt.com
• Fri, Mar 18; 8 pm: ★★★ "Music at Boston Court" performance is something special tonight at Boston Court Theatre.
Not only is the beautiful music being played by Robert Thies and Damjan Krajacic (on piano and flute), but video artist J-Walt is accompanying them with a live animation, which can best be described as magic. The theatre manager says, "I took a short video of their rehearsal just to give the tiniest taste."
It's available at:
https://vine.co/v/iwEeqwXpg9O
Everything else is on the venue's site, where you can get tix: www.bostoncourt.com
• Sat, Mar 19; 8 pm: ★★★ This is the season's FINAL "Music at Boston Court" concert. They present cellist John Walz with Edith Orloff and friends. These masterful musicians will perform a concert of Schumann cello masterworks including the A minor Cello Concerto arranged for string quartet. Tix, www.bostoncourt.com
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√ Sat, Mar 19, in Pasadena:
7 pm LIVE RECORDING NIGHT at the concert with Brad Swanson & Frequencies and The Quarter-Moon All-Stars, at Old Throop Hall, adjacent to Throop Unitarian, 300 S Los Robles Av, Pasadena.
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$15 donation includes dinner and goodies. Your potluck of Desserts to share is accepted. The series' other trademark, a Song Circle, follows the show.
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RSVPs appreciated at:
dmorrisonmusic@gmail.com
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More at:
www.davemorrisonmusic.com
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√ THE FRET HOUSE, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com
• Sat, Mar 19; 8-11 pm: JIM KIMO WEST AND KEN EMERSON, both living legends in the world of Hawaiian slack key and acoustic steel guitar, and GRAMMY winners. They strive for freshness and spontaneity in there duet shows, often performing without a set list or any idea of what comes next. Tix, $20.
COMING SOON...
• Sat, Mar 26; 8-11 pm: JOAN DOAN, Emmy nominee, performs “Beyond Six Strings – Beyond Borders and the Ordinary” on 20 string harp guitar with brief story telling. 1st half: “Beyond Borders” – music composed from world travels in China, Europe, USA; 2nd half: “Beyond the Ordinary” inspired from performances with John Fahey (Father of the American Fingerstyle Guitar), Burl Ives (Movie Star and Pioneer of Urban folk music), Mason Williams ("Classical Gas"), and more. Tix, $20.
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√ BOULEVARD MUSIC, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583; www.boulevardmusic.com
• Sat, Mar 19; 8 pm: LEFTOVER CUTIES – Shirli McAllen (lead vocals, ukulele), Austin Nicholsen (bass, vocals), Mike Bolger (brass, keys, accordion, vocals ) and Stuart Johnson (drums, percussion, vocals) – have sparked a fire with music lovers with a timeless jazz-tinged sound, combining sultry vocals, pop-perfect songwriting, and seasoned musicianship. Their spellbinding first album “Places to Go” won raves from critics. Their impeccable and atmospheric live performances draw ever-growing and increasingly passionate crowds in the clubs and cabarets of their hometown Los Angeles. A string of impressive licensing placements has won them fans the world over. Among those big spots: the theme for the Showtime series “The Big C” and an ad for Samsung that aired over and over (and over and over…) during the 2012 Olympics, generating more than 3 million YouTube views. Tickets $17.50
• Sun, Mar 20; 7-9 pm: UKULELE KANIKAPILA WITH CALI ROSE. Bring your ukulele, music stand and a great big smile to Boulevard's second “Ukulele Kanikapila with Cali Rose.” Also known as The Force of the Ukulele Awakens. That means participants sing, play and make music together. Cali hands out the songs and you get to make happy. There is an “open mic” segment later in the evening for those who would like to participate. Each participant who would like to, will perform one song in keeping with the “ukulele only” theme. Five sign-ups. Do it or review it, please contact Boulevard Music. Singers, ukulele, and music lovers are welcome, and please note this evening is a uke instrument only event. No tubas. www.calirose.com ; the venue notes, " Variety Nite returns next month." Tickets for tonight, $12.
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Miscellaneous venues with great shows...
√ ★★★ Sun, Mar 20, in OC (Costa Mesa):
3 pm ACOUSTIC EIDOLON plays the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series" at LCA Wine at SOCO Center, 3303 Hyland Av, Costa Mesa 92626.
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√ ★★★ Sun, Mar 20, in L.A.:
4 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS plus the NEW ASHGROVE PLAYERS play the "Ash Grove at the Improv" concert series at the Hollywood Improv, 8162 Melrose Av, Los Angeles 90048.
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√ ★★★ Sun, Mar 20, in Venice:
5 pm ROSS ALTMAN performs his "Voice in the Well Production," "Chimes of Freedom Flashing," with spoken word artists at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Bl, Venice 90291; 310-822-3006.
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√ Sun, Mar 20, in Malibu:
4 pm SIERRA HIGHWAY plays Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio, 18741 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. See the band outside under the palms with the ocean breeze and warm spring afternoon. You can drink fine Rosenthal Wine and bring a picnic lunch, or a food truck is available. Major Label Music is providing sound engineering. Band spokesman Larry Schallert says, "This is a great venue to see the band and bring friends and family."
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Next week...
√ Tue, Mar 22, in Malibu:
8 pm CHERISH THE LADIES in concert with Irish Dancers and THE ENNIS SISTERS, at Pepperdine Center for the Arts, Smothers Theater, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu 90263; http://arts.pepperdine.edu/performances/cherishtheladies.htm ; Tix from $20.
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# 3 news feature...
WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, WITH A BIG TIME SONGWRITER...
"Confessions of a Serial Songwriter" happens Saturday, March 19, in Hollywood, 11 am-1 pm, with multi-platinum GRAMMY nominated songwriter SHELLY PEIKEN, presented by Los Angeles Women in Music (LAWIM) at SAE-LA Institute, 6700 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038.
"I don't know what I'm doing and maybe that's a good thing!" says SHELLY PEIKEN, the author of "Confessions of a Serial Songwriter."
In this special interview, she discusses the creative process of songwriting, humorous stories, personal conflicts, and more. It's a candid commentary about her unique perspective on the music business and how to navigate the changes ("even when you're not so young anymore!" adds LAWIM). She'll dive into "Ideas are all around us… even at Ralph's; Writer’s block: either be its bitch or do not dignify it with your attention; Co-writing: finding suitable collaborators; Daring to Suck; Technology has changed the game; The single vs. the album cut; umm, what’s an album cut?; Getting (or not getting) paid in a digital world; Combining a creative career and a family; Dealing with rejection (even after success); Keeping a sense of humor." One lucky attendee will win a signed copy of Shelly's book.
Parking is free in the on-site gated parking lot (enter off Las Palmas).
ADVANCE TICKETS (guaranteed seating): $20 LAWIM Members (current membership verified); $25 student discount (must present valid student photo i.d. at the door); $30 general public (all are welcome).
Advance tix required for a guaranteed seat; available thru midnight Friday, at:
reservations@lawim.com or by phone at 213-243-6440.
Tix at door, space permiting, $25 LAWIM members, $30 student discount, $35 general public.
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# 4 news feature...
HOW TO PLAY ST. PADDY'S CATCH-UP, ON SUNDAY
We're calling it "IRISH SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016." Because it's not just that St. Patrick's day fell on Thursday, when you couldn't indulge in a lot of Irish music and culture. It's just "a gimme," because there is so MUCH Irish music (and even and Irish Festival!) happening this weekend.
Here's the scene.
Irish Sunday FESTIVAL, Mar 20, in Pomona:
10 am-6 pm Annual "POMONA CELTIC FAIRE" is a St. Patrick-season festival with Patti Amelotte, Brand McFarland, Whiskey Sunday, The McClouds, Galway Hooker Band, and more, at Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Av, Pomona 91768; 909-623-3111; www.fairplex.com
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Irish Sunday, Mar 20, in Van Nuys:
8 pm STEVE GILLETTE & CINDY MANGSEN play the Noble House Concerts series in Van Nuys 91411. Their trad folk-americana repertoire is inclusive of Irish music. Reservations get directions at 818-780-5979, or by email to barb@noblehouseconcerts.com
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Western-Irish Sunday, Mar 20, in Griffith Park:
Noon-2 pm Monthly "WESTERN MUSIC JAM" will emphasize the many cowboy songs with Irish roots, at the Autry National Center / Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles 90027; 323-667-2000. If you come to make music, or you're a member of the Western Music Association, you get in free at this event. Regular museum admission applies for all others.
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Irish Sunday, Mar 20, in L.A.:
3-5:30 pm "WILDE THISTLE WEEKLY IRISH SESSION" where you can peruse the art gallery and listen or make music, at thr Wilde Thistle, 3456 Motor Av, Los Angeles; 310-730-6208; www.thewildethistle.com
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Irish Sunday, Mar 20, in Long Beach:
4-7 pm "TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC WEEKLY SESSION" at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach 90802; 562-437-8300.
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Irish Sunday, Mar 20, in SaMo:
7:30-11 pm "IRISH MUSIC WEEKLY SESSION" at one of two O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant locations, this one at 2226 Wilshire Bl, Santa Monica 90403; 310-829-5303.
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Irish Sunday, Mar 20, in SaMo:
9 pm KEN O'MALLEY, the wonderful Irish singer-songwriter & acoustic multi-instrumentslist, plays his every-Sunday gig at at one of two O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant locations, this one at 2941 Main St, Santa Monica 90405.
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# 5 news feature...
TWO EXCITING LITERARY EVENTS AT STORIES BOOKS & CAFE IN ECHO PARK
First, on March 24...
CHRIS MORRIS DEBUTS HIS NEW BOOK, "LOS LOBOS: DREAM IN BLUE"
Thursday, March 24th, at 7:30 pm, author-journalist-photographer CHRIS MORRIS — just in the national news for being taken-down while covering a Donald Trump rally for TIME magazine — will find a happier reception here.
Chris presents "Los Lobos: Dream in Blue," his newest book and the first comprehensive treatise on the storied band.
Los Lobos leaped into the national spotlight in 1987, when their cover of “La Bamba” became a No. 1 hit. But what looked like an overnight achievement to the band’s new fans was actually a way station in a long musical journey that began in East Los Angeles in 1973 and is still going strong. Across four decades, Los Lobos (Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, David Hidalgo, Louie Perez, and Steve Berlin) have ranged through virtually the entire breadth of American vernacular music, from rockabilly to primal punk rock, R&B to country and folk, Mexican “son jarocho” to Tex-Mex “conjunto” and Latin American “cumbia.”
Their “sui generis” sound has sold millions of albums and won acclaim from fans and critics alike, including three Grammy Awards.
"Los Lobos," the first book on this unique band, traces the entire arc of the band’s career. Music journalist Chris Morris draws on new interviews with Los Lobos members and their principal collaborators, as well as his own reporting since the early 1980s, to recount the evolution of Los Lobos’ music. He describes the creation of every album, lingering over highlights such as “How Will the Wolf Survive?,” “La Pistola y El Corazon,” and “Kiko,” while following the band’s trajectory from playing Mexican folk music at weddings and dances in East L.A. to international stardom and major-label success, as well as their independent work in the new millennium.
"Giving one of the longest-lived and most-honored American rock bands its due, 'Los Lobos' celebrates the expansive reach and creative experimentalism that few other bands can match.” — Kim Grant.
“Morris is the ideal teller of this tale, drawing on decades of his own fandom and reportage and a wealth of experience in both consumer and trade journalism (including long, distinguished runs at 'The Reader,' the 'Hollywood Reporter,' and 'Billboard’). . . . Morris writes with care and insight about each Los Lobos record, providing rich geographical, cultural, and historical context along the way.” – Michael Sigman, The Huffington Post.
“Los Lobos is a slice of pure East L.A. that I never even knew existed. Chris Morris is a wildass ethnomusicologist, social critic, raconteur, and L.A. music bon vivant for the new millennium. Viva Chris — El Gato de East Los.” – James Ellroy, author of "L.A. Confidential."
Chris Morris is a music journalist and disc jockey. He was music editor of the "Hollywood Reporter" from 2004–2007, and senior writer for "Billboard" from 1986–2004. His writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, "Rolling Stone," "Spin," "Musician," "Mojo, "LA Weekly," the "Chicago Reader," "Variety," and other publications.
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Then, on March 28...
NOTABLE GATHERING OF POETS, PRESENTED BY READ AND RED HEN PRESS AT STORIES BOOKS & CAFE
Monday, March 28th, at 6:30 pm, immerse yourself in a surprisingly large covey of award-winning published poets in a fun atmosphere. All were gathered by RED HEN PRESS and, since St. Patrick's is just past, it's worth noting all have special connections to IRELAND.
It's an evening with:
• Brendan Constatine
• Nicelle Davis
• Anne-Marie Fyfe
• C.L. Dallat
You're invited to "Bring out your own ire or Irishness."
Here's a bit about each:
BRENDAN CONSTANTINE
His first book, "Letters To Guns," is now taught extensively in schools across the nation. His most recent collection is "Dementia, My Darling," forthcoming in April 2016. His work has inspired artists in a variety of other mediums, from the canvas to the concert hall, and he has received grants and commissions from the Getty Museum, James Irvine Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. A popular performer, he has presented his work to audiences throughout the U.S. and Europe, also appearing on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and KPFK’s “Inspiration House.” In 2014, he headlined at the Dodge Poetry Festival with many of the nation’s most celebrated authors. He currently teaches poetry at the Windward School in Los Angeles, and regularly conducts workshops for hospitals, foster homes, and with the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project.
NICELLE DAVIS
She's a California poet, collaborator, and performance artist who walks the desert with her son J.J. in search of owl pellets and rattlesnake skins. Her poetry collections include "The Walled Wife" (Red Hen Press, forthcoming Spring 2016), "In the Circus of You" (Rose Metal Press, 2015), "Becoming Judas" (Red Hen Press, 2013), and "Circe" (Lowbrow Press, 2011). Her poetry film collaborations with Cheryl Gross have been shown across the world. She has taught poetry at Youth for Positive Change, an organization that promotes success for youth in secondary schools, at MHA, at Volunteers of America in their Homeless Youth Center, and with Red Hen’s WITS program. Recipient of the 2013 "AROHO retreat 9 3/4 Fellowship," she is honored to work as a consultant for this important feminist organization. She currently teaches at Paraclete High School.
ANNE-MARIE FYFE
Her fifth poetry collection, "House of Small Absences" (Seren Books) has just been published. Born in Cushendall, County Antrim, Ireland, Anne-Marie now lives in London where she works as an arts organiser. She has won the Academi Cardiff International Poetry Prize, has run Coffee-House Poetry’s readings & classes at London’s leading live literature venue, the Troubadour, since 1997; is Poetry Co-ordinator for the annual John Hewitt International Summer School in Armagh City; and is a former chair of the UK’s Poetry Society. More at: www.annemariefyfe.com
C.L. DALLAT
Is poet, musician and critic, (b. Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, Ireland) and now lives in London where he reviews literature and the arts for the TLS and Guardian among others. Also, he continues as a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s weekly "Saturday Review" since 1998. His first poetry collection, "Morning Star," was published in 1998. He won the Strokestown International Poetry Competition in 2006, and his latest collection is "The Year of Not Dancing" (Blackstaff Press, 2009). More at: www.cahaldallat.com
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# 6 news feature...
BIG BAND SHOW, FREE, MARCH 24th IN BURBANK
THE BBB FEATURING BERNIE DRESEL brings 18 original swingin' arrangements from a whole passel of players with more'n enough brass to be taken seriously. Thursday, March 24, catch 'em at Joe's Great American Bar & Grill, 4311 W Magnolia Bl, Burbank 91505.
They play the full evening, 8:30-11:15 pm. There's NO COVER CHARGE and no reservations necessary. But we do advise supporting the venue with food & drink purchases and tending to the musicians' tip jar.
The band is — deep breath to get through this big Big Band lineup: Bernie Dresel-drums; Johnny "Spazz" Hatton-upright slap bass; Andrew Synowiec-guitar; Jamie Hovorka-trumpet; Tony Bonsera-trumpet; Carl Saunders-trumpet; Jeff Bunnell-trumpet; Brian Scanlon- alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet, flute; Kirsten Edkins-alto sax, flute; Rob Lockart-tenor sax, piccolo & alto flutes; Scheila Gonzalez-tenor sax, flute; Brian Williams-bari sax, piccolo & alto flutes; Alan Kaplan-trombone; Ryan Dragon-trombone; Jim McMillen-trombone; Juliane Gralle-bass trombone.
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# 7 news feature...
MEET JAMES TAYLOR BACKSTAGE IN CHICAGO; ROUND-TRIP TRANSPORTATION & LODGING INCLUDED!
Yep, Sweet Baby James himself. Organizing for Action, a progressive political organization that evolved from the 2008 Obama for President campaign, is sponsoring this contest.
No purchase, payment, pledge, or contribution is necessary to enter to win. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 31, 2016. One Grand Prize winner will receive the following prize package: round trip tickets for winner and one guest from within the fifty United States, DC or Puerto Rico to Chicago, IL; two night's hotel accommodations for winner and one guest; tickets for winner and guest to James Taylor concert at Wrigley Field on June 30, 2016 (approximate retail value of Grand Prize: $2,200.00). Five second prize winners will receive a signed vinyl copy of James Taylor's latest album (approximate retail value: $25.00) Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Promotion open to all U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia and 18 or older (or of majority under applicable law). Promotion subject to Official Rules and additional restrictions on eligibility.
Enter with or without making a contribution to the sponsoring organization, Organizing for Action. Enter and contribute or enter without making a contribution, either way, at:
https://my.barackobama.com/Meet-James-Taylor
Sponsor: Organizing for Action, P.O. Box 618120, Chicago, IL 60661.
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# 8 news feature...
DEADLINES NEARING: 56th ANNUAL TOPANGA BANJO•FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL
It happens Sunday, May 15, 2016, from 9 am-5 pm. It's the best annual one-day festival anywhere. And, oh-by-the-way, it's also a VERY prestigious competition for folk and traditional musicians.
It all happens out there in YOUR protected public land run by the National Park Service, at Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills 91301.
Here's more you should know:
√ Along with many instrument categories and levels, there are vocal and band competitions, and new this year, FLATFOOT Dancing is added as a competitive category.
√ Contestant Registration is open through April 15, 2016. NEW, ON-LINE registration is available; no need to print and mail those forms any more.
√ Available space filling up fast! Don’t wait until it’s too late and there is no longer room in your chosen field of artistic endeavor.
√ There are NEW RULES for Intermediate Level Instrument Contestants, on the website under "Contestant FAQ’s."
√ Advance Ticket Purchase is available. Save money and avoid long lines getting-in.
√ You can sign-up for the TBFC email list, using the link on their Home Page.
√ Sign-up to Volunteer and enjoy a FREE Admission.
√ Want to distribute “Save the Date” Postcards? Contact Joy Felt at the e-address below.
√ Like TBFC on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/topangabanjofiddle
√ Follow TBFC on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TopangaContest
All the event's info may be found on the TBFC website, at:
www.topangabanjofiddle.org
√ Call the hotline, 818-382-4819, or email JOY FELT at info@topangabanjofiddle.org to VOLUNTEER, or with questions.
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The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.
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More soon, as always.
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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: . Tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
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Contents copyright © 2016, 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 forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds 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 bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
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