♪ 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!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Musical NEW YEAR’S EVE edition for Dec 31, 2013 (published Dec 30)
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Our coverage of New Year’s Eve music events is an annual “all-in” affair, and includes genres beyond acoustic and Americana music. Note that MANY of the best events happen late – and some of the Irish music events begin mid-afternoon, to correspond with the arrival of 2014 in Dublin.
We even have one NYE and another New Year’s Day celebration on radio / web radio for those stuck at home. See the NEWS ITEMS before the event listings.
(Oh, by the way… Monday’s music scene and MUCH more news are in the Guide’s Dec 28-30 edition, right here at a separate click.)
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IN THIS EDITION:
FRESH news, today…
♪ FREE NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY IN DOWNTOWN L.A.
♪ WEB RADIO on New Year’s Eve, if you’re stuck home…
♪ COMEDIC ROSE PARADE COVERAGE on RADIO (broadcast & web, Jan 1st
Live Events: NEW YEAR’S EVE with MUSIC PERFORMANCES…
♪ Ongoing events, through the Holidays…
♪ The NYE “Go drop the ball” Music Scene
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NYE / NEW YEAR’S MUSIC NEWS ITEMS…
♪ FREE NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY IN DOWNTOWN L.A.
From 6 pm-12:30 am, “COUNT DOWN TO THE NEW YEAR” happens in that magnificent new terraced greenscaped open space, GRAND PARK, reaching from the L.A. Music Center on Grand Av to L.A. City Hall, at the bottom of the hill. And it’s FREE.
COUNT DOWN to the New Year with family, friends, and all your fellow Angelenos, as Grand Park asserts its claim to become L.A.’s (and your) NEW New Year's Eve destination, with live performances, art installations, and large-scale animated projections. They tell us the latter will “ring in 2014 like you've never seen before!” Uhh, no one has ever seen 2014 rung-in before.
Anyway, about those 3-D PROJECTIONS for the Countdown. They’ll cover 22 stories of City Hall. Other distractions and amusements include a Live Photo Booth for you to share your wishes for the New Year, projected 100 feet above Grand Park; ART INSTALLATIONS by Charles Baker, Geoff McFetridge, and Mike Murphy; PERFORMANCES that will keep us from going, by “Dublab's finest,” plus Versa Style Dance Company, and more to be announced.
TRIBAL MARKERS will be available, as you “Get Marked by L.A. Artists on the Move;” FOOD TRUCKS will be located throughout the Park; a CASH BAR will be open on The Music Center Plaza (but note that alcohol is NOT permitted in the park).
Plenty of info at www.grandparkla.org
Ride the METRO RED or PURPLE LINE to “CIVIC CENTER/GRAND PARK STATION,” or walk from the GOLD LINE to the LITTLE TOKYO/ARTS DISTRICT STATION.”
Free.
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♪ WEB RADIO: “THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL” NYE and 60th ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Dec 31, on web & satellite radio:
6-10:15 pm (Pacific) “THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL,” the long-running and unique radio program on WFMT, celebrates the New Year AND its own 60th anniversary and great musical legacy.
Guests include live performers, with Kim & Reggie Harris, Garnet Rogers, Brother Sun, Bonnie Koloc, and Spuyten Duyvil.
It’s online at
www.WFMT.com
and it’s live on XM Satellite Radio.
East Coasties can be part of the broadcast, live-in-studio with a ticket that includes a “Meet and mingle” with the performers prior to the broadcast, attending part of the sound check, reserved seating (by name) at tables in front closest to the stage, beer and wine, catered hors d'oeuvres and desserts, and Champagne toast at midnight (Eastern time).
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♪ WEB & BROADCAST RADIO:
COMEDIC "TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE" with FRAZER SMITH
Wed, Jan 1, on TV,
paired with
broadcast & web RADIO:
6-10 am "COMEDIC COMMENTARY" of the "TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE" by FRAZER SMITH and his buddy "THE CRABMAN" on 100.3 The Sound, will be paired with the video coverage on KTLA Channel 5 in Los Angeles. (Many cities get KTLA's parade coverage on "The WB" or local channels.)
Hit your radio, or the web at
www.thesoundla.com
for the web audio link.
L.A. radio icon CYNYHIA FOX says, "The Tournament of Roses Parade is celebrating 125 years on New Year’s morning, and Frazer Smith has provided float-by-float coverage since its start. (OK… I might be exaggerating.)"
She continues, "Maybe you remember his hilarious send-ups of the Rose Parade on KMET back in the day. This year, we’re proud (or maybe I should say… willing) to have him on The Sound.
"Here’s how it works: Turn on 100.3 The Sound beginning at 6 am on New Year’s morning for Frazer and his buddy 'The Crabman' to describe final behind-the-scenes parade preparations."
Frazer Smith still has it, comedically -- and irreverently -- firing on all cylinders, as he abundantly demonstrated during the "KMET REUNION WEEKEND" a few months back on the Sound.
"Watch Channel 5, but listen to The Sound," says Cynthia. She adds, "We love Bob and Stephanie, but – let's just say – Frazer's coverage will be even more colorful. Then at 10 o’clock, you’re welcome to go back to bed."
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NEW YEAR’S EVE with MUSIC PERFORMANCES…
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♪ Ongoing events, through the Holidays…
♪ Tuesday’s “Go drop the ball” Music Scene
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♪ ONGOING, THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS…
Ongoing, in OC (Irvine):
Time tba "CIRQUE DU SOLEIL" presents "TOTEM," now playing at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.
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"TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations. Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend, TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential." -- the show's promo.
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"Spectacular, artful. Breathtaking and deliciously ironic." -- The Toronto Star.
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"TOTEM is visually ravishing" -- The Boston Globe.
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Tix by phone, at 800-450-1480.
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Tix & info online, at:
http://m.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/americas/usa/california/irvine.aspx
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It opens Jan 17 in Santa Monica.
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♪ Tuesday’s “Go drop the ball” Music Scene
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Tuesday, December 31, 2013
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A Guide TOP PICK…
Tue, Dec 31, in Murrieta:
2 pm-2 am “LIVE IRISH MUSIC” at the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta 92563; 951-696-5252; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com
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At 2 pm it’s the DUBLIN ROGUES; at 3 pm, it’ll an hour ‘til midnight in Ireland, so they’ll hoot and hoop it up for the “Irish New Year's;” at 8 pm THE BRICK TOP BLAGGERS perform.
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A Guide TOP PICK…
Tue, Dec 31, in Upland:
3-7 pm PADDY’S PIG brings traditional Irish music for the arrival of “IRISH NEW YEAR’S” in Dublin, by playing the Black Watch Pub, 497 N Central Av, Upland.
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Band members Missy and Mike tell us, “We return after a lost year to our annual UK NEW YEAR’S EVE gig at the cozy Black Watch Pub. Yes, they ring in the New Year in Dublin at midnight, but that’s 4 pm in sunny California, so come get the jump on the celebrating, then get home for a nap before the evening’s shenanigans.”
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They add a little encouragement: “You’re sure not going to get any sea shanties at Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve.”
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A Guide TOP PICK…
Tue, Dec 31, in Long Beach:
3 pm “IRISH NEW YEAR” is celebrated as midnight arrives in Dublin at 4 pm Pacific time, with authentic and original Irish music by KEN O'MALLEY at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach 90802; 562-437-8300.
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If you know anything about the Irish, they will celebrate each hour as the New Year arrives somewhere, working its way west to California.
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A Guide TOP PICK…
Tue, Dec 31, in L.A.:
5 pm DUSTBOWL REVIVAL plays one of the rootsiest / Americana “NEW YEAR'S EVE” shows in L.A., at the Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, Los Angeles 90035; 323-954-9630.
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A Guide TOP PICK…
Dec 31, in L.A.:
5:30 pm-1:30 am HOT CLUB LA. plays “EL CID’S 50th NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION GYPSY STYLE” at El Cid, 4212 W Sunset Bl, Los Angeles 90029; www.elcidla.com
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This is easily one of the best NYE dinner and live music events in L.A. Doors at 5 pm, show at 5:30 pm.
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Things kick-off with two flamenco show seatings, at 5:30 and 8:30 pm. Be entertained by some of the best Los Angeles flamenco performers while enjoying a pre-fixe menu by Chef Olivia Hernandez.
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After the 8:30 flamenco performance, HOT CLUB LA. -- Django Reinhardt style 30's speakeasy jazz -- ushers in the New Year; they’re one of the best gypsy jazz combos in town. The venue will offer appropriate accompaniments, with signature speakeasy cocktails and a champagne toast at midnight.
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El Cid's NYE dinner menu is:
√ Grilled Langoustine served with charred lemon Baked Oysters with roja picante and manchego
Entrees are a choice of:
√ Saffron Bourbon Basted Lechon Roasted sucking pig stuffed with chorizo bilbao, torpedo onions, and petite vegetables Served with house made vegetable escabeche, sweet potato mash and White wine almond brussels sprouts
√ Paella para dos our signature paella valenciana with chorizo bilbao, chicken, mexican tiger shrimp, blue mussels and white clams
√ Colas de Toro Braised oxtail over sweet potato mash served with petite roasted vegetables and horseradish caviar
√ VEGAN PRE-FIXE: Honeydew Ginger Gaspacho with Ponzu Caviar Grilled Pumpkin, bing cherry molasses and deep fried parsley Garden Beef Tips Cantrelle mushroom mousse, bourbon maple apricots and shaved white asparagus.
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Wax your mustache and pin curl your hair to ring in the New Year in speakeasy gypsy jazz style.
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Tix, $65-$85 Before Dec 15th, $75 - $95 After Dec 15th.
Call 323-668-0318 to purchase tickets and make a reservation.
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Tue, Dec 31, in downtown L.A.:
6 pm-12:30 am “COUNT DOWN TO THE NEW YEAR” happens in that magnificent new terraced greenscaped open space, GRAND PARK, reaching from the L.A. Music Center on Grand Av to L.A. City Hall, at the bottom of the hill. And it’s FREE.
+
Full details above, in this edition’s #1 news feature.
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Tue, Dec 31, in WeHo:
6 pm NEW YEAR’S EVE starts early at the Whisky A Go-Go, and it rocks hard all night, with KIX kicking it off. Whisky A-Go-Go, 8901 Sunset Bl, West Hollywood; 310-652-4202.
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A Guide TOP PICK…
Tue, Dec 31, in Arcadia:
7 pm-1 am "NEW YEAR'S EVE BLUES PARTY" with ROD PIAZZA & THE MIGHTY FLYERS, BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND, & "many very special guests," at the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006; 626-447-9349; www.arcadiabluesclub.com
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In addition to the headliners, guest musicians include:
♪ DAVID MELTON
♪ HOWARD DEERE
♪ WALTER THOMPSON
♪ JACOB HUFFMAN
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More special guests promised.
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The Bobby Blues House Band plays most Friday and Saturday nights, kicking-off the night for the headliners -- some of the best in the industry. This house band's members over the years have included musicians who have played with Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, The Pointer Sisters, The Jeff Healey Band, and bring influences from John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison and Eric Burden.
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Bring earplugs. Seriously. Free Parking available on the street and across the street in thr city lot behind Denny's.
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This NYE party has an option for a prix fixe dinner with a guaranteed seat for the night. Beyond that, they offer tasty food (generous portions) and a full bar. More, including the menu, newsletter, photo gallery, and advance tix, at www.arcadiabluesclub.com
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Ticket options for NYE:
√ NYE "Fan appreciation limited advance tickets" are $20+ $2 fee (online).
√ At the door, $25, + $2.25 if reserved online.
√ NYE DINNER and SEATING for the show and the evening are $40+ $3 fee, in advance.
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A Guide TOP PICK…
Tue, Dec 31, in SFV (Studio City):
7:30 pm (first show) “EARLY BIRD NEW YEAR’S PARTY & SHOW” with three-time Grammy winner BILLY CHILDS & his Electric Quartet, joined by vocalist MOIRA SMILEY (VOCO) at Vitello's (Upstairs at Vitello's), 4349 Tujunga Av, Studio City 91604; reservations, 818-769-0905; www.vitellosrestaurant.com.
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This EARLY SHOW is $65 and includes general table seating, and a 3-course CHEF’S PRE-FIXE MENU. 6 pm seating, 7:30 pm show, and Champagne.
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BILLY CHILDS will feature a re-imagining of LAURA NYRO’s music, with MOIRA SMILEY doing the vocals.
+
The ensemble is Billy Childs on piano / keyboard, Moira Smiley on vocals, Katisse Buckingham on sax / flute, Carlitos Del Puerto on bass, and Joey Heredia on drums.
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Billy says, “We will be playing material from my electric band repertoire – high energy, accessible music which is an amalgam of jazz, fusion, and Brazilian music. Also, we will be doing a lot of the music of Laura Nyro, with Moira Smiley singing. I will be releasing a CD around the middle of next year, on Sony Masterworks, which will be a re-imagining of Laura Nyro’s music; on the CD, I will be joined by, among others: Renee Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma, Dianne Reeves, Shawn Colvin, Chris Botti, and Esperanza Spalding. The New Year’s Eve gig at Vitello’s will be an exciting preview of the music that will be on that recording. Happy New Year – come party!”
+
The pianist and composer is a winner of three Grammy Awards and tours the world leading a chamber ensemble which combines his jazz and classical experience. But this year, the Los-Angeles-based pianist will ring-in the New Year with good friends in his hometown.
+
Thus far in his career, Childs has garnered ten Grammy nominations on the way to his three Grammy awards: two for best instrumental composition (“Into the Light” from “Lyric,” and “The Path Among the Trees” from “Autumn: In Moving Pictures”) and one for best arrangement accompanying a vocalist. Most recently in 2013, Childs was awarded the prestigious Doris Duke Performing Artist Award. In 2009, Childs was the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and in 2006 received a Chamber Music award.
+
As a pianist, Childs has recently performed with, among others, Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Detroit Symphony, the Kronos Quartet, Wynton Marsalis, Jack DeJohnette, Ron Carter, the Ying String Quartet, the American Brass Quintet, and Chris Botti. In January 2010, The Detroit Symphony (Leonard Slatkin conducting) premiered Childs’ Concerto For Violin And Orchestra with Regina Carter as soloist. Upcoming projects include a new piece for Duke University composed for his Jazz/Chamber Ensemble featuring Dianne Reeves and the Ying Quartet and a recording for Sony Masterworks: a re-imagining of the music of Laura Nyro.
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Tue, Dec 31, in WeHo:
7:30 pm FAN HALEN rocks hard at the Viper Room, 8852 Sunset Bl, West Hollywood; www.viperroom.com; 310-358-1881.
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Tix, $20–50.
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A Guide TOP PICK…
Tue, Dec 31, in Ojai:
8 pm 5th Annual “CELTIC NEW YEAR’S PARTY” with SLIGO RAGS, presented by the Ojai Concert Series at the Ojai Valley Woman's Club, 441 E Ojai Av, Ojai 92023; 805-649-5189.
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This will be an evening of foot stompin’ Irish music, with an hour of waltzing, and a dessert potluck and a champagne toast at midnight. Shane and Kelli Butler run an outstanding series and this is an annual highlight.
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Family-friendy, featuring the return of the legendary Sligo Rags from 8-11 pm, then elegant and romantic waltzes to another live band ‘til after midnight.
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Sligo Rags are an energetic Celtic / Bluegrass fusion band and two-time winner of the Orange County Music Award for Best Folk Band. This dynamic ensemble presents Celtic Folk with a decidedly bluegrass attitude, using fiddle, acoustic guitar, electric bass, and percussion.
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"Sligo Rags have mastered the ability to take songs from a time gone by and make them fresh and relevant for a modern audience. Their passion for the music and their willingness to take risks combine for an outstanding live show." --Music Connection.
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Tix, $20 advance, $25 at door if any are left. Kids under age 15 are half price. Young ones on laps are free.
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Tix at:
www.ojaiconcertseries.com
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A Guide TOP PICK…
Dec 31, in Beverly Hills:
8 pm DON McLEAN, with MICHAEL ANN AZOULAI opening, at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills.
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Michael Ann asks, "Please purchase tickets through me," at michaelannmusic@gmail.com
or, she adds, "I will have a link to my Amazon direct pay... for Don McLean tickets."
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A Guide TOP PICK…
Tue, Dec 31, in Murrieta:
8 pm-2 am “LIVE IRISH MUSIC” at the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta 92563; 951-696-5252; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com
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At 2 pm it’s the DUBLIN ROGUES; at 3 pm, it’ll be midnight in Ireland, so they’ll hoot and hoop it up for the “Irish New Year's;” at 8 pm THE BRICK TOP BLAGGERS perform.
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Tue, Dec 31, in SFV (Chatsworth):
8 pm-2 am “NEW YEAR’S EVE” with live alt-country / Americana / trad country music at the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
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This is L.A.’s last real honky tonk. No cover, full bar, lots of fun. Go early for the nightly free dance lesson.
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Tue, Dec 31, in WeHo:
Time tba “NEW YEAR’S EVE” at Bootsy Bellows with live music, specialty cocktails and “a spectacular NYE party” as you ring in 2014. www.bootsybellows.com
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Tue, Dec 31, in WeHo:
Time tba “NEW YEAR’S EVE” is a “No Hassle” NYE Party at Rock & Reilly’s in WeHo. If there is one thing Reilly hates, it's when he can't get a drink; hence, his “No-Hassle New Year’s Eve” charges no cover and provides complimentary toasts of bubbly every hour after Dublin hits midnight. More at https://www.facebook.com/RockAndReillys
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Tue, Dec 31, in WeHo:
Time tba “NEW YEAR’S EVE” at Gordon Ramsay. NYE dinner is in two seatings: first seating is a three-course menu served from 5,8 pm. for $95 per person, and the second is a five-course menu served from 8:30-11:30 pm with a midnight champagne toast for $145 per person. Check regarding what they’re doing for live music. www.thelondonwesthollywood.com
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Tue, Dec 31, in WeHo:
Time tba “NEW YEAR’S EVE” at Le Claufoutis, the classic Sunset Plaza café. Live music is undetermined. Regular menu and specials served. www.clafoutisrestaurant.com
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A Guide TOP PICK…
Tue, Dec 31, in downtown L.A.:
8:30-10:15 pm L.A. PHIL presents “CARNIVAL AT THE HALL!” New Year’s Eve with SERGIO MENDES and SHEILA E, with Tropical Samba grooves, feisty percussion, and Brazilian dancers, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, L.A. Music Center, 135 N Grand Av, L.A. (downtown) 90012; 213-972-7211; www.musiccenter.org.
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Complimentary carnival-style cocktail party is included; party is 8:30-10:15 pm in Walt Disney Concert Hall’s BP Hall.
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A Guide TOP PICK…
9 pm-12:30 am “NEW YEAR’S EVE” with ANDY & RENEE and their award-winning band HARD RAIN, at the Buffalo Fire Department, 1261 Cabrillo Av,. Torrance 90501.
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Two options:
√ Seating for DINNER at 8 pm; dinner, music, dancing, and Champagne toast are $60 per person. Or,
√ Arrive at 9 pm for music, dancing and Champagne toast, for $35 per person.
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Advance tix, 310-320-2332.
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Tue, Dec 31, in WeHo:
9 pm “NEW YEAR’S EVE” rock with CAMP FREDDY & FRIENDS and HEY! HELLO!, at the The Roxy Theatre. Camp Freddy & Friends return to The Roxy for one more night in December. You can ring-in 2014 with this legendary celebrity cover band. Event is age 21+.
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Tix, $95-100 at www.theroxyonsunset.com
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Tue, Dec 31, in WeHo:
10 pm GOO GOO DOLLS play a not ‘zactly bluesy “NEW YEAR’S EVE” at the House of Blues Sunset Strip.
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Tix, $130 adv, $180 gen adm; with open bar, it’s $180. A VIP pre show dinner package and ticket is $210.
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Tue, Dec 31, in Burbank:
10 pm MARTINI presents a wild garage rock-soul New Years Eve blast with LUIS & THE WILDFIRES, GIZELLE, and more, at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank.
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No cover. Park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl (same owners).
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A Guide TOP PICK…
Tue, Dec 31, in SFV (Studio City):
10:30 pm “NEW YEAR’S EVE MAIN SHOW” with three-time Grammy winner BILLY CHILDS & his Electric Quartet, joined by vocalist MOIRA SMILEY (VOCO) at Vitello's (Upstairs at Vitello's), 4349 Tujunga Av, Studio City 91604; reservations, 818-769-0905; www.vitellosrestaurant.com.
+
The venue has an earlier show; this MAIN SHOW is $95 and includes general table seating for a four-course CHEFS PRE-FIXE MENU, music, and a Champagne midnight toast; seating at 9 pm, show at 10:30 pm.
+
BILLY CHILDS will feature a re-imagining of LAURA NYRO’s music, with MOIRA SMILEY doing the vocals.
+
The ensemble is Billy Childs on piano / keyboard, Moira Smiley on vocals, Katisse Buckingham on sax / flute, Carlitos Del Puerto on bass, and Joey Heredia on drums.
+
Billy says, “We will be playing material from my electric band repertoire – high energy, accessible music which is an amalgam of jazz, fusion, and Brazilian music. Also, we will be doing a lot of the music of Laura Nyro, with Moira Smiley singing. I will be releasing a CD around the middle of next year, on Sony Masterworks, which will be a re-imagining of Laura Nyro’s music; on the CD, I will be joined by, among others: Renee Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma, Dianne Reeves, Shawn Colvin, Chris Botti, and Esperanza Spalding. The New Year’s Eve gig at Vitello’s will be an exciting preview of the music that will be on that recording. Happy New Year – come party!”
+
The pianist and composer is a winner of three Grammy Awards and tours the world leading a chamber ensemble which combines his jazz and classical experience. But this year, the Los-Angeles-based pianist will ring-in the New Year with good friends in his hometown.
+
Thus far in his career, Childs has garnered ten Grammy nominations on the way to his three Grammy awards: two for best instrumental composition (“Into the Light” from “Lyric,” and “The Path Among the Trees” from “Autumn: In Moving Pictures”) and one for best arrangement accompanying a vocalist. Most recently in 2013, Childs was awarded the prestigious Doris Duke Performing Artist Award. In 2009, Childs was the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and in 2006 received a Chamber Music award.
+
As a pianist, Childs has recently performed with, among others, Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Detroit Symphony, the Kronos Quartet, Wynton Marsalis, Jack DeJohnette, Ron Carter, the Ying String Quartet, the American Brass Quintet, and Chris Botti. In January 2010, The Detroit Symphony (Leonard Slatkin conducting) premiered Childs’ Concerto For Violin And Orchestra with Regina Carter as soloist. Upcoming projects include a new piece for Duke University composed for his Jazz/Chamber Ensemble featuring Dianne Reeves and the Ying Quartet and a recording for Sony Masterworks: a re-imagining of the music of Laura Nyro.
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♪ The Guide will be back in 2014 and some changes are-a-comin’ – HAPPY 2014!
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Direct to the current editions /
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MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY editions load quickly at
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CONTACT US / Questions / Comments / SUBSCRIBE to our notices, etc., all at
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Contents copyright © 2013,
Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
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The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS and views of interest to artists everywhere, more specifically to musicians and the creative community, and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music, both traditional and innovative. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules of performances in Southern California venues large and small. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kids o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to proto blues.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. We’re on it.
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Saturday, December 28, 2013
NEWS and EVENTS, the Weekend through Monday, Dec 28-30, 2013
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NEWS…
♪ BIRTHDAYS in late December…
♪ OBITUARY: SARAH ELIZABETH CAMPBELL, Texas songwriter
♪ HARDSHIP SPREADS UNNECESSARILY
♪ WHAT IS THE MEASURE OF A LIFE?
MUSIC PERFORMANCES
Music on TV this weekend…
♪ Ongoing events, through the Holidays…
♪ Saturday’s Music Scene
♪ Sunday’s Music Scene
♪ Monday’s Music Scene
♪ The NEW YEAR’S EVE Music Scene is coming in a special edition on SUNDAY
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♪ BIRTHDAYS IN LATE DECEMBER…
Dec 19: SEVERIN BROWNE
Singer-songwriter, member of the hot new acoustic ensemble THE TALL MEN GROUP, and part of an elite American musical family, Severin Browne’s resumé includes being the first white person signed to the Motown label. Southern Californians get the chance to hear him fairly regularly, including his monthly “First Fridays” showcase with a delightful ensemble band and guest recording artist, the first Friday every month at Kulak’s Woodshed.
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Dec 24: MARISSA MEIZEL
Marissa Meizel, who has performed as “Marissa Con Gusto,” is an American singer-songwriter, voice actress, and beautiful presence on the Southern California acoustic music scene.
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Dec 25: SIR ISAAC NEWTON
Bluegrass harmonica player and recording artist David Naiditch asks, “Are you sick of people trying to be ‘politically correct’ and not offend anyone by refusing to say Merry Newtonmas in celebration of the December 25th birthday of famous physicist, astronomer, and philosopher Sir Isaac Newton? 92% of Americans believe in Physics and 88% of them are Newtonians. Yes, there are those Einsteinian relativists who question the existence of absolute space and time, but these heretics make up a tiny minority. So Merry Newtonmas everyone!”
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Dec 25: a one-in-365-chance that it’s the birthday of JESUS
Do a bit of research. The Roman Emperor CONSTANTINE, in an effort to convert Rome to Christianity, chose December 25 as the birthday of Jesus because it allowed Christians to hijack the feast day of their chief religious rival, Mithras. So, the War on Christmas began as the War on Mithras. By the way, that hijacking of key pagan anniversary days is why the annual calendar of Catholicism is so rich with Saint’s Days.
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Dec 27: LUKE HALPIN
Half of the Southern Cal expatriate musical duo, Denver-based BETTMAN-HALPIN with STEPHANIE BETTMAN, LUKE HALPIN is an accomplished songwriter whose material has been recorded by noteable others, as well as on his solo projects, various bluegrass and acoustic albums, and with Stephanie. Luke and Stephanie have been featured on a PBS documentary about their partnership, travels, and music, and they continue to successfully fuse roots melodies, and sensibilities, with fiddle-mandolin-guitar instrumentation, lyrical songwriting and fine vocals, with acoustic pop.
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Dec 29: TRINA HAMLIN
American singer-songwriter-guitarist TRINA HAMLIN celebrates her birthday (no, we’re not revealing a lady’s age). When she performs in Southern Cal, which isn’t often enough, go see her for a memorable experience of fine originals.
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Dec 30: JOHN HARTFORD
The late JOHN HARTFORD was a roots music renaissance man, a true American original, a multi-instrumentalist musician, songwriter, steamboat pilot, author, artist, disc jockey, calligrapher, dancer, folklorist, father, and historian. Born John Cowan Harford in New York on December 30, 1937, John grew up in St. Louis. A descendant of Patrick Henry and cousin of Tennessee Williams, John’s grandfather was a founder of the Missouri Bar Association. His father was a prominent doctor at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. At an early age, John fell in love with two things -- music and the Mississippi River. The two passions would last him a lifetime.
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♪ Obituary…
SARAH ELIZABETH CAMPBELL,
Texas songwriter
"Sarah Elizabeth Campbell. May 13, 1953 - December 26, 2013. Sarah was not a part of 'the scene,' she was a scene (and the scenery, and the dialogue, and the soundtrack).
"There are several hundred people just in Austin, not counting California and the world, who are immediate family to each other brought together by their love of Sarah. Or maybe we just wanted to see what would happen next.
"Oh, how she loved to sparkle and shine. If I were writing her obit, it would begin: 'For Sale, 150 Pounds of Costume Jewelry.'
"She could write a Cole Porter melody and lyrics to break your heart. And sing with that low, rich voice like no one else I've ever heard.
"Go listen to her music. Drink a toast with red, red wine. There was only one like Sayra Liz, she was my friend, and I'm going to miss her like hell."
-- Marcia Ball, written Thursday, Dec 26, 2013.
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♪ HARDSHIP SPREADS UNNECESSARILY…
The Grinch that stole Christmas, 2013, caused the worst holiday sales record for the nation’s retailers, and is causing New Year’s Eve event ticket sales to be weak, isn’t hard to find. Once again, we need look no farther than the do-nothing, austerity-loving, perpetually vacationing Congress.
Robert Reich, former US Secretary of Labor and current Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley, expresses it well:
“1.3 million jobless people lose their unemployment benefits December 28. These people and their families are still caught in the worst downturn since the Great Depression. They want jobs but the jobs aren’t there: Almost three Americans are still unemployed for every job opening available – a ratio worse than it was at the bottom of the last downturn. Emergency benefits are their only hope for now. In past recessions, emergency benefits continued until the rate of long-term employment was around 1 percent or less. But the current level of long-term unemployed is 2.6 percent. Moreover, ending jobless benefits for them is bad for all of us because it removes their purchasing power from an economy already suffering from inadequate demand. Please call your [vacationing] members of congress today and urge them to extend jobless benefits [as soon as they complete their own vacations and come back to work in the New Year].”
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♪ WHAT IS THE MEASURE OF A LIFE?
Being the editor gives me privileges. I’m taking one of those now.
I just learned that someone I know is on life support and they're planning to pull the plug today because it's hopeless. He is the eldest brother in a family of old friends.
Diabetes. His left leg was amputated two weeks ago. Then, all in the same last two weeks, all still in the hospital, came cascading failures of lungs, kidneys, bowels. Diabetes is a vile disease.
He had gone back to school in recent years -- after the kids were old enough to fend for themselves -- and he became a nurse. That had seemed unlikely, based on his past professions. But not if you based it on his character. Last time I saw him was mid-summer, at his father's funeral. Time isn’t supposed to be so compressed.
Good guy. Really good guy, who always worked hard, always took care of others in his family and took responsibility when others would not.
He never got his share of fun and frivolity. Whether some he helped appreciated or comprehended what he did for them feels like an open question. Perhaps they do, or will, someday.
What is the measure of a life?
As artists, some of us try to answer that question poetically, to reach the hearts and minds and sensibilities and even the souls of our fellow humans. To be effective, any song must have universality. Right now, this is too singular, too personal, too sad, too tragic, too soon.
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MUSIC PERFORMANCES…
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♪ MUSIC ON TV this weekend…
One that we recommend:
Sun, Dec 29, on TV:
1:30 pm for "SAVING MR. BANKS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF A HOLLYWOOD CLASSIC," is "a special look at the film" that itself documents the making of the Disney classic musical, "MARY POPPINS." "Saving Mr. Banks" is in theaters everywhere now. The special is on ABC, nationwide.
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More at http://di.sn/hRa
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♪ ONGOING, THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS…
Ongoing, nightly, Dec 17-29, in Beverly Hills:
Time tba “STOMP” at the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Bl, Beverly Hills 90211; 323-655-0111. Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats at “STOMP,” the inventive and invigorating stage show that's dance, music and theatrical performance blended together. The emphasis is rhythm. It’s all about rhythm.
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Tix: there are two limited-time offers:
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(1) Buy 4 tickets and save $80; to order, choose your date and then select the “Me+3 4-Pack.”
or,
(2) Get 20% off any ticket order by entering the code GR20 at http://stomponline.com/tickets_losangeles.html
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Ongoing, in OC (Irvine):
Time tba "CIRQUE DU SOLEIL" presents "TOTEM," now playing at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.
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"TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations. Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend, TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential." -- the show's promo.
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"Spectacular, artful. Breathtaking and deliciously ironic." -- The Toronto Star.
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"TOTEM is visually ravishing" -- The Boston Globe.
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Tix by phone, at 800-450-1480.
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Tix & info online, at:
http://m.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/americas/usa/california/irvine.aspx
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It opens Jan 17 in Santa Monica.
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♪ SATURDAY’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE…
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Saturday, December 28, 2013
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Sat, Dec 28, in Highland Park (L.A.):
Noon-3 pm Monthly “OLD-TIME / TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN FIDDLE & BANJO MUSIC JAM” at Audubon Nature Center in Debs Park, 4700 N Griffin Av (off the 110 Fwy), Highland Park (Los Angeles) 90031; 323-221-2255.
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Sat, Dec 28, in Altadena
3 pm THE MURMURATORS, with vocalist-guitarist SWAN MONTGOMERY, award-winning Celtic harpist CAROLTATUM, and bassist JIM WOOTTEN, play a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations, 626-798-6236.
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The MurMurators is a new Los Angeles-based contemporary alternative Celtic trio performing Irish songs with indie arrangements. Unique and modern interpretations of traditional Irish songs with sparse, inventive arrangements make The MurMurator's sound unlike any other Irish group performing live today. For example, the traditional tune “Follow Me Up To Carlow” is performed in the time signature of 7/8! The MurMurators style has been described as “the Celtic future.”
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Vocalist SWAN MONTGOMERY born in Drogheda, Ireland, is known for his role as “Robert Plant” in the internationally successful tribute band Led Zepagain. Montgomery has toured the world and performed sold out shows in countries such as Sarajevo and Japan. Performing well-loved Irish tunes in a modern, even rebellious manner has been a lifelong desire of Swan’s and that dream comes true with The MurMurators.
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Former Windham Hill recording artist CAROL TATUM is harpist for The MurMurators. Carol is best known as the founding member of the neoclassical harp/flute/cello band “Angels Of Venice” and also co-writer for three albums by the Led Zeppelin-inspired rock band “Kingdom Come.” Carol is also a skilled songwriter, arranger and producer and collaborated with Swan Montgomery to create The MurMurators unique new song arrangements.
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Bassist JIM WOOTEN performs with Swan Montgomery in Led Zepagain and is the nephew of the elite musical couple, the late LES PAUL and MARY FORD. Jim performs with many bands including The Long Run, the world’s premiere Eagles tribute band, and Four Way Street (CSNY tribute). Jim is known for his solid, tasteful musicianship, attention to detail and ability as a multi-instrumentalist.
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Recent reviews of The MurMurators: "Wildly original……(sounds like) songs by Robert Plant if, at the end of the 1960s, he decided to record a few Irish standards... virtually every song carries in itself a huge dose of surprise…well arranged and played…Irish songs inspired by classic rock… ‘No Quarter’ by Led Zeppelin (is) the icing on the cake… ~ Rafa? Chojnacki, Folkowa.PL
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More at www.themurmurators.com
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Listen to their tracks at:
www.cdbaby.com/cd/themurmurators
and
http://themurmurators.bandcamp.com
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Tix, $15.
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Sat, Dec 28, in SFV (NoHo):
5-7 pm TERRY OKEY plays acoustic alt country at the Republic Of Pie, 11118 Magnolia Bl, North Hollywood 91601; 818-308-7990.
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Terry says, "I will be playing my steel string, my nylon string AND my slide resonator guitar. This charming, cozy and homey little coffee shop has great 'home made from scratch' food and a large living room feel. A wonderful place for an early Saturday evening hang."
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More at www.totunes.com
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Sat, Dec 28, in Lakewood:
5:30 pm Weekly “BLUEGRASS CONCERT” series brings various bands to Me ‘N Eds Pizza Parlor, 4115 Paramount Bl, Lakewood 90712; 562-421-8908.
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Sat, Dec 28, in SFV (Woodland Hills):
6 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “WEST VALLEY HOOT” in Woodland Hills 91367; location and info at www.songmakers.org
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Sat, Dec 28, in Altadena:
6:30-8:30 pm "DINNER & SONG" series brings DUANE THORIN with CAL BEZEMER, and opener DONNA BEA on ukulele, at Amy's Patio Cafe, 900 E Altadena Dr, Altadena 91001.
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Venue has special dinner menu on music nights, plus more specials that are not on the menu (ask).
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No cover.
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Sat, Dec 28, in Newhall (Santa Clarita):
6:30 pm THE GRATEFUL DUDES play their weekly bluegrass residency, sometimes with very impressive guests, at Vincenzo's Pizza, 24500 Lyons Av, Newhall 91350.
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Sat, Dec 28, in Burbank:
5-8 pm THE CODY BRYANT BAND plays Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank.
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No cover. More music later; see 8 pm listing.
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Sat, Dec 28, in Altadena:
7 pm ELDERLOCKE, plus SEVERIN BROWNE, play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations, 626-798-6236.
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Bob Stane says, “ELDERLOCKE & SEVERIN BROWNE. Return with us now, wonderfully entertaining and we get the whole crew only about once every three years. Get your share of the rations.”
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ELDERLOCKE had been a Southern California staple for (about a hundred) years. From The Ice House to the Troubadour, from the Ultimate Crutch to the Bla Bla Cafe, everyone reveled in their tight three-part harmonies and dazzling acoustic guitar work, until suddenly one of them moved to another country (Canada, eh). Bob Stane adds, “And you cried and wailed ‘Bring back those days,’ and now, the music Gods have heard you and they have smiled. Join us at The Coffee Gallery Backstage at the end of December as we bring back ElderLocke and ring in the New Year. With our favorite special guest, Southern California staple Severin Browne.+
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Tix, $15.
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Sat, Dec 28, in Arcadia:
7 pm-1 am BB CHUNG KING & THE BUDDAHEADS, plus BOBBY BLUEHOUSE, and special musical guests, play the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr (just E of Santa Anita Av), Arcadia 91006.
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The Bobby Blues House Band plays most Friday and Saturday nights, kicking-off the night for the headliners -- some of the best in the industry. This house band's members over the years have included musicians who have played with Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, The Pointer Sisters, The Jeff Healey Band, and bring influences from John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison and Eric Burden.
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Tasty food is available from 7 pm until miidnight; generous portions. Full bar. But bring earplugs. Seriously.
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Free Parking available on the street and across the street in the city lot behind Denny's.
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More, including the menu, newsletter, and photo gallery, are at www.arcadiabluesclub.com
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Tix: advance online, $10, + $1.50 fee; at the door, $15, + $1.75 if reserved.
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Sat, Dec 28, in Arcadia:
7-9:30 pm "SPECIAL SATURDAY NIGHT EDITION" of “THE SONGWRITER SERENADE” showcase series brings guest recording artists and performing host JC HYKE, all-acoustic, at Matt Denny's Ale House Restaurant & Bar, 145 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006.
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No cover. Venue has full menu and full bar. Free parking in back.
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More info at www.jchyke.com
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Sat, Dec 28, in SFV (Studio City):
8 pm WIL MARING plays a benefit show for “NORTH HOLLYWOOD INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY” at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Studio City, 12355 Moorpark St, Studio City 91604.
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Sat, Dec 28, in South Pasadena:
8 pm KEN O'MALLEY brings his authentic and original acoustic Irish music to Griffins of Kinsale, 1001 Mission St, South Pasadena 91030; 626-799-0926.
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Sat, Dec 28, in Big Bear:
Time tba CHRIS VALENTI, wonderfully talented comedic singer-songwriter / standup comic / film producer plays The Cave, 40789 Village Dr, Big Bear Lake 92315.
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Sat, Dec 28, in Burbank:
8 pm COW BOP brings great Bob Wills-meets-Django-Reinhardt-meets-‘30s swing to Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank.
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No cover.
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Sat, Dec 28, in L.A.:
8 pm “LITERARY / SPOKEN WORD SALON” hosted by ALEX STEIN brings storyteller DYLAN BRODY (heard on KPCC’s “Offramp”) to Muse on 8th, 759 S La Brea Av (at 8th St, just S of Wilshire), in mid-city L.A.; www.MUSEon8th.com; 323-933-MUSE (6873).
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Sat, Dec 28, in Murrieta:
Time tba THE DUBLIN ROGUES play the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta 92563; 951-696-5252; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com
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It’s the return to the venue of The Dublin Rogues, a sensational duo from Dublin and a smash hit here last year.
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Sat, Dec 28, in Burbank:
9 pm-2 am ORCHESTRA CHARANGOA plays El Criolo Cuban Bar & Grill, 916 W Burbank Bl, Burbank 91506.
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Sat, Dec 28, in San Diego:
9 pm HOT BUTTERED RUM plays a second night at Winston's, 1921 Bacon St, San Diego 92107; 619-222-6822.
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Sat, Dec 28, in L.A.:
10 pm LIONS & POETS at Molly Malone's, 575 S Fairfax Av, L.A. 90036; www.mollymalonesla.com; 323-935-1577.
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“They are a cross between Oasis and Foo Fighters.” – Michele Marotta, Acoustic Americana Music Guide correspondent.
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More at www.facebook.com/pages/Lions-Poets/114897605189995
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♪ SUNDAY’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE…
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Sunday, December 29, 2013
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Sun, Dec 29, in Altadena:
2 pm A BAND WITH NO NAME and FORTUNATE SON bring the hits of CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL and AMERICA to the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; phone For reservations, 626-798-6236.
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The new thing with musicians seasoned from years of playing in “cover bands” is to perform as a tribute band. Today, this venue offers two of them in one daytime show.
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Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “Reserve for this one folks. This is a stellar two-for-one tribute combination with some of the best musicians in this business. It was a near sell out on their most recent matinee performance here at the Gallery, and those thrilled patrons all said they'd be back.”
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An all-acoustic concert with the hits of CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL and AMERICA, featuring Brad Ford as John Fogerty, has performed all over North America and Asia for over 17 years. As the most recognized CCR tribute show working today Fortunate Son delivers engaging and energetic concerts, pleasing die-hard Creedence fans everywhere and making new ones along the way. In this rare, unplugged performance, Brad and the band share this rich catalogue of CCR songs including “Travelin’ Band,” “Proud Mary,” “Green River,” “Down on the Corner,” “Lodi,” “Born on the Bayou,” and on and on, along with a treasure chest of entertaining stories.
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A BAND WITH NO NAME is comprised of members of the Coffee Gallery Backstage favorite THE LONG RUN, as they take off their Eagles wings and climb on the horse to perform their favorite AMERICA hits, including “Ventura Highway,” “Sister Golden Hair,” “Tin Man,” “I Need You,” “Horse with No Name,” “You Can Do Magic,” “Lonely People,” and more.
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Tix, $20.
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Sun, Dec 29, in Murrieta:
2 pm DUBLIN ROGUES plus the CLADDAGH IRISH DANCERS play the “Family Funday Sunday” series at the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta 92563; 951-696-5252; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com
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Sun, Dec 29, in Bellflower:
CANCELLED: 5 pm ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC at Spikes Bar & Grill, 16728 Bellflower Bl, Bellflower 90706; 562-804-0200.
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This one was to have been a big deal, but there was a scheduling conflict.
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Sun, Dec 29, in San Diego Co (Escondido):
5-8 pm Members of HIGHLAND WAY play O'Sullivan's of Escondido, 118 E Grand Av, Escondido 92025; 760-737-0954.
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Sun, Dec 29, in Claremont:
6:30 pm Monthly “OPEN MIC” at the Folk Music Center & Museum, 220 Yale Av, Claremont 91711; 909-624-2928; www.folkmusiccenter.com. info@folkmusiccenter.com
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Cover is $1, to pay Big Music’s demand for royalties for big labels, even though performers are indies playing originals.
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Sun, Dec 29, in Altadena:
7 pm TIME WEISBERG, who was half of “TWIN SONS OF DIFFERENT MOTHERS” with the late DAN FOGELBERG, returns to the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; phone For reservations, 626-798-6236.
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TIM WEISBERG is one of the pioneers in rock / jazz fusion with an incredible career that includes 20 albums on the biggest record labels in the business, including A&M, Columbia, Warner Brothers, and MCA. He has sold over 5 million albums and played some of the largest venues in the world. Two of Tim's albums are collaborations with the gifted singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg, including their platinum album, "Twin Sons Of Different Mothers,” containing the hit, “The Power of Gold.”
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Tim’s bands are legendary and have been known as a proving ground for the likes of David Benoit, Art Johnson, and Chuck Alvarez. Although he is classified by the recording industry as “jazz,” Tim's music has always been somewhere between rock and jazz.
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Weisberg has performed with The Carpenters, Dave Mason, Lynn Blessing, David Arkenstone, David Benoit, and Samantha Siva. Check him out on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Weisberg
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His memorable performances include a Bonnie Raitt-Tim Weisberg concert at the Greek Theatre and at the University of California, Berkley. And, when he played The Winter Park Jazz Festival in Winter Park, Colorado, he received awards and honors.
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Tix, $20. And it always sells-out.
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Sun, Dec 29, in Santa Monica:
10 pm Weekly “ACOUSTIC CORDIALE” showcase end sthe musical weekend at 14 Below, 1348 14th St, Santa Monica 90404; 310-451-5040 .
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♪ MONDAY’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE…
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Monday, December 30, 2013
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Mon, Dec 30, in SFV (NoHo):
7 pm Weekly “CELTIC ARTS CENTER IRISH CéILí DANCE & & IRISH MUSIC SESSION (structured jam)” at the Mayflower Club 11110 Victory Bl, North Hollywood 91606 818-760-8322; info, www.celticartscenter.com
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Dance at 7, music session at 8. Contact them for schedule of Irish language classes and more.
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Mon, Dec 30, in San Diego:
7-11 pm THE BAYOU BROTHERS (& “Sista”) play Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego 92101; 619-224-3577.
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Go early for half-price food & drinks during Happy Hour, 5-7 pm.
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Mon, Dec 30, in SFV (Burbank):
7:30 pm THE BROMBIES play their weekly “BLUEGRASS NIGHT” at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506; 818-515-4444.
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Featuring L.A. studio star-singer-mandolinist George Doering (who's on the soundtrack of dozens of feature films), songwriter JoEllen Doering on guitar, the great Bill Bryson (Bluegrass Cardinals, Desert Rose Band, Chris Hillman Band, mucho mas) on bass, and bluegrass phenom Patrick Sauber on banjo, this is a superb band. No cover, plus great food and drink specials (details at vivacantina.com).
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Mon, Dec 30, in Silverlake (L.A.):
8 pm THE WILD REEDS play a Mondays-in-December residency, at the Satellite, 1717 Silverlake Bl, Silverlake (L.A.) 90026; www.thesatellitela.com
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THE WILD REEDS delighted festival goers at the 2013 Claremont Folk Festival.
+
Tonight’s series finale features:
♪ The Americans
♪ The Wild Reeds
♪ Mojo Stone
♪ Cigarette Barbies
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Parking is limited, so consider using Lyft, carpooling or cycling as an option. It also helps to get there early. There is a $5 valet parking option on the property.
+
No cover. Venue is 21+. Go early for Happy Hour from 8-9 pm, with $2 well drinks and beers.
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Mon, Dec 30, in Altadena:
8 pm BROOKE RAMEL plus HARRIET SCHOCK play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; 626-798-6236.
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Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “Both acts are headliners for us (double your fun for cash) and been on other projects for 3 years.”
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BROOKE RAMEL is one of the most successful independent artists of the last 10 years. She has sold over 50,000 CDs, placed 50+ songs in tv/film, performed thousands of live shows and produced 6 original albums. In addition to performing solo and headlining with her own band, Brooke has opened for many legendary artists and some of her greatest inspirations – Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn, Raul Malo, Colin Hay, David Wilcox, Melissa Manchester, Lisa Loeb, Nancy Griffith, David Gates, and Bill Medley, to name a few. In 2006, Brooke sang background vocals for Ziggy Marley's album, "Love Is My Religion". That year, she was also a featured performer on an episode of the PBS series, "Branson Jubilee", which aired nationwide.
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Reemerging after a hiatus to be a wife and mother, Brooke teamed up with Grammy Award-winning producer and Windham Hill Records founder Will Ackerman and world class musicians to record her first album since 2004. Joining Brooke on the album are bassist Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, James Taylor, John Lennon), guitarist Jeff Pevar (Crosby Stills & Nash, Marc Cohn, Ray Charles), drummer Aaron Sterling (John Mayer), 3-time Grammy Award winning cellist Eugene Friesen,and The Webb Sisters on background vocals (Leonard Cohen, Sting). Newly gained perspectives are reflected in Brooke’s strongest, most honest and acoustic recording to date.
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Opening with her big band is Brooke’s friend, HARRIET SCHOCK, songwriter (Grammy-nominated "Ain’t No Way To Treat A Lady"), recording artist with five solo albums, performer, songwriting consultant, teacher, lecturer, and author. Schock’s songs have been recorded by such diverse artists as Smokey Robinson, Roberta Flack, Helen Reddy, Lee Greenwood, Johnny Mathis, Nancy Wilson, Manfred Mann, Carl Anderson, Vesica Pisces, and the Little Mermaid. Her feature film and TV song credits include "The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking," "Delta Force II," ABC’s "The Secret Garden," Motown’s "The Last Dragon" and "The Real Life Adventures of Santa Claus," Her live concert is full of humor, warmth and emotionally impactful songs. Accompanying herself on keyboard, Schock is joined by Joe Lamanno on bass, and singers Corwyn Travers and Gary Floyd.
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Multiplatinum selling songwriter Harriet Schock says, “I'm performing with my bass player, Joe Lamanno and backup singer, Andrea Ross-Greene, followed by the wonderful Brooke Ramel. With all the other shows I've been doing, this is my first actual concert in many months. I hope you'll come. Some new songs too.”
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Tix are unusually affordable tonight, at only $10.
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Mon, Dec 30, in SFV (NoHo):
8-10:30 pm Weekly “OPEN MIC & WEB SIMULCAST” on its new, later schedule, at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood 91607; 818-766-9913.
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Mon, Dec 30, in SFV (Chatsworth):
8:30 pm Weekly TALENT CONTEST, after a set for listening and dancing by THE CAHD WATSON BAND, at the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
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CHAD WATSON BAND plays 8:30-9:30 pm; TALENT CONTEST runs 9:45 pm-closing, with CASH PRIZES.
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This is L.A.’s last real honky tonk. No cover, full bar, lots of fun. Go early for the nightly free dance lesson.
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♪ The Guide’s Guide to the NEW YEAR’S EVE MUSIC SCENE will be along on SUNDAY, with dozens of listings!
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Direct to the current editions /
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MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY editions load quickly at
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www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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CONTACT US / Questions / Comments / SUBSCRIBE to our notices, etc., all at
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tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
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Contents copyright © 2013,
Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS and views of interest to artists everywhere, more specifically to musicians and the creative community, and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music, both traditional and innovative. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules of performances in Southern California venues large and small. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kids o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to proto blues.
.
The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. We’re on it.
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Friday, December 27, 2013
Friday’s Post-Yule Music Scene, Dec 27, 2013
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♪ Ongoing events, through the Holidays…
♪ Friday’s Music Scene
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♪ ONGOING, THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS…
Ongoing, nightly, Dec 17-29, in Beverly Hills:
Time tba “STOMP” at the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Bl, Beverly Hills 90211; 323-655-0111. Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats at “STOMP,” the inventive and invigorating stage show that's dance, music and theatrical performance blended together. The emphasis is rhythm. It’s all about rhythm.
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Tix: there are two limited-time offers:
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(1) Buy 4 tickets and save $80; to order, choose your date and then select the “Me+3 4-Pack.”
or,
(2) Get 20% off any ticket order by entering the code GR20 at http://stomponline.com/tickets_losangeles.html
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Ongoing, in OC (Irvine):
Time tba "CIRQUE DU SOLEIL" presents "TOTEM," now playing at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.
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It opens Jan 17 in Santa Monica.
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"TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations. Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend, TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential." -- the show's promo.
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"Spectacular, artful. Breathtaking and deliciously ironic." -- The Toronto Star.
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"TOTEM is visually ravishing" -- The Boston Globe.
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Tix by phone, at 800-450-1480.
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Tix & info online, at:
http://m.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/americas/usa/california/irvine.aspx
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♪ FRIDAY’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE…
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Friday, December 27, 2013
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Fri, Dec 27, in Burbank:
5-8 p.m. Free. Also, THE CODY BRYANT TRIO plays Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank.
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No cover. More music later; see 8 pm listing.
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Fri, Dec 27, in San Pedro:
Time tba “ROB ON THE PIANO” residency at the Whale and Ale, 327 W 7th St, San Pedro; 310-832-0363; www.whaleandale.com.
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Fri, Dec 27, in Arcadia:
7 pm-1 am JUMPIN' JACK BENNY plus JOEY FENDER & THE 55s play the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006; 626-447-9349; www.arcadiabluesclub.com
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Advance tix online, $5 + $1.25 fee; at the door, $10, + $1.50 if reserved (it could sell-out).
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Thu, Dec 27, in Altadena:
8 pm JOHN YORK (THE BYRDS), BILLY DARNELL (THE BYRDS), & CHAD WATSON (bass player to the stars), in their new guise as THE JANGLE BROTHERS, play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; Reservations, 626-789-6236. Details at www.coffeegallery.com
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Fri, Dec 27, in WeHo:
Time tba ANDRE THIERRY brings his award-winning Cajun-zydeco to the House of Blues Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.
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Purchase advanced tickets at eventbrite: http://andrethierry.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click? u=cec920dee17c95fc36a6e68c1&id=d2636965f4&e=b51eea0741
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More at www.andrethierry.com
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Fri, Dec 27, in Burbank:
8 pm THE CARBE DURAND DUO (from INCENDIO) bring their Flamenco fusion to Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank.
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No cover.
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Fri, Dec 27, in Murrieta:
9 pm CRAIC HAUS plays the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta 92563; 951-696-5252; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com
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Fri, Dec 27, in San Diego:
9 pm HOT BUTTERED RUM plays Winston’s, 1921 Bacon St, San Diego 92107; 619-222-6822.
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Fri, Dec 27, in SFV (Vand Nuys):
9:30 pm KEN O'MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS play Ireland’s 32, 13721 Burbank Bl,Van Nuys 91401; 818-785-4031.
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Fri Dec 27, in SFV (Tarzana):
10 pm PRESTON SMITH & THE CROCODILES play an all-acoustic “Funky Post Christmas Show” at The 18339 Ventura Bl (just E of Reseda Bl), Tarzana 91356.
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The winner of the Ventura County Blues Challenge will be playing all acoustic organic new original SoulRock tunes, with an eclectic mix of Blues Jazz Souladelic, Soulabilly, Twang, free range home grown and Grass fed music.
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Check out this band at:
http://travelingboy.com/archive-travel-tim-prestonsmith.html
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Gp7SDgM48&feature=youtu.be On
www.youtube.com/watch? v=sIjbhJKcebA&feature=email
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No cover.
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The FULL WEEKEND will be here Saturday morning.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
Direct to the current editions /
.
MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY editions load quickly at
.
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
CONTACT US / Questions / Comments / SUBSCRIBE to our notices, etc., all at
.
tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Contents copyright © 2013,
Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS and views of interest to artists everywhere, more specifically to musicians and the creative community, and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music, both traditional and innovative. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules of performances in Southern California venues large and small. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kids o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to proto blues.
.
The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. We’re on it.
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Holiday-flavored NEWS & REVIEWS, and Sunday’s EVENTS: Dec 22, 2013
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LATE ADDITION...
The editor is having eye issues. We'll publish a newer edition as soon as that's possible. Meanwhile, there's plenty of news right here.
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* * * * * * * * * *
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This edition brings both NEWS & REVIEWS appropriate to the season, and Sunday’s EVENTS…
√ NEWS & REVIEWS…
♪ ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVE SHOW IS FREE, AND ONE OF THE BEST, EVERY YEAR
♪ FILM: “INSIDE LLEWEN DAVIS” – a hit or a miss for the Coen Brothers?
♪ A SPLENDID BANJO CHRISTMAS VIDEO
♪ THE GUIDE’S CHOICE FOR CHRISTMAS MUSIC VIDEO SHORT OF THE YEAR
♪ A COUPLE OF HOLIDAY MUSIC VIDEO SHORTS TO ADD TO YOUR FAVORITES
♪ "ON THE DAY -- THE STORY OF THE SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND PIPE BAND"
√ EVENTS…
♪ ONGOING, THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS (2 shows that happen on Sundays)
♪ SUNDAY’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE
First, the news…
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NEWS & REVIEWS
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♪ ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVE SHOW IS FREE, AND ONE OF THE BEST, EVERY YEAR
This Tuesday, December 24, at the Music Center – up the hill above downtown L.A. – is an annual event that’s one of the best things that happens all year. Plan to attend or watch on TV or on the web
It’s 3-6 pm, whether you’re really there or virtually there. And it’s the 54th Annual "L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION" in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the L.A. Music Center, 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles.
The Guide attended the rehearsals and saw many of the acts that will perform, and it’s a safe bet this year’s show will maintain the tradition of quality and impressive production.
You can bring the whole family to L.A.'s biggest, Emmy-nominated holiday show, returning on Christmas Eve at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. More than TWENTY choirs, music ensembles and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of L.A. celebrate the season during this free, three-hour extravaganza. The L.A. County Arts Commission has been presenting the Holiday Celebration on December 24 since 1959, funded by the taxpayers, with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors always giving themselves the credit. So come out and enjoy seeing a small part of your tax dollars at work, and be a part of this L.A. tradition.
ATTENDING IN PERSON:
If you go, arrive VERY early. Last year, over 1200 people could not get into the show. Music Center parking is FREE. Doors open at 2:30 pm. You may come and go throughout the performance, subject to the availability of seating. NO reservations or tickets; it’s first come, first served. The theatre will fill-up quickly, so arrive early and get in line.
Taking photos with your phone and tweeting during the show ARE allowed.
TV AND THE WEB:
A professionally-produced live multi-camera broadcast / webcast is available everywhere in the world on KCET-TV broadcast and cable / www.KCET.org
Only the LIVE broadcast streams on the web – the TV replays do not. Los Angeles TV watchers can catch it on KCET-TV on December 24 live at 3 pm or the repeat at 8 pm, or three times on December 25th at Noon, 3 pm and 9 pm. Fa-la-la-la-lah!
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♪ FILM ~
“INSIDE LLEWEN DAVIS” – a hit or a miss for the Coen Brothers?
There’s been much hopeful expectation for the new Coen brothers' film set in the ’60s Greenwich Village folk scene. Many folkies will say they want it to do for folk music what the Coen’s “O Brother Where Art Thou?” did for string band rootsy acoustic Americana. But will it? Is it as entertaining a film, with music that’s as compelling? The film won Best Film at the Gotham awards. But does it have legs?
JAMES KAHN doesn’t think so. He shares his impressions with the Guide.
Really, really disappointed in the Coen brothers' “Inside Llewen Davis.”
Main character is quite unlikeable, learns nothing, moves haplessly through a pointless non-story that does capture the folk milieu of Greenwich Village in the early '60s, but does it in a way that either mocks or patronizes both the struggling folk singers and their music – except for the main character, whom we're asked to believe is somehow a special case. Why, I don't know, except the movie is about him.
But the most disappointing element was the sound track, which I expected to be at least as good as the great "O Brother Where Art Thou." Instead we got a few sweet, if uninspired, folk songs, a number of unmemorable ones, and after finally hearing the real DAVE VAN RONK only over the last of the end credits, I was left with a yearning merely to hear more Van Ronk.
I find I love half of the Coen brothers’ films and the others leave me cold. I love that they just keep on doing it, though. They're just working artists, and sometimes they get it right, and sometimes not so much.
*** For a different view, there's an article about the film and its music in the Huffington Post, at:
www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/01/please-my-kennedy-inside-llewyn-davis_n_4344365.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp000000 03
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♪ A SPLENDID BANJO CHRISTMAS VIDEO
Guide contributor Sally turned us on to this one, saying, "neat video I came across that suits the season." Umm doggies, it sure does! Get ready for images of the Grand Tetons, sparkling forests, every kind of snow sledding, winter alpine sunsets, and -- you must watch it.
"SLEDD RIDIN'" by JIM MILLS, from his second album, "My Dixie Home," on Sugar Hill.
There's masterful banjo picking by JIM MILLS, and other top players are featured:
BARRY BALES on bass
STUART DUNCAN on violin/fiddle
DAN TYMINSKI on guitar
ADAM STEFFEY on mandolin
The label comments, "Recording the whole album on the prewar Mack Crow 75, he kills the song with a flare that only the raw picking of the thirties could deliver. Accompanying him are some of the finest studio musicians in the business to boot."
Jim says, "I thought since such a great Bluegrass hit of the '70s was a classic, it needed a special montage to honor it in the 21st century. I hope you like the wintery feel the tune inspires… I know that its melody inspired me! Please let me know what you think of the presentation, and if you liked the song played here, head out and purchase the CD 'My Dixie Home' today!"
Run time: 3:45.
Watch it and add a comment at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2cvW0r_myM
Download it at:
http://www.savevid.com/video/sledd-ridin-by-jim-mills.html
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♪ THE GUIDE’S CHOICE FOR CHRISTMAS MUSIC VIDEO SHORT OF THE YEAR
... and the perfect video Christmas card
"Another hurdle was figuring out where to hide 120 musicians. To help blend in, the musicians wore coats over their uniforms prior to the performance, to look like museum visitors..." -- Jennifer Carofano.
This is glorious. It's all the moreso because it's the happiest "flash mob"-style ambush you've ever seen. And the live music performance is superb, start to finish, as it builds and adds delightfully surprising dimensions.
Certainly it was inspired by the live performance of Beethoven's 10th in a European plaza a couple years back.
But you can't beat the surroundings here, from a lost era of America's glory: the Apollo 11 Command Module that brought-back the first astronauts to walk on the Moon; historic Mercury and Gemini spacecraft; the first airplane to fly across the Atlantic -- Lindberg's "Spirit of St. Louis"; the first airplanes to fly; the first to break the sound barrier; and, for one brief, shining moment, the breathtaking sound of this performance.
If you'd like to read details, keep going. Or you can scroll down and click the link and watch it.
Either way, we are sharing it as The Guide's Christmas card to you.
Details -- how it was done...
Jennifer Carofano of the Shine Staff, writing for "The Good News" on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, in a piece titled, "U.S. Air Force Band Wows Crowd With Most Civilized Flash Mob Ever," said:
"Military bands aren’t often considered cutting-edge. But the United States Air Force Band has officially gone viral with its first-ever flash mob.
"Last week, 120 Air Force musicians came together at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., surprising more than 400 museum guests with an impromptu performance. The resulting video — which was shot and edited by band members —had received more than 1 million views on YouTube as of December 10th [it's now almost 2 million].
“'We were hoping for 100,000 hits,' Col. Larry Lang, commander and conductor of The United States Air Force Band told Yahoo Shine, noting that he is surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response from around the world.
"The challenge with the mob format was 'building the music from a single instrument to 120,' says Lang. The score — which included original treatments of two pieces, 'Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring' by Johann Sebastian Bach and 'Joy to the World' — took two months to write and the musicians received the final pieces to memorize just over a week before the flash mob gathered.
"'We wanted mature and beautiful quality music,' says Lang.
"The band members practiced the score only three times as a group before the live performance, and, according to Lang, they really had no idea if it would work until the final dress rehearsal the night before.
“'We were concerned that the massive nature of the museum would make it impossible to play together,' says Lang, who has been a bandleader in the Air Force for 24 years and the conductor of the U.S. Air Force Band for nearly two.
"Another hurdle was figuring out where to hide 120 musicians. To help blend in, the musicians wore coats over their uniforms prior to the performance, to look like museum visitors, and just before they started playing, members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard exchanged coats for instruments for each musician.
"The performance went off without a hitch and, Lang says, he was thrilled to see that the music made an impact on the audience.
"'There were people in tears who came up to us to tell us they were moved by the performance,' Lang told Yahoo Shine, adding that the musicians spent nearly an hour after the performance talking to audience members who had gathered on the museum floor.
“'The flash mob is a microcosm of what we do every day,' he says. 'It’s a medley of two pieces of music that represent excellence and quality and the kind of men and women who serve in our Air Force every day all over the world.'
"The band came up with the idea of doing a flash mob in June, says Lang, in part because budget cuts have limited the amount of advertising the band can have for its public performances.
"The U.S. Air Force Band is hoping to keep the momentum going with the release of 15 new music videos for the holiday season. The videos feature the band playing classic Christmas carols, including 'Jingle Bells' and 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.' One song will be released daily on the band’s Facebook page every day until December 25." -- Jennifer Carofano.
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WATCH THE VIDEO, and/or download a free MP3 of this, or the daily "adds" for the holidays, on the bands website.
WATCH the subject of this story by clicking the image in the center of the page, at:
http://www.usafband.af.mil/
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♪ A COUPLE OF HOLIDAY MUSIC VIDEO SHORTS TO ADD TO YOUR FAVORITES
First, for everyone who loves Celtic melody and song structure, and vocal harmony, this is a must-listen music video.
NOWELL SING WE CLEAR, the group of JOHN ROBERTS, FRED BREUNIG, ANDY DAVIS, TONY BARRAND, are featured in a video we received from DEBRA COWAN, known for her nautical songs and sea chanteys.
Debra says, "My good friend and occasional music and touring partner, John Roberts is one-fourth of Nowell Sing We Clear (NSWC), a quartet specialising in Christmas and seasonal music from Great Britain and North America. The show is always performed during the month of December and due to logistics, the concerts happen mostly in the Northeastern USA. They have been performing this wonderful pageant of songs, stories and a Kentucky Mummer’s play for 38 years and it’s never the same show; NSWC is always adding new songs or bringing out gems from past years. If you are looking for some different seasonal music for this time of year, check them out at the 'Nowell Sing We Clear' website," at: http://nowellsingweclear.co/?utm_source=Debra+Cowan+Updates&utm_campaign=7d6d6f786c-December_201312_20_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_957541bdda-7d6d6f786c-64721873
WATCH A VIDEO of NWSC singing "I Heard From Heaven Today" (4:36) by Nowell Sing We Clear, from 2008, at:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=lqEaN-gXC-c&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DlqEaN-gXC-c%26feature%3Dyoutube_gdata_player
* * * * * *
Second, Debra sent us a song by TAR’D & FEATHER’D, the group of DAVE LONGAKER, DAVID COWAN, DEBRA COWAN, & JIM WILLIAMS. She days, "As many of you know, I was in a group from 1988-1993 called Tar’d & Feather’d... [with] David Cowan (my ex-husband). The song below is from one of our concerts and is a version of “Lazarus and Divers”. Ironically, I think this version came from Nowell Sing We Clear, but I am not sure:
http://debracowan.com/listen-link/?utm_source=Debra+Cowan+Updates&utm_campaign=7d6d6f786c-December_201312_20_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_957541bdda-7d6d6f786c-64721873
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♪ "ON THE DAY -- THE STORY OF THE SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND PIPE BAND"
This was already quite a project when it was first announced, and it keeps getting better. In the latest version of this award-winning music documentary, you can switch to SIX different BBC camera angles with your remote control. As its producer observes, “One of the many cool things on the new 3-hour bonus DVD.”
It’s the “ON THE DAY” Director's Cut 3-disc Box Set, and it features two DVDs an 18-track audio CD, a 28-page booklet, 12 pages of liner notes, and a panoramic poster.
f
"Even if you have the original DVD, there is plenty in this to justify purchasing the 3-disc collector's set." -- Chris Mackenzie, Piping Today Magazine Review.
If we were simply to say, “For bagpipers, this is a must-have,” all of us non-pipers would go on to the next thing. But not so fast. If you line the way to enjoy the pipe and drum bands passing by at the Seaside Highland Games or any of many Celtic music festivals, stay with us. If you already know you want it, there is still time to take advantage of their offer for a 30% discount and receive the Box Set for Christmas, but you must order soon.
John McDonald, who lives right here in South Pasadena, produced this formidable project, filmed on location in Scotland, the United States and Canada. John tells the Guide, “I have made every effort to produce it to the highest standards so that it can be treasured for years to come. [It’s a] beautifully crafted collection.”
Indeed, the production has received enthusiastic receptions and reviews. We’ll get to some of those momentarily.
It follows the action as the world’s elite solo bagpipers form an all-star band to compete against all odds at the World Championships in an epic battle of the bands.
McDonald says, “[It] offers all of the thrills and nail-biting suspense of a great sports movie. You don’t need to be an expert or enthusiast to enjoy this riveting tale of talent, perseverance and camaraderie.”
It’s rare for a folk music project to bring a finished product of this depth. Here’s how it stacks-up:
DISC ONE: Full director’s cut DVD of the feature documentary
All-region NTSC • 83 minutes • 5.1 Surround • Widescreen
DISC TWO: Dual layer DVD special features
All-region NTSC • Approximately 3 hours • Stereo • Widescreen
Interactive Camera Angle Selection of the Worlds Competition*
Bob Worrall’s Commentary of the Band’s Performances (Complete Spirit of Scotland MSR & medley sets)
Piobaireachd by Eaun MacCrimmon on the Isle of Skye
Performances at the Mastery of Scottish Arts Concert in the USA
Stuart Samson, MBE at the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland
Busking on the Streets of Glasgow
Video tutorial of Roddy MacLeod’s Practice Recordings with sheet music
Roddy’s home practice of the band’s medley
“The Proper Way to Tie a Necktie” with Alasdair Gillies
DISC THREE: Audio CD (18 tracks, 76 minutes) of the band’s medley performance at the World Championships, plus band members’ original and traditional tunes on the Highland Pipes, Irish Uilleann Pipes, Whistle. Bousouki, Guitar, Harp, and Bodhran.
Solo tunes by: Roddy MacLeod MBE*, Willie McCallum*, Angus MacColl*, Alasdair Gillies*, Iain Speirs*, Jim McGillivray*, Simon McKerrell, Niall Stewart*, Stuart Samson MBE, Niall Matheson*, Matt MacIsaac, Colin MacLellan*, and Eaun MacCrimmon*.
*Gold Medal Winner
A 28-page photo-filled booklet explains the band & the film, in addition to a 12-page booklet of notes to accompany the audio CD. And John includes a panoramic full-color mini-poster of the band marching off the line.
Here’s the technical stuff and the credits:
A JOHN McDONALD PRODUCTION Featuring RODDY MacLEOD MBE, WILLIE McCALLUM, ANGUS MacCOLL, ALASDAIR GILLIES, EUAN MacCRIMMON, IAIN SPEIRS, JIM McGILLIVRAY, NIALL MATHESON, NIALL STEWART, WILSON BROWN & COLIN MacLELLAN With JOHN FISHER & CRAIG “HOSS” CALQUHOUN
Cinematography by NICK HIGGINS, STUART ASBJORNSEN & JOHN McDONALD
Edited by JEFFREY DOE & SERGIO PALERMO
Associate Producer JENNIFER FEBRE
Written & Directed by JOHN McDONALD
Now for those reviews:
√ "Tremendous!" -- Iain Macinnes, Producer, BBC's "Pipeline"
√ "... should occupy a place in every piper or drummer's DVD library." -- Derek Midgley, Piping Times Magazine Review
√ "... takes piping fans into a seventh heaven of indulgence." -- Bruce Campbell, Piping World Magazine Review
√ "This collector's edition is now one of my most prized possessions!" -- Allen Glass, Ft. Myers, FL
√ "You have done an amazing job in every aspect: the filming, the sound, the printing, the graphics, the poster. Your attention to detail sets this in a class by itself. The CD has the clearest sound of my many bagpipe CDs." -- Tom McCurdy, Port Angeles, WA
√ "... a treasure trove in all of the bonus features. I owned the original DVD, and I felt that the box set was a SIGNIFICANT step up from that!" -- Kevin Palm, Grafton, OH
√ "Outstanding box set I will enjoy for many years to come!" -- Andrew Trent, Odenton, MD
√ "I really loved it! Watched the 2 DVDs yesterday till 2am. The 5.1 Dolby sound was amazing!" -- David Dhaussy, Aniche, France
√ "Have enjoyed all 3 disks repeatedly. I want to thank you for this opportunity." -- Mike McDonald, Pleasant Ridge, MI
About that discount offer. The $49.95 price is $34.95 for the remainder of 2013. The PayPal link for that price is:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=FSYPVS8LLXZ3J
You can get learn more and watch a nine-minute trailer, at:
http://onthedaymovie.com
John says, “If you don't have a PayPal account and want to pay by credit card, you can still go to the purchase window for a one-time transaction. The PayPal window automatically calculates shipping charges and tax (for California residents). Want to pay by check or money order? Please email me with your address and I will send you payment information.”
Contact / order from John McDonald Productions, at:
john@mcdonaldproductions.com
1800 Bushnell Av, South Pasadena 91030.
The craic is palpable here.
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EVENTS
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♪ ONGOING, THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS… (2 shows that happen on Sundays)
Ongoing, nightly, Dec 17-29, in Beverly Hills:
Time tba “STOMP” at the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Bl, Beverly Hills 90211; 323-655-0111. Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats at “STOMP,” the inventive and invigorating stage show that's dance, music and theatrical performance blended together. The emphasis is rhythm. It’s all about rhythm.
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Tix: there are two limited-time offers:
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(1) Buy 4 tickets and save $80; to order, choose your date and then select the “Me+3 4-Pack.”
or,
(2) Get 20% off any ticket order by entering the code GR20 at http://stomponline.com/tickets_losangeles.html
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Ongoing, in OC (Irvine):
Time tba "CIRQUE DU SOLEIL" presents "TOTEM," now playing at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.
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It opens Jan 17 in Santa Monica.
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"TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations. Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend, TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential." -- the show's promo.
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"Spectacular, artful. Breathtaking and deliciously ironic." -- The Toronto Star.
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"TOTEM is visually ravishing" -- The Boston Globe.
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Tix by phone, at 800-450-1480.
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Tix & info online, at:
http://m.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/americas/usa/california/irvine.aspx
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♪ SUNDAY’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE…
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Sunday, December 22, 2013
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Sun, Dec 22, in Hollywood:
8-11 am THE FAIR MARKET BAND plays the “Hollywood Farmer's Market,” on Ivar St between Hollywood Bl and Sunset Bl, Hollywood 90028.
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Sun, Dec 22, in San Diego:
9 am Weekly “BLUEGRASS BRUNCH” at Urban Solace, 3823 30th St, San Diego 92104; 619-295-6464.
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Sun, Dec 22, in South Pasadena:
10 am-1 pm BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER plays his weekly “BLUES BRUNCH” at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena 91030; 626-441-2443.
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Sun, Dec 22, in WeHo:
Noon KIRK FRANKLIN presents “GOS[EL BRUNCH” at the House of Blues Sunset Strip.
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$42.50 adult, $21 child, $34.50 senior.
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Sun, Dec 22, in SFV (West Hills):
Noon Monthly “BLUEGRASS JAM” sponsored by the Bluegrass Association of Southern California (BASC) at Jeff Gold’s West Valley Music Center, 24424 Vanowen St, West Hills 91307; 818-992-4142.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Torrance:
Time tba STACY ROBIN & FRIENDS perform for the Torrance Antique Street Fair in ole downtown Torrance, centered at Street Faire Antiques, 1317 Sartori Av, Torrance.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Claremont:
2 pm TONY KENNY’S “CHRISTMASTIME IN IRELAND” at Bridges Auditorium, Pomona College, 450 N College Way, Claremont. Tix & info, www.pomona.edu/bridges; 909 607 1139.
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Tickets are $ 25 with discounted price of $ 22 for seniors and children. Parking is free.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Murrieta:
2 pm Fiddler MICHAEL KELLY (SLIGO RAGS) plus the CLADDAGH IRISH DANCERS play the “Family Funday Sunday” series at the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta 92563; 951-696-5252; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com
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Sun, Dec 22, in T.O.:
2.30 & 7.30 pm “AN IRISH CHRISTMAS,” the wonderful family show as seen on PBS, does two performances today at the Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91362.
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Special guests Kevin Horton of “Riverdance” fame, plus dance stars Collette Dunne and Ciaran Maguire; Dubliner actress Sheelagh Cullen; Kerry Dance Troupe.
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Tickets, $44. Children / senior / group discounts available.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Altadena:
CANCELLED: 3 pm MIKE CHAMBERLIN’s “IT’S CHRISTMAS” at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations: 626-798-6236.
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Sun, Dec 22, in San Pedro:
4 pm LED ZEPAGAIN plays Alva's Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro 90732; 800-403-3447 for reservations.
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LED ZEPAGAIN is a highly-rated tribute to Led Zepplin. Since the band`s inception in 1989, Led ZepAgain has become highly regarded as the most authentic representation of Led Zeppelin in the world today.
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They are Swan Montgomery on vocals and harmonica; Jim Wootten on bass, keyboards, mandolin, guitar, & vocals; Jim Sakurai on guitar; and Jim Kersey on drums and percussion.
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Born in Drogheda, Ireland, David Swan Montgomery is an Irish entrepreneur, musician, vocalist and producer/engineer most notable as the lead singer of internationally successful tribute band “Led Zepagain.” Montgomery is the voice of “Robert Plant” and has helped with the continued the success of Led Zepagain which was founded twenty years ago in Ventura, California by Tracy Longo. Swan is the longest severing member.
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The group has toured the world including the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Japan, South America, etc., performing sold out shows worldwide in major international venues, concert halls, performing arts centers, etc. Swan was also invited to perform on stage with The Who vocalist Roger Daltry as well as being a guest vocalist with many other internationally known musicians.
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Complimentary coffee, tea, hot cocoa and "Alvas" bottled water are provided. Bring your own food & drinks.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Torrance:
4-8 pm ANDY & RENEE play a “BENEFIT FOR THE LOS ANGELES FOOD BANK” at a House Concert at Andy's home in Torrance 90504.
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Reservations get directions by emailing reneesafier@hotmail.com
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$20 donation (or more) goes to LA Food Bank. Bring a potluck dish to share and BYOB.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Westwood:
4 pm AMANDA ABIZAID sings the National Anthem for the UCLA Men's Basketball game with Weber State, in Pauley Pavilion at UCLA.
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Sun, Dec 22, in West L.A.:
4 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “WEST L.A. HOOT & POTLUCK.” Info and location at www.songmakers.org or email WestLAHoot@Songmakers.org
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Sun, Dec 22, in San Pedro:
5 pm “A COPTIC CHRISTMAS” presented by the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of L.A. at the historic Warner Grand Theater, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; 310-833-4813; HYPERLINK "http://www.grandvision.org/"www.grandvision.org.
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A holiday celebration featuring choirs and performances from regional Coptic Christian Orthodox Churches.
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Tix, $30 / $20 / $10. Ticket reservations by email to: johnocla@yahoo.com
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Sun, Dec 22, in Venice:
5-8 pm Annual "WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION" brings good food and good rootsy string music to the Learning Garden, adjacent to the Venice High Campus, 13000 Venice Bl, 90291. The garden has a separate entrance, on Walgrove.
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Sponsored by the SEED LIBRARY OF LOS ANGELES (SLOLA), committed to growing a network of seed-saving libraries / banks for a GMO-FREE L.A. They invite everyone "be a part of the change to become the GMO-free food producer we need to be... part of the food revolution in L.A. and [to] ensure food sovereignty, bio-diversity and food justice."
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Dress warm, it's outside with fire pits and picnic table seating.
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The San Fernando Valley Branch of SLOLA has its own celebration on Fri, Dec 20th, 11 am-1:30 pm, at the Sepulveda Garden Center, 16633 Magnolia Bl, Encino 91436.
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SLOLA is currently raising money for partial and full scholarships for the upcoming, groundbreaking "Seed School" to be held Feb 9-14 at the Church of the Nativity in Westchester. The goal is to raise $1800-$2000 or more to enable three (or more) individuals to attend the 5-day course. They are accepting applications from individuals who are committed to taking the information back to under-served communities in Los Angeles County. Seed School Graduates would potentially teach in local community gardens, schools and events. Every little bit helps. You can contribute at:
www.indiegogo.com/projects/seed-school-los-angeles-scholarships
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The next monthly meeting at SLOLA's Venice headquarters is Sat, Jan 18th, 2:30-4 pm, at The Learning Garden.
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SLOLA also holds San Fernando Valley meetings. The next one is Fri, Jan 24th, 11:30 am-1 pm, at the Sepulveda Garden Center.
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But today's event is about sharing music, good cheer, naturally-produced food, and fun.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Pasadena:
5-9 pm “HOMESTEAD HOOTENANNY,” with a set by DUANE THORIN, at the Urban Homestead Urban Farm, 631 Cypress Av, Pasadena 91103.
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Good food, good music, good times This is a family-friendly event. No alcohol. Enjoy seasonal foods from local farmers and artisans, and vegan and vegetarian options are available.
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$10 suggested food / drink purchase for adults, $5 for children under age 10.
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Space is limited. Make a reservation by email, info@urbanhomestead.org or by phone, 626-844-4586, or by text, 626-765-5704.
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Bring a musical instrument and join in an impromptu jam-a-long.
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Sun, Dec 22, in San Diego Co (Carlsbad):
5-8 pm THE BAYOU BROTHERS (AND SISTA) play Daisy’s on the Bayou Cajun Restaurant, in Carlsbad Village by the Coyote Bar.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Altadena:
7 pm THE UNTOUCHABLES play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations: 626-798-6236.
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Want to "Jazz-up" your holidays? This is, says Bob Stane, “the coolest young jazz combo in town.”
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Bob says, “The Untouchables, an ensemble of enchanting young musicians, will delight and surprise you with their renditions of jazz favorites old and new. These rising stars bring a youthful and inspired perspective to holiday favorites such as ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘The 12 Days of Christmas.’ This is a holiday show for the whole family. From Frank Sinatra to Norah Jones, and even a Beatles tune or two -- The Untouchables will make you feel like dancing on the tables. “
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Keyboardist Eric Engler hails from Chicago, but now calls Southern California home. Drummer Shan Haupt is also a master of the Tabla. Vocalist Nora Sagal charms with her soulful renditions of "Fever!" and "Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree," while Matthew Schwartz has been nicknamed the "Sexy Saxophone Man." Josh Spry rounds-out the group with his ultra-cool command of stand-up bass. The Untouchables' lively repertoire also includes jazz instrumental favorites, such as "In the Mood," "Take Five," and "Sleigh Ride."
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While the Coffee Gallery Backstage is their favorite venue, these young people have headlined at Descanso Gardens, La Canada's Summer "Music in the Park" series, New Moon Restaurant in Montrose, and Oakmont Country Club, as well as at other venues all over the Pasadena area. As reviewed in Pasadena Weekly, "All The Untouchables members bring serious chops and a dedication to the genre that goes beyond their years."
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Tix, $20.
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Sun, Dec 22, in SFV (Chatsworth):
7 pm An “AMERICANA / ALT COUNTRY / TRAD COUNTRY BAND” plays the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
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The venue is in the midst of their “12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVE-A-WAYS.”
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This is L.A.’s last real honky tonk. No cover, full bar, lots of fun. Go early for the nightly free dance lesson.
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Sun, Dec 22, in WeHo:
7 pm CREEKWOOD plus LAURIE LARSON play the Whisky A-Go-Go, 8901 Sunset Bl, West Hollywood; 310-652-4202.
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Sun, Dec 22; Thu-Sun, Dec 19-22, in San Diego:
Time tba Bluegrass star ALISON BROWN performs with the SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY with ANDREA ZONN in San Diego. Use your browser for details.
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Sun, Dec 22, in T.O.:
7.30 pm “AN IRISH CHRISTMAS,” the wonderful family show as seen on PBS, does two performances today (the first at 2:30 pm) at the Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91362.
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Special guests Kevin Horton of “Riverdance” fame, plus dance stars Collette Dunne and Ciaran Maguire; Dubliner actress Sheelagh Cullen; Kerry Dance Troupe.
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Tickets, $44. Children / senior / group discounts available.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Santa Monica:
10 pm Weekly “ACOUSTIC CORDIALE” closes-out the musical weekend, at 14 Below, 1348 14th St, Santa Monica 90404; 310-451-5040.
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More new info, soon.
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Direct to the current editions /
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MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY editions load quickly at
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www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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CONTACT US / Questions / Comments / SUBSCRIBE to our notices, etc., all at
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tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
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Contents copyright © 2013,
Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
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The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS and views of interest to artists everywhere, more specifically to musicians and the creative community, and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music, both traditional and innovative. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules of performances in Southern California venues large and small. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kids o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to proto blues.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. We’re on it.
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LATE ADDITION...
The editor is having eye issues. We'll publish a newer edition as soon as that's possible. Meanwhile, there's plenty of news right here.
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This edition brings both NEWS & REVIEWS appropriate to the season, and Sunday’s EVENTS…
√ NEWS & REVIEWS…
♪ ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVE SHOW IS FREE, AND ONE OF THE BEST, EVERY YEAR
♪ FILM: “INSIDE LLEWEN DAVIS” – a hit or a miss for the Coen Brothers?
♪ A SPLENDID BANJO CHRISTMAS VIDEO
♪ THE GUIDE’S CHOICE FOR CHRISTMAS MUSIC VIDEO SHORT OF THE YEAR
♪ A COUPLE OF HOLIDAY MUSIC VIDEO SHORTS TO ADD TO YOUR FAVORITES
♪ "ON THE DAY -- THE STORY OF THE SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND PIPE BAND"
√ EVENTS…
♪ ONGOING, THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS (2 shows that happen on Sundays)
♪ SUNDAY’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE
First, the news…
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NEWS & REVIEWS
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♪ ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVE SHOW IS FREE, AND ONE OF THE BEST, EVERY YEAR
This Tuesday, December 24, at the Music Center – up the hill above downtown L.A. – is an annual event that’s one of the best things that happens all year. Plan to attend or watch on TV or on the web
It’s 3-6 pm, whether you’re really there or virtually there. And it’s the 54th Annual "L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION" in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the L.A. Music Center, 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles.
The Guide attended the rehearsals and saw many of the acts that will perform, and it’s a safe bet this year’s show will maintain the tradition of quality and impressive production.
You can bring the whole family to L.A.'s biggest, Emmy-nominated holiday show, returning on Christmas Eve at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. More than TWENTY choirs, music ensembles and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of L.A. celebrate the season during this free, three-hour extravaganza. The L.A. County Arts Commission has been presenting the Holiday Celebration on December 24 since 1959, funded by the taxpayers, with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors always giving themselves the credit. So come out and enjoy seeing a small part of your tax dollars at work, and be a part of this L.A. tradition.
ATTENDING IN PERSON:
If you go, arrive VERY early. Last year, over 1200 people could not get into the show. Music Center parking is FREE. Doors open at 2:30 pm. You may come and go throughout the performance, subject to the availability of seating. NO reservations or tickets; it’s first come, first served. The theatre will fill-up quickly, so arrive early and get in line.
Taking photos with your phone and tweeting during the show ARE allowed.
TV AND THE WEB:
A professionally-produced live multi-camera broadcast / webcast is available everywhere in the world on KCET-TV broadcast and cable / www.KCET.org
Only the LIVE broadcast streams on the web – the TV replays do not. Los Angeles TV watchers can catch it on KCET-TV on December 24 live at 3 pm or the repeat at 8 pm, or three times on December 25th at Noon, 3 pm and 9 pm. Fa-la-la-la-lah!
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♪ FILM ~
“INSIDE LLEWEN DAVIS” – a hit or a miss for the Coen Brothers?
There’s been much hopeful expectation for the new Coen brothers' film set in the ’60s Greenwich Village folk scene. Many folkies will say they want it to do for folk music what the Coen’s “O Brother Where Art Thou?” did for string band rootsy acoustic Americana. But will it? Is it as entertaining a film, with music that’s as compelling? The film won Best Film at the Gotham awards. But does it have legs?
JAMES KAHN doesn’t think so. He shares his impressions with the Guide.
Really, really disappointed in the Coen brothers' “Inside Llewen Davis.”
Main character is quite unlikeable, learns nothing, moves haplessly through a pointless non-story that does capture the folk milieu of Greenwich Village in the early '60s, but does it in a way that either mocks or patronizes both the struggling folk singers and their music – except for the main character, whom we're asked to believe is somehow a special case. Why, I don't know, except the movie is about him.
But the most disappointing element was the sound track, which I expected to be at least as good as the great "O Brother Where Art Thou." Instead we got a few sweet, if uninspired, folk songs, a number of unmemorable ones, and after finally hearing the real DAVE VAN RONK only over the last of the end credits, I was left with a yearning merely to hear more Van Ronk.
I find I love half of the Coen brothers’ films and the others leave me cold. I love that they just keep on doing it, though. They're just working artists, and sometimes they get it right, and sometimes not so much.
*** For a different view, there's an article about the film and its music in the Huffington Post, at:
www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/01/please-my-kennedy-inside-llewyn-davis_n_4344365.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp000000 03
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♪ A SPLENDID BANJO CHRISTMAS VIDEO
Guide contributor Sally turned us on to this one, saying, "neat video I came across that suits the season." Umm doggies, it sure does! Get ready for images of the Grand Tetons, sparkling forests, every kind of snow sledding, winter alpine sunsets, and -- you must watch it.
"SLEDD RIDIN'" by JIM MILLS, from his second album, "My Dixie Home," on Sugar Hill.
There's masterful banjo picking by JIM MILLS, and other top players are featured:
BARRY BALES on bass
STUART DUNCAN on violin/fiddle
DAN TYMINSKI on guitar
ADAM STEFFEY on mandolin
The label comments, "Recording the whole album on the prewar Mack Crow 75, he kills the song with a flare that only the raw picking of the thirties could deliver. Accompanying him are some of the finest studio musicians in the business to boot."
Jim says, "I thought since such a great Bluegrass hit of the '70s was a classic, it needed a special montage to honor it in the 21st century. I hope you like the wintery feel the tune inspires… I know that its melody inspired me! Please let me know what you think of the presentation, and if you liked the song played here, head out and purchase the CD 'My Dixie Home' today!"
Run time: 3:45.
Watch it and add a comment at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2cvW0r_myM
Download it at:
http://www.savevid.com/video/sledd-ridin-by-jim-mills.html
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♪ THE GUIDE’S CHOICE FOR CHRISTMAS MUSIC VIDEO SHORT OF THE YEAR
... and the perfect video Christmas card
"Another hurdle was figuring out where to hide 120 musicians. To help blend in, the musicians wore coats over their uniforms prior to the performance, to look like museum visitors..." -- Jennifer Carofano.
This is glorious. It's all the moreso because it's the happiest "flash mob"-style ambush you've ever seen. And the live music performance is superb, start to finish, as it builds and adds delightfully surprising dimensions.
Certainly it was inspired by the live performance of Beethoven's 10th in a European plaza a couple years back.
But you can't beat the surroundings here, from a lost era of America's glory: the Apollo 11 Command Module that brought-back the first astronauts to walk on the Moon; historic Mercury and Gemini spacecraft; the first airplane to fly across the Atlantic -- Lindberg's "Spirit of St. Louis"; the first airplanes to fly; the first to break the sound barrier; and, for one brief, shining moment, the breathtaking sound of this performance.
If you'd like to read details, keep going. Or you can scroll down and click the link and watch it.
Either way, we are sharing it as The Guide's Christmas card to you.
Details -- how it was done...
Jennifer Carofano of the Shine Staff, writing for "The Good News" on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, in a piece titled, "U.S. Air Force Band Wows Crowd With Most Civilized Flash Mob Ever," said:
"Military bands aren’t often considered cutting-edge. But the United States Air Force Band has officially gone viral with its first-ever flash mob.
"Last week, 120 Air Force musicians came together at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., surprising more than 400 museum guests with an impromptu performance. The resulting video — which was shot and edited by band members —had received more than 1 million views on YouTube as of December 10th [it's now almost 2 million].
“'We were hoping for 100,000 hits,' Col. Larry Lang, commander and conductor of The United States Air Force Band told Yahoo Shine, noting that he is surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response from around the world.
"The challenge with the mob format was 'building the music from a single instrument to 120,' says Lang. The score — which included original treatments of two pieces, 'Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring' by Johann Sebastian Bach and 'Joy to the World' — took two months to write and the musicians received the final pieces to memorize just over a week before the flash mob gathered.
"'We wanted mature and beautiful quality music,' says Lang.
"The band members practiced the score only three times as a group before the live performance, and, according to Lang, they really had no idea if it would work until the final dress rehearsal the night before.
“'We were concerned that the massive nature of the museum would make it impossible to play together,' says Lang, who has been a bandleader in the Air Force for 24 years and the conductor of the U.S. Air Force Band for nearly two.
"Another hurdle was figuring out where to hide 120 musicians. To help blend in, the musicians wore coats over their uniforms prior to the performance, to look like museum visitors, and just before they started playing, members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard exchanged coats for instruments for each musician.
"The performance went off without a hitch and, Lang says, he was thrilled to see that the music made an impact on the audience.
"'There were people in tears who came up to us to tell us they were moved by the performance,' Lang told Yahoo Shine, adding that the musicians spent nearly an hour after the performance talking to audience members who had gathered on the museum floor.
“'The flash mob is a microcosm of what we do every day,' he says. 'It’s a medley of two pieces of music that represent excellence and quality and the kind of men and women who serve in our Air Force every day all over the world.'
"The band came up with the idea of doing a flash mob in June, says Lang, in part because budget cuts have limited the amount of advertising the band can have for its public performances.
"The U.S. Air Force Band is hoping to keep the momentum going with the release of 15 new music videos for the holiday season. The videos feature the band playing classic Christmas carols, including 'Jingle Bells' and 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.' One song will be released daily on the band’s Facebook page every day until December 25." -- Jennifer Carofano.
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WATCH THE VIDEO, and/or download a free MP3 of this, or the daily "adds" for the holidays, on the bands website.
WATCH the subject of this story by clicking the image in the center of the page, at:
http://www.usafband.af.mil/
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♪ A COUPLE OF HOLIDAY MUSIC VIDEO SHORTS TO ADD TO YOUR FAVORITES
First, for everyone who loves Celtic melody and song structure, and vocal harmony, this is a must-listen music video.
NOWELL SING WE CLEAR, the group of JOHN ROBERTS, FRED BREUNIG, ANDY DAVIS, TONY BARRAND, are featured in a video we received from DEBRA COWAN, known for her nautical songs and sea chanteys.
Debra says, "My good friend and occasional music and touring partner, John Roberts is one-fourth of Nowell Sing We Clear (NSWC), a quartet specialising in Christmas and seasonal music from Great Britain and North America. The show is always performed during the month of December and due to logistics, the concerts happen mostly in the Northeastern USA. They have been performing this wonderful pageant of songs, stories and a Kentucky Mummer’s play for 38 years and it’s never the same show; NSWC is always adding new songs or bringing out gems from past years. If you are looking for some different seasonal music for this time of year, check them out at the 'Nowell Sing We Clear' website," at: http://nowellsingweclear.co/?utm_source=Debra+Cowan+Updates&utm_campaign=7d6d6f786c-December_201312_20_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_957541bdda-7d6d6f786c-64721873
WATCH A VIDEO of NWSC singing "I Heard From Heaven Today" (4:36) by Nowell Sing We Clear, from 2008, at:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=lqEaN-gXC-c&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DlqEaN-gXC-c%26feature%3Dyoutube_gdata_player
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Second, Debra sent us a song by TAR’D & FEATHER’D, the group of DAVE LONGAKER, DAVID COWAN, DEBRA COWAN, & JIM WILLIAMS. She days, "As many of you know, I was in a group from 1988-1993 called Tar’d & Feather’d... [with] David Cowan (my ex-husband). The song below is from one of our concerts and is a version of “Lazarus and Divers”. Ironically, I think this version came from Nowell Sing We Clear, but I am not sure:
http://debracowan.com/listen-link/?utm_source=Debra+Cowan+Updates&utm_campaign=7d6d6f786c-December_201312_20_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_957541bdda-7d6d6f786c-64721873
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♪ "ON THE DAY -- THE STORY OF THE SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND PIPE BAND"
This was already quite a project when it was first announced, and it keeps getting better. In the latest version of this award-winning music documentary, you can switch to SIX different BBC camera angles with your remote control. As its producer observes, “One of the many cool things on the new 3-hour bonus DVD.”
It’s the “ON THE DAY” Director's Cut 3-disc Box Set, and it features two DVDs an 18-track audio CD, a 28-page booklet, 12 pages of liner notes, and a panoramic poster.
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"Even if you have the original DVD, there is plenty in this to justify purchasing the 3-disc collector's set." -- Chris Mackenzie, Piping Today Magazine Review.
If we were simply to say, “For bagpipers, this is a must-have,” all of us non-pipers would go on to the next thing. But not so fast. If you line the way to enjoy the pipe and drum bands passing by at the Seaside Highland Games or any of many Celtic music festivals, stay with us. If you already know you want it, there is still time to take advantage of their offer for a 30% discount and receive the Box Set for Christmas, but you must order soon.
John McDonald, who lives right here in South Pasadena, produced this formidable project, filmed on location in Scotland, the United States and Canada. John tells the Guide, “I have made every effort to produce it to the highest standards so that it can be treasured for years to come. [It’s a] beautifully crafted collection.”
Indeed, the production has received enthusiastic receptions and reviews. We’ll get to some of those momentarily.
It follows the action as the world’s elite solo bagpipers form an all-star band to compete against all odds at the World Championships in an epic battle of the bands.
McDonald says, “[It] offers all of the thrills and nail-biting suspense of a great sports movie. You don’t need to be an expert or enthusiast to enjoy this riveting tale of talent, perseverance and camaraderie.”
It’s rare for a folk music project to bring a finished product of this depth. Here’s how it stacks-up:
DISC ONE: Full director’s cut DVD of the feature documentary
All-region NTSC • 83 minutes • 5.1 Surround • Widescreen
DISC TWO: Dual layer DVD special features
All-region NTSC • Approximately 3 hours • Stereo • Widescreen
Interactive Camera Angle Selection of the Worlds Competition*
Bob Worrall’s Commentary of the Band’s Performances (Complete Spirit of Scotland MSR & medley sets)
Piobaireachd by Eaun MacCrimmon on the Isle of Skye
Performances at the Mastery of Scottish Arts Concert in the USA
Stuart Samson, MBE at the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland
Busking on the Streets of Glasgow
Video tutorial of Roddy MacLeod’s Practice Recordings with sheet music
Roddy’s home practice of the band’s medley
“The Proper Way to Tie a Necktie” with Alasdair Gillies
DISC THREE: Audio CD (18 tracks, 76 minutes) of the band’s medley performance at the World Championships, plus band members’ original and traditional tunes on the Highland Pipes, Irish Uilleann Pipes, Whistle. Bousouki, Guitar, Harp, and Bodhran.
Solo tunes by: Roddy MacLeod MBE*, Willie McCallum*, Angus MacColl*, Alasdair Gillies*, Iain Speirs*, Jim McGillivray*, Simon McKerrell, Niall Stewart*, Stuart Samson MBE, Niall Matheson*, Matt MacIsaac, Colin MacLellan*, and Eaun MacCrimmon*.
*Gold Medal Winner
A 28-page photo-filled booklet explains the band & the film, in addition to a 12-page booklet of notes to accompany the audio CD. And John includes a panoramic full-color mini-poster of the band marching off the line.
Here’s the technical stuff and the credits:
A JOHN McDONALD PRODUCTION Featuring RODDY MacLEOD MBE, WILLIE McCALLUM, ANGUS MacCOLL, ALASDAIR GILLIES, EUAN MacCRIMMON, IAIN SPEIRS, JIM McGILLIVRAY, NIALL MATHESON, NIALL STEWART, WILSON BROWN & COLIN MacLELLAN With JOHN FISHER & CRAIG “HOSS” CALQUHOUN
Cinematography by NICK HIGGINS, STUART ASBJORNSEN & JOHN McDONALD
Edited by JEFFREY DOE & SERGIO PALERMO
Associate Producer JENNIFER FEBRE
Written & Directed by JOHN McDONALD
Now for those reviews:
√ "Tremendous!" -- Iain Macinnes, Producer, BBC's "Pipeline"
√ "... should occupy a place in every piper or drummer's DVD library." -- Derek Midgley, Piping Times Magazine Review
√ "... takes piping fans into a seventh heaven of indulgence." -- Bruce Campbell, Piping World Magazine Review
√ "This collector's edition is now one of my most prized possessions!" -- Allen Glass, Ft. Myers, FL
√ "You have done an amazing job in every aspect: the filming, the sound, the printing, the graphics, the poster. Your attention to detail sets this in a class by itself. The CD has the clearest sound of my many bagpipe CDs." -- Tom McCurdy, Port Angeles, WA
√ "... a treasure trove in all of the bonus features. I owned the original DVD, and I felt that the box set was a SIGNIFICANT step up from that!" -- Kevin Palm, Grafton, OH
√ "Outstanding box set I will enjoy for many years to come!" -- Andrew Trent, Odenton, MD
√ "I really loved it! Watched the 2 DVDs yesterday till 2am. The 5.1 Dolby sound was amazing!" -- David Dhaussy, Aniche, France
√ "Have enjoyed all 3 disks repeatedly. I want to thank you for this opportunity." -- Mike McDonald, Pleasant Ridge, MI
About that discount offer. The $49.95 price is $34.95 for the remainder of 2013. The PayPal link for that price is:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=FSYPVS8LLXZ3J
You can get learn more and watch a nine-minute trailer, at:
http://onthedaymovie.com
John says, “If you don't have a PayPal account and want to pay by credit card, you can still go to the purchase window for a one-time transaction. The PayPal window automatically calculates shipping charges and tax (for California residents). Want to pay by check or money order? Please email me with your address and I will send you payment information.”
Contact / order from John McDonald Productions, at:
john@mcdonaldproductions.com
1800 Bushnell Av, South Pasadena 91030.
The craic is palpable here.
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EVENTS
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♪ ONGOING, THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS… (2 shows that happen on Sundays)
Ongoing, nightly, Dec 17-29, in Beverly Hills:
Time tba “STOMP” at the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Bl, Beverly Hills 90211; 323-655-0111. Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats at “STOMP,” the inventive and invigorating stage show that's dance, music and theatrical performance blended together. The emphasis is rhythm. It’s all about rhythm.
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Tix: there are two limited-time offers:
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(1) Buy 4 tickets and save $80; to order, choose your date and then select the “Me+3 4-Pack.”
or,
(2) Get 20% off any ticket order by entering the code GR20 at http://stomponline.com/tickets_losangeles.html
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Ongoing, in OC (Irvine):
Time tba "CIRQUE DU SOLEIL" presents "TOTEM," now playing at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.
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It opens Jan 17 in Santa Monica.
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"TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations. Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend, TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential." -- the show's promo.
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"Spectacular, artful. Breathtaking and deliciously ironic." -- The Toronto Star.
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"TOTEM is visually ravishing" -- The Boston Globe.
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Tix by phone, at 800-450-1480.
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Tix & info online, at:
http://m.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/americas/usa/california/irvine.aspx
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♪ SUNDAY’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE…
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Sunday, December 22, 2013
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Sun, Dec 22, in Hollywood:
8-11 am THE FAIR MARKET BAND plays the “Hollywood Farmer's Market,” on Ivar St between Hollywood Bl and Sunset Bl, Hollywood 90028.
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Sun, Dec 22, in San Diego:
9 am Weekly “BLUEGRASS BRUNCH” at Urban Solace, 3823 30th St, San Diego 92104; 619-295-6464.
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Sun, Dec 22, in South Pasadena:
10 am-1 pm BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER plays his weekly “BLUES BRUNCH” at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena 91030; 626-441-2443.
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Sun, Dec 22, in WeHo:
Noon KIRK FRANKLIN presents “GOS[EL BRUNCH” at the House of Blues Sunset Strip.
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$42.50 adult, $21 child, $34.50 senior.
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Sun, Dec 22, in SFV (West Hills):
Noon Monthly “BLUEGRASS JAM” sponsored by the Bluegrass Association of Southern California (BASC) at Jeff Gold’s West Valley Music Center, 24424 Vanowen St, West Hills 91307; 818-992-4142.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Torrance:
Time tba STACY ROBIN & FRIENDS perform for the Torrance Antique Street Fair in ole downtown Torrance, centered at Street Faire Antiques, 1317 Sartori Av, Torrance.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Claremont:
2 pm TONY KENNY’S “CHRISTMASTIME IN IRELAND” at Bridges Auditorium, Pomona College, 450 N College Way, Claremont. Tix & info, www.pomona.edu/bridges; 909 607 1139.
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Tickets are $ 25 with discounted price of $ 22 for seniors and children. Parking is free.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Murrieta:
2 pm Fiddler MICHAEL KELLY (SLIGO RAGS) plus the CLADDAGH IRISH DANCERS play the “Family Funday Sunday” series at the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta 92563; 951-696-5252; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com
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Sun, Dec 22, in T.O.:
2.30 & 7.30 pm “AN IRISH CHRISTMAS,” the wonderful family show as seen on PBS, does two performances today at the Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91362.
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Special guests Kevin Horton of “Riverdance” fame, plus dance stars Collette Dunne and Ciaran Maguire; Dubliner actress Sheelagh Cullen; Kerry Dance Troupe.
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Tickets, $44. Children / senior / group discounts available.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Altadena:
CANCELLED: 3 pm MIKE CHAMBERLIN’s “IT’S CHRISTMAS” at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations: 626-798-6236.
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Sun, Dec 22, in San Pedro:
4 pm LED ZEPAGAIN plays Alva's Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro 90732; 800-403-3447 for reservations.
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LED ZEPAGAIN is a highly-rated tribute to Led Zepplin. Since the band`s inception in 1989, Led ZepAgain has become highly regarded as the most authentic representation of Led Zeppelin in the world today.
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They are Swan Montgomery on vocals and harmonica; Jim Wootten on bass, keyboards, mandolin, guitar, & vocals; Jim Sakurai on guitar; and Jim Kersey on drums and percussion.
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Born in Drogheda, Ireland, David Swan Montgomery is an Irish entrepreneur, musician, vocalist and producer/engineer most notable as the lead singer of internationally successful tribute band “Led Zepagain.” Montgomery is the voice of “Robert Plant” and has helped with the continued the success of Led Zepagain which was founded twenty years ago in Ventura, California by Tracy Longo. Swan is the longest severing member.
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The group has toured the world including the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Japan, South America, etc., performing sold out shows worldwide in major international venues, concert halls, performing arts centers, etc. Swan was also invited to perform on stage with The Who vocalist Roger Daltry as well as being a guest vocalist with many other internationally known musicians.
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Complimentary coffee, tea, hot cocoa and "Alvas" bottled water are provided. Bring your own food & drinks.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Torrance:
4-8 pm ANDY & RENEE play a “BENEFIT FOR THE LOS ANGELES FOOD BANK” at a House Concert at Andy's home in Torrance 90504.
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Reservations get directions by emailing reneesafier@hotmail.com
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$20 donation (or more) goes to LA Food Bank. Bring a potluck dish to share and BYOB.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Westwood:
4 pm AMANDA ABIZAID sings the National Anthem for the UCLA Men's Basketball game with Weber State, in Pauley Pavilion at UCLA.
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Sun, Dec 22, in West L.A.:
4 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “WEST L.A. HOOT & POTLUCK.” Info and location at www.songmakers.org or email WestLAHoot@Songmakers.org
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Sun, Dec 22, in San Pedro:
5 pm “A COPTIC CHRISTMAS” presented by the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of L.A. at the historic Warner Grand Theater, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; 310-833-4813; HYPERLINK "http://www.grandvision.org/"www.grandvision.org.
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A holiday celebration featuring choirs and performances from regional Coptic Christian Orthodox Churches.
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Tix, $30 / $20 / $10. Ticket reservations by email to: johnocla@yahoo.com
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Sun, Dec 22, in Venice:
5-8 pm Annual "WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION" brings good food and good rootsy string music to the Learning Garden, adjacent to the Venice High Campus, 13000 Venice Bl, 90291. The garden has a separate entrance, on Walgrove.
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Sponsored by the SEED LIBRARY OF LOS ANGELES (SLOLA), committed to growing a network of seed-saving libraries / banks for a GMO-FREE L.A. They invite everyone "be a part of the change to become the GMO-free food producer we need to be... part of the food revolution in L.A. and [to] ensure food sovereignty, bio-diversity and food justice."
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Dress warm, it's outside with fire pits and picnic table seating.
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The San Fernando Valley Branch of SLOLA has its own celebration on Fri, Dec 20th, 11 am-1:30 pm, at the Sepulveda Garden Center, 16633 Magnolia Bl, Encino 91436.
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SLOLA is currently raising money for partial and full scholarships for the upcoming, groundbreaking "Seed School" to be held Feb 9-14 at the Church of the Nativity in Westchester. The goal is to raise $1800-$2000 or more to enable three (or more) individuals to attend the 5-day course. They are accepting applications from individuals who are committed to taking the information back to under-served communities in Los Angeles County. Seed School Graduates would potentially teach in local community gardens, schools and events. Every little bit helps. You can contribute at:
www.indiegogo.com/projects/seed-school-los-angeles-scholarships
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The next monthly meeting at SLOLA's Venice headquarters is Sat, Jan 18th, 2:30-4 pm, at The Learning Garden.
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SLOLA also holds San Fernando Valley meetings. The next one is Fri, Jan 24th, 11:30 am-1 pm, at the Sepulveda Garden Center.
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But today's event is about sharing music, good cheer, naturally-produced food, and fun.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Pasadena:
5-9 pm “HOMESTEAD HOOTENANNY,” with a set by DUANE THORIN, at the Urban Homestead Urban Farm, 631 Cypress Av, Pasadena 91103.
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Good food, good music, good times This is a family-friendly event. No alcohol. Enjoy seasonal foods from local farmers and artisans, and vegan and vegetarian options are available.
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$10 suggested food / drink purchase for adults, $5 for children under age 10.
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Space is limited. Make a reservation by email, info@urbanhomestead.org or by phone, 626-844-4586, or by text, 626-765-5704.
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Bring a musical instrument and join in an impromptu jam-a-long.
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Sun, Dec 22, in San Diego Co (Carlsbad):
5-8 pm THE BAYOU BROTHERS (AND SISTA) play Daisy’s on the Bayou Cajun Restaurant, in Carlsbad Village by the Coyote Bar.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Altadena:
7 pm THE UNTOUCHABLES play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations: 626-798-6236.
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Want to "Jazz-up" your holidays? This is, says Bob Stane, “the coolest young jazz combo in town.”
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Bob says, “The Untouchables, an ensemble of enchanting young musicians, will delight and surprise you with their renditions of jazz favorites old and new. These rising stars bring a youthful and inspired perspective to holiday favorites such as ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘The 12 Days of Christmas.’ This is a holiday show for the whole family. From Frank Sinatra to Norah Jones, and even a Beatles tune or two -- The Untouchables will make you feel like dancing on the tables. “
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Keyboardist Eric Engler hails from Chicago, but now calls Southern California home. Drummer Shan Haupt is also a master of the Tabla. Vocalist Nora Sagal charms with her soulful renditions of "Fever!" and "Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree," while Matthew Schwartz has been nicknamed the "Sexy Saxophone Man." Josh Spry rounds-out the group with his ultra-cool command of stand-up bass. The Untouchables' lively repertoire also includes jazz instrumental favorites, such as "In the Mood," "Take Five," and "Sleigh Ride."
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While the Coffee Gallery Backstage is their favorite venue, these young people have headlined at Descanso Gardens, La Canada's Summer "Music in the Park" series, New Moon Restaurant in Montrose, and Oakmont Country Club, as well as at other venues all over the Pasadena area. As reviewed in Pasadena Weekly, "All The Untouchables members bring serious chops and a dedication to the genre that goes beyond their years."
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Tix, $20.
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Sun, Dec 22, in SFV (Chatsworth):
7 pm An “AMERICANA / ALT COUNTRY / TRAD COUNTRY BAND” plays the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
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The venue is in the midst of their “12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVE-A-WAYS.”
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This is L.A.’s last real honky tonk. No cover, full bar, lots of fun. Go early for the nightly free dance lesson.
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Sun, Dec 22, in WeHo:
7 pm CREEKWOOD plus LAURIE LARSON play the Whisky A-Go-Go, 8901 Sunset Bl, West Hollywood; 310-652-4202.
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Sun, Dec 22; Thu-Sun, Dec 19-22, in San Diego:
Time tba Bluegrass star ALISON BROWN performs with the SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY with ANDREA ZONN in San Diego. Use your browser for details.
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Sun, Dec 22, in T.O.:
7.30 pm “AN IRISH CHRISTMAS,” the wonderful family show as seen on PBS, does two performances today (the first at 2:30 pm) at the Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91362.
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Special guests Kevin Horton of “Riverdance” fame, plus dance stars Collette Dunne and Ciaran Maguire; Dubliner actress Sheelagh Cullen; Kerry Dance Troupe.
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Tickets, $44. Children / senior / group discounts available.
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Sun, Dec 22, in Santa Monica:
10 pm Weekly “ACOUSTIC CORDIALE” closes-out the musical weekend, at 14 Below, 1348 14th St, Santa Monica 90404; 310-451-5040.
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More new info, soon.
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Direct to the current editions /
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MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY editions load quickly at
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www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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CONTACT US / Questions / Comments / SUBSCRIBE to our notices, etc., all at
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tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
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Contents copyright © 2013,
Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
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The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS and views of interest to artists everywhere, more specifically to musicians and the creative community, and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music, both traditional and innovative. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules of performances in Southern California venues large and small. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kids o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to proto blues.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. We’re on it.
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