A String-Star Filled Thursday, Jan 30, 2014

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It’s overcast and you can’t see the stars in the sky. But you can see – and hear – some true stars of string instruments on any of several stages tonight.
 
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Quickie item…

Happy Birthday to L.A.-based touring singer-songwriter JOHN M.
 
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In this edition…

♪  PICKS for Thursday

♪  TICKET ALERT

♪  NEWS FEATURES

.    √  THE SHOW PONIES LAUNCH “VIDEO THURSDAYS”

.    √  THE FAREWELL DRIFTERS, "TOMORROW FOREVER," 
just released on Compass Records

♪  ONGOING MUSIC & ART EVENTS

♪  THURSDAY-Only MUSIC EVENTS
 
 
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♪  PICKS for Thursday

√  “AN EVENING OF SLACK KEY GUITAR VIRTUOSOS” with STEPHEN INGLIS and JIM KIMO WEST, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena, 8 pm. 

√  MURIEL ANDERSEN performs with TIERRA NEGRA at the Soka Performing Arts Center in OC (Aliso Viejo), 8 pm.

√  LOS LOBOS, plus an opening set by SAYAD SABRINA, at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, 9 pm.

√  "HONK TONK HACIENDA" this week brings “elegant and hot swing from the 1930s,” with THE MOONRISE CLUB and THE BENNY B at El Cid in Silver Lake (L.A.), 8 pm.

√  Uke master ABE LAGRIMAS plays his CD release show with his new group, THE NORTH, at the Blue Whale in L.A., 9 pm.

√  PACIFIC SYMPHONY presents “TORADZE PLAYS SHOSTAKOVICH” with the renowned Russian pianist playing the first of three nights in Segerstrom Hall in OC (Costa Mesa), 8 pm.
 
 
 
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♪  TICKET ALERT

“LOST BORDERS: WATER, CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE WEST” is our “not-music-but-worthwhile” pick that combines science and performing art when it happens on Tuesday, February 25, at USC at 7 pm.

Tix are free, but online reservations are required, starting today at 9 am, at:
www.visionsandvoices.usc.edu

The event is in the Friends of the USC Libraries Lecture Hall, Doheny Memorial Library 240, on the USC Campus in University Park (L.A.)

Theatre and earth sciences intersect in “Lost Borders,” a multidisciplinary event exploring the lack of water in the American West and the fragility of our land. Water has long been a defining issue of the American West, affecting state borders, agriculture, economics, immigration and settlement — and now it is a major factor in the climate-change crisis. The event will combine a play, “The Chisera,” by USC playwright Paula Cizmar, with a multimedia presentation of desert images and a conversation facilitated by USC geologist Sarah J. Feakins.
 
 
 
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NEWS FEATURES for
Thursday, January 30
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Two fresh ones today. Yesterday’s edition was chockfull of News Features that are still relevant and still available.
 
 
√  THE SHOW PONIES LAUNCH “VIDEO THURSDAYS”

They are an uber-talented young L.A. acoustic roots band that features a “Daniel Pearl Memorial Fiddle” winner and two vocal competition champs. They delighted folk festival crowds in 2013 and played a short-notice show to a packed house at the Coffee Gallery Backstage just before NAMM. Seeing them perform should be high on your “to-do” list.

They’re called THE SHOW PONIES, and they’ve launched a clever new thing to keep their fan base involved and building broader awareness of them by asking recipients to share the link each week of their freshly posted music single posted on “Video Thursday.”

Today’s addition to the SHOW PONIES growing online catalog is the old tune, "Cindy."

Go watch it at:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=vSXh4XtptpE&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DvSXh4XtptpE%26feature%3Dyoutu.be

The band tells the Guide, “Starting on January 2nd we decided to [do this] every Thursday. So far, so good. This month we’ve released five new videos, and thanks to your sharing, a lot of people saw them. We're looking forward to what videos February has to bring.”

In all, they have an even dozen music videos on their YouTube channel. And with that promise to add a new one every Thursday, it’s worth a free subscription, at:

www.youtube.com/subscribe_widget? p=theshowponiesband
 
 
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√  THE FAREWELL DRIFTERS, "TOMORROW FOREVER,"
just released on Compass Records

As soon as you encounter "roots pop" as a description, you get what it means.

Whether THE FAREWELL DRIFTERS, on Nashville-based Compass Records, are your cup of tea, both the "genre-ization" and review quotes from The Bluegrass Situation and Paste Magazine will help you with this and lots of other new music.

The Bluegrass Situation writes of this new album, "'Tomorrow Forever' is an energetic, almost cinematic album,” while Paste calls it, "The Best of What's Next."

The Farewell Drifters bring a Brian Wilson-like sensibility to the folk-rock movement, with intricately arranged harmonies and atmospheric, string-swathed studio shading. These are the stand-out characteristics on "Tomorrow Forever,” the quartet’s first album for their new label, released January 28.

The Farewell Drifters have begun a half-the-US tour, which includes gigs at SXSW and the Folk Alliance International Conference.

While their current tour doesn't get west of Texas and Kansas, their music will. (Complete tour dates at: http://thefarewelldrifters.com/tour )

Collaborating with roots pop producer Neilson Hubbard (Matthew Perryman Jones, the Apache Relay) helped solidify the band’s voice, elevating their crystalline harmonies and acoustic foundation with gutsy electric guitar and orchestral-style drums to create a sound that’s earthy, layered, and more powerful.

The stomping title track, “Modern Age,” and the catchy “Bring ‘em Back Around,” support the album’s theme — a hopeful look at the future and the importance of always seeking the silver lining.

Over the past two years, the band has been prominently featured by American Songwriter and Paste Magazine, while landing on several indie tastemaker lists such as Pop Matters' "Top New & Emerging Acts" and Under The Radar’s "Top 11 Albums."

If you want to findthe the album's individual tracks online, here are the titles: 1. Modern Age; 2. Bring 'em Back Around; 3. Brother; 4. Coming Home; 5. Tomorrow Forever; 6. Motions; 7. Tennessee Girl; 8. Neighborhoods Apart; 9. Relief; 10. To Feel Alive; 11. The Day You Left; 12. Starting Over.

More on The Farewell Drifters at:
http://thefarewelldrifters.com

More on Compass Records at:
www.compassrecords.com
 
 
 
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♪  ONGOING MUSIC & ART EVENTS
 
 
Ongoing (opened Jan 17),
in Santa Monica:
"CIRQUE DU SOLEIL" presents "TOTEM" opening today under the Big Top at the Santa Monica Pier.
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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/santa-monica.aspx

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Through January, in L.A.:
"JOHN FOGERTY: WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE, " is the wonderful temporary exhibition at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, on display through this month. It features artifacts from his personal collection, and it is named after his current album, hailed by fans and critics alike. John Fogerty’s music was considered rock when he first made it with CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL, but, current and retro, it’s classic roots-rock-Americana now. The album received a rare 5-star lead review in Rolling Stone. Included with regular museum admission, which also includes the temporary exhibition, “RINGO: PEACE & LOVE.”
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At the Grammy Museum, 800 W Olympic Bl (entrance around the corner on Figueroa), L.A. 90015; check for museum hours: 213-765-6803;  HYPERLINK "http://www.grammymuseum.org" www.grammymuseum.org.
 
 
 
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♪  THURSDAY-Only MUSIC EVENTS
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Thursday, January 30, 2014
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Thu, Jan 30; Wed-Sat, Jan 29-Feb 1,
FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE,
in Northern Nevada:
♪  30th Annual “NATIONAL COWBOY POETRY GATHERING” in Elko, Nevada, fills all the lodgings for a hundred miles, and brings stage performances, showcases, music and poetry, awards, western art exhibitions, and a lot of saddle pal camaraderie.
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Info at: www.westernfolklife.org/National-Cowboy-Poetry-Gathering-General-Info/national-cowboy-poetry-gathering-home-page.html

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Thu, Jan 30, in Long Beach:
5 pm  KEN O'MALLEY plays his weekly residency of authentic and original Irish music at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach 90802; 562-437-8300.

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Thu, Jan 30, in OC (Fountain Valley):
5:15 pm  Weekly “FOUNTAIN VALLEY BLUEGRASS JAM” at Orange County Archery, 18792 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley 92708.

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Thu, Jan 30, in VC (Camarillo):
5:30 pm  Monthly “ROUND TABLE PIZZA & SONG CIRCLE in Camarillo 93010. Info at Songmakers website, www.songmakers.org

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Thu, Jan 30, in South Pasadena:
6-9 pm  BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER plays his weekly “Burgers, Beer, & Blues” residency at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena 91030; 626-441-2443 for dinner reservations.
No cover. You may contribute to the artist’s tip jar. Venue has full menu and full bar.

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Thu, Jan 30, in Monrovia:
6:30 pm  THE LICATA BROTHERS, L.A.’s latest young guitar prodigies, play a short-notice show at Friends Café, 425 S Myrtle Av, Monrovia; 626-600-6269; www.friendscafemonrovia.com
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A few months ago in New Orleans during their family vacation, their parents took them to the Big Easy. They were busking in the French Quarter and were invited to come in and play at the world-famous Preservation Hall. After each tune, they were told, “stay.” They spent the whole evening performing there. That should give you the idea that these two kids are really good.
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Tonight, they’re playing “your favorite tunes from the ’50s, ’60s, Americana, and more. It’s a good opportunity to experience these two rising stars.
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No cover.

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Thu, Jan 30, at USC:
7 pm  “POETRY SLAM WITH LIVE MUSIC” is “A Celebration of USC Students’ Work” at Ground Zero Performance Café, on the USC Campus in University Park (L.A.).
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Admission is free and open to everyone, BUT, advance reservations are full, and you need to sign-up on the standby list (see below). Standby tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Check-in begins at 6:15 pm.
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Poetry resides on the page, but it lives on the stage. Presented in conjunction with the Visions and Voices performance of “The Langston Hughes Project,” this unique collaboration of words, rhythm and melody — with piano, bass, drums, sax and guitar — brings together student writers from across the university with musicians from the USC Thornton School of Music. It promises a dynamic evening of performance poetry with live musical accompaniment. Organized by Ron McCurdy (Music), Gabrielle Pina (Master of Professional Writing), Brighde Mullins (Master of Professional Writing) and Michèle Turner (Black Alumni Association). Co-sponsored by the Master of Professional Writing Program and the Black Alumni Association.
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For more info and to sign-up for the waitlist, go to www.visionsandvoices.usc.edu

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Thu, Jan 30, in Burbank:
7:30 pm  WHITEY O’KANE plays country dance music tonight at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (next to L.A. Equestrian Center), Burbank.
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Venue is known for its Mexican food and full bar. Park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl. No cover. 

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Thu, Jan 30, in Altadena:
8 pm  “AN EVENING OF SLACK KEY GUITAR VIRTUOSOS” with STEPHEN INGLIS and JIM KIMO WEST, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations, 626-798-6236.
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This promises to be a night of stunning six-string slinging and song.
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Stephen and Kimo don’t get a chance to play together very often, but when they do, watch out --this is a rare chance to see these masters of Hawaiian slack key guitar tear it up on the same stage.
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Two-time “Na Hoku Hanohano Award” winner and Grammy nominee Stephen Inglis is recognized as one of the most diverse musical artists in Hawai’i today. Equally at home on the acoustic and electric guitar, the art of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar has been at the heart of his music in recent years. With a deep love for many kinds of music, Stephen’s songwriting blends tradition with innovation in a diverse and effective tapestry. Stephen tours nationally with the slack key festivals, as a soloist and with Hawaiian Music legend Dennis Kamakahi. The duo’s album, “Waimaka Helelei,” won the 2012 “Na Hoku Hanohano Award” for “Slack Key Album of the Year.”
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“His material and stylish performances rank with the best.” ~ Wayne Harada, Honolulu Advertiser newspaper.
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Jim “Kimo” West is known as one of the world’s top “slack key” guitarists and brings his own unique musical perspective to this great acoustic guitar tradition. The gentle sound of “ki ho’alu” as it is known in Hawaii is heard throughout the recent Oscar-nominated film, “The Descendants”. He is a recent winner of the Hawaii Music Awards, a two-time Na Hoku Hanohano (the Hawaiian “Grammy”) nominee and a two-time winner of the LA Treasures Award for his contributions toward the perpetuation of ki ho’alu. Kimo is a featured performer at slack key guitar festivals in Hawaii as well as festivals and small concert venues on the mainland His playing has been featured in a number of films, TV spots, the Disney Channel and NPR.
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“West's knowledge of slack-key guitar is vividly expressed in both his keen performances of covers as well as his own dynamite songwriting. “Maui Skies," a West original, is as evocative as its title promises; the liquid flow of West's guitar achieves that perfect balance of caressing the ears while awakening the mind to pictures of blankets of clouds hovering over a bed of blue ocean.”-Jazz Corner, Dec 1, 2012.
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Tix, $20.

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Thu, Jan 30, in downtown L.A.:
8 pm  DUSTBOWL REVIVAL plus THE RECORD COMPANY play the Edison, 108 W 2nd St, Los Angeles 90012; 213-613-0000.

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Thu, Jan 30, in Silver Lake (L.A.):
8 pm  Weekly "HONK TONK HACIENDA" at El Cid, 4212 W Sunset Bl, Silver Lake 90029; www.ElCidLA.com; 323-668-0318.
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This week, it’s “elegant and hot swing from the 1930s,” with:

♪  THE MOONRISE CLUB
♪  THE BENNY B

Every Thursday, El Cid turns into “Honky Tonk Hacienda” with bands, songwriters and musical instigators tearing it up with Outlaw Country, Roots, Old Time and Americana.
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No cover before 8:30 pm, $5 thereafter. Doors at 7 pm, music starts at 8. Ample street parking; valet parking available.

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Thu, Jan 30, in OC (Aliso Viejo):
8 pm  MURIEL ANDERSEN performs with TIERRA NEGRA at the Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Dr, Aliso Viejo 92656; 949-480-4278.
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Muriel is simply amazing. She’s the only woman ever to have won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. She knows everybody in the world of guitar-playing virtuosity, and she always assembles the best when she tours.
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Tix, $20, available at 949-480-4380 or
http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?agency=SOKV_PLAGENCY&pid=7635887

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Thu, Jan 30; Thu-Sat, Jan 30-Feb 1, in OC (Costa Mesa):
8 pm  PACIFIC SYMPHONY presents “TORADZE PLAYS SHOSTAKOVICH” for three nights in Segerstrom Hall at Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa; 714-556-2787;  HYPERLINK "http://www.ocpac.org" \t "_blank" www.ocpac.org.
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Recognized as a masterful virtuoso with deep lyricism and intense emotion, Russian pianist ALEXANDER TORADZE joins Pacific Symphony to introduce a journey into the music of Shostakovich. Music Director Carl St. Clair dives into Symphony No. 10, perhaps the composer's best work, which is at once melancholy and intense.
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Go early for the “Concert Preview” at 7 pm; it’s included with your ticket price.
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Tix at 714-755-5799 or www.PacificSymphony.org

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Thu, Jan 30, in L.A.:
8 pm  “L.A. HOOTENANNY” happens at Villains Tavern, 1356 Palmetto St, Los Angeles 90013; 213-613-0766.

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Thu, Jan 30, in Murrieta:
8 pm  SULTANS OF ROCK are decidedly not acoustic, and may not be very Irish, at the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta 92563; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com; 951-696-5252.

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Thu, Jan 30, in SFV (Chatsworth):
8 pm  An undisclosed “AMERICANA / ALT-COUNTRY / TRAD COUNTRY BAND” plays 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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Thu, Jan 30, in Agoura Hills:
9 pm  LOS LOBOS, plus an opening set by SAYAD SABRINA, at the Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Dr, Agoura Hills 91301; 818-879-5016; www.canyonclub.net
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More than three decades have passed since Los Lobos released their debut album, “Just Another Band from East L.A.” Since then, they’ve repeatedly disproven that title — Los Lobos isn’t “just another” anything, but rather a band that has consistently evolved artistically while never losing sight of their humble roots.
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Doors at 6 pm for dinner; show at 9 pm. Note that you are unlikely to have a seat unless you eat there.
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Tix, $39.50 / $65 + applicable fees. Under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
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The sooner you purchase tickets / make reservations, the better your seats. Call 818-879-5016 for dinner reservations; these are held until 7 pm the night of the event.

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Thu, Jan 30, in L.A.:
9 pm ABE LAGRIMAS plays his CD release show with his new group, THE NORTH, at the Blue Whale, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka, Suite 301 (3rd floor), Los Angeles 90012; www.bluewhalemusic.com
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Ukulele master Abe tells us, "THE NORTH, a piano trio with Romain Collin (piano), Shawn Conley (bass), and myself (drums), are not only making our first Los Angeles appearance but we're also celebrating the release of our much anticipated debut CD entitled 'Slow Down (This Isn't The Mainland).'"
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Abe said this morning (Jan 30), “We just returned last night from a 2-week trip to Hawaii where we recorded our second album. Tonight, we will be playing material from our debut CD as well as some new material that will be on the second record.”
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Abe had said previously, "For those of you who supported our Kickstarter campaign (where we successfully achieved our goal!) and other fundraising efforts, this album is possible thanks to your generosity. So come out, bring your family, friends, and see what you are a part of."
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He adds, "This concert is part of our CD promotional tour which include performances in Honolulu, San Diego, Boston, and New York. We look forward to seeing you on the 30th! Yes we will have our CDs available so pick one up and we'd love to sign it for you after the concert."
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More about the new CD being released at tonight's concert ~ "Slow Down (This Isn't The Mainland)" was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Jeremy Loucas. THE NORTH is Romain Collin, Shawn Conley, & Abe Lagrimas, Jr.
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More at www.abelagrimasjr.com
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Cover, $10.
 
 
 
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More, soon, as always.
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♪  The Guide will be making CH-CH-CHANGES – turn, embrace the change -- in 2014. Some folks will like some, others will not. There will be points of departure to make room (and time) for the new. We’ll do what we can, because as always, we operate with the editor’s motto, “One does what one can.”
 
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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 © 2014,
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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