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We are necessarily taking a break this week from our coverage of all the innovations and new gear that debuted at the Winter NAMM Show. "Part 4" of NAMM coverage will resume that series very soon. This week, there's entirely too much going on, with Valentine's concerts, GRAMMY news and events, and MORE. February may be the shortest month, but it sure doesn't seem like it in terms of the world of music!
So, on with the show!
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CONTENTS / IN THIS EDITION...
1) Groundhog Day to GRAMMYS, Valentine's to Mardi Gras, February Has it
2) "Music Educator of the Year™" to be Honored at Sunday's GRAMMYS
3) Folk-Americana GRAMMYS & Performances to be on Daytime Webcast
4) Blue Ridge Pickin' Parlor's Last Proprietor Needs Help with Medical Bills
5) Theatre Pick: "Every Brilliant Thing," through Feb. 12th in Santa Monica
6) "HackPoly" Welcomes Hackers to Cal Poly Pomona this Weekend
7) Take Your Sweetie to a Valentine's Concert ("Valentinish" week), part 1
8) Take Your Sweetie to an Early Valentine's Concert, part 2
9) Super Early Bird "DYLANFEST" Tickets on Sale through Feb. 15th
10) Tales from the Road: New England Fiddle Champ LISSA SCHNECKENBERGER
11) Lunar Eclipse, Comet, and "Snow Moon" Coming February 10, 2017
12) "Sounds of Folk Alliance" Preview Downloads from Yep Rock & Merlefest
13) L.A.'s February CD Release Shows: San Diego's SARA PETITE, Santa Cruz's STEVEN GRAVES, & L.A.'s own AJ HOBBS
14) Grim Reaper's Toll of Musicians & Artists So Far in 2017
15) L.A.’s Top Food Event is March 8-11
16) Santa Clarita COWBOY FESTIVAL Tickets Going Fast; Event in April
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Let's get started!
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# 1 news feature...
GROUNDHOG DAY TO GRAMMYS, VALENTINE'S TO MARDI GRAS, FEBRUARY HAS IT
We missed sending those holiday cards again this year, and Groundhog Day just isn't the same without 'em. That can serve as a reminder to stay out of trouble next Tuesday — Valentine's Day — with one of Forrest Gump's bright box o' choc-lates. Some venues are offering early Valentine's Day-themed musical performances this weekend, so you can catch the show and then, attitudes adjusted accordingly, have private time for candles and romance.
The homage to February's "hearts and flowers" theme moves us to ratify something sent by JIM CURRY and his wife ANNE, who are on the cruise ship performance circuit with their "John Denver Tribute Show." Here is a 1986 video of John Denver singing his song, "Heart to Heart." As Anne says, "John looks fabulous in his tuxedo, singing for an equally well-dressed audience."
Watch John Denver sing "Heart to Heart" at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gfm0c46GkD0
Of course, Sunday is the annual day billed as MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT, with the broadcast (and web simulcast) of the 59th annual GRAMMY AWARDS from Hollywood. Instead of waiting three hours after the East Coast sees it live, we'll get the event at 5 pm Pacific on CBS.
The Guide has a nice feature on a very deserving winner, one of the few who is known in advance. That's our # 2 news feature.
As for the GRAMMYS broadcast? Full disclosure is in order here: if you're hoping for even a token performance on TV by any artist or band from the Folk-American realm? Uhh, it might be a good night to catch one of those two-days-early Valentine's-themed concerts.
Or go see "La-La Land" if you want a rather sappy effort to bring back the big-screen musical. It's nominated for 14 Oscars, but we're wondering how that happened. It's not bad, just not THAT good.
The more historically inclined will seek a show this Sunday so they can attend the theatre on Lincoln's Birthday (just no big hats or side balcony box seats. Especially if you have a beard).
Washington's Birthday is Feb. 23rd, but we don't have reports of any shows with minuet dancing or a dress code of powdered wigs. But all venues will accept those little portraits of Washington in exchange for admission and libations.
That brings us 'round to that rather goofy amalgamated holiday, "Presidents Day." It happens on Monday the 20th. Making it okay to stay out late on Sunday the 19th. Otherwise, we're not sure how it's supposed to work (especially these days) to commemorate both the honored and the reviled presidents all on one day. Or perhaps that makes it the perfect holiday for the short American attention span.
Finally, the day everyone wants live music is Fat Tuesday, better known by its French name, MARDI GRAS. Being that it's tied to Easter, it moves around the calendar.
This year, MARDI GRAS happens on February 28th.
Meaning you must march forth on March 1st, a workday Wednesday, whether you're ready or not. We'll bring you a Mardi Gras edition next time.
Too much other news is already chompin' at the bit for this edition.
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# 2 news feature...
"MUSIC EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR™" TO BE HONORED AT SUNDAY'S GRAMMYS
As we start 2017, KEITH HANCOCK of Tesoro High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, has been named the "Music Educator of the Year™" by the 59th annual GRAMMY Awards. Hancock will be an honored guest, seated among music's biggest stars, at the GRAMMYS on Sunday night.
A total of 290 music teachers from 264 cities across 41 states comprised the quarterfinalists for the "Music Educator Award™" presented by The Recording Academy® and the GRAMMY Foundation®. In total, more than 3,300 initial nominations were submitted from all 50 states. (Info on all the quarterfinalists is at: https://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/press-release/290-quarterfinalists-announced-for-2017-music-educator-award)
On Wednesday, Feb. 8th, "CBS This Morning" ran a feature story on "Mr. Hancock" and his vocal music program, and moreover, on his enduring influence on current and former students. The story focused on people much more than the many awards and worldwide invitations that Keith Hancock and his choirs have received.
Mr. Hancock and his school will each receive a $10,000 honoraria as he becomes the fourth recipient of the annual award given jointly by the Recording Academy® (sponsor organization of the GRAMMYS) and the Grammy Foundation®.
If you liked the film, "Mr. Holland's Opus" (and who didn't?) you'll love this video short / bio for its human interest and first-rate production values.
The video story covers "Hancock's Laws" that he hands-out to his students. Included are "Live your life with passion," and "Don't put anything on your credit card that you can't pay-off in a month."
That video is available at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSeHUUE9mO0
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Last year, PHILLIP RIGGS of Durham, North Carolina, won the honor. He keeps it on his mantle piece where he can see it see it every day.
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A print story on all 25 of the 2017 finalists is at:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/2017-grammy-music-educator-award-semifinalists-revealed/
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Hancock came in as a repeat semifinalist. He was among the final 25 nominees in 2016. There's a good print feature story about all those music educators at:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/2016-grammy-music-educator-award-reveals-25-semifinalists/
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Would you like to nominated a deserving music teacher for next year? Current educators — kindergarten through college, public and private schools — "who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools" are eligible. The American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education, the NAMM Foundation, and the National Education Association support this program through outreach to their constituencies. But individuals can submit nominees, as well.
Nominations for the 2018 Music Educator Award are now open at www.grammymusicteacher.com.
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# 3 news feature...
FOLK-AMERICANA GRAMMYS & PERFORMANCES TO BE ON DAYTIME WEBCAST
Your TV listings and all the glitzy ads will tell you that the 59th annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live at 5 pm Pacific this Sunday, Feb. 12, on CBS. That is, the portion of the awards that are broadcast on TV will air at that time. As usual, the awards that folkies care most about? Uh, those won't make it to TV.
But hang on.
Until very recent years, it was only news sources like the Guide that attempted to remedy things for Folk-Americana. And we could have ended this right here by quoting a great newsman who always said, "And that's the way it is."
The internet opened up the ability to share the previously unknown and largely unattended awards for music's supposedly "non-mainstream" artists.
The awards — usually no more than one in each of the various Folk-Americana genres — will not be included in what airs with all the nighttime hoopla. But they'll be included — not exactly "featured," but "included" — in the three hours of daytime webcast, streamed live from 12:30 to 3:30 pm, Pacific time.
Seems the singular award for "Folk Album of the Year" — and this year's doubling of "Blues Album of the Year" honors into one for "Best Traditional" and one for "Best Contemporary" Blues Albums — would cut into the time needed at night for bloviating by the recipients of the rather ridiculous multiplicity of rap awards. Rap, as a single category, gets four awards, and the almost guaranteed dissing of somebody who wins by an entourage figure of somebody who doesn't.
Perhaps we are being hasty or unfair. Things HAVE expanded — some — even as a key Americana award was absorbed into an amalgamated category. More on that in a moment.
Here's the complete spectrum of Folk-Americana categories for GRAMMY awards that will be included in the live daytime webcast:
FIELD 13: AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC
45. American Roots Performance (S/T)
46. American Roots Song (S/T)
47. Americana Album
48. Bluegrass Album
49. Traditional Blues Album
50. Contemporary Blues Album
51. Folk Album
52. Regional Roots Music Album
(A) = Category allows Album entries
(S) = Category allows Single entries
(T) = Category allows Track entries
We mentioned an amalgamation. We're still sad that the "Regional Roots Music Album" GRAMMY replaced the short-lived "Cajun-Zydeco Album" category, tossing Louisiana's distinctive accordion-and-fiddle-based Americana music in competition with everything from Old Time Fiddle and Banjo to traditional and contemporary Cowboy/Western and Western Swing to Djangostyle guitar to the music of the Hudson Valley and the Rocky Mountains and the open plains to the Appalachian mountain hollars to the ranchera-influenced accordion and fiddle of the desert Southwest. Obviously, each of those genres — and more, both traditional and contemporary — needed its own category and its own award.
The big, nighttime GRAMMY telecast will feature tributes to GEORGE MICHAEL and PRINCE. But no word of tributes to any of the Folk-Americana stars we lost since the last awards show.
Big Music always claims that what's commercially successful must get all the attention. Indie artists and folk artists have the same answer to that: "If you don't hear it, you can't like it."
So, of course, the evening broadcast features performances by CHANCE THE RAPPER, LITTLE BIG TOWN, STURGILL SIMPSON, four-time GRAMMY® winner and current nominee BRUNO MARS, JOHN LEGEND, METALLICA, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, and KEITH URBAN.
But the one you want is the web simulcast this Sunday at 12:30 pm, Pacific. It's called the "GRAMMY AWARDS PREMIERE CEREMONY®" and it's hosted by MARGARET CHO.
It'll be streamed live on www.grammy.com/live and on www.cbs.com.
Now, hold onto your hats. Performing are by current nominees JUDY COLLINS, RAVI COLTRANE, ZIGGY MARLEY, CARLA MORRISON, NORTHERN CREE, O'CONNOR BAND with MARK O'CONNOR, and THIRD COAST PERCUSSION. Of course, all of them are collectively billed as the opening act, the "Prelude to Music's Biggest Night®," to "Kick Off the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards®."
Fine. We can all catch the music festival-like lineup of "opening acts," then slip out the back door and go get a pizza. Just adjust your sombrero and proclaim, "Red carpet? We don't need no stinking red carpet!"
For the daytime simulcast, presenting all the GRAMMY Awards in approximately 70 categories that include the Folk-Americana genres are SARAH JAROSZ, LAUREN DAIGLE, FOR KING & COUNTRY, JIMMY JAM, RENÉ MARIE, MÝA, and BRENDON URIE from Panic! At The Disco.
The "GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony®" webcast, preceding the "59th Annual GRAMMY Awards®" telecast, the Premiere Ceremony will be hosted by GRAMMY® nominee MARGARET CHO.
For those who like details...
SARAH JAROSZ has two nominations this year, for "Best American Roots Performance" for "House Of Mercy" and "Best Folk Album" for "Undercurrent."
JUDY COLLINS, O'CONNOR BAND with MARK O'CONNOR, NORTHERN CREE, THIRD COAST PERCUSSION, RAVI COLTRANE, MARGARET CHO, LAUREN DAIGLE, FOR KING & COUNTRY, RENÉ MARIE, ZIGGY MARLEY, CARLA MORRISON, MÝA, and BRENDON URIE each have one GRAMMY nomination this year.
JUDY COLLINS with ARI HEST is in contention for "Best Folk Album" for their "Silver Skies Blue"; the O'CONNOR BAND with MARK O'CONNOR for "Best Bluegrass Album" for "Coming Home"; and NORTHERN CREE for "Best Regional Roots Music Album" for "It's A Cree Thing."
Performers on the webcast who are nominated in the non-Americana related categories are Third Coast Percussion for "Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance" for "Steve Reich"; Margaret Cho, nominated for "Best Comedy Album" for her "American Myth"; Coltrane for "Best Improvised Jazz Solo" for "In Movement"; Daigle for "Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song" for "Trust in You"; For King & Country for "Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song" for "Priceless"; Marie for "Best Jazz Vocal Album" for "Sound of Red"; Marley for "Best Reggae Album" for his "Ziggy Marley"; Morrison for "Best Latin Rock, Urban Or Alternative Album" for "Amor Supremo"; Mya for "Best R&B Album" for "Smoove Jones"; and Brendon Urie with Panic! At the Disco for "Best Rock Album" for "Death of a Bachelor."
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If you're kicking yourself because you have other plans Sunday afternoon? The live stream of the Premiere Ceremony, with the Folk-Americana GRAMMYS and performances, will remain on GRAMMY.com as video-on-demand for 90 days following the event.
It'll be streamed live, Sunday, 12:30-3:30 pm Pacific on:
www.grammy.com/live
and on
www.cbs.com
Do you hear Rodney Dangerfield? He's saying, "Finally! Some respect!"
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# 4 news feature...
BLUE RIDGE PICKIN' PARLOR'S LAST PROPRIETOR NEEDS HELP WITH MEDICAL BILLS
JUDY HERSH is experiencing medical challenges. And like most musicians, there just isn't enough insurance coverage to handle all that needs to be done. Here she is, in her own words:
"Howdy friends of the Blue Ridge Pickin’ Parlor. It doesn’t seem possible that over six years have gone by since I closed the doors of the Blue Ridge. It was a sad time for me along with the passing of my Dad shortly before.
"I never intended not to stay in communication with the Blue Ridge friends / customers / students and teachers. It was a huge change to go from running the Blue Ridge to looking for a job, and I just let it slide.
"Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me I was very ill. After living a very busy lifestyle and being on automatic pilot between the care-giving of both my parents, running two businesses and tending to my horses and home, I started to realize something was drastically wrong with me physically the summer of 2012. I finally found out in June 2015 I have Chronic Lyme Disease!
"I knew after I closed the Blue Ridge that I wanted to have a Blue Ridge Reunion Picnic the following year. I was so overwhelmed at my new full time job and getting more and more exhausted that I kept putting it on hold. So fast forward to today, I have it all planned and hope to do it this year after going through the next phase of my Lyme treatment.
"I have established a medical fundraiser using the YouCaring.com website to help with the medical costs for my treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease. Please click the link below to read about my 'Trail Ride to Recovery.'
(It's on the "YouCaring, Compassionate Crowdfunding" site)
https://www.youcaring.com/judyhersh-697535
"It is with humble gratitude and appreciation that I thank you in advance for taking the time to read my story. I will be updating my progress periodically.
"I have updated my Facebook page after realizing it will be the easiest way to stay in contact. So if you haven’t already, let's be friends on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/judy.hersh.16
"I miss all of you and look forward to seeing you soon.
"Happy Trails, Happy Pickin’ and Jammin’ & Happy New Year!
"XOXO
Jude"
— Judy L. Hersh
jhersh@pickinparlor.com
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Judy has posted more than what she sent us. On Jan. 30th, she said she had recently had "two 'Neuro-Lyme' episodes," which she describes as, "like having a mini epileptic seizure. I get a headache and then I have uncontrollable muscle twitching. I just 'ride it' out and after about an hour it subsides."
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Any amount you can contribute can add-up and be of tremendous help when a music friend is facing medical challenges that inevitably produce financial needs. The Guide wishes Judy a record fast recovery and lots of helping hands, each bearing a few bucks!
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# 5 news feature...
THEATRE PICK: "EVERY BRILLIANT THING," THROUGH FEB. 12th IN SANTA MONICA
It's the play the LA Times calls "utterly charming!" It's titled "Every Brilliant Thing," and it's running now through February 12 in "The Edye," the intimate theatre at the Broad Stage, at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica 90401.
The play's premise? You're six years old. Mum's in hospital. Dad says she's 'done something stupid.' She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a list of everything that's brilliant about the world. Everything that's worth living for: 1. Ice Cream; 2. Kung Fu Movies; 3. Burning Things; 4. Laughing so hard you shoot milk out your nose; 5. Construction cranes; 6. Me. You leave it on her pillow. You know she's read it because she's corrected your spelling. Soon, the list will take on a life of its own.
It's a new play about depression and the lengths we will go to for those we love. Based on true and untrue stories.
"Four stars. Heart-wrenching, hilarious... possibly one of the funniest plays you'll ever see."
- The Guardian.
Presented by Paines Plough and Pentabus Theatre Company, by Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe, it's directed by George Perrin.
Tix: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/966071
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# 6 news feature...
"HACKPOLY" WELCOMES HACKERS TO CAL POLY POMONA THIS WEEKEND
This weekend, Feb. 11-12, you can watch real hackers — not those mythical Russian hackers that supposedly ruined everything for a badly run campaign that needs a scapegoat to avoid facing an autopsy of all it did went wrong. In fact, at this event, hackers are not pariahs at all.
"Hackpoly" is a 24-hour annual hackathon event at Cal Poly Pomona in the Bronco Student Center. Participants trade their sleep for a weekend and join a team to create a project — typically software or hardware — in "an environment optimized for creativity."
At the end of the event, the participants demonstrate their projects to fellow hackers, visitors, and a panel of judges.
For details about the event, contact Julie Lappin at: jmlappin@cpp.edu
The event's website has the essential info, at: http://www.hackpoly.com/
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# 7 news feature...
TAKE YOUR SWEETIE TO A VALENTINE'S CONCERT ("VALENTINISH" WEEK), PART 1
From tonight (Thursday), through the weekend and into Tuesday the 14th, there are abundant opportunities to get your sweetie serenaded with sumpin' special and memorable. Some venues offer food and libations. Some have eateries nearby. Here are our picks.
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Thursday the 9th
✔ "BYZANTIUM 2.0: ACOUSTIC TIME TRAVEL" is Thursday, February 9, at 7 pm, at Saint Sophia Cathedral, 1324 Normandie Av, Los Angeles 90006. Reception to follow.
Admission is free, presented by the USC "Visions and Voices" series. Reservations are required. RSVP at
http://visionsandvoices.usc.edu/events/listing.php?event_id=679136
Enter a dark space and take a journey across time to medieval Byzantium. Using cutting-edge immersive-audio technologies, the presentation will re-create virtual ancient acoustic spaces in this fascinating event featuring performances by award-winning chanters SPYRIDON ANTONOPOULOS and DIMOS PAPATZALAKIS and PAZ LENCHANTIN, the current bassist for THE PIXIES. The performance will be followed by a conversation exploring technology and the implications of recreating ancient spaces.
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Thursday the 9th
✔ STING plays the local date for his "57th & 9th Tour" Thu, Feb 9, at the Hollywood Palladium.
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Thursday the 9th
✔ SEAN WATKINS and WILLIE WATSON play Thu., Feb. 9, 8 pm, at the Wayfarer, 843 W 19th St, Costa Mesa 92627; 949-764-0039.
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Thursday the 9th
✔ THE GLEN ROBERTS BIG BAND plays Thu., Feb. 9, 7 pm, at Cody's Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506; 818-845-2425.
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Thursday the 9th
✔ "OFF OF MY HEAD," Thu., Feb. 9, 7:30 pm, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info, www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm. Buy tickets for this show online….offmyhead6.bpt.me - not through The Coffee Gallery Backstage. A show of real life, irreverent, funny, and sometimes poignant stories that thrill, tickle and inspire told by local experienced storytellers.
Featuring Storytellers Ty Fance, Beverly Mickins, Stan Sellers, Ellen Switkes, & Tony Jacobsen. Tix, $15.
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Thursday the 9th
✔ SOUTH COAST STORYTELLERS’ “ANIMAL MAGNETISM” happens Thu., Feb. 9, 7:30 pm, at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malven Av, Fullerton 92833; 714-738-6706.
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Thursday the 9th
✔ GARRISON STARR plays Thu., Feb. 9, 9 pm, on the second stage at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood 90028; www.hotelcafe.com.
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Friday the 10th
✔ GEORGE MANN plays "Labor and protest songs," Fri., Feb. 10, 6 pm, at the Church of the Brethren, 3850 Westgate Pl, San Diego 92105; 619-262-1988.
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Friday the 10th
✔ "THE BLUEGRASS SITUATION GRAMMY SHOW," Fri., Feb. 10, 7 pm-midnight, on the mainstage at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood 90028; www.hotelcafe.com.
Featured performers: LANGHORNE SLIM, O'CONNOR FAMILY BAND feat. MARK O'CONNOR; CARLA MORRISON, MADI CUNNINGHAM, FREDDY & FRANCINE, ULYSSES S GRANT, and a few special guests.
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Friday the 10th
✔ JC & LANEY, an "acoustic rock duo," plays Fri. Feb. 10, 7 pm, at Fiddler's Crossing, 206 East F St, Tehachapi 93561; 661-823-9994.
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Friday the 10th
✔ VICTORIA VOX, ukulele virtuoso, plays Fri., Feb. 10, 7:30 pm, at Brick 15, 915 Camino del Mar, Del Mar 92014; 858-225-1315.
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Friday the 10th
✔ CHRISTIE LENEE plays the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series," Fri., Feb. 10, 7:30 pm, at the Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan St, Dana Point 92629; 949-842-2227 or 949-244-6656.
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Friday the 10th
✔ HONEY WHISKEY TRIO plus ECHO SPARKS and BOTTLED SPIRITS play Fri., Feb. 10, 8 pm, at 4th Street Vine, 2142 E 4th St, Long Beach 90814; 562-343-5463.
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Friday the 10th
✔ THE BURGANS with TERRY RANGNO, Fri., Feb. 10, 8 pm, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; Phone for reservations, 626-798-6236; info, www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm. Jerry was co-founder of the iconic group, WE FIVE, whose smash recording of "You Were On My Mind" topped the charts and was nominated for the “Best Vocal Performance” Grammy in 1965. Tix, $20.
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Friday the 10th
✔ GRIFFIN HOUSE plays Fri., Feb. 10, 8 pm, at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Friday the 10th
✔ SEAN WATKINS & WILLIE WATSON play Fri., Feb. 10, 8 pm, at Pappy & Harriet’s Place, 53688 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown 92268; 760-365-5956.
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Saturday the 11th
✔ WILLIE WATSON (formerly of OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW) plays Saturday, Feb 11 at 8 pm at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; tix at: 310 833-4813 or www.grandvision.org. Folksinger, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Willie Watson is a leading pioneer in the renaissance of traditional and old-time music. Opening for Willie is the delightful JESSICA FICHOT, one of our local faves (when she's not galavanting on a big tour somewhere).
Listen to Willie play "Dry Bones" (Live at SXSW 2014) at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNbNYb8p2Es&ct=t%28Shine+A+Light+On+Me%29&mc_cid=be633c732d&mc_eid=%5BUNIQID%5D
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Saturday the 11th
✔ "ANCIENT CALIFORNIA" presents indigenous music of north, central and South America with Martin Espino, Sat., Feb. 11, 10:30 am, at the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, 7621 Granite Hill Dr, Riverside 92509.
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Saturday the 11th
✔ GRIFFIN HOUSE plays Sat., Feb. 11, 6 pm, at the Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Bl, San Diego 92101; 619-255-7224.
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Saturday the 11th
✔ THE RATTLESNAKES plus the PEACEMEAL STRING BAND play Sat., Feb. 11, 7 pm, at Guitar Merchant, 7305 Topanga Bl, Canoga Park 91303; 818-884-5905.
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Saturday the 11th
✔ CHRISTIE LENEE plays the 2nd of two shows for the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series," this one on Sat., Feb. 11, 7 pm, at the Mission Viejo Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Dr, Mission Viejo 92691; 949-842-2227 or 949-244-6656.
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Saturday the 11th
✔ JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS, Sat., Feb. 11, 7:30 pm, at the Folk Music Center, 220 Yale Av, Claremont 91711. "Early Valentine's Day Saturday with Sweeties" and the band's amazing re-creation of the music of the 1920s. Janet says, "Start cuddling early to the lovingest love tunes ever." Info (great website), www.janetklein.com. Tix, 909-624-2928.
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Saturday the 11th
✔ DAVID NIGEL LLOYD and JONATHAN "MAKO" SHARKEY play "Sessions at the Loft," Sat., Feb. 11, 7:30 pm, at The Loft, 2465 Ventura Bl, Camarillo 93010; 805-383-3333.
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Saturday the 11th
✔ THE FOLK COLLECTION, Sat., Feb. 11, 7 pm, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; Phone for reservations, 626-798-6236; info, www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm. "Singing the Classic Songs of the '60s Folk Era" in 3-part harmony are Tony Unger, Ed Labowitz and Mike Sirota. Tix, $20.
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Saturday the 11th
✔ ACOUSTIC CONCERT SERIES has a double bill, Sat, Feb 11, 8 pm, at Jeff Gold's West Valley Music Center, 24424 Vanowen St, West Hills 91307; 818-992-4142; www.westvalleymusiccenter.com. Tix, $15, includes refreshments.
• FREQUENCIES, the duo of BRAD SWANSON & JUSTIN SOUTER, is an "organic alternative band whose songs offer stories of healing and transcendence that lead us on a journey of the heart."
• ERIC SCHWARTZ is a "mega-talented songwriter and player... incredibly funny on the one hand and gut-wrenchingly topical on the other."
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Saturday the 11th
✔ HEATHER CATALENA plays Feb. 11, 8 pm, on the second stage at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood 90028; www.hotelcafe.com.
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Sat. & Sun., the 11th & 12th
✔ "ROMEO ET JULIET," the opera, runs two performances: Sat., Feb 11 at 7:30 pm & Sun, Feb. 12 at 3 pm at the Performing Arts Center at Reseda High, 18230 Kittridge St, Reseda. Charles Gounod's timeless classic opera of thwarted lovers, this production is fully-staged by SFV's own CENTER STAGE OPERA and features the CENTER STAGE OPERA ORCHESTRA. It's sung in French with English translation projected above the stage. (First reported in our Jan. 11th edition.) Info: www.centerstageopera.org. Tix: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2581189
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Saturday the 11th
✔ LOS LOBOS play Sat., Feb. 11, 8 pm, at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 91355; 661-362-5304.
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Saturday the 11th
✔ THE LIVING SISTERS play Sat., Feb. 11, 8 pm, at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Saturday the 11th
✔ HONEY WHISKEY TRIO plays Sat., Feb. 12, 8 pm, at the Barrel Room, 324 W 4th St, Santa Ana 92701; 714-204-0519.
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Saturday the 11th
✔ SPENCER & RAINS & THE SKELETON KEYS play the " Old-Time Tiki Parlour" series, Sat., Feb. 11, 8 pm, at Timewarp Records, 12204 Venice Bl, Los Angeles 90066.
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Sunday the 12th
✔ THE HAYMARKET SQUARES, Sun., Feb. 12, 2 pm matinee show, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; Phone for reservations, 626-798-6236; info, www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm. "Punkgrass for the People!" with dancing, mandolin, music, happy faces….everything you might want. They've played all over the world. Tix, $15.
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Sunday the 12th
✔ GEORGE MANN brings "Labor and protest songs" Sun., Feb. 12, 2 pm, at the SoCal Arbeter Ring Workmen’s Circle, 1525 S Robertson Bl, Los Angeles 90035; 310-552-2007.
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Sunday the 12th
✔ LOCKOUT STATION plays their CD release concert, Sunday Feb. 12, 4 pm, at Alvas Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro 90732; www.alvas.com. This three-piece ensemble, draws on flamenco and jazz-fusion influences as well as the avant-garde, using complex harmonies, difficult grooves and winding melodies to evoke impressions of strange and other-worldliness. Tix, $20.
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Sunday the 12th
✔ CRAIG LINCOLN plays Ron Sarfety's monthly "Red Rock Concerts," Sun., Feb. 12, 4 pm, at Crown Books, 6100 Topanga Canyon Bl, #1340, Woodland Hills 91367. Free series.
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Sunday the 12th
✔ THEO & ZYDECO PATROL play the Cajun-Zydeco Dance Series, Sun., Feb. 12, 4:30 pm, at the Golden Sails Hotel, 6285 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach 90803.
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Sunday the 12th
✔ VICTORIA VOX, accompanied by JACK MAHER, Sun., Feb. 12, 7 pm, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; Phone for reservations, 626-798-6236; info, www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm. Ukulele, serious and fun. National act. Big deal. From the cover of the Spring Issue of "Ukulele Magazine" to the front page of "The Wall Street Journal," Victoria Vox is making appearances everywhere! Tix, $18.
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Sunday the 12th
✔ VIGNES ROOFTOP REVIVAL plays a Valentine's themed concert Sun., Feb. 12, 7 pm, at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre 91024. Our Jan. 11th story on this show appears as the next news feature.
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Sunday the 12th
✔ LOVEYDOVE plays Sun., Feb. 12, 7 pm, at Cody's Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506; 818-845-2425.
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Sunday the 12th
✔ TERRY & JERRY HOLDER play the "Dark Thirty House Concerts" series, Sun., Feb. 12, 7:30 pm, at 1132 Pinehurst Dr, Lakeside 92040; reservations required at 619-443-9622.
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Sunday the 12th
✔ EVAN MARSHALL & PHIL BOROFF play Sun., Feb. 12, 8 pm, at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583.
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Sunday the 12th
✔ OTTMAR LIEBERT, one of then world's greatest guitarists, plays Sun., Feb. 12, 9 pm, at the Canyon Club, 28192 Roadside Dr, Agoura Hills 91301; 818-879-5016.
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Monday the 13th
✔ THE BROMBIES play Mon., Feb. 13, 7:30 pm, at Cody's Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506; 818-845-2425.
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Monday the 13th
✔ JORMA KAUKONEN & JACK CASADY play "HOT TUNA Acoustic" Sun., Feb. 12, 8 pm, at the Belly Up Tavern, 143 S Cedros Av, Solana Beach (San Diego) 92075; 858-481-9022.
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Tuesday the 14th (Valentine's Day)
✔ "VALENTINE SPECIAL": LISA LYNNE & ARYEH FRANKFURTER, Tue., Feb. 14, 8 pm, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; Phone for reservations, 626-798-6236; info, www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm. It's Celtic harps, song, rare instruments, wondrous stories, and fun. This is an exceptional show of quality and music. Tix, $20.
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Tuesday the 14th (Valentine's Day)
✔ HEATHER MALONEY and PETER MULVEY play "Tales from the Tavern at the Maverick Saloon," Sun., Feb. 12, 7 pm, at 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez 93460; 805-686-4785.
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Tuesday the 14th (Valentine's Day)
✔ I SEE HAWKS IN L.A., Tue., Feb. 14, 9 pm, at the Hi Hat, 5043 York Bl, Highland Park 90042; http://hihat.la. All ages show. The Hawks will pluck tunes from their seven releases, "With musicians from our fantastic and varied guest band sitting in. Action packed, and free!" SARAH KRAMER at 9 pm (http://sarahkramer.com), HAWKS at 10 pm (www.iseehawks.com), HARRISON WHITFORD at 11 pm (https://soundcloud.com/harrison-whitford).
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Wednesday the 15th
✔ BONNIE RAITT plus THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS play Wed., Feb. 15, 8 pm, at the Terrace Theater in the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center complex, 300 E Ocean Bl, Long Beach 90802; 562-436-3636.
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Wednesday the 15th
✔ SARA PETITE, plays Wed., Feb. 15th, 8 pm, in a free show at the Cinema Bar, 3967 N Sepulveda Bl, Culver City. It's a "CD pre release party" by the San Diego-based artist for her new album, "Road Less Traveled."
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Wednesday the 15th
✔ JORMA KAUKONEN & JACK CASADY play "HOT TUNA Acoustic," Wed., Feb. 15, 8 pm, at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano 92675; 949-496-8927.
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Wednesday the 15th
✔ BLACK ARM BAND plays the Center for the Art of Performance (CAP) series, Wed., Feb. 15, 8 pm, at Royce Hall on the UCLA Campus in Westwood 90095; 310-825-2101 or 310-825-4401.
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Thursday the 16th
✔ JOHN SCOFIELD, 2016 GRAMMY® Award-winner jazz guitarist , and double nominee in 2017, plays two shows on Thu., Feb. 16, 7 and 9:30 pm at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, 10361 W Pico Bl, Los Angeles 90064; www.trk.us.com; 310-286-0553. Schofield is nominated this year for "Best Improvised Jazz Solo" for "I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "Best Jazz Instrumental Album" for "Country for Old Men." In his last release, Scofield re-imagines the music of Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Bob Wills, Dolly Parton, George Jones, and other country greats with a top tier band of longtime compatriots including organist Larry Goldings, bassist Vicente Archer, and drummer Bill Stewart.
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Thursday the 16th
✔ THE GLEN ROBERTS BIG BAND plays Thu., Feb. 16, 7 pm, at Cody's Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506; 818-845-2425.
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Thursday the 16th
✔ THE SALTY SUITES, Thu., Feb. 16, 8 pm, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; Phone for reservations, 626-798-6236; info, www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm. Always wonderful and eternally creative. They do it all. Fine music and great to watch. These are stars of festivals. Tix, $18.
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Thursday the 16th
✔ PETER MULVEY and HEATHER MALONEY play Thu., Feb. 16, 7:30 pm, at Brick 15, 915 Camino del Mar, Del Mar 92014; 858-225-1315.
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Friday the 17th
✔ HIROYA TSUKAMOTO: acoustic guitar and voice, Fri., Feb. 17, 8 pm, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; Phone for reservations, 626-798-6236; info, www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm. Bob Stane’s comments…"Last time @ The Coffee Gallery Backstage the audience loved him.. Low key but excellent and charming."
Tix, $15.
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Ticketmaster is offering a Valentine's "Two-for-One" deal on many shows, nationwide, but none are in Southern California. If you are anticipating some travel, the concerts stretch a ways into the future. Eligible shows are listed at:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/ticketdeals/ln-offer
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Or, you can put a pair of tix in an envelope with a red rose on top... these shows go on sale FRIDAY:
✔ SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS play the El Rey Theatre on Apr 3.
✔ DIANA KRALL, touring her upcoming album, "Turn Up the Quiet" (due out on Verve Records, May 5th) plays the Santa Barbara Bowl, Aug 6. Tix available Fri, Feb. 10, 11 am, at www.AXS.com.
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# 8 news feature...
TAKE YOUR SWEETIE TO AN EARLY VALENTINE'S CONCERT, PART 2
(Reprinted from our Jan. 11th edition.)
VIGNES ROOFTOP REVIVAL TO PLAY VALENTINE’S CONCERT AT SIERRA MADRE PLAYHOUSE, FEBRUARY 12
Okay, so the real Valentine’s day is February 14. Something all women know and most guys forget. But who wants to fight traffic on a school night to meet your sweetie at a concert? Not the VIGNES ROOFTOP REVIVAL. That's why this show is on Sunday, two days early. This concert is presented by the Sierra Madre Playhouse and Sierra Madre Music.
Born on the roof of an artist loft in Downtown Los Angeles, The VIGNES ROOFTOP REVIVAL serves up an exciting mix of classic jazz, Gypsy jazz, blues, and Americana. Their music incorporates a lively and diverse set of influences, from the classic French swing of DJANGO REINHARDT to the vocal standards of ELLA FITZGERALD and the Brazilian samba music of DORIVAL CAYMMI. They are one of the area's busiest and most "local" bands — they perform 3-8 shows a week within the LA area. They are excited to perform a special Valentine’s Day inspired set of music on February 12th, featuring the smooth jazzy vocals of AMBER NAVRAN and the sweet sounds of flute, trumpet, clarinet, guitar, and bass as performed by band members PATRICK TORREZ, BERGEN MOORE, ERIK MIRON, RUMI, and CAPITAL.
If you like what you hear, you can find them performing weekly downtown residencies at Eat.Drink.Americano (Mondays), Cafe Gratitude (Tuesdays), and GROW (Wednesdays), and monthly residencies at 3 Clubs, and Casey's Irish Pub. The Vignes Rooftop Revival performs frequently at private parties and has has played venues that include L.A. Live, Villain's Tavern, OSSO DTLA, The 1642, Angel City Brewery, SIP Speakeasy, The Paradise Bar, The Spring Street Arcade, and The Escondite.
But you can avoid standing up, having your view blocked by bar patrons, and getting elbowed by the crowd if you take advantage of this intimate theatre, where everyone has a seat, and its listening room concert environment.
The concert is Sunday, February 12, at 7 pm, at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre 91024. That's just northeast of Pasadena. There is ample free parking in a lot behind the Playhouse. Tix: Adults $20, youth $15. Reservations, 626-355-4318; online ticketing at www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
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# 9 news feature...
SUPER EARLY BIRD "DYLANFEST" TICKETS ON SALE THROUGH FEB. 15th
Don't miss your chance to save $10 off the door price for this year's DylanFest, which happens May 7th. It's $25 instead of $35 for eight hours of the amazing music of BOB DYLAN, performed by a huge lineup of talented musicians — many who come off the road just to play this annual event. The discount icket offer ends Feb. 15th.
ANDY HILL & RENEE SAFIER and their award-winning band HARD RAIN produce and present this event each year. And 2017 marks the 27th Annual Bob DylanFest, from noon to 8 pm on May 7, 2017.
The venue is outdoors in the Torino Plaza at the Torrance Cultural Center, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503. There's plenty of access to shade.
You can check out the program from the 25th Annual Dylanfest at the event's web page, same place as you get those earlybird tickets.
The Guide's staff are all longtime fans of this annual event. Andy and Renee tell those who are unfamiliar with our many past write-ups, "Dylanfest is an eight-hour celebration of the music of Bob Dylan. We started it in 1991 and have been holding the event ever since. The show started with our band and a few friends doing four sets of Bob Dylan songs, and it has grown to a eight-hour event with over 50 musicians performing over 60 Dylan songs. Our band, Hard Rain, is the 'house band,' and we are joined by solo artists, full bands and instrumentalists throughout the course of the day. The show is OUTSIDE at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center in the Torino Plaza. There will be some shaded areas, but bring a hat and sunscreen so you can enjoy the beautiful California sunshine! Bring a jacket for later... In case of rain, the event will go on, and we will move inside."
They add, "The audience is encouraged to dress up in costumes as characters, things, interpretations and misinterpretations of Dylan’s song titles or lyrics. A misinterpretation would be when Hard Rain's guitarist, Kirk Makin, dressed up as Angus Young (of AC DC) as a play on the song title ‘Forever Young.’ Some of the costumes over the years have also included various versions of 'Tangled Up In Blue,' 'Highway 61,' 'Farmer’s Daughter,' 'Isis,' and 'Baby Blue,' among others."
There are plenty of videos of live performances from previous Dylanfests, plus the link for the deep discount tix (available only through Feb. 15), and more, at:
http://www.andyandrenee.com/content.php?id=12
Special Early Bird Tickets are $25 'til Feb. 15th.
After that:
Tickets are $30 in advance (Feb. 16th-May 6th).
Tickets at the door are $35.
Kids tix, $10 (ages 7-14 yrs)
VIP Tickets, with lots of goodies, are $100.
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# 10 news feature...
TALES FROM THE ROAD: NEW ENGLAND FIDDLE CHAMP LISSA SCHNECKENBURGER
When we first booked New England fiddler and folksinger LISSA SCHNECKENBURGER on the radio for a live performance, we were thinking of that ad for jellies and jams: "With a name like Smuckers, she has to be good."
Of course we already knew she was. Not just good, but dazzling. She's gone on to win a bunch more awards and play all over the planet. And Hollywood never got a hold of her to make her be just "Lissa," yet another single-name artist. That's okay. It's very much worth learning to spell her last name.
"Sing Out" magazine says of Lissa Schneckenburger:
"World class fiddler ? Far from just offering one dance tune after another, simple settings allow the true beauty of the music to shine through."
Lissa just checked-in. It exactly fits our criteria for the report-from-the-road series, and it's a fun read. So here ya go. Enjoy:
"'Hope Lingers Here' is the title of my new song, which Low Lily will be singing it LIKE CRAZY all the way from Brattleboro to Kansas City:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMwkbvdgXK-/
"Yep, we are jumping in the van to seek out the Folk Alliance International Conference in Kansas City, for which we are psyched! See below for more info on our showcases, and YES, we are doing TWELVE of them. Are we insane? Probably, but you knew that already.....
"PLUS we just found out we came in FIRST place in the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival's Grassy Hill Showcase which we played last summer! We are proud, humbled, honored... and as they say in England, chuffed! If you haven't had a chance to check Low Lily's Folk Alley video session from this past fall, you can view it here:
http://www.folkalley.com/music/extras/low-lily-2016-folk-alley-session
"In OTHER news, I am excited to be doing a DROPLET DANCE tour around New England at the end of Feb, with MOLLY GAWLER (dance and circus arts) and NETTIE LU LANE (storytelling).
"DROPLET DANCE is a company with performances integrating dance, theater, acrobatics, storytelling, music, and song into colorful threads that connect every heart and bring about awareness of water in our world. Our goals are to promote environmental education, and an understanding of our relationship to water through creative dance performance and live music.
"You can check out some of our videos on my YouTube Channel, here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv19MnjJctc&index=10&list=PLXmgYWzYe9nilVio0E8wczuoXZId1TOyF
"and I hope we'll see you at a live show!"
— Lissa Schneckenburger
Welllll, you won't this time, Lissa, because your tour isn't going west of Kansas City. Come West to the Left Coast, and we'll be there.
Oh, and this is important.
Lissa adds, "Don't forget to collect your free music downloads at
http://www.lissafiddle.com/HvFrHttWJfJ.htm
and enjoy!"
Learn all about this fine fiddler and fun person at www.lissafiddle.com
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# 11 news feature...
LUNAR ECLIPSE, COMET, AND "SNOW MOON" COMING FEBRUARY 10, 2017
An unusual celestial trifecta of a penumbral lunar eclipse, a snow moon, and a comet will occur on February 10th, 2017.
by Bethania Palma
On February 10th, 2017, sky watchers will experience a confluence of three celestial events in the same night: a penumbral lunar eclipse, a "snow moon," and a comet.
The lunar eclipse will be somewhat less spectacular than the image usually conjured up by that term:
This weekend's event is what's known as a "penumbral lunar eclipse," a much more subtle counterpart to the dramatic total eclipse.
As the moon rises on Friday, it will pass through the outer edge of the Earth's shadow, called the penumbra. During this type of eclipse, you see a darkening of the moon from the bottom edge moving towards the top as the night progresses, but not a total lunar blackout.
The eclipse will begin before we can see it in the West, at around 5:45 pm ET — shortly before moonrise, even in the East — and it will end at around 9:50 pm ET (6:50 pm Pacific). The best viewing time will be around 7:45 pm ET. You can see all the time information from NASA at:
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEplot/LEplot2001/LE2017Feb11N.pdf
A penumbral eclipse is less striking than a full or partial lunar eclipse, in which the moon turns blood red or appears to have had a "bite" taken out of it. Instead, in a penumbral eclipse, observers may notice only a darkening of the moon's face:
In a total eclipse of the moon, the inner part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra, falls on the moon’s face. At mid-eclipse, the entire moon is in shadow, which may appear blood red.
In a partial lunar eclipse, the umbra takes a bite out of only a fraction of the moon. The dark bite grows larger, and then recedes, never reaching the total phase.
In a penumbral lunar eclipse, only the more diffuse outer shadow of Earth falls on the moon’s face. This third kind of lunar eclipse is much more subtle, and much more difficult to observe, than either a total or partial eclipse of the moon. There is never a dark bite taken out of the moon, as in a partial eclipse. The eclipse never progresses to reach the dramatic minutes of totality. At best, at mid-eclipse, very observant people will notice a dark shading on the moon’s face. Others will look and notice nothing at all.
The full moon aspect of this trifecta isn't really unusual at all, since lunar eclipses can only occur when the moon is full. News accounts have been playing up the fact that this full moon will be a "snow moon." But that's simply the traditional name given to the full moon that occurs every February in North America (due to its coincidence with snow and cold air temperatures).
If that's not enough, a green-hued comet will also hurl past Earth in the early morning hours of February 11th. According to "Sky & Telescope" magazine, the comet, 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova, will zoom by the planet at 3 am EST (midnight Pacific) at a distance of 7.7 million miles. The magazine reports:
"While it won't be coming in for a landing, 45P/H-M-P will miss the planet by just 7.7 million miles or about 32 times the Earth-Moon distance. Because of its proximity, we'll see this frenetic fuzzball barrel across more than 2 hours of R.A. and nearly 20° of declination in the next five days."
In cosmic terms, that's a pitch that upends the batter.
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Bethania Palma Markus is a journalist from the Los Angeles area who started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and has covered everything from crime to government to national politics. She has written for a variety of publications as a staffer and freelancer, including the Los Angeles News Group, the LAist, LA School Report, the OC Weekly and Raw Story. She is a huge fan of the X Files, because while she's not saying it was aliens, it was aliens.
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GUIDE EXTRA:
Is this Thailand's space program? It's incredibly entertaining. Ya gotta see this!
https://www.youtube.com/embed/ pD_yQZ4iNjY?rel=0
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# 12 news feature...
"SOUNDS OF FOLK ALLIANCE" PREVIEW DOWNLOADS FROM YEP ROCK & MERLEFEST
Folk Alliance International is holding its biggest annual conference and performance fest next week in Kansas City. There's a lot going on. Two-time Grammy nominee ELIZA GILKYSON will be among the presenters at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, February 15th. She'll also join BILLY BRAGG for a panel on "Contemporary Protest: Music, Politics and Activism." Her fellow Red House Records artists BILL KIRCHEN, who made his name with Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen in the '70s with their hit "Hot Rod Lincoln," and swamp blues artist RAY BONNEVILLE will perform, too.
You can get a taste of things whether or not you're attending. "Sounds From Folk Alliance International" is coming from Yep Roc Records, and six tracks are already available for download.
They tell us, "February means one thing to us at Yep Roc: Folk Alliance time! We are headed to... Folk Alliance International, one of our favorite musical events and conferences of the year. We’ve teamed up with MerleFest to sponsor an official showcase, featuring SARA WATKINS, SI KAHN, ROBYN HITCHCOCK, THE BAREFOOT MOVEMENT, TIFT MERRITT and JONATHAN BYRD. Download the 'Sounds from Folk Alliance International' sampler to get a taste of our lineup!"
Get your downloads (free previews, tip suggested if you take downloads) at:
http://noisetrade.com/yeproc/sounds-from-folk-alliance
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Preview before you download
(1) SI KAHN - "Once When I Was Young"
(2) TIFT MERRITT - "Proclamation Bones"
(3) JONATHAN BYRD - "Poor Johnny"
(4) ROBYN HITCHCOCK - "I Want To Tell You About What I Want"
(5) SARA WATKINS - "Move Me"
(6) THE BAREFOOT MOVEMENT - "Second Time Around"
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Will you be attending Folk Alliance 2017? Yep Roc and Merlefest say they "will see you Friday February 17th at Benton’s 20th Floor at 6 pm!"
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# 13 news feature...
L.A.'S FEBRUARY CD RELEASE SHOWS: SAN DIEGO'S SARA PETITE, SANTA CRUZ'S STEVEN GRAVES, & L.A.'S OWN AJ HOBBS
It's a good month for new music, whether or not you're in Kansas City for the Folk Alliance International conference. Right here in L.A., we have three Folk-Americana record releases, all with shows marking the occasion, between now and the end of the month.
We told you about LOCKOUT STATION playing their CD release concert, Sun., Feb. 12, 4 pm, at Alvas Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro 90732; www.alvas.com. That's in our # 7 news feature on shows for Valentinish dates.
Let's look at others.
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SARA PETITE, "Road Less Traveled"
First up is San Diego-based SARA PETITE, playing a pair of "pre release parties" in different venues for her new album, "Road Less Traveled." Only one is an L.A. show, and that's Wed., Feb. 15th, 8 pm, in a free show at the Cinema Bar, 3967 N Sepulveda Bl, Culver City. Her other show is Thu., Feb. 16th, 8 pm, where she's opening for Brandy Clark at Pappy & Harriet's, 53688 Pioneertown Rd, waaay out in the desert in Pioneertown 92268.
This new album is officially due out in Spring/Summer 2017, and the critics haven't heard it yet.
Her live performances have been a hit with The Guide, and there was abundant praise for Sara’s last album, "Circus Comes to Town":
“‘Who is this? She’s amazing’-‘She’ is singer-songwriter Sara Petite. ‘Amazing’? By all accounts, she is.” — San Diego Union Tribune, George Varga, Pop Music Critic.
“We haven't had a down home country singer/songwriter this good since Iris Dement. Think of Dement, only a whole lot more fun, and you'll get a good picture of the joy that is Sara Petite…”
— Country Standard Time.
“FLW seized the opportunity to meet ‘n’ greet the country starlet whose recent new long player, ‘Circus Comes To Town’ has been burning a considerable hole in the FLW player over the past few months.” — Famous Last Words Records.
“There is no medical evidence to prove that Lucinda Williams, Nanci Griffith and Carrie Rodriguez somehow joined forces to mother a fully grown musician daughter. But if they did, with Loretta Lynn and Roseanne Cash serving as musical midwives, San Diego singer-songwriter Sara Petite would be the likely outcome.” — UT San Diego.
“(Sara’s) wonderful and distinct twangy vocal is perfectly suited to the contemporary Americana influenced country that echoes the artistic stylings Loretta & Dolly and shares it’s musical DNA with the likes of Holly Williams and Ashley Monroe.” — Beat Surrender
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AJ HOBBS, "Too Much Is Never Enough"
Next, L.A.’s own AJ HOBBS plays two gigs to celebrate the release of his album, "Too Much Is Never Enough." The first is Sat., Feb. 18th, 9 pm, and it's a free show at the Escondite / King’s Inn, 410 Boyd St. the second is Sun, Feb. 19th, 9 pm, in another free show at the "Whiskey Bent and Hellhound Series" at Harvard & Stone, 5221 Hollywood Boulevard.
The album is already featured on "The Bluegrass Situation," and it's drawing high praise:
Saving Country Music says it's among the "Most Anticipated Albums of 2017."
Roots Music Report gives it "5 Stars."
The review in The Daily Country declares, "Hobbs delivers an album that is lyrically and sonically compelling; all the while being unabashedly honest in conveying a man’s weaknesses and strengths in a manner that is sincere, immediate, and relatable. Even though it’s only January, Too Much Is Never Enough is an early sure thing that will undoubtedly be found on many a best of year end lists."
L.A. Music Critic says, "AJ Hobbs has a style that mixes in equal parts Travis Tritt, Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings...I wouldn’t be surprised to see him amongst the nominees for next year’s Grammies."
Americana UK rules, "Mighty fine job - 8/10."
L.A. Record says, "AJ makes hardcore shitkicking 70s country like his daddy was Jerry Jeff Walker and his mother was one of those undefeatable women from Terry Allen's Lubbock (On Everything)"
Lonesome Highway says, "Hobbs seems to get the [country/soul] balance right so that it is overall a country album with an undercurrent of soul. Hobbs is a welcome addition to those exponents of California country music we know and love."
Liverpool Sound + Vision writes, "The 12 strong song album is one of storm, of pained beauty...a great album for 2017...8.5/10."
The Santa Maria Sun reports, "Too Much Is Never Enough sounds like a spitfire country album complete with the fast-picking electric guitar and wailing pedal steel."
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STEVEN GRAVES, "Captain Soul"
Santa Cruz-based STEVEN GRAVES is playing an L.A. release show for his new "Captain Soul," on Thu., Feb. 23, 8 pm, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2019 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001. Tix are $18, and it's an all ages show. Make reservations at 626-798-6236; info, www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm
This guy has chalked-up some interesting reviews from a few sources we know and many we've never heard of. To wit:
The Alternate Root tells the world, “Steven Graves pilots Captain Soul with his hand firmly grasped on a rock-based wheel. Voice and piano gently invite spirit into (the record).”
Ion Indie Magazine calls him an “Artist to Watch.”
Indie Voice Blog says, “This message-infused music provides an ample supply of food for thought, making Graves the Arlo Guthrie of his time…Steven Graves is truly a voice for his generation. His meaty tunes combined with an excellent soundtrack make Captain Soul a definite Get It.”
Green Man Review finds "There’s some really solid crunchy work to chew on here…the CD offers touches of a range of influences and styles (including a startling and fun little homage to David Bowie at the end of “Man From A Different Planet”). There’s something for everyone on Captain Soul. I’m looking forward to Graves’ next release, and hoping he continues to grow in complexity.”
Michael’s Music Log says, “…Walk With Me” might be my favorite. It has a sweeter vibe, and is a song you can really latch onto. You know? It features some gentle horns and nice work on piano, plus a good, passionate vocal performance. Yes, it’s exactly the kind of song I’m looking for and needing now. “Won’t you walk with me/To a better day.” Wonderful.”
Flyingshoes Review declares, “Its all stirring stuff, with such songs as 'Another Day' (arguably his best) you don't want the album to end!”
Grateful Web posits, “Captain Soul is indeed his most personal statement to date.”
Midwest Record says, “Music for a reawakened consciousness, Graves has a sound that could lead the way to tomorrow and bring back the importance of lyrics as well. A challenging, wild sound that might help to turn things around. Well done.”
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Include one or more of these shows in your musical rounds. Or you know what'll happen. A year from now, when somebody is a big star, you'll be admitting, "Y'know, I had a chance to go to the CD release for that hit record, and I stayed home to email cat memes."
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# 14 news feature...
GRIM REAPER'S TOLL OF MUSICIANS & ARTISTS SO FAR IN 2017
We're still reeling from the sheer numbers, as well as the uniqueness and range of talent, of far too many musicians and artists who died in 2016. As much as we wish it wasn't happening again, 2017 is becoming another black banner year for the Grim Reaper. We decided to do a catch-up for the Acoustic Americana Music Guide of people we've lost so far this year. Perhaps this'll keep it from getting any worse. Most of the source data is from the NY Post, and reformatted for consistent presentation with our own obit data.
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Stars we've lost (so far) in 2017:
1) RICHARD HATCH, who had the role of "Captain Apollo" on the original "Battlestar Galactica,"
for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe. After trying for years to revive the show, he had a role in the very different remake. Over the years, Hatch made guest appearances on “The Waltons,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Baywatch,” and other series. He died Feb. 7 at age 71.
2) MICHAEL O’NEILL, songwriter and host of the "Americana Music Series Songwriters Night" at Casa Escobar in Malibu (as recently as 2015) and a radio show. He released several indie albums, available at http://michaeloneillmusic.com/. He was one of 13 children. He died Feb. 5 as a result of ALS.
3) DAVID AXELROD, composer, arranger and producer who had a profound impact on modern music, especially hip-hop, died Feb. 5. He was 83.
4) JOHN WETTON, bassist and singer who served in KING CRIMSON and co-founded the '80s rock supergroup ASIA (he sang their mega-hit "Heat of the Moment"), died Jan. 31 after a battle with colon cancer. He was 67.
5) GEOFF NICHOLLS, longtime BLACK SABBATH keyboardist, died Jan. 28 following a battle with lung cancer. He was 68.
6) RICHARD PORTMAN, sound engineer who received 11 Academy Award nominations and won for his work on Michael Cimino’s “The Deer Hunter,” died on Jan. 28 at his home in Tallahassee, Fla. He was 82.
7) JOHN HURT, known for his roles in "The Elephant Man," "Harry Potter" and many other films over six decades, died Jan. 27. He was 77.
8) ROBERT ELLIS MILLER, Emmy-nominated director known for films “Reuben, Reuben” and “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, died Jan. 27 in Woodland Hills, Calif. He was 84.
9) BARBARA HALE, who played the steadfast secretary Della Street opposite Raymond Burr on the legendary courtroom drama "Perry Mason" for nine seasons and 30 telefilms, died Jan. 26 at her Sherman Oaks home in Los Angeles. She was 94.
10) MARY TYLER MOORE, the television icon who turned the world on with her smile and helped change the face of the small screen, died on Jan. 25 at age 80.
11) BUTCH TRUCKS, a founding member and drummer for THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND, died Jan. 24 at 69.
12) GORDEN KAYE, best known for starring in the long-running hit BBC sitcom "Allo, Allo!," died at the age of 75 on Jan. 24.
13) MARVELL THOMAS, a member of Stax Record's first family, died on Jan. 23 following a brief, undisclosed illness. The Memphis musician was 75.
14) BIMBA BOSÉ, Spanish singer, model and television personality, died Jan. 23 at age 41 after a two-year battle with breast cancer.
15) MIGUEL FERRER, a character actor who won fans for his roles on "NCIS: Los Angeles" and "Crossing Jordan," died of throat cancer at his Los Angeles home on Jan. 19. He was 61. Said his cousin George Clooney, “Miguel made the world brighter and funnier ..."
16) TONY ROSATO, actor and alum of the two sketch comedy series “Saturday Night Live” and “SCTV,” died on Jan. 17 at his home in Toronto. He was 62.
17) WILLIAM PETER BLATTY, novelist and filmmaker who gave millions the fright of their lives with the best-selling novel and Oscar-winning movie "The Exorcist," died on Jan. 14. He was 89.
18) TOMMY ALLSUP, Oklahoma native, GRAMMY® winner ("Best Country Instrumental Performance," 2000), a western swing and rockabilly virtuoso — heralded by Paul McCartney as one of the finest guitar players in the world. Known for his work with Buddy Holly as a member of The Crickets, he told, on camera, the story of the coin flip with Ritchie Valens exactly 48 years to the day after it happened — Ritchie Valens won that coin flip and died in the plane crash that killed all aboard. (Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r4_8pjJPxo). Allsup went on to produce and work with Merle Haggard, Bob Wills & his Texas Playboys, and Willie Nelson, earning him a spot in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. He was an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation. He died Jan. 12 at age 85.
19) BUDDY GRECO, jazz pianist and singer in Benny Goodman’s big band in the 1940s, who later hung around with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack and developed a well-polished Las Vegas stage show that made him perhaps the ultimate lounge act, died Jan. 10 in Las Vegas. He was 90.
20) FRANCINE YORK, well-known guest star of a variety of TV shows from "Batman" to "The Mindy Project," and a familiar face in many classic Jerry Lewis comedies, died on Jan. 6 at age 80.
21) GEORGE KOSANA, who portrayed Sheriff McClelland in the George A. Romero zombie classic "Night of the Living Dead," died on Jan. 4. He was 81.
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Here's hoping the worlds of music, film, TV, arts and entertainment will be able to celebrate the works of creative people in 2017 with the honorees here to enjoy the parties thrown for them.
THERE WAS NEVER A YEAR TO COMPARE WITH 2016 for marking the deaths of so many extraordinarily talented people. The Guide's feature on those we lost from the arts also ran in The Hollywood Progressive. There, it's re-sequenced to move the Folk-Americana people down in the order and put the bigger music celebrities up-top. But the content is complete. And if you click the link, it helps build demand for more pieces from the Guide to be shared there. It's at:
http://hollywoodprogressive.com/artists-lost-2016/
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# 15 news feature...
L.A.’s TOP FOOD EVENT IS MARCH 8-11
"All-Star Chef Classic" is an exclusive culinary celebration bringing together some of the world's most innovative and celebrated chefs for four days in mid-March. Each event allows our guests to get up close and personal with the chefs, while eating food prepared by some of the greatest chefs in the world.
This "outstanding constellation of chefs" congregate to cook in the Chefs Tasting Arena™ and Restaurant Stadium™, a state-the-art venue with stadium seating, lights, cameras and LED screens, giving fans the perfect view of all the action taking place in the round.
It happens at the L.A. LIVE complex, adjacent to Staples Center, at 800 W Olympic Bl, Los Angeles 90015.
Tix: http://www.allstarchefclassic.com/tickets
Bon Appetite.
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# 16 news feature...
SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL TICKETS GOING FAST; EVENT IN APRIL
Saddle up! Tickets for the 24th Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival are selling quickly. Now is the time to look over all the events offered, in addition to those at the Festival site. A new event has been added to the Hart Mansion on Saturday, April 22. Read on to find the perfect event to compliment your Cowboy Festival experience.
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Schedule of Events
Wednesday, April 19
The Festival kicks off with the OutWest Concert Series at the Repertory East Playhouse featuring MARY KAYE and JOE HERRINGTON. Treat your ears to a performance of captivating Western music and poetry.
Thursday, April 20
Film aficionados won’t want to miss The SCV Film Ranch Tour on Thursday, April 20. Newhall residents and Hollywood film historians E.J. and Kim Stephens conduct a memorable coach tour of famous western film sites in and around the Santa Clarita Valley. Many of these sites are familiar to viewers around the world, but are rarely seen up-close by the public.
Friday, April 21
Relax to the baritone voice of award-winning songsmith JON CHANDLER, as he takes the stage at the Rancho Camulos Museum near Piru, one of America’s finest examples of Early California living. This visit also includes a southwestern lunch in an idyllic setting and an opportunity to step back in time with a docent-led tour of the museum grounds.
Friday afternoon, it’s your chance to experience celluloid history on the Paramount Ranch / M*A*S*H Tour. That’s right. Guests will be taken to the Fox Ranch where the remains of the 4077th MASH unit can still be found. The tour will also visit Paramount Ranch, where hundreds of movies have been filmed.
Friday night, DAVE STAMEY, Western Music Association Entertainer of the year, performs in the intimate setting of silent film actor William S. Hart’s historically preserved 1920s living room at the Hart Mansion.
Saturday, April 22
Newly added: Wyatt Earp is Back. Hear two insightful authors, Garner Palenske and Nicholas Cataldo, discuss the true life stories of Wyatt Earp in the living room of silent film star William S. Hart's mansion.
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The main activities of the festival are Saturday and Sunday. But all these extra events ALWAYS sell-out, well in advance.
All times and ticket info at: www.cowboyfestival.org
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Stay tuneful! See you next time!
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LEGALESE, CONTACTING US, 'N SUCH...
Boilerplate? Where's the main pressure gauge? And the firebox?
What "boilerplate"? Who came up with that goofy term for the basic essential informational stuff...
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Pssst – Hey, kid. Yeah, YOU: It won't be so "basic" when we add all the links for the global network of music news / music education sites that we're joining; THAT'LL be here very soon, as an ESSENTIAL COMPONENT of the Guide returning to being a MUSIC NEWS journal!
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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. That includes 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 (now undergoing a major update), and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues from the monumentally large to the intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops, conferences, 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 swamp water roots of the blues and the bright lights of where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell. The porch'll be here anytime you come back from the road.
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