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-outc   
  
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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