GUIDE to LA COUNTY FAIR's music & more 2010

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ANNUAL GUIDE TO MUSIC & MORE AT THE L.A. COUNTY FAIR, 2010
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L.A. COUNTY FAIR in Pomona, runs all of September, through October 3
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The world’s largest county Fair runs the month of September, to October 3. It includes dozens of concerts on multiple stages, many of them acoustic, some of them with major national acts. In addition, the L.A. County Fair has a number of themed series, shows and exhibitions.
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A number of pages on the Fair’s website need to be perused to compile a full schedule of everything happening for the month. Do it yourself at www.fairplex.com or check the Guide’s listings for the events we believe will interest folk-Americana aficionados.
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If you go, you can discover much, beyond the music offerings. First, let’s look at the concerts and events with music, then we’ll survey a few other highlights.
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This year, the L.A. County Fair‘s “END OF SUMMER CONCERT SERIES” runs 19 nights, but unlike recent years, has no big folk-Americana stars. And there’s another BIG change: in past years, the concerts were included with fair admission, unless you wanted to pay extra for prime seats. Not anymore. Now, a limited number of free general admission concert tickets is available the day of the concert, once you’re inside the Fair. (Free general admission tickets are not available for Selena Gomez And the Scene concert; general admission seating $15.) Prices for all other Grandstand acts: reserved seating $18.50-$25; box seating $22.50-$45; stageside seating $75-$125; Grandstand shows begin at 7:30 pm. And if you buy concert tix in advance, this year, Fair admission is not included with the price you pay for your concert tickets.
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CHRONOLOGY OF MUSIC AT THE FAIR – GRANDSTAND CONCERTS
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Sat, Sep 11 is Nashville country singer GRETCHEN WILSON. The promo says, “Hits will prevail like ‘Redneck Woman,’ ‘Here for the Party,’ and ‘All Jacked Up.’” Tix, $19.50-$100.
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Thu, Sep 16 is CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED. It’s STU COOK & DOUG “COSMO” CLIFFORD, the two surviving CCR band members (minus John Fogerty) with added players. And it’s still some of the best American rock ever written, recorded and delivered, including favorites “Born on the Bayou,” “Lodi,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain” and “Proud Mary.” Tix, $19.50-$100.
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Sun, Sep 19 is the concurrent-with-the-Fair annual “MARIACHI USA® FIESTA.” It’s billed as “An unforgettable uplifting Mariachi experience that keeps the audience dancing, laughing and singing.” Tix, $18.50-$75.
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Sun, Sep. 26 is the “HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR-25 ANNIVERSARY.” It’s the still-touring show that started all those clichés about aging rockers doing the county fair circuit. It’s back to mark its quarter-century milestone: Says the promo, “Five incredible artists perform some of the greatest pop rock of the ‘60s. The music celebration stars THE TURTLES featuring FLO & EDDIE, THE GRASS ROOTS featuring ROB GRILL, THE MONKEES lead singer MICKY DOLENZ, THE BUCKINGHAMS, and MARK LINDSAY, former lead singer of PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS.” Tix, $19.50-$100.
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Fri, Oct 1 is DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES. Dozens of hits have been recorded and more than 60 million albums sold from the repertoire of this late ‘70s-early ‘80s duo, including “Rich Girl,” “Kiss On My List,” “Maneater,” “Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)," “Sara Smile,” “She’s Gone” and “One On One.” Tix, $19.50-$100.
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CHRONOLOGY OF MUSIC AT THE FAIR – NO EXTRA TIX REQUIRED…
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Wed & Thu, Sep 8-9, the OTERO DANCE COMPANY “thrills audiences with its performances of the romantic tango, the vibrant salsa, and the exciting gaucho.” Founded by Argentine siblings GLORIA & CLAUDIO OTERO, the company offers an authentic and unforgettable taste of classic Latin dances, into “a mystical world of music, color, passion, and rhythm.” They’ve played everything from small private parties to theater shows for thousands. More, www.gloriatango.com. On the Plaza de las Americas Stage Sep 8 at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, & 9:30 pm, and Sep 9 at 6:30, 7:30, 9, & 10 pm.
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Fri & Sat, Sep 10 & 11 is ORQUESTA TABACO Y RON, a “big band” of musicians from all over Latin America, including Puerto Rico, Cuba, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Peru, Columbia, and Mexico. The Fair’s promo says, “Their high-energy, hard-edged brand of salsa music has appealed to devoted dancers and Latin music DJs worldwide. Orquesta Tabaco Y Ron’s stunning rhythms create a contagious energy that revives the most extinct salsa sound of past generations.” More, www.tabacoyron.com. On the Plaza de las Americas Stage at 7, 8:30, 10, & 11 pm.
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Thu, Sep 16 at 7 pm is EXCUSE MY FRENCH, the first all-female, all-French-singing, all-American-born band. Hailing from Diamond Ranch High School, the band's members met in French classes and fell in love with the food, the language, the dances, and most of all, the music of the French-speaking world. In 2010, they won 1st place in the battle of the bands at Diamond Bar High School and were invited to represent the City of Diamond Bar on their day at the Fair. They are said to have fine harmonies, infectious stage presence and unstoppable confidence. On the Building 4 Stage.
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Fri & Sat, Sep 17-18 is LA INTERNACIONAL SONORA SHOW on the Plaza de las Americas Stage. The Fair’s promo says: “When the atmosphere pulsates with a vibrating and explosive sound, then La Internacional Sonora Show must be playing. Their catchy tunes have generated red-hot hits that have become chart-toppers over and over again while the group’s exhilarating live performances have left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. They perform… cumbia, vallenato, salsa, and meringue, all with indigenous cumbia rhythms that create an electrifying synergy with the audience. [They’re] a favorite among Latinos, and their popularity extends from coast to coast and around the world.” More, www.sonorashow.com. Shows at 7, 8:30, 10, & 11 pm.
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Sat, Sep 18, POWERHOUSE combines innovative tap, precision clogging, and stomp into their dance routine. Their members are selected from the best competitive dancers in the country. Audiences clap along and stomp their feet as they see, learn about, and even try percussive dance. More at www.powerhousedance.net. At the Coca-Cola Stage at 7, 8:30, 10, & 11:30 pm.
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Wed & Thu, Sep 22 & 23 is SON DEL SUR, a Los Angeles-based Latin music ensemble featuring Afro-Cuban percussion, violin, flute, trumpet, guitar and bass. They play traditional Cuban son, charanga, cha cha, cumbia, Latin jazz and other musical styles in the salsa genre, blending traditional with new “to evoke a familiar yet innovative sound” that “has entertained thousands of audiences in their ten years of performance experience.” Son del Sur was recently featured at Descarga; a Telemundo-Mun2 Summer Concert production at the Universal CityWalk. More, www.sondelsurband.com. At the Plaza de las Americas Stage Wed, Sep 22 at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, & 9:30 pm, and Thu, Sep 23 at 6:30, 7:30, 9, & 10 pm.
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Fri & Sat, Sep 24-25 is CHINO ESPINOZA. Born in Costa Rica, this L.A.-based salsa bandleader is said to be “taking the salsa industry by storm!” You can dance to the beat. More at www.myspace.com/chinoespinoza. At the Plaza de las Americas Stage at 7, 8:30, 10, & 11 pm.
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Sat, Sep 25 is the “HARVEST OF PRAISE GOSPEL FESTIVAL,” sponsored by the House of Blues on the Coca-Cola Stage. The promo says, “The praises will go up and the blessings will come down as National and Regional Gospel recording artists from the World Famous House of Blues Sun Gospel Brunch present soul-stirring, house rocking, roof raisin’, soul savin’ Gospel at its very best! Explore the roots of rhythm and experience the excellence of traditional gospel at a one-of-a-kind show.” Shows will be continuous from 5 pm-midnight.
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Sun, Sep 26 is LOS FABULOCOS, who’ve been on the California music scene for years, delivering spicy Tejano music with sincerity, honesty and passion. Their promo asserts, “Los Fabulocos play with enough energy to power a small fleet of lowrider vehicles. It's a fuel that burns full- throttle, ignited by the heat of soulful guitar and accordion solos...” More at www.myspace.com/losfabulocos. On the Plaza de las Americas Stage at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, & 9:30 pm.
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Wed, Sep 29 & Thu, Sep 30 is CONJUNTO LOS POCHOS, with OTONO LUJAN’s dynamite accordion and songs with English and Spanish lyrics. They’ve performed across the country at a variety of venues, everywhere from dance halls to weddings, and locally from the eastside to the westside, throughout Southern California. They have developed a sound that combines elements of both Texas and Mexico’s traditional conjunto styles with original music, as well as classic favorites. The band has performed alongside legendary musicians including Poncho Sánchez, Los Dos Gilbertos, Flaco Jimenez and Little Joe y La Familia. Los Pochos plays to a steadily growing audience that cuts across race, nationality, and social status. They earned a “Listener Favorite” track on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” More at www.lospochos.com. Shows Wed, Sep 29 at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, & 9:30 pm, and Thu, Sep 30 at 6:30, 7:30, 9, & 10 pm.
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Thu, Sep 30, C.G. RYCHE, National PBS Artist and Master Percussionist, plays shows at 7, 8, 9, and 10 pm. He’s been called a “visionary composer” and a “modern day Roger Waters.” It’s the first time he’s bringing his world-class band to perform live at the L.A. County Fair. C.G.’s live concerts have been called “Pink Floyd meets Stomp” and his live concert DVD was called a “must see for the whole family” by PBS, and it currently airs nationwide on public television during pledge drives. Ryche's live performance is a multicultual journey that introduces people of all ages to the beauty and the "X-Factor" of percussion from around the world. On the Coca-Cola Stage. More, www.cgryche.com
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Fri & Sat, Oct 1-2, is JOHNNY POLANCO Y SU CONJUNTO, with one of the most sought-after bandleaders in the US. Known for contagious With extensive knowlege accumulated during nearly 35 years of professional musicianship, it’s Latin music that’s appreciated by salsa dancers worldwide and influenced the growth and popularity of salsa music for nearly a decade. Polanco is an autodiatic artist with mastery of 13 different instruments. More, www.myspace.com/johnnypolancoysuconjuntoamistad. On the Plaza de las Americas Stage at 7, 8:30, 10, & 11 pm.
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DAILY MUSIC…
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Every day, “WESTERN DAYS & RODEO NIGHTS” holds some kind of western theme or rodeo event, some with appropriate music. There are 20 recurring events, and it’s a rather complex schedule, with different events continuing on different days. More at www.lacountyfair.com/2010/entertainment/documents/WesternDaysandRodeoNightsDescription.pdf.
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Every day, “COMMUNITY ENTERTAINMENT” happens throughout the Fair. You’ll need to check the Fair’s “Daily Fun Guide” for performance schedules that vary day-to-day and stage-to-stage. It’s “An assortment of community acts, including musical performances, dance exhibitions, and other special entertainment from Southern California schools and arts academies… Some 5,000 performers representing different cultures and performance styles are expected to take to the stage to showcase their various talents.” Runs Sep 4-Oct 3 at The Building 4 Stage and Sep 11, 18-19, 25-26, and Oct. 2-3 at the Plaza de las Americas Stage.
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Every day, “LIFE IS A PARADE” as parades happen every day of the Fair. Each one is dedicated to a local community and their local heroes, organizations and businesses, and includes one or more marching bands, musical and other acts from the grounds, classic cars, floats, and more. Specially-themed parades happen Sats and Suns, with themes including “America the Beautiful,” “Youth, Sports and Education,” “A Celebration of Diversity,” and “All For Fun, Fun For All." Sat & Sun Parades (except Sun, Sep 12); step-off at 1 pm (Sep 12 is at noon); Wed through Fri parades step-off at 5 pm.
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Every day, HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND PARADE COMPETITION brings competitions during the parades, Weds through Fris, Sep 8-19 at 5 pm, with competition finals on Fri, Oct 1 at 5 pm. In addition, the bands march throughout the grounds Sep 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29, and Oct 1 during the Fair’s weekday parades. It’s the kickoff for the competition events season. The Fair’s contest is distinguished, drawing top marching bands from throughout Southern California. This year adds a new honor for the contest’s “Grand Champion” victor - a spot in the internationally recognized Rose Parade.
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Every day, the “TIMBERWORKS LUMBERJACK SHOW” on the “Wilderness Ridge” Stage provides a unique blend of sports, history, and comedy. Experience a nostalgic logging competition of the early 1900s. Combining the romantic image of Paul Bunyan and the modern real-life lumberjack, each show features world-renowned athletes with a theatrical narration and events include axe throwing, underhand chopping, log rolling, cross cut sawing, hot sawing, and chainsaw carving. You’ll have a chance to test your lumberjack skills on the Participation Climb during Lumberjack Camp, offered once a day (Sat & Sun at 4:30 pm, Wed-Fri at 5:30 pm). Shows run Sats & Suns at 11:30 am, 2, 6, & 7 pm, and Weds-Fris at 1:30, 4:30, & 7 pm; through Oct 1.
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Some Fris, Sats, & Suns, THE DREAD CREW OF ODDWOOD brings its “adventurous and outrageously energetic group of brigands that together form a celtic rock band with a slew of valiant and amusing songs.” The pirate crew is steadfast gaining popularity in the pirate music genre with their epic seafaring sound and extensive vocal harmonization. Their promo says, “This band of rough and tough young swashbucklers is sure to catch the eyes of all the ladies and the ears of the entire shire with their catchy sea shanties. It's time to weigh anchor and set sail with a pirate adventure you won't want to miss!” More at www.myspace.com/oddwood. On “A Pirate's Life” Stage. Shows Fri & Sat, Sep 10-12; Fri-Sun, Sep 24-26; Fri-Sun, Oct 1-3. Sats at 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, 7:30, & 9:30 pm; & Suns at 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, & 8:30 pm.
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NON-MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS AT THE FAIR…
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“THE INDUSTRIAL AGE TO THE COMPUTER AGE…THREE CENTURIES OF ARTISTIC INNOVATIONS” presented by the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts is an exhibit that starts with the Industrial Revolution – which mechanized art and industry and changed the world forever. The theme is “Art and ingenuity worked hand in hand with these new technologies sending the artists on new and exciting adventures.” It’s a Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program.
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The “WINE & SPIRITS MARKETPLACE,” “BEERFEST,” and “GOURMET SCHOOL” enable you to “taste award-winning wines, spirits and olive oils from the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits and Extra Virgin Olive Oil competitions. Sit in on a wine or food class taught by some of the best experts and chefs in the state. There’s also shopping and light dining for the gourmand in all of us.” Info at www.fairplex.com/2010/entertainment/WineandSpiritsMarketplace.asp
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“OUR BODY: THE UNIVERSE WITHIN” is “a fascinating, artful and educational human health and anatomy exhibit consisting of actual human bodies and organs.” It literally goes "under the skin," revealing the mysteries of human anatomy. This was seen in last year’s acclaimed exhibition at the County museums in Exposition Park, and has been on display at museums and science centers throughout North America. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. No refunds. Exhibit closes nightly at 9 pm; tix on sale until 8 pm. The Fair tell us, “This limited engagement is the first time it has been presented outside of a formal museum setting… [for] the broad spectrum of patrons only found at an event like the L.A. County Fair… [It’s] normally what only doctors and scientists are allowed to see first-hand, making this a once in a lifetime experience.” The exhibition is located on the ground level of the Grandstand, and requires an additional admission: $5 online or $7 at the door (does not include Fair admission). More info, including some fascinating images, at www.lacountyfair.com/2010/entertainment/ourbody.asp and www.ourbodytheuniversewithin.com
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“JURASSIC PLANET” is a return of colorful, loud and moving audioanimatronic dinosaurs, popular at the fair in recent past years. (This time, there’s an elaborate premise to the whole thing.)
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“THE BEAUTY OF MEXICO” is celebrated in the Flower & Garden Pavilion for that nation’s bicentennial.
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“CALIFORNIA’S HERITAGE SQUARE” includes folk craft fun.
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PARADES happen Sats & Suns with step-off at 1 pm (except Sun, Sep 12, when it happens at noon), and Weds through Fris, with step-off at 5 pm.
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THERE’S A LOT FOR KIDS…
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“A PIRATE’S LIFE” invites you to “Make a splash as a swashbuckler at an island adventure, with a new island just for you sea rovers. Catch the ‘Pirates of the Sky’ show, then head to pirate school. Fly like a pirate on a ship’s mast as you try the new zip line adventure.”
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Elsewhere, “Medieval history comes to life” for kids, in the exhibit, “A TIME LONG AGO...” It invites children to “Step back to a time when kings and queens ruled, knights jousted, and fairy tales were born.” Kids can “See how skilled builders used mathematics, geometry, and physics to construct castles that have withstood the test of time,” and explore a “peasant village where you can try your skill at reading a sundial, pose for a photo in the stocks, dance around a maypole, try out some oversized Medieval games, and more.” Myths of dragons meet science when kids imagine “What was it like to face a reptilian behemoth in a medieval enchanted forest? Pacific Animal Productions will teach you about modern-day dragons. Explore the science behind some famous fairy tales in our Enchanted Forest.” It includes “competition displays of art, photography, crafts, sewing, history, and other categories.” More at www.lacountyfair.com/2010/entertainment/americaskids.asp
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Obviously, there are many choices available at the Fair. Do a bit of advance planning to get the most from your visit.
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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2010, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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