♪ ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC is blues, bluegrass, borderlands, Cajun, cowboy, Celtic, Cape Breton, newfangled old-time, accessible classical, folk-Americana from riverboats, mountainsides, front porches, barn dances & honkytonks. NOT a musical museum, it is alive with vibrant traditional music & innovators of the Acoustic Renaissance. NEWS, complete listings & descriptions of festivals EVERYWHERE & performances in Southern California, are here, frequently updated!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Acoustic Americana Music Guide NEWS FEATURES, June 24 edition
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It’s the LAST big weekend of spring / early summer music FESTIVALS – TEN of ’em! – and we give you what you need to know to go!
Plus, there are sooooo many concerts and acoustic performances that it just defies reason!
Still, along with all the goodness, THERE ARE OMINOUS SIGNS IN THE NEWS, this issue…
In addition to all the NEWS that's right here, check out the newest edition of The Guide’s SPOTLIGHT EVENTS at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/06/spotlight-events-festivals-acoustic_24.html
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Welcome to the
Tied to the Tracks
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ACOUSTIC
AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
NEWS FEATURES
June 24, 2011 edition
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THIS WEEK’S NEWS FEATURES
1) IT’S THE LAST BIG WEEKEND OF ACOUSTIC MUSIC-FRIENDLY FESTIVALS,
’TIL AUTUMN
2) SERIOUS THREAT TO AMERICANA RADIO IN L.A. - ARE THE DAYS
NUMBERED?
3) ANNUAL L.A. GUITAR FESTIVAL BRINGS STAR-POWER, JULY 2 & 3
4) BE IN LOCAL MUSICIAN / FILMMAKER’S NEW MOVIE, JUNE 29
5) WIN A DROPKICK MURPHYS DEERING BANJO
6) CBS KEEPS GRAMMY AWARDS BROADCAST FOR ANOTHER DECADE
7) MERCHANTS OF MOONSHINE PLAY LOCAL SHOW JULY 1
8) BMI ARTISTS ELIGIBLE FOR MULTI-GENRE “STAR-SPOTTING” SHOWCASE
9) GET THE KIDS IN A SUMMER MUSICAL
10) THIS COULDN’T WAIT FOR APRIL 1st…
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Here are these news feature stories...
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Our # 1 Story
IT’S THE LAST BIG WEEKEND OF ACOUSTIC MUSIC-FRIENDLY FESTIVALS, ’TIL AUTUMN
Ten festivals to choose from? Yep! Friday through Sunday, June 24 through 26, is not a good weekend to stay home. We know, you’re read that here about a number of weekends this spring. But this one is the last tango – or schottish, or clog, or waltz, or Louisiana Shuffle – of a fully-loaded multi-festival weekend. Eight of ’em are full-blown festivals; two are festival-like smaller events with multiple artists. Two are in Orange County, one is in Ventura County, one in San Diego County, and the L.A. area festivals reach from Long Beach to Burbank to Altadena.
The Annual LONG BEACH BAYOU & MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL on Saturday & Sunday, June 25 & 26, brings, one day or the other, DR. JOHN & THE LOWER 911, KEITH FRANK & THE SOILEAU ZYDECO BAND, LEROY THOMAS & THE ZYDECO ROADRUNNERS, GENO DELAFOSE & FRENCH ROCKIN' BOOGIE, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, BILLIE LEE & THE SWAMP CRITTERS, DAVID SOUSA & THE ZYDECO MUDBUGS, SAN DIEGO CAJUN PLAYBOYS, and more, including daily Mardi Gras-style Second Line Parades. And that’s before you get to the Blues Stage, where you’ll find performances by GUITAR SHORTY, ARTWORK JAMAL, BERNIE PEARL, BARBARA MORRISON, SWEET BABY JAI, WHITE BOY JAMES, CHARLIE JENE, and SEVILLE. This one has great N’Awlins style food, too. It’s at Rainbow Lagoon Park (N side of Shoreline Dr), Shoreline Village Dr & Linden Av), Long Beach 90802; 562-570-1600.
In Ventura County, THE CHANNEL ISLANDS TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL runs Friday through Sunday, June 24-26, with appropriate maritime music all three days. BILL DEMPSEY, a well-known singer of sea chanteys and nautical songs is among the music makers (Bill was just on the cover of Bluegrass Soundboard, to give you an idea of his versatility and virtuosity).
There really are tall ships to see, board, and even sail upon, "in a magnificent display of seafaring power and beauty." You’ll find historical re-enactor camps, including a Pirate Camp and a Civil War camp. (The presence of the first is obvious; and the Union Naval Blockade of the Confederate coast and capture of Southern ports played a key role in the North’s victory, so having those re-enactors here makes sense, too.)
There are mock sea battles – at sea, with you aboard, if you choose – all three evenings at 5 pm: Friday evening is the largest, with five Tall Ships, Saturday there are four ships participating, Sunday just two, as some featured vessels will depart Sunday after welcoming visitors aboard for dockside tours. It's all part of the 2011 ASTA TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Pacific Coast series, and it’s at Channel Islands Harbor, 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard 93035; website, www.channelislandsharbor.org; email CIHarborVisitors@ventura.org.
The annual IRVINE BLUES FESTIVAL in OC brings ROY RODGERS & THE DELTA RHYTHM KINGS, ROY GAINS & HIS ORCHESTRA, SHARI PUORTO, MAMA PEARL, WUMBLOOZO, and 2000 LBS OF BLUES. It’s 1 to 7:30 pm Saturday only, June 25 at Irvine Lake, 4621 Santiago Canyon Rd, Silverado 92676. Wumbloozo opens the show with a 45 minute set at 1 pm, so be on time if you go. Tix are $20 advance, $25 at door. Event website, http://irvinelake.net/irv/viewtopic.php?t=124.
The annual FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS, Saturday only, June 25 in Altadena, is a free event for the entire family. It runs noon-9:30 pm at Farnsworth Park Amphitheater, 568 E Mount Curb Av, Altadena 91001. There’s music all day. One to catch: at 4 pm RASPIN STUWART, just back from a multi-state concert tour, plays Americana.
“CRAIC GO LEOR,” an Irish traditional concert with THE SWEET SET, SLUGGER O'TOOLE, and Irish Step Dancers, is a festival-like concert followed by a session (the Irish term for a jam), on Saturday night, June 25 at 8 pm. It’s at Burbank Moose Lodge #652, 1901 W Burbank Bl, Burbank 91506.
The KOFFEEHOUSE SUMMER SOLSTICE MUSIC FESTIVAL with featured artists and bands DIDI BENAMI, KEATON SIMONS, SATELLITE, JAMESTOWN REVIVAL, LEE FERRIS, TREVOR DAVIS, KARI KIMMEL, MEG KELLEY, KATIE O. and more, happens Saturday only, June 25 at 4:45 pm at the Hummingbird Nest Ranch, a world-class 140-acre private estate near L.A. The event is all ages. Doors at 4 pm, music starts at 4:45 pm sharp. Info & tix, www.koffeehousesummersolstice.eventbrite.com. Advanced tix $15, $20 door. Includes complimentary valet parking. Food and beverages available for purchase.
Saturday noon-to-mid-evening in Topanga is the OLD TIMEY BBQ & VARIETY PARTY with Americana Roots ensemble GRIT, funnyman musician PHIL VAN TEE, guitarist RICHARD MARCHETTA, EDWARD ROMERO (of Jed's Dead), POP HAYDN, JUG-OR-NOTS, THE SLOW POISONER, and THE WOUNDED STAG, as “an astonishing array of talent, ranging from makers of musical mayhem to makers of magic,” and emcee / accordion chanteuse VERONIQUE CHEVALIER, at Redhanded Artisan Shoppe, 155 Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga Canyon. It’s seven acts in all and a free BBQ, with donations accepted at the door. Venue is “a donation-based community artspace that depends on the sliding-scale generosity of its guests to perpetuate its mission of supporting under-the-radar artistry in the Southern Califor Nation.” More about it at www.redhandedtopanga.com/redhanded/June_2011_Calendar.html
Sunday only, June 26, is the free SUMMER SOLSTICE FOLK ARTS FESTIVAL, sponsored by The Living Tradition series, noon-4 pm in OC at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malven Av, Fullerton, 92833; www.themuck.com; 714-738-6706. The band WHEN PIGS FLY! is hosting the all-day folk jam and providing live Irish music for the PLAID IRISH STEPDANCERS. It’s a day filled with stage performances by world, traditional music, and dance groups and storytellers from all over Southern California, performing in The Muck's outdoor amphitheater. There are free art workshops, a kids' area, an arts and crafts fair, house and gallery tours, a lawn sports tournament, picnicking, and food vendors, too.
Sunday afternoon only, June 26, is the SISTER CITY CULTURAL DAY AT THE GROVE, with music from emcee KEN O'MALLEY and others. It’s a free event celebrating many of L.A.'s "Sister Cities" with entertainment onstage in the open area of The Grove, 3rd & Fairfax, L.A., adjacent to Farmer's Market. Expect music and culture representing sister cities in Japan, Israel, Indonesia, Lebanon, India, Taiwan, Germany, Mexico, Zambia and Brazil. Ken O'Malley, in addition to his emcee chores, will perform authentic and original Irish music throughout the day, adding the Emerald Isle’s touch to the multinational show. More at www.sistercitiesofla.com/page34/page12/page12.html
Down in San Diego County, the big annual SAN DIEGO SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES happens Saturday & Sunday, June 25 & 26, in Vista, with THE WICKED TINKERS, HIGHLAND WAY, THE BROWNE SISTERS & GEORGE CAVANAUGH, BANSHEE IN THE KITCHEN, and more. It’s at Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista 92084.
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Our # 2 Story
SERIOUS THREAT TO AMERICANA RADIO IN L.A. – ARE THE DAYS NUMBERED?
Over the years, The Guide has offered encouragement and support for the few remaining and nationally-acclaimed, top award-winning folk-Americana radio shows in Los Angeles. But this time it’s as serious as it’s ever been. This isn’t just another appeal to help a show survive by calling in a pledge to a station.
Most people in L.A. know the name NIC HARCOURT, former Music Director at KCRW, where he revolutionized that station’s music programs and distinctively “branded” that station with its unique definition of eclectic music. Now, he will figure-in to the equation at KCSN, the L.A. station that has twice been named “Best of L.A” by Los Angeles Magazine for its weekend Americana music programs.
KIM GRANT, producer of the weekly Grand Ole Echo shows and this summer’s upcoming Roots Roadhouse, wrote about the coming changes and implications. We share with you her report, from her Grand Ole Echo newsletter:
Kim writes, “I've made the plea, earlier, and still need more action! Help me rally the troops for Americana Music and KCSN! Big winds of change in the air for KCSN. You may have heard that they brought on Sky Daniels as the new Program Director for KCSN. Nic Harcourt will be joining KCSN in mid-July also as a weekend host and will ‘contribute daily commentary on new artists of note.’”
Kim offers a link for more on that part of the story: www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlla/surprise-nic-harcourt-goes-to-kcsn_b31342
Kim continues, “It’s great that an artist of this caliber will be joining them but what does this mean for Americana Music? Well, KCSN has been our lynchpin as far as radio in Los Angeles, there is no other station celebrating the music of the Americana tribe. I know this is going to affect the genre as a whole because over the last 3 years, KCSN has been a major reporter of this music to ASCAP/BMI as well as reporting to the AMA charts.”
As Kim observes, “It's a blow to the pocketbook of the artists when nationally we're losing airtime to music genres that already serve their constituency. This music has gained a lot of momentum and it's been hard-earned, thanks to Jed Hilly at the Americana Music Association. That deserves attention. When KCSN puts a another non roots show on the weekend, less than 14 hours a week will be dedicated to Roots music on the radio in SoCal- and I'm talking 14 hours between 3 stations- KCSN will go down to 9, KXLU has 90 minutes with Toe Tappin' Music, and KPFK has FolkScene and Alive 'n Pickin' for 4 hours collectively.”
“If we want this to continue we need to let Sky Daniels know that we are a large and counted group in Los Angeles and he needs to hear our voices. We need to let him know that music is what the people want for KCSN. And KCSN needs to focus on the artists that are played and the music. He needs to hear how we appreciate that the programmers actually connect with their audience and how the programmers give a forum to the artists--a place to be heard. No where else in Los Angeles radio does this happen for Americana music.”
She concludes, “So, I'm asking you--Americana music fans--to rally. Please email Sky Daniels at skyd@socal.rr.com and CC Dean W. Robert Bucker, Provost Harry Hillenbrand, and President Of the University Jolene Kester (Robert.Bucker@csun.edu, Harry.Hellenbrand@csun.edu, Jolene.Kester@csun.edu) and let them hear your voice and all you appreciate about the DJ's at KCSN and how you hope KCSN will continue to support these DJ's and their connections with the music and artists! And please keep it pleasant...most folks have started their letters off welcoming Sky to his new position. Thanks, folks!” - Kim Grant
The Guide adds our encouragement that you follow Kim’s advice. Even if you are not in KCSN’s limited broadcast area – about half the metropolitan / suburban Los Angeles area – the station has a web simulcast, and under earlier management, it had a true commitment to weekend and evening Americana music programming. It is much diminished from what it was, but it still has key programs with Americana Music Chart reporting, as Kim says. Plus the fact that Americana remains the fastest-growing music genre in America, with sold-out tours in big venues, and expanding popularity in Europe and even Japan. (Ask the local Americana musicians who tour overseas constantly.)
Radio stations do throw away good things, alienate listeners, and sabotage their ratings. Unfortunately, they do it all too often, and on faulty premises and assumptions. So the erosion of folk-Americana programming to make room for at least one new host who is anything but Americana-friendly – or even a format change at KCSN – is real.
We will remind you that, a decade ago, high-powered KPCC was an Americana music station, even before that term was used to define the format and the genre. Then came a single change at the top, and literally overnight, KPCC dropped all music and became one of two stations in L.A. that redundantly broadcasts the NPR talk package. For years, Los Angeles has suffered from the least diversity of programming on the radio dial – less diversity than any radio market in America, despite the fact that it is the largest radio market with the most diverse resident population in the US, with a potential of 14 million listeners. Surely, there is room at the inn for the few hours of award-winning Americana programs we have in this town. Maybe, maybe not. Who expected KPCC’s rich music programming to vanish?
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Our # 3 Story
ANNUAL LOS ANGELES GUITAR FESTIVAL BRINGS STAR-POWER, JULY 2 & 3
With guitar greats LAURENCE JUBER, TOMMY EMMANUEL, DICK DALE, JIMMY VAUGHAN, CYRIL PAHINUI, GONZALO BERGARA, BEN LACY, and USC artist-in-residence BRUCE FOREMAN with his bebop cowboy jazz band COW BOP, plus more players, the Saturday & Sunday, July 2 & 3 festival kicks off both evenings at 7 pm at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Bl, Redondo Beach 90278; 310-937-6607.
Check out the promotional video on the festival’s web site, at www.laguitarfestival.com. You can order tickets online, too.
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Our # 4 Story
BE IN LOCAL MUSICIAN / FILMMAKER’S NEW MOVIE, JUNE 29
CHRIS VALENTI is a very talented guy. He is a singer-songwriter who writes both serious and hilarious songs, as he proved when he performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” He does standup comedy, with and without his guitar, at top comedy clubs across America. He makes films and even wins awards for them.
And now, in his best Uncle Sam I-Want-You poster appeal, he’s looking for people to come to a concert and be in his next film.
Chris says, “Bring all your good people, because this is a night for only the best. I don't want to tell you too much about the movie, but I will say that there are scenes where I'll be performing as a stand up comic - most of it new material I'm sure you haven't heard. And the movie also requires the ridiculously lovely and talented AMY RAASCH to sing to you and play guitar with her usual beautiful elegance and sweetly woven musical composition. I got to say.. it's gonna be pretty good.”
He continues, “We're filming the performance scenes for a feature film we're shooting this summer. We need you in the audience! Along with your mom, dad, sister, cousin, your former spouses, your boss, your underlings, your legal age children (feel free to go adopt), your hairdresser, your barista, your friends, your yoga teacher, ... even your weird neighbor across the hall. Everyone you've ever loved, if even only for a moment. That weird neighbor guy is gonna love it.”
He concludes, “And because you are helping us, there is absolutely no cover charge. It's a free show. The M Bar does have a $10 food minimum, but 7 o'clock is about dinnertime anyway, and their food is so good, you're going to want to share a pizza and a glass of wine, anyway. So, come have a great time and support independent film ... and be in one! The M Bar loves it when you make reservations - 323 856-0036.”
It’s Wednesday, June 29 at the M Bar, 1253 N Vine St, Hollywood. Doors open at 7, show starts at 7:30 pm. More at www.ChrisValentiMusic.com and www.funnyordie.com/chrisvalenti
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Our # 5 Story
WIN A DROPKICK MURPHYS DEERING BANJO
Okay, so it’s a promotional thing. Why not? It’s a great prize, and the folks at Deering sponsor and support lots of fine events, including last weekend’s annual Huck Finn Jubilee.
Now they’re offering you a chance to win Dropkick Murphys Goodtime Tenor Banjo, at https://promos.wildfireapp.com/website/302/contests/125469/entries/new?ogn=website
Winners will be selected after July 11, 2011. Take a look at the banjo and find out more about the Southern Cal-based instrument makes at www.deeringbanjos.com
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Our # 6 Story
CBS KEEPS GRAMMY AWARDS BROADCAST FOR ANOTHER DECADE
The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards is a ways off – Sunday, February 12, 2012. It will be broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles to the East Coast, and we’ll get the delayed-for-prime-time airing in the same 8-11:30 pm time slot here. But the big news is that the Academy of Recording Arts (www.grammy.com) and the CBS Television Network (www.cbs.com) have announced a huge ten-year deal to keep the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast on CBS through 2021. Sure, the GRAMMYs have made their awards broadcast home on CBS since 1973, but this defies the trends of every other annual event telecast, from the Super Bowl to name-your-favorite event.
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Our # 7 Story
MERCHANTS OF MOONSHINE PLAY LOCAL SHOW JULY 1
With the immense popularity of youthful acts playing a bluegrass / old-time string-band hybrid and profiled in rock-pop journals like SPIN magazine, it catches our attention when venue impresario BOB STANE says, “Bring the young folks who you think need to experience good music they can identify with.”
Bob is talking about the MERCHANTS OF MOONSHINE, who have shared the stage with RODNEY CROWELL, THE ZAC BROWN BAND, DAVID ALLAN COE, BILLY BOB THORNTON & THE BOXMASTERS, WADE HAYES, THE BLASTERS, TRISHA YEARWOOD, HAL KETCHUM, LITTLE TEXAS, ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL, CLINT BLACK, JUNIOR BROWN, WILL KIMBROUGH, BO BICE, NEAL McCOY, JASON BOLAND & THE STRAGGLERS, and PHIL VASSER.
M.o.M., in the shorthand of their fans, are a local creation who splits their time between L.A. and Nashville. The founding duo will tell you they got started playing funk-rock saxophone in all those "pay-to-play," "high profile" venues of the intense Hollywood / L.A. music scene.
Somewhere along the way, the duo decided to slow down, pick up a couple of acoustic guitars, and play some Cash, Willie, and Hank. That was soon after discovering they were both pretty much raised on the stuff, one from Texas, the other from Ohio. It didn’t require deep thought. They “figured if we were lucky, we could hit up a corner bar for a few free beers and maybe pick up on some ladies by offering up a few of these childhood favorites.”
Dissatisfied with the country music scene in L.A., they invited four friends to join in and took the name MERCHANTS OF MOONSHINE. (Rather than introduce all six of them here, we’ll leave a little mystery for you to solve when you go hear them.) The band’s first gig was a true hole in the wall, playing for about 20 friends. Six years – and around 600 gigs – later, they’ll tell you they’re ready to challenge anybody for the claim of “Southern California's premiere local Americana / Country band.”
They have performed at large fairs and rodeos, including the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, the L.A. County Fair, the Honda Center, and Angel Stadium. They have returned to their founder’s old haunts, playing many of those same "high profile" Hollywood / L.A. venues, including the Viper Room, the Mint, and the Key Club.
Along the way, their trophies include the South Bay Music Award's 2007 "Country Artist of the Year" and Colgate Country Showdown's 2006 "California State Finalist." One of their originals, "Country Love," was used in the feature film "Cut Off" starring Faye Dunaway and Malcolm McDowell.
MERCHANTS OF MOONSHINE have been interviewed and gotten featured airplay on Shawn Parr's "Local Spotlight" on KKGO 105.1 Go Country, a real feat for an indie band in this town. M.o.M. claims to consistently break attendance records at most of the bars and clubs they frequent. This is a chance to see them where you can hear them – in a respectful listening room, without the loud and rowdy denizens of some dive bar. M.o.M. plays Friday, July 1 at 8 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW) is 626-798-6236. Tixs: $15.
The Altadena venue has a strong stretch of bookings, with STEPHANIE BETTMAN & LUKE HALPIN playing July 3; a double-bill with GOIN’ SOUTH and the new all-female Americana roots band SUGAR IN THE GOURD on July 8; and Austin-based band of award-winning musicians, progressive alt-folk acoustic string band MILKDRIVE, playing a 3 pm Saturday matinee on July 9.
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Our # 8 Story
BMI ARTISTS ELIGIBLE FOR MULTI-GENRE “STAR-SPOTTING” SHOWCASE
Now through July 4, if you are registered with BMI, you can apply to perform in “Know Them Now." A multi-city “star-spotting” showcase, it happens July 21 in both Los Angeles and Atlanta, and in New York City on July 28. BMI-affiliated unsigned artists in all genres of music can apply to perform at any of the three showcases. You must be BMI-affiliated, at least 18 years old, and you must upload a video of yourself performing an original song. Check the for the “Video Contest Application” on BMI's Facebook page. If you are selected among six semi-finalists, they’ll contact you. The Grand Prize winner will be announced August 16. Details at http://on.fb.me/BMIKTNfbcontest.
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Our # 9 Story
GET THE KIDS IN A SUMMER MUSICAL
If you live somewhere else, look for something similar. We just read a good advocacy piece, postulating that musical theater is still a key gateway to introduce young people to live music (even as audience members). But why settle for sitting and watching?
The Warner Grand, that restored movie palace from the glory days, is a landmark venue for music and theater in San Pedro, and it’s much more. Together with its smaller affiliate, the Grand Annex – both operated by the nonprofit Grand Vision Foundation – it’s an interactive community resource for locals and artists.
Now comes word of Youth Auditions and Try-Outs for tweens & teens, for a summer musical in the big Warner Grand.
Monday and Tuesday, June 27 and 28, kids ages 11-16 can try-out for the production of an original show featuring the greatest hits of Gilbert & Sullivan, called appropriately enough, “The Topsy-Turvy World of Gilbert and Sullivan.” Auditions will be at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731.
Program Manager TARAN SCHINDLER says, “This is an exceptional opportunity for youth… to have a summer of professional drama, vocal, and dance instruction and participate in a production on the Warner Grand Theatre stage.”
For more information, call Marcia Barryte, the production’s director, at 310-847-0386 or Taran Schindler, program manager at Grand Vision Foundation, at 310-833-4813.
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Our # 10 Story
THIS COULDN’T WAIT FOR APRIL 1st…
Received this week as a “news bulletin” from the transportation advocacy organization TRAC (Train Riders Association of California)... It’s worthy of John Stewart, and in these times, we all need a good laugh.
TEACHER ARRESTED
A public school teacher was arrested today at Los Angeles Union Station as he attempted to board the Starlight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a compass, a slide-rule and a calculator. At a morning press conference, Amtrak Police Chief John J. O'Connor said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-Gebra movement. He did not identify the man, who has been charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction.
“Al-Gebra is a problem for us,” the Chief said. “They derive solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in search of absolute values. They use secret code names like 'X' and 'Y' and refer to themselves as 'unknowns', but we have determined that they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country. As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, 'There are 3 sides to every triangle.'”
When asked to comment on the arrest, Joe Boardman [Amtrak presdient] said, “If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, he would have given us more fingers and toes.” Amtrak aides told reporters they could not recall a more intelligent or profound statement.
To which, The Guide adds:
“People just got to quit taking life so damn seriously.” – Melissa Etheridge
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Resources, etc
Our recently 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!
Just check our archive! Read the contents bar on the left side of the page at www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com and click the appropriate month.
The MOST RECENT past editions (last 30 days) are archived and easy to find.
June 17 edition is available at
and the stories are:
1) Get Thee to A Festival – This Weekend and Next
2) LISBETH SCOTT & ABRA MOORE: Benefit for Forgotten Dream Women’s Project,
Saturday, June 18
3) Free, Father's Day: Church Blues, TRAVELING WILBURYS Webcast, GOE (that’s
Grand Ole Echo)
4) Musicians: ‘Arts For All’ Application Workshops, Paid Opportunities
5) UCLA Live’s New Season Features EARL SCRUGGS, LUCINDA WILLIAMS
6) Musicians: Get Your Chops Back This Summer at the Music Center
7) Apply to Perform at L.A.’s Superb Annual Holiday Celebration
8) Entertainment & Presidential History: The June 17th Connection
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June 10 edition is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/06/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_11.html
and the stories are:
1) Top Indie Women Musicians Playing This Week
2) June “Rocky The Flying Squirrel” Foray, World's Most Famous Animation
Voice Artist: June 16 Musical Fete With WILL RYAN & Band
3) Socio-Political Singer-Songwriter ROY ZIMMERMAN, Amidst Tour,
Co-Headlines All-Star “Public Citizen” Benefit, Sunday, June 12
Plus, One Local Solo Show, June 11
4) SPIN Magazine's Americana Issue: What Happens When a Bigtime
Rock / Pop Mag Explains Banjos & Dulcimers, and More?
5) L.A. Pianist / Composer MARC BOSSERMAN Wins at Park City Music Festival
6) June Festivals: There Are More than Ever Before
7) Make Music Pasadena is a Free Festival, June 18
8) 70 Free Summer Concerts Coming to Los Angeles County
9) Your Band Based in Los Angeles County? Get Registered, Get Gigs
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June 3 edition is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/06/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html
and the stories are:
1) A Folk Legend's Final West Coast Tour Hits Caltech June 4th
2) GRAMMY, Oscar, Emmy Winners / Nominees, & Gold Records: Acclaim for
“How To Work The Media” Seminar, and a Final Chance to Attend In L.A., June 7th
3) June's Festivals Begin this Weekend
4) One to Emulate? L.A.'S “Arts for All” Wins $80,000 Endowment
5) “Pirate Musician” James Potkey's Memorial is June 4th
6) June Concerts Feature Superb Double Bills
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May 27th edition is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/05/acoustic-americana-music-guide-memorial.html
and the stories are:
1) 22nd Annual “SIMI VALLEY CAJUN & BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL” Sat & Sun
2) ANNUAL “SCOTS FEST,” this Weekend in Orange County
3) “TOPANGA DAYS COUNTRY FAIR” – The Only Fest that's All 3 Days
4) “SUMMERFEST SONGWRITERS PROJECT” – Deadline May 31
5) “HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA” SEMINAR – One Last Time in L.A., June 7
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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, 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-outc
Plus VENUES TO HEAR MUSIC OR CONTACT TO GET GIGS, and lots more
– is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at ~
www.acousticmusic.netor at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
- 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 (c) 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
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Spotlight Events & FESTIVALS: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, June 24, 2011
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Spotlight Events & FESTIVALS: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, June 24, 2011
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Through the final weekend of June, there are tough choices of ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVALS! Plus, there are sooooo many concerts and acoustic performances that it just defies reason – and that’s true for the whoooole summer!
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SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
from THE ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE
June 24, 2011 edition
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ALSO check the site (www.acousticmusic.net) for the fresh edition of the Guide's NEWS FEATURES, with a WHOLE LOT more detail on this month's rich offering of FESTIVALS!
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SPOTLIGHT EVENTS are freshly updated in this edition with even more that’s happening through the summer. (More is added all the time, and more months, into 2012, are coming back here, soon, too.)
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Friday, June 24
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Fri-Sun, Jun 24-26, FESTIVAL, in Ventura Co:
"THE CHANNEL ISLANDS TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL" with appropriate music all three days. BILL DEMPSEY, a well-known singer of sea shanteys and nautical songs, plays Friday & Saturday at 10 am, and Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm. And there really are tall ships to see, board, and even sail upon, "in a magnificent display of seafaring power and beauty." It's part of the 2011 ASTA TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Pacific Coast series – more on this one soon.
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Fri, Jun 24, outdoor summer concert in N San Diego County:
6 pm JANIVA MAGNESS plays Stagecoach Park, 3420 Camino de los Coches, Carlsbad, 92008.
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Fri, Jun 24, in South OC:
6:30 pm & 8:30 pm VAGABOND OPERA plays two shows at the San Juan Capistrano Multicultural Center, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano; 949-248-7469.
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Fri, Jun 24:
6:30-9 pm RON ELY performs at Top Of The Notch Lodge & Restaurant, 6700 Mount Baldy Rd, Mount Baldy Village 91759; 909-981-8238. Note that you must reach the venue by hiking or by ski lift. Contact Ron if you are certain you are going, so he can give your name to the ski lift operator in the parking lot. Ron says, “I’m told you can ride up on the ski lift free if I give them you name as a reservation. This is a cool place with awesome views!” More at www.myspace.com/ronely
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Fri, Jun 24:
6:30 pm BLUEGRASS CONCERT series, every Friday, at Me N Ed's Pizza Parlor, 4115 Paramount Bl, Lakewood; 562-421-8908.
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Fri, Jun 24, in Ventura:
7 pm SONGMAKERS “BELL ARTS SONG CIRCLE” every fourth Friday at Bell Arts Factory, 432 N Ventura Av, Ventura.
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Fri, Jun 24; free outdoor summer concert:
8 pm KEN O'MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS do a free performance of authentic and original Irish music and Irish rock at the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org. Venue is a beautiful band shell in Memorial Park; take the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station and save expensive parking. The Levitt series offers only a few folk-Americana shows this year, so catch this one. Free, all ages, open lawn seating, bring a picnic (no alcohol) and low lawn chairs or a blanket; food vendors are available on-site. Bench seating, to the sides, is available for seniors and disabled. More information is available on their website:
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Fri, Jun 24:
8 pm KEREN ANN plays McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Fri, Jun 24:
8 pm RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END play the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, 90230; 310-390-1328. No cover, bring some $ for the tip jar.
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Fri, Jun 24:
8-10 pm monthly AMERICANA MUSIC CIRCLE brings performing guests GREG PRESTOPINO, LISA TURNER, PAUL ZOLLO, MATTHEW MARS, and THE LAUREN ADAMS BAND featuring MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG, NICK KIRGO, DEBRA DOBKIN, & PHIL PARLAPIANO, at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230 1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. Venue expects a $10 donation, but not required; artists contribute their performances.
GREG PRESTOPINO is described by Performing Songwriter Magazine as "...a testament to just how good modern pop can be ..", Writing of his album, produced and mixed by Andrew Gold and Greg Prestopino, Independent Songwriter Web-Magazine says, "Every cut on this project is a genuine, certified original that can hold an audience spellbound. The songwriting is evidence of a brilliant mind at work, capturing the minute details and phrasings that elude even some of the best songwriters from time to time ... Big Red Nude is a masterful piece of genuine artistry that excels your expectations ..."
LISA TURNER appeared as a featured artist at the Sedona Jam Emerging Artist Festival in Arizona in 2007, and performed a prestigious premier showcase at Far-West in 2009 in Irvine.
PAUL ZOLLO is a singer-songwriter, senior editor of American Songwriter magazine, editor of Bluerailroad.com, and the author of several books, including the award-winning Songwriters On Songwriting as well as Conversations with Tom Petty, and Hollywood Remembered.
Singer-songwriter MATTHEW MARS fronted the bands Superman Loses the Girl and The Clear, collaborated with songwriter Andrew Lorand on the Puppets of Castro project, produced records by Molly Bryant and Amelie Frank, and was co-writer on songs that appeared on the soundtracks of Swimming with Sharks, Peaceful Warrior, MTV's Undressed, and movies from the Lifetime and Disney cable networks.
Emcee and series producer LAUREN ADAMS performs with her formidable all-star ensemble, THE LAUREN ADAMS BAND, featuring MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG, NICK KIRGO, DEBRA DOBKIN, & PHIL PARLAPIANO. If you can’t go, catch the webcast.
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Fri, Jun 24:
8 pm PACIFIC SWINGLINE at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW) is 626-798-6236.
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Fri, Jun 24, in San Diego:
8 pm PETER CASE plays the Oasis House Concert Series in Sorrento Valley (San Diego) 92121; check his web site.
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Fri, Jun 24, in Corona:
9 pm SLIGO RAGS brings their bluegrass-flavored Celtic / Irish music to Boondocks, 100 E Harrison St, Corona 92879; 951-739-0646.
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Saturday, June 25
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On this day in 1876, the US Seventh Cavalry, under the command of Col. George Armstrong Custer, met its end at the hands of the Sioux (Lakota) and Cheyenne, when the cavalry attacked what was probably the largest gathering, ever, of Plains Indians, on the Little Bighorn River in Montana.
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Sat & Sun, Jun 25 & 26; FESTIVAL:
11 am 9 pm Annual “LONG BEACH BAYOU & MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL” with DR. JOHN & THE LOWER 911, KEITH FRANK & THE SOILEAU ZYDECO BAND, LEROY THOMAS & THE ZYDECO ROADRUNNERS, GENO DELAFOSE & FRENCH ROCKIN' BOOGIE, BILLIE LEE & THE SWAMP CRITTERS, DAVID SOUSA & THE ZYDECO MUDBUGS, SAN DIEGO CAJUN PLAYBOYS, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, and more, at Rainbow Lagoon Park (N side of Shoreline Dr), Shoreline Village Dr & Linden Av), Long Beach 90802; 562-570-1600.
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Sat, Jun 25; Fri-Sun, Jun 24-26, FESTIVAL, in Ventura Co:
"THE CHANNEL ISLANDS TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL" with appropriate music all three days. BILL DEMPSEY, a well-known singer of sea shanteys and nautical songs, plays Friday & Saturday at 10 am, and Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm. And there really are tall ships to see, board, and even sail upon, "in a magnificent display of seafaring power and beauty." It's part of the 2011 ASTA TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Pacific Coast series – more on this one soon.
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Sat & Sun, Jun 25 & 26; FESTIVAL in Vista (San Diego):
9 am 5 pm Annual “SAN DIEGO SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES” with THE WICKED TINKERS, HIGHLAND WAY, THE BROWNE SISTERS AND GEORGE CAVANAUGH, BANSHEE IN THE KITCHEN, and more, at Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista 92084.
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Sat, Jun 25; FESTIVAL, free, in Altadena:
Noon-9:30 pm “FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS” a free event for the entire family at Farnsworth Park Amphitheater, 568 E Mount Curb Av, Altadena 91001.One to catch: at 4 pm RASPIN STUWART plays “Americana.” Raspin tells us he's just off the road, “Back to LA to work on my new CD titled 'King Of Fools.'” (He plays another local gig, July 8 at Guitar Merchant in Canoga Park. More on raspin at www.facebook.com/raspin.stuwart and at www.RASPIN.comand at www.myspace.com/raspinstuwart.
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Sat, Jun 25, pseudo-festival, in Topanga:
Noon-mid evening OLD TIMEY BBQ & VARIETY PARTY with Americana Roots ensemble GRIT, funnyman musician PHIL VAN TEE, guitarist RICHARD MARCHETTA, EDWARD ROMERO (of Jed's Dead), POP HAYDN, JUG-OR-NOTS, THE SLOW POISONER, and THE WOUNDED STAG, as “an astonishing array of talent, ranging from makers of musical mayhem to makers of magic,” and emcee / accordion chanteuse VERONIQUE CHEVALIER, at Redhanded Artisan Shoppe, 155 Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga Canyon. It’s seven acts, and a free BBQ, with donations accepted at the door. Venue is “a donation-based community artspace that depends on the sliding-scale generosity of its guests to perpetuate its mission of supporting under-the-radar artistry in The upper of The Southern Califor Nation.” More about it at www.redhandedtopanga.com/redhanded/June_2011_Calendar.html
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Sat, Jun 25, FESTIVAL:
4:45 pm “KOFFEEHOUSE SUMMER SOLSTICE MUSIC FESTIVAL” with featured artists and bands DIDI BENAMI, KEATON SIMONS, SATELLITE, JAMESTOWN REVIVAL, LEE FERRIS, TREVOR DAVIS, KARI KIMMEL, MEG KELLEY, KATIE O. and more at the Hummingbird Nest Ranch, a world-class 140-acre private estate near L.A. The event is all ages. Doors at 4 pm, music starts at 4:45 pm sharp. Advanced tix $15, $20 door. Includes complimentary valet parking. Food and beverages available for purchase. Info & tix, www.koffeehousesummersolstice.eventbrite.com.
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Sat, Jun 25, off the I-5 Grapevine:
7 pm HANS YORK, one of the most original and innovative singer-songwriter-guitarists on the circuit today, is making his annual California tour with a show tonight at Work of HeArt Gallery, 3011 Mt. Pinos Way, Frazier Park, 93225.
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Sat, Jun 25:
7:30 pm HARRIET SCHOCK at Author Services, 7061 Hollywood Bl (at Sycamore Av), Hollywood 90028. Platinum-selling songwriter Harriet performs her music before the staged reading of an “exciting short story called ‘Mr. Tidwell, Gunner.’ Print and take this listing and get $5 off the ticket price of $10. Harriet says. “I will have my cellist and flute player, bass player and Andrea singing backup. Complimentary yummy refreshments afterward. Free parking - lot entrance on Sycamore.” Reservations, jonil@authorservicesinc.com or 323-798-1635.
Harriet Schock - keyboard and vocals
Andrea Ross-Greene - vocals
Joe Lamanno - bass
Kelly DeSarla - flute
Jennifer Richardson - cello
Tix $10.
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Sat, Jun 25:
7:30 pm LAUREN ADAMS performs with her formidable all-star ensemble, THE LAUREN ADAMS BAND, featuring MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG, NICK KIRGO, DEBRA DOBKIN, & PHIL PARLAPIANO, at the Talking Stick in Venice.
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Sat, Jun 25, in San Diego:
7:30 pm DAN NAVARRO plays the AMSD Concerts Series, 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego 92116; 619-303-8176.
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Sat, Jun 25; Irish music:
8 pm “CRAIC GO LEOR” IRISH TRADITIONAL CONCERT with THE SWEET SET, SLUGGER O'TOOLE, and Irish Step Dancers, followed by a session, at Burbank Moose Lodge #652, 1901 W Burbank Bl, Burbank 91506.
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Sat, Jun 25:
8 pm SALTY SUITES, the band of SCOTT GATES, CHUCK HAILES, CHELSEA WILLIAMS, & ELAINE GREGSTON, perform at 24265 Main St, Santa Clarita 91321 (venue name not given).
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Sat, Jun 25:
8 pm THE SCARLET FURIES bring "Gothic Folk" to the The Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina; 626-339-7020; frethouse@earthlink.net; www.frethouse.com. More at www.scarletfuries.com
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Sat, Jun 25:
8-11 pm CONTRA DANCE with BEES KNEES with JOE WACK playing fiddle, LAURA OSBORN on guitar, flute, banjo uke, STEVE on banjo, and SUSAN MICHAELS calling, at Sierra Madre Lodge, 33 E Sierra Madre Bl (at Baldwin), Sierra Madre 91024. Parking is free in lot behind the building.
This will be a 4th Saturday summer series, with rent for the venue paid in advance through August. Expect “a fun evening of good dancing when Susan has the mic. The evening begins with instruction for new dancers at 7:30, contra-dancing from 8-11 with a short intermission around the half-way mark. As usual, refreshments are provided, and they are always free.”
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Sat, Jun 25, in Santa Barbara:
8 pm DOUG CLEGG & KATE WALLACE play the LOCAL ARTISTS IN THE ROUND series at Trinity Backstage Coffee House, 1500 State St, Santa Barbara; 805-962-2970. (See the News Feature, JUNE CONCERTS FEATURE SUPERB DOUBLE BILLS in the June 3 edition, archived at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/06/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html.)
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Sat, Jun 25:
8 pm KEREN ANN plays the magnificent Luckman Fine Arts Center at Cal State L.A., 5151 State College Dr, Los Angeles 90032; 323-343-6600.
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Sat, Jun 25; world music event:
8 pm-1 am LiSiMA! BALKAN FIRE CD Recording Dance Party at Studio Iqaat, 3515 Eagle Rock Bl, L.A. With DJ Jason Savvy (Club Malabomba) & dancers Aubre Hill & Ayse Cerami. Info and listen to tracks from the new CD at www.myspace.com/lisima.
Admission by donation of $10.
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Sat, Jun 25, in San Diego:
8 pm BARBARA NESBITT & HER BAND play Carol Branch’s House Concert series in San Diego 92122; reservations get directions at wonderwoman@san.rr.com; 858-452-1539.
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Sat, Jun 25:
8 pm GREGG TROOPER with AMERICAN PRIMITIVE at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, 90230; 310-398-2583. (See the News Feature, “JUNE CONCERTS FEATURE SUPERB DOUBLE BILLS in the June 3 edition, archived at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/06/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html.)
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Sat, Jun 25:
8 pm JANIVA MAGNESS plays McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Jun 25:
9 pm-midnight “VIVA'S IRISH NIGHT” brings KEN O'MALLEY with JOHN BREEN plus a special performance by PETER ROMANO (THE BRILLIANT GYPSIES) with authentic and original Irish music at Viva Fresh Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (at Main) in the "Riverside Rancho" area of Burbank. No cover.
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Sunday, June 26
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Sun, Jun 26; FESTIVAL:
11 am 8 pm Annual “LONG BEACH BAYOU & MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL” with DR. JOHN & THE LOWER 911, KEITH FRANK & THE SOILEAU ZYDECO BAND, LEROY THOMAS & THE ZYDECO ROADRUNNERS, GENO DELAFOSE & FRENCH ROCKIN' BOOGIE, BILLIE LEE & THE SWAMP CRITTERS, DAVID SOUSA & THE ZYDECO MUDBUGS, SAN DIEGO CAJUN PLAYBOYS, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, and more, at Rainbow Lagoon Park (N side of Shoreline Dr) at Shoreline Village Dr and Linden Av, Long Beach, 90802; 562-570-1600. Charity benefit festival with lots of great N'Awlins style food, Louisiana music for listening and dancing on large, covered dance floors.
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Sun, Jun 26; FESTIVAL, in OC:
Noon-4 pm “SUMMER SOLSTICE FOLK ARTS FESTIVAL,” sponsored by The Living Tradition series, at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malven Av, Fullerton, 92833; www.themuck.com; 714-738-6706.
The band WHEN PIGS FLY! is hosting the all-day folk jam and providing live Irish music for the PLAID IRISH STEPDANCERS. Enjoy a day filled with stage performances by world, traditional music, and dance groups and storytellers from all over Southern California, performing in The Muck's outdoor amphitheater, along with free art workshops, a kids' area, an arts and crafts fair, house and gallery tours, a lawn sports tournament, picnicking, and food vendors.
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Sun, Jun 26; Fri-Sun, Jun 24-26, FESTIVAL, in Ventura Co:
"THE CHANNEL ISLANDS TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL" with appropriate music all three days. BILL DEMPSEY, a well-known singer of sea shanteys and nautical songs, plays Friday & Saturday at 10 am, and Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm. And there really are tall ships to see, board, and even sail upon, "in a magnificent display of seafaring power and beauty." It's part of the 2011 ASTA TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Pacific Coast series.
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Sun, Jun 26; ; FESTIVAL in Vista (San Diego):
9 am-5 pm Annual SAN DIEGO SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES with THE WICKED TINKERS, HIGHLAND WAY, THE BROWNE SISTERS & GEORGE CAVANAUGH, BANSHEE IN THE KITCHEN, and more, at Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista 92084.
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Sun, Jun 26:
Noon - Western artist/musician AL SHELTON's 91st birthday celebration and studio / musical open house at Al Shelton Western Art Studio, 12317 Ventura Bl, Studio City 91604. Al Shelton is a legend in the leather craft and leather art fields, and his work is in many museums, including the Autry and the Martin Guitar Museum, and in many private collections. He is a master sculptor and painter in watercolor, oil and pen & ink, and a long time Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists member. This is a musical good time with many surprise artists sitting in for some music-making. Go to www.artisanstudioworks.com/westernartistalshelton.html to read more about Al Shelton.
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Sun, Jun 26:
All afternoon "SISTER CITY" CULTURAL DAY AT THE GROVE, with music from emcee KEN O'MALLEY and others, at the free event celebrating many of L.A.'s "Sister Cities" with entertainment onstage in the open area of The Grove, 3rd & Fairfax, L.A., adjacent to Farmer's Market. Expect music and culture representing sister cities in Japan, Israel, Indonesia, Lebanon, India, Taiwan, Germany, Mexico, Zambia and Brazil. Ken O'Malley, in addition to his emcee chores, will perform authentic and original Irish music throughout the day, adding the Emerald Isle’s touch to the multinational show. More at www.sistercitiesofla.com/page34/page12/page12.html
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Sun, Jun 26:
3 pm matinee with JIM CONNOR at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW) is 626-798-6236.
Personal friend of John Denver and a member of the New Kingston Trio, Jim Connor is the king of the old-time 5 string banjo players, and most famous for writing the song “Grandma’s Feather Bed.” Whether you call Jim’s banjo style frailing, or claw hammer, you are sure to agree with Earl Scruggs, who said that Jim Connor was the best! Join this Alabama music hall of fame achiever as he brings his own special brand of music from Sand Mountain, Alabama.
Jim Connor learned the art of old tyme banjo playing from Uncle Arthur Kuykendall on Sand Mountain in Alabama. He quickly developed his own style and became deeply immersed in the rich musical culture, so much a part of the folks that lived in his community. His music has taken him from his humble home on the mountain to concert venues all over the world, performing with artists such as Barbara Streisand, Linda Ronstadt and John Denver. Jim was also a member of the New Kingston Trio from 1965 through 1974 and appeared as “Richard and Jim” on the Hootenanny Show.
Jim may be most famous for penning the song “Grandma’s Feather Bed” written in a moment of homesickness for Jim’s real Grandmother back home. John Denver recorded “Grandma’s Feather Bed” on his multi-platinum album “Back Home Again.” Proficient on many instruments, including guitar, harmonica and the bones, this versatile and entertaining performer brings his stories and songs garnered from a long and varied musical career.
“The finest living traditional banjo player, and perhaps the best that ever lived..." - Earl Scruggs. Tix, $18.
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Sun, Jun 26:
3:15 pm PARLAPIANO, accompanied by MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG & LYNN "SKINS" COULTER, play a house concert at the home of Marc Bachrach in Thousand Oaks 91362.
In Los Angeles, PHIL PARLAPIANO first toured in 1983 with folk icon Joan Baez to support her Live in Concert: Europe tour and album, playing piano, synthesizer and singing background vocals. As the tour progressed, his talent led him to being named musical director. He was a founding member of The Brothers Figaro, and signed to Geffen Records after a bidding war. work in the studio as a first call accordionist and keyboardist with the likes of Jon Bon Jovi, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Lowen and Navarro, Alanah Myles, Iris Dement, Carlene Carter, and Jude Cole.
In 1996, Phil was drafted into the smooth jazz world by saxophonist, Dave Koz, which culminated in co-writing a Chanukah song, "Eight Candles," featured on the Grammy nominated December Makes Me Feel This Way. Movie goers saw Parlapiano in the blockbuster film The Titanic as an accordion player during the memorable scene in the lower decks when Kate and Leo are dancing. His collaborative compositions were featured on the TV shows "Alias," "Felicity," Dawson's Creek" and "Joan of Arcadia."
As the new millennium began, Phil started to tour with Americana sweetheart Lucinda Williams. This led to a featured spot on the famed Martin Scorsese documentary, The Blues, as well as a VH1 Crossroads program backing up Elvis Costello on accordion. As 2003 rolled around, Parlapiano was asked to join the Let It Rain tour with Tracy Chapman, touring Europe and the states concluding with playing on TV's Austin City Limits. Phil then toured and recorded with seminal punkers Social Distortion, and is featured on the soundtrack of the movie, Lords of DogTown. Most recently that year, Parlapiano was featured on John Prine's Fair and Square, which earned the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Many know him from his years touring with Lowen & Navarro.
Recommended minimum donation is $15, or, with Phil's CD, Phil Parlapiano in Concert, $25. Or, you can be a Sponsor and get the show, the CD, and a DVD of the show, for $50.
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Sun, Jun 26:
6 pm PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND plays a free concert at Lou Bredlow Pavilion, Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Bl, Woodland Hills; home to Valley Cultural Center summer series and an L.A. County “Free Concerts in Public Sites” venue; partial info, www.valleycultural.org; 818-704-1358. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band derives its name from Preservation Hall, the venerable music venue located in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Founded in 1961 by Allan and Sandra Jaffe, the band has traveled the world as the official guardians of the New Orleans Jazz sound. Whether performing at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center, for British royalty or the King of Thailand, their music embodies a joyful, timeless spirit. Under the auspices of its current director, Ben Jaffe, (Allan and Sandra’s son), the Preservation Hall Jazz Band continues its commitment to quality as a venue, a band, and a performing sensation.
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Sun, Jun 26:
7 pm SARAH JAROSZ, seen June 1 on “Austin City Limits” (half-a-season late in L.A., like all ACL broadcasts here) plays tonight at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sun, Jun 26:
7 pm JIM "KIMO" WEST, award-winning Hawaiian Slack Key guitarist and composer, with the Lovely Ladies hula dancers, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW) is 626-798-6236. Tix, $15.
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Sun, Jun 26:
7:30 pm BIG SANDY & HIS FLY-RITE BOYS play “The Living Tradition” series at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malven Av, Fullerton, 92833; 714-738-6706.
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Monday, June 27
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Mon, Jun 27:
8 pm “GREAT GUITARS: WARREN HAYNES” at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage, 800 W Olympic Bl, L.A. 90015; www.grammymuseum.org; 213-765-6803.
Influential rock and blues guitarist Warren Haynes, has worked as a member of three of the greatest live groups in rock history – The Allman Brothers Band, The Dead, and his own Gov’t Mule. Haynes has earned an undeniable reputation as a powerhouse singer and guitarist. Hear Haynes, a GRAMMY-award winner, in discussion about his deep roots as a soul and blues man, his extraordinary career and his long-anticipated second solo album, “Man In Motion,” recently released on Concord Records. After the discussion, Haynes will take questions from the audience and will perform a selection of songs. GRAMMY Foundation Vice President Scott Goldman, himself a great guitarist, will conduct the interview.
Doors open at 7:30 pm for the best seats. Tix $20. All proceeds benefit the GRAMMY Museum.
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Tuesday, June 28
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Tue, Jun 28
8 pm HANS YORK, one of the most original and innovative singer-songwriter-guitarists on the circuit today, is making his annual California tour with a show tonight at the Marine Room Tavern, 214 Ocean Av, Laguna Beach, 92651.
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Wednesday, June 29
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Wed, Jun 29:
7 pm HANS YORK, one of the most original and innovative singer-songwriter-guitarists on the circuit today, is making his annual California tour with a show tonight for BRAD COLERICK's weekly “Wine and Song” series at Firefly, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena, 91030.
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Wed, Jun 29:
8 pm SLIGO RAGS brings their bluegrass-flavored Celtic / Irish music to the Folk Music Center, 220 Yale Av, Claremont, 91711; 909-624-2928.
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Wed, Jun 29:
10 pm KEN O'MALLEY brings authentic and original Irish music to O'Brien's on Main, 2941 Main St, Santa Monica, 90405; 310-396-4725.
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Thursday, June 30
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Thu, Jun 30:
7 pm HANS YORK, one of the most original and innovative singer-songwriter-guitarists on the circuit today, is making his annual California tour with a show tonight at the “Culver City House Concert” series; reservations get directions at NODonnell@memorialcare.org.
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Thu, Jun 30:
7 pm “BYRDS AND BEYOND” show by ex-Byrds JOHN YORK & BILLY DARNELL with CHAD WATSON, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW) is 626-798-6236. (See the News Feature, “JUNE CONCERTS FEATURE SUPERB DOUBLE BILLS in the June 3 edition, archived at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/06/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html.) Tix, $20.
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July, 2011...
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Friday, July 1 – Canada Day! The Guide salutes our neighbors to the North, and celebrates with them all the wonderful music they have given us: Quebecois, Cape Breton, Prairie Folk, Western music, and soooo much more, and artists from Neil Young to Gordon Lightfoot to Ian Tyson to Anne Murray to Dala!
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Fri, Jul 1:
8 pm MERCHANTS OF MOONSHINE at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW) is 626-798-6236. Tix, $15. See the feature story in the June 23 edition of the Guide’s News Features.
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Saturday, July 2
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Sat, Jul 2, in Ojai:
5 pm “PICNIC-DANCE PARTY” with New Orleans flavored Mardi Gras tunes from FISHFRY and SMITTY’S ALL-STARS, hosted by SHANE & KELLI BUTLER at Dancing Oak Ranch, 4585 Casitas Pass Rd, Ventura, halfway between Ojai & Carpinteria on Hwy 150; 805-665-8852.
It’s “an evening of great music under the stars with two hot bands.” Mike Fishell & his sons Roy and Miles with John Welborn & Nathan Selfridge, sizzle as FISHFRY, one of Ojai’s most popular party / dance bands.
Another Ojai musical favorite, SMITTY’S ALL-STARS, features Scott Smith, David Roine and Ken Delbo who together did the Cajun dance tunes at this year’s Fais-do-do at the Ojai Mardi Gras.
Dancing Oak Ranch has a giant swing, trampoline, zip-line, sandbox and a hot-tub. Gates at 5; music starts at 6 pm with each band doing 2 alternating hour-long sets. Bring a dish to share, a low deck chair, blankets, friendly leashed dogs, friends, BYOB & a small flashlight (to find your car when you leave).
Admission $10 donation at the gate and it all goes to the musicians. (Under age 16 is free). Watch for the concert sign and the rainbow flag on the north side of the road. House is almost a mile back, on the left.
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Sat & Sun, Jul 2 & 3:
7 pm Annual “LOS ANGELES GUITAR FESTIVAL” with LAURENCE JUBER, TOMMY EMMANUEL, DICK DALE, JIMMY VAUGHAN, CYRIL PAHINUI, GONZALO BERGARA, BRUCE FOREMAN with COW BOP, BEN LACY, and others, at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Bl, Redondo Beach 90278; 310-937-6607.
Check out the promotional video on the festival’s web site, at www.laguitarfestival.com. You can order tickets online, too.
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Sunday, July 3
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Sun, Jul 3:
2-7 pm THE CALIFORNIA COWBOY BAND hosts “another parking lot party” at Kelly's Restaurant in Long Beach 90803.
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Sun, Jul 3:
7 pm STEPHANIE BETTMAN & LUKE HALPIN at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW) is 626-798-6236.
“That Stephanie Bettman has reached a level comparable to others like Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez and Alison Krauss so quickly it’s a bit uncanny.” –Country Jukebox, Germany.
“Bettman jams it up like few others as she leads an ensemble with great imagination.” – Maverick Magazine, UK.
Stephanie Bettman is a singer/songwriter/fiddler extraordinaire and has been generating a buzz in bluegrass/country circles with inevitable comparisons to Alison Krauss and Emmylou Harris. Her partner, multi-instrumentalist, Luke Halpin, is an awesome talent in his own right. Named by Folkworks Magazine as one of LA’s top ten Female Singer Songwriters, Stephanie’s songs are sometimes sad, sometimes sassy but always stunning. Together she and Luke have been winners in many local and national competitions including:
* Grand Prize Winners in the 2008 So Cal Live Acoustic Music Competition.
* Winners in the 2007 Topanga Banjo / Fiddle contest.
* Folk Works Top Ten Los Angeles based female singer-songwriters of 2008.
* Music Connection’s Top Twenty-Five New Music Critiques of 2008.
Inspired by the likes of Sam Bush, Tony Rice, and Mark O’Conner, Luke’s perfectly blended harmonies and his instrumental expertise together with Stephanie’s artistry and performance make for a dynamic entertaining experience. One thing’s for sure, if Stephanie Bettman & Luke Halpin are on the bill, you are in for an unforgettable performance that will have you hooked from the first fiddle line to the last sweet harmony. Tix, $18.
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Monday, July 4 Independence Day! \|*|/
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Mon, Jul 4:
8:30 pm-1 am Monthly RONNIE MACK'S BARNDANCE at Joe's Great American Bar And Grill, 4311 W Magnolia Bl, Burbank 91505 (between Cahuenga Bl & Pass Av); 818-729-0805.
Tonight is more than just another edition of Ronnie Mack's monthly extravaganzas. It’s a genuine Fourth-of-July Americana music night with the all-star Barndance Band and many featured guests. FREE admission.
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Fri, Jul 8:
8 pm GOIN’ SOUTH and SUGAR IN THE GOURD play a double-bill at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW) is 626-798-6236.
The masterful musicians of The Goin’ South Band are RICK SHEA, PAUL LACQUES, FRED SOKOLOW, RICK CUNHA, VIC KOLER, and JOHN ZERETZKE. Folk musician legend TOM PAXTON said of Goin’ South, “What is it about Goin’ South Band that makes me think I have known them all my life? Surely there is a kitchen back there where we sat around and heard them play these songs. This is what it’s like to have friends with talent.”
Opening is the new all-female Americana roots band SUGAR IN THE GOURD, bringing their sweet vocals and more from musicians MERRILY WEEBER, JEN FITZPATRICK, LISA SALLOUX, and LYNN SOKOLOW. Tix, $18.
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Sat, Jul 9:
3 pm MILKDRIVE, the Austin-based progressive alt-folk acoustic string band plays a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW) is 626-798-6236. They’re a band of award-winning musicians — Noah Jeffries on guitar, Dennis Ludiker on mandolin, Brian Beken on fiddle, Matt Mefford on upright bass. Fiddling champion / mandolin player Dennis Ludiker is a member of South Austin Jug Band; Ludiker won the 2009 RockyGrass Mandolin Contest and holds fiddling championship titles from the 2009 and 2008 Texas State Fiddlers Frolics, 2002 Walnut Valley Music Festival and 2001 Washington State Open. Beken was the 2004 Texas Flatpick Guitar Champion. Jeffries won a Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival Jazz Guitar Competition. Make reservations. Tix, $15.
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Sat, Jul 9:
8 pm MICHAEL O’DORN bring his "Travis Fingerstyle" show to The Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina; 626-339-7020; frethouse@earthlink.net; www.frethouse.com. More at www.michaelodorn.com. Tix, $15.
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Wed, Jul 13:
8 pm LAUREN ADAMS performs with her formidable all-star ensemble, THE LAUREN ADAMS BAND, featuring MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG, NICK KIRGO, DEBRA DOBKIN, & PHIL PARLAPIANO, at Mare'ka in Studio City.
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Fri, Jul 15:
8 pm FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER play McCabe's, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497. Certainly and deservedly one of L.A.’s favorite new folk duos, these two have toured and played lots of places to great acclaim. Their originals are so good you wonder they aren’t waaaay up the Folk & Americana Charts. They mix-in some traditional favorites with their splendid vocal harmonies and Steve’s fabulous Merle Travis-style picking. This will sell-out early, if word gets out well enough.
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Fri, July 15:
8 pm ERNEST TROOST plus JOHN ZIPPERER & FRIENDS play a fine double-bill at the “CAMARILLO CAFÉ CONCERT SERIES,” at Camarillo Community Center, 1605 E Burnley St (NE corner, Carmen & Burnley), Camarillo. An Open mic precedes the featured acts (signups start at 7:30). ERNEST TROOST is a Kerrville New Folk winner and L.A.’s resident expert practioner of the Piedmont Blues style. Zipperer and his band received their first airplay on “Tied to the Tracks,” en-route to getting featured sets at Folk Alliance conferences. Info, WhatsHappening@CamarilloCafe.com - more at www.CamarilloCafe.com; 805-523-2682. Sponsored by Pleasant Valley Recreation & Parks District. Produced by Gary & Kathy Lynch.
Ernest Troost, a Kerrville New Folk Award winner, has an evocative songwriting style. He combines folk and Piedmont blues style guitar picking with timeless stories and colorful character portrayals drawn from the American past and present. Ernest is an award-winning composer of scores for films and television, including the quirky scores for the Oscar-nominated animated short Dr. DeSoto and the much-loved cult classic Tremors. From his hipster jazz for the Sundance film Beat, to the majestic orchestra and choir for the MGM historical epic One Man's Hero, to the edgy delta minimalism of HBO's Lesson Before Dying, and the playfully eclectic score for the Campbell Scott film Crashing, Ernest's music always uniquely supports the filmmaker's vision. Check out www.ErnestTroost.com for more.
John Zipperer has performed and taught with such greats as Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus), Doane Perry (Jethro Tull) Dave Sutton and many other notable members of the Los Angeles music community. His focus on new material and new approaches to familiar material makes every performance fresh and keeps audiences coming back again and again. John will be joined by Friends Tara Sitser (vocals, keyboard, percussion), Ed "The Spoon Man" Terry (spoons, vocals) and Jim Van Booven (vocals, acoustic & electric bass). More at www.JohnZipperer.com
The evening begins with an open mic. Here’s the schedule:
7:30 pm - Doors open - open mic signups begin
8:00 pm - Open mic
8:30 pm - John Zipperer & Friends
9:20 pm - Break (refreshments and snacks available)
9:40 pm - Ernest Troost
$10 at the door.
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Sat, Jul 16:
8 pm JACK TEMPCHIN plays “The Living Tradition” series at the Downtown Community Center, 250 E. Center St, Anaheim; 714-955-3807.
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Mon, Jul 18:
8 pm “AN EVENING WITH TODD RUNDGREN” at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage, 800 W Olympic Bl, L.A. 90015; www.grammymuseum.org; 213-765-6803.
Wait for it. This one has a serious blues connection. It’s a chance to hear Rundgren perform blues and engage in discussion about his prolific career as well as his current album, “Todd Rundgren's Johnson,” a tribute to British Invasion interpretations of legendary bluesman ROBERT JOHNSON's compositions.
Right off the heels of his summer tour, Rundgren remains rock's original Renaissance Man. An acclaimed record producer, composer, songwriter, and recording artist , Rundgren is widely regarded as the acknowledged godfather of the marriage of music and multimedia. Having founded and fronted The Nazz, the quintessential ’60s power-pop psychedelic band, in 1969 he left the band to pursue a solo career, recording his debut offering, the classic “Runt.” But it was 1972's seminal “Something/Anything?,” on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts, and acted as his own producer, that catapulted Todd into the superstar limelight. Among Rundgren's impressive 50+ production projects are albums by Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, XTC, Grand Funk Railroad, and Hall & Oates, and of course Meat Loaf's perennially multi-platinum debut "Bat Out Of Hell." After the interview, led by GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares Vice President Scott Goldman, Rundgren will take audience questions and perform a selection of songs.
Doors open at 7:30 pm for the best seats. Tix, $25, available starting Wednesday, June 22 at noon at the Museum Box Office. All proceeds benefit The GRAMMY Museum.
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Wed, Jul 20:
8 pm “GREAT GUITARS: GARY LUCAS” at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage, 800 W Olympic Bl, L.A. 90015; www.grammymuseum.org; 213-765-6803.
GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and composer Gary Lucas does an on-stage interview and performance. Regarded as a "thinking man's guitar hero,” Gary Lucas continues to catch the attention of critics everywhere, as he tours the world relentlessly, both solo and with several different ensembles. His longtime band Gods and Monsters, once included the late singer Jeff Buckley. After the interview, Lucas will take questions from the audience and perform a selection of songs. GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares Vice President Scott Goldman, himself a great guitarist, will conduct the interview as well as play a few tunes on stage with Lucas.
Doors open at 7:30 pm. Tix, $15. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum Box Office starting Wednesday, June 22 at noon. All proceeds benefit The GRAMMY Museum.
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Fri, Jul 22 & Sat, Jul 23:
8:30 pm DOLLY PARTON plays two nights at the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood 90068; 323-850-2000 213-480-3232.
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Sat, Jul 23:
“NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY” with many western music and cowboy poetry celebrations throughout the US and Canada (it’s the national day in both nations). More when we get details.
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Sat, Jul 23:
Annual "MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS FESTIVAL" with workshops, concerts and jams all day long at beautiful Green Valley Lake, at a cool 7000 ft elevation in the San Bernardino Mountains. Info, Sandi Huckaby, at 909-867-7105 or huckaby49@yahoo.com. Website, www.scdh.org
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Sat, Jul 23:
Noon ASSOCIATION OF FINGERSTYLE GUITARISTS SEMINAR at Mo's Fullerton Music. More when we know it, or check www.afg.org
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Sun, Jul 24:
11 am 5 pm Annual “SEA CHANTEY FESTIVAL” with THE JACKSTRAWS, KEN GRAYDON, RAGGLE TAGGLE, FLASH PACKET, GILMAN CARVER, TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY WALKER, JEFF PEKAREK, abpard the docked sailing vessel Star of India, 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego 92101; 619-234-9153.
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Sun, Jul 24:
7 pm FRANK FAIRFIELD plays McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sun, Jul 24:
7:30 pm GUY DAVIS plays the AMSD Concert Series, 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego 92116; 619-303-8176.
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Thu, Jul 28:
6-9 pm: HORSEPLAY, the band of STEVE LINSKY, GORDON ROBERTS, PETER TE & TJ ZEILER, plays the world famous Ojai Deer Lodge, 2261 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai 93023; info, 805-910-7560. The band says, “Come on out for a great reasonably priced meal, a drink or two and good entertainment. Mention this Horseplay invite and order the discounted chef’s chicken special! There will be special guest appearances! or email Horseplay.band@gmail.com, more at www.horseplay.yolasite.com.”
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Fri, Jul 29:
7:30 pm LOS LONELY BOYS and LOS LOBOS at the Greek Theatre, , 2700 N Vermont, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027; 213-480-3232.
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Sat & Sun, Jul 30 & 31:
Noon-10 pm Annual “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” with performances today by MARK ST. MARY LOUISIANA BLUES AND ZYDECO BAND, ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC, BLUESBOX BAYOU BAND, BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS, A.J. GIBBS - THE MYDECO KING, THE HIGH STEPPERS NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus dancing and children's activities.
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On Sunday, Noon-10 pm, performances by STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS, LEROY THOMAS, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, ROYALE GARDEN DIXIELAND BAND, A.J. GIBBS - THE MYDECO KING, THE HIGH STEPPERS NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus dancing and children's activities, all at Rainbow Lagoon, Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802.
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Sat, Jul 30:
4 pm 9 pm “BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN TWILIGHT MUSIC FESTIVAL” with SLIGO RAGS at Big Bear Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Dr/ Hwy 38, Fawnskin 92333.
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Sat, Jul 30:
7 pm KEN O'MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS play the “Concerts in the Park” series in Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 91350.
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Sat, Jul 30:
8 pm THE DUO TONES, play "Acoustic Surf Duo" at The Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina; 626-339-7020; frethouse@earthlink.net; www.frethouse.com. More at www.pjmoto.com/specialty/duo_tones.php. Tix, $15.
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Sat, Jul 30:
8 pm LOS LONELY BOYS and LOS LOBOS play the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio 92203.
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Sun, Jul 31:
Noon-10 pm Annual “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” concludes with performances by STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS, LEROY THOMAS, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, ROYALE GARDEN DIXIELAND BAND, A.J. GIBBS - THE MYDECO KING, THE HIGH STEPPERS NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus dancing and children's activities, all at Rainbow Lagoon, Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802.
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Sun, Jul 31:
7 pm LOS LONELY BOYS and LOS LOBOS play Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego.
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August, 2011...
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Wed, Aug 3:
8 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play the “Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival” series at 25 Grant St, Redlands 92373.
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Sat, Aug 13:
7 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play the “Altadena Summer Concert Series” in the amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 E Mount Curb Av, Altadena 91001.
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Sat, Aug 13:
7:30 pm THE CACHE VALLEY DRIFTERS play the “Song Tree Concert Series” at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 820 N Fairview Av, Goleta 93117; info & tix, SongTree@cox.net or 805-403-2639.
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Sat, Aug 13:
8 pm LOAFER'S GLORY plays the Caltech Folk Music Society series in Beckman Institute Auditorium, on the campus at California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91106; 626-395-4652.
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Sat, Aug 13:
8 pm GYPSY KINGS play the Greek Theatre, 2700 N Vermont, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027; 213-480-3232.
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Sun, Aug 14:
7 pm INCENDIO plays the LACC Summer Music Concert series at 425 Pennisula Dr, Los Angeles 96367.
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Sun, Aug 14:
8 pm GYPSY KINGS play the Greek Theatre, 2700 N Vermont, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027; 213-480-3232.
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Mon, Aug 15:
7:30 pm B.B. KING plays Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego 92106; 619-523-1010.
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Wed, Aug 17:
7:30 pm STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS play Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego 92106; 619-523-1010.
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Thu, Aug 18:
7:30 pm STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS play the Orange County Performing Arts Center's Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa; 714-556-2787.
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Fri-Sun, Aug 19-21:
Annual “BIG BEAR LAKE COWBOY GATHERING” at Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center, 39707 Big Bear Bl, Big Bear Lake 92315.
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Fri, Aug 19:
6 pm SLIGO RAGS play Baily's Old Town Temecula, 28699 Old Town Front St, Temecula 92590; 951-676-9567.
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Sat & Sun, Aug 20 & 21:
Noon-7 pm “VENTURA FOLK FESTIVAL” featuring RAMBLING JACK ELLIOTT, THE KINFOLK, THE RINCON RAMBLERS, GARRISON STARR, DELANEY GIBSON, and others, in Mission Park, 180 E Main St, Ventura 93001.
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Sat, Aug 20:
7:30 pm HOUSTON JONES plays “The Living Tradition” series at the Downtown Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim; 949-646-1964.
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Tue-Sat, Aug 22-26:
DAVE STAMEY'S BACK-COUNTRY PACK TRIP, led by multiple award-winning western singer-songwriter Dave Stamey, is an annual horse caravan pack trip into the High Sierra, with plenty of music around the campfire every night, Info, www.mammothpack.com
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Wed, Aug 24:
8 pm BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, the legendary Cuban group, plays the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood 90068; 323-850-2000 213-480-3232.
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Thu, Aug 25:
7:30 pm SLIGO RAGS plays the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malven Av, Fullerton 92833; 714-738-6706.
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Sat, Aug 27:
8 pm “FAR-WEST FOLK ALLIANCE BENEFIT” with BORDER RADIO, SUSIE GLAZE & HILONESOME, FUR DIXON & STEVEN WERNER, and MERLIN SNIDER & FRIENDS, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; 626-798-6236.
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Sat, Aug 27:
10 am LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play the “Big World Fun” series at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood 90068; 323-461-3673.
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Sat, Aug 27:
7:30 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play Olivas Adobe Historical Park, 4200 Olivas Park Dr, Ventura 92002.
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September, 2011...
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Sat & Sun, Sep 3 & 4:
10 am 10 pm “ORANGE INTERNATIONAL STREET FAIR” with SLIGO RAGS, and others, at Chapman Av & Glassell St, Orange 92866.
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Thu, Sep 8:
7:30 pm JOHN YORK, former BYRD, plays the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malven Av, Fullerton 92833; 714-738-6706.
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Thu, Sep 8:
8 pm COLIN HAY plays Saint Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach 90254; 310-372-0035.
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Sat & Sun, Sep 10 & 11:
“EQUINOX FOLK MUSIC, DANCE AND STORYTELLING FESTIVAL” with MICK MOLONEY, GINNY HAWKER & TRACY SCHWARZ, OLD SLEDGE, LISSA SCHNECKENBERGER BAND, and more, presented by the California Traditional Music Society at Rancho Cordillera del Norte, 9015 Wilbur Av, Northridge 91324.
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Sat, Sep 10:
7 pm RICHARD SMITH & JULIE ADAMS play the Slater-Lunsford House Concert Series in Lancaster; info, www.desertsong.com.
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Sat, Sep 10:
7:30 pm GREGORY PAGE plays the San Diego Folk Heritage series at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas 92024; 858-566-4040.
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Sat, Sep 10:
7:30 pm BERKLEY HART plays the Song Tree Concert Series, at the Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 820 N Fairview Av, Goleta 93117; SongTree@cox.net or 805-403-2639.
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Thu, Sep 15:
7:30 pm SLAID CLEAVES plays the AMSD Concert Series, 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego 92116; 619-303-8176.
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Fri-Sun, Sep 16-18:
Annual “MILLPOND MUSIC FESTIVAL” N of Bishop 93514; info at www.inyo.org or contact InyoArts@Inyo.org or 760-873-8014. This is, reliably, year-after-year, the best “end-of-the-summer” traditional and new acoustic music festival in California. If you can drive to Mammoth to ski, this is closer, up the same road. We recommend it even before we know this year’s line-up.
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Fri, Sep 16
7:30 pm MARTIN TAYLOR plays the first of two concerts for the “Lord Of The Strings Concert Series,” this one at the Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan St, Dana Point; 949-842-2227 or 949-244-6656.
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Sat, Sep 17:
7 pm MARTIN TAYLOR plays the second of two concerts for the “Lord Of The Strings Concert Series,” this one at Mission Viejo Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Dr, Mission Viejo; 949-842-2227 or 949-244-6656.
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Sat, Sep 17:
7:30 pm TRACY GRAMMER plays “The Living Tradition” series at the Downtown Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim; 714-955-3807.
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Sat, Sep 17:
7:30 pm SLAID CLEAVES plays the Folk Music Center, 220 Yale Av, Claremont 91711; 909-624-2928.
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Sat, Sep 17:
8 pm BLAME SALLY plays Russ and Julie’s House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills/Westlake Village area); reservations get directions at 818-707-2179.
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Tue, Sep 20:
8 pm SIMON PURE plays the monthly “BASC BLUEGRASS NIGHT” at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank; 818-845-2425. Presented by Bluegrass Association of Southern California.
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc
"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. Always available at www.acousticmusic.net.
"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.
UPDATES are made every few months – the current edition of our VENUE DIRECTORY is at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html
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The Guide’s weekly News Features and Spotlight Events UPDATED EDITIONS bring more (always more -- as we have time to organize all of it).
We do all we can to bring you news and notices of all the many, many, MANY acoustic music events in and around the Los Angeles region, from the North border of Santa Barbara County to the South border of Orange County, and inland through San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
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.)
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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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
www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
- or by following any of many links on the web to get to one of those sites.
The Guide’s weekly NEWS FEATURES are published in 16 websites / webgroups!
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Friday, June 17, 2011
Acoustic Americana Music Guide NEWS FEATURES, June 10 edition
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In addition to the NEWS that's right here, check out the newest edition of our SPOTLIGHT EVENTS at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/06/spotlight-events-festivals-acoustic_17.html
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Tied to the Tracks
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ACOUSTIC
AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
NEWS FEATURES
June 17, 2011 edition
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THIS WEEK’S NEWS FEATURES
1) GET THEE TO A FESTIVAL – THIS WEEKEND AND NEXT
2) LISBETH SCOTT & ABRA MOORE: BENEFIT FOR FORGOTTEN DREAM
WOMEN’S PROJECT, SATURDAY, JUNE 18
3) FREE, FATHER'S DAY: CHURCH BLUES, TRAVELING WILBURYS WEBCAST,
GOE (that’s Grand Ole Echo)
4) MUSICIANS: ‘ARTS FOR ALL’ APPLICATION WORKSHOPS, PAID
OPPORTUNITIES
5) UCLA LIVE’s NEW SEASON FEATURES EARL SCRUGGS, LUCINDA WILLIAMS
6) MUSICIANS: GET YOUR CHOPS BACK THIS SUMMER AT THE MUSIC CENTER
7) APPLY TO PERFORM AT L.A.’s SUPERB ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
8) ENTERTAINMENT & PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY: THE JUNE 17th CONNECTION
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Here are these news feature stories...
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Our # 1 Story
GET THEE TO A FESTIVAL – THIS WEEKEND AND NEXT
Wow. The final two weekends of June are packed way beyond capacity with first-rate acoustic music festivals for all tastes and needs (including the free kind). Sure, we know that Telluride is long ago sold-out, and it’s too far away for most of us anyway, with the outrageous price of gas.
But the Southern California offerings are simply amazing, and some welcome you to bring your instruments and jam into the wee hours, after the main stage acts finish.
The HUCK FINN JUBILEE, just over Cajon Pass at Mojave Narrows Regional Park near Victorville, posted a last-minute “Kids Play Free” coupon. Go get it at their website, www.huckfinn.com, print and take it with you, and receive up to two free admissions for your children ages six through 12 with any one paid adult. Running Friday-Sunday, June 17-19, this annual festival is all about bluegrass / bluegrass-Americana, and brings performances by ROY CLARK, RODNEY DILLARD & THE DILLARD BAND, THE GIBSON BROTHERS, JULIE WINGFIELD, WAYNE RICE & LIGHTHOUSE, BLUEGRASS ETC, SIERRA HULL, NEW FOUND ROAD, SCOTT GATES & SALTY SUITES, MARK TWAIN LIVE, GRASSLANDS, TOM & BECKY, and more, plus Line Dance Workshops with KC DOUGLAS, Clog Dancing with THE BON FAMILY CLOGGERS, lots of fun activities for kids, and a bit of mid-nineteenth century Mark Twain culture straight from “Life on the Mississippi” all transported to a bluegrass festival on a river in the California desert (really). At Mojave Narrows Regional Park, Victorville; 951-780-8810. Named in recent years in a national ranking as the best weekend music festival in America.
Northeast of Santa Barbara, Friday-Sunday, June 17-19 is the annual LIVE OAK MUSIC FESTIVAL has performances by MAVIS STAPLES, THE TEXAS TORNADOS, EVIE LADIN & EVIL DIANE, THE WAILIN' JENNYS, MOLLIE O'BRIEN & RICH MOORE, MOLLY'S REVENGE, OLD MAN LUEDECKE, CAFÉ MUSIQUE, SIERRA HULL & HIGHWAY 111, TOOTS & THE MAYTALS, SAMBADA, CARL SONNY LEYLAND, THE DAVID MAYFIELD PARADE, SPARROWS GATE, PELLEJO SECO, WILL BERNARD, and more. It’s at Live Oak Camp, off Highway 154, NE of Santa Barbara; 805-781-3030. This one is beneath the boughs of giant, canopy-like oak trees. 100% of Live Oak proceeds go to support KCBX Public Radio (the radio station we WISH we had in L.A.) The marvelous JOE CRAVEN is main stage emcee, and the booked acts are a spectrum of marvelous musicians, though not all are folk-Americana.
The annual IRISH FAIR & MUSIC FESTIVAL with DUBLIN4, FENIANS, SLIGO RAGS, and more is a big deal in OC, at Irvine Meadows, 8800 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine 92618.
In Ventura County, there are a pair of one-day festivals. On Saturday & Sunday, June 18 & 19 is the 3rd annual JOHNNY CASH MUSIC FESTIVAL at Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 Harbor Bl, Ventura 93001. Festival info, www.roadshowrevival.com. Headliners there are Kris Kristofferson, X, The Blasters, Deke Dickerson, Lee Rocker, plus Cash on the Line, Pee Wee Moore, Hayden Thompson with Omar & The StringPoppers, and Levi Dexter with the Buzz Campbell Band. This year's festival benefits Foodshare and the Coalition to End Family Violence.
On Saturday only, June 18, also in Ventura County is the annual “HISTORY DAYS” festival, at Simi Valley Historical Society and Museum in Strathearn Historical Park, 137 Strathearn Pl, Simi Valley 93065. Bluegrass from MURPHY’S FLAW is on tap. Full details at www.simihistory.com/History%20Days.htm.
Saturday’s FREE mega-festival, June 18, is the annual “MAKE MUSIC PASADENA.” It’s the biggest U.S. expression of the French-based FETE DE MUSIQUE, on many stages, in many venues and on many street corners throughout Pasadena. You can go to www.makemusicpasadena.org; but we recommend you read The Guide’s guide to the acoustic renaissance and folk-Americana shows (in the new edition of Spotlight Events or in last week’s News Features, both at www.acousticmusic.net). The schedule there is quite heavy this year with indie rockers and waaaay too much world beat / world music.
If you spend all or part of the day in Pasadena for the free music, and you’re willing to part with some cash for an evening festival-like show in the area, there are two fine offerings. At 6:30 pm is “A NIGHT OF FOLK & BLUEGRASS MUSIC” with BILL MESNIK, TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, SEVERIN BROWNE, & THE WOMEN ON THE MOVE TRIO, at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre 91024; 626-355-4318. It’s $15, all ages, and if you bring your dad for his Father's day treat, he gets in for $5. Reservations recommended at 626-969-0778, or charge by phone at 626-355-4315.
Or, after Make Music Pasadena, head straight up Lake Avenue to Altadena for the 7 pm double-bill with TRACY NEWMAN AND THE REINFORCEMENTS and DUTCH NEWMAN & THE MUSICAL MELODIANS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW) is 626-798-6236.
You need more that’s free on Saturday, June 18? 5-11 pm brings the free “ANNUAL TOPANGA MUSIC PARTY” with CITY FRITTER, HONEYHEART, & MARK KNIGHT, at the Topanga Seed & Feed in Topanga Canyon.
JUNE 25 & 26 BRINGS MORE FUN FESTIVALS
The Annual LONG BEACH BAYOU & MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL on Saturday & Sunday, June 25 & 26, brings DR. JOHN & THE LOWER 911, KEITH FRANK & THE SOILEAU ZYDECO BAND, LEROY THOMAS & THE ZYDECO ROADRUNNERS, GENO DELAFOSE & FRENCH ROCKIN' BOOGIE, BILLIE LEE & THE SWAMP CRITTERS, DAVID SOUSA & THE ZYDECO MUDBUGS, SAN DIEGO CAJUN PLAYBOYS, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, and more, including daily Mardi Gras-style Second Line Parades. This one has great food, too. It’s at Rainbow Lagoon Park (N side of Shoreline Dr), Shoreline Village Dr & Linden Av), Long Beach 90802; 562-570-1600.
In Ventura County, THE CHANNEL ISLANDS TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL runs Friday through Sunday, Jun 24-26, with appropriate music all three days. BILL DEMPSEY, a well-known singer of sea shantys and nautical songs is among the music makers. And there really are tall ships to see, board, and even sail upon, "in a magnificent display of seafaring power and beauty." It's part of the 2011 ASTA TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Pacific Coast series.
Down in San Diego County, the big annual SAN DIEGO SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES happens Saturday & Sunday, June 25 & 26, in Vista, with THE WICKED TINKERS, HIGHLAND WAY, THE BROWNE SISTERS & GEORGE CAVANAUGH, BANSHEE IN THE KITCHEN, and more. It’s at Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista 92084.
Need a freebie? Saturday only, June 25 in Altadena is the annual FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS, a free event for the entire family, noon-9:30 pm at Farnsworth Park Amphitheater, 568 E Mount Curb Av, Altadena 91001. One to catch: at 4 pm RASPIN STUWART plays Americana.
Saturday night, June 25, is a festival-like concert at 8 pm called “CRAIC GO LEOR,” an Irish traditional concert with THE SWEET SET, SLUGGER O'TOOLE, and Irish Step Dancers, followed by a session (the Irish term for a jam), at Burbank Moose Lodge #652, 1901 W Burbank Bl, Burbank 91506.
Sunday only, June 26, is the free SUMMER SOLSTICE FOLK ARTS FESTIVAL, sponsored by The Living Tradition series, noon-4 pm in OC at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malven Av, Fullerton, 92833; www.themuck.com; 714-738-6706. The band WHEN PIGS FLY! is hosting the all-day folk jam and providing live Irish music for the PLAID IRISH STEPDANCERS. It’s a day filled with stage performances by world, traditional music, and dance groups and storytellers from all over Southern California, performing in The Muck's outdoor amphitheater. There are free art workshops, a kids' area, an arts and crafts fair, house and gallery tours, a lawn sports tournament, picnicking, and food vendors, too.
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Our # 2 Story
LISBETH SCOTT & ABRA MOORE: BENEFIT FOR FORGOTTEN DREAM WOMEN’S PROJECT, SATURDAY, JUNE 18
LISBETH SCOTT did the amazing vocals for Mel Gibson’s film, “Passion of the Christ,” and she’s very spiritual, but not one of those rather generic Christian artists. Not at all. Saturday, Lisbeth teams-up with GRAMMY nominee ABRA MOORE to play a benefit concert for Lisbeth’s new charity, “The Forgotten Dream Project - Helping Women Remember the Dreams They Forgot.” Lisbeth’s special guest is QUINN, and Jo Tastula begins the evening with a meditation.
You get the idea when Lisbeth tells you, “Enter in rear through door on right, bring pillow for floor seating.” Plus, there’s a silent auction and food.
Lisbeth is very descriptive, saying, “If you are a woman or if you know a woman, I think that's everyone!...then you know how easy it is for women to put everyone else first. Their children, the men in their lives, their jobs, their parents and on and on. This is the beauty of being feminine, but it is also the challenge. To balance giving to ourselves with giving to others. Because if we walk our path using our true gifts we lift up those around us. And sometimes years go by and we forget this. and so… The Forgotten Dream is born.”
It may be titled “dream,” but it’s tangible. Lisbeth says, “We provide micro grants to women 18 and over… no age limit. These are grants, not loans. Who needs more debt? In collaboration with the non-profit ‘A Place Called Home’ in South Central Los Angeles, grants from $500 to $2000 will be given to women who are ready to take the first step towards pursuing a dream.”
So, what motivated this? “Creating this project is a dream come true for me,” says Lisbeth. She continues, “There are women, single mothers, who live in one room and support a family of 5 on less than $20,000 a year. This is practically next door to where I live. Los Angeles has given me a lot. I found my way and my true voice in this city. And now I'd like to give back.”
She encourages you to “Come celebrate with us! 100% of all proceeds go to grant funding. Our first recipient, Berenice Bautista, will be present to share her dreams with us! I'm thrilled that Grammy nominee Abra Moore will be performing as well. Her work is stunning and moved me the moment I heard her voice. Come join us! Dance, eat, hear beautiful music and know that you're giving back to your community.”
The concert is 7-10 pm at Kula Space, 1231 Lincoln Bl, Santa Monica.
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Our # 3 Story
FREE, FATHER'S DAY: CHURCH BLUES, TRAVELING WILBURYS WEBCAST, GOE
So, you’re missing the big festivals, and after the free Make Music Pasadena event on Saturday, you’re going to just sit there because you’re broke and feeling forlorn? No need for that. Here are three Sunday freebies.
Saturday night / Sunday morning, you can catch blues master BERNIE PEARL in a musical and informative program of the blues. It’s in a church (the pillars won’t fall on you, honest). Before that, starting at midnight, you can catch the TRAVELING WILBURYS free web streaming event to honor Father's Day and the band’s collective father, the mythical Charles Truscott Wilbury.
Sunday morning, 10-11:30 am, “THE BIBLE AND THE BLUES” is presented by LMU scholar Dr. Daniel Smith Christopher with live music by BERNIE PEARL & MIKE BARRY, at Brentwood Presbyterian Church, 1200 San Vicente Bl, L.A. 90049. Please call in advance, 310-826-5656. Bernie tells us, “Mike and I have been part of [this previously]. We have done it in Anaheim and in Camarillo at ticketed gatherings. This time the public is welcome, and it is free. We perform several blues numbers while the knowledgeable and entertaining scholar connects the Old Testament Book of Lamentations to African-American history, Civil Rights, and the Blues.”
Sunday late afternoon / evening, catch this week’s free Grand Ole Echo show, which just made a debut in The Huffington Post as “one of the things to do for Dad on Father's Day in Los Angeles.” Read it at www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/13/la-gift-guide-los-angeles_n_875202.html
This Sunday's GOE show is the CD release party for TED RUSSELL KAMP's "Get Back to the Land" (currently #24 on the Americana Music Association's radio charts) with special guests, DAVID SERBY & THE DIRT POOR FOLKLORE and SKIP HELLER. Free, as always, 5:30 pm, all ages, at the Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park.
As for the WILBURYS? Seems that on Father's Day, four years ago this week, The Traveling Wilburys boxed set, “Collection,” stormed the worldwide album charts. The Collection includes an exquisite documentary entitled, "The True History Of The Traveling Wilburys" featuring previously unreleased footage of half-brothers Lucky, Otis, Charlie T. Jnr., Lefty and Nelson Wilbury (aka a buncha real-life genuinely famous musicians).
The tale goes that to honor their father, Charles Truscott Wilbury, and in honor of fathers everywhere, the Wilburys are presenting a free 24-hour stream of "The True History Of The Traveling Wilburys" on Father's Day, Sunday, June 19th.
Just go to www.TravelingWilburys.com on Sunday for the program that begins at the stroke of midnight in Los Angeles, and 3 am in New York (it’s based on global GMT of 8 am, and that’s 7 pm Sydney, 5 pm Tokyo, 1:30 pm Mumbai, 10 am Johannesburg, 8 am London, 11 am Moscow, 5 am São Paulo). Hey, if you’re not a festival, what else are you doing at midnight?
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Our # 4 Story
MUSICIANS: “ARTS FOR ALL” APPLICATION WORKSHOPS, PAID OPPORTUNITIES
The Los Angeles County Arts Commission began accepting applications June 15 to be included in a key resource for paying gigs, the Arts for All online directory, at www.lacountyartsforall.org. While this call is specifically to be listed as a provider of Programs for Educators, the listing of professional development arts education providers, it is a door-opener. Qualifying to be listed accesses a key resource provided by Arts for All to support professional musicians as visiting educators for school districts and their community partners. (See the Guide’s story on Arts for All in the June 3 edition, feature #4, archived at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/06/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html.)
The trick? You must get qualified as a “professional development provider.” Prospective applicants should first read the Programs for Educators guidelines, just made available at http://lacountyartsforall.org/docs/downloads/afa_pfe_guidelines.pdf. The online application became available June 15 and can be accessed from the Guidelines. All applications must be submitted electronically by July 27.
To improve quality and equitable student access to arts learning, Arts for All invites professional development providers that have high quality programming and the capacity to serve educators in Los Angeles County to apply. To be listed on the directory, individuals and organizations must submit an electronic application, required supplemental materials and be approved by a peer panel comprised of individuals with knowledge and professional qualifications in arts education.
Arts educators seeking to join the directory and/or strengthen their professional development offerings are invited to participate in two workshops: June 28 and/or July 13 at the L.A. County Arts Commission offices.
Workshop I – Building Capacity through Professional Development: Designing Effective Programs, is offered Tuesday, June 28, 1-5 pm; make your reservation at http://artsforallpdseries1.eventbrite.com
Workshop II – Building Capacity through Professional Development: Facilitating High Quality Experiences, is set for Wednesday, July 13, 1-5 pm; make a reservation at http://artsforallpdseries2.eventbrite.com
The searchable online Programs for Educators directory provides centralized access to quality, local, national, and peer reviewed arts education professional development. The programs are intended to serve the needs of Los Angeles County’s arts educators, including generalist classroom teachers, arts specialists, teaching artists, and school and arts administrators. For example, district administrators can find individuals and organizations to provide professional development focused on student achievement and instructional quality in the arts; classroom teachers can find professional learning communities to join; and teaching artists can find programs that will deepen their capacity to serve the needs of students. You can explore the format of the online Programs for Educators directory at www.lacountyartsforall.org. E-mail artsforall@arts.lacounty.gov with questions about the directory.
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Our # 5 Story
UCLA LIVE’s NEW SEASON FEATURES EARL SCRUGGS, LUCINDA WILLIAMS
Blessed with a simply gorgeous venue, the long-running UCLA Live! series in Royce Hall, one in a group of monumental architectural gems on the Westwood campus, lures folk-Americana fans multiple times each year. Sure, the season always includes a mix, but they maintain a solid commitment to feature acoustic Americana. With the announcement of their upcoming season, we are happy to note their shows that warrant early ticket purchases for the best seats. You can buy a subscription and save, or take advantage of the “Choose your own Series” option. Individual tickets go on sale on Friday, July 22.
EARL SCRUGGS plus a “special guest” performs there Saturday, November 5, 2011. KENNY BURRELL, “80 Years Young,” will feature special guests B.B. KING, DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER, LALO SCHIFRIN, and more on Saturday, November 12, 2011. KATHLEEN BATTLE presents “An Evening of Spirituals” on Saturday, January 21, 2012. LUCINDA WILLIAMS performs Friday, January 27, 2012. THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS plays both “A Special Family Show” (read kids show) and an evening adult show to celebrate their 30th anniversary, both on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Itzhak Perlman, the reigning virtuoso of the violin, accompanied by Rohan De Silva, performs Thursday, February 16, 2012. MAX RAABE & PALAST ORCHESTER bring their “One Cannot Kiss Alone” tour on Thursday, February 23, 2012. STEW & THE NEGRO PROBLEM hold sway Friday, March 9, 2012. THE CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS plus special guests play Friday, April 6, 2012. BETTYE LaVETTE plus JON CLEARY’S PHILTHY PHEW are there Saturday, April 21, 2012.
We focus on a few of these, below, in this edition.
Bluegrass doesn’t get any better than when it’s played live by banjo virtuoso EARL SCRUGGS. At the age of 10, he developed his distinct three-finger style of play that would become famous around the world as “Scruggs-style picking.” After a tour of duty with the legendary Bill Monroe, he and Lester Flatt formed the Foggy Mountain Boys, later called just Flatt and Scruggs — and the rest is history. From Carnegie Hall to Hollywood, the sound they pioneered defined bluegrass and legitimized the genre in the mainstream. Scrugg’s legacy is secure — the 87-year old was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2008 and he continues to charm audiences with his unmistakable musicianship and humor. Ticket prices go from $65 to $20.
For six decades, KENNY BURRELL’s name has been synonymous with jazz guitar. And as the founder and director of UCLA’s Jazz Studies program, his name on campus is legendary. This special event celebrates the incredible life and career of this influential performer, composer, bandleader and producer in a one-night-only, all-star event featuring tribute performances from blues legend B.B. King (who cites Burrell as his “favorite guitarist”), multi-Grammy-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, pianist Lalo Schifrin and others, as Kenny turns “80 Years Young.” Tickets range from $75 to $25.
One of America’s finest singer-songwriters, LUCINDA WILLIAMS’ substantial talents transcend the genres in which she works so handily, from folk to blues and country-rock. After breaking out of the underground, she cemented her place in popular music with 1998’s “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.” TIME magazine named her “America’s best songwriter” in 2002 and she’s won three Grammy awards (so far). Her latest work, the emotional and evocative “Blessed,” released in March 2011, was quickly hailed by many critics and fans as her finest work to date. Whether she’s plugged-in and backed by a full band, or solo with her acoustic guitar, Lucinda’s forthright style and authentic warmth always tug at the heartstrings and stimulate the mind. Tickets range from $50 to $20.
Steeped in the rich, yet largely uncelebrated tradition of African-American string bands of the old South, THE CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS have been making a name for themselves with a uniquely modern vibe and approach. Since forming in 2005, the quartet has recorded four albums of brilliant material that Rolling Stone praises for its “dirt-floor-dance electricity.” Last year their hard work started to pay off — “Genuine Negro Jig” took home the Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album. All of the musicians sing and trade instruments, including banjo, fiddle, guitar, harmonica, snare drum, jug and kazoo. The quartet’s charm lies in an effortless ability to balance vintage sounds with a contemporary ethos. Band member Rhiannon Giddens sums it up best saying: “Tradition is a guide, not a jailer.” Tickets are priced $40 to $20.
Two-time Grammy nominee BETTYE LaVETTE is a song interpreter of the highest order. Whether the song originated as country, rock, pop or blues, when she gets through with it, it is R&B. As UCLA’s promo says, “She gets inside a song and shapes and twists it to convey all of the emotion that can be wrought from the lyric. Her live performances are incendiary.” The New York Times says, “Ms. LaVette, 64, now rivals Aretha Franklin as her generation’s most vital soul singer. She uses every scrape, shout and break in her raspy voice, with a predator’s sense of timing, to seize the drama of a song.” Joining Bettye is New Orleans’ “piano professor” JON CLEARY, with his Philthy Phew trio, which showcases a unique acoustic format as a vehicle for Cleary’s varied and thrilling compositions. His music embodies the piquant flavors of New Orleans funk and classic R&B. In the hallowed ranks of New Orleans "piano professors," Jon Cleary is on the tenure track. Born in England and raised in New Orleans, Jon Cleary composes infectious grooves with melodic hooks and sharp lyrics. He balances performing on solo piano with the noted funk band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, and with his new trio Piano, Bass & Drums. As a session and road musician, he plays with Bonnie Raitt and John Scofield.
In addition, there are a pair of Royce Hall Organ concerts. Saturday, March 10, 2012 brings the silent film “Tillie's Punctured Romance” accompanied by the Royce Hall Organ played by Steven Ball. Before that is a classical Organ Recital, featuring Paul Jacobs playing excerpts from Messiaen's Livre Du Saint-Sacrement on Thursday, January 12, 2012. Both can be included in your “Choose your own Series” package.
All concerts offer $15 tickets for UCLA students. If you haven’t yet experienced a concert in Royce Hall – or if you haven’t been for a few years, since before they fixed their sound problems – get tickets for a show there for the upcoming season.
There’s more, of course, with classical and world music. Check the entire season at www.uclalive.org or call the UCLA ticket office at 310-825-2101.
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Our # 6 Story
MUSICIANS: GET YOUR CHOPS BACK THIS SUMMER AT THE MUSIC CENTER
“Active Arts at the Music Center,” exclusively for amateur musicians, is now open for online registration, through June 30. It’s a popular annual series of standalone offerings at the prestigious L.A. Music Center in downtown Los Angeles. A nominal fee is charged for each of the three “music-making experiences,” and registration is required online at www.musiccenter.org/events/aa_gycb.html.
The three options are:
a) AFRO-CUBAN JAM - CANTAR-TOCAR-RUMBA, VEN A GOZAR. It’s designed to “Harmonize your voice, hands and soul,” as you “Experience and explore the traditional Afro-Cuban styles that make this music timeless.” It’s for singers or drummers with prior music-making experience in any tradition.
b) JAZZ COMBO - BROADEN YOUR JAZZ HORIZONS. Each participant chooses from Traditional & New Orleans, Straight Ahead, Brazilian or Modern jazz. You’ll play with a small combo with band mates, interpreting and mastering well-known, classic jazz tunes, as you “progress at your desired pace.”
c) ZYDECO BOOT CAMP - TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO THE BAYOU. You’ll learn “this earthy music used to create a spectrum of possibilities such as Two-Step, Shuffle, and Waltz - a simmering American melting pot of sound.” It’s for violin/fiddle and keyboard accordion players “who would like to make music more often.”
Presented as part of the Active Arts at the Music Center series, Get Your Chops Back (GYCB) is a series of learning workshops in a stress-free, non-judgmental environment for adult recreational musicians with prior music-making experience / basic playing skills and who have not made music in a while. Active Arts at the Music Center happens at 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles 90012; activearts@musiccenter.org; 213-972-3660.
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Our # 7 Story
APPLY TO PERFORM AT L.A.’s SUPERB ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Music, choral and dance groups are “urged” to apply before the August 3 deadline. So says the invitation, issued June 15, by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. L.A. County-based youth and adult community and professional choirs, music ensembles, folk and traditional artists and dance companies are being sought to perform in the televised 52nd Annual “Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration” in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the L.A. Music Center on December 24, 2011. Interested artists are required to submit an electronic application, on the Arts Commission website at www.holidaycelebration.org. Both the application and guidelines for applying are noe available online. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, August 3, 2011.
Prospective applicants should read the guidelines and attend the application workshop on Tuesday, July 19 at 7 pm at the Ford Theatres, 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood 90068 (across the freeway from the Hollywood Bowl). To register for the workshop, email publicevents@arts.lacounty.gov.
The Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration is a free public event that honors the spirit of many cultures and holiday traditions through music, song and dance. The event takes place every December 24 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles.
The stage production is broadcast live on KCET, and in past years, a condensed version of the production has been aired nationwide on PBS. Since KCET is now an independent public TV station that has left PBS, there is no word yet of whether this year’s show will air beyond the region covered by KCET’s broadcast signal, and its greatly diminished cable presence. Still, the superb stagecraft, sound, lighting, and prestige of playing the Music Center should be more than enough for most artists to apply.
In addition to encouraging all Los Angeles County-based performing groups who represent “diverse communities, traditions and performing disciplines” to apply, the Arts Commission says, “All performing groups are paid.” They add, “Proposed programming should be suitably themed for a multi-cultural holiday production.”
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Our # 8 Story
ENTERTAINMENT AND PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY: THE JUNE 17th CONNECTION
June 17th is the 39th anniversary of the infamous Watergate Break-In, the 1972 event wherein Nixon White House operatives were caught inside the Democratic National Headquarters in the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. Evidence found on the burglars linked their pay to the Nixon White House and the Committee to Re-Elect the President – aptly called CREEP – but that’s not the entertainment connection.
Nearly two years of investigative journalism, initially led by Washington Post newspaper reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein and later by CBS News, and eventually by other journalists and investigators, uncovered cover-ups and a history of deceptions, break-ins, planted false documents, false evidence, and even a White House “Enemies List” of Nixon opponents who were targeted for IRS audits and various officially-sanctioned forms of inconveniences or harrassment (that list had plenty of artists on it, though that’s not the connection, either).
What began with the arrest of burglars on June 17 culminated in climactic hearings by the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Watergate and the House Impeachment Committee to reveal the scope and magnitude of White House sponsorship or funding to circumvent the electoral process, cover-up other burglaries, and break other federal laws. Finally in 1974, when faced with certain conviction in the pending impeachment trial, Richard Nixon became the only President in U.S. history to resign the office.
Often forgotten now is the hugely historic second part. Nixon’s elected Vice President, Spiro Agnew, had to resign ahead of Nixon. Agnew faced Federal indictment for a series of bribery counts for activities as Governor of Maryland, the office Agnew held before becoming Nixon’s Vice President.
Nixon appointed Congressman Gerald Ford to replace Agnew, and the Senate quickly confirmed him. There had been other Vice Presidents who had not reached that office through a national election. But Nixon’s subsequent resignation made Ford the nation’s only un-elected President of the United States.
Initially popular, as America breathed a sigh of relief after Watergate, Ford was universally criticized when he pardoned Nixon for “all crimes he… may have committed.” Ford closed the door on anyone ever learning the full scope of Nixon’s shenanigans and bringing him to justice. It was a big deal. At the time, many Nixon staffers and administration officials were in Federal prison.
So, why are we reviewing all this here? Because there is a key intersection of entertainment and presidential history. Ford is President. Enter “Saturday Night Live,” in its first season on TV. Each week, the show brought comedic trivialization of Ford, always with CHEVY CHASE – who looked nothing whatsoever like Ford – portraying him as a stumbling klutz who couldn’t keep his feet under him. Ford was, in fact, an athlete, but TV images of him falling down the steps of Air Force One and assorted buildings and beaning people with badly-aimed golf balls were all that Chase and SNL’s writers needed. Soon, SNL cast members GARRET MORRIS, JOHN BELUSHI, LARAINE NEWMAN and GILDA RADNER figured-in the weekly “Ford-is-a-boob” sketch comedy. Together with the unforgotten Nixon pardon, it eroded Ford’s chance for finding popularity.
But it was SNL’s comedic portrayals that kept Ford from being regarded as “presidential.” Gerald Ford lost the presidential election of 1976 to Georgia’s Democratic Governor Jimmy Carter. Thus, Ford left office after facing – and losing – the only national election in which his name was on the ballot.
Gerald Ford – the President effectively appointed by Watergate’s disgraced President Nixon as his hand-picked successor – remains, together with Rutherford B. Hayes (1876) and George W. Bush (2000), one of only three Presidents to hold the nation’s highest office without winning their presidential election.
Decades later, TINA FEY’s SNL portrayals of SARAH PALIN renewed the show’s sagging ratings and, in an age of John Stewart and Stephen Colbert, reasserted its comedic attention to presidential politics. But, given Palin’s own words, no one could regard SNL’s 2008 role as pivotal. Still, unlike Chevy Chase playing Ford, Tina Fey is such a dead-ringer for Palin that Fox News recently used a photo of the comedienne instead of the intended pic of the ex-half-term governor. Life imitating art imitating life…
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Resources, etc
Our recently 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!
Just check our archive! Read the contents bar on the left side of the page at www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com and click the appropriate month.
The MOST RECENT past editions (last 30 days) are archived and easy to find.
June 10 edition is available at
and the stories are:
1) Top Indie Women Musicians Playing This Week
2) June “Rocky The Flying Squirrel” Foray, World's Most Famous Animation
Voice Artist: June 16 Musical Fete With WILL RYAN & Band
3) Socio-Political Singer-Songwriter ROY ZIMMERMAN, Amidst Tour,
Co-Headlines All-Star “Public Citizen” Benefit, Sunday, June 12
Plus, One Local Solo Show, June 11
4) SPIN Magazine's Americana Issue: What Happens When a Bigtime
Rock / Pop Mag Explains Banjos & Dulcimers, and More?
5) L.A. Pianist / Composer MARC BOSSERMAN Wins at Park City Music Festival
6) June Festivals: There Are More than Ever Before
7) Make Music Pasadena is a Free Festival, June 18
8) 70 Free Summer Concerts Coming to Los Angeles County
9) Your Band Based in Los Angeles County? Get Registered, Get Gigs
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June 3 edition is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/06/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html
and the stories are:
1) A Folk Legend's Final West Coast Tour Hits Caltech June 4th
2) GRAMMY, Oscar, Emmy Winners / Nominees, & Gold Records: Acclaim for
“How To Work The Media” Seminar, and a Final Chance to Attend In L.A., June 7th
3) June's Festivals Begin this Weekend
4) One to Emulate? L.A.'S “Arts for All” Wins $80,000 Endowment
5) “Pirate Musician” James Potkey's Memorial is June 4th
6) June Concerts Feature Superb Double Bills
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May 27th edition is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/05/acoustic-americana-music-guide-memorial.html
and the stories are:
1) 22nd Annual “SIMI VALLEY CAJUN & BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL” Sat & Sun
2) ANNUAL “SCOTS FEST,” this Weekend in Orange County
3) “TOPANGA DAYS COUNTRY FAIR” – The Only Fest that's All 3 Days
4) “SUMMERFEST SONGWRITERS PROJECT” – Deadline May 31
5) “HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA” SEMINAR – One Last Time in L.A., June 7
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May 20th edition is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/05/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html
and the stories are:
1) What a Weekend of Festivals!
2) Sunday's “L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL” Offers Free Outdoor Show, Ticketed
Indoor Show
3) “HERITAGE MUSEUM MUSIC FESTIVAL,” Sunday in O.C.
4) BOB DYLAN's 70th Birthday, May 24th, To Be Musically Celebrated by Folk Legend
ROSS ALTMAN & Friends in Santa Monica
5) 14th Annual “DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL” in Dana Point, All Weekend
6) “SILVER LAKE JUBILEE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL,” All Weekend in L.A.
7) PADDY’S PIG CD Release & Apocalypse Show, Saturday, May 21
8) “HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA” Seminar – One Last Time in L.A., June 7
9) “ROOTS ROADHOUSE” to Return in August
10) Artist “ASSET DISCOVERY & DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR,” June 14
11) “MIDSUMMER NIGHTS COFFEE HOUSE & MUSIC FESTIVAL” Date Set
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The LATEST EDITION of THE GUIDE, 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-outc
Plus VENUES TO HEAR MUSIC OR CONTACT TO GET GIGS, and lots more
– is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at ~
www.acousticmusic.netor at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
- 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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