Friday’s art & music news and events, April 18, 2014

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What happened to D. Whitney Quinn? The Guide brings you some answers.

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In this edition…

♪ NEWS FEATURES:
. 1) THE TRAGIC DEMISE OF D.WHITNEY QUINN: WHAT REALLY HAPPENED
♪ TICKET ALERTS
. √ Annual “FOLKWORKS BENEFIT CONCERT” is April 26
♪ FRIDAY’s MUSIC & ART EVENTS
♪ ONGOING MUSIC & ART EVENTS
♪ FESTIVALS ELSEWHERE
. √ Annual Tribeca Film Festival, April 16-27, in NYC


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♪ NEWS FEATURES
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#1 Feature [edited and updated, April 19, 2014, at 11:58 am.]:

√ THE TRAGIC DEMISE OF D.WHITNEY QUINN: WHAT REALLY HAPPENED

D. Whitney Quinn – the “D” stood for Douglas, and he had abandoned that name years ago – was a talented and always welcome presence on the Southern California music scene. A singer-songwriter who was comfortable with Folk-Americana and more innovative contemporary acoustic forms and audiences, and with his keyboard as often set as a Hammond organ, his lyrical skills were broadly respected.

But like many creative people, Whitney fought inner uncertainties. For him, these were serious. His childhood had been somewhere between rough and awful. He suffered from bouts of severe depression and bipolar disorder.

Everyone who knew him knew some aspect of that. For some, it strained creative relationships and collaborative relationships. Others knew him only as a bringer of joy, perhaps with a mischievous touch, that always fueled their own creativity.

He was dubbed “The Mighty Quinn,” and while it always came with a smile from whoever said it, the term was not a taunt or anything satirical. It was a badge of honor and respect bestowed on him by all who said it. Your own smile appeared when you called him that because you knew someone – him – who deserved being dubbed with classic Bob Dylan lyrics.

Over the past two decades, Whit played everything from one-song open mics to showcases – where he soon stood out – to eventual shared billings and some headliner slots in the top acoustic venues in L.A.

Anytime a new listener discovered him, they inevitably turned to the person seated beside them and asked, “Who is this guy? Why isn’t he famous!?”

Sometimes his inner struggles kept him away from performing. Not unlike the late L.A. blues master ARTWORK JAMAL, Whit’s mental uncertainties and doubts held him back. But Whitney was a gentle, sensitive, often overly-sensitive soul, and there were not the examples of outbursts that, for some venues, made Artwork Jamal too volatile to book. The point is, mental illness is a challenge for the person afflicted with it, and for those around them in personal relationships and professional associations. Many with mental illness see society’s default mode as too quick to paint with a broad brush, too ready to label them all as pariahs. And that, of course, feeds their own uncertainties.

Whitney and his wife Elizabeth had a nicely kept older home in a peaceful Pasadena suburb. Many musicians recall time spent there, sitting on the hardwood floor and petting the dogs, or enjoying jams or even the rare, more-formal house concert.

In recent months, Whitney and Elizabeth began to experience tough times. There were his health challenges and medical expenses, pre-Obamacare. There were bills that began to go unpaid because they just didn’t have the money. Both in their sixties, dreams of retirement faded away.

Their friends in the music community had only small fragments of the picture. And, well, everyone had become accustomed to Whit’s depressions. It was sort of the price you paid to enjoy his delightful friendship. For the most fortunate of those who knew him, that came with his inspiration and encouragement for your own musical endeavors.

The couple had lost two of their three dogs, animals that they dearly loved. It was said by some that lack of money for vet bills was the reason the second dog had died. They loved that dog as a family member. It was rough. Whit grieved openly on social media. Most of his friends sent expressions of sorrow and comfort.

Last week, Whit suddenly posted to Facebook that he “Was going away from Facebook forever,” adding that he “had spent too much time” there. Several of us jumped on the comments page and encouraged him to take a break and then come back when he was ready.

But things were far worse than Whit's attributing "lost time" on Facebook seemed a qualifying line to a specific kind of "Leaving Forever." But "forever" proved far more universal than his friends had imagined. It wasn't just his inner torment. Worldly factors were far worse for Whit this time than most any who knew him had discerned.

Whit and Elizabeth were losing their house. They were being evicted. The utilities were already shut-off. The third dog was not in good shape.

So Whit and his wife were both distraught, and over many things, including the most basic aspects of life. In their 60s, and about to become homeless, they were in debt, and broke, with no resources to start over or land on their feet.

The three of them – Whitney, Elizabeth, and their dog – went into the garage and started the car with the door down. Carbon monoxide.

They were discovered April 16 after family members in another state, concerned they could not reach them, called authorities to go check their home.

Both Whit and Elizabeth left notes. The L.A. County Coroner ruled suicide with no foul play by others.

It’s almost hard to call what they did an irrational act. Facing homelessness at their ages. It’s understandable. And it wasn't only Whit that suffered from depression.

Shocked and grieving, their artist friends are doing as artists always do: finding ways to honor their friend while trying to bring more universal meaning from something horrible. Thus, there are several performance showcases in the works, and each will raise money for mental health care organizations. Two dates are already organized. Each will honor both Whitney and Elizabeth.

You can still find Whitney’s Facebook page. When we first went there, looking for answers on the morning of the 17th, it still showed that Whitney was attending a songwriter workshop that night. That’s the way we will always hope to remember him: smiling and happy as he went somewhere to be with fellow artists and pursue and grow in his craft.

There's also a new Facebook page, a memorial page, for those who knew Whit or Elizabeth. There, you’ll see that a fairly big-deal event is being kicked-around.

One, on May 20th, hosted by David Harvey at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena, will feature a variety of artists perform Whit's original music. The other musical tribute, just arranged, will be held at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood at 7 pm on May 8th.

Suicide elicits such a stigma, deriving from from age-old religious tomes to every modern culture's ingrained aversions and horrors. Yet, Shakespeare, in Hamlet, wrote his greatest soliloquy as the speech in which the mentally distraught young Prince of Denmark contemplates “taking arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them,” or by taking his own life immediately with “a bare bodkin.” As he bared his tortured soul, Hamlet found that “Conscience doth make cowards of us all.” Not for all, fair prince, not for all.

We will spare you detailed reference to how Hamlet’s Ophelia, who loved him, also died. Hamlet went crazy with scheming and pugilism to seek righteous retribution for betrayal. Whit was the gentle soul whose uncertainties from within finally prevailed when fueled by insurmountable factors from without.

Many articulate people in the music community have shared heartfelt, poetic expressions in their shock over what happened. Bestselling author Paul Zollo, a good friend of Whit’s, said he couldn’t get something out of his head – a line from the Don McLean song, “Vincent” ~ “This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.”

Once you’ve read this, go to YouTube and Vimeo. Hit search and type-in "D Whitney Quinn" and bring-up the marvelous music videos with Whitney performing his originals. (We give you some web addresses, just below.) Some of these were superbly shot by Ron Sarfety. Some feature marvelous backing musicians. Some include Whitney’s signature bit of taking a cell phone call in the middle of a song – hilarious and daring, with brilliant comedic timing, and in which he celebrated his own inner awkwardness.

We will cherish the image of D. Whitney Quinn as a gentle but riveting presence on the stage, someone who could always make you smile when he was up there, someone who could seduce you into your comfort zone, then shock you with a sudden burst of profanity, and grin back at you because he got you.

Watch the first performance of the short song (1:46), “This Is Why We Love the Crazy Ones,” a co-write and duo performance by D. Whitney Quinn and Kevin Fisher, composed in just 17 minutes and then performed unrehearsed on the “Top Tune” songwriter “game show” in August, 2013. Remarkable for an effort as quick as a microwave pot pie. It’s at: .

Check-out Whit’s brilliantly arranged and accompanied original, “When I Get to Heaven,” on YouTube, at . It was filmed in 2009, nearly five years to the day before he and Elizabeth left us.

May you both be at peace, Whitney and Elizabeth. Unless you've put together a kickin' new band, and are smiling at our naïvete.



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♪ TICKET ALERTS
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Repeated again, because it should be…

√ Annual “FOLKWORKS BENEFIT CONCERT” is April 26…

Sat, Apr 26, in Santa Monica:
8 pm "FOLKWORKS ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT" at the Santa Monica Woman's Club, 1210 4th St (just S of Wilshire), Santa Monica 90401.
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We’ve brought you this Ticket Alert before, but it bears repeating. The lineup reflects FolkWorks' focus on world music as well as American folk music:
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SAUSAGE GRINDER - Los Angeles’ "all-natural hillbilly and country blues band" combines the traditional sounds of fiddle and banjo breakdowns with the low-down sound of country blues, topped off with a touch of ragtime and hillbilly jazz. This versatile acoustic group features fiddle, bank, guitar, mandolin, washboard, bagpipes and a few odds and ends.
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SWING RIOTS QUIRKTETTE - perform an irreverent gumbo of Gypsy & Creole Jazz, Klezmer & Romanian Horas, Parisian Musette & the occasional wild card thrown in for good measure. Six core members have played for decades in everything from Balkan dance bands to traditional Swing groups.
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NEVENKA - popular Los Angeles-based women’s chorus brings to life vocal folk/roots traditions from around the world. Their songs range from Bulgaria, Georgia, Russia, Bosnia to Rom and Sephardic songs - as well as recently added American and Irish music. Their spellbinding harmonies are at the core of their eclectic repertoire. While mostly singing a cappella, they are occasionally accompanied by percussion, mandolin, guitar, citern or panduri.
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TUNACIOUS - a Celtic genre-bending band with songs and dance tunes for a blowout contra dance to wind-up the evening.
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Go early for the reception at 7 pm. More info at 818-785-3839.
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Advance tix, $20 general admission, $25 VIP reserved (limited), available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/576923



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♪ FRIDAY’s Today/Tonight-Only
MUSIC & ART EVENTS
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Friday, April 18, 2014
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Fri, Apr 18, in Burbank:
1-3 pm THE WOODYJAMES 15-piece BIG BAND plays one of the two stages at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (next to L.A. Equestrian Center), Burbank; 818-845-2425 or 818-515-4444; www.vivacantina.com
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More shows here, on one or the other of the venue’s two stages, at 5 pm, 8 pm, & 9:30 pm; see listings.
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All shows on both stages are no cover. Venue is known for its Mexican food and full bar. Okay to park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl (free, nearly unlimited parking for Viva patrons).

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Fri, Apr 18, in Burbank:
5-8 pm CODY& THE CODYDEPENDENTS play Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (next to L.A. Equestrian Center), Burbank; 818-845-2425 or 818-515-4444; www.vivacantina.com
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More music here tonight at 8 & 9:30 pm. See listing.
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No cover. Venue is known for its Mexican food and full bar. Okay to park free across the street at Pickwick Bowl (free, nearly unlimited parking for Viva patrons).

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Fri, Apr 18, in Monrovia:
6-10 pm Weekly “MONROVIA FAMILY FESTIVAL” is a year-’round street fair with live music in venues and on street corners, plenty of it acoustic, in picturesque old downtown Monrovia.
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It includes the trad-roots-dulcimer-friendly “KATTYWOMPUS CONCERT & JAM” at 7 pm at Dollmakers Kattywompus, 412 S Myrtle Av, Monrovia 91016; info, 626-357-1091.
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For those too far away to take part, Kattywompus presents “Year 'Round Live Folk Music Webcast Concert;” info at www.SoKattywompus.com

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Fri, Apr 18, in Palmdale:
6 pm Monthly OPEN MIC at Butlers Coffee, 40125 10th St, West, Suite I, Palmdale 93551.
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Signups begin at 5:30 pm, for 15 slots. Each slot is 10 minutes. The show opens at 6 sharp, and runs until 9 pm. Standby signups taken, but will not play unless the show runs short. Reserve your slot in advance at waynesl@waynesl.com
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Free, with a one drink or food item purchase minimum. More at: http://desertsong.net

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Fri, Apr 18, in Redondo Beach:
6:30-9:30 pm ANDY & RENEE play On The Rocks, 239 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach 90277; 310-379-7438.

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Fri, Apr 18, in San Diego:
6:30 pm “WALT RICHARDS SLO JAM” is an all-acoustic-instruments affair at the San Carlos Recreation Center, 6445 Lake Badin Av, San Diego. Bring your strings.

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Fri, Apr 18, in SFV (Northridge):
7-10 pm “FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC SHOWCASE” brings a lineup of various musicians, all playing acoustic, at Pho-King Delicious, 9350 Corbin Av, Northridge 91324.
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No cover. Venue has a variety of noodle dishes, salads, spring rolls, soups, sandwiches, and Vietnamese pho. (The editor likes the food here.)

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Fri, Apr 18, in Santa Monica:
7:30 pm STRING MADNESS plays the concerts series at the Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St, Santa Monica 90405; 310-399-1631.

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Fri, Apr 18, in L.A.:
7:30 pm “SECRET SONGS” FREE concert series brings acoustic performances in front of a backdrop of sculptural masterpieces at the Mor York Gallery, 4959 York Bl, in the Highland Park / Mt. Washington area of Los Angeles 90042; 323-663-3426.
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The show is FREE, all ages. “Secret Songs” returns with its third season with tonight’s show. It’s a free monthly concert series (monthly, in season, on the 4th Fridays) featuring an eclectic mix of acoustic performances in front of a backdrop of sculptural masterpieces.
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Doors open at 7 pm. The first band is on at 7:30 pm, 2nd band at 8:15 pm, and 3rd band at 9 pm, and they “usually pretty prompt about times.”
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They have the vendor “Plant Food for People,” who is “serving up vegan jackfruit tacos in the back alley,” and they encourage you to “Come hungry and don't forget to bring a little cash for food, donations, and band merchandise.”
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More on the series at: www.facebook.com/SecretSongs

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Fri, Apr 18, in T.O.:
8 pm ELLIS PAUL plays the “LIVE AT THE LIBRARY” concert series at the Grant R. Brimhall Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks 91362; 818-621-8309.
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Tix and info, www.liveatthelibrary.org

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Fri, Apr 18, in L.A.:
8 pm TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT, that marvelous old-tyme string trio, plays their CD RELEASE show, with musical guests STEVE WERNER, and McDOUGALL, at Landmark 1642, 1642 Temple Av, downtown Los Angeles 90026; 213-989-6836.

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Fri, Apr 18, in Santa Monica:
8 pm MIKE PETERS of the band THE ALARM (“The Spirit of ’76”) plays McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497.
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Tix, $22.50.

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Fri, Apr 18, in L.A.:
8 pm Monthly “FREEBO & FRIENDS” at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, Los Angeles 90046; 323-653-0640.

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Fri, Apr 18, in Malibu:
8 pm Grammy Award winner ALBERT LEE, plays a benefit for “Safety Harbor Kids” at Duke’s of Malibu.
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ALBERT LEE, dubbed "The greatest guitarist in the world" by Eric Clapton, will bring his otherwise sold-out “70th Birthday Celebration Tour” to an intimate ocean setting in the Moana Room at Duke's Restaurant in Malibu. An evening of music, dining and dancing with surprise guests, the event will benefit Safety Harbor Kids, a non-profit organization supporting orphans, foster and homeless children.
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Also performing are Abandon Jalopy and Jamey Geston. Brad Smith, principal songwriter, bass player of Blind Melon, unleashes a torrent of hot, high energy songs under the code name Abandon Jalopy.
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15-year-old Jamey Geston is an upcoming singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music has an indie,folksy beat with a pinch of acoustic pop. Jamey has opened for the legendary Judy Collins and shared the stage with Jeff Bridges, Kenny Loggins and others.
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Past and present supporters of Safety Harbor Kids include numerous Grammy and Hall of Fame musicians such as Bonnie Raitt,Vince Gill,Jimmy Webb,and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Safety Harbor Kids Board Member,Jackson Browne. These amazing artists have donated,attended or performed at Safety Harbor Kids to lend their support in raising awareness for the cause and solution.
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Join these artists in supporting children in need, at: www.safetyharborkids.org or call 800-277-0497.
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Tix at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/604519

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Fri, Apr 18, in Hollywood:
8 pm BILL MANZIK plays the Piano Bar, 6429 Selma Av, Hollywood 90028; www.pianobarhollywood.com; 323-466-2750.

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Fri, Apr 18, in Pasadena:
8 pm KATHY KOSINS’ “Ladies of Cool: A Love Letter to the Feminine in Jazz,” plays the “Music at Boston Court” series at Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; www.bostoncourt.org; 626-683-6883.
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Celebrating the artistry of 1950s female jazz icons, Anita O'Day, June Christy, Julie London and Chris Connor, contemporary chanteuse Kathy Kosins brings her own personal interpretation and vocal style to Boston Court with her take on the “Ladies of Cool”. This marvelous concert explores the music and relationships that each of these extraordinary singers had with their composers and arrangers of the day. The style eventually became known as West Coast Jazz, defining the very essence of what we now know as “cool” jazz. Lay back, listen, and chill with this Lady of Cool.
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Tix, $25, ($20 for seniors), at: https://m.ovationtix.com/#/pr/930331

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Fri, Apr 18, in Altadena:
8 pm PHIL SALAZAR & THE KIN FOLK play the at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena.
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Easily one of the top acts Ventura County folk-roots acts on the past twenty years. Highly musical fun.
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For tix, call reservations, 626-798-6236, 10 am-10 pm, seven days. There’s more on the venue’s website, at www.coffeegallery.com

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Fri, Apr 18, in Arcadia:
8 pm-1 am A TOURING BLUES HEADLINE ACT, plus the excellent house band, the BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND, play the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006; www.arcadiabluesclub.com; 626-447-9349.
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Good food with generous portions is available from 7 pm until midnight. Free parking is available on the street and in the city lot across the street behind Denny’s. Fun place. But bring earplugs. Seriously.
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Advance tix (and even reservations) are discounted, at http://arcadiabluesclub.ticketleap.com

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Fri, Apr 18; Wed-Fri, Apr 16-18, in OC (Costa Mesa):
8 pm PACIFIC SYMPHONY presents “ROMEO & JULIET” at Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa; 714-556-2787; www.ocpac.org
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Full program:
Vivaldi: Concerto for Four Violins
Tchaikovsky: Rococo Variations
Prokofiev: Selections from “Romeo and Juliet”
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Relive the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers through Prokofiev’s masterful, memorable music! Here, actors and dancers reinstate the original happy ending, which was banned by Joseph Stalin in favor of Shakespeare’s tragic finale.
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♪ Carl St.Clair, conductor
♪ Ramond Kobler, violin
♪ Paul Manaster, violin
♪ Jeanne Skrocki, violin
♪ Bridget Dolkas, violin
♪ Timothy Landauer, cello
♪ Joseph Horowitz, artistic adviser
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Tix at 714-755-5799 or www.PacificSymphony.org

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Fri, Apr 18, in San Pedro:
8 pm DICK WELLER TRIO plays Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St, San Pedro 90732; 310-833-3281.
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$20 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm.

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Fri, Apr 18, in SFV (Chatsworth):
8 pm An UNSPECIFIED AMERICANA / ALT COUNTRY / TRAD COUNTRY / or HONKY TONK BAND plays the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
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No cover. This is L.A.’s last real honky tonk. Full bar, lots of fun. Go early for the free dance lessons.

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Fri, Apr 18, in Glendale:
8-11 pm Piano man MARC BOSSERMAN plays the Left Coast Wine Bar and Art Gallery, 117 E Harvard, Glendale 91205; 818-507-7011; www.leftcoastwinebar.com
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Marc says, “This is just a great space with a Yamaha Upright piano and a nice PA, and if you sing, it's the best place to come and hang and sing with me. Also very up in the air and open as to what I play. Casual – comfortable and cool. Cute menu.”
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More at: www.marcbosserman.com/gigs

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Fri, Apr 18, in San Diego Co (Fallbrook):
8 pm-midnight HUMBLE HOOLIGANS, a big hit at the recent Irish Fest, play McGee’s in Fallbrook.
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More at: http://humblehooligans.com

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Fri, Apr 18, in L.A.:
8 pm “MUSIC ON FRIDAY NIGHTS” acoustic series continues at MUSE on 8th, 759 S La Brea Av (at 8th St, just S of Wilshire, Mid-City Los Angeles; www.MUSEon8th.com
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Come at 7:30 pm to network, socialize, catch up, and grab some coffee & a snack.

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Fri, Apr 18, in Echo Park:
8 pm “MUSIC ON THE PATIO” acoustic series continues at Stories, 1716 W Sunset Bl, Echo Park (Los Angeles); 213-413-3733.

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Fri, Apr 18, in Burbank:
9 pm WHISKEY HAYRIDE plays Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill, 4311 W Magnolia Bl, Burbank 91505; 818-729-0805.
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More on this new band of veteran players at www.facebook.com/whiskeyhayride

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Fri, Apr 18, in Ventura:
9 pm-midnight SALTY SUITES play a full evening at Amigo’s Surf Cantina, 546 E Main St, Ventura 93001; 805-874-2232.
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The band tells us, “We have been besieged with requests and questions on when will the Salty Suites be coming back to Ventura! Well, we are back. Scott, Chuck, Chelsea and Elaine will be appearing in a night of fun over the top originals and Americana music sure to thrill you. Come early, call ahead and get a seat as seating is limited and this will fill up fast. Please prepare to eat your dinner and have some drinks to support the venue. Since Oue Beloved Zoeys is closed, we need to support the venues that gives us great music. Come eat drink and be entertained.”
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No cover.

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Fri, Apr 18, in Murrieta:
9 pm An UNDISCLOSED IRISH BAND plays the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta 92563; 951-696-5252; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com

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Fri, Apr 18, in SFV (Van Nuys):
9:30 pm KEN O’MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS play Ireland's 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys 91401; www.irelands32.com

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Fri, Apr 18, in Culver City:
9:30 pm An UNDISCLOSED AMERICANA / HONKY TONK / OR COUNTRY ROCK band plays the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City.
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Venue has full bar. It’s the size of a postage stamp, and barstool seating is competitive. But it’s always fun. No cover. Bring $ for the artists' tip jar.



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♪ ONGOING MUSIC & ART EVENTS
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Ongoing, through Apr 19, in Sierra Madre:
(Times vary, by night) “CIVIL WAR MUSIC-THEMED LIVE THEATRE,” in three period-music-related productions, at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre; 626-355-4318; www.sierramadreplayhouse.com. Free street parking.

Nick Smith, veteran storyteller and co-producer of the Pasadena Folk Music Series (formerly the Caltech Folk Music Series), says, “I’m historical advisor for their current productions. The main one, "Battledrum," (Mar 7-Apr 19) is a short musical drama about drummer boys during the Civil War.”
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The theatre’s lobby has a wonderful display of Civil War photographs and descriptive placards, along with a Union uniform and lady’s dress of the time.
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Each performance of "Battledrum" opens with an opening talk by a historian, leading into the play. Nick tells us, “I will be doing [the historian’s opening] for some of the performances. I’m also helping select the readings and music for the other production. It’s been busy.”
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The Guide was there for ""THE PLAYER KING," a one-night-only show in the series on March 28. It’s about the theatrical Booth family, including John Wilkes Booth, the actor who assassinated Abraham Lincoln. Written and performed by DARIN DAHMS, it is an inspired performance. If it’s indicative of this series, and we believe it is, then catch as much of it as you can.
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Tix and info, at:
http://sierramadreplayhouse.org/playhouse

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ONGOING, theatre and ONLINE screening, through April 24:
“GO WITH LE FLO,” the new feature film by the BRIGHT BLUE GORILLA band members MICHAEL GLOVER and ROBYN ROSENKRANTZ who won the Mumbai Film Festival with a previous film, opens at the Downtown Independent Cinema, 251 S Main St, Los Angeles 90012.
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See the complete feature story in the Guide’s Apr 11 edition’s “events” listings.
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Advance tix, $10 ($11.34 w/service fee) at:
www.brownpapertickets.com/producerevent/537914
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For the shut-ins or those not in L.A., the film is accessible on your computer:
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ONLINE: watch “Go with Le Flo” (the full movie) in the USA at: www.eurocinema.com
If you're outside of the USA, you can watch “Go with Le Flo” on Vimeo On Demand - available ONLY from April 11 thru 24.

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ONGOING, through May 4, in L.A.:
8 pm “ALMOST WHITE” a new solo series by Rick Najera, alternating with “SCARRED FOR LIFE” by David Valdez, are comedic stage play productions at Casa 0101 Theatre, 2102 E 1st St, Los Angeles 90033.
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There is a full feature write-up in the Apr 11 edition’s “events” listing.
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On opening night, both plays are presented; after that, the two shows alternate. Limited engagement runs Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 5 pm, through May 4.
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Najera, one of Hollywood’s most prolific playwright-performers, sets the stage for his new play based on his latest memoir, “Almost White: Forced Confessions of a Latino in Hollywood.” Runs April 11, 12, 13, 25, 26 and 27.
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Alternating with it is:
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“Scarred for Life: Tale of A Mexican-American Trying to Get Out of East L.A.,” by David Valdez, runs April 11, 18, 19, 20 and May 2, 3 and 4.
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Tix, $15-$30, at www.casa0101.org. More info at www.ricknajera.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AlmostWhite.

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ONGOING through Apr 19, at UCLA:
8 pm “THE SUIT,” from theater Icon Peter Brook, presented by the Center for the Art of Performance (CAP) series for eight performances at UCLA’s Freud Playhouse, in MacGowan Hall, 245 Charles E. Young Dr East, on the UCLA campus in Westwood (L.A.) 90095.
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“The Suit” is a simmering tale of betrayal and resentment set in the politically charged sphere of apartheid-era South Africa, performed by Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, with direction, adaptation and musical direction by Peter Brook, Marie-Hélène Estienne and Franck Krawczyk. The story centers on Philomen, a middle-class lawyer and his wife, Matilda. The suit of the title belongs to Matilda’s lover and is left behind when Philomen catches the illicit couple together. As punishment, Philomen makes Matilda treat the suit as an honored guest as a constant reminder of her adultery. The setting of Sophiatown, a teeming township that was erased shortly after Can Themba wrote his novel, is as much a character in the play as the unfortunate couple, and this production lends it life and energy with a minimal cast.
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Themba was a South African writer during apartheid. His short novel, “The Suit” was supposed to change the writer’s life, but the cruel restrictions in his native country led him to exile, his works banned in his home country. He died an alcoholic before his most famous work was adapted for the stage by Mothobi Mutloatse and Barney Simon at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre in the newly liberated South Africa of the 1990s.
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Renowned director Peter Brook previously adapted that stage version and took it on tour in a French-language production. He returned to the source language of English working with his longtime collaborator Marie-Hélène Estienne and composer Franck Krawczyk. They have adapted the play and have set it to music from sources as diverse as Franz Schubert and Miriam Makeba.
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The UCLA Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA (CAP UCLA) is dedicated to the advancement of contemporary performing arts in all disciplines —dance, music, spoken word and theater, as well the emerging digital, collaborative and cross-art platforms inspired by today's leading artists and creators. CAP supports the creation, presentation and critical dialogues vital to the ongoing innovation and expressive potential of artists whose work, whether vibrantly emerging or internationally acclaimed, forms the dynamic and evolving heritage of contemporary performance. Based in UCLA's iconic Royce Hall, CAP UCLA is the university's public center for the presentation of the performing arts and contributes to the cultural life of the campus and greater Los Angeles, promoting civic dialogue and creative inquiry. Through an annual season of performing arts programs and extensive community-engagement events — including artist fellows and residency programs, K–12 arts education (Design for Sharing), student mentorship (Student Committee for the Arts), and art-making and experiential activities (Art in Action) — CAP UCLA advances the importance of art in society by celebrating and deepening the connection between artist and audience.
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The show runs as follows: Wed, Apr 9 through Fri, Apr 11, at 8 pm; Sat, Apr 12, at 2 & 8 pm; Sun, Apr 13, at 2 pm; Thu, Apr 17 through Sat, Apr 19, at 8 pm. The only alternative to the hefty cost of campus parking is the MTA or Culver or Big Blue Bus.
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Tix, $30-$65, available online at www.cap.ucla.edu, or from the UCLA Central Ticket Office, at 310-825-2101, or with the usual hefty processing fee at Ticketmaster. Student rush tickets, subject to availability, are offered at $15 one hour before show time to all students with valid ID.

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ONGOING at the Getty Villa, through Aug 25, in Malibu:
“Heaven and Earth: Art of Byzantium from Greek Collections” at the Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu; 310-440-7300; parking, $15.
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Marked by glittering mosaics, luminous icons, and opulent churches, the Byzantine Empire (A.D. 330–1453) flourished for more than one thousand years. Over 170 national treasures from Greece illustrate the development of a mighty empire, from its pagan origins to a deeply spiritual Christian society. This exhibition is presented in conjunction with “Heaven and Earth: Byzantine Illumination at the Cultural Crossroads” at the Getty Center.
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The exhibition was organized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, Athens, with the collaboration of the Benaki Museum, Athens, in association with the J. Paul Getty Museum and the National Gallery of Art, Washington. The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

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ONGOING at the Getty, through Jun 1, in L.A.:
“JACKSON POLLOCK’S MURAL,” and “HATCHED! CREATING FORM WITH LINE,” are two concurrent temporary exhibitions at the Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A. 90049; 310-440-7300; parking is $15.

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ONGOING at the Getty, through Jun 8, in L.A.:
“A ROYAL PASSION: QUEEN VICTORIA & PHOTOGRAPHY” and “HIROSHI SUGIMOTO: PAST TENSE” are two concurrent temporary exhibitions at the Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A. 90049; 310-440-7300; parking is $15.

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ONGOING at the Getty, through Jun 22, in L.A.:
“HEAVEN AND EARTH: BYZANTINE ILLUMINATION AT THE CULTURAL CROSSROADS” is a new temporary exhibition at the Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A. 90049; 310-440-7300; parking is $15.



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♪ FESTIVALS ELSEWHERE
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√ Annual TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL, April 16-27, in NYC. See “Ticket Alerts” for one of the films you can see in L.A., on April 22.



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A separate edition with
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
news & events will be along, soon.
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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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CONTACT US / Questions / Comments / SUBSCRIBE to our notices, etc., all at
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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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