NEWS: Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest Results, plus LIVE MUSIC (details thru Friday night's events) and WEB RADIO Updates! May 22, 2013

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WORD JUST IN that the #1 downloaded CD in the world, for and by radio, is JAMES LEE STANLEY & JOHN BATDORF's new "ALL WOOD & STONES II," their acoustic reimagining of Rolling Stones hits, part deux. Catch them playing the whole album live, Thursday at the Talking Stick in Venice, or Friday at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena. Read the extensive write-up in the 8 pm Friday listing, in this edition.
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FESTIVALS...
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Yes, this weekend brings superb MUSIC FESTIVALS:
• SWINGIN’ ON A RIFF BIG BAND JAZZ FESTIVAL (May 23-26, in L.A.)
• SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES (May 25 & 26, Costa Mesa)
• SIMI VALLEY CAJUN & BLUES FESTIVAL (May 25 & 26, Simi Valley)
• TOPANGA DAYS FESTIVAL (May 25-27, in Topanga)
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All are in the Guide's current FULL EDITION, and much more about these fine events (and others) will be along Thursday.
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THIS edition brings you
NEWS:
Competition Winners -- Topanga Banjo•Fiddle Contest
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PLUS:
Great WEB RADIO tonight, and
LATE ADDITIONS to the LIVE MUSIC scene, through Friday.
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NEWS:
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Winners of the competitions:
53rd annual "TOPANGA BANJO•FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL"
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All were determined, announced, and awarded Sunday at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, California. But that was late, and many attendees missed it. Here's the full compilation of all the winners in each category. The Guide adds our congratulations to each of these devoted musicians.
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Note that categories exist for entrants did not register. A "Beginning" category (for example) may not be here because entrants registered at higher levels.
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"BAND" Category:
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1. The Bluegrass Hoppers, Los Angeles
2. String Project L.A., Culver City
3. TED, Long Beach
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"TRADITIONAL BANJO -- ADVANCED" Category:
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1. Scott Linford, Los Angeles
2. Chris Lauer, Lompoc
3. Christopher Murphy, San Diego
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"TRADITIONAL BANJO -- INTERMEDIATE" Category:
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1. Laura Osborn, Glendale
2. Michael Ostgaard, San Clemente
3. Mark Thompson, Buena Park
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"BLUEGRASS BANJO -- ADVANCED" Category:
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1. Quinton Fults, Fountain Valley
2. Sean Conlon, San Pedro
3. Ken Leiboff, Newbury Park
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"BLUEGRASS BANJO -- INTERMEDIATE" Category:
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1. Betsy Brandel, Seal Beach
2. Lee Cotter, Chatsworth
3. Aaron Wardell, Ventura
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"BLUEGRASS BANJO -- BEGINNING" Category:
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1. Christy Saute, Reseda
2. Mason Unthank, Santa Clarita
3. C. Jean Pearlstein, Valley Village
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"FIDDLE -- ADVANCED" Category:
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1. Tony Ludiker, Valley Village
2. Grant Wheeler, Los Angeles
3. Laurie Kost, Pacific Grove
Honorable Mention: Aisha Rigert, Lancaster
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"FIDDLE -- INTERMEDIATE" Category:
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1. Amaya Rose Dempsey, Paso Robles
2. Jordan Ezquerro, Rancho Santa Marguerita
3. Mari Haig, Dana Point
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"FIDDLE -- BEGINNING" Category:
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1. Elijah Kaak, Pomona
2. Luisa Bryson, Los Angeles
3. Christine Lee, Canyon Country
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"MANDOLIN -- ADVANCED" Category:
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1. Jonathan Trawick, Vancouver, WA
2. Joseph D’Amico, Los Angeles
3. Pamela Croft, Castaic
4. Andrew O’Neal, Ojai
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"FLAT-PICKING GUITAR -- ADVANCED" Category:
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1. Robert Rosen, Los Alamitos
2. Jonah Warschaw, West Hills
3. Mark Heyes, Agoura
4. Jeffrey Riggs, Sherman Oaks
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"OTHER -- INSTRUMENTS" Category:
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1. “Jerry Scott” Edelnant, of Northridge, for Finger-Style Guitar
2. Samantha Harvey, of Ventura, for Accordion
3. Craig Lincoln, of Woodland Hills, for Finger-Style Guitar
Honorable Mention: Chuck Lawhon, of Huntington Beach, for Mountain Dulcimer
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"SINGING" Category:
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1. Travelin’ Light, Santa Clarita
2. Sabrina & Craig, Woodland Hills
3. Homesick Elephant, Los Angeles
Honorable Mention: Harmonistas, Claremont
Honorable Mention: Phoebe Bridgers, Pasadena
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"BEGINNING INSTRUMENTS -- TRADITIONAL BANJO, FLAT-PICKING GUITAR, MANDOLIN (inclusive)" Category:
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1. Anya Sturm, of Santa Monica, for Flat-Picking Guitar
2. Michael Cavanaugh, of Mission Hills, for Flat-Picking Guitar
3. Samantha Harvey, of Ventura, for Mandolin
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"BEST BACKUP GUITAR" Category:
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1. Tony Ludiker, Valley Village
2. Jonathan Trawick, Vancouver, WA
3. Laura Osborn, Glendale
Honorable Mention: Evan Anderson, Orange
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"OTHER BACKUP INSTRUMENTS" Category:
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1. Andrew O'Neal, of Ojai, won playing Mandolin
2. Stephen Schauer, of Los Angeles, won 2nd place playing Tenor Guitar
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While many came to the 53rd Annual "TOPANGA BANJO•CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL" to enjoy the professional concerts, the contest brought dazzlingly impressive contestants, including true prodigies -- with amazing performances by some VERY young competitors AND some older folks who waited until retirement to seriously take-up their instrument.
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In 2013, the "Oldest Musician" competing was Selmer Peterson (born in 1922); he's from Seal Beach, and competed in Intermediate Fiddle. The "Youngest Musician" was Rebekah Wilson (born in 2007); she's from Saugus, and competed in Beginning Fiddle. We hope to root for both of them again in 2014.
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Talented folks sometimes prove multi-talented. CRAIG LINCOLN  captured 3rd place in "Other -- Instruments" for playing Finger-style Guitar, and 2nd place in "Singing" with his partner as the vocal duo SABRINA & CRAIG (the two won 1st in that category three years ago). 
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And musical families have maintained multi-year dynasties, like that of the talented DARRINGTONS a few years back. But not always. In 2012,  competing in one category as the SHEMANSKI 5, and in another as ALL STRINGS ATTACHED, one group of family musicians won 1st Place in Singing and 3rd Place in Band.
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Point is, you can enter multiple categories, some solo, some with your group or band, and others have been successful doing that. Word to the wise, as you look toward next year.
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Late additions...
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LIVE MUSIC EVENTS and two on WEB RADIO
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Late additions have poured-in, and here are additional performances happening Wednesday through Friday, May 22-24, 2013:
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Web radio (two shows):
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LATE ADDITION...
Wed, May 22, on Web Radio:
7 pm NICOLE GORDON does a performance-interview on "THE JOE ARMSTRONG SHOW" that streams tonight at www.lancerradio.org.
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The show was recorded in Pasadena a few weeks ago and includes "a few live songs and had a nice conversation for his radio show."
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If you're out and about, you can listen on a smartphone with the FREE "TuneIn Radio" app available for (1) iPhone/iPads at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tunein-radio-listen-to-live/id418987775?mt=8 or (2) for Android at http://amzn.com/B004GYY714.
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More info at www.indepday.com
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Nicole Gordon has more news since that show was recorded a few weeks ago. She tells the Guide, "I recently recorded a track for the soon to be released film, 'Nightcomers.' The film was composed by ERNEST TROOST, and I sang his song called 'The Painted Saint.' It will be available in a few days on www.cdbaby.com/ernesttroost. It was such a treat to record this song with Ernest!"
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Nicole is a superbly talented artist. Her CDs are available at www.cdbaby.com/nicolegordon and at www.itunes.com/nicolegordon.
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LATE ADDITION...
Wed, May 22, on Web Radio:
8 pm (Pacific) Singer-Songwriter CAREY APPEL guests on "SWOOP'S WORLD LATE NIGHT"
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Carey recently released her new CD “House of Cards” to critical acclaim. You’ll have an opportunity to get to know Carey and hear a few songs as she is joined by her producer (herself an uber-talented artist), LISA NEMZO.
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Carey Appel began belting her melodic tunes off her backyard balcony at the early age of three. “Such a grown up voice for such a little girl” was most often heard. Grammar and high school musicals abounded until a coach skipped over her for “Fiddler on the Roof.”
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Carey gave up music during college and after graduating from UC Berkeley, followed in the family tradition of retail. She opened a chain of gift and home stores, though singing was always her first love.
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With a personal life-changing event, Carey returned to the music community in 2011 with her first album, “New Favorites.” She has proven herself as a captivating performer and soulful storyteller.  Her album shows aurally seductive vocal influences of Melody Gardot, Patti Griffin, Cheryl Wheeler and Judith Owen.
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Carey has since teamed up with artist and producer Lisa Nemzo of Dream Wild Records -(Bonnie Raitt, David Crosby, Heart, Ray Charles, Hall & Oates), who produced the new album in Nashville in 2012.
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“House of Cards” demonstrates Carey’s innate passion and musical finesse, a collection of diverse and riveting acoustic singer-songwriter and rock arrangements with a sophisticated folk flair. It is an intimate and compelling journey to finding one’s own empowerment – where listeners may even hear a piece of their own story woven into Appel’s candidly-written lyrics.
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The themes contained in Carey’s writing mirror a universal sense of innermost secrets fused with heartwarming honesty; her rich vocals narrating stories from a bittersweet past to an encouraging future.
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After the show's interview with Carey Appel they’ll be up to their "usual fun" of Brewskis Beer Tasting sponsored by DrinksWinesSpirits.com, plus sports talk, rants and more.
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You can also listen to Swoop’s World on your computer or your Smartphone using the Swoop’s World iPhone app, available at the iTunes store for free.
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Live music...
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LATE ADDITION...
Wed, May 22, in Torrance:
6-8:30 pm ANDY & RENEE of HARD RAIN play the Buffalo Fire Department, 1261 Cabrillo Av, Torrance 90501; 310-320-2332.
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LATE ADDITION...
Wed, May 22, in Hollywood:
7:30-10:30 pm Weekly "DESERT NIGHTS" acoustic music series in the Cactus Lounge at The Standard, 8300 Sunset Bl, Hollywood 90069.
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LATE ADDITION...
Wed, May 22, in Altadena:
8 pm JOHN YORK "A Byrd Alone and Winging It" at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations (10 am-10 pm) 626-798-6236; info, www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm.
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The former BYRD brings his own interpretations and tales of his colorful life in music. JOHN YORK is a singer, composer, guitarist, and former member of the legendary 60’s folk rock / country rock group the Byrds, with Roger McGuinn, Clarence White and Gene Parsons. He also played with the Sir Douglas Quintet (with Dr. John,) The Mamas and The Papas touring band, Johnny Rivers, Lightning Hopkins, Gene Clark, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Nicky Hopkins, and David Carradine.
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John is currently touring with Barry McGuire in “Trippin’ the Sixties,” and performing with his own trio band.
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"John York is the last pure voice of the Silver Sixties..." -- Kim Fowley. Tix, $15.
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Thursday, May 23
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LATE ADDITION...
Thu, May 23, in Venice:
**This is the #1 downloaded CD in the world**
8 pm JAMES LEE STANLEY & JOHN BATDORF play their new CD, "ALL WOOD & STONES II" at the Talking Stick, 1411-C Lincoln Bl, Venice. All ages show. Tix, $20. MUCH MORE in Friday's 8 pm listing for their show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
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LATE ADDITION...
Thu, May 23, in Altadena:
8 pm SALTY SUITES at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations (10 am-10 pm) 626-798-6236; info, www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm.
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In 2012, THE SALTY SUITES released their first CD, self-titled. Now, 2013 will bring another CD, yet to be named, plus fresh off the disc presser, the studio-edited live version of their celebrated concert at Castoro Cellars will be for sale at this show.
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This is a rapidly-rising ensemble of top young players. Born and raised in Southern California, SCOTT GATES began learning piano at the age of three, and mandolin at the age of seven, studying under master mandolinist Evan J. Marshall of Los Angeles for six years. By 13, Scott had established his own pair of bluegrass bands (PACIFIC OCEAN BLUEGRASS and THE SCOTT GATES BAND) and made his first live performance on the radio (on "Tied to the Tracks.") Scott began winning several mandolin and band competitions.
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Now, he performs across the country at many venues and has appeared on radio and television, performing with artists as varied as Kenny Loggins, Steve Martin, Ed Helms, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and a veritable whos-who of bluegrass.
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CHELSEA WILLIAMS has been writing and performing her own music from the age of thirteen. By the age of 17, she took the stage, on her own, performing first at clubs and coffee houses. While some of her early songs are still hits with her fans, she has continued to develop as a writer penning over 100 original songs to date.
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Chelsea is known for making her living by busking -- selling tens of thousands of homemade demos, one by one, simply on her own, on the street. Her magnetic personality draws-in the fans; her songs set the hook.
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She, too, made her first radio performance live on "Tied to the Tracks," thanks to a personal recommendation from no less than John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band).
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Most recently, Chelsea can be seen featured on a Chevy commercial, which made its debut on Simon Cowell's hit television show, "The X FACTOR," and was aired nationally on "American Idol" when that show still had an audience. It won the top award at the 2012 NAMM Show in Anaheim. See the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=motVgLCCXo4
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CHUCK HAILES brings a background in bluegrass, original musical gems, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Music on the upright bass. Chuck sings and plays and is in great demand as a session player. He teaches the bass, and takes his expertise directly to young children in the schools, teaching "FUNdamentals of Music and Movement."
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As close to a house band as the Coffee Gallery has, The Salty Suites play here monthly when schedules allow because it remains their favorite venue (that launched them as a group) and they enjoy and appreciate the intimate setting with great sound and professional lighting.
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Opening tonight is ALEX FINAZZO, who, in defiance of his young age, has become a fixture on the Southern Cal acoustic music scene.
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Having been the main guitarist for The Scott Gates Band, Blue Creek, Soledad Mountain, and others, Alex most often performs solo or with renowned mandolin player Evan Marshall. Alex has taken the stage at the region’s largest bluegrass festivals and consistently draws audiences with his powerful flatpicking.
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With roots in bluegrass, his style has evolved into an eclectic blend of influences rich with heartfelt melodies, impressive technique and a dash of dry wit. Tix, $18.
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Friday, May 24
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LATE ADDITION...
Fri, May 24, in Redondo Beach:
6:30-9:30 pm RENEE & KIRK play On The Rocks, 239 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach 90277; 310-379-7438. This is a gig that would usually be played by ANDY & RENEE of HARD RAIN; Andy has a private party tonight.
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LATE ADDITION...
Fri, May 24, in Topanga:
7:30 pm JOHN C. REILLY, acclaimed actor and musician, brings his acoustic six-string and musical friends BECKY STARK and TOM BROSSEAU and others to the mainstage at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N Topanga Cyn Bl, Topanga 90290.
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Renowned actor and bandleader John Reilly returns to Topanga with his wonderful mixture of Western swing, folk and old-school country for a concert fundraiser to benefit Theatricum. Becky Stark, Tom Brosseau and the rest of Reilly’s unforgettable ensemble will serenade the canyon as the sun sets.
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No food or drink permitted (except water). No pets except for service animals. No photography or recording. Advance tix (recommended), 310-455-2322 or www.theatricum.com.
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LATE ADDITION...
Fri, May 24, in Altadena:
**This is the #1 downloaded CD in the world**
8 pm JAMES LEE STANLEY & JOHN BATDORF present "All Wood & Stones II" at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations (10 am-10 pm) 626-798-6236; info, www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm.
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Its predecessor made the "Best CD of the Year" list on XM satellite radio. John Batdorf and James Lee Stanley returned to the studio last summer for their sequel, "All Wood and Stones II."
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Like its predecessor (which had its world radio premiere on "Tied to the Tracks") it is acoustic guitar and vocal re-inventions of classic Rolling Stones songs. The duo has filled rooms around the country with their wonderful interplay of acoustic guitars and vocals. They’ve done it again on a disc, as they will live, tonight.
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The tracks on "All Wood and Stones II" are "Honky Tonk Women," "Miss You," "Get off My Cloud," "Jumping Jack Flash," "Play with Fire," "Before They Make Me Run," "Sympathy for the Devil," "Tumbling Dice," "Wild Horses," and "Time Is on My Side."
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Venue impresario Bob Stane adds, "John and James Lee have toured the country with many of the top names in music. They do an amazing show and you cannot miss it." Tix, $20.
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LATE ADDITION...
Fri, May 24, in Beverly Hills:
9 pm-1 am  GARY ALLEGRETTO (harmonicas & vocals), RICH COHEN (guitar & vocals), PAUL ECKMAN (bass), & DAVID KIDA (drums), play a night of jazz and blues at H.O.M.E. -- the House of Music & Entertainment, 430 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills 90210.
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No cover before 11 pm. Reservations, 323-378-5207. Venue is a "Great new jazz & blues supper club in the heart of Beverly Hills."
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MUCH MORE coming Thursday. The weekend's FESTIVALS will be updated, but you don't have to wait: they were included in our last FULL EDITION, and that's still here, at a separate click.
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Entire contents copyright (c) 2013,
Lawrence Wines and Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
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Check the FULL edition of LIVE MUSIC EVENTS, available right here at a separate click. There's news of the coming weekend's FESTIVALS, plenty of concerts and club gigs, and events waaaay beyond this week. (The conprehensive latest beyond Friday -- until we get it all updated.)
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