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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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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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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