Saturday, August 8, 2015

Your WEEKEND! 3 Festivals; Dozens of Concerts; Ships; Musical Stage Plays; Film Events; more --- Aug 8 & 9 2015

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Both Saturday and Sunday are VERY fully covered in this edition. Plus all kinds of upcoming events are in a hugely updated “Ticket Alerts” section. And WHAT a weekend!

Yeppers: THREE festivals. Concerts outdoors & in. Ships here for “NAVY DAYS.” Really good stage events. And many more additions to the Guide’s “TICKET ALERTS.” Because summer is getting away from us and there’s no time to lose. Especially a weekend when those hot temperatures abate.

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Guide to this edition…

1) FESTIVALS this WEEKEND...

2) SATURDAY’s Concerts / Music & Arts Scene

3) SUNDAY’s Concerts / Music & Arts Scene

4) TICKET ALERTS…
Separate categories for ongoing events, upcoming festivals, & concerts

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1) FESTIVALS this WEEKEND...
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Fri-Sun, Aug 7-9,
FESTIVAL,
in Long Beach:
28th Annual “LONG BEACH JAZZ FESTIVAL” brings headline performances by JEFF BRADSHAW, CHRISETTE MICHELE, KENNY BABYFACE EDMONDS, STEPHANIE MILLS, ERIC DARIUS, and more, at Rainbow Lagoon Events Park, 400 E Shoreline Dr (between Shoreline Village Dr & Linden Av), Long Beach 90802.
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Info at www.krprmedia.com
and
www.urbanlyfestylesmagazine.com


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Sat, Aug 8,
FESTIVAL,
in Santa Barbara:
5:30 pm 20th Annual “SANTA BARBARA MARIACHI FESTIVAL” is a long-running tradition in the beach city, and brings a full night with performances by ANA BARBARA, MARIACHI VARGAS de TECALITLÁN, the Grammy-winning MARIACHI DIVAS de CINDY SHEA, MARIACHI GARIBALDI de JAIME CUELLAR, BALLET FOLKLÓRICO de LOS ÁNGELES, at the Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara 93103; 805-962-7411.
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The Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to promoting and preserving the tradition of mariachi music and directing its revenues to provide scholarships that help further the education of Latino students, helping forge a brighter future for the Latino youths of Santa Barbara County.
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Tix, $95 - $50, at https://sbbowl.com


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Sat, Aug 8,
FESTIVAL,
in downtown L.A.:
3-7 pm “BURGERS & BEER FESTIVAL” at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum features undisclosed live music. It centers on Los Angeles’ best burger restaurants serving their signature sliders and the state’s best craft breweries sampling the brews that have made them famous. Confirmed restaurants include Animal, Bouchon Bistro, Grill 'Em All, Ledlow, Pono Burger and many more to come. Confirmed breweries include Angel City Brewery, Bottle Logic Brewing, Ninkasi Brewing, Strand Brewing Company and more.


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Saturday OUT-OF-TOWN FESTIVAL...

Sat, Aug 8,
FESTIVAL,
in Washington state:
10th Annual "PORT GAMBLE MARITIME MUSIC FESTIVAL" in historic Port Gamble, Washington, includes performances by PINT & DALE, SPANAWAY BAY, J.W. SPARROW, THE WHATEVERLY BROTHERS, KESSLER & PERASSO, and more.
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It's a day set in a natural amphitheater overlooking picturesque Gamble Bay with seafaring music by esteemed musicians of the Northwest maritime music community, plus some more far-flung guests. (Note: PINT & DALE just played the annual San Diego Maritime Festival.)
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This Northwest festival promotes the living legacy of maritime music from all corners of the globe, as played by the many local and national artists who live in the Puget Sound area and across the country.
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Food, drinks, and snacks are available in the Port Gamble General Store. There's parking and a rain stage across the street.
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Schedule and more details at:
www.portgamblemaritimemusic.com


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Sunday IN-TOWN FESTIVAL...

Sun, Aug 9,
FREE PSEUDO-FESTIVAL,
in Mar Vista:
10 am-3 pm "BIRTHDAYPALOOZA COUNTRY FAIR" brings performances by I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. with RICK SHEA sitting-in on pedal steel, plus DAN WEINSTEIN & THE TWO TONES, at the Mar Vista Farmer's Market, corner of Venice and Grandview, Mar Vista; www.marvistafarmersmarket.org
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Hawks play 11 am to 1:30 pm, for "Three big sets of old favorites and new tunes, with RICK SHEA on pedal steel."
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They add, "We're part of an excellent outdoor event, organic produce meets CicLavia bicycle event, and you can even take the train to get there. Rob Waller might even enter / judge the pie baking contest.
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Details and location of stage and all events: http://www.marvistafarmersmarket.org
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Free event.



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2) SATURDAY’s Concerts / Music & Arts Scene
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Sat, Aug 8, FREE, in OC (Orange):
9 am-1 pm WIMBERLEY BLUEGRASS BAND, a delightful and proficient family of musical siblings, plays the “Orange Homegrown Farmers & Artisans Market,” 304 N Cypress St, Orange.

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Sat, Aug 8; Fri-Sun, Aug 7, 8, & 9:
Annual "NAVY DAYS" in San Pedro brings SHIPS BANDS and offers you the chance for a FREE tour of an active US Navy vessel. But you need to get your free ticket in advance! See below.
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Tours, displays, staged activities, etc., are based from and sponsored by the Port of Los Angeles at the World Cruise Center, 100 Swinford St, San Pedro 90731. Parking in the cruise terminal lot is $2/hr.
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• There's FREE live music and entertainment (sometimes that features the Navy Band or one or more ship's bands).
• Discount tix for the BATTLESHIP IOWA.
• L.A. Maritime Museum "TALL SHIP" tours.
• Marine Corps equipment exhibits.
• Food trucks.
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You need to get your free ticket in advance to tour any of the active US Navy ships open for visitors. Do that at:
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https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navy-days-la-2015-public-ship-tours-tickets-17800183829

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Sat & Sun, Aug 8 & 9, atop SFV:
Noon & 2 pm “A MUSICAL ROAD TRIP THROUGH AMERICA” summer series continues this weekend with performances Saturday by RANDY KAPLAN and Sunday by MOSTLY KOSHER at Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Bl, Los Angeles 90049; www.skirball.org; 310-440-4500.
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This summer’s Skirball “Family Amphitheater Performances” take family visitors on “a ramblin’ musical road trip, inspired by Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution.” Series runs Saturdays and Sundays, Jun 27–Sep 6, with performances at noon and 2 pm.
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All performances are included with Museum admission. Free on-site parking; street parking strictly prohibited.

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Sat & Sun, Aug 8 & 9, in Pasadena:
“SCARE L.A. CONVENTION” is billed as “The Ultimate Summer Halloween Event” at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St, Suite # 303, Pasadena 91101.
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Depending on what you do, prices range from $34 - $436 (that latter price? We see why it’s scary!)

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Sat, Aug 8, in Long Beach:
(time tba) “THE WIZ: LIVE” tour plays Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach sometime today.
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It stars STEPHANIE MILLS, the familiar face from the original Broadway cast and star of the upcoming NBC-tv live adaptation. Mills, who portrayed Dorothy when the musical launched in 1975, will now play Auntie Em, as announced at the NBC Upfronts presentation. “The Wiz Live!” will air Dec 3 on NBC.
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The 1975 Broadway hit re-imagined “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” with an all-black cast and a NYC-inspired “Land of Oz.” The live production, which is partnered with CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, follows NBC’s hugely successful 2013 hit “A Sound of Music Live” and last year’s “Peter Pan Live,” continuing a newly-rediscovered tradition that actually harkens back to tv’s 1950s roots when such live productions as “Playhouse 90,” “The Milton Berle Show,” “Ed Sullivan,” and “Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour” were weekly staples.
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This live promotional tour, being financed by NBC, is a nationwide event. It’s bouncing-around the country so inscrutably it could only happen with a budget that’s too big to force things to make sense. The only other semi-local date is Sep 27 in Henderson, NV, at the Henderson Pavilion. Hit the web for info so you can take your kids to today’s live event in Long Beach.

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Sat, Aug 8, in Hermosa Beach:
1-5 pm Monthly “OLD-TIME MUSIC JAM” at 657 Porter Ln, Hermosa Beach 90254.

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Sat, Aug 8, in OC (Costa Mesa):
1 & 4 pm SMITH SMITH plays twice today and twice Sunday at the 125th Annual “ORANGE COUNTY FAIR,” which has live concerts day and night, with these and other shows here on “The Hangar” stage, and more in the Pac Amp and elsewhere including the “Promenade” stage, plus more in and on other nooks and crannies on the grounds and other stages at the OC Fair (which runs Jul 17 to Aug 16, 2015), at the OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa 92626.
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SMITH SMITH is a seven-piece pop country music group located in Southern California that performs hits from Nashvulle acts such as Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert to Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line.
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You’ll be more interested in the 8:30 show with WRECK N SOW at The Hangar; see listing.
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BTW, tonight’s show at 8 at the Pac Amp is a double-bill with FIFTH HARMONY, plus DEBBY RYAN & THE NEVER ENDING.
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You’ll find more shows on at least TWO other stages at the OC Fair, “The Hangar” stage, and “The Promenade” stage.
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The fair has two principal music venues – Pac Amp and The Hangar – plus other musical entertainment, and all of it is free with admission. We’ll endeavor to keep you posted about all the listenable music on all the stages. The headline acts all play the “2015 Toyota Summer Concert Series at Pacific Amphitheatre.”
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“The Hangar” is an aviation hangar-style building with a 50-foot arched ceiling, Fairgoers can enjoy live entertainment, including music and other types of performances. All tickets include free OC Fair admission. Free-with-admission community entertainment is also scheduled daily, see the Daily Schedules on the fair’s website for a list of free entertainment.
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** Full sched. for Pac Amp during the fair:
http://www.pacamp.com/pa/
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** Full sched. for the Fair’s OTHER principal stage, The Hangar, is at:
http://www.ocfair.com/2015/thingstodo/the_hangar.asp
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ALL stages are free with admission to the OC fair.

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Sat, Aug 8, in San Pedro:
2:30 pm The BATTLESHIP IOWA presents "MUSIC UNDER THE GUNS" with the HUNTINGTON BEACH CONCERT BAND on the main deck, beneath the giant gun turrets aboard the battleship USS Iowa at the ship’s display dock, 250 S Harbor Bl, San Pedro 90731; 877-446-9261.
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The Huntington Beach Concert Band is under direction of conductor TOM RIDLEY. The band will serenade guests with performances of patriotic selections, show tunes, popular music, swing, movie melodies and more. You’ll sit “under the guns” aboard Battleship IOWA while enjoying the warm weather and the stunning views of the LA Waterfront. No outside food or beverage; concessions will be sold.
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$10 adults, $5 youth/students (w/valid ID); age 5 & under free.

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√ A Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sat, Aug 8, in Altadena:
3 pm ROD MELANCON & PATRICK CARRICO play a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; call for reservations, 626-798-6236.
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“ROD MELANCON is a story teller, and whether those stories are late night, coal-mine dark or Saturday sunny summertime barn dance bright, he delivers them with true authority.” – Paul Zollo, American Songwriter magazine.

Blue Elan recording artist ROD MELANCON may be of the most important young artists in Americana today. He has torn through Los Angeles delivering shows with a passionate performance of original songs that capture the soul the true heart of America today. His 2014 album, “Parish Lines,” won the young singer-songwriter great critical acclaim, including being named by No Depression magazine as one of the Top 10 albums of the year. Country television's “CMT Edge in Nashville” selected Rod among the Top 5 artists to watch in 2015. The South Louisiana native will be entering the studio again soon to begin work on his Blue Elan debut with producer Brian Whelan. His live performances are dynamic, engaging and hypnotic.
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Plus...
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PATRICK CARRICO is one of the most promising young California-country artists. With a strong leaning toward Memphis-style rockabilly and Indie rock influence he combines it all to create a landscape of classic country sounds in the tradition of Dwight Yoakum. Through his original songs and as a gifted multi-instrumentalist, Patrick is a reminder of just how good a country artist can be when he carries his own vision and holds strong to the roots of American music. He received three nominations for 2014 “L.A. Music Awards,” for “Best Country Single of the Year” (his song, "Barfly"), “Best Musical Group of the Year,” and “Social Media Artist of the Year.” His second EP, “Going to Town,” on Live On Analog Records, was released in June.
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Tix, $20.

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Sat, Aug 8, in San Clemente:
3-8 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “SAN CLEMENTE SONG CIRCLE & BBQ / POTLUCK” in San Clemente 92672. Info and location at www.songmakers.org

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Sat, Aug 8, in NoHo & ONLINE:
4-6 pm “CHRIS FLETCHER PRESENTS: THE COOL SCHOOL” with his special guest, Music Attorney BEN McLANEAT, at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info, www.kulakswoodshed.com.
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$20 admission.

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Sat, Aug 8, in South Pas:
5:30 pm PADDY'S PIG, a fine trad Irish band, plays Griffins of Kinsale, 1007 Mission St, South Pasadena 91030; www.griffinsofkinsale.com
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Missy, Mike, Damon, Marty, & Jon — Paddy's Pig — always look and sound wonderful on stage. They tell us, "We've got new venues we're playing for the first time, new songs we've been writing, and new recordings on the way! Thanks so much for supporting and enjoying local Irish music!"
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More at: www.paddyspig.com

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Sat, Aug 8, in San Diego:
6-10:15 pm DWIGHT 'BLACK CAT' CARRIER brings Cajun-Zydeco music for the monthly listening and dancing series at War Memorial Hall, 3325 Zoo Dr, San Diego 92101.
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Doors at 6 pm; dance lesson 6:20-7 pm; open dancing 7-10:15 pm.
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$10 cover; First timers $5.

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Sat, Aug 8, in SaMo:
6 pm ALAN PASQUA piano, DAREK OLES bass, PETER ERSKINE drums bring their trio for an intimate concert at the “GARDEN PARTY WINE/ FOOD TASTINGS” series at the Herb Alpert Educational Center / Moss Theater, 3131 Olympic Bl, Santa Monica 90404
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Concert begins at 7 pm,
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Tix, $35.

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Sat, Aug 8, in VC (Somis):
6 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “SOMIS SONG CIRCLE & POTLUCK” in Somis 93066. Location and info, www.songmakers.org

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Sat, Aug 8, in Lakewood:
6:30 pm Weekly “BLUEGRASS CONCERT” with a different band every Saturday, at Me N Ed’s Pizza Parlor, 4115 Paramount Bl, Lakewood 90712; 562-421-8908.

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Sat, Aug 8, in SFV (Mission Hills):
6:30-10 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “MISSION HILLS SONG CIRCLE” in Mission Hills 91345. Location and info, www.songmakers.org

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√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sat, Aug 8, in Temecula:
7 pm MELISSA ETHERIDGE plays Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Rd, Temecula 92591; 951-699-0099.

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√ A Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sat, Aug 8, in Altadena:
7 pm THE UNTOUCHABLES play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; call for reservations, 626-798-6236.
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THE UNTOUCHABLES jazz band returns to The Coffee Gallery Backstage for a jazzy summer performance. This talented group of musicians first came on the Pasadena jazz scene four years ago and perfected their youthful approach to jazz right here on The Coffee Gallery's Backstage. The five members of The Untouchables have spent the past four months apart, sharpening their skills at institutions of higher learning around the world.
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Keyboardist ERIC ENGLER grew up in Chicago's suburbs listening to jazz tunes, taking piano and trumpet lessons. After moving to La Canada, he happily spent his high school years playing with jazz with The Untouchables. He continues to play both piano and trumpet and is currently studying Jazz Performance and Recording Arts at Baltimore's Peabody Conservatory.
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Drummer SHAN HAUPT is beating his drums all over Europe as he studies at the American University of Paris, France. Shan is studying how jazz is interpreted throughout different regions of Europe and is the undisputed king of the music room at AUP.
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Vocalist NORA SAGAL is currently performing with the HARVARD OPPORTUNES while attending Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. While charming audiences with her jazzed up interpretations of holiday favorites, you may recognize Nora's voice. Nora sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in the George Clooney movie, “The Monuments Men.”
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Bass player JOSHUA SPRY studies Music at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, where he plays with the College's Jazz Ensemble. Although he's a music major with an emphasis in trumpet, Josh passionately plays the typical jazz acoustic stand-up bass and the bass guitar when playing with The Untouchables.
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Saxophone player MATTHEW SCHWARTZ currently performs with University of California Berkeley's Jazz Ensemble, a group of ten elite musicians, ranging from two freshmen to graduate students. Matthew is the only alto sax in the Jazz Ensemble, which performs in various venues in the Berkeley area.
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Pasadena Weekly's John Sollenburger wrote, “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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Sat, Aug 8, in Echo Park (L.A.):
7-10 pm Monthly “GRASSROOTS ACOUSTICA” showcase of recording artists is a BENEFIT concert for a different charity each month, at the Echo Park Film Center, 1200 Alvarado St, Echo Park 90026.

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Sat, Aug 8, FREE, in downtown L.A.:
7 pm INTERNATIONAL SWINGERS, GAMBLERS MARK, and JOHNNY X & THE NAMES make for a big lineup, playing the free summer “PERSHING SQUARE CONCERT SERIES” in Pershing Square (park) 532 S Olive St, Los Angeles 90013; 310-401-0258.
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Make no mistake, this is ROCK, not folky-kinda-anything. We’re listing it because it’s the last concert at an especially fun free summer venue. And we’re giving it a full write-up so you will absolutely know what you’re getting into if you go.
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GAMBLERS MARK brings “Timeless Rockabilly soul crafted with the punch of real Rock n' Roll." From the un-sleepy town of El Monte, CA, Gamblers Mark have earned a name for themselves as one of the most versatile bands out there. The trio is composed of original / founding members vocalist-guitarist DAVE GAMBLER, his little brother up-right bassist DANNY EXITO, and drummer RICKY LOBO. For over a decade now they have taken their sound all over the U.S. and most recently to Europe and Japan. Their well-received psychobilly / punk rock sound is heavily rooted in a Rockabilly / Rock n' Roll foundation. Brothers Dave and Danny grew up on a steady diet of Rockabilly greats and acts like The Johnny Brunette Trio, Chuck Berry, The Sharks, and Frantic Flinstones. They were also profoundly touched by the infectious sounds of the Spanish Rock N' Roll their father played growing up. Drummer RICKY LOBO's musical influences date from the hardcore Punk era such as 7 Seconds, Dag Nasty, Crucifix, Minor Threat, and Black Flag. Ricky maintains the balance, skill, and style that contributes to the Gamblers Mark signature sound.
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The guys have not gone unnoticed, Gretsch Guitars gave Dave Gambler with an endorsement in 2013, and Dave's infectious riffs have never sounded better. Lucky 13 Clothing culture label also sponsors the band with their exclusive designs of vintage American apparel. The trio is currently working on their third full length production, slated for release soon.
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Plus...
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THE INTERNATIONAL SWINGERS are an all-star rock and roll group; CLEM BURKE from BLONDIE and EURYTHMICS; GLEN MATLOCK from SEX PISTOLS / RICH KIDS / IGGY POP / THE FACES; JAMES STEVENSON from GENERATION X / THE ALARM / GENE LOVES JEZEBEL; GARY TWINN from SUPERNAUT and TWENTY FLIGHT ROCKERS. Inductee members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame within their ranks, and proprietors of rock and roll battlefield scars, THE INTERNATIONAL SWINGERS are warriors of the punk / new wave / glam era who led onslaughts on the pop charts, scoring hit songs despite being infamously banned from the radio.
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Plus...
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JOHNNY X AND THE NAMES, an L.A. classic rockin’ band that has played everywhere from Madame Wongs with THE POLICE to the Starwood with VAN HALEN. THE NAMES were one of the first bands blasting music at Al’s Bar, placing them on the cutting edge of the downtown music scene.
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Details at: www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/SummerConcertSeries.html
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Free.

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Sat, Aug 8, in Palmdale:
7 pm NEW LEAF plays Butler's Coffee, 40125 10th St West, Suite I, Palmdale 93551; 661-272-9530.
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This outfit brings “homegrown blues-drenched folk boogie.” Certainly seems promising, and they’ll play two sets.
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Cover is one purchase, food or drink (coffeehouse fare, includes tasty items suitable to call dinner).

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Sat, Aug 8, FREE, in SFV (Chatsworth):
7 pm AMERICANA / ALT or TRAD COUNTRY / HONKY TONK MUSIC live tonight at the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
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This is L.A.’s last real honky-tonk, no cover, full bar, and friendly people who all like to dance. Go early for the free dance lessons. There’s live music every night, seven nights a week; sometimes acoustic, sometimes heavy on the pedal steel or the twang, but never that annoying fahke ackscent Nashvulle scene.

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Sat, Aug 8, in Ventura:
7:30 pm LEANN RIMES plays the main stage concert series at the 140th Annual "VENTURA COUNTY FAIR" at the fairgrounds complex, 10 W Harbor Bl, Ventura; 805-648-3376.
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Music happens on several stages throughout the fairgrounds, and it’s like Forrest Gump’s box o’ choc’lates: You never know what you gonna get. Except with the headliners in the fair's Grandstand Concerts series, which, like all the music at the VC fair, is FREE with paid fair admission. Here are all those offerings, after tonight:
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Sun, Aug 9, 3 pm: Dia de la Familia Concert.
Mon, Aug 10, 7:30 pm: Kevin Costner & Modern West.
Tues, Aug 11, 1 pm: Neil Sedaka (matinee only).
Tues, Aug 11, 7:30 pm: Chaka Khan.
Wed, Aug 12, 7:30 pm: The Band Perry.
Thurs, Aug 13, 7:30 pm: The B -52s.
Fri, Aug 14, 7:30 pm: Salt-N -Pepa.
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Other musical entertainment happens throughout the fair, but we do not have that info.
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Note: there are Free Rodeos on Sat & Sun, Aug 15 &16 at 2 & 7 pm.
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Full info at:
www.venturacountyfair.org

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Sat, Aug 8, in Newhall (Santa Clarita):
7:30 pm GRATEFUL DUDES play their weekly bluegrass residency, sometimes with impressive guest players, at Vincenzo's Pizza, 24500 Lyons Av, Newhall 91350.

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Sat, Aug 8, FREE, in L.A.:
7:30 pm “RANCH PARTY,” FREE weekly roots-country-Americana show presented by EB's Beer & Wine Bar in the West Food Court at the Original L.A. Farmer’s Market, 6333 West Third St (3rd & Fairfax), in L.A. 90036.
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Free, except for the parking and whatever you eat & drink.

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Sat, Aug 8, in L.A.:
7:30 pm Monthly “LOS ANGELES MENSA FOLKSONG SING” in L.A. Info and location, call Alan Stillson, 818-884-4284.

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√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sat, Aug 8, in L.A.:
8 pm WOODY ALLEN & HIS NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BAND play the Orpheum Theatre, 842 S Broadway, L.A.; 213-749-5171.
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Tix now available at:
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http://m.ticketmaster.com/woody-allen-and-his-new-orleans-los-angeles-california-08-08-2015/event/09004EA9B4551DBA?artistid=1017285&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=4&brand=nederlanderla&camefrom=cfc_ndrcon_ned_Aug5

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√ A Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sat, Aug 8, in Hollywood:
8 pm SHERYL CROW plays a second night at the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood 90068; 323-850-2000 or 213-480-3232.

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Sat, Aug 8, FREE, in Pasadena:
8 pm GARY LEWIS & THE PLAYBOYS play the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Memorial Park, 85 E Holly St, Pasadena 91103; 626-683-3230.
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Series producers say, “Bring your GROOVY back... put on your bell bottoms, your flower power, and your peace sign jewelry, grab your picnic basket, and head on over to the Levitt Pasadena as we swing back to the ’60s this week with GARY LEWIS AND THE PLAYBOYS (... remember ‘This Diamond Ring’-?)” Uhh, no we don’t, but we’re sure some of our readers will.
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Ride the Metro Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station and you’re right there.
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Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, and a picnic (no alcohol allowed in the park, and that’s enforced with expensive citations) or grab a bite to eat from the “Taste of Levitt Pavilion Pasadena” (rotating food trucks). Arrive early to enjoy a pre-show performances on the little “Grassy Hill Side Stage,” and check out the local “Community Partners” while the little ones enjoy the KidZone.
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Free, except what you buy to eat. More at: www.levittpasadena.org

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Sat, Aug 8, in SGV (Arcadia):
8-11:30 pm CAMILLE LOURDE and TINA SCOTT, plus BOBBY BLUEHOUSE, at the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr (just E of Santa Anita Av), Arcadia; www.arcadiabluesclub.com
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Doors at 7 pm. Venue has good food (generous portions), full bar, pool tables. Substantial discount for tix bought online. Fun place, but bring earplugs. Seriously.

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√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sat, Aug 8, in SFV (Van Nuys):
8 pm PHIL SALAZAR and MARK HEYES play the “Noble House Concerts” series in Van Nuys 91411. Reservations get directions at 818-780-5979 or by email to barb@noblehouseconcerts.com

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√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sat, Aug 8, in Culver City:
8 pm THE FOLK COLLECTION plays Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583.
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These guys know ALL the songs of the Folk Revival era, and they deliver them with all the harmonies and ringing acoustic guitars that the original performers brought.

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Sat, Aug 8, FREE, in L.A.:
8 pm ALI BABA & THE BLESSING BAND play the free summer series at the Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park, 2230 W 6th St, Los Angeles 90057; 213-384-5701.
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Ride the Metro Purple Line subway to MacArthur Park Station and walk around the lake to the stage.
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Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, and a picnic (no alcohol allowed in the park, and that’s enforced with expensive citations) or grab a bite to eat from the “Taste of Levitt Pavilion L.A.” (rotating food trucks). Arrive early to enjoy a pre-show performances on the little “Side Stage,” and check out the local “Community Partners” while the little ones enjoy the KidZone.
+
Free, except what you buy to eat.

++++++

Sat, Aug 8, in NoHo & ONLINE:
8 pm TRACY NEWMAN & the REINFORCEMENTS “and Friends” are “MAKIN' BREAD FOR THE 'SHED” playing a benefit at and for Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info, www.kulakswoodshed.com.
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TRACY NEWMAN wants us to invite you to do more: “At 6 pm, go to Porto’s for dinner, then drive 2.9 miles west on Magnolia to Kulak’s Woodshed on Laurel Canyon to see TRACY NEWMAN AND THE REINFORCEMENTS. $20 at the door. First come, first serve, so you must to be there by 7:30 if you want to actually sit. Free, ample street parking. My whole band will be there. Our secret weapon, PAULA FONG, will do two original songs. Our gentle giant bass player, JOHN CARTWRIGHT, will sing ‘What's Left of You.’ And the soulful BRENNA BAVIS is guesting, accompanied by her husband, new Reinforcement guitarist CARY DiNIGRIS. This show is a benefit for Kulak's, an irreplaceable venue for all musicians, and will be webcast simultaneously on Concert Window.”
+
Tix, $20 at the door.
+
There is a FREE live webcast at Concert Window, though a “donate” button is available:
https://www.concertwindow.com/4937-kulak-s-woodshed-in-north-hollywood-ca-presents-a-v)
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Tracy adds, "If you want to watch the show via Concert Window, we’d love it if you could tip the 'Shed $5 or whatever you can afford. We'll be passin' the hat around to the live audience as well."

++++++

√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
+
Sat, Aug 8, in L.A.:
8 pm “HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN” plays the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 LeConte Av, Los Angeles 90024; 310-208-2028, www.geffenplayhouse.com
+
Show runs Aug 4-Aug 16.
+
Use the discount code from our friends at “Parlor Performances” when you order your tickets: Code: HersheyParlor
+
That gets you the discounted price of $40 ($32 + $8 fee) for any available performance / seat location. The production runs Tuesdays-Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 3 pm & 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm & 7 pm.

++++++

Sat, Aug 8, in Burbank:
8 pm LIVE AMERICANA / ALT OR TRAD COUNTRY / HONKY-TONK music on two stages at Cody’s Viva Cantina, 900 W Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506; 818-515-4444. Venue has full menu and full bar, and is known for its Mexican food.
+
Cover is a one-item purchase from menu or bar.

++++++

Sat, Aug 8, FREE, in SFV (Chatsworth):
8 pm AMERICANA / ALT or TRAD COUNTRY / HONKY TONK MUSIC live tonight at the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
+
This is L.A.’s last real honky-tonk, no cover, full bar, and friendly people who all like to dance. Go early for the free dance lessons. There’s live music every night, seven nights a week; sometimes acoustic, sometimes heavy on the pedal steel or the twang, but never that annoying fahke ackscent Nashvulle scene.

++++++

√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
+
Sat, Aug 8, in SGV (Sierra Madre):
8 pm “ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE” is a big time music-filled show at the charming little Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre; 626-355-4318; www.sierramadreplayhouse.com
+
This is the fastest ticket-seller in the Playhouse’s history. To accommodate the extraordinary demand, additional matinee performances have been added. Don’t dawdle getting tickets to this one. (The Guide” News Feature that announced the production’s opening night is re-run here.)
+
It’s a real, live stage MUSICAL, a theatrical production focusing on the vocal magic of PATSY CLINE, you’ll experience how she evoked the heartbreak and longing that have made her songs country and pop classics. Written by Ted Swindley, directed by Robert Marra, with musical director Sean Paxton, it’s a Sierra Madre Playhouse production starring CORI CABLE KIDDER and NIKKI D’AMICO.
+
“Always….Patsy Cline” depicts the legendary singer backed by a live band performing twenty-seven of her greatest hits in this jukebox musical. Patsy Cline (1932-1963) was one of the most popular and influential vocalists of the 20th Century.
+
Although most associated with country music, she was the first female crossover artist, also singing traditional pop, torch songs, rockabilly, honky-tonk, country swing, and gospel. The first female solo artist admitted to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Patsy was also included among “The 100 Greatest Women in Rock and Roll” by VH1, “The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time” by Rolling Stone, and “The 40 Greatest Women of Country Music” by CMT.
+
She first appeared on radio in Winchester, VA in 1947. In 1954, country star Jimmy Dean brought her aboard as a regular on the radio show “Town and Country Jamboree” in Arlington, VA. In 1955, she began appearing on television, on the TV version of “Grand Ole Opry” and on “Ozark Jubilee.”
+
But it was her sensational success on “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” in 1957 that truly launched her as a national figure. Godfrey’s show, a precursor of competitions like “Star Search” and “American Idol,” also launched Ann-Margret and Pat Boone, among others.
+
“Always…Patsy Cline” is based on a real incident that occurred in 1961. Super-fan Louise Seger befriends Cline before a concert in Houston. After the show, Louise takes her home, cooks her breakfast and appears with her on a local radio broadcast. The two maintain a correspondence, writing each other letters until Cline’s untimely death in a Tennessee plane crash in 1963. The star closed each of her letters to Seger, “Always…Patsy Cline.”
+
CORI CABLE KIDDER portrays PATSY CLINE. A graduate of Ouachita Baptist University, she toured with IN THE MOOD and sang at Tokyo Disney for a year. Coming to L.A., she appeared in+ “The Producers” and with SWING DAMES, performing the music of the Andrews Sisters.
+
NIKKI D’AMICO plays Louise. Her extensive musical theater credits include National Tours of “Evita,” “Cats,” “A Chorus Line,” “The Fantasticks,” “Chaplin,” “West Side Story,” and more. Most recently, she appeared with Pacific Resident Theatre in its Ovation-nominated production of “A View from the Bridge.”
+
ROBERT MARRA directs. In addition to numerous New York credits, his local shows include “The World Goes Round,” “Once on this Island,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “Into the Woods,” “Chess in Concert,” “The Devil and Daisy Jane,” “A Chorus Line,” and many more. He is also a choreographer.
+
TED SWINDLEY is the playwright. He was the Founding Artistic Director of Stages Repertory Theatre in Houston. He also wrote “Stories My Grandmother Told Me.” Fans of Patsy Cline’s music will be in musical heaven as they’ll hear, performed live, twenty-seven of her greatest hits, including “Walkin’ After Midnight” (the Godfrey show hit), “Sweet Dreams” (a signature tune for Cline, although originally a hit ten years earlier by Faron Young), “Crazy” (written for her by WILLIE NELSON), “I Fall to Pieces,” “She’s Got You,” “Your Cheating Heart,” and many more.
+
“Always…Patsy Cline” debuted in 1988. It is one of only two stage productions about the singer licensed and authorized by The Estate of Patsy Cline. In addition to affording a revue of great songs, “Always…Patsy Cline” is a heartwarming story of an enduring friendship.
+
“Always… Patsy Cline” runs July 31-Sep 12, 2015, on this schedule: Fri’s & Sat’s at 8 pm, Sun’s at 2:30 pm. Additional matinnes have been added at 2:30 pm on Thu, Aug 27; Sat, Aug 29; Sat, Sep 5; Sat, Sep 12, and Sun, Sep 13.
+
Tix: $30 gen’l. Seniors (age 65+) $27. Students (ages 13-21) $20. Children age 12 and under, $17. Call for tix. Ample free parking behind theatre.

++++++

Sat, Aug 8, in OC (Costa Mesa):
8 pm 125th Annual “ORANGE COUNTY FAIR” has LIVE CONCERTS TONIGHT, with shows in the Pac Amp and elsewhere, including on “The Hangar” stage, the “Promenade” stage, and in and on other nooks and crannies on the grounds and other stages at the OC Fair, which runs Jul 17 to Aug 16, 2015, at the OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa 92626.
+
Tonight’s 8 pm show at the Pac Amp is a double-bill with FIFTH HARMONY, plus DEBBY RYAN & THE NEVER ENDING.
+
But you’ll be more interested in the 8:30 show with WRECK N SOW at The Hangar; see listing.
+
You’ll find more shows on at least TWO other stages at the OC Fair, “The Hangar” stage, and “The Promenade” stage.
+
ALL stages are free with admission to the OC fair.

++++++

√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
+
Sat, Aug 8, in OC (Costa Mesa):
8:30 pm WRECK N SOW plays the Hangar, one of two shows on two stages at the OC Fair; there may be something else you’ll like on the Promenade Stage, as well, at the 125th Annual “ORANGE COUNTY FAIR, ” which runs Jul 17 to Aug 16, 2015, at the OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa 92626.
+
WRECK N SOW is a string quartet specializing in a solid, proficient, and fun blend of bluegrass / country-western / roots music and harmony that appeals to all ages. Most of their material is original, they are tall and they dress nicely.
+
“The Hangar” is an aviation hangar-style building with a 50-foot arched ceiling, Fairgoers can enjoy live entertainment, including music and other types of performances. All tickets include free OC Fair admission. Free-with-admission community entertainment is also scheduled daily, see the Daily Schedules on the fair’s website for a list of free entertainment.
+
The fair has two principal music venues; the other main stage books national headline acts. Plus, there are other musical entertainment venues like the Promenade Stage, and ALL stages are free with admission.
+
Full sched. for the Fair’s “secondary” principal stage, The Hangar, at:
http://www.ocfair.com/2015/thingstodo/the_hangar.asp

++++++

Sat, Aug 8, in Murietta:
9 pm IRISH or AMERICANA live at the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd, Ste 145 Murrieta 92592; 951-696-5252; www.getshamrocked.com; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com

++++++

Sat, Aug 8, FREE, in Culver City:
9 pm AMERICANA / ALT or TRAD COUNTRY / HONKY TONK MUSIC is a distinct possibility tonight at the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bld, Culver City 90230.
+
No cover. Venue is 21+, the size of a postage stamp, and barstool seating is competitive. Still it’s always a fun place.

++++++

Sat, Aug 8, in Malibu:
10 pm GARY ALLEGRETTO plays Ollie’s Duck & Dive, 29169 Heathercliff Road, Suite 102
Malibu 90265; www.olliesduckanddive.com
+
He is an award-winning blues harmonica player who also specializes in cowboy harmonica. More at: www.garyallegretto.com



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3) SUNDAY’s Concerts / Music & Arts Scene
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Sun, Aug 9, FREE, in Hollywood:
8 am-1 pm FAIR MARKET BAND plays their weekly free gig at the Hollywood Farmers Market, at Ivar Av & Selma Av, Hollywood 90028.

++++++

Sun, Aug 9, FREE, in Atwater Village (L.A.):
10 am-1 pm MODAL TEASE string band performs at the “Atwater Village Farmer's Market,” 3250 Glendale Bl, Atwater Village.
+
Free.

++++++

√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
+
Sun, Aug 9,
FREE PSEUDO-FESTIVAL,
in Mar Vista:
10 am-3 pm "BIRTHDAYPALOOZA COUNTRY FAIR" brings performances by I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. with RICK SHEA sitting-in on pedal steel, plus DAN WEINSTEIN & THE TWO TONES, at the Mar Vista Farmer's Market, corner of Venice and Grandview, Mar Vista; www.marvistafarmersmarket.org
+
Hawks play 11 am to 1:30 pm, for "Three big sets of old favorites and new tunes, with RICK SHEA on pedal steel."
+
They add, "We're part of an excellent outdoor event, organic produce meets CicLavia bicycle event, and you can even take the train to get there. Rob Waller might even enter / judge the pie baking contest.
+
Details and location of stage and all events: http://www.marvistafarmersmarket.org
+
Free event.

++++++

Sun, Aug 9, in San Diego:
10 am-2 pm Weekly “BLUEGRASS BRUNCH” on the patio at Urban Solace restaurant, 3823 30th St, San Diego; 619-295-6464; check online for menus and more at: www.urbansolace.net

++++++

Sun, Aug 9; Fri-Sun, Aug 7, 8, & 9:
Annual "NAVY DAYS" in San Pedro brings SHIPS BANDS and offers you the chance for a FREE tour of an active US Navy vessel. But you need to get your free ticket in advance! See below.
+
Tours, displays, staged activities, etc., are based from and sponsored by the Port of Los Angeles at the World Cruise Center, 100 Swinford St, San Pedro 90731. Parking in the cruise terminal lot is $2/hr.
+
• There's FREE live music and entertainment (sometimes that features the Navy Band or one or more ship's bands).
• Discount tix for the BATTLESHIP IOWA.
• L.A. Maritime Museum "TALL SHIP" tours.
• Marine Corps equipment exhibits.
• Food trucks.
+
You need to get your free ticket in advance to tour any of the active US Navy ships open for visitors. Do that at:
+
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navy-days-la-2015-public-ship-tours-tickets-17800183829

++++++

Sun, Aug 9, atop SFV:
Noon & 2 pm “A MUSICAL ROAD TRIP THROUGH AMERICA” summer series continues this weekend with performances Saturday by RANDY KAPLAN and Sunday by MOSTLY KOSHER at Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Bl, Los Angeles 90049; www.skirball.org; 310-440-4500.
+
This summer’s Skirball “Family Amphitheater Performances” take family visitors on “a ramblin’ musical road trip, inspired by Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution.” Series runs Saturdays and Sundays, Jun 27–Sep 6, with performances at noon and 2 pm.
+
All performances are included with Museum admission. Free on-site parking; street parking strictly prohibited.

++++++

Sun, Aug 9, in Burbank:
Noon-2 pm MURPHY’S FLAW plays the “BLUEGRASS BRUNCH” at Cody's Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506.
+
If you want to spend the day there, BLUEGRASS GHOSTS play at 3 pm.
+
A one-menu-item cover applies. Venue has a full menu & full bar.

++++++

√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
+
Sun, Aug 9, in the mountains above Arcadia:
Noon-5 pm “ACOUSTIC SUNDAY” at Adam's Pack Station brings a wow of a show with performances by ANNY CELSI, THE WILD MOUNTAIN MYSTICS, MICHAEL ANN AZOULAI & MARK CHRISTIAN, and TERRY OKEY'S CACTUS JAM with SKIP HELLER on guitar, at 1835 N Santa Anita Av, Arcadia 91006. (Arcadia address, but above Sierra Madre, waaay up in the San Gabriel Mtns, at the end of the road.)
+
Here’s a little about ANNY CELSI, someone you should really know. You can watch the video for “Au Revoir, My Darling” by googling Anny Celsi’s YouTube channel. Her music is online at CD Baby, Kool Kat Muzik, Blue Rose Records, iTunes, or at Rockaway Records in town. “One of this city’s smartest and catchiest pop songwriters” - LA Weekly. “….it’s just the perfect music…this rootsy, pop-flavoured collection of self-penned songs is a genuine winner.” - Maverick Magazine. "Think of Victoria Williams, Aimee Mann, Suzanne Vega and Sheryl Crow mixed together and you begin to get the picture...Anny is pretty much their equal as a songwriter." – Two Louies. “First-class handmade music with songs that run deep enough to appeal to the folk & roots crowd…an original artist with a unique sound.” - chill@bluerose. “Songs for which the phrase 'perfect pop song' was invented.” – Rootstime. More at: www.annycelsi.com
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Terry Okey says of the venue, “What’s Adam’s Pack Station? Imagine you’re hanging out with Ben, Hoss, Adam and Little Joe out back of the Ponderosa on your hard-earned Sunday off. Some of the neighbors have stopped by with their ranch hands to share their favorite roots,alt-country and folk-pop tunes. Some city folk showed up too. There will be beer and BBQ, and probably a fair amount of shade.”
+
This summer’s “Second Sundays” concert series keeps getting better, attracting notable local artists. On the historical grounds at Adam's Pack Station, the last remaining horse-and-mule pack station in the San Gabriels, the ambiance can’t be beat. Terry Okey adds, “The second Sunday of every month all summer features L.A.’s most heartfelt folk, country, and bluegrass bands. With tasty food and craft beer, great hiking, wonderful music and fun folks, Adam’s Pack Station is the place to relax this summer. This beautiful forested location is the perfect setting to hear the new country-rock and folk bands.”
+
The pack station is nestled in the hills at the North end of Chantry Flats Road. Take Santa Anita Av N of the 210 Freeway, to the end of the road. Tell the person at the gate that yo’re there for the music at the pack station. Drive through the middle parking lot at Chantry Flat around left, through the upper lot and down the dirt driveway. Just follow the signs. Parking is available in the pack station lot for $5 during the week, $10 Saturday, Sunday & holidays. The Chantry Flat Road is open from 6 am-8 pm.

+++++++

Sun, Aug 9, FREE, in Altadena:
12:30 pm Monthly “BLUEGRASS JAM SESSION” led by harmonica virtuoso DAVID NAIDITCH at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; 626-398-7917.
+
Free to take part or just listen.

++++++

√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
+
Sun, Aug 9,
FILM EVENT,
in Hollywood:
1 pm “A GRAND DAY OUT: WALLACE AND GROMIT FAMILY MATINEES” is the second of two different "Wallace & Grommit" events, Aug 7 & Aug 9, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences as the centerpiece of “THE MARC DAVIS CELEBRATION OF ANIMATION;” today’s events are at the Linwood Dunn Theater in the Pickford Center, 1313 Vine St, Hollywood 90028;
+
The entire classic quartet of “Wallace and Gromit” shorts (including OSCAR winners), screened in world-premiere restorations, with a panel, Friday at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills (The Guide had it listed).
+
TODAY is a full plate of events:
+
** 1 pm Bring all the wee ones along as the Academy presents encore matinee screenings of the four restored Wallace and Gromit shorts, recommended for children ages 5 and up.
+
** 1:30 pm Talented but unlucky inventor Wallace travels with his loyal sidekick on a cheese-seeking moon quest in the short that started it all, “A Grand Day Out.” Oscar nominee.
+
** 2 pm Wallace’s latest invention – a pair of “Techno Trousers” – leads to danger from penguin supervillain Feathers McGraw. Oscar winner
+
** 2:30 pm “A Close Shave” (1995, 30 min.) Wallace has a new invention – a Knit-O-Matic machine – and adventure looms as sheep are being rustled and poor Gromit is framed. Look out for Shaun the Sheep in his big-screen debut! Oscar winner
+
** 3:05 pm “A Matter of Loaf and Death” (2008, 29 min.) Wallace’s Top Bun bakery may be rising but Gromit kneads answers about a stirring murder mystery. Oscar nominee

** 4 pm Workshop. Note: The workshop is full at this time. A few spaces may become available at the last minute, so a stand-by line will form at the west doors of the building adjacent to the parking lot. This 90-minute hands-on workshop will offer a small group of participants the opportunity to learn some of the stop-motion animation techniques used by Aardman Animations when making their Wallace and Gromit films. Recommended for children between the ages of 8 and 13. Admission is $10 per child, limited slots available. Instructed by Frank Guttler.
+
The madcap adventures of bumbling inventor Wallace and his loyal canine companion Gromit have entertained audiences the world over for 25 years. This evening’s program spotlights the shorts that “made” the stop-motion twosome’s reputation. Aardman Animations’ co-founder DAVID SPROXTON, and Wallace and Gromit cinematographer DAVE ALEX RIDDETT, take us behind the scenes and discuss how these meticulously handcrafted comedic gems were made. The classic quartet of Wallace and Gromit shorts will screen in world-premiering restorations by Aardman and the Academy Film Archive.
+
The Plasticine pair first greeted audiences in the 1990 short “A Grand Day Out” (23 min.), in which they journey to the moon in a quest for out-of-this-world cheese. The film earned director NICK PARK an Oscar nomination for “Animated Short Film,” and though Park may have not received an Oscar for the film, he did win that award the very same year with another Aardman short, titled “Creature Comforts.”
+
“The Wrong Trousers” (30 min.) followed three years later, with Gromit battling diamond-thieving penguin Feathers McGraw over a pair of mechanical pants, earning Park his second “Animated Short Film” Oscar.
+
Park repeated his achievement a mere two years later with “A Close Shave” (30 min.), a dyed-in-the-wool thriller that finds sinister robo-pooch Preston framing Gromit as a sheep rustler.
+
After the big-screen outing “Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” which won the 2005 “Animated Feature Film” Oscar, the loveable team returned to short films with the Oscar-nominated “A Matter of Loaf and Death” (29 min.), a murder mystery leavened with trademark Aardman humor, which finds Wallace’s new career as a baker jeopardized by “his dough-eyed fancy” for one-time Bake-O-Lite Girl Piella Bakewell.
+
This is but the first part of an entire weekend celebration of animation, “The Marc Davis Celebration of Animation,” presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, and titled, “Cracking Animation: Behind the Scenes with Aardman.” See the Aug 9 listings for more.
+
“THE MARC DAVIS CELEBRATION OF ANIMATION” was established by the Academy in 1994 to provide a forum for established film animators and other experts in the craft to share their experiences as well as explore with their colleagues the challenges of creating animation for the screen. Davis’s association with Walt Disney and the Disney Studio began in 1935. Among the characters to whom Davis gave shape and life were Bambi, Brer Rabbit, Cinderella, Tinker Bell, Maleficent and Cruella De Vil. He also did extensive preliminary work on a number of the attractions featured at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland, including “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “it’s a small world” and “The Haunted Mansion.”
+
Tix for Aug 9 event:
http://www.oscars.org/events/grand-day-out-wallace-and-gromit-family-matinees?hq_e=el&hq_m=266145&hq_l=7&hq_v=1a7ef945a4

++++++

Sun, Aug 9, in OC (Costa Mesa):
1 & 4 pm SMITH SMITH plays twice today and twice Sunday at the 125th Annual “ORANGE COUNTY FAIR,” which has live concerts day and night, with these and other shows here on “The Hangar” stage, and more in the Pac Amp and elsewhere including the “Promenade” stage, plus more in and on other nooks and crannies on the grounds and other stages at the OC Fair (which runs Jul 17 to Aug 16, 2015), at the OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa 92626.
+
SMITH SMITH is a seven-piece pop country music group located in Southern California that performs hits from Nashvulle acts such as Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert to Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line.
+
You’ll be more interested in the 8 pm show with WRECK N SOW at The Hangar; see listing.
+
BTW, tonight’s show at 8 at the Pac Amp is a double-bill with FIFTH HARMONY, plus DEBBY RYAN & THE NEVER ENDING.
+
You’ll find more shows on at least TWO other stages at the OC Fair, “The Hangar” stage, and “The Promenade” stage.
+
The fair has two principal music venues – Pac Amp and The Hangar – plus other musical entertainment, and all of it is free with admission. We’ll endeavor to keep you posted about all the listenable music on all the stages. The headline acts all play the “2015 Toyota Summer Concert Series at Pacific Amphitheatre.”
+
“The Hangar” is an aviation hangar-style building with a 50-foot arched ceiling, Fairgoers can enjoy live entertainment, including music and other types of performances. All tickets include free OC Fair admission. Free-with-admission community entertainment is also scheduled daily, see the Daily Schedules on the fair’s website for a list of free entertainment.
+
** Full sched. for Pac Amp during the fair:
http://www.pacamp.com/pa/
+
** Full sched. for the Fair’s OTHER principal stage, The Hangar, is at:
http://www.ocfair.com/2015/thingstodo/the_hangar.asp
+
ALL stages are free with admission to the OC fair.

++++++

Sun, Aug 9, in the IE (Menifee):
1:30 pm WIMBERLEY BLUEGRASS BAND, a delightful and proficient family of musical siblings, plays the potluck at New Creation Church, 31375 Bradley Rd, Menifee.

++++++

Sun, Aug 9, in Burbank:
2-5 pm BULLFISH, a respected and fun rootsy outfit, plays Cody's Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506.
+
A one-menu-item cover applies. Venue has a full menu & full bar.

++++++

Sun, Aug 9, in OC (Newport Beach):
2 pm "SUNDAY BRUNCH & TUNES" series brings IRISH or AMERICANA music to Muldoon's Irish Pub, 202 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach 92660; www.muldoonspub.com
+
There may be more music at 6 pm.

++++++

Sun, Aug 9, atop SFV:
2 pm “A MUSICAL ROAD TRIP THROUGH AMERICA” summer series continues this weekend with performances at Noon and 2 pm Saturday by RANDY KAPLAN and Sunday by MOSTLY KOSHER at Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Bl, Los Angeles 90049; www.skirball.org; 310-440-4500.
+
This summer’s Skirball “Family Amphitheater Performances” take family visitors on “a ramblin’ musical road trip, inspired by Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution.” Series runs Saturdays and Sundays, Jun 27–Sep 6, with performances at noon and 2 pm.
+
All performances are included with Museum admission. Free on-site parking; street parking strictly prohibited.

++++++

√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
+
Sun, Aug 9, in SGV (Sierra Madre):
2:30 pm “ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE” is a big time music-filled show at the charming little Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre; 626-355-4318; www.sierramadreplayhouse.com
+
This is the fastest ticket-seller in the Playhouse’s history. To accommodate the extraordinary demand, additional matinee performances have been added. Don’t dawdle getting tickets to this one. (The Guide” News Feature that announced the production’s opening night is re-run here.)
+
It’s a real, live stage MUSICAL, a theatrical production focusing on the vocal magic of PATSY CLINE, you’ll experience how she evoked the heartbreak and longing that have made her songs country and pop classics. Written by Ted Swindley, directed by Robert Marra, with musical director Sean Paxton, it’s a Sierra Madre Playhouse production starring CORI CABLE KIDDER and NIKKI D’AMICO.
+
“Always….Patsy Cline” depicts the legendary singer backed by a live band performing twenty-seven of her greatest hits in this jukebox musical. Patsy Cline (1932-1963) was one of the most popular and influential vocalists of the 20th Century.
+
Although most associated with country music, she was the first female crossover artist, also singing traditional pop, torch songs, rockabilly, honky-tonk, country swing, and gospel. The first female solo artist admitted to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Patsy was also included among “The 100 Greatest Women in Rock and Roll” by VH1, “The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time” by Rolling Stone, and “The 40 Greatest Women of Country Music” by CMT.
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She first appeared on radio in Winchester, VA in 1947. In 1954, country star Jimmy Dean brought her aboard as a regular on the radio show “Town and Country Jamboree” in Arlington, VA. In 1955, she began appearing on television, on the TV version of “Grand Ole Opry” and on “Ozark Jubilee.”
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But it was her sensational success on “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” in 1957 that truly launched her as a national figure. Godfrey’s show, a precursor of competitions like “Star Search” and “American Idol,” also launched Ann-Margret and Pat Boone, among others.
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“Always…Patsy Cline” is based on a real incident that occurred in 1961. Super-fan Louise Seger befriends Cline before a concert in Houston. After the show, Louise takes her home, cooks her breakfast and appears with her on a local radio broadcast. The two maintain a correspondence, writing each other letters until Cline’s untimely death in a Tennessee plane crash in 1963. The star closed each of her letters to Seger, “Always…Patsy Cline.”
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CORI CABLE KIDDER portrays PATSY CLINE. A graduate of Ouachita Baptist University, she toured with IN THE MOOD and sang at Tokyo Disney for a year. Coming to L.A., she appeared in+ “The Producers” and with SWING DAMES, performing the music of the Andrews Sisters.
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NIKKI D’AMICO plays Louise. Her extensive musical theater credits include National Tours of “Evita,” “Cats,” “A Chorus Line,” “The Fantasticks,” “Chaplin,” “West Side Story,” and more. Most recently, she appeared with Pacific Resident Theatre in its Ovation-nominated production of “A View from the Bridge.”
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ROBERT MARRA directs. In addition to numerous New York credits, his local shows include “The World Goes Round,” “Once on this Island,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “Into the Woods,” “Chess in Concert,” “The Devil and Daisy Jane,” “A Chorus Line,” and many more. He is also a choreographer.
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TED SWINDLEY is the playwright. He was the Founding Artistic Director of Stages Repertory Theatre in Houston. He also wrote “Stories My Grandmother Told Me.” Fans of Patsy Cline’s music will be in musical heaven as they’ll hear, performed live, twenty-seven of her greatest hits, including “Walkin’ After Midnight” (the Godfrey show hit), “Sweet Dreams” (a signature tune for Cline, although originally a hit ten years earlier by Faron Young), “Crazy” (written for her by WILLIE NELSON), “I Fall to Pieces,” “She’s Got You,” “Your Cheating Heart,” and many more.
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“Always…Patsy Cline” debuted in 1988. It is one of only two stage productions about the singer licensed and authorized by The Estate of Patsy Cline. In addition to affording a revue of great songs, “Always…Patsy Cline” is a heartwarming story of an enduring friendship.
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“Always… Patsy Cline” runs July 31-Sep 12, 2015, on this schedule: Fri’s & Sat’s at 8 pm, Sun’s at 2:30 pm. Additional matinnes have been added at 2:30 pm on Thu, Aug 27; Sat, Aug 29; Sat, Sep 5; Sat, Sep 12, and Sun, Sep 13.
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Tix: $30 gen’l. Seniors (age 65+) $27. Students (ages 13-21) $20. Children age 12 and under, $17. Call for tix. Ample free parking behind theatre.

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√ A Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sun, Aug 9, in Altadena:
3 pm STEPHEN INGLIS, renowned slack key guitarist, plays a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; call for reservations, 626-798-6236.
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STEPHEN INGLIS, award winning Slack Key Guitarist, plays an afternoon of stunning six string slinging and song. Imagine a lazy summer afternoon in Hawaii, and you’ll start to imagine that the arrival of STEPHEN INGLIS will liven it up and make it memorable and perfect. A versatile artist, he crosses genres, yet his music always radiates integrity. Born and raised in Honolulu, he plays Grammy-nominated Hawaiian slack key guitar. He records and tours with the most respected traditional musicians. His duet album with legend Dennis Kamakahi, Waimaka Helelei, won Hawaii’s highest musical honor, a Na Hoku Hanohano Award, and the CD is on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Barely out of his teens, Stephen formed a group with legendary Grateful Dead drummer, Bill Kreutzmann.
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Along with his strong respect for tradition, Stephen is a creative innovator. His album “Slacking on Dylan” opened up new territory for slack key, winning him a Hawaii Music Award. He has made three albums of his own singer-songwriter originals, acoustic and electric; and a new one, “Learning You By Heart,” was released in the spring of 2015.
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Stephen lives the music life to the full: club gigs, concerts, festivals, touring, recording. He has played to sold out crowds at esteemed venues such as The Barns at Wolftrap and the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley. Stephen keeps expanding his musical range. And he is a great collaborator, always open to finding common ground in melody and harmony.
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“Inglis’ pleasing vocals, clear lyrics, and skilled, dramatic guitar playing are soaked in good vibrations. Filled to the rim with naked emotion. Whatever your taste in music, it’s hard not to be moved” – Adam Harrington, Whisperin’ and Hollerin, U.K. “His material and stylish performances rank with the best” – Wayne Harada, Honolulu Advertiser.
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Tix, $20.

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Sun, Aug 9, in Burbank:
3 pm BLUEGRASS GHOSTS play Cody's Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506.
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A one-menu-item cover applies. Venue has a full menu & full bar.

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Sun, Aug 9, FREE, in Echo Park (L.A.):
3-8 pm Weekly "GRAND OLE ECHO" presents a FREE full lineup of AMERICANA / ALT or TRAD COUNTRY / HONKY TONK recording artist / band acts, at the Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl (near the Glendale Bl underpass), Echo Park 90026; 213-413-8200.
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This is always a good time, and it draws a cadre of weekly devotees. Don’t worry, it’s not “cliquish,” and it’s always a fun scene with high quality live music. In addition to the live acts, DJ "The Roamer" spins records on "The Porch" out back. A G.O.E. producer tells us, "Each week while you're hanging on the porch enjoying the sun and sipping on a delicious ice cold beer, you hear the [recorded] tunes from JOCELYN ROMO (aka 'The Roamer'). She'll be spinning the real deal on Sunday, bringing her record collection and a far out and groovy attitude for your listening pleasure."
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You can listen to her playlist whenever you'd like, at:
www.thegrandoleecho.com/playlist-1/
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No cover before 6 pm, $5 thereafter. All ages. Venue has full bar and sometimes food. And it’s always “a real good time.”

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Sun, Aug 9, in Ventura:
3 pm DIA DE LA FAMILIA plays the main stage concert series at the 140th Annual "VENTURA COUNTY FAIR" at the fairgrounds complex, 10 W Harbor Bl, Ventura; 805-648-3376.
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Music happens on several stages throughout the fairgrounds, and it’s like Forrest Gump’s box o’ choc’lates: You never know what you gonna get. Except with the headliners in the fair's Grandstand Concerts series, which, like all the music at the VC fair, is FREE with paid fair admission. Here are all those offerings, after tonight:
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Mon, Aug 10, 7:30 pm: Kevin Costner & Modern West.
Tues, Aug 11, 1 pm: Neil Sedaka (matinee only).
Tues, Aug 11, 7:30 pm: Chaka Khan.
Wed, Aug 12, 7:30 pm: The Band Perry.
Thurs, Aug 13, 7:30 pm: The B -52s.
Fri, Aug 14, 7:30 pm: Salt-N -Pepa.
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Other musical entertainment happens throughout the fair, but we do not have that info.
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Note: there are Free Rodeos on Sat & Sun, Aug 15 &16 at 2 & 7 pm.
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Full info at:
www.venturacountyfair.org

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Sun, Aug 9, in L.A.:
3-5:30 pm Weekly “IRISH SESSION” is a structured jam at the Wilde Thistle, 3456 Motor Av, Los Angeles; 310-730-6208; www.thewildethistle.com
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Venue is also an art gallery, so allow time to gawk, gander, and peruse. Now through Mid September, the Celtic Art Show features the works of acclaimed Irish-American artist Steve O'Loughlin, He says, "My artwork combines Celtic designs and other decorative motifs with contemporary imagery. I often draw upon my local community for inspiration. Therefore, freeways, Latin culture, jet airliners and social themes interlace together in a swirling celebration of color and rhythm."

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Sun, Aug 9, FREE, in SFV (Woodland Hills):
4 pm Monthly “RED ROCK CONCERTS” series brings BILL BERRY and DAVE LUCKY to the concert hall at Crown Books, entrance inside the mall at 6100 Topanga Canyon Bl, #1340, Woodland Hills 91367.
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RON SARFETY produces this fine concert series and it’s FREE. Donations for the performers are accepted. Be careful that you park at the correct mall; there are two of them fairly close together, but too far apart to walk if you park at the wrong one.

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Sun, Aug 9, in Long Beach:
4-7 pm Weekly “TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION” is a structured jam at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach 90802; 562-437-8300.

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√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sun, Aug 9, in Long Beach:
4:30-7:30 pm DWIGHT CARRIER plays the weekly “CAJUN-ZYDECO DANCE SERIES” at the Golden Sails Hotel 6285 East Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach 90803
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The series producers tell us, “Don’t miss Dwight Carrier! Bandleader, accordion player and singer, Carrier comes from a long line of distinguished musicians (he’s the nephew of Roy Carrier and cousin of Troy ‘Dikki Du’ and Chubby Carrier...), a family where zydeco music was a pastime for holidays and family gatherings. Dwight traveled extensively around the world for several years, including multiple appearances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. He embodies both tradition and a unique style that is infused with his blues and R&B influences.”
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Check out a video of a Carrier performance in Alameda, CA:
https://myspace.com/dwightblackcatcarrier/video/dwight-at-eagles-hall-alameda-ca/63278892
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Go early, because they have Gunbo (by Crazy Creole) for a $5 suggested donation. Kids, families, singles welcome. Tasty food available at reasonable prices at the hotel restaurant which opens at 5 pm.
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Info: Dempsey, 562-396-1132 or email bontemppappion@aol.com – or contact David, 909-527-0926 or by email, davidsousa@verizon.net
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Admission: $15 at the door.

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Sun, Aug 9, FREE, in San Diego Co (Claremont Mesa):
5-7 pm A CAJUN-CREOLE-ZYDECO band plays a summer outdoor concert series for listening and dancing in Standley Park, just N of hwy 52 at Claremont Regents exit.

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Sun, Aug 9, in BevHills:
5-9 pm SONGMAKERS monthly “BEVERLY HILLS-BILLY SONG CIRCLE & POTLUCK” in Beverly Hills. Location and info at www.songmakers.org

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Sun, Aug 9, in Burbank:
5-11 pm LIVE AMERICANA / or TRAD or ALT COUNTRY / or HONKY TONK MUSIC in a full lineup on two stages in separate rooms at Cody's Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506.
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A one-menu-item cover applies. Venue has a full menu & full bar.

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Sun, Aug 9, FREE, in SFV (Chatsworth):
6 pm AMERICANA / ALT or TRAD COUNTRY / HONKY TONK MUSIC live tonight at the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
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This is L.A.’s last real honky-tonk, no cover, full bar, and friendly people who all like to dance. Go early for the free dance lessons. There’s live music every night, seven nights a week; sometimes acoustic, sometimes heavy on the pedal steel or the twang, but never that annoying fahke ackscent Nashvulle scene.

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Sun, Aug 9, in San Diego:
6:30-8:30 pm An IRISH, CELTIC, BLUEGRASS, or AMERICANA band plays the weekly series at Bistro Sixty restaurant, 60th St & El Cajon Bl, San Diego.

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√ A Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sun, Aug 9, in Altadena:
7 pm THE LICATA BROTHERS, with special guests THE BOHEMIAN SOUL RUSTLERS reunion, plus CHAD WATSON, play a delight of an evening at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; call for reservations, 626-798-6236.
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Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “A ‘don't miss it’ show that blends youth and experience and musical and vocal virtuosity with the kind of humor and staging that Coffee Gallery audiences love.”
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Raves and encores and a new CD have earned THE LICATA BROTHERS, Jimmy and Tony Licata, their first evening headline spot at the Coffee Gallery. They were discovered right here at the Gallery 5 years ago, and have honed and sculpted their talents into becoming our most exciting new young act. Come see what the fuss is all about, as they take you through over seven decades of American music, from 20's to 90's, from Cab Calloway through Texas Swing the Beatles through the Stray Cats, with some of your favorite folk and jazz standards as well. Tango anyone? Sinatra? You will hear echoes of the Everly Brothers in their beautiful vocal delivery. Gallery audiences are not the only firm believers in the Licata talents, as bassist CHAD WATSON, (with John York of the Byrds and Barry McGuire), plus GARY GRANTHAM (of The Long Run Eagles tribute), will fill out the bass and percussion in the band, along with some timely Trombone.
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PLUS...
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THE BOHEMIAN SOUL RUSTLERS, featuring the Coffee Gallery's own backup to Bob Stane, DUANE THORIN, plus the vocal and instrumental wonder, MICHAEL PUCCINI, are reuniting after five years. Their one of a kind vocal blend of deep rich baritone harmonies that may range up to sweet operatic tenor add to an exotic blend of instrumentation to create a unique musical experience that justifies the term Bohemian. Indian Tablas, Brazilian Pan Pipes and the Armenian Daduk pipe add spice to the six and twelve string guitars of the Soul Rustlers, (also backed by Chad Watson). But what you may remember most is laughing out loud and possibly rolling on the floor with the funny off the cuff impressions the RUSTLERS are known for inserting into their well crafted shows. Hear classics from Hammerstein to Cream done with a lyrical beauty that wins hearts and lifts spirits.
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Expect a grand finale of joined talents at the end, expect to sing along, and pick up the new LICATA BROTHERS four song CD after the show.
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Tix, $15.

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Sun, Aug 9, FREE, in L.A.:
7 pm KIDDLE KAROO plays the free summer series at the Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park, 2230 W 6th St, Los Angeles 90057; 213-384-5701.
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We have absolutely no idea what you’d be getting yourself into if you attended this. But it’s the Levitt, and it’s free.
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Ride the Metro Purple Line subway to MacArthur Park Station and walk around the lake to the stage.
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Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, and a picnic (no alcohol allowed in the park, and that’s enforced with expensive citations) or grab a bite to eat from the “Taste of Levitt Pavilion L.A.” (rotating food trucks). Arrive early to enjoy a pre-show performances on the little “Side Stage,” and check out the local “Community Partners” while the little ones enjoy the KidZone.
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Free, except what you buy to eat.

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Sun, Aug 9, FREE, in Pasadena:
7 pm LAITH AL-SAADI, featuring JIMMY VIVINO, plays the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Memorial Park, 85 E Holly St, Pasadena 91103; 626-683-3230.
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We have no idea what this act entails. But it’s the Levitt series and it’s free.
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Ride the Metro Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station and you’re right there.
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Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, and a picnic (no alcohol allowed in the park, and that’s enforced with expensive citations) or grab a bite to eat from the “Taste of Levitt Pavilion Pasadena” (rotating food trucks). Arrive early to enjoy a pre-show performances on the little “Grassy Hill Side Stage,” and check out the local “Community Partners” while the little ones enjoy the KidZone.
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Free, except what you buy to eat. More at: www.levittpasadena.org

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√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sun, Aug 9, in OC (Irvine):
7:30 pm PACIFIC SYMPHONY plays “HOT LATIN NIGHTS” featuring Ravel’s “BOLERO,” at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Irvine.
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Sizzling rhythms beneath the starry sky from a full orchestra, featuring the high-octane energy of JT & FRIENDS, it's an evening of music and dance with sultry salsa, Cuban rhythms and the sounds of Spain. Enjoy Bernstein's "America," selections from Bizet's "Carmen" and Ravel's popular "Bolero," among other hot-blooded favorites
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Gates open at 5:30 for picnicking. Prefer not to cook? Enjoy the new Wine Bar or add on a gourmet Bristol Farms picnic box, ready for convenient pickup just inside the gates to the amphitheatre. Use the web link below to order.
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Tix at: www.pacificsymphony.org/tickets/concert_calendar

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√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sun, Aug 9, in San Diego:
7:30 pm MELISSA ETHERIDGE plays “Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay.” 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego 92106; 619-523-1010.

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Sun, Aug 9, in SaMo:
7:30-11 pm Weekly “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” is a structured jam at O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 2226 Wilshire Bl, Santa Monica 90403; 310-829-5303. (Note: there are TWO O’Brien’s locations, and both have music tonight; see both listings.)

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√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sun, Aug 9, in OC (Costa Mesa):
8 pm WRECK N SOW plays the Hangar, one of two shows on two stages at the OC Fair; there may be something else you’ll like on the Promenade Stage, as well, at the 125th Annual “ORANGE COUNTY FAIR, ” which runs Jul 17 to Aug 16, 2015, at the OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa 92626.
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WRECK N SOW is a string quartet specializing in a solid, proficient, and fun blend of bluegrass / country-western / roots music and harmony that appeals to all ages. Most of their material is original, they are tall and they dress nicely.
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“The Hangar” is an aviation hangar-style building with a 50-foot arched ceiling, Fairgoers can enjoy live entertainment, including music and other types of performances. All tickets include free OC Fair admission. Free-with-admission community entertainment is also scheduled daily, see the Daily Schedules on the fair’s website for a list of free entertainment.
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The fair has two principal music venues; the other main stage books national headline acts. Plus, there are other musical entertainment venues like the Promenade Stage, and ALL stages are free with admission.
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Full sched. for the Fair’s “secondary” principal stage, The Hangar, at:
http://www.ocfair.com/2015/thingstodo/the_hangar.asp

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Sun, Aug 9, in Burbank:
8 pm LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT, Americana / roots / alt or trad country or honky tonk, tonight at Cody’s Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506; 818-515-4444. Venue has full menu and full bar, and is known for its Mexican food.
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Cover is a one-item purchase from menu or bar.

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Sun, Aug 9, in SaMo:
9 pm KEN O'MALLEY plays his weekly residency of authentic and original Irish music at O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 2941 Main St, Santa Monica 90405. (Note: there are TWO O’Brien’s locations, and both have music tonight; see both listings.)

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Sun, Aug 9, in Murietta:
9 pm IRISH or AMERICANA live at the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd, Ste 145 Murrieta 92592; 951-696-5252; www.getshamrocked.com; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com

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Sun, Aug 9, FREE, in Culver City:
9 pm AMERICANA / ALT or TRAD COUNTRY / HONKY TONK MUSIC is a distinct possibility tonight at the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bld, Culver City 90230.
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No cover. Venue is 21+, the size of a postage stamp, and barstool seating is competitive. Still it’s always a fun place.

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√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sun, Aug 9, FREE, in West L.A.:
10 pm DOUBLE NAUGHT SPY CAR plays the Liquid Kitty, 1780 W Pico Bl (between Barrington & Bundy), West L.A. 90064; www.liquidkitty.com
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It’s a cool low light lounge, and they’ll deliver three big sets, playing 10 pm to late.



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4) TICKET ALERTS…
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There are separate sections within.
a) ONGOING EVENTS are listed in the first section, followed by...
b) UPCOMING FESTIVALS listed in their own section, then our ever-growing catalog of...
c) UPCOMING CONCERTS and arts events.

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a) ONGOING, through the dates shown…
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... through Aug 16, in L.A.:
8 pm (most dates) “HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN” plays the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 LeConte Av, Los Angeles 90024; 310-208-2028, www.geffenplayhouse.com
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Use the discount code from our friends at “Parlor Performances” when you order your tickets: Code: HersheyParlor
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That gets you the discounted price of $40 ($32 + $8 fee) for any available performance / seat location. The production runs Tuesdays-Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 3 pm & 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm & 7 pm.

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... through Sep 12, in SGV (Sierra Madre):
(Time varies; 8 pm, some 2:30 pm matinees) “ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE” is a big time music-filled show at the charming little Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre; 626-355-4318; www.sierramadreplayhouse.com
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This is the fastest ticket-seller in the Playhouse’s history. To accommodate the extraordinary demand, additional matinee performances have been added. Don’t dawdle getting tickets to this one. (The Guide” News Feature that announced the production’s opening night is re-run here.)
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It’s a real, live stage MUSICAL, a theatrical production focusing on the vocal magic of PATSY CLINE, you’ll experience how she evoked the heartbreak and longing that have made her songs country and pop classics. Written by Ted Swindley, directed by Robert Marra, with musical director Sean Paxton, it’s a Sierra Madre Playhouse production starring CORI CABLE KIDDER and NIKKI D’AMICO.
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“Always….Patsy Cline” depicts the legendary singer backed by a live band performing twenty-seven of her greatest hits in this jukebox musical. Patsy Cline (1932-1963) was one of the most popular and influential vocalists of the 20th Century.
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Although most associated with country music, she was the first female crossover artist, also singing traditional pop, torch songs, rockabilly, honky-tonk, country swing, and gospel. The first female solo artist admitted to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Patsy was also included among “The 100 Greatest Women in Rock and Roll” by VH1, “The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time” by Rolling Stone, and “The 40 Greatest Women of Country Music” by CMT.
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She first appeared on radio in Winchester, VA in 1947. In 1954, country star Jimmy Dean brought her aboard as a regular on the radio show “Town and Country Jamboree” in Arlington, VA. In 1955, she began appearing on television, on the TV version of “Grand Ole Opry” and on “Ozark Jubilee.”
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But it was her sensational success on “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” in 1957 that truly launched her as a national figure. Godfrey’s show, a precursor of competitions like “Star Search” and “American Idol,” also launched Ann-Margret and Pat Boone, among others.
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“Always…Patsy Cline” is based on a real incident that occurred in 1961. Super-fan Louise Seger befriends Cline before a concert in Houston. After the show, Louise takes her home, cooks her breakfast and appears with her on a local radio broadcast. The two maintain a correspondence, writing each other letters until Cline’s untimely death in a Tennessee plane crash in 1963. The star closed each of her letters to Seger, “Always…Patsy Cline.”
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CORI CABLE KIDDER portrays PATSY CLINE. A graduate of Ouachita Baptist University, she toured with IN THE MOOD and sang at Tokyo Disney for a year. Coming to L.A., she appeared in+ “The Producers” and with SWING DAMES, performing the music of the Andrews Sisters.
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NIKKI D’AMICO plays Louise. Her extensive musical theater credits include National Tours of “Evita,” “Cats,” “A Chorus Line,” “The Fantasticks,” “Chaplin,” “West Side Story,” and more. Most recently, she appeared with Pacific Resident Theatre in its Ovation-nominated production of “A View from the Bridge.”
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ROBERT MARRA directs. In addition to numerous New York credits, his local shows include “The World Goes Round,” “Once on this Island,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “Into the Woods,” “Chess in Concert,” “The Devil and Daisy Jane,” “A Chorus Line,” and many more. He is also a choreographer.
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TED SWINDLEY is the playwright. He was the Founding Artistic Director of Stages Repertory Theatre in Houston. He also wrote “Stories My Grandmother Told Me.” Fans of Patsy Cline’s music will be in musical heaven as they’ll hear, performed live, twenty-seven of her greatest hits, including “Walkin’ After Midnight” (the Godfrey show hit), “Sweet Dreams” (a signature tune for Cline, although originally a hit ten years earlier by Faron Young), “Crazy” (written for her by WILLIE NELSON), “I Fall to Pieces,” “She’s Got You,” “Your Cheating Heart,” and many more.
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“Always…Patsy Cline” debuted in 1988. It is one of only two stage productions about the singer licensed and authorized by The Estate of Patsy Cline. In addition to affording a revue of great songs, “Always…Patsy Cline” is a heartwarming story of an enduring friendship.
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“Always… Patsy Cline” runs July 31-Sep 12, 2015, on this schedule: Fri’s & Sat’s at 8 pm, Sun’s at 2:30 pm. Additional matinnes have been added at 2:30 pm on Thu, Aug 27; Sat, Aug 29; Sat, Sep 5; Sat, Sep 12, and Sun, Sep 13.
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Tix: $30 gen’l. Seniors (age 65+) $27. Students (ages 13-21) $20. Children age 12 and under, $17. Call for tix. Ample free parking behind theatre.

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...through Nov 13, in L.A.:
"CORAZÓN DE LA COMUNIDAD: A STORY OF MARIACHI IN LOS ANGELES," runs May 15-Nov 13, 2015, at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N Main St, Los Angeles 90012; 888 488-8083; http://lapca.org
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Mariachi music — and musicians — have become symbols of Mexican and Mexican American identity. From rancheras sung at weekend parties to the recent "Dolls of the World Barbie" dressed in a mariachi traje, this musical form is one of the most recognized icons of Mexican and Mexican American culture. "Corazón de la Comunidad: A Story of Mariachi in Los Angeles" explores the changing identity and history of the genre in L.A.
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Regular visitor hours are M,W & Th, noon–5 pm, and Fri through Sun, noon-6 pm; info@lapca.org
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Go on the right days and you'll a get live music performance along with the exhibition; keep reading.
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Go when there’s LIVE MUSIC &/or RELATED PROGRAMMING...
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• LOUIS CRUZ BELTRAN performs a FREE "special concert tribute" to activist DOLORES HUERTA, Thu, Aug 13, at 6 pm.
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• "Metalachi: Mariachi Fusion" is a special music program on Sat, Sep 26, at 7 pm.
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• "Platicas at LA Plaza: Is Mariachi Music all the Same?" happens Thu, Oct 8 , at 6:30 pm.

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...through Sep 26, in Topanga:
3:30 pm “AS YOU LIKE IT” re-sets Shakespeare to the American Civil War, at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga, midway between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley.
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Note, “the rebel camp is alive with music — banjo, guitar, ukulele, mandolin and more.”
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In this production of “As You Like It, ” director ELLEN GEER moves the tale of two sets of brothers — one alienated by ambition, the other estranged by envy — to the divided South of the post-Civil War era, adding traditional American folk music and dance from the period. Rosalind is forced to flee camp when her uncle Frederick, usurper of his brother’s position as a general in the Union army, threatens to have her killed. Accompanied by her cousin Celia, Rosalind disguises herself as a man for safety's sake. The disguise comes in handy when she tests the devotion of her noble admirer, Orlando, on the run from his hostile older brother. Meanwhile, the rebel camp is alive with music — banjo, guitar, ukulele, mandolin and more. With Rosalind's wit leading the way, the forces of true love, justice and song eventually triumph.
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This production runs June 7 through Sep 26, ALTERNATING WITH OTHER PRODUCTIONS. Production dates / times: Sunday, June 7 at 3:30 pm • Sunday, June 14 at 3:30 pm • Saturday, June 20 at 3:30 pm • Sunday, June 28 at 3:30 pm • Sunday, July 12 at 3:30 pm • Saturday, July 18 at 3:30 pm • Saturday, Aug. 1 at 3:30 pm • Sunday, Aug. 9 at 3:30 pm • Saturday, Aug. 15 at 3:30 pm * • Saturday, Aug. 22 at 3:30 pm • Saturday, Aug. 29 at 3:30 pm • Sunday, Sept. 6 at 3:30 pm • Sunday, Sept. 13 at 3:30 pm • Saturday, Sept. 19 at 3:30 pm • Sunday, Sept. 20 at 3:30 pm • Saturday, Sept. 26 at 3:30 p.m .
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A special Prologue (pre-show discussion) happens Saturday, Aug 15 at 2:30 pm. (included in ticket price).
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Tickets range from $10-$39.50; children 6 and under are free. Info, complete schedule of all performances this summer, and advance tix, at 310-455-3723 or www.theatricum.com

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...through Sep 26, in Topanga:
7:30 pm “GREEN GROW THE LILACS, ” the Pulitzer Prize-nominated play that inspired “Oklahoma!”, at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N Topanga Canyon Bl, in the heart of Topanga Canyon, midway between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley. The production opens Sat, Jul 11 and runs through Sep 26. See the feature story in the “News” section of the Guide’s Jun 22 edition.
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Tix range from $10-$39.50, with discounts available for students, seniors, the military and AEA members.
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The season’s offerings here alternate. For a complete schedule of the summer season’s performances and to purchase tickets, call 310-455-3723 or go to www.theatricum.com

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b) UPCOMING FESTIVALS –
after this coming weekend...
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Fri-Sun, Aug 14-15-16,
FESTIVAL,
in San Diego Co:
Annual “SUMMERGRASS 2015” is at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum. For festival goers, it’s “down on the Farm," where you step back in time, relax, and enjoy a great festival.
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The unique venue where Summergrass happens harks back to the 19th and early 20th century farm days, and it’s brimming with rural farm nostalgia from that era. There are steam and gas engines chugging away, powering historic tractors and farm equipment along other relics, in the Weaver's Barn, the Farmhouse, the Schoolhouse, the 1930s gas station replica (posted price "32 cents a gallon"),and there’s a model railroad, a Blacksmith shop, and plenty to delight young and old. Don’t delay getting your tickets and camping arrangements. Things do fill-up.
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This year Summergrass has a fine lineup, with:
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♪ THE BOXCARS
♪ BECKY BULLER
♪ SIDELINE
♪ BLUEGRASS ETC.
♪ THE BROMBIES
♪ ROCKY NECK BLUEGRASS
♪ LONESOME OTIS
♪ NEXT GENERATION
♪ BOX CANYON
♪ FRONT PORCH MUSIC PRESERVATION SOCIETY
♪ BLUEGRASS BRETHREN
♪ HIGH MOUNTAIN ROAD
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In the past, many of the Summergrass headline performers have either won or have been nominated for International Bluegrass Music Association awards. The combination of national and regional bands on the turn-of-the-19th / 20th century stage built by the museum folks just for the festival. It's constructed without nails, using just dowels and pins to hold it together.
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In all, it’s three days of great live music from twelve national and local bands, and wonderful activities, such as Kids Camp, Meet the Bands, other music workshops and family-friendly things to do, spontaneous jam sessions, and the ever-popular instrument raffles, tasty food, and a variety of vendors. Summergrass is enjoyable for the whole family, a great, affordable family event, and not too far to drive.
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Details, advance tix, camping, etc., are all online at:
www.summergrass.net.


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Fri-Sat, Aug 14-16,
FESTIVAL, in Long Beach:
22nd Annual “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” brings a huge lineup of top Cajun-Creole-Zydeco performers and very danceable bands, plus vast quantities of perfectly seasoned crawfish and accompanying cuisine, and plenty of N’awlins and Southern Lou’siana culture to Rainbow Lagoon Park, 400-403 Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802; 562-495-5959.
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The Guide really likes this event, which is a fine value if you purchase your crawfish feast online in advance.
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The music is first-rate at all four of Southern Cal’s annual “Cajun,” “Bayou,” “Crawfish” and Swamp “Gator” events, and the other three all happen in spring and the first days of summer. So it’s a long spell ’til 2016 without sumpin’ to slather with your Trappey’s Hot Sauce if you miss this one.
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Here are the music lineups...
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√ FRIDAY, 5-11 pm...
...concentration on DANCE INSTRUCTIONS to get you ready for the full weekend
♪ BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS
♪ A.J. Gibbs — Zydeco to Mydeco, regularly throughout the day and night
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√ SATURDAY, Noon-11 pm...
MAIN STAGE...
♪ Step Rideau & The Zydeco Outlaws
♪ Theo & The Zydeco Patrol
♪ Bonne Musique Zydeco
♪ Acadiana with Teresa Russell
♪ California Feetwarmers
♪ A.J. Gibbs — Mr. 1 Man Show
♪ The High Steppers New Orleans Boogie Band
Plus,
♪ “LALA 2nd Line Dancers” lead the procession marching with the “...Boogie Band”
♪ Appearances by “The Louisiana to LA Society Second Line Dancers” led by Lewis Holt & the New Orleans High Steppers
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√ SUNDAY, Noon-10 pm...
MAIN STAGE...
♪ Ruben Moreno & Zydeco Re-Evolution
♪ Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic
♪ Felix Y Los Gatos
♪ California Feetwarmers
♪ A.J. Gibbs — Mr. 1 Man Show
♪ The High Steppers New Orleans Boogie Band
Plus,
♪ “LALA 2nd Line Dancers” lead the procession marching with the “...Boogie Band”
♪ Appearances by “The Louisiana to LA Society Second Line Dancers” led by Lewis Holt & the New Orleans High Steppers
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All three days, you can join-in the CONGO LINE DANCE INSTRUCTIONS led by A.J. Gibbs — “Zydeco to Mydeco,” scheduled throughout the day and night.
+
Some details...
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On Friday...
♪ BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS are in the lineup that rotates 7 pm-closing. Southern California-based, they are one of hottest Cajun-Zydeco bands in the nation. They are a festival secret weapon: Once you hear the Swamp Gator's infectious music “you find it hard to stay in your seat, grooving to the Zydeco beat.”
♪ Also taking the stage Friday night is A.J. GIBBS “MR. 1 MAN SHOW.” AJ tells us, “You are guaranteed to have fun with my style of Zydeco dancing of which I call ‘Mydeco.’ You will learn the basics and how to add freestyle moves to your dancing style. Adding hip hop, break dance, salsa, or whatever to the feel of music.”
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On Saturday...
♪ CALIFORNIA FEETWARMERS (Noon-1:30 pm) are equal parts New Orleans jazz and ragtime, delighting a spectrum of Folk-Americana musical sensibilities. The California Feetwarmers deliver horn-heavy rags, banjo stomps, and happy trad jazz – for your ears... and feet.
♪ ACADIANA WITH TERESA RUSSELL (2-3:30 pm) play the music of the Louisiana greats, including Buckwheat Zydeco, Clifton Chenier, Boozoo Chavis, Beausoleil, John Delafose, Bruce Daigrepont, and many more. With these influences, Acadiana blends its original songs and style with traditional and contemporary Cajun-Zydeco music.
♪ BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO (4-5:30 pm) whose name in Cajun French means, literally, “good zydeco music,” is a six-member band specializing in the Creole music of Louisiana and east Texas, creating a blend of music designed for dancing.
♪ THEO & THE ZYDECO PATROL (6-7:30 pm) is not just another blues band. Their secret spice to the Blues is the Louisiana hot sauce of traditional Cajun and zydeco music.
♪ STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS (8 pm-closing) offer traditional sounds from Louisiana fused with the urban vibe of contemporary Houston (a huge Cajun center, especially post-Katrina, if you didn’t know), making them one of the top zydeco bands of the Gulf Coast region where the genre originated.
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Sunday’s schedule will be added soon to the Guide’s write-up.
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IMPORTANT: Advance tix are the only way to assure you’ll get one of those huge “Crawfish Platter Feasts” or “Crawfish Buckets,” because they DO sell-out in advance. Plus, advance purchase saves a LOT of money.
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Full info and advance tix at:
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www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com/index.php


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Fri-Sun, Sep 4-5-6,
FESTIVAL,
in Rhode Island:
Annual “RHYTHM & ROOTS FEST” in Ninigret State Park, RI. If you go, make it a day early to catch STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS on Sep 3 at the Towers.
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Full info at www.rhythmandroots.com


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Fri-Sun, Sep 18-21,
FESTIVAL,
in Coloma (Northern Cal):
9th annual "AMERICAN RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL" announced its lineup and began offering discounted early bird tickets on May 1, and that offer closes SOON.
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The festival recently announced its line-up:
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Main Stage:
NICKI BLUHM & THE GRAMBLERS, THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS, DANGERMUFFIN, NORA JANE STRUTHERS & THE PARTY LINE, SHOOK TWINS, DAVID LUNING BAND, SONGS OF THE FALL, DAVID MYLES TRIO, SPARK AND WHISPER, DENNIS JOHNSON & THE MISSISSIPPI RAMBLERS.
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Other Stages ~ Campgrounds and Hot Spots:
DANGERMUFFIN, SHOOK TWINS, DAVID LUNING BAND, SONGS OF THE FALL, DAVID MYLES TRIO, SPARK AND WHISPER, DENNIS JOHNSON AND THE MISSISSIPPI RAMBLERS, A THOUSAND YEARS AT SEA, PROXIMA PARADA, ACHILLES WHEEL DUO, MCNEVIN & THE SPOKES, ISLAND OF BLACK AND WHITE, THE KELLER SISTERS, STRINGTOWN AMBASSADORS, THE LOVE CHOIR, MOON SHINER, THE PAINTED HORSES, LUMADAE, TAMRA GODEY.
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Friday Night Showcase hosted by Michael Gaither:
Ten more performances tba.
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Sponsors say, "The South Fork wants you to hear music on its banks! Limited Time left to get ‘Early Bird’ discounts at the festival website.”
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The festival was named "Best of" choice for fun things to do in the Sacramento Bee newspaper, and called, "Friendly, Unforgettable" in the Mountain Democrat. "...what a great vibe at the festival" wrote the Auburn Journal. "Music and Moving Water in Perfect Harmony" says Submerge Magazine.
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Full info and tix, www.americanrivermusic.org/festival.php


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Fri-Sun, Oct 9-11,
FESTIVAL,
in Louisiana:
Annual “FESTIVALS ACADIENS” in Lafayette, LA. Info at www.festivalsacadiens.com includes discount room rates at Ramada Inn, Lafayette, if you book early.


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c) UPCOMING CONCERTS
& Arts Events
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What’s ahead. Some are coming SOON. Some are even FREE, but you could still miss ’em. Some offer advance discounts. Others’ll just sell-out quickly if you’re not on top of things.

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HOT TICKET ALERT! Added-in, up front, JUST ANNOUNCED...
+
A Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Oct 7, in Santa Barbara:
7 pm DON HENLEY (EAGLES), plus special guest SHAWN COLVIN, play the Santa Barbara Bowl. A real "wow" of a double-bill; like you'd see at a festival, but here with a better seat.
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Tix: On sale SAT, AUG 8, 11 am, at:
+
http://m.ticketmaster.com/event/09004EFEDC516588?brand=nederlanderla&camefrom=cfc_ndrcon_ned_Aug5


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Now, to the chronological listings...
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Mon, Aug 10, in Ventura:
7:30 pm KEVIN COSTNER & MODERN WEST play the CONCERT SERIES at the 140th Annual "VENTURA COUNTY FAIR" at the fairgrounds complex, 10 W Harbor Bl, Ventura; 805-648-3376.
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The fair's Grandstand Concerts series is FREE with paid fair admission. Other musical entertainment happens throughout the fair, but we do not have that info.
+
There are Free Rodeos on Sat & Sun, Aug 15 &16 at 2 & 7 pm, and Motor Sports on Wed, Aug 5 (additional ticket required).
+
Full info at:
www.venturacountyfair.org

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Mon, Aug 10, in downtown L.A.:
8 pm “THE DROP: OF MONSTERS AND MEN,” is a performance-interview program tonight in the Clive Davis Theatre at the Grammy Museum, Olympic & Figueroa, across from Staple Center in downtown L.A.
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When somebody plays “Austin City Limits,” you either take notice because you’re impressed and excited or because you’re disoriented by the booking. In 2011, the infectious, quadruple-platinum No. 1 radio hit "Little Talks" had the world talking about the Icelandic chamber pop group, OF MONSTERS AND MEN. The quintet's critically praised 2012 debut album, “My Head is an Animal,” sold more than 2 million copies worldwide and peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200. In addition to countless sold-out headlining shows around the world, OF MONSTERS AND MEN have performed at various music festivals including Coachella, Bonnaroo, Glastonbury and Lollapalooza.
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Contributing to their rise to fame was their single "Silhouettes," which was featured on “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” soundtrack. The group has made several TV appearances, including “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Graham Norton Show,” and “Saturday Night Live,” gaining audiences around the world. Their latest album, “Beneath the Skin,” was released June 9, 2015, and has already proven a commercial success, climbing to No. 3 on the Billboard 200, marking their highest-charting album to date.
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The GRAMMY hosts an intimate discussion surrounding their new album and career, moderated by Scott Goldman, Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation, along with a performance.
+
Tix at www.grammymuseum.org, or call 213-763-2133. Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats.
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Be sure to peruse the Guide’s “TICKET ALERTS” in this edition for a wide variety of upcoming Grammy Museum programs.

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Tue, Aug 11, in Ventura:
1 pm NEIL SEDAKA plays the CONCERT SERIES – for a matinee-only; a different show tonight – at the 140th Annual "VENTURA COUNTY FAIR" at the fairgrounds complex, 10 W Harbor Bl, Ventura; 805-648-3376.
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The fair's Grandstand Concerts series is FREE with paid fair admission. Other musical entertainment happens throughout the fair, but we do not have that info.
+
There are Free Rodeos on Sat & Sun, Aug 15 &16 at 2 & 7 pm, and Motor Sports on Wed, Aug 5 (additional ticket required).
+
Full info at:
www.venturacountyfair.org

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Tue, Aug 11, in Santa Barbara:
6 pm "PAUL SIMON TRIBUTE" presented by "SONGWRITERS AT PLAY," at SOhO Music & Supper Club, 1221 State Street #205, Santa Barbara.
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Songwriters At Play celebrates the music of 12-time Grammy Award-Winner Paul Simon. From the wistful ballads of Simon & Garfunkel to his worldbeat-infused solo works, they'll cover the songs you know and love.
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The performers include:
♪ CV WELLS
♪ THOMAS GARDNER JR.
♪ JIM CONROY
♪ MICHAEL-ANN
♪ JODY MULGREW
♪ SHANE ALEXANDER
♪ KAREN TYLER
♪ GARY FOSHEE
♪ SONNY MONE
♪ PI JACOBS
♪ BEAR MARKET RIOT
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More & advance tix at:
www.songwritersatplay.com

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Tue, Aug 11, in Santa Barbara:
7 pm JACKSON BROWNE plays the Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara. Tix available at:
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http://m.ticketmaster.com/jackson-browne-santa-barbara-california-08-11-2015/event/09004E45F2225BA7?artistid=734654&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1&brand=nederlanderla&camefrom=cfc_ndrcon_ned_Aug5

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Tue, Aug 11, in OC (Anaheim):
8 pm CHRIS ISAAK plays the City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim. (He also plays T.O. on Aug 13; see listing.) Tix for this show available at:
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http://m.ticketmaster.com/event/09004EC4A31219E1?brand=nederlanderla&camefrom=cfc_ndrcon_ned_Aug5

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Tue, Aug 11, in downtown L.A.:
8 pm “THE DROP: JACKIE GREENE,” is a performance-interview program in the “AMERICANA MUSIC SERIES” tonight in the Clive Davis Theatre at the Grammy Museum, Olympic & Figueroa, across from Staple Center in downtown L.A.
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Hailed as "THE PRINCE OF AMERICANA" by the New York Times, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist JACKIE GREENE aspires to be a musician with the whole package. Influenced by Hank Williams, Bob Dylan and Ray Charles, Greene will release his seventh solo studio album, and debut album on Yep Roc Records, “Back to Birth,” on Aug 21, 2015.
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With the release of his second album, “Gone Wanderin',” Greene earned the 2003 California Music Award for “Best Blues/Roots Album.” Aside from his solo career, in 2014 Greene released the debut album of supergroup TRIGGER HIPPY, which also features JOAN OSBORNE and BLACK CROWES drummer STEVE GORMAN. In 2013, Greene joined THE BLACK CROWES on their worldwide tour, and since 2007 he has toured with GRATEFUL DEAD bassist PHIL LESH's ensemble PHIL LESH & FRIENDS.
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On “Back to Birth,” Greene stretches out on a number of instruments, including, piano, organ and drums. Greene says the new album focuses on "the notion of a cyclical existence" and "a return to the simplicity."
+
The GRAMMY Museum hosts Greene as part of its ongoing “Americana Series,” for an intimate performance and discussion surrounding his career and new album, moderated by Scott Goldman, Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation.
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Tix at www.grammymuseum.org, or call 213-763-2133. Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats.
+
Be sure to peruse the Guide’s “TICKET ALERTS” in this edition for a wide variety of upcoming Grammy Museum programs.

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Wed, Aug 12, FREE, in downtown L.A.:
12:30-2 pm RAMFUNKSHUS p play the final weekly LUNCHTIME CONCERT in the free summer “PERSHING SQUARE CONCERT SERIES” in Pershing Square (park) 532 S Olive St, Los Angeles 90013; 310-401-0258.
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One of California’s premier party cover bands, RamFunkshus brings a huge repertoire of dance hits, ranging from ’60s to now, from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga.
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Bring your lunch to the venue; the original 1917 L.A. Farmers’ Market is three blocks away and offers plenty of options; other local take out places offer sandwiches, tacos, or pizza. Tables, chairs and umbrellas are available at the square.
+
The last 2015 summer concerts in Pershing Square happen this week, Thu & Sat evenings.
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Details at: www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/SummerConcertSeries.html

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Wed, Aug 12, in OC (Costa Mesa):
6-8 pm WHEN PIGS FLY! plays the 125th Annual “ORANGE COUNTY FAIR, ” which runs Jul 17 to Aug 16, 2015, at the OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa 92626.
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If you’ve been unimpressed by the big time acts playing the Pac Amp at the Fair, THIS is the show you’ve been waiting for: rootsy Folk-Americana with Irish and Appalachian Mountain elements.
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WHEN PIGS FLY! is MARIANNE SCANLON on hammered and fretted dulcimer, JIM COPE on fiddle, bouzouki, & banjo, BEA ROMANO on hammered dulcimer & autoharp, and JIM ROMANO on guitar, fretted dulcimer, & bodhran. More at www.WhenPigsFlyMusic.com
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The fair has two principal music venues, plus other musical entertainment, and it’s ALL free with admission. We’ll endeavor to keep you posted about all the listenable music on all the stages. The headline acts all play the “2015 Toyota Summer Concert Series at Pacific Amphitheatre.”
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Full sched. for Pac Amp during the fair:
http://www.pacamp.com/pa/
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Full sched. for the Fair’s OTHER principal stage, The Hangar, is at:
http://www.ocfair.com/2015/thingstodo/the_hangar.asp
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There always may be something good on “The Hangar” stage OR on the Promenade Stage. Pick up the daily schedule when you go in the gate.

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Wed, Aug 12, in downtown L.A.:
7:30 pm “HEARTWORN HIGHWAYS REVISITED,” on its way to becoming a Nu-Folk classic, screens in the “REEL TO REEL” series as a performance-interview program tonight in the Clive Davis Theatre at the Grammy Museum, Olympic & Figueroa, across from Staple Center in downtown L.A.
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Directly inspired by the late JIM SZLAPSKI's 1976 cult classic “Heartworn Highways” — which this year is celebrating its 40th anniversary — “Heartworn Highways Revisisted” casts a spotlight on a new community of singer-songwriters in the outskirts of Nashville during a time when folk music is experiencing a renaissance of integrity.
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Directed by Wayne Price, and co-produced by Graham Leader, who produced the original “Heartworn Highways,” and Brian Devine, “Heartworn Highways Revisited” features the filmmakers reuniting with artists featured in the original film, including GUY CLARK, TOWNES VAN ZANDT, STEVE YOUNG, and DAVID ALLAN COE, while focusing on the next generation of "outlaws" such as JOHN McCAULEY (DEER TICK), JONNY FRITZ, ROBERT ELLIS, JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE, SHOVELS & ROPE, and LANGHORNE SLIM, among others who honor the tradition of their predecessors while forging a highway of their own.
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The GRAMMY Museum hosts this special screening, following its previous screening at the 2015 “Nashville Film Festival,” the “Santa Barbara International Film Festival,” the “Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival,” and the “Asbury Park Music in Film Festival,” where it won “Best Documentary” for 2015.
+
Tix at www.grammymuseum.org, or call 213-763-2133. Doors at 7 pm for the best seats.
+
Be sure to peruse the Guide’s “TICKET ALERTS” in this edition for a wide variety of upcoming Grammy Museum programs.

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Wed, Aug 12, in Ventura:
7:30 pm THE BAND PERRY is pretty much “thet fahke Nashvulle pop countree” to our ears, but some folkies like ‘em, and they’re playing the last of the Americana-friendly shows in the CONCERT SERIES (through Aug 16) at the 140th Annual "VENTURA COUNTY FAIR" at the fairgrounds complex, 10 W Harbor Bl, Ventura; 805-648-3376.
+
The fair's Grandstand Concerts series is FREE with paid fair admission. Other musical entertainment happens throughout the fair, but we do not have that info.
+
There are Free Rodeos on Sat & Sun, Aug 15 &16 at 2 & 7 pm, and Motor Sports on Wed, Aug 5 (additional ticket required).
+
Full info at:
www.venturacountyfair.org

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Thu, Aug 13, in La Canada-Flintridge:
6 pm KRISTIN KORB, that beautiful and beautifully-voiced maestro of the upright bass makes a sojourn back from the European festival circuit to play the “Descanso Gardens Summer Concert / Concerts Under the Oaks” series in the Under the Oaks Amphitheatre, Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge 91011; www.DescansoGardens.org; 818-949-4200.
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Bring a picnic and beach chair for a wonderful night under the Descanso oaks. Lawn seating is first-come, first served.
+
Series runs periodically on weekend afternoons or weeknight evenings through the summer, on a beautiful little outdoor stage with nice sound and bench seating. Gardens admission MAY include concert; check with venue.
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The beautiful and beautifully-voiced vocalist and virtuoso of the stand-up bass is not to be missed. She was always a big hit when she appeared live on stages and at festivals during her L.A. days, when she was an adjunct prof. of music at USC.
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More at www.kristinkorb.com
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Free concert with Gardens admission, which is $9 adults, $6 students & seniors, cheaper for young kids.

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Thu, Aug 13, in downtown L.A.:
6 pm LOUIS CRUZ BELTRAN performs a FREE "special concert tribute" to activist DOLORES HUERTA, with special musical guests at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N Main St, Los Angeles 90012; 888 488-8083; http://lapca.org
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Blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz, Latin jazz, salsa and R&B, LOUIS CRUZ BELTRAN is a bandleader who is also a superbly skilled vocalist, conguero, timbalero and humorist. He is a popular attraction at venues ranging from intimate clubs to major festivals where he has shared the stage with music luminaries including Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Poncho Sanchez, Hubert Laws, and many more.
+
This event is free and open to the public.
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GO EARLY and enjoy the current exhibition: "Corazón de la Comunidad: A Story of Mariachi in Los Angeles," runs May 15-Nov 13, 2015, at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N Main St, Los Angeles 90012; 888 488-8083; http://lapca.org
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Go on the right days (including this one) and you'll a get live music performance along with the exhibition; keep reading.
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Mariachi music — and musicians — have become symbols of Mexican and Mexican American identity. From rancheras sung at weekend parties to the recent "Dolls of the World Barbie" dressed in a mariachi traje, this musical form is one of the most recognized icons of Mexican and Mexican American culture. "Corazón de la Comunidad: A Story of Mariachi in Los Angeles" explores the changing identity and history of the genre in L.A.
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Regular visitor hours are M,W & Th, noon–5 pm, and Fri through Sun, noon-6 pm; info@lapca.org

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A Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick!
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Thu, Aug 13, FREE, in Culver City:
7 pm BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO wraps-up CULVER CITY'S “BOULEVARD MUSIC SUMMER FESTIVAL” for 2015 in the palm-lined courtyard of Culver City’s City Hall. Each concert is FREE and parking is free, with an optional $10 up-front reserved seat.
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Tonight is highly danceable zydeco music, featuring the sounds of Creole from Louisiana and Texas, with the excellent BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO (a Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick!)
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Avoid the crowds and parking hassles of other areas on the Westside. Courtyard opens at 4:30 pm. Careful with arriving early, because the free parking is free for two hours in designated parking structures in Culver City. Dozens of dining options are available within walking distance. You can even catch the new light rail to Culver City and a convenient Culver Bus to the concert, and not drive at all.

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Aug 13, in T.O.:
7:30 pm CHRIS ISAAK plays the Fred Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks. (He also plays Anaheim on Aug 11; see listing.) Tix for this show available at:
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http://m.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/90196/735342?brand=nederlanderla&camefrom=cfc_ndrcon_ned_Aug5

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Thu & Fri, Aug 13 & 14, in Hollywood:
(Time tba) GRACE POTTER plays two nights at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood.

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Thu, Aug 13, FREE, in downtown L.A.:
8 pm TIEMPO LIBRE plays the final weekly LATIN / SALSA CONCERT in the free summer “PERSHING SQUARE CONCERT SERIES” in Pershing Square (park) 532 S Olive St, Los Angeles 90013; 310-401-0258.
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New this summer, Pershing Square has been presenting acclaimed Latin artists on Thursday evenings. Thursday, the concert lawn opens at 7 pm and concerts begin at 8 pm. A Beer & Wine Garden is open on Thursdays (i.d. required). A variety of food trucks are available for dining options. Outside food and drinks are not allowed into the venue on Thursday nights.
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TIEMPO LIBRE is a three-time Grammy-nominated Afro-Caribbean music group celebrated for its sophisticated tropical music. Equally at home in concert halls, jazz clubs, festival stages and dance venues, Tiempo Libre features an exhilarating mix of jazz harmonies, contemporary sonorities and seductive Latin rhythms. Through the past 14 years, the band has appeared around the globe and been featured on television shows including “The Tonight Show,” “Live from Lincoln Center,” and “Dancing with the Stars,” as well as many entertainment programs on Univision and Telemundo. Since the group’s formation in Miami 2001, its members have been on a mission to share their Afro-Caribbean heritage with as wide an audience as possible, reinterpreting and reinvigorating music born from the meeting of their musical origins with their new American experience.
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Details at: www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/SummerConcertSeries.html

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Fri, Aug 14, in San Pedro:
"SPIRIT OF '45" 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the END OF WORLD WAR II, includes events today aboard the BATTLESHIP IOWA, docked as a museum in San Pedro.
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In 2010, the U.S. Congress voted unanimously for an annual "Spirit of '45 Day" to preserve and honor the legacy of the men and women of the WW II generation. This year, America's governors are issuing proclamations expressing their support for a nationwide WW II 70th Anniversary Commemoration.
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Events all weekend, August 14-16, 2015, throughout the US. These include:
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- "Kiss In" events in Times Square, Las Vegas,San Diego and Sarasota,FL (Fri, Aug 14)
- August 14,1945 Radio Broadcasts
- "Rosie the Riveter Rallies" (Sat, Aug 15)
- "WWII Warbird Fly Overs" (Sat, Aug 15)
- "Swing Across America!" Swing dancing
- "Around the World Wreath Laying Tribute" (Sun, Aug 16)
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More, incl. events throughout the nation, at:
http://spiritof45.org/home0.aspx

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Fri, Aug 14, FREE, in Santa Clarita:
6-10 pm "L.A. SUMMERFEST" presents "SONGWRITERS NIGHT," a FREE outdoor concert & CONTEST, featuring THE TALL MEN GROUP, and musically hosted by THE LOCKE BROTHERS, at Towsley Canyon Park, 24255 The Old Rd, Santa Clarita 91321.
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Bring a blanket and chairs. Food truck, beer, & wine available.
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This is a PARTICIPATORY event:
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• SONGWRITERS: Bring CD/song/lyric to enter contest. to be featured on SCV-Arts TV.
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• VISUAL ARTISTS: Bring your gear for plein air drawing/painting, & exhibition.
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• ALL ATTENDEES: bring a new pair of socks for the ‘Box of Sox’ drive to benefit the homeless.
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• ALL ATTENDEES: join-in the grand finale singalong of “This Land is Your Land” for local TV.
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Free event.

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Fri, Aug 14, in downtown L.A.:
6:30-11 pm TRIO ELLAS plus LA VICTORIA play "BOLEROS DE NOCHE," a special concert at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N Main St, Los Angeles 90012; 888 488-8083; http://lapca.org
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Latin Grammy-nominated TRIO ELLAS and LA VICTORIA team-up for a night where women artists pay tribute to unforgettable bolero and ranchera music. It will be a warm summer night, filled with guitars and the voices of women that will awaken the passion our hearts hold for bolero music and its romantic, unforgettable poetic verses.
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This is a 21+ event, with, in addition to the performance, "vinyl records, traditional Mexican food, drinks, art, and more!"
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Advance tix, $16.82 (incl. fee), at:
www.eventbrite.com/e/boleros-de-noche-presenta-trio-ellas-y-la-victoria-tickets-17699161669
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Tix are $20 at the door, if any remain.

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Sat, Aug 15, in Pasadena:
6-10 pm "BENEFIT CONCERT FOR CLEAN WATER IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD," with short set performances by ED TREE, BRAD COLERICK, KARA GRAINGER, WILL RISBOURG, JONIE BLINMAN & KP, RIC TAYLOR, LORIN HART, WILD MOUNTAIN MYSTICS, CORRINA CARTER, JUSTINE WILLIS, NICK GOODMAN, BRAD LEE SWANSON, DAVE MORRISON, "and probably a few more," in the large hall behind Throop Unitarian, 300 S Los Robles, Pasadena.
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This is a benefit show for CharityWater.org. Dave Morrison explains, "I've become more and more aware of the problem of potable water throughout much of the developing world. Close to a billion people have no direct access to clean drinking water. Can you imagine that?"
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He continues, "What happens is that kids - usually girls - spend much of the day carrying water from distant sources. This interferes with schooling and locks everybody into the cycle of poverty that is so hard to break.
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"Thousands of children die every single day due to diseases related to bad drinking water. That's just not something we can ignore. So, I've been looking around.
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"Several great charities are focusing on this problem: digging wells, running pipe, installing purification systems, building baths and latrines. I like an outfit called CharityWater.org.
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"Their model is based on a 100% promise. They've put a firewall between publicly-raised donations and their own organizational costs. What they do is raise, from large donors, the money for staff, offices, travel and other expenses . And all of the money raised through their public outreach goes directly toward funding the water projects.
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"I like this idea. When we give to the Red Cross after a disaster, we know that the money will find its way somewhere, but when we read stories about big salaries and questionable pay-outs to local authorities, it worries us that our donations are absorbed by the charity organization itself, and never get where we intend for them to go.
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"With CharityWater ... the money goes into the field. Period.
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"It's a great time to get involved in this. Water-filtration systems are cheaper than ever, as are hand-drilling rigs and solar-powered pumps. Water is such a basic first-step on the road out of poverty, that I'm ready to make a commitment to an ongoing effort.
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"This is our first water-specific benefit.
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"We have a great line-up of musicians all donating their time. We'll have some food on hand, but also are actively seeking pot-luck contributions.
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"Additionally, we're trying a new model for the donations themselves. I'll have a lap-top set up and opened to my fund-drive page at the CharityWater website. You all can give whatever you want, using your own credit or debit card, and the receipt will go directly to your email inbox. Cash will also be accepted, and at the end of the show, we'll count it up, and I will donate that amount from my own account, and reimburse myself from the kitty. All neat and completely transparent.
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"I hope to see a bunch of you at this event, and for us to fund a water-project for some deserving folks."
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Bring a potluck dish to share. BYOBFF.
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More at: www.davemorrisonmusic.com

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√ A Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sat, Aug 15, FREE, in downtown L.A.:
7 pm AMERICA, plus THE FREDDY JONES BAND, play the season closer of the free summer “PERSHING SQUARE CONCERT SERIES” in Pershing Square (park) 532 S Olive St, Los Angeles 90013; 310-401-0258.
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AMERICA is still widely remembered for its hits "Horse with No Name," “Ventura Highway,” “Sister Goldenhair,” “Muskrat Love,” "Tin Man," "I Need You", and "Lonely People." Formed in 1970 by multi-instrumentalists Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley. The trio first met in London while their fathers were stationed at the US Air Force base at RAF South Ruislip near London in the mid-1960s. The three attended London Central High School at Bushey Hall where they met while playing in two different bands. Eventually the trio dubbed themselves America, chosen because they did not want anyone to think they were British musicians trying to sound American. Starting out with borrowed acoustic guitars, they developed a style which incorporated three-part vocal harmony with the style of contemporary folk-rock acts, much like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Their first major gig was as the opening act for THE WHO and ELTON JOHN.
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AMERICA’s debut album, recorded at Trident Studios in London and produced by Ian Samwell, was released in 1971. Then something happened. A single, "A Horse with No Name," (originally titled “Desert Song") became a major worldwide hit in early 1972. The single sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. in March 1972. But it wasn’t on that first album. So the debut album was re-released with the hit song added and the album quickly went platinum. In thgose days, the culture was oriented to 33 1/3 vinyl LPs much more than 45 rpm singles. The re-released album resulted in a second major chart success with Beckley's "I Need You", which peaked at No. 9 on the U.S. charts.
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After their initial success, the trio decided to relocate to Los Angeles and produce their own second album. AMERICA's second album, “Homecoming,” was released and awarded a gold disc. The group reached the Top 10 again with Bunnell's "Ventura Highway". Other singles, including Peek's "Don't Cross the River" and Beckley's "Only in Your Heart", were only modestly successful, but the group still won a GRAMMY Award for “Best New Artist” of 1972.
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AMERICA's output grew increasingly ambitious with their third offering, “Hat Trick,” in 1973. Again self-produced, the album featured strings, harmonicas, an eight-minute title track, and tap dancing. The album was not as successful as “Homecoming,” featuring only one modestly successful single, "Muskrat Love"
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After the disappointing commercial performance of the 3rd album, AMERICA enlisted producer GEORGE MARTIN and recording engineer GEOFF EMERICK, who had played a major role in shaping the sound of the Beatles. The result was the album “Holiday,” and with Martin's guidance, it was very different from America's first three efforts, as he enhanced AMERICA's acoustic sound with strings and brass.
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The trio soon found themselves in the Top Ten once again with the first single from “Holiday,” the Bunnell-penned "Tin Man." A song written by the newlywed Dan and Catherine Peek, "Lonely People," into the Top Ten.
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Martin worked with the trio again for their next LP, “Hearts.” AMERICA scored its second chart-topping success with Beckley's "Sister Golden Hair", a song which featured a memorable opening guitar riff admittedly inspired by GEORGE HARRISON's "My Sweet Lord" and frank relationship lyrics inspired, also admittedly, by JACKSON BROWNE. The follow-up single, "Daisy Jane", also scored among the Top Twenty. Shortly after, Peek's reggae-influenced "Woman Tonight" was a third success.
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Warner Bros. released a compilation of AMERICA's best-known tracks in December 1975, titled, “History: America's Greatest Hits,” which scored platinum. Martin, who produced the album, remixed those tracks which were culled from the group's first three albums
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The group recorded its sixth studio album at Caribou Ranch near Nederland, Colorado, inspiring the album's title, “Hideaway,” which Martin directed again. Released in April 1976, it saw the band's popularity severely faltering, as the two singles, "Today's the Day" and "Amber Cascades", only managed to reach number 23 and 75 (respectively) in the Billboard charts. Still, songs like "Jet Boy Blue" and "Don't Let it Get You Down" received a lot of airplay on FM Stations.
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Martin and the trio went to Hawaii to work on the group's seventh studio album, recording in a beach house on the island of Kauai. The resulting LP, “Harbor,” was released in February 1977, but continued the trend of decreasing sales for the group. It was their first album that failed to score either platinum or gold, and all three of its singles failed to chart.
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In May 1977, Dan Peek left the band. Peek recently had renewed his orientation to the Christian religion and began to seek a different artistic direction from Beckley or Bunnell. The two decided to continue as AMERICA, ending their contract with Warner Bros. with the release of their first concert LP, “[America] Live,” in October 1977. Recorded at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles shortly after Peek left the group, the performance featured a backing orchestra conducted by renowned film composer ELMER BERNSTEIN. The album was only mildly successful on the popular charts; whereas all of their previous albums, even “Harbor,” had at least made the Top 30, “Live” just barely inched into the top 130.
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After more than two years without new studio material, Beckley and Bunnell presented the group's new style with a cover of The Mamas & the Papas' "California Dreamin'" in March 1979. It was featured on the soundtrack for the movie “California Dreaming,” an unsuccessful film. The soundtrack was issued by the obscure distributor American International, but the single reached No. 56 on the charts.
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AMERICA continued to evolve as the 1980s arrived, eschewing the strings and brass of a typical George Martin project in favor of a more pop-rock style. Thes next album, “View from the Ground,” was released in July 1982. It saw the group finally score another commercial success with the song “You Can Do Magic,” which rose quickly through the pop charts, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard pop singles chart for multiple weeks. Their next album, “Your Move,” released in June 1983, was reasonably successful at No. 81.
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Despite the appearance of decline, AMERICA's work was featured on several film soundtracks during this period, establishing Beckley and Bunnell’s popularity in Germany. AMERICA recorded "Love Comes Without Warning" for the 1984 STEVE MARTIN comedy, “The Lonely Guy.”
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1984 brought a twelfth studio album, ‘Perspective,’ with adecidedly different style, it peaked at No. 185 during a three-week stint in October 1984. Their mainstream commercial success apparently over, Beckley and Bunnell ended their Capitol contract with “In Concert,” recorded live at the Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara, California, and released in July 1985.
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Beckley and Bunnell spent the latter half of the 1980s performing their live show well over 100 times a year around the world, and remained a hot ticket on the touring circuit. Still, they were unable to land a recording contract in the years after they left the Capitol label.
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By the early 1990s, the development of compact discs led to the reissuing of many older popular albums, providing acts like AMERICA with revived sales. In 1991, America added four new tracks as part of a collection issued by Rhino Records called “Encore: More Greatest Hits,” designed to complement the group's original 1975 retrospective. That enabled some ascendancy. In 1994, they released their first new studio album in a decade, “Hourglass,” produced primarily by Beckley and Bunnell, with help from HANK LINDERMAN and STEVE LEVINE. The album featured an eclectic group of songs, received generally positive reviews, but failed to become a commercial success.
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Then in 1995, the “King Biscuit Flower Hour” record label released an AMERICA concert album taken from a 1982 installment of the radio show. Titled “In Concert,” which creates confusion with the 1985 Capitol release of the same name, King Biscuit experienced modest success with the album. It was enough to bring a new record deal with King Biscuit's subsidiary label, Oxygen Records. The result was the album “Human Nature,” named for Beckley's home recording studio. The release got a modest commercial blitz. And that was enough to get the group’s catalog back on the radar. The next few years saw reissues of older albums on CD, and several major retrospective releases. In July 2000, Rhino released “Highway: 30 Years Of America,” a three-CD box set that included 64 remastered tracks spanning the group's career. Included were a handful of alternative mixes and demos such as an early take of a stripped-down "Ventura Highway".
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As part of a then-contemporary craze for recycling oldies recordings to create new hits, JANET JACKSON's 2001 single "Someone to Call My Lover" sampled the "Ventura Highway" guitar riff and rose to No. 3 on the Billboard pop charts.
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October 2002 brought the AMERICA’s first Christmas album, “Holiday Harmony,” produced by ANDREW GOLD. The album received positive reviews for its imaginative blending of elements of classic AMERICA tunes into familiar holiday standards. Still, it was touring where they remained successful through the decade of the 2000s.
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Midway through, a fateful connection brought a sudden and unexpected change in fortune. Around 2005, Beckley began correspondence with ADAM SCHLESINGER of the independent rock music group FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE. Beckley had been a fan of the 2003 Fountains of Wayne album “Welcome Interstate Managers,” and Schlesinger turned out to be a fan of America's work. The exchange of songs between the two resulted in them recording a few tracks together. The recordings came to the attention of SonyBMG's new Burgundy Records label, which was impressed both by the quality of the material and by the possibility of pairing AMERICA with other independent artists. The company contracted America to record a new album with Schlesinger and his musical partner, James Iha, formerly of THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, at the production helm. The recording sessions at Stratosphere Sound in New York City, which ran through July, attracted a number of notable guest musicians, including Ryan Adams, Ben Kweller, Stephen Bishop, Rusty Young, and members of the groups Nada Surf and My Morning Jacket.
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Entitled “Here & Now” and released in 2007, it was America's first major-label studio album since “Perspective,” 23 years earlier in 1984. In an effort to aim the album toward both younger and older audiences, the label decided to bundle the new album with a second disc comprising live performances of every track from “History: America's Greatest Hits,” previously recorded at XM Radio as part of XM's “Then Again...Live” series, recorded with longtime America drummer WIL LEACOX, guitarist MICHAEL WOODS and bassist RICHARD CAMPBELL. In the run-up to the album's January 2007 release, AMERICA attracted publicity Beckley and Bunnell hadn’t known since the early ’80s. The release itself was well received by critics, and “Here & Now” went all the way to number 52 in the Billboard charts.
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AMERICA was back.
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Thanks to receiving growing support from a new generation of musicians, AMERICA finally began to enjoy acclaim from the entertainment industry after a very long absence. In 2006, AMERICA was inducted into the “Vocal Group Hall of Fame.” On February 6, 2012, the group was given a star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame.” As late as 2009, America performed over 100 shows per year.

America's follow-up to 2007’s “Here & Now” was released on July 26, 2011, and appropriately titled, “Back Pages.” The album is a collection of twelve tracks covering songs from artists ranging from BOB DYLAN and JONI MITCHELL to ADAM SCHLESINGER and the GIN BLOSSOMS. Released on the E1 Music label, the album was produced by FRED MOLLIN, who had originally worked with AMERICA a very long 31 years before on “Alibi.” The album was recorded in Nashville with the help of a number of studio musicians. The album’s release was briefly overshadowed by publicity surrounding the sudden death of founding member DAN PEEK on July 24, 2011.
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In February 2014, the band presented a new stage lineup for its energetic and neverending touring. AMERICA continues to perform to sold-out crows around the world. The Pershing Square Downtown Stage is a fine opportunity to catch a FREE performance by one of the most enduring world-class Grammy award winning bands in America, the band AMERICA.
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PLUS, on stage tonight...
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THE FREDDY JONES BAND is a roots-rock band from Chicago. Despite the name, no member of the band is actually named Freddy Jones. They began when Wayne Healy and Marty Lloyd were attending college in South Bend, Indiana. Healy & Lloyd moved to Chicago and began playing as an acoustic trio with childhood friend Jim Bonaccorsi. They self-released their first album, which was later repackaged and released on Capricorn Records after scoring a local radio hit with "In a Daydream." They continued to build a fanbase both in the Midwest US and nationwide through tours of colleges. Several albums on Capricorn followed, and “North Ave. Wake-Up Call” and “Lucid” both attracted radio airplay (with the songs "Waitress" and "Mystic Buzz") and they cracked the upper echelons of the Billboard charts. Personnel changes saw the two Bonaccorsis leave and bassist Mark Murphy come in. Three-time Grammy winner producer/engineer and mixer Justin Niebank (Taylor Swift, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock and on and on) and label partner Timm Martin have helped FJB create what Niebank says is "the best record he has worked on in over three years!" And with the myriad of number-one records Niebank has worked on, that’s impressive, even given the charting success the band has enjoyed. Freddy Jones Band released a new album on June 30, 2015 and tonight’s performance is part of their summer tour promoting the record.
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Details at: www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/SummerConcertSeries.html
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FREE.

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Sun, Aug 16, in downtown L.A.:
“AFTERNOON DELIGHT L.A. 2015” happens on the Rooftop at the Standard, 550 S Flower St, Los Angeles 90071. Cost is “$0 - $17.”

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Sun, Aug 16, in SaMo:
8 pm WE FIVE play a "Special Appearance — You Were On My Mind for 50 Years," plud, on the same bill, JEFF ALAN ROSS with "Straight Up: The Songs of Badfinger," at McCabe's, 3101 Pico, Santa Monica.
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JERRY BURGAN says, "It’s been 50 years since WE FIVE came to L.A. from our houseboat in Sausalito to play at IT’S BOSS (now the Comedy Store) and do some TV shows like 'Where The Action Is,' 'Shindig,' and 'American Bandstand.' For those who have been waiting almost that long for us to play a show on the West Side, the time has come. WE FIVE will be at McCabe’s, the iconic guitar store and concert club in Santa Monica, for one show. The doors open at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8 pm.
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"Also on the bill that night will be Jeff Alan Ross with ‘Straight Up: The Songs of Badfinger.’ Should be a great night of music! Hope you can come, but pass the word if you can't."
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Info and tic at: www.mcabes.com

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Tue, Aug 18,
BENEFIT SHOW,
in downtown L.A.:
7:30 pm “COMEDY ROCKS,” featuring BILL BURR, JIM JEFFERIES and GENE SIMMONS, is a BENEFIT performance-interview program tonight in the Clive Davis Theatre at the Grammy Museum, Olympic & Figueroa, across from Staple Center in downtown L.A.
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Actor-comedian SKYLER STONE brings his wildly popular Los Angeles staple show “Comedy Rocks” to the GRAMMY Museum. It's a celebration of comedy and music that's sold-out for seven years in a row. The show sparked from the idea that "every comedian wants to be a rock star," and most of what rock stars listen to on their tour buses are comedy albums. Thus, “It's the perfect marriage.”
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“Comedy Rocks” always features music videos, crazy surprise guests, music-themed standup and a live comic interview with a music icon. This particular installment will feature standup performances from comedians BILL BURR, JIM JEFFERIES and STONE, and closes with a raw and unfiltered live interview with KISS legend GENE SIMMONS, conducted by Stone and music journalist STEVE BALTIN.
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Proceeds from this event support Simmons' charity “Sophie's Place,” a multi-disciplinary, child-centered service for children who are victims of abuse.
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Tix at www.grammymuseum.org, or call 213-763-2133. Doors at 7 pm for the best seats.
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Be sure to peruse the Guide’s “TICKET ALERTS” in this edition for a wide variety of upcoming Grammy Museum programs.

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Tue, Aug 18, in OC (Westminster):
(Time tba) SOMEDAY GIRL, the ensemble featuring AMANDA ABIZAID and MICHAEL VANAGS, plays the "SAM ASH SHOWCASE" at the Sam Ash Music Store, 14200 Beach Bl, Westminster; 714-899-2122.
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Amanda Abizaid is a marvelous performer. In addition to performingin her music, there are her multiple roles in "Facing the Lion," a film by Joe Plonsky, produced by Scott Spiegel, starring Hugh Casey and Amanda Abizaid. Not only is Amanda on the screen, her music is in the soundtrack. Here's a sample:
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https://youtu.be/a7k5bHiUfzs
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More on other Sam Ash performance events at: http://samashmusic.com/events/

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A Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Wed, Aug 19, in downtown L.A.:
8 pm “THE DROP: JOY WILLIAMS,” is a big time FOLK-AMERICANA MUSIC EVENT and performance-interview program tonight in the Clive Davis Theatre at the Grammy Museum, Olympic & Figueroa, across from Staple Center in downtown L.A.
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As one half of folk-rock duo THE CIVIL WARS, singer-songwriter JOY WILLIAMS has won four GRAMMY Awards, including the award for “Best Country Duo/Group Performance” in 2014 for "From This Valley." The song is featured on the duo's 2013 self-titled album, which marked their last set of original material before announcing their breakup in 2014.
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Before THE CIVIL WARS, WILLIAMS had a career as a solo artist, releasing her debut self-titled album in 2001 at age 19. She subsequently released “By Surprise” (2002) and “Genesis” (2005) and two EPs, “One of Those Days” and “Songs from this and Songs from That” (2009). "Sunny Day," a track from the latter EP, was featured in an episode of "Grey's Anatomy" and on the soundtrack to the 2010 film “An Invisible Sign.”
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On June 26, this year, Williams returned with her new solo set, “Venus,” featuring 11 songs that are "unstintingly honest," according to acclaimed music journalist Jaan Uhelszki. Produced by Matt Moris, the new album “Venus” features Williams collaborating with artists MICHAEL EINZIGER and CHARLIE PEACOCK, among others. "You might call it a coming-of-age album, but it is so much more than that," said Uhelszki. "It shows how one woman has come to live her truth — the good, the bad, the petulant, the honorable."
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The GRAMMY Museum hosts Williams for an intimate discussion and performance surrounding her new career and life after THE CIVIL WARS, moderated by Scott Goldman, Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation.
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Tix at www.grammymuseum.org, or call 213-763-2133. Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats.
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Be sure to peruse the Guide’s “TICKET ALERTS” in this edition for a wide variety of upcoming Grammy Museum programs.

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Fri, Aug 21, in L.A.:
7-9 pm “SUMMER NIGHTS IN THE GARDEN” concludes its 2015 run tonight at the L.A. Natural History Museum. The promo says, “Come awaken your senses at the Natural History Museum’s summer outdoor happy hour complete with great music, garden-inspired cocktails, hands-on garden and science projects, botanical tours, food trucks, and more.”
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The evening’s happenings feature things like - Pickling with food writer Emily Han* - Nature Screen Printing with Self Help Graphics* - Build Bee Hotels* - Patio chats and smoke fly sampling with NHM Citizen Science experts - Enchanting Toy Theater Performances - Live animal presentations
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Complete program runs 5-9 pm, with live music from 7-9.
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FREE, but REQUIRES A TIMED-TICKET; available on a first-come basis. Make your required free reservation at:
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https://tickets.nhm.org/WebStore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=nhmonline&C=SummerNights1

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√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sat, Aug 22, in Griffith Park:
1-3 pm “THE MUSIC OF THE CIVIL WAR AND HOW IT MOVED WEST” is an afternoon of music from WALT RICHARDS and PAULA STRONG of TRAILS AND RAILS, in a special event at the Autry National Center (Autry Museum), in the Mary Pickford Education Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park 90027; 323-667-2000; www.theautry.org
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Presented by the Western Music Association’s California Chapter. The musicians will perform songs from the Civil War era, noting that many of them changed to become music identified with those who moved West.
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This program is just in time to support and enrich the Autry’s new exhibit, “Empire and Liberty – the Civil War & the West.”
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Tix, $20; ages 14 and under are admitted free, but reservations for all are advised as SPACE IS LIMITED. Reserve tix at 661-492-8930 or www.westernmusiccalifornia.org
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Note: concert admission does not include admission to the adjacent museum.

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Sat, Aug 22, in Bev Hills:
LEON RUSSELL plays the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Bl, Beverly Hills.
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Tix at www.canyonclub.net or 888-645-5006.

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√ A “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Sat, Aug 22, in OC (Irvine):
8 pm “STAR TREK” AT THE SYMPHONY, wherein PACIFIC SYMPHONY plays the score as the film screens “STAR TREK,” the 2009 feature film, at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Irvine.
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It’s a symphonic night at the movies perfect for the whole family. On the big screen: J.J. Abrams’ 2009 blockbuster featuring Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto boldly going where no one has gone before. On stage: PACIFIC SYMPHONY performing Academy Award-winner MICHAEL GIACCHINO’s score, live. Giacchino's other films include Pixar’s “Up,” "Ratatouille," “The Incredibles,” and this summer's trifecta of "Tomorrowland," "Inside Out," and "Jurassic World."
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Gates open at 6 pm for picnicking. Prefer not to cook? Enjoy the new Wine Bar or add on a gourmet Bristol Farms picnic box, ready for convenient pickup just inside the gates to the amphitheatre. Use the web link below to order.
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Tix at: www.pacificsymphony.org/tickets/concert_calendar

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A Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Tue, Aug 25, in downtown L.A.:
8 pm “THE DROP: DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER with Special Guests IRVIN MAYFIELD and THE THELONIOUS MONK INSTITUTE OF JAZZ PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE,” is a performance-interview program tonight in the Clive Davis Theatre at the Grammy Museum, Olympic & Figueroa, across from Staple Center in downtown L.A.
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Set for release on August 7, Bridgewater's latest album, “Dee Dee’s Feathers,” is a journey through the history of New Orleans as told through song collaborations with GRAMMY winner IRVIN MAYFIELD & THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ ORCHESTRA, and the album is an homage to the people and culture of New Orleans in honor of the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
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Over the course of a four-decade career, multiple GRAMMY-winning jazz artist DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER has ascended to the upper echelon of vocalists, putting her unique spin on standards while re-envisioning jazz classics. She's performed with such jazz notables as Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, and Dizzy Gillespie, and has released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including “Dear Ella,” her tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, and “Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie with Love,” both of which received GRAMMY Awards. Bridgewater also won a Tony Award for her role as “Glinda” in 1975's “The Wiz,” and received a British “Laurence Olivier” nomination for “Best Actress in a Musical” for her role in “Lady Day.”
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As a “Goodwill Ambassador” to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, Bridgewater continues to appeal for international solidarity to finance global grassroots projects in the fight against world hunger.
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The GRAMMY Museum hosts Bridgewater and Mayfield for an intimate discussion surrounding their career and new album, followed by a special performance featuring Bridgewater, Mayfield and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble, hosted by Scott Goldman, Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation.
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Tix at www.grammymuseum.org, or call 213-763-2133. Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats.
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Be sure to peruse the Guide’s “TICKET ALERTS” in this edition for a wide variety of upcoming Grammy Museum programs.

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Sat, Aug 29, in Whittier:
3-7 pm PADDY'S PIG, a fine trad Irish band, plays Mulcahey's, 15334 Whittier Bl, #8, Whittier 90603.
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Missy, Mike, Damon, Marty, & Jon — Paddy's Pig — always look and sound wonderful on stage. They tell us, "We've got new venues we're playing for the first time, new songs we've been writing, and new recordings on the way! Thanks so much for supporting and enjoying local Irish music!"
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More at: www.paddyspig.com

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Sat, Aug 29, in San Pedro:
8 pm STREET CORNER RENAISSANCE brings doo-wop classics with soaring harmonies to the Grand Annex in San Pedro.
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This exciting act has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Diana Reeves, and many other “name” stars.

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Sun, Aug 30, in Long Beach:
Noon-5 pm 1st Annual “LONG BEACH TIKI SOCIAL + TIKI SWAPMEET” includes appropriately-themed live music, hosted by Roxanne's Cocktail Lounge and the New Latin Grill, at Roxanne's Cocktail Lounge, 1115 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach 90807
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First band starts at 2 pm. The promo says, “August 30th will bring together the best that Southern California has to offer in the Tiki world, Including Kelly Merrel from Trader Sam's, Local Tiki bands from all around Southern California, the best tiki vendors So-Cal has to offer, as well as local vendors.” An “After-Party” at Roxanne’s starts immediately at 5 pm. Mahalo.
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21+ event, Food will be served. Tix: “Lei Package” $16.82; regular tix, $6.27 are sold-out.

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Sun, Aug 30, in Santa Barbara:
7 pm DIANA KRALL with special guest GREGORY PORTER play the Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara 93103; 805-962-7411.
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Five-time GRAMMY Award-winning jazz pianist and world renowned singer DIANA KRALL plays the Santa Barbara Bowl as part of her "Wallflower World Tour." Krall has made several national TV appearances to promote the tour, including performances on “LIVE! with Kelly and Michael” on Feb 2 and “The Late Show with David Letterman” on Feb 3.
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Produced by 16-time GRAMMY Award-winning producer David Foster, “Wallflower” finds Krall breaking new ground with her interpretations of some of the all-time best-selling pop songs. The album features popular classics from the late ’60s to present day that have inspired Krall since her early years, as well as an unreleased composition from Paul McCartney, titled "If I Take You Home Tonight".
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The "Wallflower World Tour" features Krall performing the Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreaming," the Eagles' "Desperado," and Bob Dylan's "Wallflower," which inspired the album's title track. Krall is accompanied onstage by folk luminary STUART DUNCAN on fiddle, ANTHONY WILSON on guitar, DENNIS CROUCH on bass, KARRIEM RIGGINS on drums, and PATRICK WARREN on keyboards.
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Diana Krall recently headlined “The Montreal International Jazz Festival” performing to over 100,000 loyal fans. Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. To date, she has won five Grammy Awards, eight Juno Awards and has also earned nine gold, three platinum and seven multi-platinum albums. Her unique artistry transcends any single musical style and has made her one of the most recognizable artists of our time.
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There’s plenty more on Diana Krall at:
www.dianakrall.com/
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GREGORY PORTER, fellow GRAMMY winner and renowned jazz musiacian, joins Diana Krall on this tour. Porter has been called “The next great male jazz singer” by NPR Music. His last album brought this from the Wall Street Journal: “‘Liquid Spirit’ is shot through with gospel, blues and R&B influences… the title track pairs soulful horns with a deep, enveloping bassline that frames the California native’s supple tenor.” The New York Times wrote, “Gregory Porter [is] a powerful baritone who writes his own songs… from a more ’70s or early ’80s-oriented place in the African-American jazz tradition, strong and sometimes experimental yet serenely unacademic, and mightily good.”
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Tix ,$84.50 - $49.50, at https://sbbowl.com

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Sep 10, in Bev Hills:
JOHN HIATT & THE COMBO plus TAJ MAHAL TRIO play the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Bl, Beverly Hills.
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Tix at www.canyonclub.net or 888-645-5006.

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Thu, Sep 17, in the Marina:
(Time tba) PADDY'S PIG, a fine trad Irish band, plays the first of three gigs for "HALFWAY TO ST. PATRICK'S DAY," this one at Brennan's in Marina Del Rey.
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Missy, Mike, Damon, Marty, & Jon — Paddy's Pig — always look and sound wonderful on stage. They tell us, "We've got new venues we're playing for the first time, new songs we've been writing, and new recordings on the way! Thanks so much for supporting and enjoying local Irish music!"
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More at: www.paddyspig.com

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Fri, Sep 18, in the near IE (Rialto):
4 pm PADDY'S PIG, a fine trad Irish band, plays one of three gigs for "HALFWAY TO ST. PATRICK'S DAY," this one at O'Leary's in Rialto.
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Missy, Mike, Damon, Marty, & Jon — Paddy's Pig — always look and sound wonderful on stage. They tell us
"We've got new venues we're playing for the first time, new songs we've been writing, and new recordings on the way! Thanks so much for supporting and enjoying local Irish music!"
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More at: www.paddyspig.com

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Sat, Sep 19, in Hollywood:
LILA DOWNS plays the Hollywood Pantages.

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Sat, Sep 19, in Redondo Beach:
(Time tba) PADDY'S PIG, a fine trad Irish band, plays the last of three gigs for "HALFWAY TO ST. PATRICK'S DAY," this one at Hennessey's Tavern in Redondo Beach.
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Missy, Mike, Damon, Marty, & Jon — Paddy's Pig — always look and sound wonderful on stage. They tell us, "We've got new venues we're playing for the first time, new songs we've been writing, and new recordings on the way! Thanks so much for supporting and enjoying local Irish music!"
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More at: www.paddyspig.com

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Oct 2, in BevHills:
GORDON LIGHTFOOT plays the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Bl, Beverly Hills.
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Tix at www.canyonclub.net or 888-645-5006.

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A Guide “SHOW-of-the-WEEK” pick...
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Oct 7, in Santa Barbara:
7 pm DON HENLEY (EAGLES), plus special guest SHAWN COLVIN, play the Santa Barbara Bowl. A real "wow" of a double-bill; like you'd see at a festival, but here with a better seat.
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Tix: On sale SAT, AUG 8, 11 am, at:
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http://m.ticketmaster.com/event/09004EFEDC516588?brand=nederlanderla&camefrom=cfc_ndrcon_ned_Aug5

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Dec 12, in BevHills:
""FRANK SINATRA'S 100th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION" featuring FRANK SINATRA JR. "Sinatra Sings Sinatra" at the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Bl, Beverly Hills.
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Tix at www.canyonclub.net or 888-645-5006.

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Tue, Jan 19, 2016, in OC (Anaheim):
6-9 pm "MUSIC PRODUCTS MEDIA PREVIEW" on the Disney Garden Walk, Anaheim.
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Presented by RobertsonComm (Robertson Communications Corp.) It's a pre-NAMM event.

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Word to the wise: we add to “Ticket Alerts” all the time, so act accordingly.


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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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