.
As we continued to add more events, herein, to compete with the barbecues and festivals and concerts and special screenings and outdoor celebrations of Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer, something kept gnawing at us. Here it is, as expressed by the editor:
It really bothers me that "honoring the service of our veterans" has become a door-opener for lemming-like support of the warconomy.
Memorial Day was devised as a way to support widows and orphans of Union dead from the Civil War. By extension, because we keep having wars and so many people show-up to get killed in them, Memorial Day continued its purpose to honor the fallen of all our wars.
That's not meant to diminish recognition of the necessity of military response to global fascism in the Second World War, when the outcome would determine what kind of world we would have. Nor can we be deluded into believing that valor, bravery, and sacrifice were unique to that war. Those human traits can be found in every generation, and we should recognize how problematic that is: because battlefield sacrifices are made, at terrible cost, in all manner of conflicts that influence nothing greater than which group of rich manipulators will be given the upper hand.
Memorial Day makes no differentiation of "good" and "bad" wars, largely because survivors -- families of the fallen and veterans who bled with them -- would unelect any politician who suggested that. And so Memorial Day goes on honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, whether in a war that gave humanity a chance to advance equality and opportunity, or something less noble. It likewise honors those killed following the flag into efforts to expand economic empire for oligarchs and kleptocrats. To do otherwise would sabotage the ability to get yet another generation to respond to patriotic calls, even when they are being exploited by blood-money profiteers.
So we experience a world laden with symbols where psychology is expensively employed to sell soap, celebrities, addictive prescription drugs, beer, pizza, airlines that put your knees in your armpits to crowd-in more seats, fast food that causes high blood pressure and heart disease -- and to sell the ultimate righteous act of national egotism -- war.
As much as it still honors sacrifice for flag and country, or more often, sacrifice made for one's comrades, that's what Memorial Day has become.
While we're clarifying things, Memorial Day was never intended to be synonymous with Veterans Day. And no one has any business exploiting either of these days as a source of patriotic fervor to support the next contrived political "justification" for "regime change" or any other form of playing god in somebody else's country, whether that be in Venezuela, Yemen, a fragile African state, or Iran. (Especially while encouraging our "friends" to kowtow to brutal dictators in the police state of North Korea and the murderous petroligarchic kingdom -- and chief buyer of weapons from the US and the UK -- Saudi Arabia.)
War profiteers were insufficiently prosecuted during the Civil War, and so they became one of America's leading growth industries, into our time -- based, in the ultimate irony, on being merchants of death.
Memorial Day was devised as a way to support widows and orphans of Union dead from the Civil War. By extension, because we keep having wars and so many people show-up to get killed in them, Memorial Day continued its purpose to honor the fallen of all our wars.
That's not meant to diminish recognition of the necessity of military response to global fascism in the Second World War, when the outcome would determine what kind of world we would have. Nor can we be deluded into believing that valor, bravery, and sacrifice were unique to that war. Those human traits can be found in every generation, and we should recognize how problematic that is: because battlefield sacrifices are made, at terrible cost, in all manner of conflicts that influence nothing greater than which group of rich manipulators will be given the upper hand.
Memorial Day makes no differentiation of "good" and "bad" wars, largely because survivors -- families of the fallen and veterans who bled with them -- would unelect any politician who suggested that. And so Memorial Day goes on honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, whether in a war that gave humanity a chance to advance equality and opportunity, or something less noble. It likewise honors those killed following the flag into efforts to expand economic empire for oligarchs and kleptocrats. To do otherwise would sabotage the ability to get yet another generation to respond to patriotic calls, even when they are being exploited by blood-money profiteers.
So we experience a world laden with symbols where psychology is expensively employed to sell soap, celebrities, addictive prescription drugs, beer, pizza, airlines that put your knees in your armpits to crowd-in more seats, fast food that causes high blood pressure and heart disease -- and to sell the ultimate righteous act of national egotism -- war.
As much as it still honors sacrifice for flag and country, or more often, sacrifice made for one's comrades, that's what Memorial Day has become.
While we're clarifying things, Memorial Day was never intended to be synonymous with Veterans Day. And no one has any business exploiting either of these days as a source of patriotic fervor to support the next contrived political "justification" for "regime change" or any other form of playing god in somebody else's country, whether that be in Venezuela, Yemen, a fragile African state, or Iran. (Especially while encouraging our "friends" to kowtow to brutal dictators in the police state of North Korea and the murderous petroligarchic kingdom -- and chief buyer of weapons from the US and the UK -- Saudi Arabia.)
War profiteers were insufficiently prosecuted during the Civil War, and so they became one of America's leading growth industries, into our time -- based, in the ultimate irony, on being merchants of death.
We also lost a second chance, when President Eisenhower coined a term in his farewell address for the purpose of warning us about their malevolence -- the "military-industrial complex."
So we see the need to address a Memorial Day message to Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, General Dynamics, Northrop-Grumman, Fairchild, Browning Firearms, FMC (which stands for "Food Manufacturing Corporation," but has for 40 years built combat tanks and armored vehicles), and every other supplier of missiles, bombs, the combat aircraft or remotely piloted drones that carry them, and every other maker of ordnance or assault weapons for sale to US and foreign military buyers. That message is: If any of you are paying for a Memorial Day fireworks display, or any of those little made-in-China American flags going onto military graves? I don't want to know about your "patriotic contribution" if I learn about it from your crowing. And if any of you are, in any way, claiming tax deductions or seeking recognition for "contributing" to Memorial Day observances, you are committing yet another atrocity in the long litany of war atrocities.
So we see the need to address a Memorial Day message to Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, General Dynamics, Northrop-Grumman, Fairchild, Browning Firearms, FMC (which stands for "Food Manufacturing Corporation," but has for 40 years built combat tanks and armored vehicles), and every other supplier of missiles, bombs, the combat aircraft or remotely piloted drones that carry them, and every other maker of ordnance or assault weapons for sale to US and foreign military buyers. That message is: If any of you are paying for a Memorial Day fireworks display, or any of those little made-in-China American flags going onto military graves? I don't want to know about your "patriotic contribution" if I learn about it from your crowing. And if any of you are, in any way, claiming tax deductions or seeking recognition for "contributing" to Memorial Day observances, you are committing yet another atrocity in the long litany of war atrocities.
Does it ever occur to the rich and powerful who wantonly manipulate everything for profit that the only way to truly honor war dead is to make sure we don't make any more of them?
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MANY MORE EVENTS ADDED on Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Mon, May 22-27th...
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Retitled to reflect added content. Originally titled, "THIS WEEKEND: Annual TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE, and more! Thu, May 16 edition, 2019."
Comment added on Sunday, May 19th: Rain in Agoura is supposed to stop by 9 am Sunday morning, so don't let it deter your plans to attend Topanga Banjo•Fiddle!
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HEREIN...
☆ What's happening, out 'n about: the editor's mini-travelogue.
☆ The Southern California MUSIC SCENE, through the end of May, into June.
☆ WOODSTOCK -- the 50th anniversary -- happening or not? The Guide's in-depth report.
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Greetings from the al fresco environs of the Thai Paradise Restaurant in Ridgway, Colorado, north of the name-brand places you can't afford, like Ouray, Telluride, and Durango. We're writing this while gazing-up into the still snowy 14,000-foot high San Juan range. Yowsa!
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| Who says the dead don't come back to life? Once upon a time in the 1880s, Ridgway Colorado was the northern terminus of Otto Mears' fabled Rio Grande Southern Railway and the junction with Colorado's ubiquitous Denver & Rio Grande. Upon abandonment of the rails in 1952, the town became little more than a sleepy wide spot on the two-lane road built atop the former track bed. Factor-in all the rich L.A. lawyers buying everything in Telluride, Durango, Vail, and every place else with a small airport, and places like Ridgway became the towns where workers in the ski meccas could afford to live. Now, Ridgway has good restaurants with cuisine costing half what it does in Telluride, and -- the part about the dead coming back -- it has a museum of gathered rail equipment from the long-gone "RGS." The red-roofed yellow building in the background is the town's original train depot. A steam locomotive for the three-foot-gauge rebirth is due soon. |
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| 14,000-foot peaks abound in Colorado's magnificent San Juans towering above Ridgway. Click on any image to enlarge. |
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| It's Friday, May 17, 2019, it's snowing, and it could be 100 years earlier. Old # 40 moves to get water for the 4:30 pm passenger excursion train. |
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update...
What a difference a day makes. From Thursday's "Colorado Rocky Mountain high" of shirtsleeve spring greening and wildflowers to a Friday snowstorm -- not in the Rockies where weather is notoriously fickle, but two states West, in Nevada.
What a difference a day makes. From Thursday's "Colorado Rocky Mountain high" of shirtsleeve spring greening and wildflowers to a Friday snowstorm -- not in the Rockies where weather is notoriously fickle, but two states West, in Nevada.
The train is now preserved and operated by the Nevada State Railroad Museum to delight passengers. AND to educate everyone about a lost world, when going to work meant putting on heavy leather gloves, picking up heavy tools, and actually DOING SOMETHING productive.
(Before everything became a "virtual" fantasy, en-route to our world of order-it-online, it'll be delivered, I-don't-need-to-get-off-my-ass, bring me the voluptuary of the future).
Still, there is modern dentistry...
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Now let's get on track for the weekend...
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From mini-travelogue to
LA MUSICA! (y mucho mas)
Here's a look at your SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA acoustic music scene, dominated this weekend by the always delightful TOPANGA BANJO•FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL in the Agoura Hills portion of the sprawling Santa Monica Mountains Nat'l Recreation Area. As always, the 501(c)3 nonprofit festival -- oldest annual roots music event in California -- is a guest of the National Park Service.
Now if you're thinking, "But I saw on the news that the whole place burned down! Well, "the whole place" didn't. SOME of it did. But the famous Railroad Stage, where the Guide's editor returns as emcee, is still there, so come, find an empty chair, and sit a spell in the cool shade under the train station's freight platform roof, and enjoy the musical contestants, followed by the professional acts. (Remember to say howdy.) See ya there!
We will soon have great big bunches of news. For now, we have one in-depth feature on what's going on with the 50th ANNIVERSARY OF WOODSTOCK, which is in more than a bit of a mess.
In a departure from our usual format, THAT NEWS FEATURE is last-up, after the presentation of everything that's happening this weekend and some of what's going on hither and yon beyond Sunday's big "TBFC" shindig.
Let's get started!
Enjoy!
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♡ ONGOING EVENTS...
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...some ending soon, some impending.
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"CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY" is a new live musical adaptation of the "Willy Wonka" tale, at Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626; 714-556-2787; https://www.scfta.org
* For anyone delighted by the feature film starring the late GENE WILDER in one of his most beloved roles, this ROALD DAHL adaptation features songs from the original film, including "Pure Imagination," "The Candy Man," and "I've Got a Golden Ticket," alongside a toe-tapping new score from the songwriters of "Hairspray."
* OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL: see our May 28, 7:30 pm listing.
* Curtain at 7:30 pm 5/31-6/1 & 6/4-6/8; 1 pm & 6:30 pm on 6/2 & 6/9; additional 2 pm matinees on 6/1 & 6/8.
* TIX, https://scfta.org/events/2019/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory
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ONGOING, FREE SUMMER CONCERTS:
2 pm-4 pm - "CONCERTS AT METLOX" is a Free live music series Sun, May 26-Sun, Sep 1, at Metlox, 451 Manhattan Beach Bl, Manhattan Beach CA
* Bring a blanket or chair.
* Metered parking in the Metlox structure.
* Band line-up for the season, at: www.metloxmb.com/events/
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2 pm-4 pm - "CONCERTS AT METLOX" is a Free live music series Sun, May 26-Sun, Sep 1, at Metlox, 451 Manhattan Beach Bl, Manhattan Beach CA
* Bring a blanket or chair.
* Metered parking in the Metlox structure.
* Band line-up for the season, at: www.metloxmb.com/events/
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10 am-5:45 pm - SEASIDE LAGOON reopens May 25 in Hermosa Beach, open daily for the summer through Mon, Sep 2. Swim in the protected saltwater lagoon. A children’s play area, snack bar, barbeque pits and tables for parties are available. Info, 310-318-0681.
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ONGOING, FREE FILM SCREENING:
7:30 pm-10 pm start times; vary by sunset - "FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT" returns May 24 for the summer, on the Boardwalk at Redondo Beach Pier (below Kincaid’s), 500 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach CA
* Bring a low-back beach chair or blanket.
* Screening starts at dusk so actual times vary.
* Up-to-date movie schedule at: www.redondopier.com
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7:30 pm-10 pm start times; vary by sunset - "FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT" returns May 24 for the summer, on the Boardwalk at Redondo Beach Pier (below Kincaid’s), 500 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach CA
* Bring a low-back beach chair or blanket.
* Screening starts at dusk so actual times vary.
* Up-to-date movie schedule at: www.redondopier.com
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ONGOING, beginning May 18, 2019:
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART -- MOCA -- Admission is now FREE. On May 18, the downtown Los Angeles art museum, atop Bunker Hill and a short walk from the Music Center, announced complimentary tickets for all visitors, thanks to a $10 million donation. The funding is reported to be enough to enable no-fee entry for the next five years. BUT CHECK WITH THE VENUE TO BE SURE THE NEW NO-FEE ADMISSON HAS STARTED.
"We're so excited to add MOCA to the list as a museum that's *always* free, no matter the day! This is a massive opportunity for Southern California locals and tourists alike to discover everything the L.A. art scene has to offer," said a MOCA spokesperson.
Want to visit more Los Angeles-area art institutions and museums for no charge? Head to the DoLA site to check out the designated days you can do that, at: https://dola.com/p/los-angeles-free-museum-days
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ONGOING, Wed, Apr 17, through May 19:
8 pm - “FALSETTOS” a musical from New York, opens tonight at the L.A. Music Center's Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N Grand Av, downtown Los Angeles, CA.
* This is the Lincoln Center Theater production, directed by James Lapine, from the book by Lapine and William Finn with Finn’s music and lyrics.
* It's “a hilarious and achingly poignant look at the infinite possibilities that make up a modern family.”
* TIX: $30 to $135, at 213-972-4400 or www.CenterTheatreGroup.org
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Ongoing, Apr 25 through May 26:
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL "AMALUNA" makes its L.A. run for a month in front of Battleship IOWA on the L.A. Waterfront in San Pedro, CA.
* DISCOUNT TIX: get 15% off individual tickets with promo code SANPEDRO* at https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/amaluna
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OPENING May 15...
MUSEUM OF DREAM SPACE (MODS) grand opening is May 15, 2019.
* Advance tix at a 25% discount are available now.
* MODS is the first museum in the US that's focused on exhibiting digital art.
* The design concept of MODS is illuminated by art design from Yayoi Kusama (famous for "infinite rooms") and the global development of digital art.
* The aim of MODS is to provide an immersive, magical and unique art experience to visitors.
* DISCOUNT TIX at: https://modsla.com/
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THE FIRST "UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE" in L.A., presented by the Museum of Illusions, holds its Grand Opening today at 6751 Hollywood Bl, Hollywood CA 90028
* As the Monty Python line goes, "And now for something completely different."
* Featuring interactive upside down rooms: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, and more.
* Their promo contends that "You’ll amaze your friends and family when they see you dancing on the ceiling. You won’t be bored sitting on the couch when it’s hanging above you!"
* Uh huh. When you install a live band hanging upside down from the ceiling, call us.
* Here's their video, for the easily amused: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ko2edli37yxeri3/UDH.mov?dl=0
* If you wanna go, get 20% off Pre-Sale Tickets now, at: https://laillusions.com/upside-down-house/
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Ongoing: May 19, 2019–Jan 5, 2020:
Art exhibition: "COYOTE LEAVES THE RES: THE ART OF HARRY FONSECA" at the Autry Museum of the American West, across from the L.A. Zoo in Griffith Park, at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
* Featuring paintings, sketches, and lithographs, this exhibition focuses on the recurring figure of Coyote, a trickster, shape shifter, and storyteller capable of moving undetected between different worlds.
* Fonseca was an instrumental force in reshaping Native art with his trademark blend of traditional imagery, contemporary experience, and vibrant color and form. As he used his art to explore both his personal journey and the role of history in shaping Native consciousness in the present, Fonseca sought to expand definitions of American Indian art and to shatter the expectations and stereotypes that had long confined it.
* As both a gay man and a person of mixed heritage, Fonseca used his work as a vehicle for self-discovery a means of navigating different aspects of his life and identity during a time when ideas about Native peoples were often driven by outside forces, including commercial markets, tourism, and historical clichés.
* RUNS May 19, 2019–January 5, 2020 in the Autry's George Montgomery Gallery.
* Opens daily at 10 am. Closes Tue-Fri at 4 pm, Sat & Sun at 5 pm.
* TIX: included with regular museum admission.
* More: https://theautry.org/exhibitions/coyote-leaves-res-art-harry-fonseca
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ONGOING, through Sep 30:
L.A. RIVER KAYAKING, NATURAL SECTIONS, RE-OPEN FOR 2019 SEASON. It isn't all an ugly concrete ditch. There are stretches that are wild, where the Army Corps of Engineers found it had "no bottom," and so they couldn't concrete and entomb the river. Those stretches are loaded with wildlife, and in recent years, the best outdoor adventure anywhere below the high San Gabriel Mountains.
L.A. RIVER KAYAKING, NATURAL SECTIONS, RE-OPEN FOR 2019 SEASON. It isn't all an ugly concrete ditch. There are stretches that are wild, where the Army Corps of Engineers found it had "no bottom," and so they couldn't concrete and entomb the river. Those stretches are loaded with wildlife, and in recent years, the best outdoor adventure anywhere below the high San Gabriel Mountains.
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| Click any image to enlarge. |
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* You can go sit on the bank with your guitar, write songs, or just enjoy the bird songs.
* The more adventurous are offered guided experiences or can just "put in" with their own or a rented kayak.
* There ARE rules, starting with going in only at marked entry points; it's illegal and unsafe to just go in anywhere; the current in the concrete inner ditch is deceptively fast and frequently drowns those dumb enough to get in it.
* From Memorial Day through Sep 30, bookings for guided tours are available. Currently, reservations for those guided experiences are being taken through the first week of June, with more dates, through the summer, opening up soon. (Link below.)
* The two major areas of entry for natural surroundings / river adventure can be found at the Sepulveda Basin River and Elysian Valley. See the downloadable simplified maps of each (addresses online) and be sure to download the rules and cautions.
* Get all the info, rules, etc, at: http://lariverrecreation.org/2017/05/19/about-the-los-angeles-river-recreation-zone/
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ONGOING, Sundays:
10 am-2 pm - THE GENTLE BARN welcomes visitors, and makes a great Earth Day or Easter destination, at 15825 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91390; www.gentlebarn.org/california/
* Go hug the cows, give the pigs tummy rubs, cuddle the turkeys, and enjoy a beautiful day at the Gentle Barn.
* To ensure that the smaller animals in the upper barnyard don't feel stressed or overcrowded, groups are allowed to go into the upper barnyard after a presentation.
* Out of respect for the animals, do not bring any dairy, egg, meat, poultry, or seafood onto the property.
* This is an outdoor farm environment; it's recommended all guests wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your group.
* TIX (Donation) adults $22, kids $12. Website above.
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☆ DATE-SPECIFIC EVENTS...
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...festivals to concerts to club gigs to film screenings and more. If folky-Americana-ish / acoustic renaissance / film-video-sound-lovers and other creative types are apt to like it, then it's in here. Along with plenty of opportunities to broaden one's horizons...
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Friday
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8 pm - "BANDORAMA: CALTECH WIND ORCHESTRA & JAZZ BAND" performs in Ramo Auditorium on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena CA
* This is two concerts in a single performance.
* First, it's the CALTECH WIND ORCHESTRA, Dr. Glenn D. Price, Director. Program is:
• Holst, First Suite in E-flat
• Grainger, Irish Tune from County Derry
• Ellerby, Clarinet Concerto, featuring Caltech clarinet coach, Lynne Snyder
• Bennett, Suite of Old American Dances
* Then, It's the CALTECH JAZZ BAND, Barb Catlin, Director. Program is:
• The Jazz Band program for this concert is tba.
* The same concert is performed both dates at 8 pm.
* The concerts are free and open to the public, with no tickets or reservations required. Parking is also free.
* Info, call 626-395-3295.
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Saturday
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Sat, May 18:
10 am-4 pm - 28th Annual "OLD RIVERSIDE FOUNDATION VINTAGE HOME TOUR" features CARL BERNHARDT & BOB PALMER, each playing a variety of traditional acoustic instruments in separate locations, on the tour route of several vintage homes in Riverside, CA
* In addition, the event includes a "Vintage Fair" with a variety of musicians at each residence.
* TIX, https://www.oldriverside.org/home-tour
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10 am-4 pm - 28th Annual "OLD RIVERSIDE FOUNDATION VINTAGE HOME TOUR" features CARL BERNHARDT & BOB PALMER, each playing a variety of traditional acoustic instruments in separate locations, on the tour route of several vintage homes in Riverside, CA
* In addition, the event includes a "Vintage Fair" with a variety of musicians at each residence.
* TIX, https://www.oldriverside.org/home-tour
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Sat, May 18, FILM & MUSIC EVENT on CATALINA ISLAND:
12:30 pm - 32nd annual "SILENT FILM BENEFIT" screens "WHY BE GOOD?" (1929) with live musical accompaniment by acclaimed composer and musician MICHAEL MORTILLA AND THE ACCOMPANISTS, at the Avalon Casino Theatre, on Catalina Island.
* Presented by the Catalina Island Museum.
* 2019 marks the 90th anniversary of the Avalon Casino as well as this film.
* One of the world’s longest running annual celebrations of Silent Film. Attendees will be treated to an authentic 1920s cinematic experience with the screening of the 1929 film, Why Be Good?starring the ultimate flapper Colleen Moore with live musical accompaniment by acclaimed composer and musician Michael Mortilla and The Accompanists. All of this takes place in the historic Avalon Casino Theatre, William Wrigley Jr.’s 1929 Art Deco Movie Palace.
* "Why Be Good?" is the red hot depiction of a modern flapper surrounded by the partying youth of the era. Moore portrays the role of a poor shop girl in a big urban department store. In order to go out every evening and attend the dances she craves, she must appear to be more worldly wise than she actually is. As you an imagine, this brings about a number of hilarious situations and along the way she falls in love.
* '20s period dress is encouraged.
* Members of specified museums can arrive early for the Pre-Performance Program at noon.
* Doors Open for Non-Members at 12:30 pm.
* Silent Film screening (benefit) begins at 1 pm.
* TIX: https://www.catalinamuseum.org/silent-film-benefit
• Before May 1: mbrs $20, non-mbrs $23, children (Age 3-15) $10.
• After May 1: mbrs $25, non-mbrs $28, children (Ages 3-15) $10.
* MAKE IT A 1920s WEEKEND: Following the Silent Film Benefit, spend the evening dancing in the Avalon Casino Ballroom during the "Avalon Ball" put on by the "Art Deco Society of Los Angeles." This event exemplifies what the ballroom was built for: dancing! Link for tix and info on the Ball at above url.
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12:30 pm - 32nd annual "SILENT FILM BENEFIT" screens "WHY BE GOOD?" (1929) with live musical accompaniment by acclaimed composer and musician MICHAEL MORTILLA AND THE ACCOMPANISTS, at the Avalon Casino Theatre, on Catalina Island.
* 2019 marks the 90th anniversary of the Avalon Casino as well as this film.
* One of the world’s longest running annual celebrations of Silent Film. Attendees will be treated to an authentic 1920s cinematic experience with the screening of the 1929 film, Why Be Good?starring the ultimate flapper Colleen Moore with live musical accompaniment by acclaimed composer and musician Michael Mortilla and The Accompanists. All of this takes place in the historic Avalon Casino Theatre, William Wrigley Jr.’s 1929 Art Deco Movie Palace.
* "Why Be Good?" is the red hot depiction of a modern flapper surrounded by the partying youth of the era. Moore portrays the role of a poor shop girl in a big urban department store. In order to go out every evening and attend the dances she craves, she must appear to be more worldly wise than she actually is. As you an imagine, this brings about a number of hilarious situations and along the way she falls in love.
* '20s period dress is encouraged.
* Members of specified museums can arrive early for the Pre-Performance Program at noon.
* Doors Open for Non-Members at 12:30 pm.
* Silent Film screening (benefit) begins at 1 pm.
* TIX: https://www.catalinamuseum.org/silent-film-benefit
• Before May 1: mbrs $20, non-mbrs $23, children (Age 3-15) $10.
• After May 1: mbrs $25, non-mbrs $28, children (Ages 3-15) $10.
* MAKE IT A 1920s WEEKEND: Following the Silent Film Benefit, spend the evening dancing in the Avalon Casino Ballroom during the "Avalon Ball" put on by the "Art Deco Society of Los Angeles." This event exemplifies what the ballroom was built for: dancing! Link for tix and info on the Ball at above url.
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Sat, May 18, FILM EVENT:
7 pm - "ROCKETMAN" EARLY ACCESS SCREENING at Arclight Cinemas Hollywood, 6360 Sunset Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028
* It's "a musical fantasy about the fantastical human story of ELTON JOHN’s breakthrough years."
* The venue hosts this advanced screening on behalf of Fandango, ahead of its release on Friday, 5/31.
* Tickets for this event will only be available for purchase through Fandango, at: https://mobile.fandango.com/arclight-hollywood-AAQIZ/theater-page?date=2019-05-18&_m_utk=fbf70955fc3e9bb759baa7ae881c97b9
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Sat, May 18:
8 pm - MILLER-MacDONALD-CORMIER play the "PASADENA FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY" concert series in Beckman Institute Auditorium (aka "Little Beckman") on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena CA
* Nominated for four awards during the 2018-2019 season, including "ROOTS TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR," and "INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR," the Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada-based ensemble makes their second appearance at Caltech. They debuted here in 2017, when they were still officially the duo of Ben Miller and Anita MacDonald, but all three took part.
* BEN MILLER plays the Scottish Lowland pipes.
* ANITA MacDONALD plays Cape Breton fiddle, and they join together the threads of Old and New World traditions, while constantly exploring new ways to bring their two traditions closer together.
* ZAKK CORMIER, a dynamic musician with deep roots in his own Franco-Celtic tradition from Prince Edward Island, backed them up in their 2017 Caltech performance, and he now returns as an official member of the trio. Zakk brings his talents as a "sympathetic guitar" accompanist, together with driving rhythms of the regional signature Acadian foot-percussion.
* They're touring their new record, "South Haven," in which they have created a powerful sound, transcending the boundaries between Cape Breton, Scottish, and Acadian traditions.
* They've been described as “playful, poignant, and passionate all at once” as well as “fresh, yet totally traditional.” Their performances are a unique blend of driving dance music transcending boundaries – equally at home at a kitchen ceilidh or on a late night festival stage.
* The series producers tell us, "They will definitely get your feet moving. If you like Celtic music, you are sure to love this concert!"
* More Info: www.benandanita.com/projects
* TIX are $20 adults, $5 for Caltech students and children.
* TIX & info: http://events.caltech.edu/events/calendar/85756
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Sat, May 18, FREE CONCERT:
8 pm - "BANDORAMA: CALTECH WIND ORCHESTRA & JAZZ BAND" performs in Ramo Auditorium on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena CA
* This is two concerts in a single performance.
* First, it's the CALTECH WIND ORCHESTRA, Dr. Glenn D. Price, Director. Program is:
• Holst, First Suite in E-flat
• Grainger, Irish Tune from County Derry
• Ellerby, Clarinet Concerto, featuring Caltech clarinet coach, Lynne Snyder
• Bennett, Suite of Old American Dances
* Then, It's the CALTECH JAZZ BAND, Barb Catlin, Director. Program is:
• The Jazz Band program for this concert is tba.
* The same concert is performed here on Fri, May 17, at 8 pm.
* The concerts are free and open to the public, with no tickets or reservations required. Parking is also free.
* Info, call 626-395-3295.
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7 pm - "ROCKETMAN" EARLY ACCESS SCREENING at Arclight Cinemas Hollywood, 6360 Sunset Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028
* It's "a musical fantasy about the fantastical human story of ELTON JOHN’s breakthrough years."
* The venue hosts this advanced screening on behalf of Fandango, ahead of its release on Friday, 5/31.
* Tickets for this event will only be available for purchase through Fandango, at: https://mobile.fandango.com/arclight-hollywood-AAQIZ/theater-page?date=2019-05-18&_m_utk=fbf70955fc3e9bb759baa7ae881c97b9
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Sat, May 18:
8 pm - MILLER-MacDONALD-CORMIER play the "PASADENA FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY" concert series in Beckman Institute Auditorium (aka "Little Beckman") on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena CA
* Nominated for four awards during the 2018-2019 season, including "ROOTS TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR," and "INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR," the Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada-based ensemble makes their second appearance at Caltech. They debuted here in 2017, when they were still officially the duo of Ben Miller and Anita MacDonald, but all three took part.
* BEN MILLER plays the Scottish Lowland pipes.
* ANITA MacDONALD plays Cape Breton fiddle, and they join together the threads of Old and New World traditions, while constantly exploring new ways to bring their two traditions closer together.
* ZAKK CORMIER, a dynamic musician with deep roots in his own Franco-Celtic tradition from Prince Edward Island, backed them up in their 2017 Caltech performance, and he now returns as an official member of the trio. Zakk brings his talents as a "sympathetic guitar" accompanist, together with driving rhythms of the regional signature Acadian foot-percussion.
* They're touring their new record, "South Haven," in which they have created a powerful sound, transcending the boundaries between Cape Breton, Scottish, and Acadian traditions.
* They've been described as “playful, poignant, and passionate all at once” as well as “fresh, yet totally traditional.” Their performances are a unique blend of driving dance music transcending boundaries – equally at home at a kitchen ceilidh or on a late night festival stage.
* The series producers tell us, "They will definitely get your feet moving. If you like Celtic music, you are sure to love this concert!"
* More Info: www.benandanita.com/projects
* TIX are $20 adults, $5 for Caltech students and children.
* TIX & info: http://events.caltech.edu/events/calendar/85756
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Sat, May 18, FREE CONCERT:
8 pm - "BANDORAMA: CALTECH WIND ORCHESTRA & JAZZ BAND" performs in Ramo Auditorium on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena CA
* This is two concerts in a single performance.
* First, it's the CALTECH WIND ORCHESTRA, Dr. Glenn D. Price, Director. Program is:
• Holst, First Suite in E-flat
• Grainger, Irish Tune from County Derry
• Ellerby, Clarinet Concerto, featuring Caltech clarinet coach, Lynne Snyder
• Bennett, Suite of Old American Dances
* Then, It's the CALTECH JAZZ BAND, Barb Catlin, Director. Program is:
• The Jazz Band program for this concert is tba.
* The same concert is performed here on Fri, May 17, at 8 pm.
* The concerts are free and open to the public, with no tickets or reservations required. Parking is also free.
* Info, call 626-395-3295.
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Sunday
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59th annual "TOPANGA BANJO•FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL" will, indeed, happen this year at Paramount Ranch, Santa Monica Mtns Nat'l Recreation Area, About a Hills, CA.
* The National Park Service has given the go-ahead for the use of the longtime site, which suffered fire damage in the 2018 Woolsey Fire.
* Despite the loss of most of the buildings, the show will go on with some adaptive measures. The Railroad Stage -- where the Guide's editor is emcee -- DID survive the fire, and will be rootin' an' tootin'!
* Musicians -- start polishing your act now, with a chance to win prize money and the opportunity to perform before a big crowd! And you prob'ly already know the jamming is amazing!
* Non musicians make this a must-do to enjoy the contestants, the stage acts, and the whole scene.
* Professional acoustic roots bands and individuals delight on the stages, though not yet announced after the delay from the gov't shut down.
* For the presenters, there will be challenges, but all are committed to again
bring an outstanding event! -- including the Guide's editor, who emcees a stage here every year.
 |
| Topanga Banjo•Fiddle has prestigious prizes and a storied history. This year is the 59th annual event. |
* "We hope to be able to witness some of nature's resilience. It could include some blooming lupine and other early fire followers. It may be a bit early, but recovery will be starting, even if subtle," says one nature-lover.
* OFFICIAL website is adding more all the time, at:
Sun, May 19, ART EXHIBITION OPENING:
10 am - Art exhibition: "COYOTE LEAVES THE RES: THE ART OF HARRY FONSECA" opens its run May 19th at the Autry Museum of the American West, across from the L.A. Zoo in Griffith Park, at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
* Featuring paintings, sketches, and lithographs, this exhibition focuses on the recurring figure of Coyote, a trickster, shape shifter, and storyteller capable of moving undetected between different worlds.
* Fonseca was an instrumental force in reshaping Native art with his trademark blend of traditional imagery, contemporary experience, and vibrant color and form. As he used his art to explore both his personal journey and the role of history in shaping Native consciousness in the present, Fonseca sought to expand definitions of American Indian art and to shatter the expectations and stereotypes that had long confined it.
* As both a gay man and a person of mixed heritage, Fonseca used his work as a vehicle for self-discovery a means of navigating different aspects of his life and identity during a time when ideas about Native peoples were often driven by outside forces, including commercial markets, tourism, and historical clichés.
* RUNS May 19, 2019–January 5, 2020 in the Autry's George Montgomery Gallery.
* Opens daily at 10 am. Closes Tue-Fri at 4pm, Sat & Sun at 5 pm.
* TIX: included with regular museum admission.
* More: https://theautry.org/exhibitions/coyote-leaves-res-art-harry-fonseca
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Sun, May 19, FREE EVENT:
Noon-4 pm - "HERITAGE HOUSE 26th ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL" features CARL BERNHARDT & BOB PALMER each playing a variety of traditional acoustic string instruments in separate locations, at Riverside Metropolitan Museum’s Heritage House, 8193 Magnolia Av, Riverside, CA 92504; 951-826-5273
* The event celebrates Victorian Riverside during the 1890s.
* Various musicians perform around the grounds and in the Victorian house parlor.
* Carl plays noon-1 pm, outside, and 1 pm-2 pm in the Parlor. Bob's locations are tba.
* More at: https://www.riversideca.gov/museum/heritagehouse/icecreamsocial.asp
* Free and open to the public.
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Sun, May 19, FREE CONCERT:
3:30 pm - CALTECH CHAMBER ENSEMBLES, Maia Jasper White, Director, perform in Dabney Lounge on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena CA
* Program tba.
* This concert is free and open to the public, with no tickets or reservations required. Parking is also free.
* Info, call 626-395-3295.
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Sun, May 19:
4 pm - EAGLES RONSTADT EXPERIENCE – "A Tribute To Their Music," at Alvas Showroom, 1413 W 8th St, San Pedro CA 90732; 310-833-7538.
* This is a tribute to the writing, performance, style, and sound of the California country, folk, and rock music superstars thoughtfully re-created. Most of these musicians grew up listening, learning, and passionately playing and singing along to what is now truly a phenomenon worth recreating.
* Band members are:
Randy Woolford – Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
Dan Hill – Bass Guitar, Vocals
Bill McDowell – Drums, Vocals
Joe Mazzio – Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
Kim Woolford – Vocals and Percussion
Dan Haley – Keyboards, Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
* Feel free to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
* TIX & info: https://alvasshowroom.com/
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Noon-4 pm - "HERITAGE HOUSE 26th ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL" features CARL BERNHARDT & BOB PALMER each playing a variety of traditional acoustic string instruments in separate locations, at Riverside Metropolitan Museum’s Heritage House, 8193 Magnolia Av, Riverside, CA 92504; 951-826-5273
* The event celebrates Victorian Riverside during the 1890s.
* Various musicians perform around the grounds and in the Victorian house parlor.
* Carl plays noon-1 pm, outside, and 1 pm-2 pm in the Parlor. Bob's locations are tba.
* More at: https://www.riversideca.gov/museum/heritagehouse/icecreamsocial.asp
* Free and open to the public.
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Sun, May 19, FREE CONCERT:
3:30 pm - CALTECH CHAMBER ENSEMBLES, Maia Jasper White, Director, perform in Dabney Lounge on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena CA
* Program tba.
* This concert is free and open to the public, with no tickets or reservations required. Parking is also free.
* Info, call 626-395-3295.
___
Sun, May 19:
4 pm - EAGLES RONSTADT EXPERIENCE – "A Tribute To Their Music," at Alvas Showroom, 1413 W 8th St, San Pedro CA 90732; 310-833-7538.
* This is a tribute to the writing, performance, style, and sound of the California country, folk, and rock music superstars thoughtfully re-created. Most of these musicians grew up listening, learning, and passionately playing and singing along to what is now truly a phenomenon worth recreating.
* Band members are:
Randy Woolford – Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
Dan Hill – Bass Guitar, Vocals
Bill McDowell – Drums, Vocals
Joe Mazzio – Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
Kim Woolford – Vocals and Percussion
Dan Haley – Keyboards, Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
* Feel free to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
* TIX & info: https://alvasshowroom.com/
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Tuesday
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Tue-Sun, May 21-26, FESTIVAL:
50th annual "BISHOP MULE DAYS CELEBRATION" is a festival with lots of music -- some of it cowboy/western -- and bunches of activities -- some of them involving mules -- at the Tri-County Fairgrounds and surrounding venues in Bishop, CA, with the glorious High Sierra providing the backdrop.
* To be sure, it is "A world-class equestrian event promoting the legacy, heritage and talents of the mule." And it's a lot more.
* Tickets for each event at the 2019 50th anniversary are going quick.
* The "Wednesday Opening Night Supper" with concert has about 100 tickets available for purchase, as does as the Friday Night BBQ, as of May 1st. Both dinners are catered and will have live entertainment. Chances are that the dinners will be sold out long before the event starts.
* Wednesday night's Opening Supper has music by the one and only SOURDOUGH SLIM, last of the vaudeville cowboys. With his Will Rogers style cowboy tunes, accordion hijinks, guitar strumming talent, and award-winning yodeling, you've gotta get a taste of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvgKEys4a9s
* The Thursday night concert with RIDERS IN THE SKY and DAVE STAMEY is sold-out.
* Friday afternoon BBQ has music by COALE JOHNSON.
* Saturday night's dance has music by MONTE MILLS AND THE LUCKY HORSESHOE BAND; check 'em out at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf2xcTQzMOI
* If you go, you'll need and want tix to one of the "Mule Shows."
* TIX & info: 760-872-4263; www.muledays.org
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50th annual "BISHOP MULE DAYS CELEBRATION" is a festival with lots of music -- some of it cowboy/western -- and bunches of activities -- some of them involving mules -- at the Tri-County Fairgrounds and surrounding venues in Bishop, CA, with the glorious High Sierra providing the backdrop.
* Tickets for each event at the 2019 50th anniversary are going quick.
* The "Wednesday Opening Night Supper" with concert has about 100 tickets available for purchase, as does as the Friday Night BBQ, as of May 1st. Both dinners are catered and will have live entertainment. Chances are that the dinners will be sold out long before the event starts.
* Wednesday night's Opening Supper has music by the one and only SOURDOUGH SLIM, last of the vaudeville cowboys. With his Will Rogers style cowboy tunes, accordion hijinks, guitar strumming talent, and award-winning yodeling, you've gotta get a taste of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvgKEys4a9s
* The Thursday night concert with RIDERS IN THE SKY and DAVE STAMEY is sold-out.
* Friday afternoon BBQ has music by COALE JOHNSON.
* Saturday night's dance has music by MONTE MILLS AND THE LUCKY HORSESHOE BAND; check 'em out at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf2xcTQzMOI
* If you go, you'll need and want tix to one of the "Mule Shows."
* TIX & info: 760-872-4263; www.muledays.org
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Wednesday
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Wed, May 22; KICKOFF for FESTIVAL that runs Thu-Sun, May 23-26:
5 pm - SOURDOUGH SLIM plays a featured concert at the 50th annual "BISHOP MULE DAYS" festival, in Charles Brown Auditorium, Bishop, CA
* Here is a YouTube video from Sourdough's show last fall at the "Ojai Concert Series":
https://youtu.be/u0F6E2GRy2M
* Sourdough’s new CD “Old Time Cowboy Songs” is now available. Featuring some great traditional classics, accented by some cool original instrumental tunes. Check it out at: www.sourdoughslim.com
* Wednesday night's Opening Supper still has tickets available as of May . You really do need to know about the one and only SOURDOUGH SLIM, last of the vaudeville cowboys. With his Will Rogers style cowboy tunes, accordion hijinks, guitar strumming talent, and award-winning yodeling, you've gotta get a taste of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvgKEys4a9s
* See the Guide's feature on the whole festival in Tuesday's listings, May 21.
* If you go, you'll need and want tix to one of the "Mule Shows."
* TIX & info: 760-872-4263; www.muledays.org
___
* Here is a YouTube video from Sourdough's show last fall at the "Ojai Concert Series":
https://youtu.be/u0F6E2GRy2M
* Sourdough’s new CD “Old Time Cowboy Songs” is now available. Featuring some great traditional classics, accented by some cool original instrumental tunes. Check it out at: www.sourdoughslim.com
* Wednesday night's Opening Supper still has tickets available as of May . You really do need to know about the one and only SOURDOUGH SLIM, last of the vaudeville cowboys. With his Will Rogers style cowboy tunes, accordion hijinks, guitar strumming talent, and award-winning yodeling, you've gotta get a taste of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvgKEys4a9s
* See the Guide's feature on the whole festival in Tuesday's listings, May 21.
* If you go, you'll need and want tix to one of the "Mule Shows."
* TIX & info: 760-872-4263; www.muledays.org
___
7 pm - MOLLY TUTTLE plays the Hotel Café, 1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90038; 323-461-2040
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7:30 pm - "MAVIS & FRIENDS" at the Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213-623-3233
* It's MAVIS STAPLES, with JASON ISBELL, THE WAR & TREATY, JOE HENRY, TROMBONE SHORTY, and more.* See graphic at right. Click it to enlarge.
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Wed, May 22:
8 pm - RIDERS IN THE SKY, the only music Oscar-winning & Grammy-winning Western music group in many decades, play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
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Wed, May 22:
8 pm - "DIG-SOW-REAP" presents CHRISTOPHER LOCKETT, PATRICK DANIEL KELLY, and THE STORYTELLERS, at Stories Books & Cafe, 1716 Sunset Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90026; 213-413-3733
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Wed, May 22:
8 pm - "DIG-SOW-REAP" presents CHRISTOPHER LOCKETT, PATRICK DANIEL KELLY, and THE STORYTELLERS, at Stories Books & Cafe, 1716 Sunset Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90026; 213-413-3733
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Wed, May 22:
8:30 pm-11:30 pm "AMERICANA MUSIC NIGHTS," a weekly series during the month of May, brings TEELO & FRIENDS, MORRISON & COMPANY, & TOLER GIBSON, each doing a one-hour set, at the Highland Park Bowl, 5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles CA
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Thu-Mon, May 23-27, FREE FESTIVAL:
48th Annual "NORTHWEST FOLK LIFE FESTIVAL" at Seattle Center, the former World's Fair site in Seattle, WA
* Things kick-off Thursday night, with full-day events May 24-27.
* It's like nothing else on Earth, with more than 20 stages, massive jams, dance pavilions, dozens of workshops, and an atmosphere / vibe / ambiance / scene / community culture that you'll never forget.
* Every year we tell you to make plans to go. You must experience this sometime in your life.
* Full info at: https://www.nwfolklife.org/
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Thu-Sun, May 23-26, FESTIVAL:
* See the Guide's feature on the whole festival in Tuesday's listings, May 21.
* If you go, you'll need and want tix to one of the "Mule Shows."
* TIX & info: 760-872-4263; www.muledays.org
8:30 pm-11:30 pm "AMERICANA MUSIC NIGHTS," a weekly series during the month of May, brings TEELO & FRIENDS, MORRISON & COMPANY, & TOLER GIBSON, each doing a one-hour set, at the Highland Park Bowl, 5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles CA
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Thursday
___________________
Thu-Mon, May 23-27, FREE FESTIVAL:
48th Annual "NORTHWEST FOLK LIFE FESTIVAL" at Seattle Center, the former World's Fair site in Seattle, WA
* Things kick-off Thursday night, with full-day events May 24-27.
* It's like nothing else on Earth, with more than 20 stages, massive jams, dance pavilions, dozens of workshops, and an atmosphere / vibe / ambiance / scene / community culture that you'll never forget.
* Every year we tell you to make plans to go. You must experience this sometime in your life.
* Full info at: https://www.nwfolklife.org/
___
Thu-Sun, May 23-26, FESTIVAL:
50th Annual "BISHOP MULE DAYS" festival's main events, in the park, fairgrounds, in Charles Brown Auditorium, and throughout the town of Bishop, CA
* Features lots of Western music, along with stunning feats of athletecism by mules.* See the Guide's feature on the whole festival in Tuesday's listings, May 21.
* If you go, you'll need and want tix to one of the "Mule Shows."
* TIX & info: 760-872-4263; www.muledays.org
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Thu, May 23:
8 pm - SALTY SUITES play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations by phone only, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236
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Thu, May 23, not music but cool:
6 pm - Annual "WATERSPORTS EXPO" at the Hermosa Beach Museum, 710 Pier Av, Hermosa Beach CA
* A FREE, pre-summer expo with exhibits by ocean-oriented organizations for both youth and adults.
* Among the activities represented are scuba diving, free diving, sailing, outrigger canoe paddling, deep sea fishing, surfing, prone paddleboarding, sports injury recovery, Junior Lifeguards and becoming an L.A. County Lifeguard.
* Waterman’s restaurant will cater and Golden Road Brewing will pour its K-38 Lager. Non alcoholic beverages also available.
* Socializing 6-7 pm. Presentations 7:15 pm, followed by questions and answers.
* Free.
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Thu, May 23:
9 pm - KATHLEEN GRACE does her "last L.A. show for quite a while," two full sets, backed by Patrice Rushen on piano, Anna Butterss on bass and Greg Uhlmann on guitar, at the Blue Whale, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St, Weller Court Plaza 3rd floor, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213-620-0908; http://www.bluewhalemusic.com/
* Check out her performance of "John The Revelator" with Larry Goldings and friends from the "L.A. Hootenany." Kathleen says she was "Honored to be a part of their 'One Mic' Series." It's at: https://www.instagram.com/p/BsbKkjijgFk/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
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Thu, May 23:
8 pm - SALTY SUITES play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations by phone only, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236
___
Thu, May 23, not music but cool:
6 pm - Annual "WATERSPORTS EXPO" at the Hermosa Beach Museum, 710 Pier Av, Hermosa Beach CA
* A FREE, pre-summer expo with exhibits by ocean-oriented organizations for both youth and adults.
* Among the activities represented are scuba diving, free diving, sailing, outrigger canoe paddling, deep sea fishing, surfing, prone paddleboarding, sports injury recovery, Junior Lifeguards and becoming an L.A. County Lifeguard.
* Waterman’s restaurant will cater and Golden Road Brewing will pour its K-38 Lager. Non alcoholic beverages also available.
* Socializing 6-7 pm. Presentations 7:15 pm, followed by questions and answers.
* Free.
___
9 pm - KATHLEEN GRACE does her "last L.A. show for quite a while," two full sets, backed by Patrice Rushen on piano, Anna Butterss on bass and Greg Uhlmann on guitar, at the Blue Whale, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St, Weller Court Plaza 3rd floor, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213-620-0908; http://www.bluewhalemusic.com/
* Check out her performance of "John The Revelator" with Larry Goldings and friends from the "L.A. Hootenany." Kathleen says she was "Honored to be a part of their 'One Mic' Series." It's at: https://www.instagram.com/p/BsbKkjijgFk/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
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Friday
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☆ Also see Thursday's listings for FESTIVALS that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
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Fri, May 24:
"STUDENTS STRIKE FOR CLIMATE ACTION" happened today, as the second action of its kind. With global time zones, the daylight hours and the actions they brought had largely ended throughout Europe by midday in the US. The day brought massive street demonstrations by students ranging from universities to elementary schools -- even if America's Trumpcentric, corporate-protectionist mainstream media didn't and doesn't bother to mention it at all. It's a top story everywhere else: DW, the BBC, NHK, & Al-Jazeera.
* The Guide has repeatedly and consistently told politicians, office holders, and the governing class: "In the face of clear science, you may have sincere passion for other issues and your legislative agenda. But unless you take immediate and effective action to reverse climate change, everything else you do is re-arranging deck chairs on the Titanic."
* A WORLDWIDE strike for climate action -- not limited to students, but including people of all ages, from all jobs and professions, who will walk-out on all types of employment and employers -- is set for SEPTEMBER 20th. Stay tuned.
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Fri, May 24:
"STUDENTS STRIKE FOR CLIMATE ACTION" happened today, as the second action of its kind. With global time zones, the daylight hours and the actions they brought had largely ended throughout Europe by midday in the US. The day brought massive street demonstrations by students ranging from universities to elementary schools -- even if America's Trumpcentric, corporate-protectionist mainstream media didn't and doesn't bother to mention it at all. It's a top story everywhere else: DW, the BBC, NHK, & Al-Jazeera.
* The Guide has repeatedly and consistently told politicians, office holders, and the governing class: "In the face of clear science, you may have sincere passion for other issues and your legislative agenda. But unless you take immediate and effective action to reverse climate change, everything else you do is re-arranging deck chairs on the Titanic."
 |
| Students take part in today's climate change rally in Parliament Square, London, UK (Dan Kitwood) |
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Fri, May 24:
6:30 pm - THE PALOS VERDES CHILDREN'S CHOIR performs their concert, "HOME SWEET HOME" at the the historic art deco Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731; 310-548-2493
* The Palos Verdes Children's Choir brings quality choral education to the South Bay and Los Angeles region through unique arrangements and contemporary sounds.
* This year's concert, "Home Sweet Home," features selections from the great American songbook.
* TIX, https://www.grandvision.org/
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Fri, May 24, FREE FILM SCREENING:
7:30 pm-10 pm - "FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT" is back for the summer, opening with "MARY POPPINS RETURNS" on the Boardwalk at Redondo Beach Pier (below Kincaid’s), 500 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach CA
* Bring a low-back beach chair or blanket.
* Screening starts at dusk so actual times vary.
* Up-to-date movie schedule at: www.redondopier.com
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Fri, May 24:
8 pm - THE STORYTELLERS play Bon Vivant Market & Café, 3155 Glendale Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90039; 323-284-8013
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Fri, May 24:
8 pm - NOEL PAUL STOOKEY of PETER, PAUL & MARY plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
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Fri, May 24; Fri-Sun, May 24-26, LIVE THEATRE:
8 pm - "DAMN YANKEES," the classic musical comedy, returns in a production by Cedar Street Theatre at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center (LPAC), 750 W Lancaster Bl, Lancaster, CA 93534; www.lpac.org
 |
| The original Broadway cast album still sells on CD. |
* With a book by GEORGE ABBOTT and DOUGLASS WALLOP, music and lyrics by RICHARD ADLER and JERRY ROSS, "Damn Yankees" debuted on Broadway in 1955 with a '30s-'40s feel and STEPHEN DOUGLASS in the lead role.
* Hollywood made a film version in 1958, giving top billing to TAB HUNTER with GWEN VERDON and RAY WALSTON reprising their Broadway roles.
retaining only two of the Broadway songs and filling in with its own replacements. Still, as imdb notes, "the concept of this musical was the preoccupation of the American public with the national pastime of baseball, and its singular domination (between 1947 and 1962) by the New York Yankees."
* Yes, there is intentional double entendre with the the derisive singularity applied for a hundred years in the former Confederate states to anyone from any other part of the country, but it stops there.
* So, what's it about? Musicians will ses something of a parallel to the tale of bluesman Robert Johnson.
* Here, the lead character is middle-aged baseball fanatic "Joe Boyd," who trades his soul to the Devil to make his hapless favorite team suddenly unstoppable winners -- with himself as the team's new star player. Since, if you want something done right, you should do it yourself.
* The team -- the Washington Senators -- was, twice upon a time, the real American League major league baseball team in DC, long before today's National League Washington Nationals. The period not only determines the tunage, but adds a lot to the sense of compelling cultural phenomena when baseball truly was the national pastime.
* The devil, also known as "Mr. Applegate," takes credit for getting the Senators in the pennant race against the perennial AL champs, the New York Yankees. (Make your own comparisons about the devil tempting senators in our own time.)
* On the field, Joe, the young baseball sensation, transforms the cellar dwellers into a winning team -- only for Joe to realize the true worth of the life that he's left behind.
* When Joe returns to his former life, Applegate demands his soul. Will Joe be able to resist the temptress, Lola, and outsmart the Devil at his own game?
 |
| Art for the new production. |
* Obviously, a diamond and outfield won't fit on the stage of a performing arts center, and it is here in the charmingly crafted story, the essential questions of ends vs. means, of "what would YOU do for something you want" -- and of course, in the musical performances -- that the show has remained an enduring hit.
* Light, fast-paced, delightfully tune-filled and devilishly clever, "Damn Yankees" has been a homerun for decades, featuring all-American subject matter and an irreverent sense of humor.
* The production runs three performances:
□ Fri, May 24, 8 pm.
□ Sat, May 25, 8 pm.
□ Sun, May 26, 2 pm matinee.
* Tickets $25; Senior & Youth tix, $22.
TIX: 661-723-5950, or http://www.lpac.org/season.php?type=9
___
Fri-Sun, May 24-26, FILM OPENING / LIVE CONCERT EVENT:
8:30 pm - "ECHO IN THE CANYON" is a look at how musical groups including THE BYRDS, THE BEACH BOYS, BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD, and THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS birthed the beginnings of the Laurel Canyon music scene and how the echo of these artists' creations reverberated across the world. Screening / concert event at the Arclight Hollywood, 120 N Robertson Bl, Hollywood / Los Angeles, CA 90048.
* Q&As with the film's director Andrew Slater happen at ArcLight Hollywood in the Cinerama Dome THREE CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS: Fri, 5/24; Sat, 5/25; and Sun, 5/26, all following the 8:30 pm shows.
* In addition to the Q&A's there will be musical performances by JAKOB DYLAN, CAT POWER, JADE CASTRINOS, and special guests.
* WATCH the film's official trailer at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QRVFBQHBUls&_m_utk=77f101336c27c4927b110134f8c22316
* TIX for the special event nights at: https://arclightcinemas.com/en/news/echo-in-the-canyon-qa
___
Fri-Sun, May 24-26, FILM OPENING / LIVE CONCERT EVENT:
8:30 pm - "ECHO IN THE CANYON" is a look at how musical groups including THE BYRDS, THE BEACH BOYS, BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD, and THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS birthed the beginnings of the Laurel Canyon music scene and how the echo of these artists' creations reverberated across the world. Screening / concert event at the Arclight Hollywood, 120 N Robertson Bl, Hollywood / Los Angeles, CA 90048.
* Q&As with the film's director Andrew Slater happen at ArcLight Hollywood in the Cinerama Dome THREE CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS: Fri, 5/24; Sat, 5/25; and Sun, 5/26, all following the 8:30 pm shows.
* In addition to the Q&A's there will be musical performances by JAKOB DYLAN, CAT POWER, JADE CASTRINOS, and special guests.
* WATCH the film's official trailer at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QRVFBQHBUls&_m_utk=77f101336c27c4927b110134f8c22316
* TIX for the special event nights at: https://arclightcinemas.com/en/news/echo-in-the-canyon-qa
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___________________
Saturday
___________________
THIS WEEKEND...
... marks the unofficial start of SUMMER, though it doesn't really arrive until the summer solstice brings it on June 21st. Still, judging by all this weekend's FESTIVALS and outdoor events, you must conclude (even with some rain forecasted for Sunday) that SUMMER IS HERE in Southern California .
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News item...
GRAMMY-WINNER BRANDI SINGS FOR BERNIE
Via Twitter today from Montpelier, Vermont...
-
"Not a bad Saturday when you’re making your way home from one @brandicarlile show and randomly stop in Montpelier, VT only to wind up at another @brandicarlile show...at a @BernieSanders rally. pic.twitter.com/uypWpFARlu
-
— t (@76t81) May 25, 2019
___
News item...
FINAL-EVER "ROLLING THUNDER," as the Memorial Day weekend mega-event road rally of motorcyclists calls it quits after 32 years. They cite "rising costs," including insurance, and "Pentagon police" as the central reasons they cannot continue.
___
THIS WEEKEND...
... marks the unofficial start of SUMMER, though it doesn't really arrive until the summer solstice brings it on June 21st. Still, judging by all this weekend's FESTIVALS and outdoor events, you must conclude (even with some rain forecasted for Sunday) that SUMMER IS HERE in Southern California .
___
News item...
GRAMMY-WINNER BRANDI SINGS FOR BERNIE
Via Twitter today from Montpelier, Vermont...
-
"Not a bad Saturday when you’re making your way home from one @brandicarlile show and randomly stop in Montpelier, VT only to wind up at another @brandicarlile show...at a @BernieSanders rally. pic.twitter.com/uypWpFARlu
-
— t (@76t81) May 25, 2019
___
News item...
FINAL-EVER "ROLLING THUNDER," as the Memorial Day weekend mega-event road rally of motorcyclists calls it quits after 32 years. They cite "rising costs," including insurance, and "Pentagon police" as the central reasons they cannot continue.
___
News item...
Thu-Sat, May 30-Jun 1, FILM TECH CONFERENCE:
Annnual "CINE GEAR EXPO" for 2019, the premier annual event for professionals engaged in the film and entertainment technology industry, at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, CA
■ FREE REGISTRATION ENDS TODAY, May 25, 2019 at 11:59 pm Pacific time.
(If it shows $30 due at the door after you register, you will get an email later confirming it's FREE if you register before the deadline.)
□ After today, a $30 CASH admission fee will apply to all new registrants, payable at the door.
■ Cine Gear features a lot; a simplified list follows.
□ 300 exhibits
■ New products
□ Service introductions
■ 30+ complimentary seminars led by industry leaders.
□ Master classes
■ Film competition
□ Awards ceremony: Cine Gear Expo Industry Reception and Awards Ceremony on Fri, May 31, 8 pm–10 pm at the Paramount Theater and Paseo Grounds
■ Special screenings in state of the art theaters
□ Ample opportunity to network with peers within a studio environment
□ May 30: Film Series Competition Screenings
■ May 31-June 1: Exhibits, Premier Seminars, Exclusive Screenings, Awards Presentations, Special Events
□ June 2: Master Classes
■ 27 Premiere Seminars
□ Extra ticket events, Thu May 30:
• 6 Independent Short Finalists, noon-2:15 pm, tix $10
• 8 Music Video Finalists, 2:30 pm-3 pm, tix $7
• 9 Student Short Finalists, 3:45 pm-5:50 pm, tix $10
• or purchase a "Film Series Pass" for all screenings for $25
• Master Classes, total of 4.
■ REGISTRATION (free through Saturday): http://www.cinegearexpo.com/la-expo-attendee-registration
□ Full info: http://www.cinegearexpo.com/
____________________
WE BEGIN TODAY'S EVENT COVERAGE WITH THE FESTIVALS
Annnual "CINE GEAR EXPO" for 2019, the premier annual event for professionals engaged in the film and entertainment technology industry, at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, CA
■ FREE REGISTRATION ENDS TODAY, May 25, 2019 at 11:59 pm Pacific time.
(If it shows $30 due at the door after you register, you will get an email later confirming it's FREE if you register before the deadline.)
□ After today, a $30 CASH admission fee will apply to all new registrants, payable at the door.
□ 300 exhibits
■ New products
□ Service introductions
■ 30+ complimentary seminars led by industry leaders.
□ Master classes
■ Film competition
■ Special screenings in state of the art theaters
□ Ample opportunity to network with peers within a studio environment
□ May 30: Film Series Competition Screenings
■ May 31-June 1: Exhibits, Premier Seminars, Exclusive Screenings, Awards Presentations, Special Events
■ 27 Premiere Seminars
□ Extra ticket events, Thu May 30:
• 6 Independent Short Finalists, noon-2:15 pm, tix $10
• 8 Music Video Finalists, 2:30 pm-3 pm, tix $7
• 9 Student Short Finalists, 3:45 pm-5:50 pm, tix $10
• or purchase a "Film Series Pass" for all screenings for $25
• Master Classes, total of 4.
■ REGISTRATION (free through Saturday): http://www.cinegearexpo.com/la-expo-attendee-registration
□ Full info: http://www.cinegearexpo.com/
____________________
☆ Also see Thursday's listings for FESTIVALS that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day). That includes the 50th Annual "BISHOP MULE DAYS."
____________________
9 am-6 pm - Annual "SCOTTISH FEST" at the OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626; www.ocfair.com
* World-class Celtic bands on FIVE STAGES of music.
* Over 400 bagpipers and drummers.
* World Championship Highland dancing and Irish Step dancing.
* Sheep herding dog demonstrations are always a crowd pleaser.
* Scottish Heavy Athletics where you can be dazzled watching incredible strong men and women toss the caber (it's the size of a telephone pole) and "put" (i.e., throw) the stone.
* Kids can enjoy a great children's glen with inflatable jumpers, games and junior athletics where they can take a shot at tossing a kid-sized caber.
* Enjoy an authentic Scottish meal with items like Scotch meat pies and haggis, and top it off with a fine quality single-malt Scotch whisky.
* Take a stroll down the Scottish Clan row and, if you have ancestry from the British Isles, explore your heritage and genealogy with over 60 Scottish clans.
* Over 70 vendors selling everything from top quality kilts to fairy wings and crowns.
* Info & tix: www.scottishfest.com
___
Sat-Mon, May 25-27, FREE FESTIVAL:
 |
| Click to enlarge |
10 am-6 pm - Annual "FIESTA HERMOSA" in downtown Hermosa Beach on Pier Plaza, Hermosa Av, and lower Pier Av, Hermosa Beach CA
* Since 1972, the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce has produced Fiesta Hermosa, the ”largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California.”
* Over 300 artists and crafters are featured, including painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, and handcrafters.
* The festival runs all three days of Memorial Weekend (Sat, Sun, & Mon) 10 am-6 pm each day.
* Band line-ups and more info at: www.fiestahermosa.net
* Questions, call HB Chamber at 310-376-0951.
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* Over 300 artists and crafters are featured, including painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, and handcrafters.
* The festival runs all three days of Memorial Weekend (Sat, Sun, & Mon) 10 am-6 pm each day.
* Band line-ups and more info at: www.fiestahermosa.net
* Questions, call HB Chamber at 310-376-0951.
___
Festival News...
Annual "LONG BEACH BAYOU FESTIVAL" is moving from mid-June to the fall! -- Stay tuned. (It gives you another reason to get to Simi Cajun Blues this weekend!)
___
Sat & Sun, May 25 & 26, FESTIVAL:
Noon-7 pm - 30th Annual "SIMI VALLEY CAJUN & BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Simi Valley High School, 5005 Los Angeles Av, Simi Valley, CA 93063
* Always fun, with two stages of music, authentic Louisiana-style cuisine, and an immersion in Cajun, Creole, traditional Dixieland Jazz, and Delta Blues cultures.
* LINEUPS:
♤ Blues Stage:
Sat: Pete Anderson, Lightnin’ Willie, Queen Nation, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps, Spin Doctors
Sun: Delgado Brothers, 3 Sista Blues, Ambrosia, DSB, Jefferson Starship
♡ Cajun Stage:
Sat: David Sousa & Zydeco Mudbugs, Mark St. Mary, Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band, Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, Lisa Haley & The Zydekats
Sun: Bayou Brothers, Acadiana, Lisa Haley & The Zydekats, Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band
* TIX & more: http://www.simicajun.org/
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Sat-Mon, May 25-27, FESTIVAL:
46th Annual "TOPANGA DAYS COUNTRY FAIR" is the only Memorial Day Weekend festival with a MUSIC EMPHASIS in Southern California that goes all three days, at the Topanga Community Center and Fairgrounds in the heart of the canyon at 1440 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga CA 90290
* Multiple stages of Americana and world music are continuous all three days, together with key moments like the daily exhibition by the famous local belly dance troupe.
* Lots of food, art on exhibit, art for purchase, and the avant garde culture that is distinctly Topanga Canyon. Really fun.
* You can do the other festivals Sat & Sun and partake of this one on Monday, after those close. But be aware: MONDAY'S PARADE closes the entire road into the canyon from 8 am until about 11 am, so go early or wait.
* Bands & musical acts, over the three days, include: Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real, The Greenhorn Brothers, Venice, Canyon Grass, Tim O’Gara & Gayle Ellett, Preston Smith, Merlin Snider, Topanga Ukulele Revival, Topanga Belly Dancers, The Hillman, Gabby Beauvais, Caliboardia, Chinese Herbal Medicine, MAIRÉAD, Pyro Pyro, The Disparrows, Pete Pidgeon & Arcoda, Pearl Marujah, Orgone, Fantastic Negrito, The Electric Cobras, King Lions, Black Cobras, Raw Chili, Brothers Gage, Selina Moon, Dallas Hodge, The Neighborhood, The Corral Stage Band, and Watcher Moon.
* TIX & full info: https://topangadays.com
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Sat-Mon, May 25-27, multiple FESTIVALS:
All day - Annual "SANTA ANITA CARNIVAL" combines with specific themed events on each of the three days at Santa Anita Park, aka the "Great Race Place" at 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA; 626-574-6384; www.santaanita.com
* Yes, it's the horse racing track that's been so prominently in the news all through the winter and spring.
* If the event has live music this year, we can't find any notice of it.
* The Santa Anita Park Infield is beautifully lush with fountains and gardens, and it transforms into the "Santa Anita Carnival" for Memorial weekend. It's a family day-out to enjoy thrilling rides, carnival snacks, challenging carnival games, racing, a different theme event each day, and more.
* Special Sat, Sun, Mon events in addition to the carnival are:
♧ Sat, May 25: "RED, WHITE & BREWS: BEER & SOUR FESTIVAL."
♧ Sat, May 25: FREE CLUB HOUSE ADMISSION FOR VETERANS & ACTIVE MILITARY.
♧ Sun, May 26: 2nd annual "CORGI NATIONALS" doggie races.
♧ Mon, May 27: DOLLAR BEERS & SODAS and $2 hot dogs.
* TIX, including online discounts for carnival ride wristbands, at: https://sa1.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/MobileTicketRequest?eventId=1147473
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Sat-Mon, May 25-27, multiple FESTIVALS:
All day - Annual "SANTA ANITA CARNIVAL" combines with specific themed events on each of the three days at Santa Anita Park, aka the "Great Race Place" at 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA; 626-574-6384; www.santaanita.com
* Yes, it's the horse racing track that's been so prominently in the news all through the winter and spring.
* If the event has live music this year, we can't find any notice of it.
* The Santa Anita Park Infield is beautifully lush with fountains and gardens, and it transforms into the "Santa Anita Carnival" for Memorial weekend. It's a family day-out to enjoy thrilling rides, carnival snacks, challenging carnival games, racing, a different theme event each day, and more.
 |
| Happening Sunday: the 2nd annual "CORGI NATIONALS" doggie races |
♧ Sat, May 25: "RED, WHITE & BREWS: BEER & SOUR FESTIVAL."
♧ Sat, May 25: FREE CLUB HOUSE ADMISSION FOR VETERANS & ACTIVE MILITARY.
♧ Sun, May 26: 2nd annual "CORGI NATIONALS" doggie races.
♧ Mon, May 27: DOLLAR BEERS & SODAS and $2 hot dogs.
* TIX, including online discounts for carnival ride wristbands, at: https://sa1.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/MobileTicketRequest?eventId=1147473
___
Sat, May 25, FREE ART EXHIBITION OPENING:
4 pm-8 pm - 34th Annual "ALL-MEDIA JURIED ART EXHIBITION" at MOAH: CEDAR, cosponsored by the Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH) and MOAH: CEDAR, at 44857 Cedar Av, Lancaster, CA 93534
* The exhibition kicks-off with a Free opening reception celebrating local artists, tonight from 4 to 8 pm.
* The exhibition continues on view Sat, May 25 through Sun, June 23 during MOAH:CEDAR’s regular hours of operation, Thu-Sun, 2 pm-8 pm.
* More at: www.lancastermoah.org/
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4 pm-8 pm - 34th Annual "ALL-MEDIA JURIED ART EXHIBITION" at MOAH: CEDAR, cosponsored by the Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH) and MOAH: CEDAR, at 44857 Cedar Av, Lancaster, CA 93534
* The exhibition kicks-off with a Free opening reception celebrating local artists, tonight from 4 to 8 pm.
* The exhibition continues on view Sat, May 25 through Sun, June 23 during MOAH:CEDAR’s regular hours of operation, Thu-Sun, 2 pm-8 pm.
* More at: www.lancastermoah.org/
___
Sat & Sun, May 25 & 26, FREE CONCERTS:
8 pm - CALTECH ORCHESTRA, Allen Robert Gross, Director, performs in Ramo Auditorium on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena CA
* The Caltech Orchestra is comprised of players from Caltech, JPL, and its surrounding communities.
* Conductor Allen Robert Gross begins his thirty-fifth year as director of the orchestra.
* The same concert is presented both days.
* Performance program tba. SCHEDULE is:
- Sat at 8 pm.
- Sun at 3:30 pm.
* Both concerts are free and open to the public, with no tickets or reservations required. Parking is also free.
___
Sat, May 25:
8 pm - CHERYL WHEELER plus KENNY WHITE play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
Sat, May 25:
8 pm - JAMES INTVELD BAND plus the BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND with various special guests play the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006; 626-447-9349
* DISCOUNT TIX & upcoming events at: http://arcadiabluesclub.eventbrite.com
* Info on the venue, drink specials, menu, etc, at: www.arcadiabluesclub.com
___
Sat, May 25; Fri-Sun, May 24-26, FILM OPENING / LIVE CONCERT EVENT:
8:30 pm - "ECHO IN THE CANYON" is a look at how musical groups including THE BYRDS, THE BEACH BOYS, BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD, and THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS birthed the beginnings of the Laurel Canyon music scene and how the echo of these artists' creations reverberated across the world. Screening / concert event at the Arclight Hollywood, 120 N Robertson Bl, Hollywood / Los Angeles, CA 90048.
* Q&As with the film's director Andrew Slater happen at ArcLight Hollywood in the Cinerama Dome THREE CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS: Fri, 5/24; Sat, 5/25; and Sun, 5/26, all following the 8:30 pm shows.
* In addition to the Q&A's there will be musical performances by JAKOB DYLAN, CAT POWER, JADE CASTRINOS, and special guests.
* WATCH the film's official trailer at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QRVFBQHBUls&_m_utk=77f101336c27c4927b110134f8c22316
* TIX for the special event nights at: https://arclightcinemas.com/en/news/echo-in-the-canyon-qa
* We're re-listing this each of the three days, because it's a LATE ADDITION and we don't want you to miss out!
___
Sat, May 25:
8 pm - JAMES INTVELD BAND plus the BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND with various special guests play the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006; 626-447-9349
* DISCOUNT TIX & upcoming events at: http://arcadiabluesclub.eventbrite.com
* Info on the venue, drink specials, menu, etc, at: www.arcadiabluesclub.com
___
Sat, May 25; Fri-Sun, May 24-26, FILM OPENING / LIVE CONCERT EVENT:
8:30 pm - "ECHO IN THE CANYON" is a look at how musical groups including THE BYRDS, THE BEACH BOYS, BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD, and THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS birthed the beginnings of the Laurel Canyon music scene and how the echo of these artists' creations reverberated across the world. Screening / concert event at the Arclight Hollywood, 120 N Robertson Bl, Hollywood / Los Angeles, CA 90048.
* Q&As with the film's director Andrew Slater happen at ArcLight Hollywood in the Cinerama Dome THREE CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS: Fri, 5/24; Sat, 5/25; and Sun, 5/26, all following the 8:30 pm shows.
* In addition to the Q&A's there will be musical performances by JAKOB DYLAN, CAT POWER, JADE CASTRINOS, and special guests.
* WATCH the film's official trailer at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QRVFBQHBUls&_m_utk=77f101336c27c4927b110134f8c22316
* TIX for the special event nights at: https://arclightcinemas.com/en/news/echo-in-the-canyon-qa
* We're re-listing this each of the three days, because it's a LATE ADDITION and we don't want you to miss out!
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__________________
Sunday
__________________
On this day in 1897, a novel by Irish author Bram Stoker was first published. Set in Eastern Europe -- Transylvania -- and loosely based on the life of real historical villain Vlad Dracul -- "Vlad the Impaler" -- the book was titled Dracula. It never got much traction until 34 years later, when Bela Lugosi portrayed the nefarious Count when the book was made into a movie in the 1931 Hollywood classic. You need to see that original for that timeless performance -- just remember it launched cliches but was not itself a cliched portrayal. But when you see that film, we must issue fair warning: you'll no longer have any patience for Hollywood's most recent infatuations with hopelessly silly angst-ridden vampires or flesh-eating zombies.
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On this day in 1897, a novel by Irish author Bram Stoker was first published. Set in Eastern Europe -- Transylvania -- and loosely based on the life of real historical villain Vlad Dracul -- "Vlad the Impaler" -- the book was titled Dracula. It never got much traction until 34 years later, when Bela Lugosi portrayed the nefarious Count when the book was made into a movie in the 1931 Hollywood classic. You need to see that original for that timeless performance -- just remember it launched cliches but was not itself a cliched portrayal. But when you see that film, we must issue fair warning: you'll no longer have any patience for Hollywood's most recent infatuations with hopelessly silly angst-ridden vampires or flesh-eating zombies.
___
☆ See Thursday's and Saturday's listings for FESTIVALS that continue or conclude today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
Sun, May 26:
10:30 am - JOHNETTE DOWNING & SCOTT BILLINGTON play the Matinee Kids Show series in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
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Sun, May 26, FREE CONCERT SEASON OPENS:
2 pm-4 pm - "CONCERTS AT METLOX" is a Free live music series through Sun, Sep 1, at Metlox, 451 Manhattan Beach Bl, Manhattan Beach CA
* Bring a blanket or chair.
* Metered parking in the Metlox structure.
* Band line-up for the season, at: www.metloxmb.com/events/
___
2 pm-4 pm - "CONCERTS AT METLOX" is a Free live music series through Sun, Sep 1, at Metlox, 451 Manhattan Beach Bl, Manhattan Beach CA
* Bring a blanket or chair.
* Metered parking in the Metlox structure.
* Band line-up for the season, at: www.metloxmb.com/events/
___
Sun, May 26, FREE WORKSHOP:
2:30 pm-4:30 pm - "GRILLING WITH HERBS, BBQ WITH DEMO," is Free at the International Garden Center, 155 N Pacific Coast Hwy, El Segundo CA
* Grab your coffee or tea and some friends and come spend a couple of hours learning in time to be a star this summer.
* Questions, call 310-615-0353; info at: www.igardencenter.com
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2:30 pm-4:30 pm - "GRILLING WITH HERBS, BBQ WITH DEMO," is Free at the International Garden Center, 155 N Pacific Coast Hwy, El Segundo CA
* Grab your coffee or tea and some friends and come spend a couple of hours learning in time to be a star this summer.
* Questions, call 310-615-0353; info at: www.igardencenter.com
___
Sun, May 26, FREE CONCERT:
3:30 pm - CALTECH ORCHESTRA, Allen Robert Gross, Director, performs in Ramo Auditorium on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena CA
* The Caltech Orchestra is comprised of players from Caltech, JPL, and its surrounding communities.
* Conductor Allen Robert Gross begins his thirty-fifth year as director of the orchestra.
* The same concert is presented both days.
* Performance program tba. SCHEDULE is:
- Sat at 8 pm.
- Sun at 3:30 pm.
* Both concerts are free and open to the public, with no tickets or reservations required. Parking is also free.
___
Sun, May 26, FREE STORYTELLING SESSION:
5 pm - "BUSted – TRUE STORIES ABOUT GETTING AROUND L.A., TOLD BY PEOPLE WHO DON’T DRIVE," with Scott Schultz, producer and host, returns to its "home terminal" at Stories Books & Cafe, 1716 Sunset Bl, Echo Park / Los Angeles, CA
* BUSted is live storytelling about green commuting.
* Scott says, "I have a great lineup prepared for you, including a bunch of storytellers making their BUSted feature debuts. I'll also be giving an exclusive first peek at my new BUSted side project with one of my favorite bands."
* Here is his link to the spyware-infested Facebook invitation: https://www.facebook.com/events/2404524912911611/
* FREE. BUSted is always a free show.
* PARTICIPATION EXPERIENCE: At the end of each show, they always invite audience members to share their anecdotes (up to five minutes) with the audience.
* BUSted is a DOG FRIENDLY SHOW, and the host tells us, "I leave bowls of water under the tables."
* Scott adds, "If you would like us to bring BUSted to your part of Los Angeles, or you would like to volunteer yourself or a friend to share a story at an upcoming live event, please write to me, and I will get right back to you!"
* Contact Scott at: bustedlosangeles@gmail.com
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Sun, May 26:
7 pm - JOHN YORK, alumni of the original BYRDS, plays an acoustic evening at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Ave., Altadena, CA 91001; reservations by phone only, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236
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Sun, May 26:
8 pm - JAMES LEE STANLEY plays the "Dark Thirty House Concerts" series in Lakeside, CA 92040
* Reservations get directions at 619-443-9622
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Sun, May 26:
8 pm - SLAID CLEAVES plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
Sun, May 26:
8 pm - EAGLE ROCK GOSPEL SINGERS with BALTO, MALACHI HENRY, and THE LIGHTS, at the Hi Hat, 5043 York Bl, Highland Park / L.A., CA
* Adv tix at: https://dola.com/events/2019/5/26/eagle-rock-gospel-singers-with-balto-malachi-henry-the-lights#
* TIX, $8; show is age 21+.
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Sun, May 26, on TV:
8 pm-9:30 pm - "NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT" from Washington, D.C., hosted by JOE MANTEGNA and MARY MCCORMACK, with a performance by Grammy-winning Folk-Americana star ALISON KRAUSS, on KOCE, aka PBS SoCal.
* Repeats immediately after, 9:30-11 pm.
___
Sun, May 26; Fri-Sun, May 24-26, FILM OPENING / LIVE CONCERT EVENT:
8:30 pm - "ECHO IN THE CANYON" is a look at how musical groups including THE BYRDS, THE BEACH BOYS, BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD, and THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS birthed the beginnings of the Laurel Canyon music scene and how the echo of these artists' creations reverberated across the world. Screening / concert event at the Arclight Hollywood, 120 N Robertson Bl, Hollywood / Los Angeles, CA 90048.
* Q&As with the film's director Andrew Slater happen at ArcLight Hollywood in the Cinerama Dome THREE CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS: Fri, 5/24; Sat, 5/25; and Sun, 5/26, all following the 8:30 pm shows.
* In addition to the Q&A's there will be musical performances by JAKOB DYLAN, CAT POWER, JADE CASTRINOS, and special guests.
* WATCH the film's official trailer at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QRVFBQHBUls&_m_utk=77f101336c27c4927b110134f8c22316
* TIX for the special event nights at: https://arclightcinemas.com/en/news/echo-in-the-canyon-qa
* We're re-listing this each of the three days, because it's a LATE ADDITION and we don't want you to miss out!
___
Sun, May 26, on TV:
9 pm-11 pm - SHORT FILMS FROM 1915, on Turner Classic Movies (TCM).
* From early in the "silent" era of film storytelling, these films are perfect lessons in how to apply MUSIC as integral and essential choreography to tell a story.
* The films are:
■ "A Bird's a Bird" (1915) 9-9:13 pm
□ "A Lover's Lost Control" (1915) 9:13-9:35 pm
■ "Dirty Work in a Laundry" (1915) 9:35-9:53 pm
□ "Gussie's Day of Rest" (1915) 9:53-10:15 pm
■ "Dizzy Heights and Daring Hearts" (1915) 10:15-10:36 pm
□ "Do-Re-Mi-Boom!" (1915) 10:36-11 pm
* Consider, too, that a carefree America was making and enjoying these charming comedies while all of Europe was bleeding its way through the horror of what would become known to history as World War I.
The passenger liner Lusitania was sunk by a submarine as an act of war 1915, producing a shock as great as the Titanic hitting the iceberg three years earlier.
The US did not enter that war until 1917, and its infusion of troops, weapons, war materiel, and industrial capacity proved decisive in ending "The War to End All Wars" in November of 1918. Except it wasn't. World War II would begin in stages from 1933 to its official declaration in 1939, and include America on December 7, 1941. Forever tearing the nation away from isolationism, and ending Hollywood's era of screwball comedies and Busby Berkeley musicals.
All especially relevant considerations on Memorial Day weekend.
___
8 pm - EAGLE ROCK GOSPEL SINGERS with BALTO, MALACHI HENRY, and THE LIGHTS, at the Hi Hat, 5043 York Bl, Highland Park / L.A., CA
* Adv tix at: https://dola.com/events/2019/5/26/eagle-rock-gospel-singers-with-balto-malachi-henry-the-lights#
* TIX, $8; show is age 21+.
___
Sun, May 26, on TV:
8 pm-9:30 pm - "NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT" from Washington, D.C., hosted by JOE MANTEGNA and MARY MCCORMACK, with a performance by Grammy-winning Folk-Americana star ALISON KRAUSS, on KOCE, aka PBS SoCal.
* Repeats immediately after, 9:30-11 pm.
___
Sun, May 26; Fri-Sun, May 24-26, FILM OPENING / LIVE CONCERT EVENT:
8:30 pm - "ECHO IN THE CANYON" is a look at how musical groups including THE BYRDS, THE BEACH BOYS, BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD, and THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS birthed the beginnings of the Laurel Canyon music scene and how the echo of these artists' creations reverberated across the world. Screening / concert event at the Arclight Hollywood, 120 N Robertson Bl, Hollywood / Los Angeles, CA 90048.
* Q&As with the film's director Andrew Slater happen at ArcLight Hollywood in the Cinerama Dome THREE CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS: Fri, 5/24; Sat, 5/25; and Sun, 5/26, all following the 8:30 pm shows.
* In addition to the Q&A's there will be musical performances by JAKOB DYLAN, CAT POWER, JADE CASTRINOS, and special guests.
* WATCH the film's official trailer at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QRVFBQHBUls&_m_utk=77f101336c27c4927b110134f8c22316
* TIX for the special event nights at: https://arclightcinemas.com/en/news/echo-in-the-canyon-qa
* We're re-listing this each of the three days, because it's a LATE ADDITION and we don't want you to miss out!
___
Sun, May 26, on TV:
9 pm-11 pm - SHORT FILMS FROM 1915, on Turner Classic Movies (TCM).
* From early in the "silent" era of film storytelling, these films are perfect lessons in how to apply MUSIC as integral and essential choreography to tell a story.
* The films are:
■ "A Bird's a Bird" (1915) 9-9:13 pm
□ "A Lover's Lost Control" (1915) 9:13-9:35 pm
■ "Dirty Work in a Laundry" (1915) 9:35-9:53 pm
□ "Gussie's Day of Rest" (1915) 9:53-10:15 pm
■ "Dizzy Heights and Daring Hearts" (1915) 10:15-10:36 pm
□ "Do-Re-Mi-Boom!" (1915) 10:36-11 pm
* Consider, too, that a carefree America was making and enjoying these charming comedies while all of Europe was bleeding its way through the horror of what would become known to history as World War I.
The passenger liner Lusitania was sunk by a submarine as an act of war 1915, producing a shock as great as the Titanic hitting the iceberg three years earlier.
The US did not enter that war until 1917, and its infusion of troops, weapons, war materiel, and industrial capacity proved decisive in ending "The War to End All Wars" in November of 1918. Except it wasn't. World War II would begin in stages from 1933 to its official declaration in 1939, and include America on December 7, 1941. Forever tearing the nation away from isolationism, and ending Hollywood's era of screwball comedies and Busby Berkeley musicals.
All especially relevant considerations on Memorial Day weekend.
___
__________________
Monday
__________________Today is MEMORIAL DAY, a national day of remembrance that dates to the Union dead of the American Civil War. For over a hundred years, graves were adorned with flowers on this day. Then came the poignant question in the 1960s folk song, "Where have all the flowers gone?" ("Gone to young girls / to young men / to soldiers / to graveyards, every one.") These days, military graves no longer receive Memorial Day flowers. They get small American flags on chopstick-size "flagpoles." Little American flags which generally come from China.
__________________
☆ See Thursday's and Saturday's listings for FESTIVALS that conclude today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
Mon, May 27, on TV:
7:40 am (Pacific) - LIVE "MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY" on C-SPAN.
* The Pentagon hosts a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the fallen at the Arlington National Cemetery. The president is in Japan, so someone else will deliver a speech.
* Such presentations usually feature one of the military bands based in DC.
___
Mon, May 27, on TV:
7:40 am (Pacific) - LIVE "MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY" on C-SPAN.
* The Pentagon hosts a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the fallen at the Arlington National Cemetery. The president is in Japan, so someone else will deliver a speech.
* Such presentations usually feature one of the military bands based in DC.
___
Mon, May 27:
10 am - "MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE" at Green Hills Memorial Park, 2222 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates CA
* Keynote speaker Major Scott A. Huesing, USMC (retired) and bestselling author of "Echo in Ramadi."
* Shuttle service provided to and from the event site.
* Hotline has details at 310-521-4460.
* More info at: www.greenhillsmemorial.com
___
10 am - "MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE" at Green Hills Memorial Park, 2222 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates CA
* Keynote speaker Major Scott A. Huesing, USMC (retired) and bestselling author of "Echo in Ramadi."
* Shuttle service provided to and from the event site.
* Hotline has details at 310-521-4460.
* More info at: www.greenhillsmemorial.com
___
Mon, May 27:
1 pm-2 pm - "MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE" and ceremony near the Redondo Pier in in Veterans Park, 309 The Esplanade, Redondo Beach CA* Followed by a BBQ at the Elks Lodge # 1378.
* Event honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Keynote speaker is local resident Judge John Lonergan, L.A. Superior Court, a retired U.S. Army colonel.
* Music by the Redondo High Wind Ensemble under the baton of Raymundo Vizcarra.
* BBQ is free to all veterans, military, police and fire; otherwise $5 donation requested.
* Contact the Elks at 208-473-6626 or Herb Masi at 310-993-4637 to RSVP for the BBQ.
* More at: www.RBVeteransMemorial.com
___
Mon, May 26, on TV:
5 pm-6:30 pm - "RINGLING BROS. - BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS: THE FINAL FAREWELL" is a colorful, compelling, well-produced finale of the last great traditional traveling circus.
Never again will a circus train roll into town, occasioning a parade of a circus orchestra/marching band, leading an array of athletic, acrobatic, comedic, and costumed human and animal performers from the train station to the venue.
The circus -- "The Greatest Show on Earth" -- is now defunct after 146 years, largely due to changing sensibilities over the use of animals as performers, the success of the far-cheaper to produce Cirque de Soleil model of all-human performers, and modern society's acceptance of being individually encapsulated in ear buds and tiny screens, to be entertained by pablum.
It isn't just that virtual fantasy can never take the place of such now-vanished boldly unique reality; amidst the thrills and audience cheers, this leaves you feeling gut-punched that it's gone. Still, it's a must-see.
This TV special allows all ages to visit the golden age of the great traditional circus as it took to the ring, one historic, final time. On AXS TV.
* Also airs tonight from 8:30-10 pm, and Tue, May 27, 3:30-5 pm.
___
Mon, May 26, on TV:
6 pm & 9 pm - "RED STATE, BLUE STATE" is a one-hour adaptation by COLIN QUINN of his off-Broadway hit stage show with his comedic treatise on political dysfunction in America. Is there more to add to the nightly skewerings by Trevor Noah and Stephen Colbert? NYC's astute theatre crowd thinks so. It airs twice tonight on CNN, 6-7 pm live & 9-10 pm taped, Pacific time.
___
Mon, May 27, on TV:
8 pm-9 pm - JAZZ AMBASSADORS, the US Army's premiere touring Big Band, perform live. On KLCS.
___
Mon, May 26, on TV:
8:30 pm-10 pm - "RINGLING BROS. - BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS: THE FINAL FAREWELL."
* See 5 pm for detailed write-up.
* On AXS TV.
* Also airs tonight from 5-6:30 pm, and Tue, May 27, 3:30-5 pm.
___
Mon, May 26, on TV:
___
Mon, May 26, on TV:
9 pm - "RED STATE, BLUE STATE" the off-Broadway hit stage show airs twice tonight on CNN, 6-7 pm live & 9-10 pm taped, Pacific time. See 6 pm for details.
___
Mon, May 27, on TV:
10 pm-10:30 pm - "SONGS AT THE CENTER" brings its 2018 season-ending series compilation special, with segments not previously aired. On KLCS.___
Mon, May 27, on TV:
___
Mon, May 27, on TV:
10:30 pm-11 pm - "DAVID HOLT'S STATE OF MUSIC" re-airs the delightful 2018 episode with Folk-Americana wizard SAM BUSH. On KLCS.
___
Mon, May 27, on TV:
11 pm-midnight - OWEN & MOLEY O SUILLEABHAIN is a 2019 PBS special that brings Irish brothers and singers OWEN and MICHAEL "MOLEY" O SUILLEABHAIN in concert. On KLCS.
___
__________________
Tuesday
__________________Tue, May 27, on TV:
3:30 pm-5 pm - "RINGLING BROS. - BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS: THE FINAL FAREWELL" is a colorful, compelling, well-produced finale of the last great traditional traveling circus.
Never again will a circus train roll into town, occasioning a parade of a circus orchestra/marching band, leading an array of athletic, acrobatic, comedic, and costumed human and animal performers from the train station to the venue.
The circus -- "The Greatest Show on Earth" -- is now defunct after 147 years, largely due to changing sensibilities over the use of animals as performers, the success of the far-cheaper to produce Cirque de Soleil model of all-human performers, and modern society's acceptance of being individually encapsulated in ear buds and tiny screens, to be entertained by pablum.
It isn't just that virtual fantasy can never take the place of such now-vanished boldly unique reality; amidst the thrills and audience cheers, this leaves you feeling gut-punched that it's gone. Still, it's a must-see.
This TV special allows all ages to visit the golden age of the great traditional circus as it took to the ring, one historic, final time. On AXS TV.
* This is the final scheduled airing.
___
7 pm-8:30 pm - THE SPACE PARK CHORALE performs to celebrate Spring, "Older Americans Month," and "National Senior Health & Fitness Week," at the Manhattan Beach Library Meeting Room, 1320 Highland Av, Manhattan Beach CA
* Individual voices of South Bay employees are transformed into a symphony of harmonious melodies.
* "A live-action entertainment, the group blends music and lyrics to lift the heart and inspire joy. The program is a celebration of spring and National Older Americans Month."
* Questions, call 310-545-8595; info, www.citymb.info/oap
* Free event, all ages welcome, "young, mature, older and senior."
___
Tue, May 28, STAGE MUSICAL:
7:30 pm - OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL: "CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY" at Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626; 714-556-2787; https://www.scfta.org
* Opening night on May 28, the venue hosts "Kids Night on Broadway," and kids can go FREE: when you buy one adult ticket at full-price you’ll get one child’s ticket FREE. Use code OOMPA when purchasing. Go early: opening night includes fun activities for kids in the lobbies starting at 6 pm, including coloring stations, crafts, activities, photo opportunities and more.
* The production is a new live musical adaptation of the "Willy Wonka" tale, through June 9.
* Curtain at 7:30 pm 5/31-6/1 & 6/4-6/8; 1 pm & 6:30 pm on 6/2 & 6/9; additional 2 pm matinees on 6/1 & 6/8.
* For anyone delighted by the feature film starring the late GENE WILDER in one of his most beloved roles, this ROALD DAHL adaptation features songs from the original film, including "Pure Imagination," "The Candy Man," and "I've Got a Golden Ticket," alongside a toe-tapping new score from the songwriters of "Hairspray."
________________________
Wednesday
________________________
6 pm - CHANGES AHEAD IN HOW WE VOTE IN CALIFORNIA. Info session sponsored by the non-partisan California Common Cause.
* In March 2020, a brand new voting experience will be rolling out, including:
• countywide vote centers that allow you to vote anywhere in the county
• a cutting edge ballot marking device
• a longer in-person voting period that begins 10 days before Election Day.
* IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO BE ACTIVE IN ANY 2020 CAMPAIGN, YOU'LL GET ASKED ABOUT ALL THIS BY THE PEOPLE WHOSE VOTES YOU ARE SEEKING.
* See the graphic (click it to enlarge and read the info).
* Other upcoming locations: https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/vote-center-community-meetings-los-angeles-county
___
Wed, May 29:
8 pm - "THE BLUE GUITAR" weekly series brings SOFIA TALVIK with her Folk-Americana with Swedish Roots, plus acoustic singer-songwriter duo THE TALBOTT BROTHERS, at The Blue Guitar room at Arroyo Seco Golf Course, 1055 Lohman Ln, South Pasadena, CA 91030
* Sofia mixes her Nordic melancholy with a twang of Americana, creating a special niche of folk music. Driven by a steady beat through foot percussion and rhythmic guitar picking, you can’t believe she is actually alone on stage. And in the centre are her invigorating vocals.
* She also plays Thu in San Pedro, and Sat Jun 1 in Santa Barbara; see listings.
* Singer-songwriter duo THE TALBOTT BROTHERS have played to sold-out crowds across the US since release of their 2017 album, "Gray." Nick and Tyler Talbott, based in the new music mecca of Portland, Oregon, were born and raised in a small southwest Nebraska town where they dug their dad’s old dreadnought guitar out of the basement and taught themselves to play.
* The adjacent Arroyo Seco Grill, open until 8:30 pm, has food, wine, and full bar.
* TIX, https://deepmix.thundertix.com/events/147231/saleable_seats?performance_id=2304071
___
Wed, May 29:
8:30 pm-11:30 pm "AMERICANA MUSIC NIGHTS," a weekly series during the month of May, brings LELAND & THE SILVER WHEELS, MIRANDA LEE RICHARDS, & RYAN FULLER, each doing a one-hour set, at the Highland Park Bowl, 5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles CA
___
8:30 pm-11:30 pm "AMERICANA MUSIC NIGHTS," a weekly series during the month of May, brings LELAND & THE SILVER WHEELS, MIRANDA LEE RICHARDS, & RYAN FULLER, each doing a one-hour set, at the Highland Park Bowl, 5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles CA
___
____________________
Thursday
____________________JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY, the first US President born in the 20th century, was born on this day in 1917.
It will not be possible to elect a president born in the 21st century until at least 2036, since the Constitution requires the president be at least 35 years old.
___
Thu-Sat, May 30-Jun 1, FILM TECH CONFERENCE:
Annnual "CINE GEAR EXPO" for 2019, the premier annual event for professionals engaged in the film and entertainment technology industry, at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, CA
■ FREE REGISTRATION ENDS SATURDAY, May 25, 2019 at 11:59 pm Pacific time.
(If it shows $30 due at the door after you register, you will get an email later confirming it's FREE if you register before the deadline.)
□ After today, a $30 CASH admission fee will apply to all new registrants, payable at the door.
□ 300 exhibits
■ New products
□ Service introductions
■ 30+ complimentary seminars led by industry leaders.
□ Master classes
■ Film competition
■ Special screenings in state of the art theaters
□ Ample opportunity to network with peers within a studio environment
□ May 30: Film Series Competition Screenings
■ May 31-June 1: Exhibits, Premier Seminars, Exclusive Screenings, Awards Presentations, Special Events
■ 27 Premiere Seminars
□ Extra ticket events, Thu May 30:
• 6 Independent Short Finalists, noon-2:15 pm, tix $10
• 8 Music Video Finalists, 2:30 pm-3 pm, tix $7
• 9 Student Short Finalists, 3:45 pm-5:50 pm, tix $10
• or purchase a "Film Series Pass" for all screenings for $25
• Master Classes, total of 4.
■ REGISTRATION (free through Saturday): http://www.cinegearexpo.com/la-expo-attendee-registration
□ Full info: http://www.cinegearexpo.com/
___
Thu, May 30:
7:30 pm - "JAZZ AT THE BLUE GUITAR" the every-Thursday series of jazz & blues, brings THE MOLLY MILLER TRIO of Molly, Jay Bellerose, & Jennifer Condos, at The Blue Guitar room at Arroyo Seco Golf Course, 1055 Lohman Ln, South Pasadena, CA 91030
* Los Angeles native Molly Miller has performed, recorded, and toured with the likes of Jason Mraz, Wynton Marsalis, Donna Missal, Ashley Clark, and Printz Board.
* She grew up playing guitar in a band with her four siblings, performing on national television and winning music awards all around the country.
* Molly graduated recently with her doctorate in guitar performance from the University of Southern California’s prestigious Thornton School of Music.
* The trio works frequently with OVER THE RHINE.
* She has performed at major festivals ranging from "Umbria Jazz Festival" in Italy and "Charlotte Jazz Festival" to Seattle's massive "Bumbershoot" to "Riotfest." She is just back from globetrotting with Jason Mraz.
* The adjacent Arroyo Seco Grill, open until 8:30 pm, has food, wine, and full bar.
* TIX, https://deepmix.thundertix.com/events/149973/saleable_seats?performance_id=2327221
___
Thu, May 30:
8 pm - SOFIA TALVIK plays acoustic folk at Alvas Showroom, 1413 W 8th St, San Pedro CA 90732; 310-833-7538.* Sofia mixes her Nordic melancholy with a twang of Americana, creating a special niche of folk music. Driven by a steady beat through foot percussion and rhythmic guitar picking, you can’t believe she is actually alone on stage. And in the centre are her invigorating vocals.
* Feel free to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages -- create your own dinner show.
* TIX & info: https://alvasshowroom.com/
* She also plays Wed in South Pasadena and Sat Jun 1 in Santa Barbara; see listings.
___
Thu, May 30:
8 pm - SALTY SUITES play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations by phone only, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236
___
________________
Friday
________________Today is worldwide "No Tobacco Day." Despite the irrefutable science, many smokers are are so addicted to nicotine -- a chemical proven to be more addictive than heroin -- that they continue to destroy their health, and increase health care costs for all of us. Meanwhile, "vaping" is on the rise among high-school and junior-high/middle-school kids, quietly addicting them to nicotine and making them lifelong fodder of Big Tobacco's profitable machine of early death and diminished abilities. (If you smoke or vape, you ARE addicted, or will be, and that is an absolute certainty. And your exhaust gasses harm -- and annoy the hell out of -- the rest of us, who did not invite you to poison our air. Get help and quit.)
___
☆ See Thursday's listings for FESTIVALS and multi-day events that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
Fri-Sun, May 31-Jun 2, FREE FESTIVAL:
14th Annual "LUMMIS DAYS FESTIVAL" has expanded to three full days on FIVE sites, connected by free shuttles that serve the venues and the remote parking lots.
* The festival celebrates the diversity, history and vibrant arts scene of Northeast L.A. with events at five locations presenting music, dance, poetry, film, theater, art and puppets.
* Admission to all Lummis Days Festival events is frekooe.
* Venues, all in NE Los Angeles, are:
• Occidental College, Thorne Hall, 1600 Campus Rd, Eagle Rock / L.A.
• Southwest Museum, 234 Museum Dr, Mt. Washington / L.A.
• Boulevard Stage (outdoors), Avenue 50 at York Blvd, Highland Park / L.A.
• Lummis Home (historical museum), 200 E Avenue 43, Montecito Heights / L.A.
• Sycamore Grove Park, 4702 N Figueroa St, Lincoln Heights / L.A. (Uptown Danza Stage, The Bandshell, The Alisal Stage, The Angel Stage, Family Fun Area, and more "Elsewhere in the Park")
* You'll find everything from a blacksmith demonstration to the Independent Shakespeare Company of Los Angeles, and PLENTY of music.
* The "pointedly eclectic mix" of musical performances includes Afro-Cuban (Ricardo
Lemvo) and women’s mariachi (Mariachi
Lindas Mexicanas), and the festival prides itself on presenting interesting hybrids: cumbia-billy (Moonlight Trio), folk-a-delic (The Evangenitals), Mexican-South American-African-Jazz fusion (El Haru Kuroi) and cowboy-pop (Anderson Town).
* Over 20 musical acts perform on Lummis Days’ stages at Sycamore Grove Park (Sunday) and Avenue 50 at York Boulevard (Saturday).
* Be sure to catch Julie Crockett's edgy folk band with superb harmonies and creative acoustic arrangements. They're called (brace yourself) THE EVANGENITALS.
 |
| "An eclectic lineup" can mean anything. Here it means innovative and listenable. |
 |
| The Evangenitals. A must-see act. |
* This'll hook you: Evangenitals perform their song "Home" live at Kulak's Woodshed:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2oOcPIZssaI* "Bad Town" live by the Evangenitals at the Coffee Gallery Backstage:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2oOcPIZssaI
* "So Sweet" fully produced music video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=e_MBN--_iBY#
* "Sun Is Shining" produced performance vid way back in 2007 already showed what was to come: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2oOcPIZssaI
* The Evangenitals perform "Gasoline" at Thunderbird Coffee in Austin, TX, back in '08:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2oOcPIZssaI
* Want earlier, from when we first found 'em? Evangenitals in '05, "For The Elderly (Part 1)":
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MY92-AvSOV0
* Here's their b&w retro undersea vid for "Moby Dick; or The Album," their 2014 release:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MY92-AvSOV0
* Evangenitals do "Just Stay Away From Me" live at Kulak's Woodshed:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2oOcPIZssaI
* Evangenitals performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Scotland) doing their edgy song, "Gasoline": https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2oOcPIZssaI
* FESTIVAL FUN FEATURE: Click on the poster from any of the previous 13 years of the festival and see images from that year's festival, at:
http://www.lummisday.org/12-years-of-lummis-day
* At Sycamore Grove Park, actors from the Independent Shakespeare Co. perform scenes from best-loved plays in audience-engaging style.
* The annual poetry reading at The Lummis Home will feature acclaimed poet Sesshu Foster and a free poetry workshop follows.
* A shuttle bus, provided by Council District 1, will ferry guests between Festival locations and parking sites on Sun, June 2.
* We're sorry to see that longtime host site HERITAGE SQUARE PARK is no longer a venue. It contributed the perfect atmosphere, and we hope it will be part of things again someday.
* THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE for all five venues, stages, and events, plus parking information, and the location of shuttle bus stops, is at: at www.LummisDay.org
___
Fri, May 31, on TV:
3 pm-4 pm - "WOODSONGS OLD TIME RADIO HOUR" presents "Songs of Rural America" with the OHIO RIVER VALLEY SYMPHONY and a cast of acoustic musicians playing traditional instruments. On RFD-TV.
___
Fri, May 31:
8 pm - CLAUDIA LENNEAR & THE NEW ASH GROVE PLAYERS plus JANILEIGH COHEN play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
8 pm - RICK RUSKIN plays Alvas Showroom, 1413 W 8th St, San Pedro CA 90732; 310-833-7538.
* Rick Ruskin has earned the right to be called a “Fingerstyle Guitar Virtuoso.” His skills are legendary but the hyperbole distracts from the rest of the story.
* He is a gifted singer, arranger, and composer whose work has been featured in film and on television around the world.
* Feel free to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages -- create your own dinner show.
* TIX & info: https://alvasshowroom.com/
___
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JUNE
festivals &
concerts & events
Much more added since our 1st gander...
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___________________
Saturday
___________________
Noon-midnight - "OUTPOST LOS ANGELES 2019" is a one-day festival at Rolling Greens, an 84,000-sq.-ft. space in downtown L.A., at 1005 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA
* It's billed as "L.A.’s premier cultural festival celebrating the music, food, drink, art, products, and immersive experiences that make Los Angeles so special." (Translation: it will include rap and hip-hop, and probably electronica with roboticized human voices "singing." Still, it is promoted as being quite diverse, eclectic, and inclusive.)
* Features live music performances, workshops, panels, and conversation, brought to you by Sunset Magazine (who signed-on just before it went defunct), Digital Trends, Good, PRØHBTD, and others.
* Outpost is billed as "an opportunity to meet other creative individuals, learn new skills, jam out to quality tunes, and discover interesting new products and ideas in outdoor lifestyle, tech, art/design, food, drink, and social good." It also says it's “Bringing together brands, media, tastemakers, & enthusiasts for a cultural festival unlike anything you've ever experienced.”
* BUT, depending which listing you read, "Outpost" is also billed as a "marketplace," or a "trade show," meaning you might wade through vendors, marketing/branding "presences," or carnival barkers trying to goad you into buying their wares, real or (spyware-laden) virtual. And the Outpost sponsor says of itself, "Our mission is to create passionate brand advocates for the companies we work with." So be warned.
* Venue: "Rolling Greens is a unique plant-filled oasis in Downtown Los Angeles. This vintage-chic outdoor space in the Arts District is known for its authentic, eclectic vibe and inspiring atmosphere," says the event promo. You can "immerse yourself in creativity and culture, surrounded by leaders and tastemakers from cool brands, media, and lifestyle spaces," if the hype proves true.
* Expected attendance is in the thousands, which would make this year their largest and most ambitious event yet.
* RSVP is free, but space is limited; if you want to go, sign-up now for their announcements and your tix, at: https://outposttrade.com/next-event/
___
Sat, Jun 1:
4 pm - WORKSHOP with RICK RUSKIN at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583
* He also does a concert here tonight; see 8 pm listing.
___
Sat, Jun 1:
7:30 pm - PHIL SALAZAR & THE KINFOLK play the Folk Music Center & Museum, 220 Yale Av, Claremont, CA 91711; 909-624-2928
___
Sat, Jun 1:
7:30 pm - DAVID ZASLOFF performs in song, poetry, comedy, and prose, at Beyond Baroque. See poster.
___
☆ See Thursday & Friday's listings for FESTIVALS and multi-day events that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
Sat, Jun 1, FREE FESTIVAL:Noon-midnight - "OUTPOST LOS ANGELES 2019" is a one-day festival at Rolling Greens, an 84,000-sq.-ft. space in downtown L.A., at 1005 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA
* It's billed as "L.A.’s premier cultural festival celebrating the music, food, drink, art, products, and immersive experiences that make Los Angeles so special." (Translation: it will include rap and hip-hop, and probably electronica with roboticized human voices "singing." Still, it is promoted as being quite diverse, eclectic, and inclusive.)
* Features live music performances, workshops, panels, and conversation, brought to you by Sunset Magazine (who signed-on just before it went defunct), Digital Trends, Good, PRØHBTD, and others.
* Outpost is billed as "an opportunity to meet other creative individuals, learn new skills, jam out to quality tunes, and discover interesting new products and ideas in outdoor lifestyle, tech, art/design, food, drink, and social good." It also says it's “Bringing together brands, media, tastemakers, & enthusiasts for a cultural festival unlike anything you've ever experienced.”
* BUT, depending which listing you read, "Outpost" is also billed as a "marketplace," or a "trade show," meaning you might wade through vendors, marketing/branding "presences," or carnival barkers trying to goad you into buying their wares, real or (spyware-laden) virtual. And the Outpost sponsor says of itself, "Our mission is to create passionate brand advocates for the companies we work with." So be warned.
* Venue: "Rolling Greens is a unique plant-filled oasis in Downtown Los Angeles. This vintage-chic outdoor space in the Arts District is known for its authentic, eclectic vibe and inspiring atmosphere," says the event promo. You can "immerse yourself in creativity and culture, surrounded by leaders and tastemakers from cool brands, media, and lifestyle spaces," if the hype proves true.
* Expected attendance is in the thousands, which would make this year their largest and most ambitious event yet.
* RSVP is free, but space is limited; if you want to go, sign-up now for their announcements and your tix, at: https://outposttrade.com/next-event/
___
Sat, Jun 1:
4 pm - WORKSHOP with RICK RUSKIN at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583
* He also does a concert here tonight; see 8 pm listing.
___
Sat, Jun 1:
7:30 pm - PHIL SALAZAR & THE KINFOLK play the Folk Music Center & Museum, 220 Yale Av, Claremont, CA 91711; 909-624-2928
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| Click to enlarge |
Sat, Jun 1:
7:30 pm - DAVID ZASLOFF performs in song, poetry, comedy, and prose, at Beyond Baroque. See poster.
___
Sat, Jun 1:
7:30 pm - SOFIA TALVIK brings her Folk-Americana with Swedish Roots to the "Wooden Hall Concerts" series in the Alhecama Theatre, 914 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
* Sofia mixes her Nordic melancholy with a twang of Americana, creating a special niche of folk music. Driven by a steady beat through foot percussion and rhythmic guitar picking, you can’t believe she is actually alone on stage. And in the centre are her invigorating vocals.
* She also plays Wed May 29 in South Pasadena and Thu May 30 in San Pedro; see listings.
___
Sat, Jun 1:
* A double CD Release show.
* CHUCK ALVAREZ celebrates the release of his fifth CD, "No Longer Bound," a mix of Blues and Americana. He will perform with accompaniment on acoustic and electric guitar.
* SATELLITE VOODOO plays the second set. They are releasing their self titled debut album.
* Feel free to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
* TIX & info: https://alvasshowroom.com/
___
Sat, Jun 1:
8 pm - ROY BOOK BINDER plus RICK RUSKIN play Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583___
Sat, Jun 1:
8 pm - RYANHOOD plays "Russ and Julie’s House Concerts" series in Oak Park (Agoura Hills/Westlake Village area)
* Reservations get directions at 818-707-2179 or rsvp@houseconcerts.us
___
Sat, Jun 1:
8 pm - THE SUITCASE JUNKET plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
Sat, Jun 1:
8 pm - FORTUNATE SON, tribute to CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL, at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731; 310-833-4813
* Fronted by vocalist BRAD FORD with an all star band, FORTUNATE SON delivers the best of CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL'S rough-hewn roots-Americana rock ‘n’ roll. Hear favorites including "Proud Mary," "Travelin’ Band," "Down on the Corner," "Born on the Bayou," "Suzie Q," and, of course, "Fortunate Son."
* TIX: https://www.grandvision.org/shop/tickets.asp
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Sunday
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Sun, Jun 2:
2 pm - RICK RUSKIN plays the "David Naiditch House Concerts" series in Altadena, CA
* Reservations get directions at davidnaiditch@charter.net
___
Sun, Jun 2:
2:30 pm & 7 pm - "THE BEATLES' 'REVOLVER' LIVE IN CONCERT, PLUS THE BEST OF 1966," hosted by CHRIS CARTER of "Breakfast with the Beatles" on KLOS FM and the Beatles Channel on SiriusXM, for two star-packed shows at the Grammy Museum, 800 W Olympic Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90015
* Entertainment Weekly named it #1 in their 2013 list of “All Time Greatest Albums.” Q magazine named it number one on their list of the “50 Greatest British Albums Ever.” Collin Larkin ranked it first in his 1994 book “All Time Top 1000 Albums.” We're talking about The BEATLES 1966 album, "Revolver."
* On June 2, the complete album will be performed live on stage along with a selection of other classic songs from 1966, for those fortunate enough to have tickets for either of the day's two intimate shows in the Clive Davis Theatre at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.
* The breadth and depth of the "Revolver" track listing eclipses the greatest hits of any recording artists save the Beatles themselves.
* There's "Taxman," "Eleanor Rigby," "I’m Only Sleeping," "Love You Too," "Here, There and Everywhere," "Yellow Submarine," "She Said She Said," "Good Day Sunshine," "And Your Bird Can Sing," "For No One," "Doctor Robert," "I Want To Tell You," "Got to Get You Into My Life," and "Tomorrow Never Knows," making up the complete list.
* Keith Putney Productions follows-up their December 2018 presentation of a complete performance of the Beatles’ "White Album" with “The Beatles’ Revolver and the Best of 1966.”
8 pm - FORTUNATE SON, tribute to CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL, at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731; 310-833-4813
* Fronted by vocalist BRAD FORD with an all star band, FORTUNATE SON delivers the best of CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL'S rough-hewn roots-Americana rock ‘n’ roll. Hear favorites including "Proud Mary," "Travelin’ Band," "Down on the Corner," "Born on the Bayou," "Suzie Q," and, of course, "Fortunate Son."
* TIX: https://www.grandvision.org/shop/tickets.asp
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☆ See Thursday & Friday's listings for FESTIVALS and multi-day events that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
Sun, Jun 2:
2 pm - RICK RUSKIN plays the "David Naiditch House Concerts" series in Altadena, CA
* Reservations get directions at davidnaiditch@charter.net
___
Sun, Jun 2:
2:30 pm & 7 pm - "THE BEATLES' 'REVOLVER' LIVE IN CONCERT, PLUS THE BEST OF 1966," hosted by CHRIS CARTER of "Breakfast with the Beatles" on KLOS FM and the Beatles Channel on SiriusXM, for two star-packed shows at the Grammy Museum, 800 W Olympic Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90015
* Entertainment Weekly named it #1 in their 2013 list of “All Time Greatest Albums.” Q magazine named it number one on their list of the “50 Greatest British Albums Ever.” Collin Larkin ranked it first in his 1994 book “All Time Top 1000 Albums.” We're talking about The BEATLES 1966 album, "Revolver."
* On June 2, the complete album will be performed live on stage along with a selection of other classic songs from 1966, for those fortunate enough to have tickets for either of the day's two intimate shows in the Clive Davis Theatre at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.
* The breadth and depth of the "Revolver" track listing eclipses the greatest hits of any recording artists save the Beatles themselves.
* There's "Taxman," "Eleanor Rigby," "I’m Only Sleeping," "Love You Too," "Here, There and Everywhere," "Yellow Submarine," "She Said She Said," "Good Day Sunshine," "And Your Bird Can Sing," "For No One," "Doctor Robert," "I Want To Tell You," "Got to Get You Into My Life," and "Tomorrow Never Knows," making up the complete list.
* Keith Putney Productions follows-up their December 2018 presentation of a complete performance of the Beatles’ "White Album" with “The Beatles’ Revolver and the Best of 1966.”
* PERFORMING ARE:
⊙ Kenn Ellner (Count Five)
⊙ Elliot Easton (The Cars)
⊙ Dennis Tufano, (former lead vocalist,The Buckinghams)
⊙ John York (The Byrds)
⊙ Gary Myrick (Gary Myrick & the Figures)
⊙ Don Baskin & Bob Gonzalez (Syndicate of Sound)
⊙ Jerry Raney (The Beat Farmers)
⊙ Michael Quercio & Lou Gutierrez (The Three O'Clock)
⊙ Jamie Savko (Waddy Wachtel Band)
⊙ Jerry and Debbie Burgan (We Five)
* In addition a live performance of the complete "Revolver" album, the show touches on other highlights from (arguably) popular music’s greatest year, 1966. That includes highlights from the Rolling Stones seminal album "Aftermath," along with songs from the Kinks, Yardbirds, and more.
* The cast takes full advantage of having Count Five’s lead singer Kenn Ellner with him performing their classic Top 10 single, “Psychotic Reaction.” Plus, lead singer/guitarist Don Baskin and bassist Bob Gonzalez of Syndicate of Sound do their Top 10 “Little Girl” and former Buckinghams lead singer/voice of their '60s hit records, will sing “Kind of a Drag” on a night that promises to be anything but.
* Doors open at 2 pm for the 2:30 performance and 6.30 pm for the 7 o'clock. Be early to get in line early for the best seats.
* TIX & more info at: http://www.keithputneyproductions.com/
___
Sun, Jun 2:
5 pm - RYANHOOD plays the FREE "Tiny Porch Concerts" series sponsored by Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest at Peter Strauss Ranch, 30000 Mulholland Hwy, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
___
Sun, Jun 2:
6 pm - I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. plays the FREE "Tiny Porch Concerts" series sponsored by Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest at Peter Strauss Ranch, 30000 Mulholland Hwy, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
___
Sun, Jun 2:
7 pm - "THE BEATLES' 'REVOLVER' LIVE IN CONCERT, PLUS THE BEST OF 1966," hosted by CHRIS CARTER of "Breakfast with the Beatles" on KLOS FM and the Beatles Channel on SiriusXM, for two star-packed shows at the Grammy Museum, 800 W Olympic Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90015
* See 2:30 pm listing for our full write-up.
___
_________________
Tuesday
_________________
For residents of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)
A small turnout will mean defeat. Every eligible voter is needed to bring this modest increase in school funding. A two-thirds (66.67 percent) supermajority vote is required for the approval of Measure EE.
Voters will vote "yes" or "no" on a school funding increase based on a property parcel tax measure.
A "yes" vote is a vote in favor of authorizing the district to levy an annual parcel tax — a kind of property tax based on units of property rather than assessed value — for 12 years at the rate of $0.16 per square foot of building improvements. It will fund educational improvements, instruction, and programs.
A "no" vote is a vote against authorizing the district to levy a $0.16 per square foot parcel tax for 12 years. Voting "no" offers no other option to fund school improvements.
District officials estimate the parcel tax would raise $500 million per year if it passes. That sounds like a lot. It isn't when you consider how bad things have become on "austerity" starvation budgets with increasing mandates for how available money must be spent for special needs programs.
THE GUIDE ENDORSES A "YES" VOTE ON EE.
We will still be a very long way from what our schools routinely provided in the late 20th century: nothing in EE assures the return of arts and music education for every student.
But schools are so grossly underfunded that cattle pen conditions prevail in many classrooms and class sizes of 40+ students -- even in elementary grades -- prevent teachers from devoting individual attention to each student. Los Angeles teachers went on a strike a few months ago over exactly these issues. The strike was settled when the district agreed to place Measure EE on the ballot for the people to decide.
Rich real estate barons always spend millions to defeat anything that would raise their taxes. This is a choice between protecting the bloated profits they rake-in from outrageous rents, or starting -- simply starting -- to meet the needs of our city's kids.
VOTE "YES" ON EE.
___
Tue, Jun 4, FILM OPENING NIGHT EVENT:
7 pm - "PAVAROTTI" screens for its opening night, with its Academy Award winning director RON HOWARD in attendance at the Arclight Hollywood, 120 N Robertson Bl, Hollywood / Los Angeles, CA 90048
* From the filmmaking team behind the highly-acclaimed documentary "The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years," comes "PAVAROTTI," a riveting film that lifts the curtain on the icon who brought opera to the people.
* Academy Award winner RON HOWARD puts audiences front row center for an exploration of "The Voice... The Man... The Legend."
* Luciano Pavarotti gave his life to the music and a voice to the world.
* This cinematic event features history-making performances and intimate interviews, including never-before-seen footage and, tonight only, a special introduction from Ron Howard.
* WATCH the trailer for this special event at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B7xfrxiSNv4&_m_utk=113c2ed5dea552d73f66dac79e49b934&feature=youtu.be
* TIX for this event at: https://arclightcinemas.com/movie/pavarotti-premiere-screening-event
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Friday
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Fri, Jun 7:
8 pm - JOHN GORKA plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
* He also plays 7 pm Sat in Tehachapi with AMILIA K. SPICER; see that listing.
Fri, Jun 7:
8:30 pm-10:30 pm - SANDRA PILLER & THE WILDCARDS bring a night of "Mexican food... country music" at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. See poster.
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Saturday
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Sat, Jun 8:
4 pm - ALLISON DE GROOT & TATIANA HARGREAVES play the "Deep End Sessions" in Santa Paula, CA 93060
* Reservations get directions from David Bunn, at: deependsessions@gmail.com
___
Sat, Jun 8:
7 pm - JOHN GORKA plus AMILIA K. SPICER play Fiddler's Crossing, 206 East F St, Tehachapi, CA 93561; 661-823-9994
* He also plays 8 pm Fri in Santa Monica; see listing.
___
Sat, Jun 8:
7 pm - PATTY GRIFFIN plays the Belly Up Tavern, 143 S Cedros Av, Solana Beach, San Diego, CA 92075; 858-481-9022
* She also plays at 7 pm Sun, Jun 9 in the desert and 8 pm Tue, Jun 11 in L.A.; see listings.
___
Sat, Jun 8:
8 pm-11 pm - "AN EVENING WITH DON RANDI AND QUEST" is the first show presented by the long-running "BROGDEN BAY PRESENTS" music series at its new venue, the California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO), in the Thousand Oaks Mall, at 350 W Hillcrest Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
* As part of the WRECKING CREW group of legendary studio musicians, composer, arranger, music director and keyboard musician DON RANDI made hundreds of hit records in the '60s and '70s.
* Randi founded L.A.'s Baked Potato jazz club in 1970 and has released 20 jazz albums of his own, including the 1980 Grammy-nominated "New Baby" and 2013's "Acoustimania."
* Don has also published "You've Heard These Hands," a memoir of his days with the Wrecking Crew and beyond.
* WATCH & LISTEN to a first-rehearsal surf version of Grieg's "In The Hall of the Mountain King." It was a rehearsal before their Good Jazzy Vibrations tour of Norway in December 2017: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Byj_xm29Cwc
* NOTES ON THE SERIES NEW VENUE: CMATO provides world class art exhibitions that can be enjoyed by concert goers. The current exhibit in the Main Gallery is an exciting solo exhibition by the graffiti artist Kelly "RISK" Graval. This exhibit includes a metal shark and some pieces that incorporate neon. The "In Focus; Ansel Adams," show has been extended due to popular demand. This exhibit includes original Adams photographs from the collection of Larry Janss plus some of Janss' photographs.
* The CMATO Main Gallery space will eventually provide more seating than the previous venue, the now closed Four Friends Gallery.
* Museum members who purchase concert tix can enjoy a Meet & Greet with Don Randi from 7-7:30 pm.
* Advance tix: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-don-randi-and-quest-tickets-62238202138
* TIX, $25 prepaid; $30 at the door
___
Sat, Jun 8:
8 pm - SLIGO RAGS takes a break from their residency at Disney Resort to play Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583
___
Sat, Jun 8:
8 pm - JOSE ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ plays the Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina, CA 91723; 626-339-7020
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Sunday
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Sun, Jun 9, FESTIVAL:
Noon - "INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL" cosponsored by McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, CA.
* All the info on the day's workshops and concerts are at www.mccabes.com
___
Sun, Jun 9:
7 pm - PATTY GRIFFIN plays Pappy & Harriet’s Place, 53688 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown, CA 92268; 760-365-5956
* She also plays at 7 pm Sat, Jun 8 in San Diego and 8 pm Tue, Jun 11 in L.A.; see listings.
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Tuesday
__________________
Tue, Jun 11:
8 pm - PATTY GRIFFIN plays the Goldenvoice concert series at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel, 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213-623-3233
* She also plays at 7 pm Sat, Jun 8 in San Diego and at
7 pm Sun, Jun 9 in the desert; see listings.
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Thursday
___________________
Thu-Sun, Jun 13-16, FESTIVAL:
Annual CALIFORNIA BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION "FATHER’S DAY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95945; 209-588-6031
* Lineup features Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Lonely Heartstring Band, Sister Sadie, Po' Ramblin' Boys, Volume Five, Dave Parmley & Cardinal Tradition, Evie Ladin Band, Fy5, Carolina Blue, Tommy And The Rozumatics, CBA Music Camp Allstars, Kids On Bluegrass, and more.
* TIX & info, http://fathersdayfestival.com/
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________________
Friday
________________
☆ See Thursday's listings for FESTIVALS that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
Fri, Jun 14, FREE CONCERT:
2 pm - PHIL SALAZAR & THE KINFOLK play outdoors in Philip Marx Central Park, East E St, Tehachapi, CA 93561
* Presented by Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Parks District in association with Fiddlers Crossing, Lehigh Cement and MusicMX Entertainment.
___
Fri, Jun 14:
8 pm - DAVE ALVIN and GREG LEISZ celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the definitive "King of California" album in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
* They perform this show here two nights, Fri Jun 14 & Sun Jun 16.
___
Fri, Jun 14:
8 pm - "THE MUSIC OF CAROLE KING & WOODSTOCK" performed by ANDY & RENEE & HARD RAIN at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731; 310-833-4813
* The award-winning band is renowned for their repertoire of Bob Dylan's music, and indeed, they are the hosts of the annual "Dylanfest." But they've always honed their originals and added more and more classic material.
* In this concert, South Bay favorite folk-rockers ANDY & RENEE return with their band HARD RAIN to reprise their phenomenal tribute to Carole King's multi-platinum album, "Tapestry."
* Don't dawdle. They sell-out every time they play the venue.
* TIX: https://www.grandvision.org/shop/tickets.asp
___
Festival News...
Annual "LONG BEACH BAYOU FESTIVAL" is moving from mid-June to the fall! -- Stay tuned. (We told you in time to prioritize getting to to Simi Cajun Blues on Memorial Day Weekend!)
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___________________
Saturday
___________________
☆ See Thursday's listings for FESTIVALS that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
Sat, Jun 15:
7 pm - SAUSAGE GRINDER plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations by phone only, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
___
Sat, Jun 15:
8 pm - DAN NAVARRO plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
Sat, Jun 15:
8 pm - JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS bring their charming and naughty music of the 1920s to Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583
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_________________
Sunday
_________________
☆ See Thursday's listings for FESTIVALS that conclude today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
Sun, Jun 16:
8 pm - DAVE ALVIN and GREG LEISZ celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the definitive "King of California" album in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
* They perform this show here two nights, Fri Jun 14 & Sun Jun 16.
___
8 pm - "THE MUSIC OF CAROLE KING & WOODSTOCK" performed by ANDY & RENEE & HARD RAIN at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731; 310-833-4813
* The award-winning band is renowned for their repertoire of Bob Dylan's music, and indeed, they are the hosts of the annual "Dylanfest." But they've always honed their originals and added more and more classic material.
* In this concert, South Bay favorite folk-rockers ANDY & RENEE return with their band HARD RAIN to reprise their phenomenal tribute to Carole King's multi-platinum album, "Tapestry."
* Don't dawdle. They sell-out every time they play the venue.
* TIX: https://www.grandvision.org/shop/tickets.asp
___
Festival News...
Annual "LONG BEACH BAYOU FESTIVAL" is moving from mid-June to the fall! -- Stay tuned. (We told you in time to prioritize getting to to Simi Cajun Blues on Memorial Day Weekend!)
___
___________________
Saturday
___________________
☆ See Thursday's listings for FESTIVALS that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
Sat, Jun 15:
7 pm - SAUSAGE GRINDER plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations by phone only, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
___
Sat, Jun 15:
8 pm - DAN NAVARRO plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
Sat, Jun 15:
8 pm - JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS bring their charming and naughty music of the 1920s to Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583
___
_________________
Sunday
_________________
☆ See Thursday's listings for FESTIVALS that conclude today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
8 pm - DAVE ALVIN and GREG LEISZ celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the definitive "King of California" album in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
* They perform this show here two nights, Fri Jun 14 & Sun Jun 16.
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Thursday
___________________
Thu-Sun, Jun 20-23, FESTIVAL, in Colorado:
46th annual "TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" in the alpine meadow that's become Town Park, high up in the Rocky Mountains in Telluride, CO
* This one is reliably amazing. You MUST go, sometime in your life.
* If you're going this year, be sure to catch THE FIRST LADIES OF BLUEGRASS -- the stellar ensemble of award-winners ALISON BROWN, BECKY BULLER, SIERRA HULL, MOLLY TUTTLE & MISSY RAINES. They perform June 23rd.
* Full info: https://www.bluegrass.com/telluride/
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Fri, Jun 21:
8 pm - "ALANIS MORISSETTE ACOUSTIC" at Humphreys Concerts By the Bay, San Diego, CA
* GET TIX NOW at: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/alanis-morissette-acoustic/event/0A0056791CD44B2B
* She also performs Apr 26 & 27, 9 pm, in Las Vegas; see listings.
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Fri, Jun 21:
8 pm - CARSON McHONE plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
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Fri, Jun 21:
8 pm - OLD BLIND DOGS play the concert series at Bethany Lutheran Church, 2051 Sunset Cliffs Bl, San Diego, CA 92107
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Saturday
___________________
☆ See Thursday and Friday listings for FESTIVALS that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
Sat, Jun 22:
4 pm - THE ONLIES play the "Deep End Sessions" in Santa Paula, CA 93060
* Reservations get directions from David Bunn, at deependsessions@gmail.com
___
Sat, Jun 22:
7:30 pm - DAN FRECHETTE & LAUREL THOMSEN play the "Gelencser House Concerts" series in Claremont, CA 91711
* Reservations get directions at 909-596-1266 or singfolk@yahoo.com
___
Sat, Jun 22:
7 pm - SUSAN MARIE REEVES & KRISTINA OLSEN play the "Live at the A-Frame" House Concert series in Kagel Canyon, CA 91342
* Reservations get directions at 818-486-8505 or Coddy.Nuckols@gmail.com
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Sat, Jun 22:
8 pm - THE SUSIE GLAZE NEW FOLK ENSEMBLE plays the "Brogden Bay Concert Series" at Four Friends Gallery, 1414 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
* Info & reservations: Steve Brogden, 805-358-4970
___
Sat, Jun 22:
8 pm - OLD BLIND DOGS play the "Pasadena Folk Music Society" concert series in Ramo Auditorium on the campus of California Institute of Technology, 332 S Michigan Av, Pasadena, CA 91106
___
Sat, Jun 22:
8 pm - PETER FELDMANN & THE VERY LONESOME BOYS play "a concert of bluegrass, country, and American folk music" at the Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Av,
Los Olivos, CA
* Tix: $15 at the door; $12.50 advance.
* More at: https://bluegrasswest.com/
___
Sat, Jun 22:
8 pm - INCENDIO brings their fiery acoustic strings to Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583
___
Sat, Jun 22:
8 pm - CRYSTAL BOWERSOX plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
Sat, Jun 22:
8 pm - NATHAN JAMES plays the Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina, CA 91723; 626-339-7020
___
_________________
Sunday
_________________
☆ See Thursday and Friday listings for FESTIVALS that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
Sun, Jun 23:
4 pm - SALTY SUITES play Grapes and Hops, 54 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001; 805-641-0053
___
Sun, Jun 23:
8 pm - "SINGOUT TOUR 2019" featuring HEATHER MAE & CRYS MATTHEWS, arrives in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
___________________
Thursday
___________________
Thu, Jun 27:
8 pm - EJ MATHEWS BAND plays Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583
___
_______________
Friday
_______________
Fri, Jun 28:
7:30 pm - RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT plays the "AMSD Concerts" series in Sweetwater Community Church, 5305 Sweetwater Rd, Bonita, CA 91902; 619-201-0520
___
Fri, Jun 28:
8 pm - JOE ROBINSON plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
Fri, Jun 28:
8 pm - THE STORYTELLERS play the Bon Vivant Market & Café, 3155 Glendale Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90039; 323-284-8013
___
___________________
Saturday
___________________
Sat, Jun 29:
Annual "BLUEGRASS DAY AT THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR," sponsored by the "San Diego Bluegrass Society" and "The North County Bluegrass & Folk Club." Details to appear on the fair's website.
___
Sat, Jun 29:
7:30 pm - JOE ROBINSON plays the "Wooden Hall Concerts" series in the Alhecama Theatre, 914 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
___
Sat, Jun 29:
7:30 pm - BERKLEY HART, San Diego's most awarded acoustic duo, plays the "San Diego Folk Heritage" concert series at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Av, Carlsbad, CA 92008
___
Sat, Jun 29:
8 pm - JOSH RITTER & THE ROYAL CITY BAND plus PENNY & SPARROW play "The Bluegrass Situation" concert series in the Theatre at the Ace Hotel, 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213-623-3233
___
Sat, Jun 29:
8 pm - JOHN McEUEN & THE STRING WIZARDS play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
_________________
Sunday
_________________
Sun, Jun 30:
8 pm - RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
_______________________________________
More FESTIVALS and concerts and
all kindsa things are still being added --
May and June are FILLED with 'em, and
they're most of the year's VERY BEST!
_______________________________________
FARTHER AHEAD...
_______________________________________
___________________
Thursday
___________________
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
___
Thu, Jul 4:
11 am-5 pm - "4th OF JULY BARNDANCE" at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga, CA 90290; 310-455-3723
___
Thu, Jul 4:
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY plus RUMBLE KING play the City of Burbank's 2019 "Starlight Bowl Concert Season" at the Starlight Bowl, 1249 Lockheed View Dr, Burbank CA 91501
* TIX at: www.starlightbowl.com
___
_______________
Friday
_______________
Fri, Jul 5:
8 pm - OLD BLIND DOGS play the "Ojai Concert Series" at Ojai Valley Woman's Club, 441 E Ojai Av, Ojai, CA 92023; 805-649-5189
___
Fri, Jul 5:
8 pm - THE LONELY HEARTSTRING BAND plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
_______________________________________
STILL FARTHER AHEAD...
_______________________________________
Aug 16-17-18, FESTIVAL:
Annual "SUMMERGRASS SAN DIEGO" Bluegrass festival, at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista, CA; festival phone,858-679-4854.
* Headliner lineup features The Grascals, David Parmley & Cardinal Tradition, High Fidelity, The Old Blue Band; also performing are: Tom Cunningham Band, Prairie Sky, Front Porch Music Preservation Society, Chris Cerna & The Bluegrass Republic, LeRoy Mack & Gloryland , Sheri Lee & The Blue Hearts, Vulcan Mountain Boys, and MohaviSoul.
* It's 3 days of live music from 12 national, regional and local bands; music workshops presented by the same performing artists; a variety of family & kid-oriented music activities; lots of spontaneous live jam sessions; instrument raffles of top-grade new instruments; tasty food, and a variety of vendors.
* Plus, the "Third Annual Pie Society Meeting" (and competition) happens at Summergrass 2019.
* Info, tix, lineups, schedules, & volunteer opportunities, at: www.summergrass.net
___
Sat, Sep 7:
8 pm - "TCHAIKOVSKY SPECTACULAR (with fireworks)" with CARL ST. CLAIR, conductor; BENJAMIN BEILMAN, violin; & PACIFIC SYMPHONY, at Pacific Amphitheatre, OC Fair & Events Center, Costa Mesa CA
* Southern Californians are incredibly fortunate to have the Hollywood Bowl, the Greek Theatre, the Ford Amphitheatre, and the OC Amphitheatre all available as splendid outdoor concert venues. Be sure to catch a symphonic treasure beneath the OC skies.
• TCHAIKOVSKY: Violin Concerto
• RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: “Capriccio Espagnol”
• TCHAIKOVSKY: “1812” Overture
* Complete with live cannons and brilliant fireworks, no SummerFest is complete without Pacific Symphony performing Tchaikovsky’s thrilling “1812” overture.
* The evening features this famous romantic composer’s greatest hits, including his memorable Violin Concerto, performed by the first-prize winner of the 2010 "Montréal International Musical Competition," Benjamin Beilman. “The Times” has praised Beilman’s “handsome technique, burnished sound, and quiet confidence,” and “The Strad” described his playing as “pure poetry.”
* TIX and full info at: 714-755-5799 or www.PacificSymphony.org
___
Sat & Sun, Oct 12 & 13:
CINDY KALLET & GREY LARSEN play a pair of rare West Coast gigs at the "Santa Monica House Concerts" series in Santa Monica, CA
* Details will be posted closer to the dates, at:
http://santamonicahouseconcerts.com/
___
46th annual "TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" in the alpine meadow that's become Town Park, high up in the Rocky Mountains in Telluride, CO
* This one is reliably amazing. You MUST go, sometime in your life.
* If you're going this year, be sure to catch THE FIRST LADIES OF BLUEGRASS -- the stellar ensemble of award-winners ALISON BROWN, BECKY BULLER, SIERRA HULL, MOLLY TUTTLE & MISSY RAINES. They perform June 23rd.
* Full info: https://www.bluegrass.com/telluride/
___
________________
Friday
________________
☆ See Thursday's listings for FESTIVALS that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
Fri-Sun, Jun 21-23, FESTIVAL:
31st Annual "LIVE OAK MUSIC FESTIVAL" at its new site at El Chorro Regional Park in San Luis Obispo, CA
* A spring institution in the hills inland from Santa Barbara, the new site is farther away, but appears to offer real advantages.
* In addition to the music, this one offers plenty of other activities that include ubiquitous dancers to the sides of the stage, a beer garden, an ArtWalk, and kids activities.
* Buy tickets online in advance; higher at the gate.
* Camping at the new site could sell out this year.
* This festival has fiercely loyal devotees, partly because it funds KCBX, a favorite Central Coast radio station. And that is the key to understanding the broadly eclectic nature of its booked acts. There is top-notch Folk-Americana and thoughtful and creative singer-songwriter fare, and there is also world music and some stuff That's rather "out there."
* LINEUP, day-by-day, all stages...
- Fri, Jun 21:
⊙ Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with the Guilty Ones, American Roots Music
⊙ Shinyribs, Country-Soul / Swamp-Funk
⊙ T Sisters, Americana Indie-Folk
⊙ Arthur Watership, Experimental Folk, Baroque Rock
⊙ Brass Mash--Hot Licks Dance, Powerhouse Brass Band / Mash ups
⊙ The Upside--Stage Too, Ska
- Sat, Jun 22:
⊙ Antibalas, Afrobeat
⊙ Shook Twins, Indie Folk Pop
⊙ Orquesta Akokán, Joyous Cuban Big Band
⊙ Sunny War, Blues Folk Punk
⊙ Soul Scratch, Funk / Soul / R&B
⊙ Phil Salazar and the Kin Folk, Acoustic Folk Fusion
⊙ The Sam Chase & the Untraditional--Stage Too, Kick-A** Folk
⊙ Carbon City Lights--Stage Too, Groovy Indie Alt-Rock
⊙ True Zion--Stage Too, Roots Reggae
⊙ Derek Senn--Morning Hot Licks, Singer-songwriter
⊙ SLO County Stumblers--Morning Hot Licks, Old Time String Band
⊙ Something Ridiculous Jugglers--Beer Garden, Juggling and more
- Sun, Jun 23:
⊙ Brett Dennen, Folk Pop & Good Vibes
⊙ Bombino, North-African Desert Rock
⊙ John Craigie, Americana Singer-Songwriter
⊙ Moonshiner Collective, Indie Folk Rock n Soul
⊙ The Sons of the Soul Revivers, Traditional Gospel
⊙ The Ghost of Paul Revere--Stage Too, Foot-Stompin' Holler Folk
⊙ Midtown Social--Stage Too, Exclusively Inclusive
⊙ Soul Noach Tangeras--Beer Garden, Americana Roots
⊙ Chris Beland & Harmony--Morning Hot Licks, Father-daughter singer-songwriters
⊙ The Cimo Brothers--Morning Hot Licks, Folky Classical World Rock
* Kids Activities here are outstanding. Day-by-day, they are:
◇ Friday: Delphinius Nature Hike; Crafts Workshops; Something Ridiculous Jugglers; John Beccia concert; Aerialist performers; Talent show tryouts; Craft Workshops; Sushi Making Workshop.
◇ Saturday: Delphinius Nature Hike; Yoga with Tim Costa; Kids Yoga with Anika; Tortoise & Snake Tutorial w/Professor Ron Rupert; Crafts Workshops; Jugglers Workshop; Skeedaddle Children's concert; Talent show tryouts; Sushi Making Workshop.
◇ Sunday: Nature hike Delphinius School; Yoga with Tim Costa; Kids Yoga with Anika; Craft workshops; Something Ridiculous Jugglers; Kids talent Talent Show.
* Prefer a bed to camping? San Luis Obispo offers a wide variety of accommodations including hotels ranging from corporate to boutique, budget-friendly motels, quaint inns, and family-owned bed and breakfasts. There's a link on the festival site for local hotels – book a stay at any of those SLO hotels during the festival and receive up to $10 off your festival tickets. Provide your hotel booking confirmation to promotions@sanluisobispovacations.com and receive a promo code to use when purchasing your festival tickets online.
* Full info & tix, www.liveoakfest.org
___
Fri, Jun 21:
7:30 pm - "FIRESIDE CONCERT SERIES" presents DAN FRECHETTE & LAUREL THOMSEN plus THE HONEY WHISKEY TRIO at Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Rd, Newbury Park, CA 92320
* Info: Bob Kroll, at 805-499-3511 or folksgr1@aol.com
___
☆ See Thursday's listings for FESTIVALS that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
31st Annual "LIVE OAK MUSIC FESTIVAL" at its new site at El Chorro Regional Park in San Luis Obispo, CA
* A spring institution in the hills inland from Santa Barbara, the new site is farther away, but appears to offer real advantages.
* In addition to the music, this one offers plenty of other activities that include ubiquitous dancers to the sides of the stage, a beer garden, an ArtWalk, and kids activities.
* Buy tickets online in advance; higher at the gate.
* Camping at the new site could sell out this year.
* This festival has fiercely loyal devotees, partly because it funds KCBX, a favorite Central Coast radio station. And that is the key to understanding the broadly eclectic nature of its booked acts. There is top-notch Folk-Americana and thoughtful and creative singer-songwriter fare, and there is also world music and some stuff That's rather "out there."
* LINEUP, day-by-day, all stages...
- Fri, Jun 21:
⊙ Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with the Guilty Ones, American Roots Music
⊙ Shinyribs, Country-Soul / Swamp-Funk
⊙ T Sisters, Americana Indie-Folk
⊙ Arthur Watership, Experimental Folk, Baroque Rock
⊙ The Upside--Stage Too, Ska
- Sat, Jun 22:
⊙ Antibalas, Afrobeat
⊙ Shook Twins, Indie Folk Pop
⊙ Orquesta Akokán, Joyous Cuban Big Band
⊙ Sunny War, Blues Folk Punk
⊙ Soul Scratch, Funk / Soul / R&B
⊙ Phil Salazar and the Kin Folk, Acoustic Folk Fusion
⊙ The Sam Chase & the Untraditional--Stage Too, Kick-A** Folk
⊙ Carbon City Lights--Stage Too, Groovy Indie Alt-Rock
⊙ Derek Senn--Morning Hot Licks, Singer-songwriter
⊙ SLO County Stumblers--Morning Hot Licks, Old Time String Band
⊙ Something Ridiculous Jugglers--Beer Garden, Juggling and more
- Sun, Jun 23:
⊙ Brett Dennen, Folk Pop & Good Vibes
⊙ Bombino, North-African Desert Rock
⊙ John Craigie, Americana Singer-Songwriter
⊙ The Sons of the Soul Revivers, Traditional Gospel
⊙ The Ghost of Paul Revere--Stage Too, Foot-Stompin' Holler Folk
⊙ Midtown Social--Stage Too, Exclusively Inclusive
⊙ Soul Noach Tangeras--Beer Garden, Americana Roots
⊙ Chris Beland & Harmony--Morning Hot Licks, Father-daughter singer-songwriters
⊙ The Cimo Brothers--Morning Hot Licks, Folky Classical World Rock
* Kids Activities here are outstanding. Day-by-day, they are:
◇ Friday: Delphinius Nature Hike; Crafts Workshops; Something Ridiculous Jugglers; John Beccia concert; Aerialist performers; Talent show tryouts; Craft Workshops; Sushi Making Workshop.
◇ Saturday: Delphinius Nature Hike; Yoga with Tim Costa; Kids Yoga with Anika; Tortoise & Snake Tutorial w/Professor Ron Rupert; Crafts Workshops; Jugglers Workshop; Skeedaddle Children's concert; Talent show tryouts; Sushi Making Workshop.
◇ Sunday: Nature hike Delphinius School; Yoga with Tim Costa; Kids Yoga with Anika; Craft workshops; Something Ridiculous Jugglers; Kids talent Talent Show.
* Prefer a bed to camping? San Luis Obispo offers a wide variety of accommodations including hotels ranging from corporate to boutique, budget-friendly motels, quaint inns, and family-owned bed and breakfasts. There's a link on the festival site for local hotels – book a stay at any of those SLO hotels during the festival and receive up to $10 off your festival tickets. Provide your hotel booking confirmation to promotions@sanluisobispovacations.com and receive a promo code to use when purchasing your festival tickets online.
* Full info & tix, www.liveoakfest.org
___
Fri, Jun 21:
7:30 pm - "FIRESIDE CONCERT SERIES" presents DAN FRECHETTE & LAUREL THOMSEN plus THE HONEY WHISKEY TRIO at Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Rd, Newbury Park, CA 92320
* Info: Bob Kroll, at 805-499-3511 or folksgr1@aol.com
___
8 pm - "ALANIS MORISSETTE ACOUSTIC" at Humphreys Concerts By the Bay, San Diego, CA
* GET TIX NOW at: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/alanis-morissette-acoustic/event/0A0056791CD44B2B
* She also performs Apr 26 & 27, 9 pm, in Las Vegas; see listings.
___
Fri, Jun 21:
8 pm - CARSON McHONE plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
Fri, Jun 21:
8 pm - OLD BLIND DOGS play the concert series at Bethany Lutheran Church, 2051 Sunset Cliffs Bl, San Diego, CA 92107
___
___________________
Saturday
___________________
☆ See Thursday and Friday listings for FESTIVALS that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
4 pm - THE ONLIES play the "Deep End Sessions" in Santa Paula, CA 93060
* Reservations get directions from David Bunn, at deependsessions@gmail.com
___
Sat, Jun 22:
7:30 pm - DAN FRECHETTE & LAUREL THOMSEN play the "Gelencser House Concerts" series in Claremont, CA 91711
* Reservations get directions at 909-596-1266 or singfolk@yahoo.com
___
Sat, Jun 22:
7 pm - SUSAN MARIE REEVES & KRISTINA OLSEN play the "Live at the A-Frame" House Concert series in Kagel Canyon, CA 91342
* Reservations get directions at 818-486-8505 or Coddy.Nuckols@gmail.com
___
Sat, Jun 22:
8 pm - THE SUSIE GLAZE NEW FOLK ENSEMBLE plays the "Brogden Bay Concert Series" at Four Friends Gallery, 1414 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
* Info & reservations: Steve Brogden, 805-358-4970
___
Sat, Jun 22:
8 pm - OLD BLIND DOGS play the "Pasadena Folk Music Society" concert series in Ramo Auditorium on the campus of California Institute of Technology, 332 S Michigan Av, Pasadena, CA 91106
___
Sat, Jun 22:
8 pm - PETER FELDMANN & THE VERY LONESOME BOYS play "a concert of bluegrass, country, and American folk music" at the Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Av,
Los Olivos, CA
* Tix: $15 at the door; $12.50 advance.
* More at: https://bluegrasswest.com/
___
Sat, Jun 22:
8 pm - INCENDIO brings their fiery acoustic strings to Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583
___
Sat, Jun 22:
8 pm - CRYSTAL BOWERSOX plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
Sat, Jun 22:
8 pm - NATHAN JAMES plays the Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina, CA 91723; 626-339-7020
___
_________________
Sunday
_________________
☆ See Thursday and Friday listings for FESTIVALS that continue today (we no longer re-list them each day).
___
4 pm - SALTY SUITES play Grapes and Hops, 54 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001; 805-641-0053
___
Sun, Jun 23:
8 pm - "SINGOUT TOUR 2019" featuring HEATHER MAE & CRYS MATTHEWS, arrives in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
___________________
Thursday
___________________
Thu, Jun 27:
8 pm - EJ MATHEWS BAND plays Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583
___
_______________
Friday
_______________
Fri, Jun 28:
7:30 pm - RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT plays the "AMSD Concerts" series in Sweetwater Community Church, 5305 Sweetwater Rd, Bonita, CA 91902; 619-201-0520
___
Fri, Jun 28:
8 pm - JOE ROBINSON plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
Fri, Jun 28:
8 pm - THE STORYTELLERS play the Bon Vivant Market & Café, 3155 Glendale Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90039; 323-284-8013
___
___________________
Saturday
___________________
Sat, Jun 29:
Annual "BLUEGRASS DAY AT THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR," sponsored by the "San Diego Bluegrass Society" and "The North County Bluegrass & Folk Club." Details to appear on the fair's website.
___
Sat, Jun 29:
7:30 pm - JOE ROBINSON plays the "Wooden Hall Concerts" series in the Alhecama Theatre, 914 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
___
Sat, Jun 29:
7:30 pm - BERKLEY HART, San Diego's most awarded acoustic duo, plays the "San Diego Folk Heritage" concert series at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Av, Carlsbad, CA 92008
___
Sat, Jun 29:
8 pm - JOSH RITTER & THE ROYAL CITY BAND plus PENNY & SPARROW play "The Bluegrass Situation" concert series in the Theatre at the Ace Hotel, 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213-623-3233
___
Sat, Jun 29:
8 pm - JOHN McEUEN & THE STRING WIZARDS play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
_________________
Sunday
_________________
Sun, Jun 30:
8 pm - RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
_______________________________________
More FESTIVALS and concerts and
all kindsa things are still being added --
May and June are FILLED with 'em, and
they're most of the year's VERY BEST!
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
___________________
Thursday
___________________
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
___
Thu, Jul 4:
11 am-5 pm - "4th OF JULY BARNDANCE" at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga, CA 90290; 310-455-3723
___
Thu, Jul 4:
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY plus RUMBLE KING play the City of Burbank's 2019 "Starlight Bowl Concert Season" at the Starlight Bowl, 1249 Lockheed View Dr, Burbank CA 91501
* TIX at: www.starlightbowl.com
___
_______________
Friday
_______________
Fri, Jul 5:
8 pm - OLD BLIND DOGS play the "Ojai Concert Series" at Ojai Valley Woman's Club, 441 E Ojai Av, Ojai, CA 92023; 805-649-5189
___
Fri, Jul 5:
8 pm - THE LONELY HEARTSTRING BAND plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497
___
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Aug 16-17-18, FESTIVAL:
Annual "SUMMERGRASS SAN DIEGO" Bluegrass festival, at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista, CA; festival phone,858-679-4854.
* Headliner lineup features The Grascals, David Parmley & Cardinal Tradition, High Fidelity, The Old Blue Band; also performing are: Tom Cunningham Band, Prairie Sky, Front Porch Music Preservation Society, Chris Cerna & The Bluegrass Republic, LeRoy Mack & Gloryland , Sheri Lee & The Blue Hearts, Vulcan Mountain Boys, and MohaviSoul.
* It's 3 days of live music from 12 national, regional and local bands; music workshops presented by the same performing artists; a variety of family & kid-oriented music activities; lots of spontaneous live jam sessions; instrument raffles of top-grade new instruments; tasty food, and a variety of vendors.
* Plus, the "Third Annual Pie Society Meeting" (and competition) happens at Summergrass 2019.
* Info, tix, lineups, schedules, & volunteer opportunities, at: www.summergrass.net
___
8 pm - "TCHAIKOVSKY SPECTACULAR (with fireworks)" with CARL ST. CLAIR, conductor; BENJAMIN BEILMAN, violin; & PACIFIC SYMPHONY, at Pacific Amphitheatre, OC Fair & Events Center, Costa Mesa CA
* Southern Californians are incredibly fortunate to have the Hollywood Bowl, the Greek Theatre, the Ford Amphitheatre, and the OC Amphitheatre all available as splendid outdoor concert venues. Be sure to catch a symphonic treasure beneath the OC skies.
* PROGRAM:
• KHACHATURIAN: “Sabre Dance”• TCHAIKOVSKY: Violin Concerto
• RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: “Capriccio Espagnol”
• TCHAIKOVSKY: “1812” Overture
* Complete with live cannons and brilliant fireworks, no SummerFest is complete without Pacific Symphony performing Tchaikovsky’s thrilling “1812” overture.
* The evening features this famous romantic composer’s greatest hits, including his memorable Violin Concerto, performed by the first-prize winner of the 2010 "Montréal International Musical Competition," Benjamin Beilman. “The Times” has praised Beilman’s “handsome technique, burnished sound, and quiet confidence,” and “The Strad” described his playing as “pure poetry.”
* TIX and full info at: 714-755-5799 or www.PacificSymphony.org
___
Sat & Sun, Oct 12 & 13:
CINDY KALLET & GREY LARSEN play a pair of rare West Coast gigs at the "Santa Monica House Concerts" series in Santa Monica, CA
* Details will be posted closer to the dates, at:
http://santamonicahouseconcerts.com/
___
____________________________
TICKET OFFER,
IF YOU BUY EARLY
____________________________
Runs Sun, Oct 6, 2019, through Sun, Jun 6, 2020.
"LE SALON DE MUSIQUES: MASTERS REDISCOVERED" is the series' just-announced 10th anniversary season of nine concerts, all at the Los Angeles Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Fifth Floor, 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles, CA 90012; Self parking at the Music Center Garage on Grand Avenue.
* EARLY BIRD OFFER FOR "A SUBLIME NEW SEASON"
* "Le Salon de Musiques" is a chamber music series performed in an intimate space without any stage or separation between the audience and the artists. It allows you to feel the purity and quintessence of the music associated with the vibrations of each instrument and the connection to each artist.
* A "Tresor de France Champagne" reception with a high tea buffet catered by Patina follows the performance and the Q & A between the artists and the audience.
* TENTH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM, 2019-2020, introduced by musicologists Dr. Kristi BROWN-MONTESANO & Julius REDER CARLSON.
* Season "GRAND OPENING" - CONCERT ONE: Sun, Oct 6, 4 pm:
- W. MOZART: "Divertimento" in D Major for String Quartet
- G. HAENDEL: Sonata in G minor Op 2 for two violins & piano - J. HAYDN: String Quartet No.5 Op 64 in D Major "The Lark"
- L. BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor Op 37 (Arranged for String Quintet)
- Featured artists: Jessica GUIDERI & Aubree OLIVERSON, Violins; Rob BROPHY, Viola, Yoshika MASUDA, Cello; Peter LLOYD, Bass; Vijay VENKATESH, Piano.
* TIX for individual dates are available following season tix sales. The nine-concert season runs through Sunday, June 7, sponsored by Steinway & Sons, The French & German Consulates of Los Angeles, Champagne "Tresor de France," Performing Arts Live, and Eufloria. Buy the season now at the early bird price, saving 20%: $684 for all nine concerrs, instead of the regular full-season price of $855. Season tix get other perqs. Info and tix purchase at: 310-498 0257.
___
IF YOU BUY EARLY
____________________________
Runs Sun, Oct 6, 2019, through Sun, Jun 6, 2020.
"LE SALON DE MUSIQUES: MASTERS REDISCOVERED" is the series' just-announced 10th anniversary season of nine concerts, all at the Los Angeles Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Fifth Floor, 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles, CA 90012; Self parking at the Music Center Garage on Grand Avenue.
* EARLY BIRD OFFER FOR "A SUBLIME NEW SEASON"
* "Le Salon de Musiques" is a chamber music series performed in an intimate space without any stage or separation between the audience and the artists. It allows you to feel the purity and quintessence of the music associated with the vibrations of each instrument and the connection to each artist.
* A "Tresor de France Champagne" reception with a high tea buffet catered by Patina follows the performance and the Q & A between the artists and the audience.
* TENTH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM, 2019-2020, introduced by musicologists Dr. Kristi BROWN-MONTESANO & Julius REDER CARLSON.
* Season "GRAND OPENING" - CONCERT ONE: Sun, Oct 6, 4 pm:
- W. MOZART: "Divertimento" in D Major for String Quartet
- G. HAENDEL: Sonata in G minor Op 2 for two violins & piano - J. HAYDN: String Quartet No.5 Op 64 in D Major "The Lark"
- L. BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor Op 37 (Arranged for String Quintet)
- Featured artists: Jessica GUIDERI & Aubree OLIVERSON, Violins; Rob BROPHY, Viola, Yoshika MASUDA, Cello; Peter LLOYD, Bass; Vijay VENKATESH, Piano.
* TIX for individual dates are available following season tix sales. The nine-concert season runs through Sunday, June 7, sponsored by Steinway & Sons, The French & German Consulates of Los Angeles, Champagne "Tresor de France," Performing Arts Live, and Eufloria. Buy the season now at the early bird price, saving 20%: $684 for all nine concerrs, instead of the regular full-season price of $855. Season tix get other perqs. Info and tix purchase at: 310-498 0257.
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☆ NEWS FEATURE STORY...
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IS "WOODSTOCK 50," BY FAR THE BIGGER OF TWO SEPARATE ANNIVERSARY FESTIVALS, CANCELLED OR NOT?
An in-depth special feature
The 50th anniversary celebration of Woodstock, dubbed "Woodstock 50," is the one organized in part by original 1969 Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang. It may have been canceled, depending who you ask.
The festival's financier "has decided to cancel the festival," according to a statement from the main financial backer, promotion firm, Dentsu, released on Monday.
But Lang says otherwise. "It's going to happen and it's going to be a blast!" asserted Lang, Tuesday morning.
His Tuesday assurance follows Monday's late-day stampede by major music media sources, all saying it is cancelled. The L.A. Times chimed-in Tuesday morning to say it won't happen.
What's the real story?
Tickets for the festival never went on sale as scheduled on Earth Day, April 22nd. Reportedly, sales were postponed due to "permit issues" with ticket outlets saying, "There is currently a hold on the 'Woodstock 50' on-sale date."
The following day, Billboard reported the festival had not acquired "a mass gathering permit from the New York State Department of Health." Organizers denied claims at the time that the festival would be canceled.
Then came the announcement Monday, April 29, from one of the festival’s main investment firms -- the principal funder -- Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi Live (Dentsu, for short) -- that "Woodstock 50" would not proceed.
Monday's statement by Dentsu reads:
"We don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock Brand name."
They continue:
“It’s a dream for agencies to work with iconic brands and to be associated with meaningful movements. We have a strong history of producing experiences that bring people together around common interests and causes which is why we chose to be a part of the Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival... But despite our tremendous investment of time, effort and commitment, we don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock Brand name while also ensuring the health and safety of the artists, partners and attendees. As a result and after careful consideration, Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi Live, a partner of Woodstock 50, has decided to cancel the festival. As difficult as it is, we believe this is the most prudent decision for all parties involved.”
Redoing "Woodstock" Is a Bit Like the Second Coming
In August 1969, over half a million people came to upstate New York for the original "3 days of Peace & Music: The Woodstock Music & Arts Fair." That human inundation wasn't simply unexpected. It overwhelmed everyone and everything, from supplies available to food vendors to no provisions for pumping-out portapotties to the capacity of every highway and farm road for 50 miles.
“Woodstock 1969 was a reaction by the youth of its time and the conditions we faced,” says Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang. “We proved that it is possible to live together in harmony and with compassion…with only our best selves represented. Woodstock gave people around the world hope, which is why I think it remains relevant today.”
The entire matter of a five-decade later redux of Woodstock has always been a bit goofy. There were 25th and 30th anniversary festivals on not-quite the same site, with tons of pop acts doing stage poses and hours of lyrically insubstantial and largely unmemorable music.
Now, there are TWO SEPARATE Woodstock-plus-fifty-years events. A different one with far fewer artists is planned for Bethel, New York on the site of the original Woodstock.
THIS one has booked major artists -- A LOT of major artists -- to play its event at Watkins Glen, New York. The site is 150 miles from the original Woodstock, but this is by far the festival with more acts.
But BOTH competing festivals are on the exact original dates, assuring each the basis for claiming to be the "true" anniversary of the original Woodstock -- August 16th through 18th, exactly 50 years after the original festival.
The festival's financier "has decided to cancel the festival," according to a statement from the main financial backer, promotion firm, Dentsu, released on Monday.
But Lang says otherwise. "It's going to happen and it's going to be a blast!" asserted Lang, Tuesday morning.
His Tuesday assurance follows Monday's late-day stampede by major music media sources, all saying it is cancelled. The L.A. Times chimed-in Tuesday morning to say it won't happen.
What's the real story?
Tickets for the festival never went on sale as scheduled on Earth Day, April 22nd. Reportedly, sales were postponed due to "permit issues" with ticket outlets saying, "There is currently a hold on the 'Woodstock 50' on-sale date."
The following day, Billboard reported the festival had not acquired "a mass gathering permit from the New York State Department of Health." Organizers denied claims at the time that the festival would be canceled.
Then came the announcement Monday, April 29, from one of the festival’s main investment firms -- the principal funder -- Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi Live (Dentsu, for short) -- that "Woodstock 50" would not proceed.
Monday's statement by Dentsu reads:
"We don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock Brand name."
They continue:
“It’s a dream for agencies to work with iconic brands and to be associated with meaningful movements. We have a strong history of producing experiences that bring people together around common interests and causes which is why we chose to be a part of the Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival... But despite our tremendous investment of time, effort and commitment, we don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock Brand name while also ensuring the health and safety of the artists, partners and attendees. As a result and after careful consideration, Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi Live, a partner of Woodstock 50, has decided to cancel the festival. As difficult as it is, we believe this is the most prudent decision for all parties involved.”
Redoing "Woodstock" Is a Bit Like the Second Coming
In August 1969, over half a million people came to upstate New York for the original "3 days of Peace & Music: The Woodstock Music & Arts Fair." That human inundation wasn't simply unexpected. It overwhelmed everyone and everything, from supplies available to food vendors to no provisions for pumping-out portapotties to the capacity of every highway and farm road for 50 miles.
“Woodstock 1969 was a reaction by the youth of its time and the conditions we faced,” says Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang. “We proved that it is possible to live together in harmony and with compassion…with only our best selves represented. Woodstock gave people around the world hope, which is why I think it remains relevant today.”
The entire matter of a five-decade later redux of Woodstock has always been a bit goofy. There were 25th and 30th anniversary festivals on not-quite the same site, with tons of pop acts doing stage poses and hours of lyrically insubstantial and largely unmemorable music.
Now, there are TWO SEPARATE Woodstock-plus-fifty-years events. A different one with far fewer artists is planned for Bethel, New York on the site of the original Woodstock.
THIS one has booked major artists -- A LOT of major artists -- to play its event at Watkins Glen, New York. The site is 150 miles from the original Woodstock, but this is by far the festival with more acts.
But BOTH competing festivals are on the exact original dates, assuring each the basis for claiming to be the "true" anniversary of the original Woodstock -- August 16th through 18th, exactly 50 years after the original festival.
This one has booked a catalogue of acts, from Imagine Dragons, to Kacey Musgraves, from Run the Jewels, and Chance the Rapper, and Halsey, to John Fogerty, Robert Plant, and the Black Keys, to Miley Cyrus, and dozens more.
And when it comes to outside money withdrawing and raising existential questions, "Woodstock 50" isn't alone.
The competing celebration of Woodstock, the "Bethel Woods Music and Culture Festival," faced questions of cancellation back in February when INVNT, a branding and live storytelling agency, suddenly announced it would not be producing their event that same August 16-18. Did Bethel Woods find another path, or did INVNT withdraw because the locals scaled it back too much to be worthwhile for the agency? Signs point to the latter. Still, it begs the question: if Bethel found a way to keep going after its fiscal enabler dropped out, will "Woodstock 50" be able to survive, too?
Thing is, there is far more at stake than with your ordinary annual festival. Buzz late last year of the possibility of a new event named "Journey On" with a planned 6+ stages, accomodating 35,000+ people, including "Woodstock legends + more," was taken seriously and may have unnerved the Bethel Woods organizers enough to cut back their plans to a fraction of what they originally intended.
The Lazurus Bookings for "Woodstock 50"
No, Robert Plant didn't play the first Woodstock. Led Zep wasn't yet a phenom in 1969.
But plenty who got booked for "Woodstock 50" did play the original.
And when it comes to outside money withdrawing and raising existential questions, "Woodstock 50" isn't alone.
The competing celebration of Woodstock, the "Bethel Woods Music and Culture Festival," faced questions of cancellation back in February when INVNT, a branding and live storytelling agency, suddenly announced it would not be producing their event that same August 16-18. Did Bethel Woods find another path, or did INVNT withdraw because the locals scaled it back too much to be worthwhile for the agency? Signs point to the latter. Still, it begs the question: if Bethel found a way to keep going after its fiscal enabler dropped out, will "Woodstock 50" be able to survive, too?
Thing is, there is far more at stake than with your ordinary annual festival. Buzz late last year of the possibility of a new event named "Journey On" with a planned 6+ stages, accomodating 35,000+ people, including "Woodstock legends + more," was taken seriously and may have unnerved the Bethel Woods organizers enough to cut back their plans to a fraction of what they originally intended.
The Lazurus Bookings for "Woodstock 50"
No, Robert Plant didn't play the first Woodstock. Led Zep wasn't yet a phenom in 1969.
But plenty who got booked for "Woodstock 50" did play the original.
Dead and Company -- the surviving members of the Grateful Dead -- together with John Fogerty, Santana, John Sebastian, Country Joe McDonald, Canned Heat, and Hot Tuna – all acts that took part in the 1969 festival – are booked for this one.
Many who added to their legend at Woodstock are, of course, dead. Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix and Doors lead singer Jim Morrison all shuffled off their mortal coils at young ages due to drug overdoses. Others, like the Mamas and the Papas Mama Cass Elliot succumbed to physiological collapse brought about by eating disorders. There were horrible, near-fatal but career-ending car crashes, like what happened to Sweetwater. And there's been the combination of age and rock and roll life style that's claimed more who famously played Woodstock, like Jerry Garcia.
It's 2019. How Do you Build a Castle from Drywall and Plastic?
The final announced lineup appeared to fulfill Lang’s promise to include a cross-generational, cross-genre mashup of contradictory things that many fans of one can't stand beyond what they already like. Think of it like Coachella and Stagecoach jammed together and on steroids.
If "Woodstock 50" still happens, it has practitioners of what's arguably country -- Anderson East, Sturgill Simpson, Margo Price, Brandi Carlile. It has hip-hop -- Jay-Z, Chance the Rapper, Run the Jewels, Common, Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples, Princess Nokia. It has what passes today for rock -- the Raconteurs, Greta Van Fleet, Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Courtney Barnett, Boygenius, Gary Clark Jr. And it has pop -- Miley Cyrus, Maggie Rogers, Halsey, Janelle Monae.
Many who added to their legend at Woodstock are, of course, dead. Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix and Doors lead singer Jim Morrison all shuffled off their mortal coils at young ages due to drug overdoses. Others, like the Mamas and the Papas Mama Cass Elliot succumbed to physiological collapse brought about by eating disorders. There were horrible, near-fatal but career-ending car crashes, like what happened to Sweetwater. And there's been the combination of age and rock and roll life style that's claimed more who famously played Woodstock, like Jerry Garcia.
It's 2019. How Do you Build a Castle from Drywall and Plastic?
The final announced lineup appeared to fulfill Lang’s promise to include a cross-generational, cross-genre mashup of contradictory things that many fans of one can't stand beyond what they already like. Think of it like Coachella and Stagecoach jammed together and on steroids.
If "Woodstock 50" still happens, it has practitioners of what's arguably country -- Anderson East, Sturgill Simpson, Margo Price, Brandi Carlile. It has hip-hop -- Jay-Z, Chance the Rapper, Run the Jewels, Common, Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples, Princess Nokia. It has what passes today for rock -- the Raconteurs, Greta Van Fleet, Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Courtney Barnett, Boygenius, Gary Clark Jr. And it has pop -- Miley Cyrus, Maggie Rogers, Halsey, Janelle Monae.
Inescapably, the central appeal is the quest to recapture a magic based on nostalgic lore and deconstructing trivia as a compulsion to prove "it used to be better."
For example, John Fogerty played the original Woodstock with Creedence Clearwater Revival. Nobody knew at the time because there was no internet and the buzz was about what would promote the record. Moreover, nobody knew because the band's always-difficult label refused to grant clearance for their performance to be included on that multiplatinum festival soundtrack album (or even on its sequel) OR in the iconic movie.
Now, Fogerty can't talk about playing Woodstock with Creedence because he has agreements with his old band members that neither can use the full "CCR" name, and he has a separate agreement with that same label (Fantasy Records, long the label that epitomized greedy and stupid). Fogerty even had to purchase performance rights to all the songs he wrote with his old band, and he can't talk about that, either.
The whole thing kept Creedence Clearwater Revival from becoming even bigger after Woodstock, as did most of the acts who played it. It followed that CCR never enjoyed its rightful place as the distinctly idiosyncratic California rootsy-trad-Americana-rock band that paved the way for the Eagles, Old Crow Medicine Show, and mainstream opportunities for regional niche artists like Doug and Sammy Kershaw.
Even though "Americana" did not yet exist as a music genre. CCR was the California Bay-Area/Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta band responsible for late '60s "swamp rock," the Louisiana-invoking rage of the time. Along with that, CCR was not properly noted for also pioneering the California laid-back sound that would be the Eagles signature a scant five years later.
It's now just a part of the huge repository of Woodstock-related lore for those who can never get enough. The headlines went elsewhere.
After all, it was the just-formed foursome of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young that got on the festival compilation double-album, into the movie, and very deservingly took title to the post-folk-scare kings of folk-rock. Just as it was Jimi Hendrix who awakened the crowd the second morning with his electric guitar solo of "The Star-Spangled Banner," an instant phenomenon in a time when anti-war protests had presumably made any "patriotic anthems" anethema.
There is no question why Woodstock has always conjured a state of mind that transcends all of its realities.
Of course that began when Joni Mitchell wrote the definitive song about it, even though she was trapped miles away in the days-long traffic quagmire the festival created, and she never got there.
Myths and legends apply all around, for those who were there and talk honestly about it like L.A. musician Alex del Zoppo of the band Sweetwater -- the scheduled opening act, caught in traffic, who actually played second at the original Woodstock -- all the way through the interceding five decades to the generations who were not yet born when it happened.
After too much musical fluff in a pair of '90s Woodstock reduxes, this one, "Woodstock 50," appeared to have a winning mix of bookings. It seemed it would attract, in common, fans of in-vogue droll monotonic, robotic urban electronica, cop-killer rap/hip-hop, nominally country, and the kind of real folk-rock and genuinely creative, lyrically substantial, melodic rock that characterized the original.
At the press conference in March announcing "Woodstock 50," Lang said, in a bit of a redundant ramble, “What we’ve assembled here is a combination of some of the great artists from our era and many of the great artists of today and hopefully some of the great artists of tomorrow. Many of these artists are committed to social change, have their own issues that they support, but also support these global issues of climate change and Black Lives Matter.”
For example, John Fogerty played the original Woodstock with Creedence Clearwater Revival. Nobody knew at the time because there was no internet and the buzz was about what would promote the record. Moreover, nobody knew because the band's always-difficult label refused to grant clearance for their performance to be included on that multiplatinum festival soundtrack album (or even on its sequel) OR in the iconic movie.
Now, Fogerty can't talk about playing Woodstock with Creedence because he has agreements with his old band members that neither can use the full "CCR" name, and he has a separate agreement with that same label (Fantasy Records, long the label that epitomized greedy and stupid). Fogerty even had to purchase performance rights to all the songs he wrote with his old band, and he can't talk about that, either.
The whole thing kept Creedence Clearwater Revival from becoming even bigger after Woodstock, as did most of the acts who played it. It followed that CCR never enjoyed its rightful place as the distinctly idiosyncratic California rootsy-trad-Americana-rock band that paved the way for the Eagles, Old Crow Medicine Show, and mainstream opportunities for regional niche artists like Doug and Sammy Kershaw.
Even though "Americana" did not yet exist as a music genre. CCR was the California Bay-Area/Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta band responsible for late '60s "swamp rock," the Louisiana-invoking rage of the time. Along with that, CCR was not properly noted for also pioneering the California laid-back sound that would be the Eagles signature a scant five years later.
It's now just a part of the huge repository of Woodstock-related lore for those who can never get enough. The headlines went elsewhere.
After all, it was the just-formed foursome of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young that got on the festival compilation double-album, into the movie, and very deservingly took title to the post-folk-scare kings of folk-rock. Just as it was Jimi Hendrix who awakened the crowd the second morning with his electric guitar solo of "The Star-Spangled Banner," an instant phenomenon in a time when anti-war protests had presumably made any "patriotic anthems" anethema.
There is no question why Woodstock has always conjured a state of mind that transcends all of its realities.
Of course that began when Joni Mitchell wrote the definitive song about it, even though she was trapped miles away in the days-long traffic quagmire the festival created, and she never got there.
Myths and legends apply all around, for those who were there and talk honestly about it like L.A. musician Alex del Zoppo of the band Sweetwater -- the scheduled opening act, caught in traffic, who actually played second at the original Woodstock -- all the way through the interceding five decades to the generations who were not yet born when it happened.
After too much musical fluff in a pair of '90s Woodstock reduxes, this one, "Woodstock 50," appeared to have a winning mix of bookings. It seemed it would attract, in common, fans of in-vogue droll monotonic, robotic urban electronica, cop-killer rap/hip-hop, nominally country, and the kind of real folk-rock and genuinely creative, lyrically substantial, melodic rock that characterized the original.
At the press conference in March announcing "Woodstock 50," Lang said, in a bit of a redundant ramble, “What we’ve assembled here is a combination of some of the great artists from our era and many of the great artists of today and hopefully some of the great artists of tomorrow. Many of these artists are committed to social change, have their own issues that they support, but also support these global issues of climate change and Black Lives Matter.”
Ah, THAT, Mr. Lang, is the inevitable 21st century add-on thought about social and environmental consciousness.
It isn't just a de rigeur element to get soapbox time in the present. It's the legitimate homage to what came to be called "The Woodstock generation." After all, those influenced by what happened on Yazger's Farm forced global awakenings and demanded attention by the powerful in government to industry's wayward ways.
The influence is widespread and undeniable. Woodstock happened in 1970, the year of the first Earth Day. Even with Nixon in office, the National Environmental Policy Act became law in 1970. The Endangered Species Act was signed in 1973. The voting age was lowered to 18 as a result of the Twenty-sixth Amendment to the Constitution, already being fought for in 1969, and adopted by the states in record fast time in 1971. The Equal Rights Amendment, first introduced in 1923 by Alice Paul, was revived by the Woodstock generation and narrowly failed in 1977 (it's back in our time, gaining momentum from "Me, Too," and with the same forces still opposing it.)
Thus, when Lang said, "Woodstock is a phenomenon that for 50 years has drawn attention to its principles and also the rumors that can be attached to that attention,” he was seeking to do more than dismiss the rumors when ticket sales failed to start.
It had begun so hopefully. "Woodstock 50" was formally announced by John Fogerty, Common, and Woodstock co-founder Lang at New York’s Electric Lady Studios on March 19th. Rolling Stone's Daniel Kreps noted, "Amazingly, it was the first time that Lang had stepped foot in the studio since he was there with Jimi Hendrix a little under 50 years ago."
At that evening event, Lang reflected back on the original festival with comedy writer Alan Zweibel. Fogerty played a few songs, including "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," his tune inspired by the infamous gullywasher rain storm at Woodstock.
There seemed no reason to doubt investors were on board in the same necessary, anonymous way that light riggers and portapotties would be there. However, an apparently crucial week passed following no start of ticket sales on Earth Day, and without any updated ticket information.
Thus, Dentsu, being an investors' firm, canceled its role in "Woodstock 50" on Monday, and if you want to believe big music media, that was the stake through the heart. According to Billboard, the dry fact is, the festival "was canceled due to concerns about the capacity of the festival, permit issues and site readiness."
Rolling Stone points out that the "same site in Watkins Glen, New York, has seen large-scale music festivals canceled in consecutive years: In 2018, Phish’s 'Curveball' was called off at the last minute due to water conditions at the festival site."
Of course, their reference to "consecutive years" includes their acceptance that "Woodstock 50" is stillborn in 2019.
Lang says otherwise. The festival's official site, https://www.woodstock.com, is still up and running, still proclaiming "love, peace and music -- for the people, for the planet."
But the automatic countdown clock is frozen at 107 days, 19 hours, 58 minutes "until Woodstock returns."
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What about the OTHER 50th anniversary Woodstock Redux?
That one is the unaffiliated "Bethel Woods Music and Culture Festival," and it's booked Ringo Starr, Santana, the Doobie Brothers, and the Edgar Winter Band.
It will take place at the site of the original 1969 Woodstock, also set for the same dates as the original.
It isn't just a de rigeur element to get soapbox time in the present. It's the legitimate homage to what came to be called "The Woodstock generation." After all, those influenced by what happened on Yazger's Farm forced global awakenings and demanded attention by the powerful in government to industry's wayward ways.
The influence is widespread and undeniable. Woodstock happened in 1970, the year of the first Earth Day. Even with Nixon in office, the National Environmental Policy Act became law in 1970. The Endangered Species Act was signed in 1973. The voting age was lowered to 18 as a result of the Twenty-sixth Amendment to the Constitution, already being fought for in 1969, and adopted by the states in record fast time in 1971. The Equal Rights Amendment, first introduced in 1923 by Alice Paul, was revived by the Woodstock generation and narrowly failed in 1977 (it's back in our time, gaining momentum from "Me, Too," and with the same forces still opposing it.)
Thus, when Lang said, "Woodstock is a phenomenon that for 50 years has drawn attention to its principles and also the rumors that can be attached to that attention,” he was seeking to do more than dismiss the rumors when ticket sales failed to start.
It had begun so hopefully. "Woodstock 50" was formally announced by John Fogerty, Common, and Woodstock co-founder Lang at New York’s Electric Lady Studios on March 19th. Rolling Stone's Daniel Kreps noted, "Amazingly, it was the first time that Lang had stepped foot in the studio since he was there with Jimi Hendrix a little under 50 years ago."
At that evening event, Lang reflected back on the original festival with comedy writer Alan Zweibel. Fogerty played a few songs, including "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," his tune inspired by the infamous gullywasher rain storm at Woodstock.
There seemed no reason to doubt investors were on board in the same necessary, anonymous way that light riggers and portapotties would be there. However, an apparently crucial week passed following no start of ticket sales on Earth Day, and without any updated ticket information.
Thus, Dentsu, being an investors' firm, canceled its role in "Woodstock 50" on Monday, and if you want to believe big music media, that was the stake through the heart. According to Billboard, the dry fact is, the festival "was canceled due to concerns about the capacity of the festival, permit issues and site readiness."
Rolling Stone points out that the "same site in Watkins Glen, New York, has seen large-scale music festivals canceled in consecutive years: In 2018, Phish’s 'Curveball' was called off at the last minute due to water conditions at the festival site."
Of course, their reference to "consecutive years" includes their acceptance that "Woodstock 50" is stillborn in 2019.
Lang says otherwise. The festival's official site, https://www.woodstock.com, is still up and running, still proclaiming "love, peace and music -- for the people, for the planet."
But the automatic countdown clock is frozen at 107 days, 19 hours, 58 minutes "until Woodstock returns."
___
What about the OTHER 50th anniversary Woodstock Redux?
That one is the unaffiliated "Bethel Woods Music and Culture Festival," and it's booked Ringo Starr, Santana, the Doobie Brothers, and the Edgar Winter Band.
It will take place at the site of the original 1969 Woodstock, also set for the same dates as the original.
But Bethel and "Woodstock 50" are nothing alike. The latter is a big outdoor happening with camping, the standard immersive experience that Woodstock pioneered when it made a rock music festival into a chatauqua with pot.
Adjacent to its amphitheater venue, Bethel Woods does boast an attractive modern museum. Focus is the central role of Woodstock as cultural culmination of the turbulent '60s. So, all day when there's no music until evening, you can make museum visits.
Two exhibits at the Museum at Bethel Woods look back to the summer of '69. Both run March 30-Dec. 31. “We Are Stardust” examines the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing of July, 1969; and “We Are Golden” looks at Woodstock "and the global aspirations of youth living in 1969. The museum makes sure site visitors know "'We are stardust' and 'We are golden' are lyrics from the Joni Mitchell song, 'Woodstock.'"
Tickets for the Bethel Woods "fest" are really individual event tickets, being handled just like any four separate concerts in their performing arts center season. You can't stay. Get a hotel in town. And the only events are in the evening. The tix for each of the four nights (they begin a night early, with Arlo and the screening) -- are available amidst all the center's ticket offerings, at:
https://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/1020?_ga=2.149762934.1134940688.1556200478-1734123998.1555499173
On its first night, Thursday, August 15th, Bethel Woods hosts a screening of the concert film "Woodstock: The Director’s Cut" outdoors on the field where the original 1969 Woodstock festival happened. Arlo Guthrie, veteran of the original Woodstock, has signed-on to do a free concert in conjunction with the screening. It'll be a chance to play history tourist.
After that, it's concerts in a Hollywood-Bowl-like environment. No skinny dipping. No mud. No announcements about "the brown acid being not specifically too good."
The second night, Friday, Ringo Starr and the Edgar Winter Band will perform at the venue’s 15,000-person amphitheater. On Saturday, Santana and the Doobie Brothers are scheduled.
Sunday’s "acts" turned out to be singular, not plural. John Fogerty, who had helped announce the competing event, was signed in Bethel Woods as their festival closer.
Thing is, nearly everything about the Bethel Woods fest has been known since the end of February.
It's almost excruciating to know that back in January, Carlos Santana first revealed to Rolling Stone that he had aligned with the Bethel Woods celebration and not with "Woodstock 50." He later signed to play both, but read on.
Santana, who performed at the 1969 fest, explained, “They have an amphitheater there,” explaining his initial choice of the Bethel Woods event.
Indeed, the original Woodstock site is home to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, https://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/, a performance amphitheater. The center's Chief Executive Officer, Darlene Fedun, said in a statement, “We recognize the importance of this place to so many, and our mission of preservation and interpretation of the 1960s is central to 'A Season of Song and Celebration,' as it provides our guests the opportunity to reflect, to learn and to celebrate the legacy of what occurred here.”
Okay, Ms. Fedun, that's good boilerplate about what happened in 1969. But what about what will happen in 2019?
Santana went on to say, “I’m going to invite whoever is still here, whether it’s Joan Baez or members from Sly Stone, and I’m going to play Santana music. Santana’s going to be the house band, but I want to be able to honor those who are still here and maybe invite rappers like Common or Kendrick Lamar. Santana’s very interested, like Miles Davis, into connecting with people from seven-years-old to under 33. I don’t want to be just like a jukebox in the twilight zone, stuck in the Sixties.”
If you're shaking your head, you're not alone. Obviously, he could have been describing the people booked for the OTHER festival, "Woodstock 50," the one he later signed to play also. The one that now might not be happening.
Adjacent to its amphitheater venue, Bethel Woods does boast an attractive modern museum. Focus is the central role of Woodstock as cultural culmination of the turbulent '60s. So, all day when there's no music until evening, you can make museum visits.
Two exhibits at the Museum at Bethel Woods look back to the summer of '69. Both run March 30-Dec. 31. “We Are Stardust” examines the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing of July, 1969; and “We Are Golden” looks at Woodstock "and the global aspirations of youth living in 1969. The museum makes sure site visitors know "'We are stardust' and 'We are golden' are lyrics from the Joni Mitchell song, 'Woodstock.'"
Tickets for the Bethel Woods "fest" are really individual event tickets, being handled just like any four separate concerts in their performing arts center season. You can't stay. Get a hotel in town. And the only events are in the evening. The tix for each of the four nights (they begin a night early, with Arlo and the screening) -- are available amidst all the center's ticket offerings, at:
https://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/1020?_ga=2.149762934.1134940688.1556200478-1734123998.1555499173
On its first night, Thursday, August 15th, Bethel Woods hosts a screening of the concert film "Woodstock: The Director’s Cut" outdoors on the field where the original 1969 Woodstock festival happened. Arlo Guthrie, veteran of the original Woodstock, has signed-on to do a free concert in conjunction with the screening. It'll be a chance to play history tourist.
After that, it's concerts in a Hollywood-Bowl-like environment. No skinny dipping. No mud. No announcements about "the brown acid being not specifically too good."
The second night, Friday, Ringo Starr and the Edgar Winter Band will perform at the venue’s 15,000-person amphitheater. On Saturday, Santana and the Doobie Brothers are scheduled.
Sunday’s "acts" turned out to be singular, not plural. John Fogerty, who had helped announce the competing event, was signed in Bethel Woods as their festival closer.
Thing is, nearly everything about the Bethel Woods fest has been known since the end of February.
It's almost excruciating to know that back in January, Carlos Santana first revealed to Rolling Stone that he had aligned with the Bethel Woods celebration and not with "Woodstock 50." He later signed to play both, but read on.
Santana, who performed at the 1969 fest, explained, “They have an amphitheater there,” explaining his initial choice of the Bethel Woods event.
Indeed, the original Woodstock site is home to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, https://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/, a performance amphitheater. The center's Chief Executive Officer, Darlene Fedun, said in a statement, “We recognize the importance of this place to so many, and our mission of preservation and interpretation of the 1960s is central to 'A Season of Song and Celebration,' as it provides our guests the opportunity to reflect, to learn and to celebrate the legacy of what occurred here.”
Okay, Ms. Fedun, that's good boilerplate about what happened in 1969. But what about what will happen in 2019?
Santana went on to say, “I’m going to invite whoever is still here, whether it’s Joan Baez or members from Sly Stone, and I’m going to play Santana music. Santana’s going to be the house band, but I want to be able to honor those who are still here and maybe invite rappers like Common or Kendrick Lamar. Santana’s very interested, like Miles Davis, into connecting with people from seven-years-old to under 33. I don’t want to be just like a jukebox in the twilight zone, stuck in the Sixties.”
If you're shaking your head, you're not alone. Obviously, he could have been describing the people booked for the OTHER festival, "Woodstock 50," the one he later signed to play also. The one that now might not be happening.
With just six acts plus the film screening booked, Bethel Woods dramatically reduced the envisioned scope of its intended "adventure in inclusion" (oir characterization) for the 50th anniversary celebration.
Initially promising “live performances from prominent and emerging artists spanning multiple genres and decades, and TED-style talks from leading futurists and retro-tech experts,” it let all the air out when it quietly stopped booking.
Bethel Woods was looking a lot like a poor stepchild. Until Lang's giant celebration seemed to have gone bust on Monday.
The uncertainties beg questions.
Will there be a stampede of acts from a foundering "Woodstock 50" descending on Bethel? Would Bethel Woods even be willing to reclaim its own original intention, if there is no 500-pound gorilla competition? Or does its physical environment and attend-a-concert-then-go-home culture make it impossible, anyway?
Bethel Woods Township received a $200,000 New York State grant last December to create campsites, attract visitors, and encourage multi-day festivals and events to benefit the local economy. It wasn't specifically tied to a 50th anniversary, and the opportunity goes unrealized.
In 2018, about 4 million people visited the same county's portion of the Catskill Mountains, and the Woodstock golden anniversary year brought high expectations for many more tourists this year.
Meanwhile, December's other grant from the state -- 36 fiberglass doves to create a "Dove Trail" through Sullivan County, leading to the site of Woodstock -- became available to be perched on signposts and snapped-up by other attractions. If you're thinking monkey with a typewriter, you're not alone.
We've seen festivals get in trouble when their sites get consumed by forest conflagrations, or cancelled by dangerously unbreatheable smoke from distant fires. Or when they're clobbered by floods that deliver debris inundations or wash away sites or access roads, or cause highway tunnel collapses.
A six-stage festival we produced for a respected charity saw our pre-approved stage construction arrangements were suddenly rejected by the host site just three days out.
A few years ago, the greed of the insurance industry nearly killed special events altogether.
Nasty surprises always abound for anyone wanting to provide a good time for others.
We recall a time once, in the Tehachapi Mountains, when a festival was cancelled because of a plague scare. Yep, the PLAGUE. Ground squirrels were dying of sylvatic plague that can maybe become bubonic plague in humans.
But, THIS? Two competing fifty-year anniversary festivals in rural upstate New York, 150 miles apart, both celebrating the same thing? Both in homage to THE most iconic live music event that ever was? BOTH scheduled to complete with almost no possibility for crossover crowds, because they happen on the same three days? One a concert series that never should have been touted as a festival in the first place, and whose presence made the OTHER look unnecessarily costly and extravagant? It was all a built-in guarantee for something to fail.
Apparently the bigger and better one -- the real festival -- has collapsed. But maybe not. The original Woodstock came close to being cancelled several times and it escaped extinction with hours to spare. (Famously part of all that Woodstock lore.) We're not ready to call the hearse. One of those original producers may have some of his nine lives left.
Other'n that? If "Woodstock 50" doesn't happen, and if we were still inclined to trek to upstate New York, we'd join the coiffed, clean-clothes evening-concert-series crowd at Bethel Woods -- except we'd go June 13-16, instead, for "The Mountain Jam" music festival, with Willie Nelson, Gov’t Mule, the Avett Brothers, and others.
Initially promising “live performances from prominent and emerging artists spanning multiple genres and decades, and TED-style talks from leading futurists and retro-tech experts,” it let all the air out when it quietly stopped booking.
Bethel Woods was looking a lot like a poor stepchild. Until Lang's giant celebration seemed to have gone bust on Monday.
The uncertainties beg questions.
Will there be a stampede of acts from a foundering "Woodstock 50" descending on Bethel? Would Bethel Woods even be willing to reclaim its own original intention, if there is no 500-pound gorilla competition? Or does its physical environment and attend-a-concert-then-go-home culture make it impossible, anyway?
Bethel Woods Township received a $200,000 New York State grant last December to create campsites, attract visitors, and encourage multi-day festivals and events to benefit the local economy. It wasn't specifically tied to a 50th anniversary, and the opportunity goes unrealized.
In 2018, about 4 million people visited the same county's portion of the Catskill Mountains, and the Woodstock golden anniversary year brought high expectations for many more tourists this year.
Meanwhile, December's other grant from the state -- 36 fiberglass doves to create a "Dove Trail" through Sullivan County, leading to the site of Woodstock -- became available to be perched on signposts and snapped-up by other attractions. If you're thinking monkey with a typewriter, you're not alone.
We've seen festivals get in trouble when their sites get consumed by forest conflagrations, or cancelled by dangerously unbreatheable smoke from distant fires. Or when they're clobbered by floods that deliver debris inundations or wash away sites or access roads, or cause highway tunnel collapses.
A six-stage festival we produced for a respected charity saw our pre-approved stage construction arrangements were suddenly rejected by the host site just three days out.
A few years ago, the greed of the insurance industry nearly killed special events altogether.
Nasty surprises always abound for anyone wanting to provide a good time for others.
We recall a time once, in the Tehachapi Mountains, when a festival was cancelled because of a plague scare. Yep, the PLAGUE. Ground squirrels were dying of sylvatic plague that can maybe become bubonic plague in humans.
But, THIS? Two competing fifty-year anniversary festivals in rural upstate New York, 150 miles apart, both celebrating the same thing? Both in homage to THE most iconic live music event that ever was? BOTH scheduled to complete with almost no possibility for crossover crowds, because they happen on the same three days? One a concert series that never should have been touted as a festival in the first place, and whose presence made the OTHER look unnecessarily costly and extravagant? It was all a built-in guarantee for something to fail.
Apparently the bigger and better one -- the real festival -- has collapsed. But maybe not. The original Woodstock came close to being cancelled several times and it escaped extinction with hours to spare. (Famously part of all that Woodstock lore.) We're not ready to call the hearse. One of those original producers may have some of his nine lives left.
Other'n that? If "Woodstock 50" doesn't happen, and if we were still inclined to trek to upstate New York, we'd join the coiffed, clean-clothes evening-concert-series crowd at Bethel Woods -- except we'd go June 13-16, instead, for "The Mountain Jam" music festival, with Willie Nelson, Gov’t Mule, the Avett Brothers, and others.
If there is a "Woodstock 50" 150 miles from there, we'd catch Arlo and the director's cut screening on the actual ground on Thursday, August 15th, the night before "Woodstock 50" is supposed to start. Where the crowd will surely be barefoot. But that's just us.
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ADDITIONS TO THIS EDITION will be made regularly until it's time for a full replacement to take over.
The most recent 'uge, 2-volume NEWS FEATURES edition, is still available. You can find it at:
https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2019/04/musicafied-mollified-or-muellerfried.html
The most recent 'uge, 2-volume NEWS FEATURES edition, is still available. You can find it at:
https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2019/04/musicafied-mollified-or-muellerfried.html
As always, we have lots of MUSIC NEWS features in the works, and they'll be along as we get them dressed, shoes tied, cowlicks combed down, bowties cranked straight, and strings tuned.
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'Til we catch ya on the flip side,
in our best Kathy Baker
"Hee Haw" voice: "THAT's all!"
in our best Kathy Baker
"Hee Haw" voice: "THAT's all!"
Stay tuneful!
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We'll be back again soon with music news and more "News of the Non-Trumpcentric Universe." (c)
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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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♪ 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 cyber porch'll be here anytime you come back from the road.
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