A pause, amidst the amazing offering of acoustic music possibilities…
May 10th, in history…
Happy Golden Spike Day! On May 10, 1869, the final spike – made of California gold – completed the first transcontinental railroad. It was atop Promontory Summit, a high, windblown, shallow saddle of sage-covered landscape in the wilds of Utah, just north of the Great Salt Lake.
The Union Pacific’s Irish immigrant tracklayers had built from the east, across the sea of grass of the Great Plains, then over a gentle crossing of the Rockies in Wyoming, finally encountering high canyon walls in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah.
The Central Pacific’s Chinese immigrant work force had built from California up, through, and ultimately over the mighty High Sierra, then down and across the brutal deserts of Nevada and into Utah.
It was the feat of the age, comparable, in its time, to the moon landing a hundred years later. The event united East and West, and was of incalculable value in uniting North and South a scant five years after the Civil War. An arduous three-month overland wagon trek was replaced overnight by a three-day journey by rail. A new mindset took hold, seeing everything as within reach of the American dream. As much as anything ever has, it made us one nation.
Each year on May 10, the National Park Service re-enacts the event on the exact site, with a pair of replica steam locomotives and a troupe of actors in period attire (who may or may not use words like those originally spoken when the iconic photograph was taken). Wherever you are, raise a glass to the spike, and to all those, known and unknown, whose labors made it possible, 142 years ago.
Musically, it's remained part of our consciousness, as recently as the hit, just a few years ago, "Driving the Last Spike." (Question for you: tell us who recorded that!)
Now, let's get on to the latest batch of 21st century News Features from The Guide!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Artists Workshop: How to Work the Media" RETURNS May 11, 7:30 pm
“HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS”
… and others in the music business and the arts
Larry Wines workshop/seminar is so popular they booked it again – for next WEDNESDAY EVENING, May 11, at 7:30 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena (just N of Pasadena).
This workshop is highly acclaimed by artists who have already experienced it. The current #1 single and album on the Western Music Chart is by the Tumbling Tumbleweeds, who took the workshop last summer. They'll tell you they used all the techniques when their new album (now #1) was released.
Professional touring artists – in many music genres – have taken this workshop and rave about it. Whether you tour or seek local gigs, there's plenty here for you. If you have a new CD coming out, this workshop is ESSENTIAL.
Workshop presenter Larry Wines is an award-winning editor, journalist, and broadcaster. He has added even MORE to his acclaimed workshop since its presentation on April 16.
It's now THREE hours with a break halfway through, because it’s so packed with information. Larry has added a NEW section on “The Venue/Media Interface,” and how to effectively work THAT aspect. The workshop is organized with PLENTY of examples illustrating all the techniques you'll learn. You'll get the ENTIRE presentation on disc at the conclusion (as a 161-slide Power Point) PLUS 21 supportive PDF docs(!) – with additional in-depth info and full-size examples of the most effective One-Sheets, Artist Bios, Press Releases, and more – ALL explained in detail, with how-and-why the techniques and plan work!
Learning to “work” the media – and how to do it EFFECTIVELY – is not a skill that comes naturally to most artists, because the media has its own culture and way of doing things.
Learn WHAT WORKS from someone who's been there, from newspapers to magazines to broadcasting to consulting, and taken the time to study the processes, the psychology of people in the media, work environment, the way work flow happens through the week (it’s important to understand timing before you contact them, because you want results!) and lots more.
Q: “What happens when I mail my brand-new CD for a review or radio airplay?”
Answer: too often, nothing. Literally nothing. (Unless you know WHAT to do.)
Q: “Are there ways to guarantee the media will pay attention to my CD and my gigs?”
Answer: YES! This workshop teaches techniques and an effective plan!
Q: “Is this all just obvious stuff if I think about it, or is there important stuff or art involved here?”
Answer: There is art AND technique AND required specific content AND effective presentation AND knowing who to reach AND what to give them AND timing – if you want to be successful. You want to get results from the money you spend sending packages and CDs to the media – your hopes run high, and you want your emotional and financial investments, and your time, to be worthwhile – all that you've been spending trying to get the media to let the world know you make music, win awards, have fans. This workshop shows you how to do that!
Q: “Can I actually build a relationship with the media, so they'll want to hear from me?”
Answer: YES. We'll teach you the most effective techniques in the workshop.
Q: “Isn't my web presence and EPK enough to handle this?”
Answer: Did Picasso put drawings in bottles and throw them in the ocean? The web is effective only if you do EVERYTHING right AND you know what to do to get the right people to go there and interact with it. And “working” the media requires much more. We'll teach you SPECIFICS with EXAMPLES of the how, what, and why.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 11, at 7:30 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Ave, Altadena.
RESERVATIONS get a discount: $30 with a reservation, $35 without a reservation (and if space remains – limited to 30 participants per session). Starts PROMPTLY at 7:30 pm, runs THREE hours, including a break. Reservations, call 626-807-3229. (Call, don't email).
FOOD:
The coffeehouse has a wide selection of sandwiches & salads, Mama Julie's award-winning chili, plus many hot and cold drinks, wonderful real fruit smoothies, & Fosselman's Ice Cream.
… and others in the music business and the arts
Larry Wines workshop/seminar is so popular they booked it again – for next WEDNESDAY EVENING, May 11, at 7:30 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena (just N of Pasadena).
This workshop is highly acclaimed by artists who have already experienced it. The current #1 single and album on the Western Music Chart is by the Tumbling Tumbleweeds, who took the workshop last summer. They'll tell you they used all the techniques when their new album (now #1) was released.
Professional touring artists – in many music genres – have taken this workshop and rave about it. Whether you tour or seek local gigs, there's plenty here for you. If you have a new CD coming out, this workshop is ESSENTIAL.
Workshop presenter Larry Wines is an award-winning editor, journalist, and broadcaster. He has added even MORE to his acclaimed workshop since its presentation on April 16.
It's now THREE hours with a break halfway through, because it’s so packed with information. Larry has added a NEW section on “The Venue/Media Interface,” and how to effectively work THAT aspect. The workshop is organized with PLENTY of examples illustrating all the techniques you'll learn. You'll get the ENTIRE presentation on disc at the conclusion (as a 161-slide Power Point) PLUS 21 supportive PDF docs(!) – with additional in-depth info and full-size examples of the most effective One-Sheets, Artist Bios, Press Releases, and more – ALL explained in detail, with how-and-why the techniques and plan work!
Learning to “work” the media – and how to do it EFFECTIVELY – is not a skill that comes naturally to most artists, because the media has its own culture and way of doing things.
Learn WHAT WORKS from someone who's been there, from newspapers to magazines to broadcasting to consulting, and taken the time to study the processes, the psychology of people in the media, work environment, the way work flow happens through the week (it’s important to understand timing before you contact them, because you want results!) and lots more.
Q: “What happens when I mail my brand-new CD for a review or radio airplay?”
Answer: too often, nothing. Literally nothing. (Unless you know WHAT to do.)
Q: “Are there ways to guarantee the media will pay attention to my CD and my gigs?”
Answer: YES! This workshop teaches techniques and an effective plan!
Q: “Is this all just obvious stuff if I think about it, or is there important stuff or art involved here?”
Answer: There is art AND technique AND required specific content AND effective presentation AND knowing who to reach AND what to give them AND timing – if you want to be successful. You want to get results from the money you spend sending packages and CDs to the media – your hopes run high, and you want your emotional and financial investments, and your time, to be worthwhile – all that you've been spending trying to get the media to let the world know you make music, win awards, have fans. This workshop shows you how to do that!
Q: “Can I actually build a relationship with the media, so they'll want to hear from me?”
Answer: YES. We'll teach you the most effective techniques in the workshop.
Q: “Isn't my web presence and EPK enough to handle this?”
Answer: Did Picasso put drawings in bottles and throw them in the ocean? The web is effective only if you do EVERYTHING right AND you know what to do to get the right people to go there and interact with it. And “working” the media requires much more. We'll teach you SPECIFICS with EXAMPLES of the how, what, and why.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 11, at 7:30 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Ave, Altadena.
RESERVATIONS get a discount: $30 with a reservation, $35 without a reservation (and if space remains – limited to 30 participants per session). Starts PROMPTLY at 7:30 pm, runs THREE hours, including a break. Reservations, call 626-807-3229. (Call, don't email).
FOOD:
The coffeehouse has a wide selection of sandwiches & salads, Mama Julie's award-winning chili, plus many hot and cold drinks, wonderful real fruit smoothies, & Fosselman's Ice Cream.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
“HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS”
[to get to the latest edition of the Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS, click from the table of contents on the left.]
||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
“HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS”
… and others in the music business and the arts
This is an upgraded and improved version of the workshop presented to great acclaim at the Autry Museum last summer, It's presented by the editor of the Acoustic Americana Music Guide, award-winning editor / journalist / broadcaster Larry Wines.
Saturday, April 16, at 1 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena (just N of Pasadena).
This workshop is highly acclaimed by artists who have already experienced it. The current #1 single and album on the Western Music Chart is by the Tumbling Tumbleweeds, who took the workshop last summer. They'll tell you they used all the techniques when their new album (now #1) was released.
Professional touring artists – in many genres – have taken this workshop and rave about it. Whether you tour or seek local gigs, there's plenty here for you. If you have a new CD coming out, this workshop is ESSENTIAL.
Workshop presenter Larry Wines is an award-winning editor, journalist, and broadcaster. He has just added even MORE to his acclaimed workshop.
It's two information-packed hours, plus a break halfway through. It's organized with PLENTY of examples illustrating all the techniques you'll learn. You'll get the entire presentation on disc at the conclusion (as a Power Point) PLUS many Word and PDF examples of the most effective One-Sheets, Artist Bios, Press Releases, and more – ALL explained in detail, and why it works!
Learning to “work” the media – and how to do it EFFECTIVELY – is not a skill that comes naturally to most artists, because the media has its own culture and way of doing things.
Learn WHAT WORKS from someone who's been there, from newspapers to magazines to broadcasting to consulting, and taken the time to study the processes, the psychology of people in the media, work environment, the way work flow happens through the week (timing is important to know before you contact them, because you want something!) and lots more.
Q: “What happens when I mail my brand-new CD for a review or radio airplay?”
Answer: too often, nothing. Literally nothing. (Unless you know WHAT to do.)
Q: “Are there ways to guarantee the media will pay attention to my CD and my gigs?”
Answer: YES!
Q: “Is this all just obvious stuff if I think about it, or is there important stuff or art involved here?”
Answer: There is art AND technique AND required specific content AND required presentation AND knowing who to reach AND timing, (yep, even the timing is important) – if you want to be successful. (Or if you just want your time to be worthwhile – all that time you've been spending trying to get the media to let the world know you make music, win awards, have fans).
Q: “Can I actually build a relationship with the media, so they'll want to hear from me?”
Answer: YES. We'll teach you all the techniques in the workshop.
Q: “Isn't my web presence and EPK enough to handle this?”
Answer: Did Picasso put drawings in bottles and throw them in the ocean? The web is effective only if you do EVERYTHING right AND you know what to send to get somebody to go there and interact with it. And the media needs much more. We'll teach you the how, what, and why.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 16, at 1 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Ave, Altadena. RESERVATIONS get a discount: $25 with a reservation, $35 without a reservation (and if space remains – limited to 30 participants per session). Starts PROMPTLY at 1 pm, runs two full hours, plus time for a break. Reservations, call 626-807-3229. (Call, don't email).
LUNCH / TEST DRIVE A SONG OR TWO OR THREE:
“Come at Noon, Play a Tune.” There's an open mic for Saturday's workshop participants from noon to 1 pm in the Backstage – a chance to perform on this world-famous stage! The coffeehouse has a wide selection of sandwiches & salads, Mama Julie's award-winning chili, plus many hot and cold drinks, wonderful real fruit smoothies, & Fosselman's Ice Cream.
||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
“HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS”
… and others in the music business and the arts
This is an upgraded and improved version of the workshop presented to great acclaim at the Autry Museum last summer, It's presented by the editor of the Acoustic Americana Music Guide, award-winning editor / journalist / broadcaster Larry Wines.
Saturday, April 16, at 1 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena (just N of Pasadena).
This workshop is highly acclaimed by artists who have already experienced it. The current #1 single and album on the Western Music Chart is by the Tumbling Tumbleweeds, who took the workshop last summer. They'll tell you they used all the techniques when their new album (now #1) was released.
Professional touring artists – in many genres – have taken this workshop and rave about it. Whether you tour or seek local gigs, there's plenty here for you. If you have a new CD coming out, this workshop is ESSENTIAL.
Workshop presenter Larry Wines is an award-winning editor, journalist, and broadcaster. He has just added even MORE to his acclaimed workshop.
It's two information-packed hours, plus a break halfway through. It's organized with PLENTY of examples illustrating all the techniques you'll learn. You'll get the entire presentation on disc at the conclusion (as a Power Point) PLUS many Word and PDF examples of the most effective One-Sheets, Artist Bios, Press Releases, and more – ALL explained in detail, and why it works!
Learning to “work” the media – and how to do it EFFECTIVELY – is not a skill that comes naturally to most artists, because the media has its own culture and way of doing things.
Learn WHAT WORKS from someone who's been there, from newspapers to magazines to broadcasting to consulting, and taken the time to study the processes, the psychology of people in the media, work environment, the way work flow happens through the week (timing is important to know before you contact them, because you want something!) and lots more.
Q: “What happens when I mail my brand-new CD for a review or radio airplay?”
Answer: too often, nothing. Literally nothing. (Unless you know WHAT to do.)
Q: “Are there ways to guarantee the media will pay attention to my CD and my gigs?”
Answer: YES!
Q: “Is this all just obvious stuff if I think about it, or is there important stuff or art involved here?”
Answer: There is art AND technique AND required specific content AND required presentation AND knowing who to reach AND timing, (yep, even the timing is important) – if you want to be successful. (Or if you just want your time to be worthwhile – all that time you've been spending trying to get the media to let the world know you make music, win awards, have fans).
Q: “Can I actually build a relationship with the media, so they'll want to hear from me?”
Answer: YES. We'll teach you all the techniques in the workshop.
Q: “Isn't my web presence and EPK enough to handle this?”
Answer: Did Picasso put drawings in bottles and throw them in the ocean? The web is effective only if you do EVERYTHING right AND you know what to send to get somebody to go there and interact with it. And the media needs much more. We'll teach you the how, what, and why.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 16, at 1 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Ave, Altadena. RESERVATIONS get a discount: $25 with a reservation, $35 without a reservation (and if space remains – limited to 30 participants per session). Starts PROMPTLY at 1 pm, runs two full hours, plus time for a break. Reservations, call 626-807-3229. (Call, don't email).
LUNCH / TEST DRIVE A SONG OR TWO OR THREE:
“Come at Noon, Play a Tune.” There's an open mic for Saturday's workshop participants from noon to 1 pm in the Backstage – a chance to perform on this world-famous stage! The coffeehouse has a wide selection of sandwiches & salads, Mama Julie's award-winning chili, plus many hot and cold drinks, wonderful real fruit smoothies, & Fosselman's Ice Cream.
Spotlight Events: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, April 13, 2011
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Spotlight Events: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, April 13, 2011
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COMING SOON: Photographs to accompany News Features, Spotlight Events, and MORE!
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. SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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. from THE ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE
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. April 13, 2011 edition
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Fresh NEWS and REVIEWS coming soon.
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SPOTLIGHT EVENTS are listed in this edition all the way to December!
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APRIL: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Wednesday, April 13...
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Wed, Apr 13:
7-10 pm Monthly "SINGER-SONGWRITER NIGHT" (formerly the Soiree) sponsored by LAWIM, Los Angeles Women in Music, at the M Bar, Hollywood, with Lois Blaisch, Kris Garrett, Alicia Morgan, Brooke Ramel & Paul Zollo.
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Wed, Apr 13:
8 pm RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END play their monthly residency at Cafe 322, 322 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre 91024.
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Wed, Apr 13:
8 pm THE BAND OF HEATHENS plus JONNY BURKE and PATROLLED BY RADAR at The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A.; www.themintla.com/show/detail/38640. Tickets $10
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Wed, April 13, live webcast:
9:30 pm (Pacific) "EAR MEAL" web radio show with guest JESSICA CATRON, who you've heard perform as a member of the acclaimed group, VOCO. Jessica Catron grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota and now lives as a cellist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and teaching artist in Los Angeles. Jessica loves sound in just about any form and context and has a pretty eclectic performance history because of her involvement with a very colorful mix of music projects and people. She has performed and/or recorded with an array of amazing musical entities including Pauline Oliveros, James Tenney, Harold Budd, Rod Poole, Carla Bozulich, Evangelista, Corin Tucker, Linda Ronstadt, Nels Cline, Devin Sarno, Sheila Nicholls, Eleni Mandell, Rebekah Jordan, VOCO, Patrick Lyons/Nirvana (UK), The Need, Lavender Diamond, Vinny Golia, Adam Rudolph, Kraig Grady, Laura Steenberge, Ezra Buchla, Daniel Brummel, Cat Lamb, Scott Weiland, Steve Vai, Dave Matthews, Devotchka, The Eels, and Spiritualized, as well as with visual and multi-media artists Mike Kelley, Scott Benzel, Susan Silton, and Cloud Eye Control. Jessica's current projects include the trio Missincinatti with guitarist Jeremy Drake and percussionist Corey Fogel, The Microscore Project with violinist Johnny Chang, and a pool party band called The Receptionists with vocalist / percussionist and VOCO alum Jessica Basta and cellist Larissa Fedoryka. More on Jessica catron at www.myspace.com/jessicacatron. Hear tonight's Ear Meal webcast at www.laartstream.com/ear-meal
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Wed, Apr 13:
10 pm DAVID SERBY with Austin honky tonker BILLY ELI, hosted by Julie Richmond, THE CAROLINA CHICKADEE, at Taix, 1911 Sunset Bl, Echo Park. David has an impressive band at 10 pm – David Serby & The Dirt Poor Folklore (Ed Tree, Taras Prodaniuk, Carl Byron, Debra Dobkin); 11 pm – Billy Eli. David adds, “I’ll be playing songs off my upcoming record, 'Poor Man’s Poem.' As an added bonus, Ed and Taras will be playing with Billy, too.”
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Thursday, April 14...
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(Today in history: President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the US, was shot by assassin John Wilkes Booth in 1865; Lincoln died in the early morning of April 15. That's not all. The RMS Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, in 1912, and sank in the early morning of April 15. See why your federal income taxes are due on April 15?)
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Thu, Apr 14; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm TRACY NEWMAN, LARAINE NEWMAN, & award-winning comedic songwriter ERIC SCHWARTZ do a benefit for charity at The Talking Stick, 1411c Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net; 310-450-6052. Yep, it's Laraine of the original “Saturday Night Live” cast. And it's her very musical sister Tracy (who is an Emmy and Peabody Award winner). And Eric is very funny. Looks like a good night to support a cause...
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Thu, Apr 14:
8 pm THE BYRDS AND BEYOND, JOHN YORK with Billy Darnell at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Now featuring Chad Watson on bass. A great addition. A fine chance to see this singer-songwriter and former member of the legendary folk-rock band, The Byrds. Over the years John has been a constant musical creative force in support of acts like The Mamas and the Papas, Dr. John, Johnny Rivers, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Sir Douglas Quintet, Rolling Stones keyboardist Nicky Hopkins. He even played bass for the blues legend, Lightin' Hopkins. Recently John has completed a new solo album titled Fanfare For 2 and West Coast Revelation, a collaboration with rock legend, Kim Fowley. Joining him on stage will be veteran performer, Billy Darnell, who joined John in a later Byrds band with Gene Clark. He has also played guitar for The Everly Brothers, Dr. John and Doug Kershaw. The show is filled with familiar Byrds tunes for sing-along, fine original songs and great interpretations of songs from the era..and the best music this side of Bob Dylan and The Band. Tix, $20.
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Thu, Apr 14:
8:30 pm KRIS COLT & THE BLACK ROSE BAND play their CD release show, with musical special guests including KEN O'MALLEY at Ireland's 32 in Van Nuys; bit.ly/irelands32. The event begins with appetizers at 7:30 pm, followed by the music, starting at 8:30 pm.
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Thu, Apr 14:
9 pm FAY WOLF at Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood 90028.
While she sometimes plays acoustic, she tells us that this time she is “Power-backed by
Cormac Bluestone, John Forest, Dylan Halacy and Jes Hudak.” $10 cover. Venue is 21+.
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Thu, Apr 14:
CANCELLED: Poet SEAMUS HEANEY’s spoken word engagement at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101. Event cancelled due to Visa issues. Full refunds or exchanges are available at the point of purchase to patrons who purchased tickets to this event during UCLA Live’s subscription-sales window.
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Friday, April 15...
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Fri, Apr 15, in Washington State:
7:30-10 pm RED HORSE: ELIZA GILKYSON, JOHN GORKA & LUCY KAPLANSKY – play the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St, SE, Olympia WA; 360-753-8586; www.washingtoncenter.org. More at www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Horse/100743976643456.
Check out the #1 folk album of October 2010, “Red Horse,” at www.redhouserecords.com.
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Fri, Apr 15:
8 pm LOAFER’S GLORY at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. They'll do their award-winning instrumentals and fine harmony vocals. Venue impresario Bob stane says, "It’s refreshing to know that one band on the music scene is more into the development of good solid live performances rather than the pyrotechnics that go with today’s new look at country music and it’s by-products. Southern California has always been a haven for interested parties trying to find good live bluegrass, folk and blues. In the winter of February 2010, four players decided to form a new group with a direction combining the best of old-time and bluegrass music. This is indeed the time for another highly skilled acoustic band… Loafer’s Glory.” Tickets, $15.
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Fri, Apr 15:
9 pm-midnight CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7 at Ashley's, 1731 E 4th St, Long Beach 90802; 562-495-5700.
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Fri, Apr 15:
9 pm MISSINCINATTI with JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) opening for THE TOUGHCATS and HOWARDAMB at HM157, Lincoln Heights (Los Angeles); www.thechurchoffashion.com
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Saturday, April 16...
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Sat, Apr 16, WORKSHOP; an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK FOR ARTISTS:”
“HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA EFFECTIVELY: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS” and others in the music biz and the arts – the workshop acclaimed by artists who have taken it – returns as the most popular offering in the venue's series of workshops for artists, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena.
Presented by LARRY WINES, Guide editor, longtime journalist, newspaper and magazine columnist and feature writer, music journalist, radio host / tastemaker producer, event and festival emcee, and producer of festivals and events for charity, this is a guy who knows the media, how it works, and how YOU can make it responsive, as an artist.
Event will be in the afternoon, time tbd. All participants receive complete presentation materials to take home (already deemed “excellent,” and just updated to include even more).
Register early. Due to the popularity of this workshop and anticipation (and frequent questions of “When will do this again?”) we anticipate a capacity crowd (and we're limiting it so that everyone in attendance can participate).
Register at tiedtothetracks @ hotmail.com (just take out the spaces; we're fighting spam).
Advance registration (prepaid) is $25; at the door it's $35.(LAST one before price increase!)
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:Sat & Sun, Apr 16 & 17, in San Bernardino:
Annual “RAILROAD DAYS” with music, food, family activities, historical displays in and around museum, modern and historic RR equipment, at historic Santa Fe San Bernardino train station (Metrolink station). Free.
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Sat, Apr 16:
2 pm JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) on cello with FRANCES STARK and strin sextet at the UCLA Hammer Museum, on the campus in Westwood; www.hammer.ucla.edu/calendar/detail/type/program/id/804
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
5-10 pm "TOPANGA ACOUSTIC MUSIC SERIES" presents "Dinner & a Show" with VICKI PETERSON (the Bangles) solo acoustic, THE PORCH GIRLS with ELIZA JAYNE, DAVE MORRISON BAND with ED TREE, CHAD WATSON, GENEVIEVE ADELL, and SHELBY TIEG & TARA, at the Topanga Commujnity House, 1440 N Topanga Cyn, Topanga 90290; info, marilynbabcock@mac.com. Shelby Tieg and Tara open the show at 5:30; dinner is included, with tacos, chili, corn bread, brownies, vegan soup, Dave
Morrison's Chili, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea, all included. Producer Marilyn Babcock says, "Bring your dancing shoes and guitar for the SONG CIRCLE at the end." Tix, $15.
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Sat, Apr 16:
7 pm THE RANDY VAN HORNE SINGERS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. The Randy Van Horne Singers were among the most prolific and respected session vocalists of the space age pop era. In addition to contributions to classic LPs from exotica maestros like Martin Denny and Esquivel, their buoyant harmonies are immortalized via classic TV themes including The Flintstones and The Jetsons. Founder and arranger Randy Van Horne worked in Hollywood in 1949, forming his first vocal group, the Encores, and touring with the Billy May Orchestra. In the 50s, Van Horne focused on session work with a new ensemble, The Randy Van Horne Singers, which signed with RCA Victor to cut the LP Swingin' Singin'. In the years to follow the lineup at various times assembled a who's who of session vocal greats; among them Marni Nixon, Marilyn King, Clark Burroughs, Gene Merlino, Thurl Ravenscroft and Bob Zwirn. Albums like Sleigh Ride, The Clef Dwellers and the MGM release Sing a Song of Goodman are notable both for their light, joyful harmonies and Van Horne's clever, jazz-inspired arrangements.
At the peak of their renown, the Van Horne Singers assumed backup duties on sessions headlined by artists such as Dean Martin and Mel Tormé, and were regulars on television's The Nat King Cole Show. The Randy Van Horne Singers were admired for their contributions to the space age pop genre, with highlights including Martin Denny's Afro-Desia and Esquivel's Other Worlds Other Sounds. In 1958, composer Hoyt Curtin contracted the Van Horne Singers to perform the title theme to animators Hanna/Barbera's The Huckleberry Hound Show, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Yogi Bear, and others. These themes are immortalized in the collective memory of the baby boomer generation. Randy continued to arrange and write music, directed several other vocal and instrumental groups, and formed a new lineup of the Randy Van Horne Singers, which he was involved with up to his passing September 26, 2007 in Woodland Hills, California. The group carries on his grand tradition to this day, and are performing shows again! New members include director Alan Wilson and recording artists Max Vasquez, Harry Middlebrooks, Art Depew, Lynn Keller, Billie Barnum, Franny McCartney and others in the current 20 member ensemble. Tickets, $15.
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Sat, Apr 16:
7:30-9 pm Monthly "YOUNG TALENT NIGHT" sponsored by LAWIM, Los Angeles Women in Music, tonight with Sami Staitman, Madyn Coakley, Corey Fogelmanis, Sarah Staitman, Lauren Taveras, plus instrument "gifting," at Kulak's Woodshed in North Hollywood; info and web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com
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Sat, Apr 16:
8 pm RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END play an acoustic show at Trilogy Guitars.
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm SUSIE GLAZE & THE HILONESOME BAND bring their traditional and original Appalachian mountain music, Jean Ritchie homages, and West Coast bluegrass, to the CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY series in Beckman Institute Auditorium (“Little Beckman”) on the campus, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; 626-395-4652, or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832). More on the Caltech Folk Music Series at www.folkmusic.caltech.edu - and check-out other music on campus at Caltech Presents / Caltech Public Events series at www.events.caltech.edu.
Susie’s soaring high vocals have propelled her career since she sang solos on Broadway in “Big River.” Her friendship and devotion to the music of legendary Appalachian folk queen JEAN RITCHIE earned her an endorsement from the matriarch, and she performed a tribute concert for Ritchie with members of Jean’s musical family at the University of Pennsylvania.
Much of the HILONESOME repertoire is older mountain and bluegrass, and it mixes well with modern compositions by the band’s guitarist / chief songwriter, ROB CARLSON. Indeed, series bookers NICK SMITH and REX MAYREIS say, “Whether they are performing a classic Jean Ritchie piece or something they cooked up on their own, the music is a treat.”
The group’s newest CD is scheduled for release in time for this show. But the live concert energy is special with this five-piece ensemble. You’ll hear acoustic guitars, mandolin, fiddle, upright bass, and Susie’s wonderful vocals, backed by the band’s instruments and voices – and any of them may take a lead vocal or two. Expect an evening of bluegrass, traditional (not modern Nashville) country, old-time, gospel, and as the promo asserts, “any of the musical styles based on those…” Gen’l admission, $18; Caltech students & children, $5.
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN FLYNN & JOHN WORT HANNAM play the “Bodie House Music Series at the Thousand Oaks Library,” at Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks 91362; 818-621-8309; info, www.BodieHouse.com.
Canadian singer-songwriter JOHN WORT HANNAM took L.A. by storm when he toured a number of local venues in October, 2009. At home in the Great White North, he’s won just about every acoustic music award there is.
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Sunday, April 17...
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Sun, Apr 17:
2 pm THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN play a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. They "provide the perfect blend of harmony and humor harkening back to the days of Vaudeville," says Bob Stane. Preserving America’s great vocal sounds from a time when music was music, this vocal quartet, named the 2002 National A Cappella Champions, recreates the close harmonies of such legendary groups as The Ink Spots and the Pied Pipers, while including the era’s great comic songs made famous by the likes of Louis Jordan and The Hoosier Hotshots. A typical performance by The Perfect Gentlemen includes marvelous melodious music mingled with masterful mirth, mischief, and merry-making. The group’s versatility allows for effortless shifts between vocal styles with an air of ease, whether singing a cappella or accompanied by guitar or ukulele. Their signature piece, "Salute to the 20th Century," is, says Bob, "a humorous take on the de-evolution of music over the last century, illustrated by singing the same song in the style of barbershop, Dixieland, blues, big band, doo-wop, bluegrass, disco, techno punk, and rap, complete with visuals that delights audiences of all ages time and time again. Once you’ve heard The Perfect Gentlemen, you won’t settle for anything." Tickets, $20.
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Sun, Apr 17:
5-9 pm Weekly "GRAND OLE ECHO" brings a set by RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END about 7:30 pm. Just come and stay. No cover, plenty of fun, full bar, BBQ out back, all ages.
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Monday, April 18...
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Mon, Apr 18:
8 pm JIM CURRY'S TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Husband and wife team Jim and Anne Curry deliver the multi-platinum hits of the great John Denver in a fun-filled evening of singing and stories. Jim plays the guitar and sings John's songs in a crystal clear tenor. Anne, his wife and musical partner, plays guitar and mandolin and sings harmony in all the right places. You'll be invited to sing along, share in the memories, learn new songs and howl at the moon (literally). More at www.jimcurrymusic.com. Tickets, $18.
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Tuesday, April 19...
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Tue, Apr 19:
8 pm “TINA FEY: A CONVERSATION WITH STEVE MARTIN” presented by Live Talks Los Angeles at Nokia Theatre / L.A. Live. Doors at 7 pm. Tix $29-119. $119 includes prime seating, Tina Fey's book, “Bossypants,” and Steve Martin's book, “An Object of Beauty.” $49 includes premier seating and Tina Fey's book. $29 reserved orchestra seats, books not included. Book signing by Tina Fey immediately follows the event. Net proceeds benefit Southern California Public Radio 89.3 KPCC and KCET independent public TV.
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Tue, Apr 19:
8 pm BARRY McGUIRE, “Trippin’ The 60’s,” with JOHN YORK, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the Andy Williams Show as the gravelly voiced lead singer of the New Christy Minstrels. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar." In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times. Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "Hair." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. Dick Clark says, “When world events collide with “Rock&Roll” you get Barry McGuire”.Currently working with Barry McGuire in "Trippin' The Sixties," John York is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned Folk Rock/Country Rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of such musical luminaries as Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band)……and many others. The TV show “The Place Where I Am Dreaming” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." The duet "Redneck Ninja" highlights John's creative partnership with acclaimed songwriter Patrick Brayer. In 2007, John played concerts in Japan for the third time. Shows are Tuesday, April 19 and Wednesday, April 21. Tickets, $20, either night.
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Wednesday, April 20...
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Wed, Apr 20:
7 pm “CLASSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE CONCERT SERIES” concludes its 6th season tonight with special guests RAYNOR CARROLL & AFRICAN AMERICAN DRUMMING and other performing musicians (tba) in the Cay Mortenson Auditorium at Arcadia Public Library, 20 W Duarte Rd, Arcadia 91006; www.library.ci.arcadia.ca.us; 626-821-5567. Info on this program and the series, 626-821-5569.
This is a free series, no reservations, but seating is limited to the first 150 people in line to enter. Doors at 6:30 pm.
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Wed, Apr 20:
8 pm BARRY McGUIRE, “Trippin’ The 60’s,” with JOHN YORK, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the Andy Williams Show as the gravelly voiced lead singer of the New Christy Minstrels. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar." In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times. Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "Hair." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. Dick Clark says, “When world events collide with “Rock&Roll” you get Barry McGuire”.Currently working with Barry McGuire in "Trippin' The Sixties," John York is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned Folk Rock/Country Rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of such musical luminaries as Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band)……and many others. The TV show “The Place Where I Am Dreaming” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." The duet "Redneck Ninja" highlights John's creative partnership with acclaimed songwriter Patrick Brayer. In 2007, John played concerts in Japan for the third time. Shows are Tuesday, April 19 and Thursday, April 21. Tickets, $20, either night.
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Thursday, April 21...
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Thu, Apr 21:
8 pm RICHARD SMITH & JULIE ADAMS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Virtuoso guitar and cello duo playing an eclectic mix of music from the Beatles to Bach to Bluegrass. Richard and Julie’s ever changing repertoire will include a wide variety of music from Scott Joplin Rags, Sousa marches, Mozart, fiddle tunes, standards, Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed tunes, Django Reinhardt gypsy jazz, Bach, Beatles tunes, pop tunes, Chopin, originals, lightning fast barn-burners to beautiful ballads. This promises to be an outstanding blend of virtuoso musicianship and vocals. Richard’s flawless technique and Julie’s lyrical style and luscious tone, will have your toes tapping , melt your heartstrings and have your jaws hanging open. More at www.richardsmithmusic.com. Tix, $20.
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Saturday, April 23...
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Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2 pm CHRISTOPH BULL performs a stirring BACH ORGAN RECITAL for UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
Bull is a UCLA Live favorite. This is a delightful afternoon of classical music on Royce Hall’s glorious Skinner organ from acclaimed organist Christoph Bull, known for his energizing and often eclectic musical interpretation of organ repertoire. Bull will perform a thrilling and ethereal program of Bach on the UCLA campus treasure, which is known as one of the country’s great musical devices of its kind. Tix, $23/28/33 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLAME SALLY at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $16.
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Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BILLY COLLINS and KAY RYAN, two former U.S. Poet Laureates in a spoken word event, at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
The two Poet Laureates share the stage for an evening of readings from their acclaimed work and Q&A with the audience.
BILLY COLLINS, winner of the 2004 inaugural Mark Twain Prize for Humor in Poetry, served as America’s Poet Laureate from 2001-2003. Beloved for his ironic style, Collins is one of the top-selling modern poets and author of nine collections including “Questions about Angels”,” The Art of Drowning,” and “The Trouble With Poetry and Other Poems.”
KAY RYAN, California native and UCLA alumna, was U.S. Poet Laureate from 2008-2010 and is revered for her complex and rueful style. Her work includes “The Jam Jar Lifeboat & Other Novelties Exposed,” a delightful collection inspired by stories from “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!,” as well as “Flamingo Watching”, a finalist for both the Lamont Poetry Selection and the Lenore Marshall Prize. In 2004, Ryan was awarded The Ruth Lilly Prize—the Poetry Foundation’s highest honor.
In conjunction with this event and April’s National Poetry Month, UCLA Live will launch a poetry-writing contest for the Los Angeles community, with winning submissions to be read onstage in Royce Hall. More details will be available closer to the event. Tix, $28-53.
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Wednesday, April 27...
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Wed, Apr 27:
7-9 pm WORKSHOP - "WWW=What Went Wrong?" sponsored by LAWIM, Los Angeles Women in Music. Social media techniques and more with Ariel Hyatt from Cyber PR. Not going to ASCAP EXPO? Special MasterClass just for us! Going to the EXPO? Hear her in a more hands-on setting and get your site/page evaluated and questions answered tonight. Info, location, reservations, at www.lawim.com
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Wednesday-Sunday, April 27-May 1 - festival...
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Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
TONIGHT:
“COWBOY COUTURE” launches the 2011 Cowboy Festival with western designer fashions, vintage cowboy apparel, models and a wine reception, at the Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main St, Old Town Newhall (Santa Clarita), at 7 pm. You can shop for the latest Western wear before and after the show for a great opportunity to outfit yourself for the Cowboy Festival. Tix, www.repeastplayhouse.org or 661-288-0000; $25 and $35.
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Thursday, April 28...
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Thu, Apr 28; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
TWO EVENTS, TODAY & TONIGHT:
“SANTA CLARITA VALLEY FILM TOUR” (new, this year), begins at Heritage Junction at William S. Hart Park, Newhall. Runs Noon-3 pm; Tickets: $35. Join Local historian E. J. STEPHENS for a bus tour of the Santa Clarita Valley to visit locations where dozens of famous movies were filmed. Tour is complete with photos of the productions and revealing stories of the area's movie history.
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“CHUCKWAGON DINNER SHOW” at Heritage Junction at William S. Hart Park at 6 pm; tickets, $40 includes dinner, and there’s a no-host saloon. It’s “A feast for the Western senses, featuring chuckwagon cooking demonstrations and dinner prepared by award-winning Manflo Ranch, Montie Montana's show wagon and in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Stuntman's Association, a presentation by world famous stuntmen DIAMOND FARNSWORTH and LOREN JANES. Proceeds benefit the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.
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Thu, Apr 28:
8 pm Canadians SARAH MacDOUGALL & GORDIE TENTREES, on their 3 month, 8 country, 75 date tour, hit the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Gordie Tentrees released 3 albums internationally to rave reviews. The most recent " Mercy or Sin" produced by Juno Winner Bob Hamilton, was nominated for a 2010 Western Canadian Music Award for 'Roots Solo Album of the Year". The title track was also a finalist out of 15 000 entries in the 2010 International Songwriting Competition. Judges included Tom Waits, Loretta Lynn and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He performed at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver for the New Songs New Voices concert selected as the best of Canada’s songwriters to perform during the games. He was also selected by CBC Radio's 2009 Song Quest as one of Canada’s top songwriters and hosted the prestigous SOCAN songwriters circle at the 2009 WCMA's. He has toured with Fred Eaglesmith, Kelly Joe Phelps, and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He recently began recording his 4th album and is releasing a "Live from Germany " concert dvd in May.
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Gordie Tentrees Awards:
2010 Western Canadian Music Award Roots Nominee
2010 International Song Competition Americana Finalist
2010 Winter Olympics Best of Canada Performer
Visit his Web Page: www.tentrees.ca
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Sarah Macdougall has been a touring internationally for years with her dynamite songs, blistering guitar chops and astounding voice earning rave reviews and topping major music writers top ten album of the year lists as a songwriter, all the while producing and engineering her own albums. 24 hrs Vancouver called her ‘one of the most promising exports out of Sweden since Abba’ and her album Across the Atlantic (2009) got four star reviews in such notable publications as Q magazine, the Irish Times, No Depression, and many more. Her songs have been chosen for onboard entertainment on Lufthansa airplanes, on TV shows, and she’s been a semi-finalist on the International Songwriting competition with her song Crow’s Lament. She has performed on the Bob Harris show in the UK, has played Canadian and International Festivals, performed with Mary Gauthier, Todd Snider, and Po’Girl among others. Sarah is currently working on her new album, which is scheduled for release in the summer of 2011. Visit her Web Page: www.sarahmacdougall.com
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Tickets, $20.
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Friday, April 29...
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Fri, Apr 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
Their fusion of Bob Wills and Django Reinhardt, plus their '30s sweet jazz, combined with stellar musicianshiop, makes them a must-see trio.
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Fri, Apr 29:
8 pm JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) on cello with PATRICK LYONS, founder of NIRVANA UK, at Stories Books & Cafe, Echo Park; www.storiesla.com
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Fri, Apr 29:
8 pm SOURDOUGH SLIM, "Last of the Vaudeville Cowboys," with ROBERT ARMSTRONG, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. A marvel of musical ingenuity, showman extraordinaire Sourdough Slim and string instrument wizard Robert Armstrong joyously rekindle the country blues, western classics, vintage jazz and string band repertoire of pre-WWII America. A fast-paced performance of music and humor that showcases their seasoned gift for connecting with audiences. Whether capturing the haunting refrain of a Jimmie Rodgers blue yodel or swinging out a hot novelty number, everyone one gets caught up in the fun these two cut-ups have on stage. Long time fans will remember them as founding members of two of California's favorite acoustic combo's, "8th Avenue String Band" and "R. Crumb's Cheap Suit Serenaders." Between them they share a provocative array of period instruments including: flat-top guitar, national steel guitar, baritone and soprano ukulele, musical saw, accordion, six-string banjo and harmonica.
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Well traveled veterans of stages ranging from Carnegie Hall and The Lincoln Center to The Strawberry Music Festival, The National Cowboy Gathering and Prairie Home Companion, these modern day vaudevillians capture a sound and moment in time that consistently delights fun loving music fans wherever they perform.
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REVIEWS: "First rate entertainment. A delightful show..... real deal Americana." - Liz Baines, Seattle Times
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"You won't find better authentic Country or Western music being played anywhere." - David Barnes, British Archive of Country Music
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"Much more invigorating than 9/10ths of the stuff you hear from the current cadre of Western revivalists." - Ronald Lankford, Jr., Sing Out! magazine. "Good Stuff!" - Dallas Dobro, Strawberry Music Festival
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"A must see for those that love to be thoroughly entertained." - Charity Maness, Calaveras News
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Great copy and photos at http://sourdoughslim.com. Tickets, $20.
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Fri, Apr 29; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
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FIVE EVENTS are today and tonight:
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“CALIFORNIO FIESTA DE RANCHO CAMULOS” with DON EDWARDS at 11 am. Multiple award-winner and Grammy nominee Don Edwards does an intimate concert at Don Ygnacio del Valle's estancia. It highlights an afternoon at Rancho Camulos (Est. 1853), the site that inspired the novel "Ramona," where the history, myth, and romance of old California still linger. Enjoy a Southwest “Vaquero buffet,” music, and costumed docent-led tours as you step back in time in Heritage Valley. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit museum's historical preservation. More at www.ranchocamulos.org. Tickets, $50 (includes lunch, tours and concert).
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“WALK OF WESTERN STARS UNVEILING” at 2 pm – Free. For the first time, a director will be honored on the Walk of Western Stars when legendary western film director JOHN FORD is inducted into the Walk on the streets of Old Town Newhall. Ford was director of numerous Western classics including “The Searchers,” “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence,” “Stagecoach,” and “Rio Grande.” Mr. Ford's 1939 version of “Stagecoach” will be shown Friday evening at the Melody Ranch Movie Night.
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“WYATT EARP – HERO OR VILLAIN?” (new event, this year) at Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main St, Old Town Newhall, at 3 pm. Join Editor and Publisher of “True West” Magazine, BOB BOZE BELL, as he walks you through history with fascinating stories and anecdotes about Wyatt Earp. Some thought of him as a hero, others thought he was a jerk. Bob knows the story from all sides and will surprise you with his insights. Tickets, $15.
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“MELODY RANCH MOVIE NIGHT” at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, 7 pm. It’s “an intimate western-style dinner under the stars on Melody Ranch's Main Street,” and an what can only be deemed an ultimate atmospheric screening of the classic film “Stagecoach” on Melody Ranch street, in the middle of the old west movie set town. The film’s legendary director JOHN FORD will be inducted into the “Walk of Western Stars” earlier in the day. Seating for the screening is limited and only ticket holders will be admitted to Melody Ranch for this event. Tickets, $60.
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“AN EVENING OF MUSIC WITH THE SONS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN” at the William S. Hart Mansion at 8 pm. The Sons are back to perform their international award-winning western harmonies on classics and originals in a unique, up close and personal concert. You can tour silent film cowboy star BILL HART's historic residence and then relax in his living room, among his Remington and Russell paintings and sculptures as The Sons take you on a special, memory filled, musical journey. Hear the west, the way it should be sung. Limited to 70 seats. Tickets, $80.
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Saturday, April 30...
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Sat & Sun, Apr 30-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “STAGECOACH FESTIVAL” at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, with LORETTA LYNN, RICKY SCAGGS, JERRY DOUGLAS TRIO, GATLIN BROTHERS, LEON RUSSELL, RODNEY CROWELL, RHONDA VINCENT, THE PUNCH BROTHERS, ROSIE FLORES, WANDA JACKSON, COAL PORTERS, THE GOURDS, JACK INGRAM, JUNIOR BROWN, LUKAS NELSON & THE PROMISE OF THE REAL, THE CLOVERLYS, TRUTH & SALVAGE CO., and PHOSPHORESCENT, in the lineups on two stages, and a crop of big Nashville pop-country people on the third, “Mane Stage,” including KENNY CHESNEY, RASCAL FLATTS, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, DARIUS RUCKER, JOSH TURNER, EASTON CORBIN, & CHRIS YOUNG. Schedules and info, http://stagecoachfestival.com.
It’s billed as “California’s Country Music Festival,” and the producers are maintaining their shockingly wonderful commitment to diversity and inclusion of roots-Americana artists and music on the “other” two stages. Seriously, you can go, never get near the Nashville pop-country “Mane Stage,” and you’ll see and hear many of the best acts who are playing the big folk-Americana festival circuit this summer.
Only thing is, the “Mane Stage” here is notorious for blasting apocalyptic sound into the other stages, half a mile away. So you may need to crowd the sound reinforcement at “your” stage to avoid things that, in past years, have included Brooks & Dunn doing a hiphop version of “Neon Moon,” and Kid Rock doing whatever he was doing at a supposedly “country” festival. Still, for so much music that you will like, it’s a fine bargain, and a lot closer than Telluride.
$149 full weekend pass is now available; + $6 Venue charge + $2 Charity (+ applicable charges) each. A weekend pass is 1 ticket for the entire weekend; your ticket will be exchanged for 1 wristband at the venue. It is GA (General Admission), no reserved seats. The $149 price is being advertised by the festival for limited time while supplies last.
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Sat, Apr 30; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
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Saturday & Sunday events at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio:
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“BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF MELODY RANCH” at 8:30 am. Take a walking tour of Melody Ranch with local historian E. J. STEPHENS. Hear tales of building the Ranch, learn about the Ranch's film history, and visit Melody Ranch Motion Picture Museum. This is a walking tour that covers a wide area of Melody Ranch. Tickets, $40.
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Festival events, included with festival general admission:
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“CALIFORNIA MUSIC STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Ongoing shows feature Western Music, Cowboy Poetry and Storytelling by the best performers in the business.
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“Heritage Stage” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Take in the history and culture of the American West with Native American, Hispanic, and Old West music and dance.
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“MELODY RANCH STAGE” ” at Melody Ranch, 10 am-6 pm, is included in General Admission. This is the festival’s main stage, with shows featuring nationally-known Western musicians and poets. Seating is first-come, first-serve, except for reserved up-front seating for "Friends of the Festival" patrons.
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Street shows, living history, art, gear, dry goods & the Gold Rush Food Court, 10 am-6 pm, both days. Enjoy performances up and down Main Street and on several music stages, and visit The Buffalo Soldiers at their encampment or the festival blacksmiths.
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Children's Activities are at no extra cost, all day. Visit the Pioneer Living exhibit and pan for gold, spin wool, and re-live the old days like children of the early West. Stop by Biskit Saddle Arts and learn about leatherworking or let your children hear authors as they read from their award winning children's books during “Buckaroo Story Time.” Step into the Buckaroo Book Shop and browse book titles for the whole family. Whether your passion is Western film, the real West, Western fiction or shopping for great Western toys like trick ropes, plush ponies or puzzles and games, they’ll have it.
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Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Museum is open 10 am- 3 pm during the festival (and not accessible to the public at any other time during the year). Admission this year is free. This one-of-a-kind museum on the grounds of Melody Ranch is a walk through the history of filmmaking there.
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More of the festival's Saturday Events, April 30:
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“COWBOY CABARET” (new event this year) at Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main St, Old Town Newhall, at 8 pm. Spend an evening of unbridled musical fun with HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN, SOURDOUGH SLIM, and THE LUCKY STARS as they jam the night away. This small, intimate theater will put you up close and personal with some of the best western swing musicians in the country. There’s a no-host bar available. Tickets, $30.
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WYLIE GUSTAFSON – Rare Solo performance at the William S. Hart Mansion at 8 pm. Wylie of WYLIE & THE WILD WEST as you have never experienced him before (unless you caught his solo acoustic performance a few years back on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks”) in a rare, intimate, acoustic concert in cowboy star Bill Hart's living room. From Lincoln Center to the Grand Ole Opry to Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Wylie has charmed them all with his special brand of energy and good time Cowboy music. Expect the unexpected. Limited to 70 seats. Tickets, $80 for this additional event only.
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Sat, Apr 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JAMES McMURTRY at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $22.
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Sat, Apr 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BORDER RADIO at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. A lineup of Souther Cal all-star musicians bring a refreshing spin on traditional bluegrass. Border Radio’s original “gypsygrass” style is a fusion of bluegrass, classic country and old country sounds. – like that once heard in the days of 100,000 Watt radio from just over the Mexican radio. Deeply rooted in tradition, this is what “country” music is supposed to sound like. "Call it rural Tin Pan Alley, prairie jazz, hand-me-down country, city folk -- Border Radio is an original stew of American music that blasts across all these borders” - Kerrville New Folk Competition.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of hisoric downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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MAY: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sunday, May 1...
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Sun, May 1; Sat & Sun, Apr 30-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “STAGECOACH FESTIVAL” at the Empire Polo Field in Indio; http://stagecoachfestival.com. See complete write-up in April 30 listing.
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Sun, May 1; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
+
Saturday & Sunday events at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio:
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“BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF MELODY RANCH” at 8:30 am. Take a walking tour of Melody Ranch with local historian E. J. STEPHENS. Hear tales of building the Ranch, learn about the Ranch's film history, and visit Melody Ranch Motion Picture Museum. This is a walking tour that covers a wide area of Melody Ranch. Tickets, $40.
+
Festival events, included with festival general admission:
+
“CALIFORNIA MUSIC STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Ongoing shows feature Western Music, Cowboy Poetry and Storytelling by the best performers in the business.
+
“HERITAGE STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Take in the history and culture of the American West with Native American, Hispanic, and Old West music and dance.
+
“MELODY RANCH STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am-6 pm, is included in General Admission. This is the festival’s main stage, with shows featuring nationally-known Western musicians and poets. Seating is first-come, first-serve, except for reserved up-front seating for "Friends of the Festival" patrons.
+
Street shows, living history, art, gear, & dry goods & the Gold Rush Food Court, 10 am-6 pm, both days. Enjoy performances up and down Main Street and on several music stages, and visit The Buffalo Soldiers at their encampment or the festival blacksmiths.
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Children's Activities are at no extra cost, all day. Visit the Pioneer Living exhibit and pan for gold, spin wool, and re-live the old days like children of the early West. Stop by Biskit Saddle Arts and learn about leatherworking or let your children hear authors as they read from their award winning children's books during “Buckaroo Story Time.” Step into the Buckaroo Book Shop and browse book titles for the whole family. Whether your passion is Western film, the real West, Western fiction or shopping for great Western toys like trick ropes, plush ponies or puzzles and games, they’ll have it.
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Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Museum is open 10 am- 3 pm during the festival (and not accessible to the public at any other time during the year). Admission this year is free. This one-of-a-kind museum on the grounds of Melody Ranch is a walk through the history of filmmaking there.
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Additional Sunday Event, May 1:
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Off-site event, “Cowboy Church” at the Masters College, 8 am. Admission is free. Info, 661-268-8863.
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Sun, May 1:
7:30 pm MISSINCINATTI with JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) plays the "Open Gate" series at the Center For the Arts, Eagle Rock; www.centerartseaglerock.org/index.php
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Sun, May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm LEON REDBONE at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. He has plenty of imitators these days, but he’s the guy who kept his brand of gentle New Orleans swing blues in the public consciousness and on the radio when he had no peers there. He’s still the best. Tix, $26.50.
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Saturday, May 7...
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Sat, May 7; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CLAUDIA RUSSELL & THE FOLK UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.claudiarussell.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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Sat, May 7; world music (and now for something completely different…):
8 pm EAST L.A. TAIKO with LYSA FLORES combines innovative reinvention of traditional Japanese percussion with the venue’s ongoing “Ritmos Latinos” series, at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. EAST L.A. TAIKO, aka ELAT, led by master drummer MACEO HERNANDEZ, marries Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythms with driving Taiko beats – a fiery eclectic blend of world rhythm that travels the globe and takes you right into the heart of Los Angeles. ELAT performs at the Annex with LYSA FLORES, named in Newsweek magazine as one of “20 young Latinos to watch in the new millennium.” A first generation Mexican-American, Flores has been a pioneer in the “EastLos” alternative music scene since her teens, making music that now defines an urban L.A. style.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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Thursday, May 12...
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Thu, May 12; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND and THE DEL McCOURY BAND in a stellar double-bill at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
Two pillars of American music from two distinct lineages come together for a wonderfully unlikely evening “to celebrate the glory of tradition and the power of newfound collaboration.” Starting as a sideman the legendary “father of bluegrass” BILL MONROE nearly 50 years ago, DEL McCOURY has broadened the audience for the genre. During that same period, the legendary PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND has defined the tradition of New Orleans jazz. Now, they have converged to perform – and record(!) – an unforgettable mix of bluegrass and traditional jazz. Each band will play individual sets, followed by a soul-stirring joint finale. Tix, $38-63 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Friday, May 13...
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Fri, May 13; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm MOLLY’S REVENGE brings splendid Irish music to the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. Known for its unique and infectious on-stage enthusiasm, dynamic acoustic Celtic band Molly's Revenge is a classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, and song. Their arrangements of traditional jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more. They’re festival favorites.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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Sunday, May 15...
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Sun, May 15; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
9 am-6 pm: 51st annual “TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL” at Paramount Ranch near Agoura Hills, in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area.
“Southern California’s favorite Bluegrass, Old-Time & Folk Music Event” and the best one-day festival anywhere returns with contests for all kinds of acoustic instrument players – drawing contestants from several western states – plus professional musicians performing scheduled sets on three stages, and a whole lotta jamming goin’ on beneath the oak trees and on the porches of the old west movie set town.
Since 1961, this event has been an always-anticipated old-time, bluegrass, folk song, folk dancing and crafts festival.
Entertainment on three stages, plus The Dance Barn and Children's area, all set within the western movie sets and mountain locations. Bring your instruments and "sit in" with jamming musicians, or pre-register for any of the prestigious contests.
Some highlights, including acts already booked (with latest changes included):
The Main Stage: Over 100 instrumental and singing contestants, plus performances by
DUSTBOWL CAVALIERS, HABERDASHERY ENSEMBLE, FRANK FAIRFIELD, SCOTT GATES & THE SALTY SUITES.
Dance Barn: Band Playoffs, Clogging, Square Dancing, Contra Dancing - with all live music by TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT and OLD SLEDGE.
Pavilion Stage: Beginner Instrument Playoffs, plus scheduled shows by OLD SLEDGE – roots & history of string band music; MIKE MAHANEY & FRIENDS – cowboy music & poetry show; FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER – songs of the open road.
Railroad Stage: Traditional Singing Playoffs, Intermediate Fiddle Playoffs, plus scheduled shows by EVIE LADEN – old-time banjo and songs; EVAN MARSHALL – “Mr. Solo Mandolin;” SUSIE GLAZE & HILONESOME – mountain music; ROSS ALTMAN – bringing a theme tba.
Eucalyptus Grove: “Family Fun” with “new, expanded programs in the grove,” including organized jams and sing-alongs, beginning at 11 am, with “Folk Songs with FUR & STEVE (aka FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER),” “Kids Crafts with ALAINA SMITH,” DAN, THE FIDDLE MAN, SOUTHWEST FIDDLERS, SCOTTISH FIDDLERS, OLD-TIME FIDDLE WORKSHOP, OLD-TIME BANJO WORKSHOP, CELTIC SLOW SESSION, HAWAIIAN SONGS – UKES & GUITARS. This stage includes the long-running Kids Program, ever-popular Arts & Crafts for young children, and youth-oriented traditional music.
ADVANCE TICKETS available online at a discount, and more info, at www.topangabanjofiddle.org.
Tix at the gate cost more on the day of the event. Online ticket prices are lower this year than last, with tix this year at $10 for ages 18-64 ($15 at gate), and $8 for ages 10-17 or over age 65 ($10 at gate). No charge for children under age 10. Free parking and free shuttle bus to gate.
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Saturday, May 21...
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Sat, May 21; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
3 & 8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings THE BROTHERS CAZIMERO at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; 562-907-4203; www.shannoncenter.org.
ROBERT & ROLAND, being brothers, naturally perform as THE BROTHERS CAZIMERO. The venue tells us, “No group has made more of a contribution to Hawaiian music then they have, and the season wouldn’t be complete without them. Every season they put on a different show and they never cease to amaze.”
This closes the annual series of seven shows for the 2010-2011 season; contact them regarding discounts for buying tix to next season’s entire series. Tix, for today, including new “facilities surcharges,” $48.
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Sunday, May 22...
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May 22; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL” returns after a year of hiatus, with ELLIS PAUL, ELIZA GILKYSON, JIMMY LaFAVE, SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION. This year, it’s a one-day event at the Broad Stage Theatre at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica; 310-434-3200; www.thebroadstage.com; www.events.smc.edu. Even before we knew the lineup, we were comfortable recommending it as a “Show-of-the-Week” pick, given the talent that Renee Bodie booked the first year, and the fact that this is a MUCH more manageable venue where costs can be contained and ticket prices should be kept to reasonable limits. The festival is a benefit for the nonprofit California Acoustic Music Project.
More info on the L.A. Acoustic Music Festival at www.laacousticmusicfestival.com
Info on the California Acoustic Music Project is at www.californiaacousticmusicproject.org
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Tuesday, May 24...
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Tue, May 24; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
JOHNNY REID at the Wilshire Ebell Theater, 743 S Lucerne (at Wilshire), L.A. 90005; 323-931-1277; www.ebellla.com/operating/index.html. His PBS concert, “Johnny Reid Live: Heart & Soul,” taped at his concert in Nova Scotia and aired in L.A. in late February, was amazingly, wonderfully good. Of course, the only time you see music performances on PBS is during pledge drive. But this concert was so good it was worth muting the pledge begging and staying with it. His song, “Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World” was accompanied by bagpipes, fiddles, and marvelous harmonies from a choir. Whether or not you make this concert, he’s an artist to watch.
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MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, Saturday-Sunday-Monday, May 28-30...
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MANY festivals happen this weekend. We'll bring you the extensive run-down soon.
Sat-Mon, May 28-30; festival; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick::
10 am-7 pm 38th annual “TOPANGA DAYS FAIR” at the Topanga Community Center fairgrounds, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga, midway between the 101 and PCH. It's “One of the most celebrated country fairs in Southern California,” each year bringing three stages of music and more for Memorial Day Weekend.
Musical headliners include the FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, JOHN MAYALL, MAGGIE MAYALL, JIM MESSINA, THE STRAY CATS’ LEE ROCKER, & YESTERDAY’S CHILD.
This event is known for its food and beverages, clothing, jewelry and art by local artisans and a variety of environmentally-conscious products and services
Free shuttle service will run along Topanga Canyon Blvd, through the heart of the canyon.
“Live Music, tie-dyed shirts and a groovy spread continue to lure bohemians of all stripes!” - The Los Angeles Times.
“The big draw is the music... Get up, stand up and love the one you’re with!” - LA Weekly.
“Celebrated for its family friendly atmosphere with an eye on preserving the earth for generations to enjoy, the country fair organically blends cutting edge musical acts, eclectic side stage attractions and booths peddling great food and award-winning contemporary crafts. Mark your calendars for Memorial Day weekend - Why would you want to be anywhere else?” - Daily News.
“Oh Topanga Canyon. Despite all the pressure of gentrification in L.A., you remain an incubator for creative hippies who know how to throw a wicked party.” - Metro Mix.
Topanga Days is a three day fair and fundraiser celebrating music, the arts and the work of local artisans. It’s not just Topangans who enjoy the festival. From bohemians to families from all over California, people flock to the fun scene for the relaxing and festive weekend. One of the highlights of the fair is the Monday morning Memorial Day Parade.
“We’re making this year’s fair an event to remember,” said Mimi Williams, Managing Coordinator for the Fair. “We’re offering the best in live music, food and beverages, traditional family games and providing a showcase for innovative, environmentally conscious products and services.”
She adds, “The arts are heavily supported with multiple stages filled with a diverse and talented roster of music and dance, an abundance of booths and vendors ranging from one of a kind art pieces to affordable hand crafted gifts. Topanga Days also offers a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks that will satisfy vegetarians, vegans and carnivores alike.”
The complete music lineup will be announced in the near future.
The Fair opens its gates at 10 am welcoming attendees into a wonderland from a bygone era, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains on the edge of the State Park. Gates close at 7 pm.
General admission is $20. A discount is offered to members of the military and Topanga Community Center at $15; children between 6-12 and seniors are $10.
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Tuesday, May 31...
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Tue, May 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BRUCE COCKBURN and his band, plus JENNY SCHEINMAN opening, in a McCabe’s / Goldenvoice co-presentation at The El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Bl, L.A.; 323-936-4790; www.theelrey.com. Tix are $35, but buy direct from McCabe’s and save a bundle: TicketMaster is levying a $12.90 PER TICKET fee (compared to McCabe’s $4 PER ORDER surcharge) meaning that you'll save over $20 on a pair from McCabe’s online (not in the shop). This is a seated, general admission show, and McCabe’s has a limited number of tickets available through this arrangement, so don't delay.
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JUNE: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
Fri, Jun 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
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Fri & Sat, Jun 3 & 4; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“STAR WARS IN CONCERT” performed with a full orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood; www.hollywoodbowl.com; 323-850-2000 or 213-480-3232.
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Sat, Jun 4:
8 pm BILL KIRCHEN at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
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Jun 5-10, in New Orleans:
Annual “NEW ORLEANS TRAD JAZZ CAMP” for all enthusiasts of traditional and New Orleans-style jazz.
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Sun, Jun 5:
7 pm NEIL INNES at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $24.50.
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Sat, Jun 11; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm DAN NAVARRO at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $17.50.
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Jun 12-16:
22nd annual “NORTH AMERICAN JAMES JOYCE CONFERENCE” at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, and at Caltech in Pasadena. This event takes place in a different locale each year, and this year, Southern Cal fans of James Joyce have it right here at home. Info, www.joyceconference2011.com.
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Fri, Jun 17; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLACK CROWN STRING BAND plus CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7 at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. The latest super-group to emerge from the SF Bay-Area bluegrass and old-timey scene, BLACK CROWN STRING BAND combines the best elements of old-time string band music and Bill Monroe's "high lonesome" sound to create a fusion that is at once old-school and brand new. When they played last year in Sierra Madre with Tom & Patrick Sauber, they brought delight to a full house. Tonight is musically hosted by CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7, San Pedro’s own nationally-recognized bluegrass-Americana band. Unless you’re in Telluride for the Bluegrass Festival, be here tonight.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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Sat, Jun 18; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CAROLINE AIKEN plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.carolineaiken.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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JULY: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Jul 2 & 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“LOS ANGELES GUITAR FESTIVAL” brings an acoustic lineup July 2 and an electric lineup July 3, to the 1,457-seat Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Acoustic on July 2 are TOMMY EMMANUEL, LAURENCE JUBER, CYRIL PAHINUI, & GONZALO BERGARA. Electric on July 3 are JIMMIE VAUGHN, DICK DALE, BRICE FORMAN, & BEN LACY. Info & tix, www.LAGuitarFestival.com.
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Sat, Jul 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm LAURENCE JUBER plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.laurencejuber.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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AUGUST: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Aug 13; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “TRIPPIN' THE ’60S” with BARRY McGUIRE and JOHN YORK at Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.trippinthesixties.com & www.barrymcguire.com & www.johnyorkmusic.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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SEPTEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat & Sun, Sep 17 & 18, festival:
2011 “FALL EQUINOX FOLK MUSIC DANCE & STORYTELLING FESTIVAL,” presented by the California Traditional Music Society (CTMS) for this second year, is again scheduled at the Rancho Cordillera del Norte in Northridge.
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Sat, Sep 17; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLAME SALLY plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.blamesally.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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OCTOBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Oct 29:
ORLA FALLON brings her delightful Irish music to the Irvine Barclay Theatre, on the campus at UC Irvine, 4242 Campus Dr, Irvine; 949-854-4646..
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Sat, Oct 29:
8 pm JENI & BILLY and NATHAN McEUEN play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.jeniandbilly.com & www.nathanmceuen.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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NOVEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Nov 19; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JAIME MICHAELS and SEVERIN BROWNE play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.jaimemichaels.com & www.severinbrowne.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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DECEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Dec 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE KOLES and JOHN BATDORF play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.arlenekolemusic.com & www.johnbatdorfmusic.com) All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc…
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THE GUIDE now has FOUR SECTIONS, each with individual addresses for access:
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1) “SPOTLIGHT EVENTS” is THIS Section, and this is the latest edition.
2) “THE SCENE” contains everything that ISN’T “spotlighted” each day, in separate
editions FOR EACH DAY.
3) “NEWS FEATURES” is a fresh edition each week, with news and reviews from the
acoustic music universe, with features on folk-Americana, the “acoustic renaissance,”
latest releases, reviews of CDs and live shows, industry news, news for artists, and more.
4) “VENUE DIRECTORY” - The Guide’s extensive locator – has location and contact
info for OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, from
Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, plus a few for San Diego, the deserts,
and the Central Coast.
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HELP KEEP THE GUIDE GOING! Send us $25, and you’ll get an ad in the Guide – for your event or CD release or gig – and you’ll become a Guide Annual Subscriber (you’ll be eligible for ticket giveaways and more!) Write us at tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com
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UPDATED EDITIONS bring more (always more -- as we have time to organize all of it).
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We do all we can to bring you news and notices of all the many, many, acoustic music events in and around Los Angeles.
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Plus, we tell you about RADIO SHOWS with acoustic music, focusing on those with live acoustic performances. (They’re available mostly on the web, of course, since we are in acoustic-music-radio-deprived Los Angeles.)
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And, we bring news and reviews of the many acoustic music FESTIVALS near and far, hither and yon, here, there and everywhere! With your help, we’ll keep doing it!
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com (remove all the spaces when you type it.)
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THE LATEST EDITION of the Guide, the NEWS FEATURES, THE SCENE, and SPOTLIGHTED EVENTS, covering the world of current acoustic music happenings, including “heads up” notices to buy advance tix for shows likely to sell-out – and lots more – is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at
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www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com or through links from the News-only edition at
www.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks
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- or by following any of many links on the web to get to one of those sites.
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Entire contents copyright © 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
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Spotlight Events: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, April 13, 2011
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COMING SOON: Photographs to accompany News Features, Spotlight Events, and MORE!
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. SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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. April 13, 2011 edition
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Fresh NEWS and REVIEWS coming soon.
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SPOTLIGHT EVENTS are listed in this edition all the way to December!
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APRIL: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Wednesday, April 13...
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Wed, Apr 13:
7-10 pm Monthly "SINGER-SONGWRITER NIGHT" (formerly the Soiree) sponsored by LAWIM, Los Angeles Women in Music, at the M Bar, Hollywood, with Lois Blaisch, Kris Garrett, Alicia Morgan, Brooke Ramel & Paul Zollo.
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Wed, Apr 13:
8 pm RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END play their monthly residency at Cafe 322, 322 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre 91024.
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Wed, Apr 13:
8 pm THE BAND OF HEATHENS plus JONNY BURKE and PATROLLED BY RADAR at The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A.; www.themintla.com/show/detail/38640. Tickets $10
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Wed, April 13, live webcast:
9:30 pm (Pacific) "EAR MEAL" web radio show with guest JESSICA CATRON, who you've heard perform as a member of the acclaimed group, VOCO. Jessica Catron grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota and now lives as a cellist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and teaching artist in Los Angeles. Jessica loves sound in just about any form and context and has a pretty eclectic performance history because of her involvement with a very colorful mix of music projects and people. She has performed and/or recorded with an array of amazing musical entities including Pauline Oliveros, James Tenney, Harold Budd, Rod Poole, Carla Bozulich, Evangelista, Corin Tucker, Linda Ronstadt, Nels Cline, Devin Sarno, Sheila Nicholls, Eleni Mandell, Rebekah Jordan, VOCO, Patrick Lyons/Nirvana (UK), The Need, Lavender Diamond, Vinny Golia, Adam Rudolph, Kraig Grady, Laura Steenberge, Ezra Buchla, Daniel Brummel, Cat Lamb, Scott Weiland, Steve Vai, Dave Matthews, Devotchka, The Eels, and Spiritualized, as well as with visual and multi-media artists Mike Kelley, Scott Benzel, Susan Silton, and Cloud Eye Control. Jessica's current projects include the trio Missincinatti with guitarist Jeremy Drake and percussionist Corey Fogel, The Microscore Project with violinist Johnny Chang, and a pool party band called The Receptionists with vocalist / percussionist and VOCO alum Jessica Basta and cellist Larissa Fedoryka. More on Jessica catron at www.myspace.com/jessicacatron. Hear tonight's Ear Meal webcast at www.laartstream.com/ear-meal
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Wed, Apr 13:
10 pm DAVID SERBY with Austin honky tonker BILLY ELI, hosted by Julie Richmond, THE CAROLINA CHICKADEE, at Taix, 1911 Sunset Bl, Echo Park. David has an impressive band at 10 pm – David Serby & The Dirt Poor Folklore (Ed Tree, Taras Prodaniuk, Carl Byron, Debra Dobkin); 11 pm – Billy Eli. David adds, “I’ll be playing songs off my upcoming record, 'Poor Man’s Poem.' As an added bonus, Ed and Taras will be playing with Billy, too.”
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Thursday, April 14...
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(Today in history: President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the US, was shot by assassin John Wilkes Booth in 1865; Lincoln died in the early morning of April 15. That's not all. The RMS Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, in 1912, and sank in the early morning of April 15. See why your federal income taxes are due on April 15?)
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Thu, Apr 14; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm TRACY NEWMAN, LARAINE NEWMAN, & award-winning comedic songwriter ERIC SCHWARTZ do a benefit for charity at The Talking Stick, 1411c Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net; 310-450-6052. Yep, it's Laraine of the original “Saturday Night Live” cast. And it's her very musical sister Tracy (who is an Emmy and Peabody Award winner). And Eric is very funny. Looks like a good night to support a cause...
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Thu, Apr 14:
8 pm THE BYRDS AND BEYOND, JOHN YORK with Billy Darnell at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Now featuring Chad Watson on bass. A great addition. A fine chance to see this singer-songwriter and former member of the legendary folk-rock band, The Byrds. Over the years John has been a constant musical creative force in support of acts like The Mamas and the Papas, Dr. John, Johnny Rivers, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Sir Douglas Quintet, Rolling Stones keyboardist Nicky Hopkins. He even played bass for the blues legend, Lightin' Hopkins. Recently John has completed a new solo album titled Fanfare For 2 and West Coast Revelation, a collaboration with rock legend, Kim Fowley. Joining him on stage will be veteran performer, Billy Darnell, who joined John in a later Byrds band with Gene Clark. He has also played guitar for The Everly Brothers, Dr. John and Doug Kershaw. The show is filled with familiar Byrds tunes for sing-along, fine original songs and great interpretations of songs from the era..and the best music this side of Bob Dylan and The Band. Tix, $20.
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Thu, Apr 14:
8:30 pm KRIS COLT & THE BLACK ROSE BAND play their CD release show, with musical special guests including KEN O'MALLEY at Ireland's 32 in Van Nuys; bit.ly/irelands32. The event begins with appetizers at 7:30 pm, followed by the music, starting at 8:30 pm.
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Thu, Apr 14:
9 pm FAY WOLF at Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood 90028.
While she sometimes plays acoustic, she tells us that this time she is “Power-backed by
Cormac Bluestone, John Forest, Dylan Halacy and Jes Hudak.” $10 cover. Venue is 21+.
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Thu, Apr 14:
CANCELLED: Poet SEAMUS HEANEY’s spoken word engagement at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101. Event cancelled due to Visa issues. Full refunds or exchanges are available at the point of purchase to patrons who purchased tickets to this event during UCLA Live’s subscription-sales window.
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Friday, April 15...
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Fri, Apr 15, in Washington State:
7:30-10 pm RED HORSE: ELIZA GILKYSON, JOHN GORKA & LUCY KAPLANSKY – play the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St, SE, Olympia WA; 360-753-8586; www.washingtoncenter.org. More at www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Horse/100743976643456.
Check out the #1 folk album of October 2010, “Red Horse,” at www.redhouserecords.com.
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Fri, Apr 15:
8 pm LOAFER’S GLORY at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. They'll do their award-winning instrumentals and fine harmony vocals. Venue impresario Bob stane says, "It’s refreshing to know that one band on the music scene is more into the development of good solid live performances rather than the pyrotechnics that go with today’s new look at country music and it’s by-products. Southern California has always been a haven for interested parties trying to find good live bluegrass, folk and blues. In the winter of February 2010, four players decided to form a new group with a direction combining the best of old-time and bluegrass music. This is indeed the time for another highly skilled acoustic band… Loafer’s Glory.” Tickets, $15.
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Fri, Apr 15:
9 pm-midnight CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7 at Ashley's, 1731 E 4th St, Long Beach 90802; 562-495-5700.
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Fri, Apr 15:
9 pm MISSINCINATTI with JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) opening for THE TOUGHCATS and HOWARDAMB at HM157, Lincoln Heights (Los Angeles); www.thechurchoffashion.com
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Saturday, April 16...
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Sat, Apr 16, WORKSHOP; an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK FOR ARTISTS:”
“HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA EFFECTIVELY: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS” and others in the music biz and the arts – the workshop acclaimed by artists who have taken it – returns as the most popular offering in the venue's series of workshops for artists, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena.
Presented by LARRY WINES, Guide editor, longtime journalist, newspaper and magazine columnist and feature writer, music journalist, radio host / tastemaker producer, event and festival emcee, and producer of festivals and events for charity, this is a guy who knows the media, how it works, and how YOU can make it responsive, as an artist.
Event will be in the afternoon, time tbd. All participants receive complete presentation materials to take home (already deemed “excellent,” and just updated to include even more).
Register early. Due to the popularity of this workshop and anticipation (and frequent questions of “When will do this again?”) we anticipate a capacity crowd (and we're limiting it so that everyone in attendance can participate).
Register at tiedtothetracks @ hotmail.com (just take out the spaces; we're fighting spam).
Advance registration (prepaid) is $25; at the door it's $35.(LAST one before price increase!)
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:Sat & Sun, Apr 16 & 17, in San Bernardino:
Annual “RAILROAD DAYS” with music, food, family activities, historical displays in and around museum, modern and historic RR equipment, at historic Santa Fe San Bernardino train station (Metrolink station). Free.
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Sat, Apr 16:
2 pm JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) on cello with FRANCES STARK and strin sextet at the UCLA Hammer Museum, on the campus in Westwood; www.hammer.ucla.edu/calendar/detail/type/program/id/804
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
5-10 pm "TOPANGA ACOUSTIC MUSIC SERIES" presents "Dinner & a Show" with VICKI PETERSON (the Bangles) solo acoustic, THE PORCH GIRLS with ELIZA JAYNE, DAVE MORRISON BAND with ED TREE, CHAD WATSON, GENEVIEVE ADELL, and SHELBY TIEG & TARA, at the Topanga Commujnity House, 1440 N Topanga Cyn, Topanga 90290; info, marilynbabcock@mac.com. Shelby Tieg and Tara open the show at 5:30; dinner is included, with tacos, chili, corn bread, brownies, vegan soup, Dave
Morrison's Chili, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea, all included. Producer Marilyn Babcock says, "Bring your dancing shoes and guitar for the SONG CIRCLE at the end." Tix, $15.
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Sat, Apr 16:
7 pm THE RANDY VAN HORNE SINGERS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. The Randy Van Horne Singers were among the most prolific and respected session vocalists of the space age pop era. In addition to contributions to classic LPs from exotica maestros like Martin Denny and Esquivel, their buoyant harmonies are immortalized via classic TV themes including The Flintstones and The Jetsons. Founder and arranger Randy Van Horne worked in Hollywood in 1949, forming his first vocal group, the Encores, and touring with the Billy May Orchestra. In the 50s, Van Horne focused on session work with a new ensemble, The Randy Van Horne Singers, which signed with RCA Victor to cut the LP Swingin' Singin'. In the years to follow the lineup at various times assembled a who's who of session vocal greats; among them Marni Nixon, Marilyn King, Clark Burroughs, Gene Merlino, Thurl Ravenscroft and Bob Zwirn. Albums like Sleigh Ride, The Clef Dwellers and the MGM release Sing a Song of Goodman are notable both for their light, joyful harmonies and Van Horne's clever, jazz-inspired arrangements.
At the peak of their renown, the Van Horne Singers assumed backup duties on sessions headlined by artists such as Dean Martin and Mel Tormé, and were regulars on television's The Nat King Cole Show. The Randy Van Horne Singers were admired for their contributions to the space age pop genre, with highlights including Martin Denny's Afro-Desia and Esquivel's Other Worlds Other Sounds. In 1958, composer Hoyt Curtin contracted the Van Horne Singers to perform the title theme to animators Hanna/Barbera's The Huckleberry Hound Show, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Yogi Bear, and others. These themes are immortalized in the collective memory of the baby boomer generation. Randy continued to arrange and write music, directed several other vocal and instrumental groups, and formed a new lineup of the Randy Van Horne Singers, which he was involved with up to his passing September 26, 2007 in Woodland Hills, California. The group carries on his grand tradition to this day, and are performing shows again! New members include director Alan Wilson and recording artists Max Vasquez, Harry Middlebrooks, Art Depew, Lynn Keller, Billie Barnum, Franny McCartney and others in the current 20 member ensemble. Tickets, $15.
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Sat, Apr 16:
7:30-9 pm Monthly "YOUNG TALENT NIGHT" sponsored by LAWIM, Los Angeles Women in Music, tonight with Sami Staitman, Madyn Coakley, Corey Fogelmanis, Sarah Staitman, Lauren Taveras, plus instrument "gifting," at Kulak's Woodshed in North Hollywood; info and web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com
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Sat, Apr 16:
8 pm RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END play an acoustic show at Trilogy Guitars.
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm SUSIE GLAZE & THE HILONESOME BAND bring their traditional and original Appalachian mountain music, Jean Ritchie homages, and West Coast bluegrass, to the CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY series in Beckman Institute Auditorium (“Little Beckman”) on the campus, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; 626-395-4652, or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832). More on the Caltech Folk Music Series at www.folkmusic.caltech.edu - and check-out other music on campus at Caltech Presents / Caltech Public Events series at www.events.caltech.edu.
Susie’s soaring high vocals have propelled her career since she sang solos on Broadway in “Big River.” Her friendship and devotion to the music of legendary Appalachian folk queen JEAN RITCHIE earned her an endorsement from the matriarch, and she performed a tribute concert for Ritchie with members of Jean’s musical family at the University of Pennsylvania.
Much of the HILONESOME repertoire is older mountain and bluegrass, and it mixes well with modern compositions by the band’s guitarist / chief songwriter, ROB CARLSON. Indeed, series bookers NICK SMITH and REX MAYREIS say, “Whether they are performing a classic Jean Ritchie piece or something they cooked up on their own, the music is a treat.”
The group’s newest CD is scheduled for release in time for this show. But the live concert energy is special with this five-piece ensemble. You’ll hear acoustic guitars, mandolin, fiddle, upright bass, and Susie’s wonderful vocals, backed by the band’s instruments and voices – and any of them may take a lead vocal or two. Expect an evening of bluegrass, traditional (not modern Nashville) country, old-time, gospel, and as the promo asserts, “any of the musical styles based on those…” Gen’l admission, $18; Caltech students & children, $5.
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN FLYNN & JOHN WORT HANNAM play the “Bodie House Music Series at the Thousand Oaks Library,” at Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks 91362; 818-621-8309; info, www.BodieHouse.com.
Canadian singer-songwriter JOHN WORT HANNAM took L.A. by storm when he toured a number of local venues in October, 2009. At home in the Great White North, he’s won just about every acoustic music award there is.
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Sunday, April 17...
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Sun, Apr 17:
2 pm THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN play a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. They "provide the perfect blend of harmony and humor harkening back to the days of Vaudeville," says Bob Stane. Preserving America’s great vocal sounds from a time when music was music, this vocal quartet, named the 2002 National A Cappella Champions, recreates the close harmonies of such legendary groups as The Ink Spots and the Pied Pipers, while including the era’s great comic songs made famous by the likes of Louis Jordan and The Hoosier Hotshots. A typical performance by The Perfect Gentlemen includes marvelous melodious music mingled with masterful mirth, mischief, and merry-making. The group’s versatility allows for effortless shifts between vocal styles with an air of ease, whether singing a cappella or accompanied by guitar or ukulele. Their signature piece, "Salute to the 20th Century," is, says Bob, "a humorous take on the de-evolution of music over the last century, illustrated by singing the same song in the style of barbershop, Dixieland, blues, big band, doo-wop, bluegrass, disco, techno punk, and rap, complete with visuals that delights audiences of all ages time and time again. Once you’ve heard The Perfect Gentlemen, you won’t settle for anything." Tickets, $20.
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Sun, Apr 17:
5-9 pm Weekly "GRAND OLE ECHO" brings a set by RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END about 7:30 pm. Just come and stay. No cover, plenty of fun, full bar, BBQ out back, all ages.
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Monday, April 18...
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Mon, Apr 18:
8 pm JIM CURRY'S TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Husband and wife team Jim and Anne Curry deliver the multi-platinum hits of the great John Denver in a fun-filled evening of singing and stories. Jim plays the guitar and sings John's songs in a crystal clear tenor. Anne, his wife and musical partner, plays guitar and mandolin and sings harmony in all the right places. You'll be invited to sing along, share in the memories, learn new songs and howl at the moon (literally). More at www.jimcurrymusic.com. Tickets, $18.
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Tuesday, April 19...
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Tue, Apr 19:
8 pm “TINA FEY: A CONVERSATION WITH STEVE MARTIN” presented by Live Talks Los Angeles at Nokia Theatre / L.A. Live. Doors at 7 pm. Tix $29-119. $119 includes prime seating, Tina Fey's book, “Bossypants,” and Steve Martin's book, “An Object of Beauty.” $49 includes premier seating and Tina Fey's book. $29 reserved orchestra seats, books not included. Book signing by Tina Fey immediately follows the event. Net proceeds benefit Southern California Public Radio 89.3 KPCC and KCET independent public TV.
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Tue, Apr 19:
8 pm BARRY McGUIRE, “Trippin’ The 60’s,” with JOHN YORK, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the Andy Williams Show as the gravelly voiced lead singer of the New Christy Minstrels. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar." In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times. Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "Hair." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. Dick Clark says, “When world events collide with “Rock&Roll” you get Barry McGuire”.Currently working with Barry McGuire in "Trippin' The Sixties," John York is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned Folk Rock/Country Rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of such musical luminaries as Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band)……and many others. The TV show “The Place Where I Am Dreaming” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." The duet "Redneck Ninja" highlights John's creative partnership with acclaimed songwriter Patrick Brayer. In 2007, John played concerts in Japan for the third time. Shows are Tuesday, April 19 and Wednesday, April 21. Tickets, $20, either night.
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Wednesday, April 20...
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Wed, Apr 20:
7 pm “CLASSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE CONCERT SERIES” concludes its 6th season tonight with special guests RAYNOR CARROLL & AFRICAN AMERICAN DRUMMING and other performing musicians (tba) in the Cay Mortenson Auditorium at Arcadia Public Library, 20 W Duarte Rd, Arcadia 91006; www.library.ci.arcadia.ca.us; 626-821-5567. Info on this program and the series, 626-821-5569.
This is a free series, no reservations, but seating is limited to the first 150 people in line to enter. Doors at 6:30 pm.
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Wed, Apr 20:
8 pm BARRY McGUIRE, “Trippin’ The 60’s,” with JOHN YORK, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the Andy Williams Show as the gravelly voiced lead singer of the New Christy Minstrels. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar." In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times. Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "Hair." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. Dick Clark says, “When world events collide with “Rock&Roll” you get Barry McGuire”.Currently working with Barry McGuire in "Trippin' The Sixties," John York is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned Folk Rock/Country Rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of such musical luminaries as Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band)……and many others. The TV show “The Place Where I Am Dreaming” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." The duet "Redneck Ninja" highlights John's creative partnership with acclaimed songwriter Patrick Brayer. In 2007, John played concerts in Japan for the third time. Shows are Tuesday, April 19 and Thursday, April 21. Tickets, $20, either night.
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Thursday, April 21...
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Thu, Apr 21:
8 pm RICHARD SMITH & JULIE ADAMS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Virtuoso guitar and cello duo playing an eclectic mix of music from the Beatles to Bach to Bluegrass. Richard and Julie’s ever changing repertoire will include a wide variety of music from Scott Joplin Rags, Sousa marches, Mozart, fiddle tunes, standards, Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed tunes, Django Reinhardt gypsy jazz, Bach, Beatles tunes, pop tunes, Chopin, originals, lightning fast barn-burners to beautiful ballads. This promises to be an outstanding blend of virtuoso musicianship and vocals. Richard’s flawless technique and Julie’s lyrical style and luscious tone, will have your toes tapping , melt your heartstrings and have your jaws hanging open. More at www.richardsmithmusic.com. Tix, $20.
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Saturday, April 23...
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Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2 pm CHRISTOPH BULL performs a stirring BACH ORGAN RECITAL for UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
Bull is a UCLA Live favorite. This is a delightful afternoon of classical music on Royce Hall’s glorious Skinner organ from acclaimed organist Christoph Bull, known for his energizing and often eclectic musical interpretation of organ repertoire. Bull will perform a thrilling and ethereal program of Bach on the UCLA campus treasure, which is known as one of the country’s great musical devices of its kind. Tix, $23/28/33 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLAME SALLY at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $16.
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Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BILLY COLLINS and KAY RYAN, two former U.S. Poet Laureates in a spoken word event, at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
The two Poet Laureates share the stage for an evening of readings from their acclaimed work and Q&A with the audience.
BILLY COLLINS, winner of the 2004 inaugural Mark Twain Prize for Humor in Poetry, served as America’s Poet Laureate from 2001-2003. Beloved for his ironic style, Collins is one of the top-selling modern poets and author of nine collections including “Questions about Angels”,” The Art of Drowning,” and “The Trouble With Poetry and Other Poems.”
KAY RYAN, California native and UCLA alumna, was U.S. Poet Laureate from 2008-2010 and is revered for her complex and rueful style. Her work includes “The Jam Jar Lifeboat & Other Novelties Exposed,” a delightful collection inspired by stories from “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!,” as well as “Flamingo Watching”, a finalist for both the Lamont Poetry Selection and the Lenore Marshall Prize. In 2004, Ryan was awarded The Ruth Lilly Prize—the Poetry Foundation’s highest honor.
In conjunction with this event and April’s National Poetry Month, UCLA Live will launch a poetry-writing contest for the Los Angeles community, with winning submissions to be read onstage in Royce Hall. More details will be available closer to the event. Tix, $28-53.
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Wednesday, April 27...
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Wed, Apr 27:
7-9 pm WORKSHOP - "WWW=What Went Wrong?" sponsored by LAWIM, Los Angeles Women in Music. Social media techniques and more with Ariel Hyatt from Cyber PR. Not going to ASCAP EXPO? Special MasterClass just for us! Going to the EXPO? Hear her in a more hands-on setting and get your site/page evaluated and questions answered tonight. Info, location, reservations, at www.lawim.com
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Wednesday-Sunday, April 27-May 1 - festival...
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Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
TONIGHT:
“COWBOY COUTURE” launches the 2011 Cowboy Festival with western designer fashions, vintage cowboy apparel, models and a wine reception, at the Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main St, Old Town Newhall (Santa Clarita), at 7 pm. You can shop for the latest Western wear before and after the show for a great opportunity to outfit yourself for the Cowboy Festival. Tix, www.repeastplayhouse.org or 661-288-0000; $25 and $35.
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Thursday, April 28...
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Thu, Apr 28; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
TWO EVENTS, TODAY & TONIGHT:
“SANTA CLARITA VALLEY FILM TOUR” (new, this year), begins at Heritage Junction at William S. Hart Park, Newhall. Runs Noon-3 pm; Tickets: $35. Join Local historian E. J. STEPHENS for a bus tour of the Santa Clarita Valley to visit locations where dozens of famous movies were filmed. Tour is complete with photos of the productions and revealing stories of the area's movie history.
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“CHUCKWAGON DINNER SHOW” at Heritage Junction at William S. Hart Park at 6 pm; tickets, $40 includes dinner, and there’s a no-host saloon. It’s “A feast for the Western senses, featuring chuckwagon cooking demonstrations and dinner prepared by award-winning Manflo Ranch, Montie Montana's show wagon and in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Stuntman's Association, a presentation by world famous stuntmen DIAMOND FARNSWORTH and LOREN JANES. Proceeds benefit the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.
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Thu, Apr 28:
8 pm Canadians SARAH MacDOUGALL & GORDIE TENTREES, on their 3 month, 8 country, 75 date tour, hit the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Gordie Tentrees released 3 albums internationally to rave reviews. The most recent " Mercy or Sin" produced by Juno Winner Bob Hamilton, was nominated for a 2010 Western Canadian Music Award for 'Roots Solo Album of the Year". The title track was also a finalist out of 15 000 entries in the 2010 International Songwriting Competition. Judges included Tom Waits, Loretta Lynn and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He performed at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver for the New Songs New Voices concert selected as the best of Canada’s songwriters to perform during the games. He was also selected by CBC Radio's 2009 Song Quest as one of Canada’s top songwriters and hosted the prestigous SOCAN songwriters circle at the 2009 WCMA's. He has toured with Fred Eaglesmith, Kelly Joe Phelps, and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He recently began recording his 4th album and is releasing a "Live from Germany " concert dvd in May.
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Gordie Tentrees Awards:
2010 Western Canadian Music Award Roots Nominee
2010 International Song Competition Americana Finalist
2010 Winter Olympics Best of Canada Performer
Visit his Web Page: www.tentrees.ca
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Sarah Macdougall has been a touring internationally for years with her dynamite songs, blistering guitar chops and astounding voice earning rave reviews and topping major music writers top ten album of the year lists as a songwriter, all the while producing and engineering her own albums. 24 hrs Vancouver called her ‘one of the most promising exports out of Sweden since Abba’ and her album Across the Atlantic (2009) got four star reviews in such notable publications as Q magazine, the Irish Times, No Depression, and many more. Her songs have been chosen for onboard entertainment on Lufthansa airplanes, on TV shows, and she’s been a semi-finalist on the International Songwriting competition with her song Crow’s Lament. She has performed on the Bob Harris show in the UK, has played Canadian and International Festivals, performed with Mary Gauthier, Todd Snider, and Po’Girl among others. Sarah is currently working on her new album, which is scheduled for release in the summer of 2011. Visit her Web Page: www.sarahmacdougall.com
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Tickets, $20.
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Friday, April 29...
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Fri, Apr 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
Their fusion of Bob Wills and Django Reinhardt, plus their '30s sweet jazz, combined with stellar musicianshiop, makes them a must-see trio.
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Fri, Apr 29:
8 pm JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) on cello with PATRICK LYONS, founder of NIRVANA UK, at Stories Books & Cafe, Echo Park; www.storiesla.com
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Fri, Apr 29:
8 pm SOURDOUGH SLIM, "Last of the Vaudeville Cowboys," with ROBERT ARMSTRONG, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. A marvel of musical ingenuity, showman extraordinaire Sourdough Slim and string instrument wizard Robert Armstrong joyously rekindle the country blues, western classics, vintage jazz and string band repertoire of pre-WWII America. A fast-paced performance of music and humor that showcases their seasoned gift for connecting with audiences. Whether capturing the haunting refrain of a Jimmie Rodgers blue yodel or swinging out a hot novelty number, everyone one gets caught up in the fun these two cut-ups have on stage. Long time fans will remember them as founding members of two of California's favorite acoustic combo's, "8th Avenue String Band" and "R. Crumb's Cheap Suit Serenaders." Between them they share a provocative array of period instruments including: flat-top guitar, national steel guitar, baritone and soprano ukulele, musical saw, accordion, six-string banjo and harmonica.
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Well traveled veterans of stages ranging from Carnegie Hall and The Lincoln Center to The Strawberry Music Festival, The National Cowboy Gathering and Prairie Home Companion, these modern day vaudevillians capture a sound and moment in time that consistently delights fun loving music fans wherever they perform.
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REVIEWS: "First rate entertainment. A delightful show..... real deal Americana." - Liz Baines, Seattle Times
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"You won't find better authentic Country or Western music being played anywhere." - David Barnes, British Archive of Country Music
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"Much more invigorating than 9/10ths of the stuff you hear from the current cadre of Western revivalists." - Ronald Lankford, Jr., Sing Out! magazine. "Good Stuff!" - Dallas Dobro, Strawberry Music Festival
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"A must see for those that love to be thoroughly entertained." - Charity Maness, Calaveras News
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Great copy and photos at http://sourdoughslim.com. Tickets, $20.
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Fri, Apr 29; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
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FIVE EVENTS are today and tonight:
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“CALIFORNIO FIESTA DE RANCHO CAMULOS” with DON EDWARDS at 11 am. Multiple award-winner and Grammy nominee Don Edwards does an intimate concert at Don Ygnacio del Valle's estancia. It highlights an afternoon at Rancho Camulos (Est. 1853), the site that inspired the novel "Ramona," where the history, myth, and romance of old California still linger. Enjoy a Southwest “Vaquero buffet,” music, and costumed docent-led tours as you step back in time in Heritage Valley. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit museum's historical preservation. More at www.ranchocamulos.org. Tickets, $50 (includes lunch, tours and concert).
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“WALK OF WESTERN STARS UNVEILING” at 2 pm – Free. For the first time, a director will be honored on the Walk of Western Stars when legendary western film director JOHN FORD is inducted into the Walk on the streets of Old Town Newhall. Ford was director of numerous Western classics including “The Searchers,” “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence,” “Stagecoach,” and “Rio Grande.” Mr. Ford's 1939 version of “Stagecoach” will be shown Friday evening at the Melody Ranch Movie Night.
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“WYATT EARP – HERO OR VILLAIN?” (new event, this year) at Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main St, Old Town Newhall, at 3 pm. Join Editor and Publisher of “True West” Magazine, BOB BOZE BELL, as he walks you through history with fascinating stories and anecdotes about Wyatt Earp. Some thought of him as a hero, others thought he was a jerk. Bob knows the story from all sides and will surprise you with his insights. Tickets, $15.
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“MELODY RANCH MOVIE NIGHT” at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, 7 pm. It’s “an intimate western-style dinner under the stars on Melody Ranch's Main Street,” and an what can only be deemed an ultimate atmospheric screening of the classic film “Stagecoach” on Melody Ranch street, in the middle of the old west movie set town. The film’s legendary director JOHN FORD will be inducted into the “Walk of Western Stars” earlier in the day. Seating for the screening is limited and only ticket holders will be admitted to Melody Ranch for this event. Tickets, $60.
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“AN EVENING OF MUSIC WITH THE SONS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN” at the William S. Hart Mansion at 8 pm. The Sons are back to perform their international award-winning western harmonies on classics and originals in a unique, up close and personal concert. You can tour silent film cowboy star BILL HART's historic residence and then relax in his living room, among his Remington and Russell paintings and sculptures as The Sons take you on a special, memory filled, musical journey. Hear the west, the way it should be sung. Limited to 70 seats. Tickets, $80.
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Saturday, April 30...
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Sat & Sun, Apr 30-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “STAGECOACH FESTIVAL” at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, with LORETTA LYNN, RICKY SCAGGS, JERRY DOUGLAS TRIO, GATLIN BROTHERS, LEON RUSSELL, RODNEY CROWELL, RHONDA VINCENT, THE PUNCH BROTHERS, ROSIE FLORES, WANDA JACKSON, COAL PORTERS, THE GOURDS, JACK INGRAM, JUNIOR BROWN, LUKAS NELSON & THE PROMISE OF THE REAL, THE CLOVERLYS, TRUTH & SALVAGE CO., and PHOSPHORESCENT, in the lineups on two stages, and a crop of big Nashville pop-country people on the third, “Mane Stage,” including KENNY CHESNEY, RASCAL FLATTS, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, DARIUS RUCKER, JOSH TURNER, EASTON CORBIN, & CHRIS YOUNG. Schedules and info, http://stagecoachfestival.com.
It’s billed as “California’s Country Music Festival,” and the producers are maintaining their shockingly wonderful commitment to diversity and inclusion of roots-Americana artists and music on the “other” two stages. Seriously, you can go, never get near the Nashville pop-country “Mane Stage,” and you’ll see and hear many of the best acts who are playing the big folk-Americana festival circuit this summer.
Only thing is, the “Mane Stage” here is notorious for blasting apocalyptic sound into the other stages, half a mile away. So you may need to crowd the sound reinforcement at “your” stage to avoid things that, in past years, have included Brooks & Dunn doing a hiphop version of “Neon Moon,” and Kid Rock doing whatever he was doing at a supposedly “country” festival. Still, for so much music that you will like, it’s a fine bargain, and a lot closer than Telluride.
$149 full weekend pass is now available; + $6 Venue charge + $2 Charity (+ applicable charges) each. A weekend pass is 1 ticket for the entire weekend; your ticket will be exchanged for 1 wristband at the venue. It is GA (General Admission), no reserved seats. The $149 price is being advertised by the festival for limited time while supplies last.
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Sat, Apr 30; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
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Saturday & Sunday events at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio:
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“BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF MELODY RANCH” at 8:30 am. Take a walking tour of Melody Ranch with local historian E. J. STEPHENS. Hear tales of building the Ranch, learn about the Ranch's film history, and visit Melody Ranch Motion Picture Museum. This is a walking tour that covers a wide area of Melody Ranch. Tickets, $40.
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Festival events, included with festival general admission:
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“CALIFORNIA MUSIC STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Ongoing shows feature Western Music, Cowboy Poetry and Storytelling by the best performers in the business.
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“Heritage Stage” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Take in the history and culture of the American West with Native American, Hispanic, and Old West music and dance.
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“MELODY RANCH STAGE” ” at Melody Ranch, 10 am-6 pm, is included in General Admission. This is the festival’s main stage, with shows featuring nationally-known Western musicians and poets. Seating is first-come, first-serve, except for reserved up-front seating for "Friends of the Festival" patrons.
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Street shows, living history, art, gear, dry goods & the Gold Rush Food Court, 10 am-6 pm, both days. Enjoy performances up and down Main Street and on several music stages, and visit The Buffalo Soldiers at their encampment or the festival blacksmiths.
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Children's Activities are at no extra cost, all day. Visit the Pioneer Living exhibit and pan for gold, spin wool, and re-live the old days like children of the early West. Stop by Biskit Saddle Arts and learn about leatherworking or let your children hear authors as they read from their award winning children's books during “Buckaroo Story Time.” Step into the Buckaroo Book Shop and browse book titles for the whole family. Whether your passion is Western film, the real West, Western fiction or shopping for great Western toys like trick ropes, plush ponies or puzzles and games, they’ll have it.
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Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Museum is open 10 am- 3 pm during the festival (and not accessible to the public at any other time during the year). Admission this year is free. This one-of-a-kind museum on the grounds of Melody Ranch is a walk through the history of filmmaking there.
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More of the festival's Saturday Events, April 30:
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“COWBOY CABARET” (new event this year) at Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main St, Old Town Newhall, at 8 pm. Spend an evening of unbridled musical fun with HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN, SOURDOUGH SLIM, and THE LUCKY STARS as they jam the night away. This small, intimate theater will put you up close and personal with some of the best western swing musicians in the country. There’s a no-host bar available. Tickets, $30.
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WYLIE GUSTAFSON – Rare Solo performance at the William S. Hart Mansion at 8 pm. Wylie of WYLIE & THE WILD WEST as you have never experienced him before (unless you caught his solo acoustic performance a few years back on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks”) in a rare, intimate, acoustic concert in cowboy star Bill Hart's living room. From Lincoln Center to the Grand Ole Opry to Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Wylie has charmed them all with his special brand of energy and good time Cowboy music. Expect the unexpected. Limited to 70 seats. Tickets, $80 for this additional event only.
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Sat, Apr 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JAMES McMURTRY at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $22.
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Sat, Apr 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BORDER RADIO at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. A lineup of Souther Cal all-star musicians bring a refreshing spin on traditional bluegrass. Border Radio’s original “gypsygrass” style is a fusion of bluegrass, classic country and old country sounds. – like that once heard in the days of 100,000 Watt radio from just over the Mexican radio. Deeply rooted in tradition, this is what “country” music is supposed to sound like. "Call it rural Tin Pan Alley, prairie jazz, hand-me-down country, city folk -- Border Radio is an original stew of American music that blasts across all these borders” - Kerrville New Folk Competition.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of hisoric downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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MAY: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sunday, May 1...
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Sun, May 1; Sat & Sun, Apr 30-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “STAGECOACH FESTIVAL” at the Empire Polo Field in Indio; http://stagecoachfestival.com. See complete write-up in April 30 listing.
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Sun, May 1; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
+
Saturday & Sunday events at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio:
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“BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF MELODY RANCH” at 8:30 am. Take a walking tour of Melody Ranch with local historian E. J. STEPHENS. Hear tales of building the Ranch, learn about the Ranch's film history, and visit Melody Ranch Motion Picture Museum. This is a walking tour that covers a wide area of Melody Ranch. Tickets, $40.
+
Festival events, included with festival general admission:
+
“CALIFORNIA MUSIC STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Ongoing shows feature Western Music, Cowboy Poetry and Storytelling by the best performers in the business.
+
“HERITAGE STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Take in the history and culture of the American West with Native American, Hispanic, and Old West music and dance.
+
“MELODY RANCH STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am-6 pm, is included in General Admission. This is the festival’s main stage, with shows featuring nationally-known Western musicians and poets. Seating is first-come, first-serve, except for reserved up-front seating for "Friends of the Festival" patrons.
+
Street shows, living history, art, gear, & dry goods & the Gold Rush Food Court, 10 am-6 pm, both days. Enjoy performances up and down Main Street and on several music stages, and visit The Buffalo Soldiers at their encampment or the festival blacksmiths.
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Children's Activities are at no extra cost, all day. Visit the Pioneer Living exhibit and pan for gold, spin wool, and re-live the old days like children of the early West. Stop by Biskit Saddle Arts and learn about leatherworking or let your children hear authors as they read from their award winning children's books during “Buckaroo Story Time.” Step into the Buckaroo Book Shop and browse book titles for the whole family. Whether your passion is Western film, the real West, Western fiction or shopping for great Western toys like trick ropes, plush ponies or puzzles and games, they’ll have it.
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Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Museum is open 10 am- 3 pm during the festival (and not accessible to the public at any other time during the year). Admission this year is free. This one-of-a-kind museum on the grounds of Melody Ranch is a walk through the history of filmmaking there.
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Additional Sunday Event, May 1:
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Off-site event, “Cowboy Church” at the Masters College, 8 am. Admission is free. Info, 661-268-8863.
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Sun, May 1:
7:30 pm MISSINCINATTI with JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) plays the "Open Gate" series at the Center For the Arts, Eagle Rock; www.centerartseaglerock.org/index.php
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Sun, May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm LEON REDBONE at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. He has plenty of imitators these days, but he’s the guy who kept his brand of gentle New Orleans swing blues in the public consciousness and on the radio when he had no peers there. He’s still the best. Tix, $26.50.
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Saturday, May 7...
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Sat, May 7; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CLAUDIA RUSSELL & THE FOLK UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.claudiarussell.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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Sat, May 7; world music (and now for something completely different…):
8 pm EAST L.A. TAIKO with LYSA FLORES combines innovative reinvention of traditional Japanese percussion with the venue’s ongoing “Ritmos Latinos” series, at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. EAST L.A. TAIKO, aka ELAT, led by master drummer MACEO HERNANDEZ, marries Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythms with driving Taiko beats – a fiery eclectic blend of world rhythm that travels the globe and takes you right into the heart of Los Angeles. ELAT performs at the Annex with LYSA FLORES, named in Newsweek magazine as one of “20 young Latinos to watch in the new millennium.” A first generation Mexican-American, Flores has been a pioneer in the “EastLos” alternative music scene since her teens, making music that now defines an urban L.A. style.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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Thursday, May 12...
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Thu, May 12; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND and THE DEL McCOURY BAND in a stellar double-bill at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
Two pillars of American music from two distinct lineages come together for a wonderfully unlikely evening “to celebrate the glory of tradition and the power of newfound collaboration.” Starting as a sideman the legendary “father of bluegrass” BILL MONROE nearly 50 years ago, DEL McCOURY has broadened the audience for the genre. During that same period, the legendary PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND has defined the tradition of New Orleans jazz. Now, they have converged to perform – and record(!) – an unforgettable mix of bluegrass and traditional jazz. Each band will play individual sets, followed by a soul-stirring joint finale. Tix, $38-63 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Friday, May 13...
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Fri, May 13; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm MOLLY’S REVENGE brings splendid Irish music to the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. Known for its unique and infectious on-stage enthusiasm, dynamic acoustic Celtic band Molly's Revenge is a classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, and song. Their arrangements of traditional jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more. They’re festival favorites.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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Sunday, May 15...
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Sun, May 15; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
9 am-6 pm: 51st annual “TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL” at Paramount Ranch near Agoura Hills, in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area.
“Southern California’s favorite Bluegrass, Old-Time & Folk Music Event” and the best one-day festival anywhere returns with contests for all kinds of acoustic instrument players – drawing contestants from several western states – plus professional musicians performing scheduled sets on three stages, and a whole lotta jamming goin’ on beneath the oak trees and on the porches of the old west movie set town.
Since 1961, this event has been an always-anticipated old-time, bluegrass, folk song, folk dancing and crafts festival.
Entertainment on three stages, plus The Dance Barn and Children's area, all set within the western movie sets and mountain locations. Bring your instruments and "sit in" with jamming musicians, or pre-register for any of the prestigious contests.
Some highlights, including acts already booked (with latest changes included):
The Main Stage: Over 100 instrumental and singing contestants, plus performances by
DUSTBOWL CAVALIERS, HABERDASHERY ENSEMBLE, FRANK FAIRFIELD, SCOTT GATES & THE SALTY SUITES.
Dance Barn: Band Playoffs, Clogging, Square Dancing, Contra Dancing - with all live music by TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT and OLD SLEDGE.
Pavilion Stage: Beginner Instrument Playoffs, plus scheduled shows by OLD SLEDGE – roots & history of string band music; MIKE MAHANEY & FRIENDS – cowboy music & poetry show; FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER – songs of the open road.
Railroad Stage: Traditional Singing Playoffs, Intermediate Fiddle Playoffs, plus scheduled shows by EVIE LADEN – old-time banjo and songs; EVAN MARSHALL – “Mr. Solo Mandolin;” SUSIE GLAZE & HILONESOME – mountain music; ROSS ALTMAN – bringing a theme tba.
Eucalyptus Grove: “Family Fun” with “new, expanded programs in the grove,” including organized jams and sing-alongs, beginning at 11 am, with “Folk Songs with FUR & STEVE (aka FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER),” “Kids Crafts with ALAINA SMITH,” DAN, THE FIDDLE MAN, SOUTHWEST FIDDLERS, SCOTTISH FIDDLERS, OLD-TIME FIDDLE WORKSHOP, OLD-TIME BANJO WORKSHOP, CELTIC SLOW SESSION, HAWAIIAN SONGS – UKES & GUITARS. This stage includes the long-running Kids Program, ever-popular Arts & Crafts for young children, and youth-oriented traditional music.
ADVANCE TICKETS available online at a discount, and more info, at www.topangabanjofiddle.org.
Tix at the gate cost more on the day of the event. Online ticket prices are lower this year than last, with tix this year at $10 for ages 18-64 ($15 at gate), and $8 for ages 10-17 or over age 65 ($10 at gate). No charge for children under age 10. Free parking and free shuttle bus to gate.
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Saturday, May 21...
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Sat, May 21; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
3 & 8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings THE BROTHERS CAZIMERO at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; 562-907-4203; www.shannoncenter.org.
ROBERT & ROLAND, being brothers, naturally perform as THE BROTHERS CAZIMERO. The venue tells us, “No group has made more of a contribution to Hawaiian music then they have, and the season wouldn’t be complete without them. Every season they put on a different show and they never cease to amaze.”
This closes the annual series of seven shows for the 2010-2011 season; contact them regarding discounts for buying tix to next season’s entire series. Tix, for today, including new “facilities surcharges,” $48.
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Sunday, May 22...
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May 22; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL” returns after a year of hiatus, with ELLIS PAUL, ELIZA GILKYSON, JIMMY LaFAVE, SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION. This year, it’s a one-day event at the Broad Stage Theatre at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica; 310-434-3200; www.thebroadstage.com; www.events.smc.edu. Even before we knew the lineup, we were comfortable recommending it as a “Show-of-the-Week” pick, given the talent that Renee Bodie booked the first year, and the fact that this is a MUCH more manageable venue where costs can be contained and ticket prices should be kept to reasonable limits. The festival is a benefit for the nonprofit California Acoustic Music Project.
More info on the L.A. Acoustic Music Festival at www.laacousticmusicfestival.com
Info on the California Acoustic Music Project is at www.californiaacousticmusicproject.org
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Tuesday, May 24...
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Tue, May 24; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
JOHNNY REID at the Wilshire Ebell Theater, 743 S Lucerne (at Wilshire), L.A. 90005; 323-931-1277; www.ebellla.com/operating/index.html. His PBS concert, “Johnny Reid Live: Heart & Soul,” taped at his concert in Nova Scotia and aired in L.A. in late February, was amazingly, wonderfully good. Of course, the only time you see music performances on PBS is during pledge drive. But this concert was so good it was worth muting the pledge begging and staying with it. His song, “Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World” was accompanied by bagpipes, fiddles, and marvelous harmonies from a choir. Whether or not you make this concert, he’s an artist to watch.
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MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, Saturday-Sunday-Monday, May 28-30...
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MANY festivals happen this weekend. We'll bring you the extensive run-down soon.
Sat-Mon, May 28-30; festival; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick::
10 am-7 pm 38th annual “TOPANGA DAYS FAIR” at the Topanga Community Center fairgrounds, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga, midway between the 101 and PCH. It's “One of the most celebrated country fairs in Southern California,” each year bringing three stages of music and more for Memorial Day Weekend.
Musical headliners include the FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, JOHN MAYALL, MAGGIE MAYALL, JIM MESSINA, THE STRAY CATS’ LEE ROCKER, & YESTERDAY’S CHILD.
This event is known for its food and beverages, clothing, jewelry and art by local artisans and a variety of environmentally-conscious products and services
Free shuttle service will run along Topanga Canyon Blvd, through the heart of the canyon.
“Live Music, tie-dyed shirts and a groovy spread continue to lure bohemians of all stripes!” - The Los Angeles Times.
“The big draw is the music... Get up, stand up and love the one you’re with!” - LA Weekly.
“Celebrated for its family friendly atmosphere with an eye on preserving the earth for generations to enjoy, the country fair organically blends cutting edge musical acts, eclectic side stage attractions and booths peddling great food and award-winning contemporary crafts. Mark your calendars for Memorial Day weekend - Why would you want to be anywhere else?” - Daily News.
“Oh Topanga Canyon. Despite all the pressure of gentrification in L.A., you remain an incubator for creative hippies who know how to throw a wicked party.” - Metro Mix.
Topanga Days is a three day fair and fundraiser celebrating music, the arts and the work of local artisans. It’s not just Topangans who enjoy the festival. From bohemians to families from all over California, people flock to the fun scene for the relaxing and festive weekend. One of the highlights of the fair is the Monday morning Memorial Day Parade.
“We’re making this year’s fair an event to remember,” said Mimi Williams, Managing Coordinator for the Fair. “We’re offering the best in live music, food and beverages, traditional family games and providing a showcase for innovative, environmentally conscious products and services.”
She adds, “The arts are heavily supported with multiple stages filled with a diverse and talented roster of music and dance, an abundance of booths and vendors ranging from one of a kind art pieces to affordable hand crafted gifts. Topanga Days also offers a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks that will satisfy vegetarians, vegans and carnivores alike.”
The complete music lineup will be announced in the near future.
The Fair opens its gates at 10 am welcoming attendees into a wonderland from a bygone era, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains on the edge of the State Park. Gates close at 7 pm.
General admission is $20. A discount is offered to members of the military and Topanga Community Center at $15; children between 6-12 and seniors are $10.
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Tuesday, May 31...
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Tue, May 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BRUCE COCKBURN and his band, plus JENNY SCHEINMAN opening, in a McCabe’s / Goldenvoice co-presentation at The El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Bl, L.A.; 323-936-4790; www.theelrey.com. Tix are $35, but buy direct from McCabe’s and save a bundle: TicketMaster is levying a $12.90 PER TICKET fee (compared to McCabe’s $4 PER ORDER surcharge) meaning that you'll save over $20 on a pair from McCabe’s online (not in the shop). This is a seated, general admission show, and McCabe’s has a limited number of tickets available through this arrangement, so don't delay.
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JUNE: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
Fri, Jun 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
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Fri & Sat, Jun 3 & 4; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“STAR WARS IN CONCERT” performed with a full orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood; www.hollywoodbowl.com; 323-850-2000 or 213-480-3232.
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Sat, Jun 4:
8 pm BILL KIRCHEN at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
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Jun 5-10, in New Orleans:
Annual “NEW ORLEANS TRAD JAZZ CAMP” for all enthusiasts of traditional and New Orleans-style jazz.
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Sun, Jun 5:
7 pm NEIL INNES at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $24.50.
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Sat, Jun 11; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm DAN NAVARRO at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $17.50.
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Jun 12-16:
22nd annual “NORTH AMERICAN JAMES JOYCE CONFERENCE” at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, and at Caltech in Pasadena. This event takes place in a different locale each year, and this year, Southern Cal fans of James Joyce have it right here at home. Info, www.joyceconference2011.com.
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Fri, Jun 17; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLACK CROWN STRING BAND plus CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7 at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. The latest super-group to emerge from the SF Bay-Area bluegrass and old-timey scene, BLACK CROWN STRING BAND combines the best elements of old-time string band music and Bill Monroe's "high lonesome" sound to create a fusion that is at once old-school and brand new. When they played last year in Sierra Madre with Tom & Patrick Sauber, they brought delight to a full house. Tonight is musically hosted by CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7, San Pedro’s own nationally-recognized bluegrass-Americana band. Unless you’re in Telluride for the Bluegrass Festival, be here tonight.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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Sat, Jun 18; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CAROLINE AIKEN plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.carolineaiken.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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JULY: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Jul 2 & 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“LOS ANGELES GUITAR FESTIVAL” brings an acoustic lineup July 2 and an electric lineup July 3, to the 1,457-seat Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Acoustic on July 2 are TOMMY EMMANUEL, LAURENCE JUBER, CYRIL PAHINUI, & GONZALO BERGARA. Electric on July 3 are JIMMIE VAUGHN, DICK DALE, BRICE FORMAN, & BEN LACY. Info & tix, www.LAGuitarFestival.com.
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Sat, Jul 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm LAURENCE JUBER plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.laurencejuber.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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AUGUST: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Aug 13; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “TRIPPIN' THE ’60S” with BARRY McGUIRE and JOHN YORK at Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.trippinthesixties.com & www.barrymcguire.com & www.johnyorkmusic.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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SEPTEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat & Sun, Sep 17 & 18, festival:
2011 “FALL EQUINOX FOLK MUSIC DANCE & STORYTELLING FESTIVAL,” presented by the California Traditional Music Society (CTMS) for this second year, is again scheduled at the Rancho Cordillera del Norte in Northridge.
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Sat, Sep 17; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLAME SALLY plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.blamesally.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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OCTOBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Oct 29:
ORLA FALLON brings her delightful Irish music to the Irvine Barclay Theatre, on the campus at UC Irvine, 4242 Campus Dr, Irvine; 949-854-4646..
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Sat, Oct 29:
8 pm JENI & BILLY and NATHAN McEUEN play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.jeniandbilly.com & www.nathanmceuen.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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NOVEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Nov 19; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JAIME MICHAELS and SEVERIN BROWNE play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.jaimemichaels.com & www.severinbrowne.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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DECEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Dec 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE KOLES and JOHN BATDORF play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.arlenekolemusic.com & www.johnbatdorfmusic.com) All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc…
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THE GUIDE now has FOUR SECTIONS, each with individual addresses for access:
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1) “SPOTLIGHT EVENTS” is THIS Section, and this is the latest edition.
2) “THE SCENE” contains everything that ISN’T “spotlighted” each day, in separate
editions FOR EACH DAY.
3) “NEWS FEATURES” is a fresh edition each week, with news and reviews from the
acoustic music universe, with features on folk-Americana, the “acoustic renaissance,”
latest releases, reviews of CDs and live shows, industry news, news for artists, and more.
4) “VENUE DIRECTORY” - The Guide’s extensive locator – has location and contact
info for OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, from
Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, plus a few for San Diego, the deserts,
and the Central Coast.
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HELP KEEP THE GUIDE GOING! Send us $25, and you’ll get an ad in the Guide – for your event or CD release or gig – and you’ll become a Guide Annual Subscriber (you’ll be eligible for ticket giveaways and more!) Write us at tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com
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UPDATED EDITIONS bring more (always more -- as we have time to organize all of it).
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We do all we can to bring you news and notices of all the many, many, acoustic music events in and around Los Angeles.
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Plus, we tell you about RADIO SHOWS with acoustic music, focusing on those with live acoustic performances. (They’re available mostly on the web, of course, since we are in acoustic-music-radio-deprived Los Angeles.)
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And, we bring news and reviews of the many acoustic music FESTIVALS near and far, hither and yon, here, there and everywhere! With your help, we’ll keep doing it!
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com (remove all the spaces when you type it.)
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THE LATEST EDITION of the Guide, the NEWS FEATURES, THE SCENE, and SPOTLIGHTED EVENTS, covering the world of current acoustic music happenings, including “heads up” notices to buy advance tix for shows likely to sell-out – and lots more – is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at
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www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com or through links from the News-only edition at
www.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks
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- or by following any of many links on the web to get to one of those sites.
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Entire contents copyright © 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Acoustic Americana Music Guide NEWS FEATURES, March 30 edition
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Acoustic Americana Music Guide NEWS FEATURES, March 30 edition
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LOTS within, but what's not quite here yet are photographs to accompany News Features...
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. Welcome to the
Reinvented (and still under re-construction)
Tied to the Tracks
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ACOUSTIC
AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
NEWS FEATURES
March 30 edition
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THIS WEEK’S NEWS FEATURES
1) ARLO GUTHRIE, Family and Friends, to Barnstorm Woody's Legacy, April 7-10
2) INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION Finalists Set –
Winners To Be Announced Late April / Early May
3) A Major Contest, Profiled: INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
4) KENNY ROGERS in A Revealing Interview
5) ART WALK Will Bring 20,000 to Downtown L.A. & Add Interactive Website
6) TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS Hit #1
7) CLAREMONT FOLK FEST Takes Another Hiatus
8) This Week’s SPOTLIGHT EVENTS, in Quick Takes
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Herein is the News. OTHER Sections of the Guide are available at separate addresses. They are…
“SPOTLIGHT EVENTS” – the newest edition – is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana_26.html
“THE SCENE” in individual editions covering each of the next few days, is not yet available for each day. You can get it now for some, but not all, days. Where it’s available, you can check its many new features, including “the odds” of finding a show at any of the venues in your neighborhood.
On days we’ve not yet completed it, you can check our old format's “Recurring Events” sections… check it out…
Tuesday, March 29, “THE SCENE”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana_26.html
Wednesday, March 30, “Recurring Events” http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-30-recurring-events.html
Thursday, March 31, “Recurring Events ”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/thursday-march-31-recurring-events.html
Friday, April 1, “THE SCENE”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/friday-april-1-scene.html
Saturday, April 2, “THE SCENE”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/saturday-april-2-scene.html
Sunday, April 3, “Recurring Events”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/01/sunday-recurring-on-first-sunday-of.html
Monday, April 4, “THE SCENE”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/monday-april-4-scene.html
Tuesday, April 5, “THE SCENE”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/tuesday-april-5-scene.html
(Editions of the Guide’s NEW Section, “THE SCENE,” include “Recurring Events” and MUCH more – is still under construction...)
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Here are this week’s news feature stories…
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Our # 1 Story:
ARLO GUTHRIE, FAMILY & FRIENDS, TO BARNSTORM WOODY'S LEGACY, APRIL 7-10
They'll prob'ly take forty-seven eight-by-ten color glossy photographs...
ARLO GUTHRIE, that is – with his tribute to his late father, folk icon WOODY GUTHRIE.
ARLO GUTHRIE, son of the illustrious WOODY GUTHRIE and current patriarch of folk music’s most notable family...
ARLO GUTHRIE, the man who told us the story of “ALICE'S RESTAURANT” and carried us on the train to the “CITY OF NEW ORLEANS,” is "Coming into Los An-ge-lees" – and the wider region thereabouts.
A concert by Arlo is the centerpiece of an ambitious Guthrie-theme series in the Redlands / Riverside area, April 8-10, in addition to Arlo's concerts with musical guests at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center April 7 and his big return to UCLA Live! in Westwood's Royce Hall on April 8.
While Arlo is the centerpiece of a very full few days of traditional and folk-Americana music in Southern Cal, some of the artists from the Inland Empire Woody Guthrie-themed series are playing other L.A.-area gigs, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to get your Guthrie on.
Here's the scoop, followed by the schedules at venues in each area.
“ARLO GUTHRIE - A WEEKEND OF GUTHRIE IN REDLANDS” featuring shows by Arlo, SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION, ABE GUTHRIE, JOEL RAFAEL, THE BURNS SISTERS, and the JIMMY LaFAVE BAND – is a veritable festival at several venues in Redlands, Riverside, and Mentone. Info, www.laacousticmusicfestival.com. Producer RENEE BODIE says, “There will be fun for the whole family when the music and legacy of Woody Guthrie comes to Redlands and Riverside.”
Each event has an individual listing in the Guide's Spotlight Events, so this is an overview of all the Guthrie-related events, artists and bands.
At all three venues – Lancaster, UCLA, and Riverside – Arlo will bring an evening of music tinged with humor, warmth, blues, originals, and his endearing and often meandering storytelling style. Anyone who has seen him perform knows how effectively he shares timeless tales and unforgettable classic songs, carrying on the Guthrie family legacy.
From the enduring epic “Alice’s Restaurant” first recorded in 1967 to his latest road trip, Arlo has built his own legacy of humorous and insightful stories. He was one of the key performers at the legendary Woodstock festival in 1969, was featured in the Oscar-winning documentary film about it, and he starred in another film about his song, and Alice, and the restaurant, and the shovels and rakes and implements of destruction. And the half-a-ton of garbage, and bureaucracy, and the draft.
His series of albums over the last 40 years have included hits he made famous beyond the folk world, most notably the late STEVE GOODMAN's song, “City of New Orleans.” Arlo's entertaining and informative acoustic concerts bring not just his songs, but his stories, including some about Woody and some of Arlo's own adventures in America and throughout the world.
With his singular voice as both a singer-songwriter and social commentator, Arlo Guthrie maintains a dedicated fan base that spans the globe. His artistic ventures leave lasting impressions of hope and inspiration, and his inimitable musical ingenuity leaps to new creative heights as he perseveres through the times.
OTHER ARTISTS are involved in all this...
JIMMY LaFAVE, with or without his band, brings his own brand of “Red Dirt” music. One of the most booked performers on the folk-rock scene, producer (of the Redlands / Riverside series) Renee Bodie says, “LaFave will have you on your feet, unable to stay rooted. His shows are spellbinding.” Jimmy, in addition to his role as author and featured performer of the “RIBBON OF HIGHWAY, ENDLESS SKYWAY” Woody Guthrie Tribute, is considered one of the foremost Bob Dylan interpreters, and he writes and performs fine original songs.
JOEL RAFAEL, singer, poet and storyteller, kicks-off a veritable festival of Guthrie for the weekend in the Inland Empire. His show, “WOODY’S AMERICA,” is FREE at the San Bernardino County Museum. In it, Rafael brings Woody Guthrie’s words and music to life, as he does as a featured performer at the annual “Woody Guthrie Folk Festival” in the legendary artist's hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma. Joel has taken part there since its inception in 1998.
Considered a natural and preeminent interpreter of Guthrie's music, Joel Rafael is a member of the national touring cast of the celebrated Guthrie revue, “RIBBON OF HIGHWAY, ENDLESS SKYWAY.” He has released two albums honoring Guthrie’s songs, “Woodeye,” released on Jackson Brown’s Inside Recordings in 2002, followed by “Woodyboye” in 2005.
There's even a kids show. Saturday afternoon brings SARAH LEE GUTHRIE (Woody’s granddaughter) and her musical partner and husband JOHNNY IRION with their interactive children’s concert, “GO WAGGALOO!” Series producer RENEE BODIE says, “This musical experience is a delightful experience for kids, by kids and with kids.”
Growing up in the Guthrie family, Sarah Lee knew first hand how positive and transforming music can be for children. Together with Johnny and their children they have created a musical experience that reaches kids at their level. Prior to the afternoon show, families can participate in a ‘make your shaker’ workshop where children can make their own rattles for use in the show.
SCHEDULES, VENUES, ETC for Guthrie-related events...
Thursday April 7, in Lancaster; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “ARLO GUTHRIE – JOURNEY ON” at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W Lancaster Bl, Lancaster 93534; www.lpac.org; 661-723-5950. Last time he was here, we got to interview him. He delighted the house – even the local predominantly Republican crowd – with his tales of personal antiwar adventures and avant garde living.
Thursday April 7; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JIMMY LaFAVE plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info on this show at www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. He's in the area for the big series of Woody Guthrie-themed shows this coming weekend, one in Thousand Oaks on Friday, and this one at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena tonight.
Friday, April 8, at UCLA; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “ARLO GUTHRIE & FRIENDS” featuring ARLO GUTHRIE, ABE GUTHRIE and THE BURNS SISTERS, at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101. Tix, $33-58 ($15 for UCLA students) at 310-825-2101 or www.uclalive.org.
Friday, April 8; Fri-Sun, Apr 8-10; in Redlands; the FREE “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm, “WOODY GUTHRIE’S AMERICA” with JOEL RAFAEL is a FREE concert at the San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM), 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands 92374; follow signs to exit N off I-10 East, E of the 215, in Redlands.
Friday, April 8, in Thousand Oaks; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JIMMY LaFAVE plays the “Bodie House Concert Series at the Thousand Oaks Library” at the Thousand Oaks / Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks 91362; 818-706-8309.
Saturday, April 9; in Redlands; children's show; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
1:30 pm “GO WAGGALOO!” children’s concert with SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION at the San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands 92374.
Saturday, April 9; in San Bernardino County; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JIMMY LaFAVE BAND at Mill Creek Cattle Co. Smokehouse & Saloon, 1874 Mentone Bl, Mentone (San Bernardino Co.); 909-389-0706. Venue is 21+, has full bar, is known for its BBQ.
Sunday, April 10, in Riverside; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm “ARLO GUTHRIE – JOURNEY ON” with ARLO GUTHRIE, ABE GUTHRIE, & THE BURNS SISTERS, at the gloriously restored Fox Performing Arts Center – the old Fox Theater , at 3801 Mission Inn Av, Riverside. Tonight's show wraps-up the veritable festival, Friday-Sunday in Redlands, Riverside and Mentone. Info, www.laacousticmusicfestival.com. Tickets tonight range from $37 to $67, with VIP Ticket Packages that include premium seating and a “Meet and Greet Artists Reception” after the show for $155. Tickets available at www.foxriversidelive.com.
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Our # 2 Story
INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION FINALISTS SET –
WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED LATE APRIL / EARLY MAY
(The companion feature tells you all about ISC, a major, annual, multi-category competition. Here, we tell you about the artists with the most nominations.)
Australian singer-songwriter KASEY CHAMBERS is the leading finalist with seven original songs, and South African band THE PARLOTONES have six nominations. They were selected from over 115,000 entries from 115 countries, all sorted into 22 categories.
KASEY CHAMBERS is an award-winning, internationally renowned Australian artist who descries herself as “Country/Americana.” Kasey leads the pack this year with seven songs among the finalists in various categories. This is the first time any artist has received so many finalist nods in an ISC, and the contest organization notes, “This achievement recognizes the excellence of her songwriting ability.”
Indeed, Kasey's career already includes multiple ARIA, APRA, and CMAA awards (Australia's top music awards) as well as multiple top-selling albums, establishing her as one of today's most respected and successful Aussie artists.
She's the daughter of Aussie musician and songwriter BILL CHAMBERS, who has toured in the US with Aussie expatriate AUDRY AULD and others.
THE PARLOTONES entries to ISC brought six of their songs finalist status. They are one of South Africa's most popular and successful groups, known for electrifying live performances. They had the biggest-selling rock album of the last decade in South Africa, achieving double Platinum status and seven radio singles from the album – in addition to their other recordings. They just completed a US tour.
As finalists in the current competition – ISC 2010 – these and the others in the final round survived the most competitive year in ICS's history, in terms of number of entries. There were over 115,000.
“ISC received so many wonderful songs that reflected creativity, diversity, and excellent songwriting craftsmanship, and as a result, it was the most difficult year to select the finalists,” says Founder and Director CANDACE AVERY, calling it, “a challenging and daunting task."
Avery continued, "The status of being selected a finalist or semi-finalist [this year is] an honor... elevated and even more prestigious than in past years. Accordingly, there is a record number of finalists and semi-finalists. Congratulations to all these deserving songwriters!”
Entrants were able to submit as many songs as they wished, all in one category, or one or more songs in multiple categories.
ISC entrants came from 115 countries throughout the world, representing all genres of contemporary music. The ISC listening committee narrowed these entries down to 323 finalists in 22 categories. These finalists hail from 33 countries, from Uruguay to Armenia, from Moldova to Hungary, from Zaire to the Ukraine, and everywhere in between. These songs are now in the hands (and ears) of the ISC celebrity judges who will select the final winners.
In addition, there's a "Peoples' Voice" winner, in which the competition invites you to "play judge" and tell them which song you like best. The song with the most votes wins. Info on voting and more, including all the finalists in each category, is available at www.songwritingcompetition.com.
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Our # 3 Story
A MAJOR CONTEST, PROFILED: INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
(The companion feature tells you about the artists with the most nominations. Here, we let you know all about this major annual competition, and how to participate next year.)
Winning the ISC, in any category, is a very big deal. Fortunately, there are 22 categories, including “Folk / Singer-Songwriter” (though that is all lumped together), “Americana,” “Blues,” “Instrumental,” “AAA” (Adult Album Alternative), “Adult Contemporary” (AC), “Children's Music,” “Comedy / Novelty,” “Country,” “Gospel / Christian” (unfortunately lumping traditional gospel music with often sappy contemporary Christian), “Jazz,” “Latin Music,” “Lyrics Only.” There are categories for Unsigned Only, and World Music,
With the Oscars and Grammys long past, it must be the last of the 2010 awards. But there are compelling reasons why the annual International Songwriting Competition (ISC) takes so long. First, there are over 115,000 entries from 115 countries in 22 categories for the judges to hear. Then there are the judges, a busy who's-who of the music industry. Secrecy is preserved through the contest. Last year's recording artists judges included TOM WAITS, JERRY LEE LEWIS, ROBERT EARL KEEN, RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, WYNONNA, CHRIS HILLMAN (THE BYRDS, DESERT ROSE BAND), BEN HARPER, JOHN MAYALL, JEFF BECK, PETER GABRIEL, BEN FOLDS, DAN ZANES, JOE NICHOLS, MICHAEL W. SMITH, and many pop and rock stars.
Plus, industry executives serve as judges. Lat year, they ranged from Dr. Demento (Radio Host, The Dr. Demento Show), to Tommy Morris (Talent Coordinator, The Comedy Store), and a long list of those you would more reasonably expect, like Monte Lipman (President, Universal Republic Records); Amanda Ghost (President, Epic Records); Rick Krim (Exec. VP, Talent & Music Programming, VH1); Brian Malouf (VP A&R, Walt Disney Records); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP A&R, Latin America, Sony/BMG); Ric Arboit (President, Nettwerk Music Group); Daniel Glass (Founder/CEO, Glassnote Entertainment Group); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Dan Storper (President, Putamayo World Music Records and Putumayo Kids); Lisa Ramsey Perkins (Sr. Director, A&R Sony Nashville); Kim Buie (VP A&R, Lost Highway); and Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music For Little People).
There's a category for “Music Video,” and a separate one for “Performance.” Despite what some of us see happening to rock, there are still separate categories for “Rock” and “Teen.”
It's notable and revealing that some genres are combined into single categories beyond the obvious – “Pop / Top 40” – as the contest uses a single category for “R&B / Hip-Hop,” recognizing that R&B truly no longer bears any resemblance to what it was, historically. Similarly, another change (perhaps evolution) combines “Dance / Electronica” (though it makes us wonder if there are any bands who could play a high school dance these days.)
The list of sponsors of the ISC looks like list of an aisle at the NAMM show. They include Martin Guitar, Berklee College Of Music, Disc Makers, D'Addario, Shure, Westone, Thayers, Onlinegigs, ASCAP, SongU.com, Grooveshark, TuneCore, Aspen Brownie Works, The Music Business Registry, Independent Mastering, Indie Venue Bible, Tanager, George Stein, Esq., Celebrity Access, Sonicbids, Taxi, Music Submit, and Alphabet Arm Design.
There's lots more, including how to enter your songs in the 2011 contest, at www.songwritingcompetition.com.
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Our # 4 Story
KENNY ROGERS IN A REVEALING INTERVIEW
Part One
He has a solid multi-generational fan base. He's sold over 120 million records worldwide and recorded more than 65 albums, including one that went Diamond, 19 Platinum, and 31 Gold. He's had 24 #1 hits. He's won three Grammys, 11 People's Choice Awards, 18 American Music Awards (AMAs), eight Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMs), and five Country Music Association Awards (CMAs) among the literally hundreds of music and charity recognitions and honors he's received. He is RIAA's 8th best-selling male artist of all time. His “Greatest Hits” album has sold over 24 million copies to date. He was voted in a USA Today / People magazine joint poll as the readers' “Favorite Singer of All Time” in 1986. And he's the only artist, ever, to have hits in every one of six consecutive decades.
How can others who are called “legends” compare with a resume like that?
On March 28, KENNY ROGERS sat down with SCOTT GOLDMAN, vice president of the Grammy Foundation, in an interview for a sold-out audience of 200 in the Grammy Museum's Clive Davis Sound Stage. The Guide was there to bring you the rare and insightful conversation.
Right away, you discern that Kenny Rogers is a good interview who picks up the ball and runs with it. He's charming and forthcoming and he isn't guarded. He knows what he's about, which may seem obvious for someone who has achieved such stardom, but is all too refreshingly rare. It's probably because he seems genuinely comfortable in his own skin. He easily recalls formative wisdom received in childhood, and if his frequent expressions of that seem well-rehearsed, the aphorisms always fit the point and purpose he intends to illuminate.
Kenny uses more than a little self-deprecating humor, and in ways that are surprising, as when he says, “I'm impressed not with me but with what I've been able to do with very little talent.”
It doesn't take long to learn that a line like that masterfully sets him up to say something that would otherwise sound egotistical. It's endearing and masterful manipulation. It's charm.
If anyone should know how, it's Kenny Rogers. He still tours, doing over 100 live concerts a year, and along the way, the man has mastered the world of media, film and broadcast entertainment. He's an accomplished feature film and TV actor; he's hosted his own TV variety shows; he's sang for beautifully-produced broadcasts of live shows from arenas and concert halls all over the world.
Appropriately, the evening opened with two well-produced videos.
First came a music video / retrospective film trailer for the five films in “The Gambler” franchise. It's loaded with a seemingly complete pantheon of all the western movie stars who are still living. They're seen interacting with Kenny in scenes on horseback, steam trains, stagecoaches, old west main streets, galloping across the wide open spaces, and in plenty of barroom brawls. It's an action-packed stream of nicely crafted edits and close-cuts with the right touch of facial expressions. It's all held together with that hit song sung by Kenny, recorded live in concert before a huge audience somewhere, including an off-mic passage that curiously wasn't fixed.
The second video must be the one for awards shows he can't attend. It has clips of THE FIRST EDITION's band rehearsals back in the early '70s, and touches plenty of stepping stones to the present. Throughout, it's filled with clips of Kenny's singing and his good-natured observations about life. And that, as it turns out, is the appropriate preparation for his in-person conversational stage pesence.
Kenny, thus introduced, took the stage. He began with a quick bit of song title name-dropping in a list that includes “Lucille” and “Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town.” It was done so he could observe, “I have had an incredible career singing songs about dysfunctional families.”
More equally charming observations followed. An hour later, in response to an audience question, he revealed the Rosetta Stone of his on-stage easy humor, saying, “People will clap to be nice. They will not laugh to be nice. I always try to use lots of humor in my shows.”
Knowing that's his game plan is key to understanding his presence and presentation. The audience waited to learn that at the end. You have the benefit of knowing it, going in.
Much of Goldman's questioning centered on the success of Kenny's legacy of landmark duets, a repertoire unparalleled in recorded music. The video had brought quick images of him with KIM CARNES singing “Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer,” and with DOLLY PARTON, singing “Islands in the Stream.” DOTTIE WEST and many other of his duet partners were mentioned. Kenny's praise of his collaborators was ever present, reflecting genuine respect.
Ultimately, Rogers observed that no matter who the singer and how wonderful their talent, “Anybody sings better in a duet than they sing alone. Inevitably, you sing better.”
More instructive was his assertion, “You never start with a partner, you start with a song. You pick someone for a song because they're going to sound good on it.”
He drifted into an apparent aside that he has been working on a song with WYNONNA, and “She sounds great on it, but I don't. I'll probably just have to give her the song so she can get it out there.”
Though he claims that he doesn't listen to music for enjoyment – at all – Rogers is very much about the song. He allowed, “I pick hit songs better than anybody. Every one of my hit songs tells you two things: they tell you where you are – 'on a train bound for nowhere' – and they drop you off with an emotion.”
Scott Goldman's questions about Rogers' history in the music business brought many tasty vignettes. Goldman took him all the way back to his high school rockabilly band in the doo wop era. They were THE SCHOLARS, which Rogers declares was “a bunch of 'D' students with very forgettable songs.” Yet they got a record deal. And one single – a 45 rpm B side called “Crazy Feeling” – landed them a spot on TV's “American Bandstand.”
Rogers mused, “My claim to fame is that DICK CLARK doesn't remember me.”
About that time, as “a little kid from Houston,” Rogers recalls, “I'd only just changed my name from Kenneth Ray to Kenny Rogers because... [a deejay] I knew in Houston had told me, 'Kenneth Ray? You can't have that name in show business!'”
Common to bands of that age group, they drifted apart. Kenny had started on guitar and sought gigs as a singer-guitarist with other bands. Then someone he respected told him, “Change to bass. Every band has a bass player. Not every band has a guitar. And no matter where you go, every bad bass player can find work.”
That led Rogers, at age 19, to a job as bassist for BOBBY DOYLE's jazz band. The world quickly expanded for him as they toured extensively. Rogers, the East Texas boy, talks of nearly losing his nose and ears to 50 below zero temperatures when he ventured out in a tee shirt in the Canadian winter.
He seems to have come of age with that band. At one point, “The place where we played and rehearsed was across the street from where TONY BENNETT played. He used to come over and sit-in with us. Lots of jazz people did then.”
In a statement that speaks volumes about how much music has changed, he observed, “We were very hip, avant garde. It was all distinction and no statement. Now it's all statement, but I'm not sure of what.”
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Continued next week in part two. We'll bring you more as KENNY ROGERS discusses his years with other celebrated groups, including THE NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS and THE FIRST EDITION – “I was bothered when I was the one whose name went up front as KENNY ROGERS AND THE FIRST EDITION. I'd been in groups, and I knew how that worked” – and through the many years of his stellar solo career, his part in the revolution in country music, his collaborations with music stars across genres, his take on his second time around as a dad raising twin six-year-old boys, and lots more.
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Our # 5 Story
ART WALK WILL BRING 20,000 TO DOWNTOWN L.A. & ADD INTERACTIVE WEBSITE
Indeed, it does draw over 20,000 people each time it happens. It has a crazy, checkered past that includes a director who resigned or was fired, depending who you ask, and he took the event into oblivion with him, or tried to... It involves dozens of galleries, music venues, restaurants, bars, street performers and others. It brings a myriad of downtown denizens in official and unofficial roles. And the whole thing mixes in a blender the upscale who stare, expressionless, at paintings, with the “We're-only-here-to-party” hooting of inebriated stumblers.
What could better reflect the essence of L.A.?
The next Downtown Art Walk happens Thursday, April 14. The timing means the revelry will be supplemented by those who've just completed their taxes, and probably by some who won't get them done on time and spontaneously decide to give up and go play. The idiosyncrasies come and go each month but the ever-growing numbers of prosperous urban loft dwellers and sadly lost and homeless shopping-cart pushers are there, and through it all, this event endures.
In time for the next fete, it's adding a new website with bells, whistles and horns. Though it's not quite finished, the new site – DowntownArtWalk.org – may become a model for other sites. It will offer pop-up descriptions of all venues, transportation options and “official” maps, and an interactive aspect. It will allow site users to map their own itineraries and post them on the site for others, and sharing with their own e-connected friends to coordinate a gallery/music/pub crawl, and to print-out the customized features as field maps for recon and tactical maneuvers.
The team that produces the event says they're launching the fancy new site because they really didn't have an option: they can't afford to post signs all over downtown to explain things and give directions to 20,000 Art Walkers.
Still, it may be like trying to impart order inside a popcorn popper. If you make use of the new site, let us know if the interactive aspects – and the event – lives up to its promise.
It's Thursday, April 14. Interactive features are due soon at the new www.downtownartwalk.org
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Our # 6 Story
TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS HIT # 1
We were there when they performed for the first time. We were the first to play their music on the radio. We always knew them boys would make good.
Band leader TUMBLEWEED ROB wrote to tell us, “We did it! We're #1! Our song 'California' just hit #1 on the 'Top Ten Western Songs' chart in the new Rope Burns Magazine!”
That's not all. Rob adds, “We... just found out that [our album] 'Blaze Across the West,' is #2 in it's first appearance on the 'Top Twenty Cowboy / Western Music CDs' chart in 'The Western Way' Magazine! Woo hoo!”
From where we sit, it was rather predictable. They had shown signs, early, of being able to reach beyond their SONS OF THE PIONEERS tribute act, and they won both the Academy of Western Artists (AWA) “Western Music Group of the Year” title and the Western Music Association (WMA) “Crescendo Award.”
We could turn this into a piece in praise of niche genre music / arts organizations and the importance of music charts for specific genres, since the Grammys still have no award for western music (and fat chance anybody in pop-country would allow consideration of some cowboy song). But it's a celebratory time, so we'll make nice.
Speaking for the group's four vocalists and fiddler JEAN SUDBURY and upright bassist DAN DUGGAN, Rob says, “We are really excited and so very grateful to you all for your continued support of our music!” (How come the televised awards acceptance speeches aren't that short?)
To listen to samples or get your own copy of “Blaze Across the West,” go to www.thetumblingtumbleweeds.com/store1.htm
Or you can download your digital copy from iTunes or from CDBaby at www.cdbaby.com/cd/tumblingtumbleweeds2
There's plenty about the group at www.thetumblingtumbleweeds.com
No question that western music is making a comeback with a number of truly talented artists.
And all you western music / western swing / modern western / traditional cowboy / cowboy poetry fans will be glad to know that both the annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” in Newhall and the annual “STAGECOACH FESTIVAL” at the Empire Polo Field in Indio are just around the corner. See the write-ups in the Guide's “Spotlight Events” section, or check out www.cowboyfestival.org and http://stagecoachfestival.com.
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Our # 7 Story
CLAREMONT FOLK FEST TAKES ANOTHER HIATUS
Sponsors of the nominally annual CLAREMONT FOLK FESTIVAL have announced that the event is on hiatus this year. The sponsors, Folk Music Center in Claremont, hope to bring it back in 2012. You may recall that it was on hiatus in 2009, too, and that factor was cited as a reason for launching the “L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL” that year – which then took a year of hiatus in 2010, but will return this year.
Maybe they should all get together and decide to alternate years?
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Our # 8 Story
THIS WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT EVENTS, IN QUICK TAKES
Wednesday through Tuesday, March 30 through April 5, 2011; see The Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS section (http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana_26.html) for plenty more detail.
Wednesday, March 30 Spotlights
Wed, Mar 30; music documentary screening; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm “TROUBADOURS,” presented for the “Reel to Reel” series by Concord Records and The Songwriters Hall of Fame at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage, 800 W Olympic Bl, L.A. 90015; 213-765-6803; www.grammymuseum.org.
Wed, Mar 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN JORGENSON QUINTET play the Cerritos Performing Arts Center - Sierra Cabaret, 12700 Center Court Dr, Cerritos; 562 916-8501 or 800- 300-4345; www.cerritoscenter.com
Thursday, March 31 Spotlights
Thu, Mar 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BRUCE COCKBURN plus JENNY SCHEINMAN at the El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Bl, L.A.; 323-936-4790; www.theelrey.com. A few discount tix are still available through McCabe's, at http://store.mccabes.com/product.php?productid=16615; they're $35 there.
Thu, Mar 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “AN EVENING WITH R. CARLOS NAKAI,” Native American flautist, at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage, 800 W Olympic Bl, L.A. 90015; 213-765-6803; www.grammymuseum.org. Full description in the Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS section.
Thu, Mar 31, in Santa Barbara; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JAKE SHIMABUKURO plays Campbell Hall on the UCSB campus in Santa Barbara; 805-893-3535. One of the world's top ukulele players...
Thu, Mar 31:
8 pm SURFIN' SAFARI at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena.
Thu, Mar 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
9 pm GONZALO BERGARA plays the Saddle Peak Lodge, 419 Cold Canyon Rd, Calabasas 91302; www.saddlepeaklodge.com; 818-222-3888. One of the world's top Djangostyle gypsy jazz guitarists...
Friday, April 1 Spotlights
Fri-Sun, Apr 1-3, in Indian Wells; festival:
Annual “INDIAN WELLS ARTS FESTIVAL” at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells 92210. Music includes performances all three days by INCENDIO.
Fri, Apr 1; workshop; an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK FOR ARTISTS:”
7 pm “COUNTRY & WESTERN MUSIC ON UKULELE & WASHTUB BASS,” workshop with Sid HAUSMAN & WASHTUB JERRY at Island Bazaar, 16582 Gothard St, Ste R, Huntington Beach 92647; 714-843-9350. Workshop is $15. The two play a concert here Sat, Apr 2, 8 pm; tix, $20.
Fri, Apr 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE SCARLET FURIES play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info on this show at www.coffeegalley.com; reservations, 626-794-2424.
Fri, Apr 1:
8 pm “FIRST FRIDAYS” monthly series with SEVERIN BROWNE, the very notable “FIRST FRIDAYS BAND,” and one or more guest recording artists, at Kulak’s Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; info and web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com; info, 818-766-9913.
Fri, Apr 1:
8 pm THE BOBS at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497.
Fri, Apr 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
9 pm SIMON LYNGE plays Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046. In town from Europe for his first L.A. show in a year-and-a-half. (This show at originally been announced for 10 pm.) More at www.simonlyngemusic.com
Saturday, April 2 Spotlights
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2 pm BILL FRISELL TRIO: “SELECTED WORKS OF BUSTER KEATON” is the first of their two different shows today at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
3 & 8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings Grammy winners GEORGE, MOSES & KEOKI KAHUMOKU at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; 562-907-4203; www.shannoncenter.org.
Sat, Apr 2:
3 pm “AS TIME GOES BY” is a “musical play of songs & nostalgia” for a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675. Presented by Theaters of Vision Productions. Details of this show at www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm JULIE FEENEY plays an early hour-long set at the Hotel Café, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood 90038; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm JIM KWESKIN, pioneer revivalist of the jug band and all-around fine musical entertainer, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; details of this show at www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424.
Sat, Apr 2:
7 pm SID HAUSMAN & WASHTUB JERRY perform “Country & Western Music on ukulele & washtub bass” at Island Bazaar, 16582 Gothard St, Ste R, Huntington Beach 92647; 714-843-9350. The two do a workshop here Fri, Apr 1, 7 pm, see listing. Concert tix, $20.
Sat, Apr 2:
7 pm DOUG MORIER performs at Westwood Music, 1627 Westwood Bl, L.A. 90024; 310-478-4251.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm EMMA'S REVOLUTION plays the “Orange Coast Concerts” series at Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, 1259 Victoria St, Costa Mesa 92627; 949-829-1752. They are a fine female new-folk duo from Washington, D.C., with plenty of credits.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BILL FRISELL TRIO: “SELECTED WORKS OF BUSTER KEATON, JIM WOODRING AND BILL MORRISON” is the second of Frisell’s two different shows today at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm RONNY COX and JACK WILLIAMS play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.ronnycox.com & www.jackwilliamsmusic.com.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings Grammy winners GEORGE, MOSES & KEOKI KAHUMOKU at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; www.shannoncenter.org; 562-907-4203. Shows at 3 & 8 pm.
Sat, Apr 2:
10 pm TRACY NEWMAN & THE REINFORCEMENTS play the Oyster House Saloon, 12446 Moorpark St, North Hollywood 91604; 818-761-8686.
Sunday, April 3 Spotlights
Sun, Apr 3:
“KINGS OF CALIFORNIA TRAIN” embarks from Los Angeles to Oakland, then Portland, and return, with DAVE ALVIN, CHRIS SMITHER, PETER CASE, RICK SHEA, LAURIE LEWIS and NINA GERBER; info, Roots on the Rails, trains@sover.net; 866-484-3669.
Sun, Apr 3; a FREE “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2 pm SCOTTISH FIDDLERS OF LOS ANGELES play the Pasadena Public Library, Central Branch in the marvelous theater-like auditorium, 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena 91101; 626-744-4066.
Sun, Apr 3:
3 & 7 pm “AS TIME GOES BY” is a “musical play of songs & nostalgia” for a matinee and evening at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675. Presented by Theaters of Vision Productions. Details of this show at www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424.
Sun, Apr 3, workshop; an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK FOR ARTISTS:”
4:30 pm WORKSHOP: “HAND DRUMMING WITH DAMARU” at the Folk Music Center & Museum, 220 Yale Av, Claremont 91711; 909-624-2928.
Sun, Apr 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
5-9 pm “GRAND OLE ECHO” spring-fall alt-country / Americana music series returns tonight for the 2011 season at the Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park; www.attheecho.com; 213-413-8200. No cover, all ages. See the Guide's big feature story in our March 19 News Features edition (story #9), at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_19.html.
Sun, Apr 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
SOLD OUT: 7 & 9 pm DAVE ALVIN, CHRIS SMITHER, & PETER CASE at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4497.
Sun, Apr 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm “ROOTS AND TWANG NIGHT” series debuts tonight with BORDER RADIO, THE GET DOWN BOYS, & CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7, at Molly Malone's, 575 S Fairfax Av, Los Angeles; 323-923-1577. See the Guide's big feature story in our March 19 News Features edition (story #10), at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_19.html.
Sun, Apr 3, in San Diego; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm DAVID WILCOX plays the AMSD Concert series at 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego; 619-303-8176.
Sun, Apr 3, month-long residency; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm MARINA V and her band play a Sundays-in-April residency at the Hard Rock Cafe, 6801 Hollywood Bl #105, Hollywood 90028. It's next to the Kodak Theatre in the Hollywood / Highland complex. Plenty has been happening for Marina. Recently, SIR BOB GELDOF presented her with a “YouBloom Award” in London. And now she lands a residency at a famous venue.
Marina tells us, “We'll be doing 3 sets each night, about 27 different songs, including a couple of cover songs and songs like 'Ghost Wandering This Earth' which I've played many times solo, but [am] super excited to play with my band. Nick, Shannon, Ben & I are happy to welcome our new drummer, Darren (make sure to say hi to him and check out his lovely Australian accent).”
Reasons you want to go: "hauntingly beautiful" – L.A.Times; "melodic and passionate music" – The Washington Post; "the voice of an angel" – The Prague Post; "Congratulations on your new album ....it is fabulous. Songs and singing are delightful! ... very beautiful." – multi-platinum recording artist Howard Jones.
Marina, who is a naturalized American citizen, was born in Russia. She shares this brand-new tale: “Nick and I had a great opportunity to meet and talk with the famed astronaut BUZZ ALDRIN a few days ago! I told Buzz about my grandpa designing the MIG-29 jet, and it was quite an honor to have a conversation with this legendary man!”
Show begins at 8 pm sharp, is all ages, no cover.
Sun, Apr 3, in Santa Barbara; world music:
8 pm “SEPTETO NACIONAL DE CUBA” in Campbell Hall on the UCSB campus in Santa Barbara; 805-893-3535.
Tuesday, April 5 Spotlights
Tue, Apr 5; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm TISH HINOJOSA plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info on this show at www.coffeegallery.com.
Tue, Apr 5; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND from New Orleans does a performance-interview at the Grammy Museum, 800 W Olympic Bl (entrance on Figueroa), downtown Los Angeles 90015; 213-765-6800.
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See the Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS Section for more events, waaaay through all of 2011.
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Resources, etc…
Our newly updated VENUE DIRECTORY
...with OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html
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RECENT EDITIONS of The Guide’s NEWS FEATURES are still available…
March 19 edition’s NEWS FEATURES are available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_19.html
The topics are…
1) Artists Helping Japan Relief Efforts
2) “PADDY FEST” IS SAT, IF YOU WORKED ON ST PATRICK’S YOU’RE IN LUCK!
3) Top Acts & Locals Play TEMECULA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, this Weekend
4) “JONNY WHITESIDE’S MESSAROUND” Presents Guitar Legend on Sunday
5) Bay Area’s SADDLE CATS to Play one L.A. Show, March 24
6) Local Irish Dancers to Compete in Dublin Championships
7) CELTIC ARTS CENTER Founder Succumbs to Cancer
8) NEW ORLEANS TRAD JAZZ CAMP Awards Scholarships
9) “GRAND OLE ECHO” Series Launches 6th Season, Sunday, April 3rd
10) BORDER RADIO to Host “Roots & Twang Night (Series) at Molly Malone’s”
11) “Sun Studio Sessions,” “Austin City Limits,” now Back-To-Back on KLCS
12) 2012 NAMM Show to Include 27th Annual TEC Awards
13) This Week’s Spotlight Events, in Quick Takes
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March 11 edition’s NEWS FEATURES (including the March 12 update) are available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_12.html
The topics are…
1) Irish Music Weekend, thru St. Patrick’s Day – Erin Go Braugh!
2) Free Tax Help for Musicians
3) LOS LONELY BOYS to Release CD at Grammy Museum, March 25
4) ASCAP "I Create Music" Expo – Coming to L.A., April 28-30
5) Understanding the Artist within: Our Needs, Drives and Impulses
6) AARON LEWIS – Big Hit Album, Single & Video; Is “Country” Changing?
7) Review: “FOLKTACULAR,” President’s Day Weekend
8) Time to Speak Up to Protect Your Interests
9) “Quick Takes” from the Coming Week’s Spotlight Events Page…
10) Reconstruction Progresses: Reinvention of The Guide…
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March 4 edition’s NEWS FEATURES are available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html
The topics are…
1) “PHIL OCHS: There but for Fortune” – Special Screening Sunday
2) Time to Speak Up to Protect Your Interests
3) ERIC CLAPTON, JACKSON BROWNE, LOS LOBOS, MARSHALL CRENSHAW…
What a Week Ahead! Eat Your Heart Out if You’re Someplace Else…
4) Review: “Folktacular,” President’s Day Weekend
5) “Quick Takes” From the Coming Week’s Spotlight Events Page…
6) Reconstruction Progresses: Reinvention of The Guide…
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at
tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com
(We’re trying to cut-down spam. Please help – just remove all the spaces and type the “@” and the “.”)
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The LATEST EDITION of THE GUIDE, with the NEWS FEATURES, THE SCENE, SPOTLIGHTED EVENTS, & THE VENUE DIRECTORY – what it takes to bring you the world of current acoustic music happenings, including “heads up” notices to buy advance tickets for shows likely to sell-out…
Plus VENUES TO HEAR MUSIC OR CONTACT TO GET GIGS, and lots more
– is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at ~
www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
or use links from the News-only edition at
www.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks
- or follow any of the links in the fifteen web sites and web groups that carry the Guide’s weekly News Features.
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Entire contents copyright © 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
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.
Acoustic Americana Music Guide NEWS FEATURES, March 30 edition
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LOTS within, but what's not quite here yet are photographs to accompany News Features...
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. Welcome to the
Reinvented (and still under re-construction)
Tied to the Tracks
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ACOUSTIC
AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
NEWS FEATURES
March 30 edition
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THIS WEEK’S NEWS FEATURES
1) ARLO GUTHRIE, Family and Friends, to Barnstorm Woody's Legacy, April 7-10
2) INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION Finalists Set –
Winners To Be Announced Late April / Early May
3) A Major Contest, Profiled: INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
4) KENNY ROGERS in A Revealing Interview
5) ART WALK Will Bring 20,000 to Downtown L.A. & Add Interactive Website
6) TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS Hit #1
7) CLAREMONT FOLK FEST Takes Another Hiatus
8) This Week’s SPOTLIGHT EVENTS, in Quick Takes
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Herein is the News. OTHER Sections of the Guide are available at separate addresses. They are…
“SPOTLIGHT EVENTS” – the newest edition – is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana_26.html
“THE SCENE” in individual editions covering each of the next few days, is not yet available for each day. You can get it now for some, but not all, days. Where it’s available, you can check its many new features, including “the odds” of finding a show at any of the venues in your neighborhood.
On days we’ve not yet completed it, you can check our old format's “Recurring Events” sections… check it out…
Tuesday, March 29, “THE SCENE”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana_26.html
Wednesday, March 30, “Recurring Events” http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-30-recurring-events.html
Thursday, March 31, “Recurring Events ”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/thursday-march-31-recurring-events.html
Friday, April 1, “THE SCENE”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/friday-april-1-scene.html
Saturday, April 2, “THE SCENE”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/saturday-april-2-scene.html
Sunday, April 3, “Recurring Events”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/01/sunday-recurring-on-first-sunday-of.html
Monday, April 4, “THE SCENE”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/monday-april-4-scene.html
Tuesday, April 5, “THE SCENE”
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/tuesday-april-5-scene.html
(Editions of the Guide’s NEW Section, “THE SCENE,” include “Recurring Events” and MUCH more – is still under construction...)
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Here are this week’s news feature stories…
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Our # 1 Story:
ARLO GUTHRIE, FAMILY & FRIENDS, TO BARNSTORM WOODY'S LEGACY, APRIL 7-10
They'll prob'ly take forty-seven eight-by-ten color glossy photographs...
ARLO GUTHRIE, that is – with his tribute to his late father, folk icon WOODY GUTHRIE.
ARLO GUTHRIE, son of the illustrious WOODY GUTHRIE and current patriarch of folk music’s most notable family...
ARLO GUTHRIE, the man who told us the story of “ALICE'S RESTAURANT” and carried us on the train to the “CITY OF NEW ORLEANS,” is "Coming into Los An-ge-lees" – and the wider region thereabouts.
A concert by Arlo is the centerpiece of an ambitious Guthrie-theme series in the Redlands / Riverside area, April 8-10, in addition to Arlo's concerts with musical guests at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center April 7 and his big return to UCLA Live! in Westwood's Royce Hall on April 8.
While Arlo is the centerpiece of a very full few days of traditional and folk-Americana music in Southern Cal, some of the artists from the Inland Empire Woody Guthrie-themed series are playing other L.A.-area gigs, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to get your Guthrie on.
Here's the scoop, followed by the schedules at venues in each area.
“ARLO GUTHRIE - A WEEKEND OF GUTHRIE IN REDLANDS” featuring shows by Arlo, SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION, ABE GUTHRIE, JOEL RAFAEL, THE BURNS SISTERS, and the JIMMY LaFAVE BAND – is a veritable festival at several venues in Redlands, Riverside, and Mentone. Info, www.laacousticmusicfestival.com. Producer RENEE BODIE says, “There will be fun for the whole family when the music and legacy of Woody Guthrie comes to Redlands and Riverside.”
Each event has an individual listing in the Guide's Spotlight Events, so this is an overview of all the Guthrie-related events, artists and bands.
At all three venues – Lancaster, UCLA, and Riverside – Arlo will bring an evening of music tinged with humor, warmth, blues, originals, and his endearing and often meandering storytelling style. Anyone who has seen him perform knows how effectively he shares timeless tales and unforgettable classic songs, carrying on the Guthrie family legacy.
From the enduring epic “Alice’s Restaurant” first recorded in 1967 to his latest road trip, Arlo has built his own legacy of humorous and insightful stories. He was one of the key performers at the legendary Woodstock festival in 1969, was featured in the Oscar-winning documentary film about it, and he starred in another film about his song, and Alice, and the restaurant, and the shovels and rakes and implements of destruction. And the half-a-ton of garbage, and bureaucracy, and the draft.
His series of albums over the last 40 years have included hits he made famous beyond the folk world, most notably the late STEVE GOODMAN's song, “City of New Orleans.” Arlo's entertaining and informative acoustic concerts bring not just his songs, but his stories, including some about Woody and some of Arlo's own adventures in America and throughout the world.
With his singular voice as both a singer-songwriter and social commentator, Arlo Guthrie maintains a dedicated fan base that spans the globe. His artistic ventures leave lasting impressions of hope and inspiration, and his inimitable musical ingenuity leaps to new creative heights as he perseveres through the times.
OTHER ARTISTS are involved in all this...
JIMMY LaFAVE, with or without his band, brings his own brand of “Red Dirt” music. One of the most booked performers on the folk-rock scene, producer (of the Redlands / Riverside series) Renee Bodie says, “LaFave will have you on your feet, unable to stay rooted. His shows are spellbinding.” Jimmy, in addition to his role as author and featured performer of the “RIBBON OF HIGHWAY, ENDLESS SKYWAY” Woody Guthrie Tribute, is considered one of the foremost Bob Dylan interpreters, and he writes and performs fine original songs.
JOEL RAFAEL, singer, poet and storyteller, kicks-off a veritable festival of Guthrie for the weekend in the Inland Empire. His show, “WOODY’S AMERICA,” is FREE at the San Bernardino County Museum. In it, Rafael brings Woody Guthrie’s words and music to life, as he does as a featured performer at the annual “Woody Guthrie Folk Festival” in the legendary artist's hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma. Joel has taken part there since its inception in 1998.
Considered a natural and preeminent interpreter of Guthrie's music, Joel Rafael is a member of the national touring cast of the celebrated Guthrie revue, “RIBBON OF HIGHWAY, ENDLESS SKYWAY.” He has released two albums honoring Guthrie’s songs, “Woodeye,” released on Jackson Brown’s Inside Recordings in 2002, followed by “Woodyboye” in 2005.
There's even a kids show. Saturday afternoon brings SARAH LEE GUTHRIE (Woody’s granddaughter) and her musical partner and husband JOHNNY IRION with their interactive children’s concert, “GO WAGGALOO!” Series producer RENEE BODIE says, “This musical experience is a delightful experience for kids, by kids and with kids.”
Growing up in the Guthrie family, Sarah Lee knew first hand how positive and transforming music can be for children. Together with Johnny and their children they have created a musical experience that reaches kids at their level. Prior to the afternoon show, families can participate in a ‘make your shaker’ workshop where children can make their own rattles for use in the show.
SCHEDULES, VENUES, ETC for Guthrie-related events...
Thursday April 7, in Lancaster; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “ARLO GUTHRIE – JOURNEY ON” at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W Lancaster Bl, Lancaster 93534; www.lpac.org; 661-723-5950. Last time he was here, we got to interview him. He delighted the house – even the local predominantly Republican crowd – with his tales of personal antiwar adventures and avant garde living.
Thursday April 7; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JIMMY LaFAVE plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info on this show at www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. He's in the area for the big series of Woody Guthrie-themed shows this coming weekend, one in Thousand Oaks on Friday, and this one at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena tonight.
Friday, April 8, at UCLA; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “ARLO GUTHRIE & FRIENDS” featuring ARLO GUTHRIE, ABE GUTHRIE and THE BURNS SISTERS, at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101. Tix, $33-58 ($15 for UCLA students) at 310-825-2101 or www.uclalive.org.
Friday, April 8; Fri-Sun, Apr 8-10; in Redlands; the FREE “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm, “WOODY GUTHRIE’S AMERICA” with JOEL RAFAEL is a FREE concert at the San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM), 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands 92374; follow signs to exit N off I-10 East, E of the 215, in Redlands.
Friday, April 8, in Thousand Oaks; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JIMMY LaFAVE plays the “Bodie House Concert Series at the Thousand Oaks Library” at the Thousand Oaks / Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks 91362; 818-706-8309.
Saturday, April 9; in Redlands; children's show; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
1:30 pm “GO WAGGALOO!” children’s concert with SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION at the San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands 92374.
Saturday, April 9; in San Bernardino County; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JIMMY LaFAVE BAND at Mill Creek Cattle Co. Smokehouse & Saloon, 1874 Mentone Bl, Mentone (San Bernardino Co.); 909-389-0706. Venue is 21+, has full bar, is known for its BBQ.
Sunday, April 10, in Riverside; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm “ARLO GUTHRIE – JOURNEY ON” with ARLO GUTHRIE, ABE GUTHRIE, & THE BURNS SISTERS, at the gloriously restored Fox Performing Arts Center – the old Fox Theater , at 3801 Mission Inn Av, Riverside. Tonight's show wraps-up the veritable festival, Friday-Sunday in Redlands, Riverside and Mentone. Info, www.laacousticmusicfestival.com. Tickets tonight range from $37 to $67, with VIP Ticket Packages that include premium seating and a “Meet and Greet Artists Reception” after the show for $155. Tickets available at www.foxriversidelive.com.
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Our # 2 Story
INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION FINALISTS SET –
WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED LATE APRIL / EARLY MAY
(The companion feature tells you all about ISC, a major, annual, multi-category competition. Here, we tell you about the artists with the most nominations.)
Australian singer-songwriter KASEY CHAMBERS is the leading finalist with seven original songs, and South African band THE PARLOTONES have six nominations. They were selected from over 115,000 entries from 115 countries, all sorted into 22 categories.
KASEY CHAMBERS is an award-winning, internationally renowned Australian artist who descries herself as “Country/Americana.” Kasey leads the pack this year with seven songs among the finalists in various categories. This is the first time any artist has received so many finalist nods in an ISC, and the contest organization notes, “This achievement recognizes the excellence of her songwriting ability.”
Indeed, Kasey's career already includes multiple ARIA, APRA, and CMAA awards (Australia's top music awards) as well as multiple top-selling albums, establishing her as one of today's most respected and successful Aussie artists.
She's the daughter of Aussie musician and songwriter BILL CHAMBERS, who has toured in the US with Aussie expatriate AUDRY AULD and others.
THE PARLOTONES entries to ISC brought six of their songs finalist status. They are one of South Africa's most popular and successful groups, known for electrifying live performances. They had the biggest-selling rock album of the last decade in South Africa, achieving double Platinum status and seven radio singles from the album – in addition to their other recordings. They just completed a US tour.
As finalists in the current competition – ISC 2010 – these and the others in the final round survived the most competitive year in ICS's history, in terms of number of entries. There were over 115,000.
“ISC received so many wonderful songs that reflected creativity, diversity, and excellent songwriting craftsmanship, and as a result, it was the most difficult year to select the finalists,” says Founder and Director CANDACE AVERY, calling it, “a challenging and daunting task."
Avery continued, "The status of being selected a finalist or semi-finalist [this year is] an honor... elevated and even more prestigious than in past years. Accordingly, there is a record number of finalists and semi-finalists. Congratulations to all these deserving songwriters!”
Entrants were able to submit as many songs as they wished, all in one category, or one or more songs in multiple categories.
ISC entrants came from 115 countries throughout the world, representing all genres of contemporary music. The ISC listening committee narrowed these entries down to 323 finalists in 22 categories. These finalists hail from 33 countries, from Uruguay to Armenia, from Moldova to Hungary, from Zaire to the Ukraine, and everywhere in between. These songs are now in the hands (and ears) of the ISC celebrity judges who will select the final winners.
In addition, there's a "Peoples' Voice" winner, in which the competition invites you to "play judge" and tell them which song you like best. The song with the most votes wins. Info on voting and more, including all the finalists in each category, is available at www.songwritingcompetition.com.
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Our # 3 Story
A MAJOR CONTEST, PROFILED: INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
(The companion feature tells you about the artists with the most nominations. Here, we let you know all about this major annual competition, and how to participate next year.)
Winning the ISC, in any category, is a very big deal. Fortunately, there are 22 categories, including “Folk / Singer-Songwriter” (though that is all lumped together), “Americana,” “Blues,” “Instrumental,” “AAA” (Adult Album Alternative), “Adult Contemporary” (AC), “Children's Music,” “Comedy / Novelty,” “Country,” “Gospel / Christian” (unfortunately lumping traditional gospel music with often sappy contemporary Christian), “Jazz,” “Latin Music,” “Lyrics Only.” There are categories for Unsigned Only, and World Music,
With the Oscars and Grammys long past, it must be the last of the 2010 awards. But there are compelling reasons why the annual International Songwriting Competition (ISC) takes so long. First, there are over 115,000 entries from 115 countries in 22 categories for the judges to hear. Then there are the judges, a busy who's-who of the music industry. Secrecy is preserved through the contest. Last year's recording artists judges included TOM WAITS, JERRY LEE LEWIS, ROBERT EARL KEEN, RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, WYNONNA, CHRIS HILLMAN (THE BYRDS, DESERT ROSE BAND), BEN HARPER, JOHN MAYALL, JEFF BECK, PETER GABRIEL, BEN FOLDS, DAN ZANES, JOE NICHOLS, MICHAEL W. SMITH, and many pop and rock stars.
Plus, industry executives serve as judges. Lat year, they ranged from Dr. Demento (Radio Host, The Dr. Demento Show), to Tommy Morris (Talent Coordinator, The Comedy Store), and a long list of those you would more reasonably expect, like Monte Lipman (President, Universal Republic Records); Amanda Ghost (President, Epic Records); Rick Krim (Exec. VP, Talent & Music Programming, VH1); Brian Malouf (VP A&R, Walt Disney Records); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP A&R, Latin America, Sony/BMG); Ric Arboit (President, Nettwerk Music Group); Daniel Glass (Founder/CEO, Glassnote Entertainment Group); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Dan Storper (President, Putamayo World Music Records and Putumayo Kids); Lisa Ramsey Perkins (Sr. Director, A&R Sony Nashville); Kim Buie (VP A&R, Lost Highway); and Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music For Little People).
There's a category for “Music Video,” and a separate one for “Performance.” Despite what some of us see happening to rock, there are still separate categories for “Rock” and “Teen.”
It's notable and revealing that some genres are combined into single categories beyond the obvious – “Pop / Top 40” – as the contest uses a single category for “R&B / Hip-Hop,” recognizing that R&B truly no longer bears any resemblance to what it was, historically. Similarly, another change (perhaps evolution) combines “Dance / Electronica” (though it makes us wonder if there are any bands who could play a high school dance these days.)
The list of sponsors of the ISC looks like list of an aisle at the NAMM show. They include Martin Guitar, Berklee College Of Music, Disc Makers, D'Addario, Shure, Westone, Thayers, Onlinegigs, ASCAP, SongU.com, Grooveshark, TuneCore, Aspen Brownie Works, The Music Business Registry, Independent Mastering, Indie Venue Bible, Tanager, George Stein, Esq., Celebrity Access, Sonicbids, Taxi, Music Submit, and Alphabet Arm Design.
There's lots more, including how to enter your songs in the 2011 contest, at www.songwritingcompetition.com.
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Our # 4 Story
KENNY ROGERS IN A REVEALING INTERVIEW
Part One
He has a solid multi-generational fan base. He's sold over 120 million records worldwide and recorded more than 65 albums, including one that went Diamond, 19 Platinum, and 31 Gold. He's had 24 #1 hits. He's won three Grammys, 11 People's Choice Awards, 18 American Music Awards (AMAs), eight Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMs), and five Country Music Association Awards (CMAs) among the literally hundreds of music and charity recognitions and honors he's received. He is RIAA's 8th best-selling male artist of all time. His “Greatest Hits” album has sold over 24 million copies to date. He was voted in a USA Today / People magazine joint poll as the readers' “Favorite Singer of All Time” in 1986. And he's the only artist, ever, to have hits in every one of six consecutive decades.
How can others who are called “legends” compare with a resume like that?
On March 28, KENNY ROGERS sat down with SCOTT GOLDMAN, vice president of the Grammy Foundation, in an interview for a sold-out audience of 200 in the Grammy Museum's Clive Davis Sound Stage. The Guide was there to bring you the rare and insightful conversation.
Right away, you discern that Kenny Rogers is a good interview who picks up the ball and runs with it. He's charming and forthcoming and he isn't guarded. He knows what he's about, which may seem obvious for someone who has achieved such stardom, but is all too refreshingly rare. It's probably because he seems genuinely comfortable in his own skin. He easily recalls formative wisdom received in childhood, and if his frequent expressions of that seem well-rehearsed, the aphorisms always fit the point and purpose he intends to illuminate.
Kenny uses more than a little self-deprecating humor, and in ways that are surprising, as when he says, “I'm impressed not with me but with what I've been able to do with very little talent.”
It doesn't take long to learn that a line like that masterfully sets him up to say something that would otherwise sound egotistical. It's endearing and masterful manipulation. It's charm.
If anyone should know how, it's Kenny Rogers. He still tours, doing over 100 live concerts a year, and along the way, the man has mastered the world of media, film and broadcast entertainment. He's an accomplished feature film and TV actor; he's hosted his own TV variety shows; he's sang for beautifully-produced broadcasts of live shows from arenas and concert halls all over the world.
Appropriately, the evening opened with two well-produced videos.
First came a music video / retrospective film trailer for the five films in “The Gambler” franchise. It's loaded with a seemingly complete pantheon of all the western movie stars who are still living. They're seen interacting with Kenny in scenes on horseback, steam trains, stagecoaches, old west main streets, galloping across the wide open spaces, and in plenty of barroom brawls. It's an action-packed stream of nicely crafted edits and close-cuts with the right touch of facial expressions. It's all held together with that hit song sung by Kenny, recorded live in concert before a huge audience somewhere, including an off-mic passage that curiously wasn't fixed.
The second video must be the one for awards shows he can't attend. It has clips of THE FIRST EDITION's band rehearsals back in the early '70s, and touches plenty of stepping stones to the present. Throughout, it's filled with clips of Kenny's singing and his good-natured observations about life. And that, as it turns out, is the appropriate preparation for his in-person conversational stage pesence.
Kenny, thus introduced, took the stage. He began with a quick bit of song title name-dropping in a list that includes “Lucille” and “Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town.” It was done so he could observe, “I have had an incredible career singing songs about dysfunctional families.”
More equally charming observations followed. An hour later, in response to an audience question, he revealed the Rosetta Stone of his on-stage easy humor, saying, “People will clap to be nice. They will not laugh to be nice. I always try to use lots of humor in my shows.”
Knowing that's his game plan is key to understanding his presence and presentation. The audience waited to learn that at the end. You have the benefit of knowing it, going in.
Much of Goldman's questioning centered on the success of Kenny's legacy of landmark duets, a repertoire unparalleled in recorded music. The video had brought quick images of him with KIM CARNES singing “Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer,” and with DOLLY PARTON, singing “Islands in the Stream.” DOTTIE WEST and many other of his duet partners were mentioned. Kenny's praise of his collaborators was ever present, reflecting genuine respect.
Ultimately, Rogers observed that no matter who the singer and how wonderful their talent, “Anybody sings better in a duet than they sing alone. Inevitably, you sing better.”
More instructive was his assertion, “You never start with a partner, you start with a song. You pick someone for a song because they're going to sound good on it.”
He drifted into an apparent aside that he has been working on a song with WYNONNA, and “She sounds great on it, but I don't. I'll probably just have to give her the song so she can get it out there.”
Though he claims that he doesn't listen to music for enjoyment – at all – Rogers is very much about the song. He allowed, “I pick hit songs better than anybody. Every one of my hit songs tells you two things: they tell you where you are – 'on a train bound for nowhere' – and they drop you off with an emotion.”
Scott Goldman's questions about Rogers' history in the music business brought many tasty vignettes. Goldman took him all the way back to his high school rockabilly band in the doo wop era. They were THE SCHOLARS, which Rogers declares was “a bunch of 'D' students with very forgettable songs.” Yet they got a record deal. And one single – a 45 rpm B side called “Crazy Feeling” – landed them a spot on TV's “American Bandstand.”
Rogers mused, “My claim to fame is that DICK CLARK doesn't remember me.”
About that time, as “a little kid from Houston,” Rogers recalls, “I'd only just changed my name from Kenneth Ray to Kenny Rogers because... [a deejay] I knew in Houston had told me, 'Kenneth Ray? You can't have that name in show business!'”
Common to bands of that age group, they drifted apart. Kenny had started on guitar and sought gigs as a singer-guitarist with other bands. Then someone he respected told him, “Change to bass. Every band has a bass player. Not every band has a guitar. And no matter where you go, every bad bass player can find work.”
That led Rogers, at age 19, to a job as bassist for BOBBY DOYLE's jazz band. The world quickly expanded for him as they toured extensively. Rogers, the East Texas boy, talks of nearly losing his nose and ears to 50 below zero temperatures when he ventured out in a tee shirt in the Canadian winter.
He seems to have come of age with that band. At one point, “The place where we played and rehearsed was across the street from where TONY BENNETT played. He used to come over and sit-in with us. Lots of jazz people did then.”
In a statement that speaks volumes about how much music has changed, he observed, “We were very hip, avant garde. It was all distinction and no statement. Now it's all statement, but I'm not sure of what.”
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Continued next week in part two. We'll bring you more as KENNY ROGERS discusses his years with other celebrated groups, including THE NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS and THE FIRST EDITION – “I was bothered when I was the one whose name went up front as KENNY ROGERS AND THE FIRST EDITION. I'd been in groups, and I knew how that worked” – and through the many years of his stellar solo career, his part in the revolution in country music, his collaborations with music stars across genres, his take on his second time around as a dad raising twin six-year-old boys, and lots more.
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Our # 5 Story
ART WALK WILL BRING 20,000 TO DOWNTOWN L.A. & ADD INTERACTIVE WEBSITE
Indeed, it does draw over 20,000 people each time it happens. It has a crazy, checkered past that includes a director who resigned or was fired, depending who you ask, and he took the event into oblivion with him, or tried to... It involves dozens of galleries, music venues, restaurants, bars, street performers and others. It brings a myriad of downtown denizens in official and unofficial roles. And the whole thing mixes in a blender the upscale who stare, expressionless, at paintings, with the “We're-only-here-to-party” hooting of inebriated stumblers.
What could better reflect the essence of L.A.?
The next Downtown Art Walk happens Thursday, April 14. The timing means the revelry will be supplemented by those who've just completed their taxes, and probably by some who won't get them done on time and spontaneously decide to give up and go play. The idiosyncrasies come and go each month but the ever-growing numbers of prosperous urban loft dwellers and sadly lost and homeless shopping-cart pushers are there, and through it all, this event endures.
In time for the next fete, it's adding a new website with bells, whistles and horns. Though it's not quite finished, the new site – DowntownArtWalk.org – may become a model for other sites. It will offer pop-up descriptions of all venues, transportation options and “official” maps, and an interactive aspect. It will allow site users to map their own itineraries and post them on the site for others, and sharing with their own e-connected friends to coordinate a gallery/music/pub crawl, and to print-out the customized features as field maps for recon and tactical maneuvers.
The team that produces the event says they're launching the fancy new site because they really didn't have an option: they can't afford to post signs all over downtown to explain things and give directions to 20,000 Art Walkers.
Still, it may be like trying to impart order inside a popcorn popper. If you make use of the new site, let us know if the interactive aspects – and the event – lives up to its promise.
It's Thursday, April 14. Interactive features are due soon at the new www.downtownartwalk.org
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Our # 6 Story
TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS HIT # 1
We were there when they performed for the first time. We were the first to play their music on the radio. We always knew them boys would make good.
Band leader TUMBLEWEED ROB wrote to tell us, “We did it! We're #1! Our song 'California' just hit #1 on the 'Top Ten Western Songs' chart in the new Rope Burns Magazine!”
That's not all. Rob adds, “We... just found out that [our album] 'Blaze Across the West,' is #2 in it's first appearance on the 'Top Twenty Cowboy / Western Music CDs' chart in 'The Western Way' Magazine! Woo hoo!”
From where we sit, it was rather predictable. They had shown signs, early, of being able to reach beyond their SONS OF THE PIONEERS tribute act, and they won both the Academy of Western Artists (AWA) “Western Music Group of the Year” title and the Western Music Association (WMA) “Crescendo Award.”
We could turn this into a piece in praise of niche genre music / arts organizations and the importance of music charts for specific genres, since the Grammys still have no award for western music (and fat chance anybody in pop-country would allow consideration of some cowboy song). But it's a celebratory time, so we'll make nice.
Speaking for the group's four vocalists and fiddler JEAN SUDBURY and upright bassist DAN DUGGAN, Rob says, “We are really excited and so very grateful to you all for your continued support of our music!” (How come the televised awards acceptance speeches aren't that short?)
To listen to samples or get your own copy of “Blaze Across the West,” go to www.thetumblingtumbleweeds.com/store1.htm
Or you can download your digital copy from iTunes or from CDBaby at www.cdbaby.com/cd/tumblingtumbleweeds2
There's plenty about the group at www.thetumblingtumbleweeds.com
No question that western music is making a comeback with a number of truly talented artists.
And all you western music / western swing / modern western / traditional cowboy / cowboy poetry fans will be glad to know that both the annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” in Newhall and the annual “STAGECOACH FESTIVAL” at the Empire Polo Field in Indio are just around the corner. See the write-ups in the Guide's “Spotlight Events” section, or check out www.cowboyfestival.org and http://stagecoachfestival.com.
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Our # 7 Story
CLAREMONT FOLK FEST TAKES ANOTHER HIATUS
Sponsors of the nominally annual CLAREMONT FOLK FESTIVAL have announced that the event is on hiatus this year. The sponsors, Folk Music Center in Claremont, hope to bring it back in 2012. You may recall that it was on hiatus in 2009, too, and that factor was cited as a reason for launching the “L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL” that year – which then took a year of hiatus in 2010, but will return this year.
Maybe they should all get together and decide to alternate years?
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Our # 8 Story
THIS WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT EVENTS, IN QUICK TAKES
Wednesday through Tuesday, March 30 through April 5, 2011; see The Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS section (http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana_26.html) for plenty more detail.
Wednesday, March 30 Spotlights
Wed, Mar 30; music documentary screening; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm “TROUBADOURS,” presented for the “Reel to Reel” series by Concord Records and The Songwriters Hall of Fame at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage, 800 W Olympic Bl, L.A. 90015; 213-765-6803; www.grammymuseum.org.
Wed, Mar 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN JORGENSON QUINTET play the Cerritos Performing Arts Center - Sierra Cabaret, 12700 Center Court Dr, Cerritos; 562 916-8501 or 800- 300-4345; www.cerritoscenter.com
Thursday, March 31 Spotlights
Thu, Mar 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BRUCE COCKBURN plus JENNY SCHEINMAN at the El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Bl, L.A.; 323-936-4790; www.theelrey.com. A few discount tix are still available through McCabe's, at http://store.mccabes.com/product.php?productid=16615; they're $35 there.
Thu, Mar 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “AN EVENING WITH R. CARLOS NAKAI,” Native American flautist, at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage, 800 W Olympic Bl, L.A. 90015; 213-765-6803; www.grammymuseum.org. Full description in the Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS section.
Thu, Mar 31, in Santa Barbara; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JAKE SHIMABUKURO plays Campbell Hall on the UCSB campus in Santa Barbara; 805-893-3535. One of the world's top ukulele players...
Thu, Mar 31:
8 pm SURFIN' SAFARI at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena.
Thu, Mar 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
9 pm GONZALO BERGARA plays the Saddle Peak Lodge, 419 Cold Canyon Rd, Calabasas 91302; www.saddlepeaklodge.com; 818-222-3888. One of the world's top Djangostyle gypsy jazz guitarists...
Friday, April 1 Spotlights
Fri-Sun, Apr 1-3, in Indian Wells; festival:
Annual “INDIAN WELLS ARTS FESTIVAL” at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells 92210. Music includes performances all three days by INCENDIO.
Fri, Apr 1; workshop; an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK FOR ARTISTS:”
7 pm “COUNTRY & WESTERN MUSIC ON UKULELE & WASHTUB BASS,” workshop with Sid HAUSMAN & WASHTUB JERRY at Island Bazaar, 16582 Gothard St, Ste R, Huntington Beach 92647; 714-843-9350. Workshop is $15. The two play a concert here Sat, Apr 2, 8 pm; tix, $20.
Fri, Apr 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE SCARLET FURIES play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info on this show at www.coffeegalley.com; reservations, 626-794-2424.
Fri, Apr 1:
8 pm “FIRST FRIDAYS” monthly series with SEVERIN BROWNE, the very notable “FIRST FRIDAYS BAND,” and one or more guest recording artists, at Kulak’s Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; info and web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com; info, 818-766-9913.
Fri, Apr 1:
8 pm THE BOBS at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497.
Fri, Apr 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
9 pm SIMON LYNGE plays Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046. In town from Europe for his first L.A. show in a year-and-a-half. (This show at originally been announced for 10 pm.) More at www.simonlyngemusic.com
Saturday, April 2 Spotlights
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2 pm BILL FRISELL TRIO: “SELECTED WORKS OF BUSTER KEATON” is the first of their two different shows today at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
3 & 8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings Grammy winners GEORGE, MOSES & KEOKI KAHUMOKU at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; 562-907-4203; www.shannoncenter.org.
Sat, Apr 2:
3 pm “AS TIME GOES BY” is a “musical play of songs & nostalgia” for a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675. Presented by Theaters of Vision Productions. Details of this show at www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm JULIE FEENEY plays an early hour-long set at the Hotel Café, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood 90038; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm JIM KWESKIN, pioneer revivalist of the jug band and all-around fine musical entertainer, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; details of this show at www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424.
Sat, Apr 2:
7 pm SID HAUSMAN & WASHTUB JERRY perform “Country & Western Music on ukulele & washtub bass” at Island Bazaar, 16582 Gothard St, Ste R, Huntington Beach 92647; 714-843-9350. The two do a workshop here Fri, Apr 1, 7 pm, see listing. Concert tix, $20.
Sat, Apr 2:
7 pm DOUG MORIER performs at Westwood Music, 1627 Westwood Bl, L.A. 90024; 310-478-4251.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm EMMA'S REVOLUTION plays the “Orange Coast Concerts” series at Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, 1259 Victoria St, Costa Mesa 92627; 949-829-1752. They are a fine female new-folk duo from Washington, D.C., with plenty of credits.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BILL FRISELL TRIO: “SELECTED WORKS OF BUSTER KEATON, JIM WOODRING AND BILL MORRISON” is the second of Frisell’s two different shows today at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm RONNY COX and JACK WILLIAMS play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.ronnycox.com & www.jackwilliamsmusic.com.
Sat, Apr 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings Grammy winners GEORGE, MOSES & KEOKI KAHUMOKU at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; www.shannoncenter.org; 562-907-4203. Shows at 3 & 8 pm.
Sat, Apr 2:
10 pm TRACY NEWMAN & THE REINFORCEMENTS play the Oyster House Saloon, 12446 Moorpark St, North Hollywood 91604; 818-761-8686.
Sunday, April 3 Spotlights
Sun, Apr 3:
“KINGS OF CALIFORNIA TRAIN” embarks from Los Angeles to Oakland, then Portland, and return, with DAVE ALVIN, CHRIS SMITHER, PETER CASE, RICK SHEA, LAURIE LEWIS and NINA GERBER; info, Roots on the Rails, trains@sover.net; 866-484-3669.
Sun, Apr 3; a FREE “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2 pm SCOTTISH FIDDLERS OF LOS ANGELES play the Pasadena Public Library, Central Branch in the marvelous theater-like auditorium, 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena 91101; 626-744-4066.
Sun, Apr 3:
3 & 7 pm “AS TIME GOES BY” is a “musical play of songs & nostalgia” for a matinee and evening at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675. Presented by Theaters of Vision Productions. Details of this show at www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424.
Sun, Apr 3, workshop; an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK FOR ARTISTS:”
4:30 pm WORKSHOP: “HAND DRUMMING WITH DAMARU” at the Folk Music Center & Museum, 220 Yale Av, Claremont 91711; 909-624-2928.
Sun, Apr 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
5-9 pm “GRAND OLE ECHO” spring-fall alt-country / Americana music series returns tonight for the 2011 season at the Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park; www.attheecho.com; 213-413-8200. No cover, all ages. See the Guide's big feature story in our March 19 News Features edition (story #9), at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_19.html.
Sun, Apr 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
SOLD OUT: 7 & 9 pm DAVE ALVIN, CHRIS SMITHER, & PETER CASE at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4497.
Sun, Apr 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm “ROOTS AND TWANG NIGHT” series debuts tonight with BORDER RADIO, THE GET DOWN BOYS, & CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7, at Molly Malone's, 575 S Fairfax Av, Los Angeles; 323-923-1577. See the Guide's big feature story in our March 19 News Features edition (story #10), at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_19.html.
Sun, Apr 3, in San Diego; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm DAVID WILCOX plays the AMSD Concert series at 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego; 619-303-8176.
Sun, Apr 3, month-long residency; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm MARINA V and her band play a Sundays-in-April residency at the Hard Rock Cafe, 6801 Hollywood Bl #105, Hollywood 90028. It's next to the Kodak Theatre in the Hollywood / Highland complex. Plenty has been happening for Marina. Recently, SIR BOB GELDOF presented her with a “YouBloom Award” in London. And now she lands a residency at a famous venue.
Marina tells us, “We'll be doing 3 sets each night, about 27 different songs, including a couple of cover songs and songs like 'Ghost Wandering This Earth' which I've played many times solo, but [am] super excited to play with my band. Nick, Shannon, Ben & I are happy to welcome our new drummer, Darren (make sure to say hi to him and check out his lovely Australian accent).”
Reasons you want to go: "hauntingly beautiful" – L.A.Times; "melodic and passionate music" – The Washington Post; "the voice of an angel" – The Prague Post; "Congratulations on your new album ....it is fabulous. Songs and singing are delightful! ... very beautiful." – multi-platinum recording artist Howard Jones.
Marina, who is a naturalized American citizen, was born in Russia. She shares this brand-new tale: “Nick and I had a great opportunity to meet and talk with the famed astronaut BUZZ ALDRIN a few days ago! I told Buzz about my grandpa designing the MIG-29 jet, and it was quite an honor to have a conversation with this legendary man!”
Show begins at 8 pm sharp, is all ages, no cover.
Sun, Apr 3, in Santa Barbara; world music:
8 pm “SEPTETO NACIONAL DE CUBA” in Campbell Hall on the UCSB campus in Santa Barbara; 805-893-3535.
Tuesday, April 5 Spotlights
Tue, Apr 5; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm TISH HINOJOSA plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info on this show at www.coffeegallery.com.
Tue, Apr 5; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND from New Orleans does a performance-interview at the Grammy Museum, 800 W Olympic Bl (entrance on Figueroa), downtown Los Angeles 90015; 213-765-6800.
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See the Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS Section for more events, waaaay through all of 2011.
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Resources, etc…
Our newly updated VENUE DIRECTORY
...with OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html
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RECENT EDITIONS of The Guide’s NEWS FEATURES are still available…
March 19 edition’s NEWS FEATURES are available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_19.html
The topics are…
1) Artists Helping Japan Relief Efforts
2) “PADDY FEST” IS SAT, IF YOU WORKED ON ST PATRICK’S YOU’RE IN LUCK!
3) Top Acts & Locals Play TEMECULA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, this Weekend
4) “JONNY WHITESIDE’S MESSAROUND” Presents Guitar Legend on Sunday
5) Bay Area’s SADDLE CATS to Play one L.A. Show, March 24
6) Local Irish Dancers to Compete in Dublin Championships
7) CELTIC ARTS CENTER Founder Succumbs to Cancer
8) NEW ORLEANS TRAD JAZZ CAMP Awards Scholarships
9) “GRAND OLE ECHO” Series Launches 6th Season, Sunday, April 3rd
10) BORDER RADIO to Host “Roots & Twang Night (Series) at Molly Malone’s”
11) “Sun Studio Sessions,” “Austin City Limits,” now Back-To-Back on KLCS
12) 2012 NAMM Show to Include 27th Annual TEC Awards
13) This Week’s Spotlight Events, in Quick Takes
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March 11 edition’s NEWS FEATURES (including the March 12 update) are available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_12.html
The topics are…
1) Irish Music Weekend, thru St. Patrick’s Day – Erin Go Braugh!
2) Free Tax Help for Musicians
3) LOS LONELY BOYS to Release CD at Grammy Museum, March 25
4) ASCAP "I Create Music" Expo – Coming to L.A., April 28-30
5) Understanding the Artist within: Our Needs, Drives and Impulses
6) AARON LEWIS – Big Hit Album, Single & Video; Is “Country” Changing?
7) Review: “FOLKTACULAR,” President’s Day Weekend
8) Time to Speak Up to Protect Your Interests
9) “Quick Takes” from the Coming Week’s Spotlight Events Page…
10) Reconstruction Progresses: Reinvention of The Guide…
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March 4 edition’s NEWS FEATURES are available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html
The topics are…
1) “PHIL OCHS: There but for Fortune” – Special Screening Sunday
2) Time to Speak Up to Protect Your Interests
3) ERIC CLAPTON, JACKSON BROWNE, LOS LOBOS, MARSHALL CRENSHAW…
What a Week Ahead! Eat Your Heart Out if You’re Someplace Else…
4) Review: “Folktacular,” President’s Day Weekend
5) “Quick Takes” From the Coming Week’s Spotlight Events Page…
6) Reconstruction Progresses: Reinvention of The Guide…
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at
tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com
(We’re trying to cut-down spam. Please help – just remove all the spaces and type the “@” and the “.”)
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The LATEST EDITION of THE GUIDE, with the NEWS FEATURES, THE SCENE, SPOTLIGHTED EVENTS, & THE VENUE DIRECTORY – what it takes to bring you the world of current acoustic music happenings, including “heads up” notices to buy advance tickets for shows likely to sell-out…
Plus VENUES TO HEAR MUSIC OR CONTACT TO GET GIGS, and lots more
– is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at ~
www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
or use links from the News-only edition at
www.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks
- or follow any of the links in the fifteen web sites and web groups that carry the Guide’s weekly News Features.
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Entire contents copyright © 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
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