Aug 31 events only, Acoustic Americana Music Guide, 2009

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No sooner did the editor return from the High Sierra, having weathered a storm at high altitude and encountered other surprises, then an even bigger surprise arrived: emergency eye surgery. So, the HUNDREDS of emails that arrived in his absence must await, along with whatever piles-up while he can’t see. (There were already over a thousand, actually. Do the math: average of 3 minutes per message = 50 hours to get through them all. Your patience is appreciated.)
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AUGUST 31, 2009 EVENTS
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And, for those who appreciate music festivals, read Larry Wines’ big round-up for FolkWorks of the Spring Music Festival circuit, at
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http://www.folkworks.org/content/viewcategorycur/89
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IN THIS EDITION: Look for our popular “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks!
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MONDAY, AUGUST 31
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Monday’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick is Gary Allegretto in Sherman Oaks from 6:30-9:30 pm.
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“Out-of-Town” Events:
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Aug 28-Sep 5; in Boulder Creek, Northern Cal:
“VALLEY OF THE MOON FIDDLE CAMP” with ALASDAIR FRASER, NATALIE HAAS, LIZ CARROLL and many others. Info at www.valleyofthemoon.org
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Alasdair Fraser, Director of the camp, is in demand as a concert artist, dance fiddler and fiddle teacher throughout his native Scotland and the United States. 'Artist in Residence' at the prestigious Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow for the past several years, he excels in expressing the beauty and energy of traditional Scottish fiddling and in creating exciting new music that remains true to that tradition.
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Venue is Camp Campbell, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Fiddlers of all ages and levels of musical experience choose from daily workshops on Scottish and related fiddle styles. Additional classes are offered in dancing and singing, as well as piano, guitar, cello and percussion accompaniment for fiddle tunes.
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Fri-Mon, Aug 28-31; in Ohio:
“FUR PEACE RANCH SONGWRITING WORKSHOP & CONCERT” at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio. ANNE McCUE tells us, “I am honoured to be invited by JORMA & VANESSA KAUKONEN to conduct a song workshop and play a show at their Fur Peace Ranch. Jorma was the guitarist in legendary JEFFERSON AIRPLANE and has a great thing going on here. We will spend a couple of days working on your songs and getting them finished, shining them up, polishing them into gems. It'll be fun!” Sign-up for the workshop or buy tix to the show at www.furpeaceranch.com
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LOS ANGELES AREA acoustic music performances:
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Mon, Aug 31, every Mon, on web radio:
Noon-12:30 pm “GUNSLINGER RADIO SHOW” with host Cowboy Hud and performing guests on web radio KSGV, Glendora, at http://ksgvradio.com.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week; on radio & web simulcast:
1-4 pm “BUFFALO BAYOU” radio show hosted by Jake Bacon on KUCI, simulcast at http://www.kuci.org. Sometimes with live performances. It’s “a swamp pop, Cajun, Zydeco, and all things bayou sonic gumbo laced with international flavorings and a wild attitude, cooked up, and served live to the world on the web and on itunes, and at 88.9 FM in Irvine since 2003. In addition to the KUCI webstream, the show is live on myspace at www.myspace.com/jakebacon889.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
2-4 pm “HEAR, HERE” at the Lost Souls Café, 124 E 4th St (down the gated alley), downtown L.A.; 213-617-7006; www.lostsouls.com. A weekly live benefit event of “whatever” kind of music, by and for www.killradio.org, which has daily internet radio and live webcasts on Fridays, Noon-2 pm. The “Kill Radio” webcast is a submission show; send them your CDs or mp3s for “guaranteed” airplay. All the info for that is at www.myspace.com/hear_here.
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Mon, Aug 31, every Mon, on the web:
3:59-5:15 pm (Pacific time) “WOODSONGS OLD TIME RADIO HOUR” live simulcast from Lexington, Kentucky. Those near Lexington are invited to attend the show live; the rest of us can watch and listen live on the web, or download the podcast later, at www.woodsongs.com. The host is folksinger MICHAEL JOHNATHON, and both he and many of his guests have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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Michael’s “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour” is a multi-media celebration of grassroots Americana music, heard worldwide in radio syndication (except in L.A.) and seen and heard on the web. Every Monday evening, Michael and his guests perform folk and bluegrass, and the show explores songwriting, new artists, literature, worldwide radio, television and concerts. WoodSongs is the world first multi-camera, weekly series broadcast on the Internet. Online viewers worldwide can watch the behind-the-scenes production heard by over 900,000 radio listeners on over 491 radio stations each week. Here’s the weekly schedule, adjusted to Pacific time: 4 pm - watch the 60 minute show live as it happens; 5:03 pm - join the audience as they record the promo for the just-completed show; 5:05 pm - enjoy the guest artist's encore performances, not heard on the radio broadcast.
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Each show is later archived on line, for free 24/7 viewing in various media formats, and available streaming and as a podcast.
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Mon, Aug 31, every Mon:
6-10 pm MARC BOSSERMAN plays his residency at Parkway Grill, 510 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena 91105; reserv recommended, 626-795-1001 (or hang out at the bar). He delivers fine piano and vocals, and he composed a film score for a movie due out soon. Info, www.marcbosserman.com.
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Mon, Aug 31, recurring, on web radio:
6 pm (Pacific) “RALPH’S BACK PORCH” broadcast from Texas, usually has live in-studio western music guests; call-in number to chat with Ralph and guests, 347 215 8849; catch the show at www.blogtalkradio.com/ralphsbackporch.
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Mon, Aug 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
6:30-9”30 pm GARY ALLEGRETTO & BAND perform at the “Sherman Oaks Galleria Concert Series” at the Sherman Oaks Galleria, Center Plaza, 15303 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks 91403; www.shermanoaksgalleria.com. They’ve played live on the “Jimmy Kimmel Show” on ABC network TV, and you first heard Gary’s music on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Come and see what prominent Blues critics are raving about:
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"Harmonica wrangler Gary Allegretto is one of the classiest acts in the music business today, working only with the best backup musicians and taking the time to craft music noted not only for its quality but for its authenticity... and what's best about his genuineness is its completely offhand quality. If someone complains to you that they don't make "real" blues records anymore - albums that sound like lost classics yet retain the freshness of an individual - play Many Shades of Blue for them..." ~ Robert Fontenot, Blues Revue Magazine, June/July 2008.
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"... Gary Allegretto shines bright on this soulful program of down-to-earth comfort... Allegretto sings with a natural storytelling appeal that’s easy to understand. His harmonica gives the program a zest that ensures magnetic forces. One listen and you’re under his spell. One listen and his audience is sold on pure blues with a message that comes from the heart." ~ Jim Santella, Southland Blues Magazine, Aug 2008.
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"This is honest music crafted from inspiration, talent, and skills, delivered at a high level of accomplishment. I'm really impressed with the maturity, facility, and depth in Gary's harp playing. He could sure teach a lot of harp players about tone, phrasing, and getting the most expression out of a very expressive instrument. His songwriting, singing and arranging are very accomplished too. No wonder (Many Shades of Blue) is being well received... Gary's music made me feel good, and that's a very attractive quality." ~ Bob Margolin, renowned bluesman from Muddy Waters Band, and blues columnist.
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You can listen to tracks from Gary’s new CD, “MANY SHADES OF BLUE,” at www.cdbaby.com/garyallegretto and learn more at www.garyallegretto.com or www.myspace.com/garyallegretto
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Free swing dance lessons during the intermission, about 7:20 pm. Free show.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
7 pm free “J.A.M. SESSIONS” series continues at the Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood 90068; 323-GO1-FORD; www.FordTheatres.org; box dinner orders 310-652-3797. Grounds open two hours early for picnics, so pack your basket and a bottle of vino and head for the Ford. A variety of events and activities happen through the summer in this series. It is NOT what musicians would recognize as a “jam session.” It’s a structured program. Check the Ford’s site to see what happens tonight. This series is free, but you should reserve a spot by calling the Ford at 323-461-3673.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
“PRO BLUES JAM” at Cozy's Bar & Grill, 14058 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks; 818-986-6000 www.cozysblues.com. Check with venue for tonight’s start time.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
“ALL STAR PRO JAM” (blues, R&B, jazz, soul, etc.) every Monday at Harvelle's, 1432 Fourth St, Santa Monica; 310-395-1676. Check with venue for tonight’s start time.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
7:30 pm OPEN MIC at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; Web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. This is named as the “Best Acoustic Open Mic” in L.A. AND the “Best Web Simulcast,” in “The Best of 2008 / Top Ten” in FolkWorks, at www.folkworks.org/content/view/35788/166. Kulak’s provides all necessary connections for acoustic stage, plus a baby grand piano. Hosted by LISA TURNER. Sign-ups 7-7:15 pm, show at 7:30 pm. Performers may choose (in advance) to purchase a multi-camera DVD of their performance. One (max length 3-4 minute) song per performer. Info, www.kulakswoodshed.com/openmic.shtml. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Mon, Aug 31:
8 pm THE ALLEY CATS plus a “special opening act” at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. THE ALLEY CATS are, says venue impresario Bob Stane, “A perfect blend of musical talent and comic timing. Their interaction with audiences combined with their spontaneous humor makes each show refreshing and exciting. Royce, Juan, Mando, and Sean never miss a beat as they bring their own contemporary style to the great songs of the ‘50s and ‘60s. They have recorded four albums, which showcase their rich harmonies, as well as the energy and humor from their live shows. Every Alley Cat performance is accompanied by the sounds of laughter and voices joining in to sing the melodies we all know and love. Tight harmonies, universal humor, and unbelievable a cappella energy,” have, indeed, made THE ALLEY CATS "America's Premier Doo-Wop Group" and the nation’s most-booked Doo-Wop group. Tix, $15.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
8 pm “BLUE MONDAYS” brings NEW ORLEANS WEST and featured blues performers to Club Fais Do Do, 5257 W Adams Bl, L.A. 90016; www.faisdodo.com; 323-215-5212; (Adams & Cloverdale; exit La Brea S from 10 Fwy). Free red beans & rice with BBQ chicken.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
8 pm “KILLING CASSANOVA'S SALOON MONDAYS” series at The Bordello, 901 E First St, L.A 90012; www.bordellobar.com; 213-687-3766. Event info, scheduled performers, www.myspace.com/saloonmonday. Always a lineup of alt-country and roots bands, often with names you recognize and already know you want to go see. The Bordello is the oldest bar and brothel in downtown Los Angeles, reflecting its legendary status as the theater of the unusual and provocative, and it is now the venue for “Killing Cassanova’s Saloon Mondays.” $3 cover.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
8 pm “ACOUSTIC MONDAYS” in-the-round showcase, guided by singer-songwriter JAY NASH, with different guest artists each week, at Room 5, 143 N LaBrea Av (2nd floor, above Amalfi Ristorante), L.A. 90036; 323-938-2504. Upscale, cozy atmosphere with affordable food. Full bar and menu.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
8 pm “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” at the Celtic Arts Center at Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
ON HIATUS: 8-11 pm blues legend BERNIE PEARL has long hosted the weekly BLUES JAM at M'Dear's, 78th & Western, L.A. But, the series is on hiatus because the venue is remodeling. We’ll let you know when it returns. Artist info, www.berniepearl.com.
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Mon, Aug 31, every Mon:
8:30 pm “TALENT NIGHT” hosted by CHAD WATSON BAND at the Cowboy Palace Saloon (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Cash prizes, and some winners have gone on to perform on the Grand Ole Opry. Free dance lessons 7-8:30 pm, "Two-Step with Ed." No cover.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
8:30 pm OPEN MIC at the Rainbow Bar and Grill, 9015 W Sunset Bl, West Hollywood; 310-278-4232. Sign-ups at 8, show at 8:30 pm.
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Mon, Aug 31, every Mon:
8:30 pm OPEN-MIC hosted by Gordon Gilges at Café Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038; www.cafemusela.com; 323-464-MUSE (6873). The venue tells us, ”There's a piano & guitar you are welcome to use, the rest is up to you. Bring your music, your own instruments, your friends!” Sign-ups are at 8 pm. Comedy is now from 7:30-8:30 pm, with those sign-ups at 7:30 pm. They add, “We are trying to create a community of artists who support each other, so participants are encouraged to come early and stay as long as you can to show the love to your fellow open-mic-ers. You may even get to go up a second time. The night may even turn into a big music jam, so be prepared for anything! There's a piano and guitar you are welcome to use, the rest is up to you.”
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Venue serves vegan & omnivore “comfort food,” fruit smoothies and organic coffee & tea beverages. Entertainment (of various kinds) every night, usually beginning 9:30-10 pm, after the shows in the surrounding theatre district. Venue has a beautiful piano and a house guitar for musician use, or bring your own instrument. They say, “We welcome people to come by and play anytime - you never know when the Muses might appear!” They tell us, “We are always looking for piano players & musicians to accompany the singers and spoken word artists (or to come in and jam with us).” Email them to be added to their roster, at TheMuses@CafeMuseLA.com. Early arrival recommended; $5 minimum for table service requested, otherwise, no cover.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
9-11:30 pm "IRISH MUSIC SESSION" weekly at Celtic Arts Center’s new shared location, Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood 91602; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com. Schedule every week is Irish language workshop at 7 pm, followed by the Irish céilí dance workshop at 8 pm, then comes Southern California's longest running traditional Celtic music seisiún, from 9-11:30 pm. Free.
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
9:30 pm “JJ SONG SALON” weekly singer-songwriter night at Life on Wilshire, 6311 Wilshire Bl, L.A. 90048; 323-651-5433; www.lifeonwilshire.com. Grammy award winning producer JOHN JONES (Fleetwood Mac, Duran Duran, Celine Dion) is the “JJ” who assembles an eclectic mix of performers for an evening of live acoustic entertainment. Complete list, with links, for this week’s performers at www.jjsongsalon.com. Each plays a short set, beginning at 9:30 pm. Dinner seating available starting at 6:30 pm.
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Mon, Aug 31, every Mon:
9:30 pm Weekly “SINGER SONGWRITER EVENING” hosted by PRESTON SMITH (Preston Smith & the Crocodiles) at Lucy's 51, 10149 Riverside Dr (just E of Cahuenga, at Forman), Toulca Lake. "Preston is a singing, guitar and harmonica playing virtuoso of blues and jazz, which makes him a great fit. His stuff is upbeat, intelligent and classy, He's known for his widespread appeal to a variety of audiences and some say his music knows no boundaries. While Smith's songwriting skills have received a big thumbs up from critics all over the map, his live gigs are legendary." - John Sollenberger, The Pasadena Weekly.
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Preston sang for Barbra Streisand's wedding, and he’s performed for Steven Spielberg, Bruce Willis, Aaron Spelling, Brad Grey, the cast of The Soprano's, and the late Sonny Bono. He appeared on "The Tonight Show" with the late Jimmy Stewart. Roseanne Cash recorded his song "Black and White," then she included it in her greatest hits CD that went to gold. More at www.myspace.com/prestonsmithmusic and www.prestonsmith.com
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Mon, Aug 31, every week:
10:30 pm “BLUES JAM” with MISS MICKEY CHAMPION at Babe's and Ricky's Inn, 4339 Leimert Bl, L.A.; 323-295-9112; www.bluesbar.com.. L.A.’s legendary blueswoman plays an every-Monday residency. Artist info: www.mickeychampion.net. Event info, Info, info@bluesbar.com. No cover.
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[Updated editions with more (always more -- as we have time to organize all of it), and all the many, many, acoustic music events to come in SEPTEMBER and beyond - in and around Los Angeles, plus the many, many, many upcoming acoustic music FESTIVALS, near and far, here, there and everywhere! It’ll all be here, soon.]
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The MOST RECENT EDITIONS - the GUIDE’s event calendars with descriptive write-ups, AND the Acoustic Americana Music News Features – are available at
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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News of the “Tied to the Tracks” radio show is at www.myspace.com/laacoustic and on No Depression, at http://community.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
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As always, more to come, as we (believe it or not) continue to make updates to all the months of 2009 in the “long look ahead” posts.
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…So many truly fine shows, so few evenings and weekends to see them. With a new spirit of HOPE in America, why not celebrate by going out for a tunefully good time?
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copyright (c) © 2009, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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“There’s nothing as quiet as night without music, as dark as a night without stars...” - from “THE FIDDLER,” learned from Guy Carawan
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CAJUN PROVERB OF THE MONTH “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” ~ from www.bluefiddle.com, which supplies us and the Gator Gazette.
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Yes, it’s true -
There are more ACOUSTIC AMERICANA / ACOUSTIC RENAISSANCE music performances EVERY week in the Los Angeles area than the COMBINED TOTAL of ALL OTHER KINDS OF MUSIC!
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(And that doesn’t even take into account the dozens of electric Americana shows!)
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If you have trouble believing that assertion, then print this out and see how many pages you’ll need just for the events for the days covered in this edition!
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Check it yourself: take any edition of the L.A. Times Calendar Section and any edition of the LA Weekly, count-up all the live music shows (you won’t even need to subtract-out the acoustic shows in those two publications, since they hardly list any, anyway) and add them up. THEN, count the number of live acoustic music performances for the same days in the Acoustic Americana Music Guide. We have yet to find a week when the TOTAL of all those other genres of music performances equals the number of live performances of acoustic music in the L.A. area! (Even though you can’t hear the music on the radio here, or read about it in the biggest newspapers, it seems people DO want acoustic music and they will find and support it anyway!
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SEPTEMBER events are here. too. Just check the sidebar at left, and you can click through to them.
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