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Welcome to a truly abundant, downright YUGE edition of the Guide. There's enough here to keep you busy for a while, or to make multiple visits to learn about a buncha good stuff, including FREE music downloads from a whole lot of artists and bands.
There are previews, reviews, festivals, concerts, events, things to do THIS WEEKEND and on through the coming week, there's plenty later this month, into the fall, and all kinds o' things happening all over th' place! There are Ticket Alerts, FREE events, and concert schedules for lotsa places. So fetch yourself an enjoyable beverage and settle in. OR JUST USE THE LIST BELOW to find something to go do on short notice. You can always expand your mind with the waiting wealth of knowledge some other time. We'll wait. Not necessarily patiently, but we'll wait.
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A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
"Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto you." — Wendell Berry, farmer and author (born Aug 5, 1934).
That quote was chosen because August 6 marks the 61st anniversary of the flight of the Enola Gay, a B-29 that carried a single bomb. To Hiroshima.
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CONTENTS / IN THIS EDITION...
1) Festivals Near & Far, Now & Comin' Up...
2) Help this Fire Victim Musician / Show Biz Couple
3) Music Documentary "Talent Has Hunger" Screens at Laemmle L.A. August 29 & 30
4) This Week's Free Levitt Concerts: L.A. and Pasadena
5) World Class Music & Wit at The Coffee Gallery Backstage in August
6) Cajun-Zydeco Music and Dance Events this Weekend and Beyond
7) Grammy Museum Live Music Events
8) "Under The Oaks" Outdoor Music Series at Theatricum Botanicum in September
9) Julie Christensen's "The Cardinal" Video Premieres Online Today (Friday)
10) Tawny Ellis Video Premiere for "Before All This Trouble" at Stereo Embers Magazine
11) "Mozart in the Jungle," 2016 Golden Globe Award Double-Winner, Set for Release
12) Playing Tips for Musicians: 3 Ways to Become a Better Improviser
13) Another Prominent Rocker Goes Solo Acoustic
14) International Songwriting Competition (Isc) Announces 2017 Judges
15) Arcadia Blues Club Knows How to Bring It
16) Homegrown Magic at McCabe's this Weekend, Plus Schedule Update
17) Bluegrass Summer Sunday Interlude
18) "Indie Entertainment Summit" is August 10-13 in L.A.
19) Annual "Taste Of San Pedro" is this Saturday
20) USC "Visions And Voices" Arts & Music Series Updates
21) Assorted Free Events in August
22) Scottish Pipe Band from "On The Day" Movie Returns to Competition; Film on Special Thru Aug 15
23) Master Your Disc — Discount Offer
24) "Raiders of the Lost Ark" - Film with Live Orchestra - August 13
25) Ticket Alerts
26) New Music Discoveries for You
27) Saturday: Jill Freeman and Dan Shust Will Folk Your World
28) Saturday Charity Auction at Amoeba Hollywood
29) Michael Feinstein Has Your Backstage Pass into Cole Porter's World, August 20
30) Plan Now: "Ticket to the Twenties" in October
Let's get started!
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# 1 news feature
FESTIVALS NEAR & FAR, NOW & COMIN' UP...
Sat & Sun, Aug 6 & 7, Noon-10 pm: Annual "LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL" at Rainbow Lagoon Events Park, 400-403 Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802. Plenty of Cajun-zydeco music for listenening and dancing, including bands from Louisiana. The big difference at this one is the food: until it's sold-out, you can but enormous platters of fresh-cooked crawfish, or even an entire bucket to share.
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Sat, Aug 6, "INTERNATIONAL BLUES DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Towsley Canyon Park, Santa Clarita. Music starts at 4 pm – BULLFISH play at 7 pm.
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Sat, Aug 6, 5 pm: Annual "SANTA BARBARA MARIACHI FESTIVAL" is a full evening with music by Aida Cueva, Lila Downs, Mariachi Sol de Mexico, Mariachi Reyna de los Angeles, & Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan, at the Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara 93103; 805-962-7411.
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Sat, Aug 13, 7-9 pm, "FROGTOWN ARTWALK." Includes music at several locations, one being the Community Garden Stage, 1816 Blake Av, Los Angeles 90039.
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76th annual "NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL" happens in North Carolina, Sep 9-11.
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Annual "BOATS AND BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" is in Winona MN on the banks of the Mississippi River, Sep 22-25.
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FOLKWORKS FOLK/ROOTS FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 8, 2016
10 AM- 10 PM
Santa Monica Bay Women's Club
1210 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA
Tickets are $10-$35
Tickets available Aug. 15
Go to www.folkworks.org or
http://louisianadancela.us5.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=e3744e54a8c9d3ac4d3cd656c&id=9628577606&e=e3d598f318>
(Yep, that there's a live link.)
Entertainers Galore. Music Workshops. Dancing, Silent Auction, Dinner. Beer & Wine Bar, Movies, Jamming. Los Angeles' newest Cajun band, THE HIGH LIFE CAJUN BAND will be performing. This is the first year for this festival and funding for the future depends on how well they do. Want to help?
1. Buy tickets!
2. Sell some tickets!
3. Tell your friends and family and have them buy and sell some tickets!
Join the FolkWorks gang in keeping Folk and Roots Music alive and vibrant in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
NOTE: A portion of the proceeds from Karen Redding's Cajun-zydeco dance workshop on Aug 28 will support this event.
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# 2 news feature
HELP THIS FIRE VICTIM MUSICIAN / SHOW BIZ COUPLE
Two-time world champion cowboy poet Larry Maurice ( www.larrymaurice.com ) sent us this message:
"Loren and Jan Janes House destroyed in Santa Clarita fire. It is with a sad heart that I write to you today. Very good, longtime friends Loren and Jan Janes have been one of the 18 families that lost their homes and their entire contents to the now infamous SAND FIRE just outside of Santa Clarita, California.
"Loren Janes was a stuntman in movies and television for over forty years. He doubled everyone from Kurt Douglas to Debbie Reynolds. Was Steve McQueen’s double for the Wanted, Dead or Alive series. He is a founding member of the Stuntmen Association of Motion Pictures and also serves on the board of directors for the Lone Pine Film Festival. 40 years of Hollywood memorabilia, GONE.
"Jan (Sanborn) Janes is a concert pianist who performs all over the globe. She has been musical director for colleges and choirs and gave one of our most memorable Lone Pine “Concert in the Rocks”. Her grand piano was the center piece of their beautiful California adobe home, GONE.
"Both now in their 80’s and Loren not in the best of health. They face the monumental task of rebuilding their lives.
Here's a TV news feature on them:
http://abc7.com/news/woman-has-encouraging-words-after-home-destroyed-in-sand-fire/1442779/
"You can read more about this amazing couple and you can give a little Help by following the link below.
https://www.gofundme.com/helpjansanborn
"Some have written back to me that you are unable to open that go fund me web site.
"For those of you who would like a more direct way to help, you can mail cards, letters, or donations to them at,
Jan and Loren Janes, 16654 Soledad Canyon Rd #504, Canyon Country, CA 91385.
"Your response to this has been quite amazing. Thank you all. Any donation is appreciated. Many small donations will make a big impact."
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# 3 news feature
Music Documentary "TALENT HAS HUNGER" Screens at Laemmle L.A. August 29 & 30
Catch the opening at Laemmle Theatres in Los Angeles with cello master PAUL KATZ in person on August 29. First Run Features has announced the Los Angeles opening of Josh Aronson's documentary "TALENT HAS HUNGER" at Laemmle Theatres for two nights, August 29-30.
"TALENT HAS HUNGER" is an inspiring film about the power of music to consume, enhance, and propel lives. Filmed over 7 years, the film is a window into the mysterious world of the artist – the passion that can sustain a young player from childhood onward and the years of sacrifice and dedication that a budding artist must give to his craft. TALENT HAS HUNGER offers a unique front row seat in master cello teacher Paul Katz's New England Conservatory studio of highly gifted students. The film explores the challenge of elevating young people from being talented students to performing at the level of an artist.
Katz commands an array of approaches and tools from his 50 years of teaching to engage the variety of temperaments, emotions, and natural talents of his students. TALENT HAS HUNGER reveals the meticulous detail needed to master technique, but also provides the thrill of watching Katz manage the delicate sensibilities of young musicians as he helps them feel emotionally open and confident enough to walk on stage to play at their highest artistic level. This is not at all a film that only cellists or musicians could appreciate, but rather uses the pursuit of mastery as a metaphor for the pursuit of excellence in any area. TALENT HAS HUNGER is a powerful example of how to inspire talent of any type, at any age—to work hard and diligently to achieve greatness.
TALENT HAS HUNGER clearly instills an appreciation of concert musicians in an entirely new light. In the glow of that light, it's even possible that the music itself will have a deeper impact.
After starting his career as a still photographer for Time Life, Josh Aronson began directing television films, MTV videos and commercials. Aronson was the Director/Executive Producer of SOUND AND FURY, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, was distributed theatrically in 2000 and was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Documentary. Between 2010 and 2012, Aronson traveled all over the world making ORCHESTRA OF EXILES, his film about Bronislaw Huberman, the Polish violinist who founded the Israel Philharmonic. TALENT HAS HUNGER is his sixth documentary feature film.
Paul Katz is known to concertgoers the world over as cellist of the Cleveland Quartet, which, during an international career of 26 years, made more than 2,500 appearances on four continents. As a member of this celebrated ensemble from 1969 to 1995, Katz performed at the White House and on many television shows, including "CBS Sunday Morning," NBC's "Today Show" and "The Grammy Awards" (the first classical musicians to appear on that show). In 2011, Katz launched CelloBello, a website designed to connect cellists of all ages and performance levels. Katz has also appeared as a soloist in New York, Cleveland, Toronto, Detroit, Los Angeles, and other cities throughout North America.
TALENT HAS HUNGER is a film by Josh Aronson, made in 2015, USA, Documentary, English, 82 minutes, Digital. A First Run Features release.
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# 4 news feature
THIS WEEK'S FREE LEVITT CONCERTS: L.A. AND PASADENA
Any town picked by the Levitt Foundation to renovate an old band shell in a park is fortunate, because they do a first class job, then remain in that community to provide a full summer season of FREE concerts, year after year. Here in L.A., we are especially fortunate, because we have TWO Levitt Pavilions, one in Pasadena and one near downtown L.A. in MacArthur Park. Here's what's happening at both venues this weekend and this coming week.
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A.J. CROCE plays Levitt Pasadena, Sat, Aug 6, 8 pm. The son of legendary singer-songwriter Jim Croce, A.J.'s career began with his first tour at age 18 opening up for B.B. King. In the span of a 20+-year career, A.J. has headlined festivals, concerts and major listening venues worldwide. He has been seen and heard on shows including Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Austin City Limits, Good Morning America, E!, and CNN, and he has shared the stage with an innumerable list of eclectic artists from Willie Nelson to Ray Charles, Bela Fleck to James Brown, Lyle Lovett to Morphine, and Rod Stewart to Ben Harper.
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JAMISON ROSS plays Levitt Pasadena, Sun, Aug 7, 7 pm. Refreshing and invigorating, Jamison Ross is the epitome of soul. A composer, arranger, vocalist and drummer, Jamison combines his gifts to present a unique offering to the world of Jazz. His Grammy-nominated debut release, Jamison, takes listeners on a musical journey that unifies his drumming abilities and vocal gifting.
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ROCKY DAWUNI with DJ Drez, plays Levitt Los Angeles, Sat, Aug 6, 8 pm. GRAMMY nominated Afro Roots star, Rocky Dawuni, returns from his highly successful summer tour of Europe and India to bring his fiery sound once again to light up the City of Angels, on Saturday August 6th at the Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles in MacArthur Park. The "Branches of the Same Tree Tour" thrilled huge audiences across Spain, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Czech Republic as well as a performance at the legendary Bangalore Place in India with GRAMMY winning musician / composer Ricky Kej and very special guests. Many thanks to our Media Sponsor KCRW.
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KIDDLE KAROO plays a kids show at Levitt Los Angeles, Sun, Aug 7, 8 pm.
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LUCKY DIAZ: Thu, Aug 11, 7 pm, Levitt Pasadena.
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QUETZAL: Friday, Aug 12, 8 pm, Levitt Pasadena.
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DEAN TORRENCE: Sat, Aug 13, 8 pm, Levitt Pasadena.
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KOREAN EXCHANGE: Sat, Aug 13, 7 pm, Levitt Los Angeles.
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And, a YUGE show for blues and Americana fans...
DOUG MacLEOD: Sun, Aug 14, 7 pm, Levitt Pasadena. Winner of the 2014 Blues Music Awards for Acoustic Artist Of The Year and Acoustic Album Of The Year (There’s A Time), the 2013 Blues Blast Music Award for Male Artist Of The Year, and perennial Blues Music Award nominee, is a prolific singer, songwriter, engaging storyteller, and masterful guitarist born in the blues and rooted in the American tradition. Official Website: www.doug-macleod.com
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VENUE LOCATIONS:
Levitt Pavilion (Pasadena) Memorial Park, 85 E Holly St, Pasadena 91103.
Levitt Pavilion (Los Angeles) Macarthur Park, 2230 W 6th St, Los Angeles 90057.
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# 5 news feature
WORLD CLASS MUSIC & WIT AT THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE IN AUGUST
Here's what's up at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; phone for reservations, (7 days, 10 am-10 pm) 626-798-6236.
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Friday, August 5. Two Shows: Matinee @ 5 pm and Evening showpm at 8 . Tickets: $25 SOLD OUT!
"THIS IS AN EVENT. She may not be able to return again as she plays huge venues, film and TV. This is loyalty to me," says Bob Stane. "You are the beneficiary. Big feature coming up in The Pasadena Weekly."
GRACE KELLY....JAZZ SAXOPHONE GENIUS PHENOM. Early August @ The Coffee Gallery Backstage. She plays sax, she sings, she sparkles in multi-colors. Bob Stane says: "The unbelievably talented GRACE KELLY will be appearing, for two shows....a 5:00 P.M. matinee and an 8:00 P.M. evening show at The Coffee Gallery Backstage on Friday, August 5. She sings, writes songs and is a JAZZ saxophone phenom. She has been here several times since she was a teen ager. She has been featured every where in New York City and all over America.
"Why she still asks to play The Coffee Gallery Backstage is a mystery. Maybe she likes you, me and The Coffee Gallery Backstage. Every time she plays the room it "may be the last time." She is a regular on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. If you like any jazz, or just genius playing of any instrument, catch this show for only $25.
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Saturday, August 6. @ 3:00 P.M. Matinee. Tickets...A Bargain @ 15.
RONNY COX - SONGS, STORIES AND OUT AND OUT LIES. Made famous in his first film debut in “Deliverance.”
Songs, Stories and Out and Out Lies is a show featuring acclaimed musician/actor/author Ronny Cox. Scores of fans and promoters will attest it is one of the greatest evenings you can experience. With the gift of a consummate storyteller, he shares funny, sad and tender moments. His loyal band of listeners are blessed, if only for a while, to spend time with a truly remarkable man. Enhancing these great stories is the music provided by Ronny and his band of world-class, virtuoso musicians. Lauren Lee and Chip Dolan complete the picture with fiddle, accordion, piano, guitars and great voices of their own.
A look of familiarity has helped make Cox one of Hollywood’s most versatile character actors. His first time in front of a camera featured him playing the guitar in the Dueling Banjos scene in “Deliverance”, creating one of the most iconic moments in the history of moviemaking. Despite his great success in movies and TV, what he says he loves most issinging and playing the guitar. According to him, nothing cuts through to the heart like music. The acting experience simply enhances his musical and song-writing skills. He knows a song has to provide a visual and tickle the listener’s imagination as he or she is taken away from everyday troubles to a laugh, a sigh and maybe a tear here and there.
For years he has been traveling America telling audiences all about his life, his career, his experiences behind the scenes of some of his films and TV shows and his philosophy. Kind of sounds like Will Rogers, doesn’t it? Well, there could be a connection. The difference is, Ronny tells a story, and then sings about it. The Songs and Stories in the title of this show are obvious. The Out and Out Lies?....that’s up to you and your audience to figure out. Which story is true? Which story is Ronny just putting out there for the fun of it?
I have found very few artists that have such a compelling natural ability to engage an audience quicker than Ronny Cox. His warm and amiable nature is genuinely cordial, and a seasoned complement to his musical performance....Ron Jewell. Director, Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center, Bartlett, Tn.
Jane Gates, ED of the Stiefel Theatre in Salina, Ks attests:
“We had a wonderful evening here with Ronny Cox. He is such a wonderful storyteller and musician who has an exceptional way of connecting with his audience. I can’t ever remember an artist that was so gracious about welcoming the people coming in for his show. For his show here we had our audience sit on stage with Ronny. He deserves some credit also for helping us with this rather new idea here – it reminded me of a house concert and we plan to do this again. Ronny also brought fabulous musicians with him. I look forward to having Ronny back at the Stiefel.”
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Saturday, August 6.. Show @ 7:00 P.M. Tickets: $18. A Big, Bargain.
RATTLE THE KNEE... is based in Los Angeles and brings the traditional music of Ireland to this far western shore. It's members have performed in well known local venues including the LA Music Center and the Ford Amphitheater, places around the country including the Grand Ol' Opry, and far off places including the pubs and stages of Japan.
Patrick D'Arcy hails from Dublin Ireland but has spent most of his musical life as a very influential uilleann piper of Southern California. He tours regularly both nationally and internationally and has appeared on numerous recordings. His solo album, "Wallop the Spot" has received critical acclaim and radio play both in the US and in Ireland. He is a founding member of the Southern California Uilleann Pipers Club and teaches locally, remotely (via internet) and around the country at uilleann piping tionoil (gatherings).
Kira Ott is a fiddler from Los Angeles and has been very active on the LA Irish music scene for many years. As a child she studied classical viola, but left that behind to play Irish music as a teenager. After spending many winters traveling to Donegal Ireland to learn at the Frankie Kennedy Winter School she took a few summers festival hopping around Ireland, learning and playing with many of the greats. She has performed and toured with numerous bands and teaches locally.
Pat and Kira have been playing pickup gigs together for many years while each played in other local bands. Finally, under the name Rattle the Knee, they decided to make their music official. They've teamed up with Jimmy Murphy and Rattle The Knee was complete.
Jimmy Murphy, guitarist and mandolinist extraordinaire, has been a cornerstone of the traditional Irish music scene in southern California for over a decade. He has appeared in performance venues from the Ford Amphitheater in Los Angeles to temples in Japan. He has performed on KPFK's "Global Village" with Eric Rigler, on KPFK's "Folkscene" with Mick Moloney and as part of the band Ciunas, and live on KCSN's "Tied to the Tracks". Jimmy spent two years as a contracted musician in Japan; first as a soloist for Tokyo Disney Sea, then as a member of a band for Universal Studios, Japan, and finally as a key member for a four piece band again at Tokyo Disney Sea. He is the go-to guitarist for most Irish musicians in LA and has performed with both Pat and Kira in many musical configurations.
When you see Rattle The Knee, you will hear uilleann pipes, fiddle, and mandolin playing old dance tunes with driving rhythms on bodhran and guitar. Mixed in will be songs, marches and slow airs and maybe a story or two along the way. Enjoy the show!
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Sunday, matinee, August 7. Show @ 3:00 P.M. Tickets: $20. A MATINEE.
YESTERDAY and TOMORROW....A CONCERT WITH...
TOM FAIR....AKA Thomas Leo Feher began his music career as a songwriter and studio musician for the New York City-based pop vocal group The Left Banke (“Walk Away Renée”). In the '60s and '70s, he shared the stage with now-legends The Turtles, Mitch Ryder, Chuck Berry, James Cotton and Screamin' Jay Hawkins among others.
Aside from being a versatile vocalist, he is a guitarist, pianist and event producer. A walking encyclopedia of music history, he's shared his knowledge and experience with hundreds of students, both young and old, as a music instructor in the L.A. area for the past 24 years. But Tom’s first love in music, going back to the mid-60s, has been songwriting. Sample a few of his over 1500 compositions at Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.com/maestrotf
SAMANTHA ELIN....A true Valley girl, Samantha spent her teenhood riding her bike to the Sherman Oaks Galleria, burying her nose in a book, and listening and dancing to records—hundreds of them. When Tom and Samantha get together to cook up some “Homemade JAM,” audiences are delighted to see Samantha step to the fore and tap or Charleston to several of the old-timey tunes in their repertoire.
After a professional life as a writer and editor, she's returned in recent years to her musical roots, writing songs and singing old-timey tunes. Samantha's compositions collected at such a rapid rate, she released two CDs simultaneously—Blue Plate Special, a collection of folk and country tunes, and Late Bloomer, whose songs span from ukulele old-timey to anthem rock to indie folk. Sample the songs here: www.samanthaelin.com
BOB GOTHAR....A professional guitarist and bassist since the age of 17, Bob Gothar has been a fixture of the Southern California country and roots music scene for 40 years. He's played with dozens of acts locally and around the world, and has accompanied the likes of Peter Tork, J.D. Souther, Rosanne Cash, Rascal Flatts' Joe Don Rooney, John Oates, The Cowsills, the Eagles' Don Felder and Roger McGuinn of Byrds fame. He's toured the United States, playing thousands of events, with surf band Papa Doo Run Run for the last 19 years.
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Sunday, August 7. Show @ 7:00 P.M. Tickets: $20
THE JANGLE BROTHERS
Don't miss this show, especially if you like Sixties' music.
The best music this side of Bob Dylan and the Band.
JOHN YORK is a former member of the legendary Byrds, and currently touring with Barry McGuire. He has played with P.F. Sloan, The Mamas and the Papas, Dr. John, Johnny Rivers, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, The Sir Douglas Quintet, Nicky Hopkins, and Blues legend Lightnin' Hopkins.
BILLY DARNELL, who played guitar for the Gene Clark Byrds, The Everly Brothers, Dr. John, Doug Kershaw, and Roger McGuinn,
CHAD WATSON, amazing bass player for Janis Ian, Delaney Bramlett, Charlie Rich, Freddy Fender and countless other artists.
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Monday, August 8. Show at 8:00 P.M, Tickets: $18
ROY ZIMMERMAN: THIS MACHINE
"This Machine" is ninety minutes of Roy Zimmerman's hilarious, rhyme-intensive original songs. The title is a reference to Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger to be sure, but also an acknowledgement that songwriting does good work in the world. “Sometimes I think satire is the most hopeful and heartfelt form of expression,” says Roy, “because in calling out the world's absurdities and laughing in their face, I'm affirming the real possibility of change.” Roy’s songs have been heard on HBO and Showtime. He's shared stages with Bill Maher, Robin Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, John Oliver, Kate Clinton and George Carlin. He's been profiled on NPR's "All Things Considered," and he's a featured blogger for the Huffington Post. He has played at The White House.
He could be dangerous but oh-so-funny and sharp. A great act with the best encore song in the busines...... so says Bob Stane.
More YouTube links:
“Religious Freedom (To Burn Our Own Witches)” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH7-GKiQXNE
"Everybody Is Everybody Else" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNMRBaM9q9k
"To Be a Liberal" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3qgiNPVpSM
"My Vote, My Voice, My Right” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-X-uBIqeVM
SHARP, INTELLIGENT SONGS, WITTY and has the best encore song in show business.
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Friday...August 12. Show @ 8:00 P.M. Tickets: $20.
Bob Stane recorded his Comments from last show...A hugely successful show in early March of
2016. Two standing encores. Every person in the room adored them. 5 member group but really two people doing the heavy lifting. Husband talked (very well) and the wife played a big, cello. Did origninals, covers, folk, rock, etc. Exceptional.
One of the best acts of the year. This is creative and original and very, very entertaining.
All played instruments. The female lead has done movie and TV work.
Do everything possible (and legal) to get my loyal (and trusting) patrons to attend.
DIRTY CELLO..... From wild gypsy music through the blues and ending with some shredding classic rock, "The Dirty Cello Show" presents cello like you've never heard before! Think BB King meets Yo Yo Ma.
Go to their web page and hear the great songs... dirtycello.com
Starting with a bang and never stopping, Dirty Cello features the virtuosic cello stylings of Rebecca Roudman, one of the San Francisco bay area's most exciting cross-over cellists. Dirty Cello takes you on a wild tour of uptempo music featuring down home blues, Eastern-European dance music, a bit of bluegrass, and some classic rock.
With a truly unique voice, Dirty Cello presents a high energy performance of everything a cello can do. Having wowed audiences in numerous tours throughout the U.S., plus acting as cultural ambassadors to China and working the European festival circuit, Dirty Cello has a unique voice that’s resonated around the world.
"Dirty Cello’s music is all over the map: funky, carnival, romantic, sexy, tangled, electric, fiercely rhythmic, and textured, and only occasionally classical." Lou Fancher, Oakland Magazine.
From China to Italy, and all over the U.S., Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on blues and bluegrass. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. From down home blues with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin’ bluegrass, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping!
"The band plays every style imaginable, and does some fantastic covers. (Their rendition of “Purple Haze” is incredible.) But what is most spectacular about them is hearing the depth of soul in Roudman’s playing—it goes beyond what most people would expect from the instrument. She plays it with so much heart, you’ll wonder why more bands don’t have a cellist." Good Times Santa Cruz
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Saturday Afternoon Matinee. August 13. Show @ 3:00 P.M. Tixs: $20
A TRIBUTE AND RECOGNITION BY THE REAL FOLKS WHO WERE THERE AND DID IT, AND ARE STILL DOING IT.
THESE ARE LEGENDS OF THE MUSICAL ART FORM. YOU SHOULD BE HERE. LET US TEMPT YOU.
Folk Music Revival of Greenwich Village, An Afternoon to Remember the 60s,
Featuring Carolyn Hester and John York.
CAROLYN HESTER
Carolyn Hester, noted Folk Singer from the 60's Greenwich Village scene, can easily be called the First Lady of the American Folk Revival. Before Joan Baez, Judy Collins, or Joni Mitchell, there was Carolyn Hester. She is today considered one of the leading artists of the era. In addition to appearing on the cover of the "Saturday Evening Post in 1964, she is remembered in Chronicles, Bob Dylan's autobiography, as the individual who was most instrumental in Dylan's signing to Columbia records. In 1961, Hester met Bob Dylan and invited him to play on her third album, her first on the Columbia label. Hammond, her producer, quickly signed Dylan to the label.
Hester is known for her angelic voice and her repertoire of traditional English ballads mixed with an original selection of contemporary folk. She has recorded more than fifteen albums in her fifty years of performing. She was signed to the Decca/Coral label in 1957 by her manager-producer, Norman Petty. Also under Petty's influence at that time, was a hip entertainer and friend of Hester's, Buddy Holly. Throughout the '60s, Hester was well-established in the Greenwich Village folk scene.
Hester was one of many young Greenwich Village singers who rode the crest of the 1960s folk music wave, helping launch Gerde's Folk City in 1960. She appeared on the cover of the May 30, 1964, issue of the Saturday Evening Post. According to Don Heckman of the Los Angeles Times, Hester was "one of the originals—one of the small but determined gang of ragtag, early-'60s folk singers who cruised the coffee shops and campuses, from Harvard Yard to Bleecker Street, convinced that their music could help change the world." Hester, dubbed "The Texas Songbird," was politically active, spearheading the controversial boycott of the television program Hootenanny when Pete Seeger was blacklisted from it.
JOHN YORK... hardly needs an introduction to The Coffee Gallery Backstage audiences. But, for the uninitiated, York is one of a small handful of musicians alive today who was one a member of the legendary 60s folk-rock band, The Byrds. But, he’s also played and toured with Sir Douglas Quintet, the Mamas and the Papas and Johnny Rivers. He has most recently recorded and toured with Barry McGuire along with his own band known as The Jangle Brothers featuring Chad Watson and Billy Darnell. Seeing York in concert is not only bringing classic folk-rock songs alive, but making them urgent and relevant to today.
According to L.A.’s online folk magazine, FolkWorks, Today, John York is a living treasury of story, song and instruments collected throughout his life. When talking with him, it’s hard not to miss the musical odyssey that shines through his eyes. He is an authentic example of how one musician can carry a legacy of spirit, truth, compassion and wisdom that continues to grow through his musical expressions. Not only has he survived the perilous rock & roll days of the 60s, he has thrived and transcended them.
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Saturday, August 13. Show @ 7:00 P.M. Tickets: $20
DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE. DOUBLE THE FUN. TWO HEADLINE ACTS SHOOTING OUT THE LIGHTS ON A SATURDAY NIGHT.
THE TOM CORBETT TRIO and the duo of MARK HEYES & PHIL SLAZAR.
Where to start? This two act phenom almost defies description.
Let's start with Mark & Phil.... MARK HEYES & PHIL SLAZAR.....An entertaining collaboration that’s been wowing audiences and selling out shows!
Mark Heyes is an Emmy Award winning composer, singer, songwriter and guitarist. A truly ecclectic artist, Mark performs story driven, energetic, emotional Alt-Country, Bluegrass, Blues and Folk songs. Opening for the likes of Marshall Tucker Band and the legendary Dave Mason, Mark’s making an impression with his masterful guitar playing, distinctive voice and songwriting.
Phil Salazar is an entertainer, teacher, record producer and champion fiddler. He straddles the borders between traditional bluegrass and contemporary sound, performing world-wide. The California veteran has fronted and performed as a member of many bands (Rincon Ramblers, Cache Valley Drifters, Kinfolk, and more), produced several recordings, and recorded and/or performed with Bob Weir, Kenny Loggins, Gilles Apap, Dave Mason, David Grisman, John and Jonathan McEuen and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
Plus....THE TOM CORBETT TRIO...(many encores at The Coffee Gallery Backstage)....featuring Mike Mullins and Bill Knopf.
Tom Corbett is a mandolin and guitar playing singer songwriter who has toured and recorded with some of the best musicians in the folk and roots musical world. He toured and recorded with The Acousticats which featured Phil Salazar and Cyrus Clarke (Cache Valley Drifters) which lead to him working with John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) and The String Wizards. Corbett recorded several albums with John as well as the award winning DVD John McEuen & Jimmy Ibotson-Nitty Gritty Surround on AIX Records. During his stint with John he played and recorded with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jennifer Warnes, Vassar Clements, Laurie Lewis and John Sebastian. After working with John for several years Tom then toured with Robin and Linda Williams from Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion. He also played mandolin on Mike Ness’s (Social Distortion) solo CD “Cheating At Solitaire.”
Mike Mullins took up guitar at age 10, mandolin at age 20, and has been a regular fixture on the California acoustic music scene for over 30 years. In 1984 he began a long-standing musical alliance with fiddler extraordinaire Phil Salazar, recording two albums, and in 1990 co-founded the Acousticats with Phil and Cache Valley Drifter alumnus Cyrus Clarke. In 1992 they released the acclaimed "Down At Evangelina's" on Flying Fish Records. Since 1993 Mike has been the guitarist for the Cache Valley Drifters, recording three albums, including "White Room," "Mightyfine.net," and "Live in Germany.
Bill Knopf... He has recorded six albums over the years which stretch the boundaries of bluegrass banjo by including jazz, pop/rock, Scott Joplin ragtime, and John Philip Sousa marches. For five years he was a featured player with Doc Severinsen's touring "Las Vegas" show. Besides Las Vegas they played Atlantic City, Mardi Gras, state fairs, conventions, TV's "Hee Haw", and one of the Presidential Inaugural Balls in Washington, D.C. . In 1979 Bill toured with Donna Douglas—Elly May Clampett of TV’s “Beverly Hillbillies.” Bill and his bands have played at Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Magic Mountain. As a studio musician he's played on the soundtracks to many films including Fire Down Below, Something to Talk About, Here's Wally Sparks, Back to the Future III, Her Alibi, A Horse For Danny, Tad, Cannery Row, Pursuit of D. B. Cooper, Tiger Heart, television's Dukes of Hazzard, Days of Our Lives, Murder She Wrote, Just Shoot Me, The Simpsons, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.
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Sunday, August 14. 2:00 P.M. Tickets: $20.00. A 2:00 P.M. show. Note the earlier time. 2:00 P.M.
This show always sells out. We can get them for only one show. This one is a matinee.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR......
"The Wives' harmonies are exquisite!" - Music Connection Magazine
The Merry Wives of Windsor is a ten-piece all-female folk band based in Pasadena, California. Blending elements of North American, British Isles, and Contemporary Folk music, the foundation of the Merry Wives' sound is rich four- and five-part vocal harmonies, with support and ornamentation by acoustic folk instruments. A collaborative group, the Wives bring a unique sensibility to every song they perform, from traditional Irish pieces, to original compositions that range from beautiful to bawdy. With musical backgrounds in everything from Folk, to Musical Theater, and even straying to Pop and Opera, the Merry Wives present a relevant musical perspective, while still staying true to the spirit of the music they perform. These lovely and talented ladies have graced the stages of the El Rey Theater, the Grove of Anaheim, and The Galaxy Theatre, as well as Renaissance Faires across the country.
The Merry Wives of Windsor is an electrifying all-female group who perform Celtic and Folk music. These ladies' impressive vocal arrangements are accompanied by Irish bouzouki, mandolin and bodhran. They have developed a remarkably modern sound, yet still remain true to their inspirational roots in folk music.
The Wives have graced the stages of The Grove of Anaheim, The El Rey in LA, The Derby in Hollywood, The Galaxy Theatre, and many street fairs and Celtic Festivals. The Wives can also be found performing at Renaissance Faires throughout California.
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Sunday, August 14. Show @ 7:00 P.M. Tickets: $20
VERY BIG FESTIVAL ACT. BEEN TRYING TO GET THEM FOR YEARS. ONE SHOW ONLY. ABSOLUTELY WILL SELL OUT.
THE FENIANS...... "Special intimate evening with The Fenians, unplugged." No drum kit, no electric guitar, no keyboard. All 5 would sit on stools and play a very folky-trad evening.For over twenty five years now, The Fenians have delivered their potent mix of traditional Irish folk and good old rock n roll all across the USA and Ireland. With an ever expanding set of original creations, as well as contemporary and traditional tunes plucked from the panoply of the genre, these five lads put on a live show that is second to none. Their foundation is decidedly Celtic, but there is no mistaking the complimentary influences of Rock, Folk, Bluegrass, Jazz, and World music.
Through their music and voices, Terry Casey , Rob Williams , Brendan Harkins , Tardu Yegin , and Chris Pierce represent Everyman - sweet and sorrowful; brave and beautiful; angry and amused.
Since 1990,The Fenians have garnered an impressive list of accomplishments and honors, headlining theaters and festivals across the U. S. and Ireland, including: The House of Blues, The Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas, The Milwaukee Irish Fest, Chicago Gaelic Park Irish Fest, the Dublin OH Irish Festival, Cleveland Irish Fest, as well as The Quays and Whelans, two of Ireland's premiere live music venues, to name but a few. They are two time winners of the "Best World Music" category at the Orange County Music Awards, and were listed as one of the top 50 bands of the decade by the Orange County Register. In 1999, The Fenians were inducted into the Guinness Wall of Fame.
The Fenians' large concert hall and festival shows are always legendary, but the bygone days of tiny Irish pub stages and 5 young lads on bar stools are the stuff of legend. Magic happened all the time and laid the foundation for the tight musical unit The Fenians are known as today. Join them at this extremely intimate venue for an unplugged, no drum kit, no electric guitars, no keyboards, rootsy, folksy, look back at over 25 years of making some of the best Irish Folk and Celtic Rock music this side of Dublin. The boyos will be digging deep into their vast repertoire as well as pulling out some surprises from their collective hat!
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# 6 news feature
CAJUN-ZYDECO MUSIC AND DANCE EVENTS THIS WEEKEND AND BEYOND
Quite a few options this week and coming up. Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler!
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Fri, Aug 5, 7-11 pm, DENNIS G & THE ZYDECO TRAIL RIDERZ. "Brew at the L.A. Zoo." Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles 90027; Enjoy a great variety of beers of all types along with a great variety of music.
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Sat, Aug 13, 7-9 pm: "FROGTOWN ARTWALK" with live music (Cajun Music with HIGH LIFE CAJUN BAND at 8) on Community Garden Stage, 1816 Blake Av, 90039.
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Sun, Aug 14, 4:30-7:30 pm, DENNIS G & THE ZYDECO TRAIL RIDERZ. Best Western Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club, 6285 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach 90803. Dance to the sounds of the Zydeco Trail Riderz at this spacious dance club in Long Beach, CA.
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Mon, Aug 15, 7-9 pm, DENNIS G & THE ZYDECO TRAIL RIDERZ play the "ZYDECO AT THE FORD" Zydeco Dance Workshop Fundraiser at the John Anson Ford Ampitheater, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd East, Los Angeles 90068 One of the Ford Theatre JAM Session series in the historic John Anson Ford Theatre. There will be a dance lesson by Karen Redding, followed by an open dance to our music.
This is a free event open to the public.
The Guide's zydeco dance instructor pal Karen Redding says, "Yes, siree! Talk about beautiful August nights. Sponsored by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, we're very fortunate that The Ford has included Zydeco in its annual JAM session series this year. Come out to The Ford for this rare event! As you can see by the photo, this is a jewel of a venue. Nestled snugly in the Hollywood hills on the other side of the 101 (Hollywood) Freeway from the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford was just renovated last year and I can't wait to see it!"
Dancers and listeners and everyone who loves authentic Louisiana music and dance are all invited to join me in a one-hour dance lesson followed by live music performed by DENNIS G & THE ZYDECO TRAIL RIDERZ.
7 pm, FREE. Learn to "Do the Zydeco" with Karen Redding. Karen says, "In the one-hour class that starts at 7 pm, we'll cover basic footwork, moving from open to closed dance position, hand-toss, some easy fun moves and turns. No partner, no problem! We rotate! If there's time, we can do either a line dance or quick basic waltz review. I will adjust the level of instruction for the level of the dancers who come, so mark your calendars and show up. Starting at 8 pm, attendees can dance for another hour or so to LIVE ZYDECO performed by L.A.'s hottest new Zydeco band.
"Even if you already know how to dance, please come join us for this very rare opportunity to dance to your favorite Zydeco tunes in this jewel of a venue. I would really appreciate it if you could join us to help work with beginning students and spread the gospel of Zydeco.With your support, Zydeco will return in the future.
"This venue is very special. You will make new friends and have memories that will last a lifetime, dancing under the starry skies in the warm summer air. Gentlemen, your presence is especially appreciated so the ladies have more dance partners. Couples and singles welcome!
"This event will start exactly on time, so plan ahead for parking and transportation time if you park on the street or in the lot offsite.
"Arrive early and enjoy the terraced patio for balmy outdoor dining. Snacks and sandwiches are available to purchase or bring your own.
Reservations not required but appreciated. Event info:
http://louisianadancela.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e3744e54a8c9d3ac4d3cd656c&id=027a962a13&e=e3d598f318>
Plenty of parking available in the main parking lot.
Free tickets available at the Ford's website or at:
http://louisianadancela.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e3744e54a8c9d3ac4d3cd656c&id=5cab6bc715&e=e3d598f318
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Tue, Aug 16 (& every other Tuesday) 8-11 pm: DENNIS G & THE ZYDECO TRAIL RIDERZ play The Little Easy Bar, 216 W 5th St, Los Angeles. Loaded with atmosphere in the historic Alexandria Hotel. Good food, drinks and Louisiana music in downtown L.A.
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Coming up OCTOBER 6:
ZYDECO IN NEWHALL (Santa Clarita). For those of you who live in/near Newhall, the Ford has scheduled Karen Redding for another JAM session at the Old Town Newhall Library on October 6. This is the first time for Zydeco in the greater Santa Clarita area, so come on out for this event. Details at:
http://louisianadancela.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=e3744e54a8c9d3ac4d3cd656c&id=6312dc5ecd&e=e3d598f318>
More info on this and other events to come.
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Sat, Oct 8: "FOLKWORKS FOLK/ROOTS INAUGURAL FESTIVAL" Cajun Dance is one of many events. More to be announced. At the Santa Monica Women's Club.
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# 7 news feature
GRAMMY MUSEUM LIVE MUSIC EVENTS
Here, in as quick a form as we can meaningfully present it, are the special offerings at the Grammy Museum, 800 W Olympic Bl, Los Angeles 90015; 213-765-6800; www.grammymuseum.org
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Tue, Aug 9, 8 pm: " AN EVENING WITH MELANIE." The GRAMMY Museum is pleased to welcome singer/songwriter Melanie - who became the voice of an era after an inspiring performance of her song "Beautiful People" at Woodstock, to the Clive Davis Theater for an intimate conversation on her prolific career and special performance, hosted by Scott Goldman, Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares.
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Thu, Aug 11, 8 pm: "AN EVENING WITH JUDY HENSKE & JERRY YESTER CELEBRATING FAREWELL ALDEBARAN." Farewell Aldebaran was brought to life by Judy Henske (dubbed "Queen of the Beatniks" by producer Jack Nitzsche) and Jerry Yester (The Association, Tim Buckley, Tom Waits), and co-produced with Lovin' Spoonful alum, Zal Yanovsky (who also contributed guitar, bass and vocals). To celebrate this classic album, the GRAMMY Museum welcomes Judy Henske and Jerry Yester to the Clive Davis Theater for an intimate conversation, moderated by music journalist Steve Hochman.
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Tue, Aug 16, 8 pm: "THE DROP: MIKE POSNER" sponsored by Amoeba. Currently on tour with Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas, the GRAMMY Museum welcomes singer-songwriter and producer Mike Posner to the Clive Davis Theater for an intimate discussion on his new album At Night, Alone., and career, moderated by Scott Goldman, Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares. The conversation will be followed by a special performance.
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Wed, Aug 17, 7:30 pm: "ARDENT STUDIOS: 50 YEARS OF MUSIC HISTORY," featuring Jody Stephens, Mike Mills, Jesse Valenzuela, Luther Russell, and Adam Hill. The GRAMMY Museum and Ardent Studios will celebrate the legendary studio's 50th anniversary with an intimate evening featuring Jody Stephens, Mike Mills, Jesse Valenzuela, Luther Russell, and Adam Hill. Panelists will discuss their experiences and the studio's rich history with moderator Scott Goldman, Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares. The discussion will be followed by a special performance.
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Mon, Aug 22, 8 pm: "A TRIBUTE TO LANGSTON HUGHES: STORIES, POEMS, JAZZ & THE BLUES," presented by the GRAMMY Museum and WordTheatre®. The GRAMMY Museum is hosts A WordTheatre® Tribute To Langston Hughes: Stories, Poems, Jazz & The Blues. This one-night-only event will feature an impressive cast of TV/film paying tribute to Langston Hughes. Participants will include Sterling K Brown, Jerrika Hinton, Keith David, Lynn Whitfield, Jason George, rapper PJ Bucknor, Ryan Michelle Bathe, and Reign Morton.
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Thu, Aug 25, 8 pm: SPOTLIGHT: THE WILD FEATHERS. General on sale tix: August 11 at noon. The GRAMMY Museum welcomes Nashville-based rock group The Wild Feathers to the Clive Davis Theater for an intimate conversation on their latest album, Lonely Is A Lifetime, which was inspired in part by Gram Parsons. The evening will be hosted by Scott Goldman, Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares, and will include a special performance.
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Mon, Aug 29, 8 pm: "THE DROP: RICH ROBINSON" sponsored by Amoeba. The GRAMMY Museum welcomes Rich Robinson to the Clive Davis Theater for an intimate conversation on his latest solo album "Flux" (Eagle Rock Entertainment) and a special performance, hosted by singer-songwriter and music journalist PAUL ZOLLO.
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Tue, Aug 30, 8 pm: "THE DROP: CORINNE BAILEY RAE," sponsored by Amoeba. SOLD OUT.
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Wed, Sep 7, 8 pm: HOMEGROWN: THE RECORD COMPANY. General on sale tix: August 11 at noon. The GRAMMY Museum welcomes Los Angeles-based rock/soul trio The Record Company to the Clive Davis Theater for an intimate conversation on their rising career and Los Angeles roots, moderated by Scott Goldman, Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares. The discussion will be followed by a performance.
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The mission of the GRAMMY Museum is to explore and celebrate the enduring legacies of all forms of music; the creative process; the art and technology of the recording process; and the history of the GRAMMY Awards®, the premier recognition of recorded music accomplishment.
Unless otherwise noted, there is a 4 ticket limit per membership/household per program. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Tix at 213-765-6800 or www.grammymuseum.org
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# 8 news feature
"UNDER THE OAKS" OUTDOOR MUSIC SERIES AT THEATRICUM BOTANICUM IN SEPTEMBER
Theatricum’s annual "Under the Oaks" series brings live music to the Topanga woods every Thursday, September 1–22, at 8 pm. It's four evenings of live music outdoors in the intimate S. Mark Taper Pavilion at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum. Here's the details.
• Thu, Sep 1 at 8 pm: AN EVENING OF SONG WITH ACTRESS JUDY NORTON (The Waltons, Stargate SG1, Beggars and Choosers).
• Thu, Sep 8 at 8 pm: Sky Rocket recording artists LITTLE FAITH stir the soul with a blend of roots, gospel and old school R&B.
• Thu, Sep 15 at 8 pm: “LOVE SONGS, STORYTIME AND MOON-MADNESS!” with longtime Theatricum company member TOM ALLARD and musical guests.
• Thu, Sep 22 at 8 pm: Multi-instrumentalists MANY DISTANT CITIES (CLARA DYKSTRA on accordion, ukulele and trumpet; LIZ ELDRIDGE on glockenspiel and ukulele; and CARL TURNER on bass, drums and ominichord) sing about love and dying and bleeding a lot.
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The intimate S. Mark Taper Pavilion at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum is an outdoor space terraced into the hillside of the rustic canyon. Audience members are advised to dress casually and bring cushions for bench seating. Refreshments are available at the venue, and picnickers are welcome before and after the performances.
In the heart of Topanga Canyon: Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga 9029 (midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura freeway); 310-455-3723 or www.theatricum.com
TICKETS: Under the Oaks general admission: $25. Students: $10.
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# 9 news feature
JULIE CHRISTENSEN'S "THE CARDINAL" VIDEO PREMIERES ONLINE TODAY (FRIDAY)
Julie is a voice you know from many songs and many albums by various folkies. Julie Christensen sang with Leonard Cohen's bands in 1988 and 1993 and on record (and was featured in the documentary "Leonard Cohen-I'm Your Man".) She co-fronted roots-punk pioneers Divine Horsemen in Los Angeles, cultivating friendships and musical relationships with folks who still populate "Americana" today.
She has made 5 of her own soulful CDs of "luscious Americana Art-pop" in the interim, performing regularly with top-shelf musicians. She checked-in to report:
"Tonight in Los Angeles, Santa Monica to be specific, I'll sing backup on a few tunes with Amelia White at her gig with Calico the Band at McCabe's Guitar Shop.
"Next, I'll be joining Sergio on August 18th for his gig at The Family Wash in Nashville, and my brother Dave and I will play at Brown's Diner on August 20th around 8:30 pm. Members of Stone Cupid (Julie's band) will take part in at least two showcases during Americana Festival Week September 22-25th in Nashville! Stay Tuned."
Her newest album, "The Cardinal," allies her with her new Nashville band Stone Cupid, an all-star lineup to bolster her rock side, "— one of the truer singers you’ll ever hear — straight up, no mannerisms, perfect taste; ...recognize how she could sing with both Leonard Cohen and Chris D. "— L.A. WEEKLY.
Julie is also a gifted vocal coach, and you can find her profile at www.thumbtack.com
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To explore the rest of what she shared with us, keep reading, and then you'll need her website:
https://squareup.com/store/stone-cupid-music
"Here’s some cool stuff that’s been happening for our new album 'The Cardinal':
◦ "Alternate Root has a PREMIERE of our fabulous video of The Cardinal, directed by Stacie Huckeba and starring Rosemary Stewart and Mark Balderman Highlove, and Sergio Webb, Yours Truly, and of course the band playing the music... Please treat yourself and watch it this weekend! Share willy-nilly using this link:
https://youtu.be/lOMiz_G3e80
so we can build some momentum for it on our new Vevo channel which we are just starting, and going to build in the next few months.
◦ "We did a little midwest tour in April and May, and a radio promotion all spring, which yielded at least 40 stations in the states, and many EuroAmericana overseas spinning The Cardinal...Thank YOU to all! Next newsletter I'll send you my U.S. map with all the pushpins.
◦ "We updated the website with lyrics, a video feed, and a new squarespace storefront.
◦ "Julie has a valid swanky wikipedia page now.
◦ "We will have VINYL of The Cardinal in October, and you can pre-order it HERE.
◦ "The album is available from our site here, as a CD or download—(best for us)
◦ "but iTunes and Amazon links from the other places now, too.
"If you'd like to give us ongoing support and subscribe to a great thing, surf on over to our pages at IndieAirRadio!
"Keep on rockin. —Julie, Chris, Bones, Steve, and Sergio."
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# 10 news feature
TAWNY ELLIS VIDEO PREMIERE FOR "BEFORE ALL THIS TROUBLE" AT STEREO EMBERS MAGAZINE
"We went for dressing up a like Civil War era couple for the album cover and we were inspired by the real photos of couples who would go and get their daguerreotypes made and back in the late 1800's. They would give you one shot, if you messed it up would have to wait a long time till the camera was ready for the next one. We also used the real historical daguerreotypes from the 1800s in our video. It's ironic that when we did the album cover photo shoot the shot we chose was the first shot of the whole session. We didn't need to do anymore. I guess we were inspired to do it old school. I even wore the corset pulled very tight, not to mention is was 100 degrees out and I had on three layers of skirts, a Long sleeve shirt and the corset. I almost passed out."—TAWNY ELLIS.
A native of Savannah, GA and now living in Los Angeles, Tawny Ellis released the acclaimed EP, Ghosts of the Low Country, in 2015—her 6th recording and 2nd EP. "Before All This Trouble" is a single written by Ellis and her husband, long time collaborator Giovanni Loria. They filmed the video in February of 2016 in Boyle Heights, CA. Pre-release of the single is set for July 15th, 2016 and the official release date for the single is August 12th, 2016.
"Before All This Trouble." Directed by: Topher Braj // Tawny Ellis -Vocals and Lapsteel //Gio Loria –Guitar //Curran McDowell –Drums // Pi Jacobs -B.G. Vocals.
Advance sale link:
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1132944537?ls=1&app=itunes
Streaming link: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1132944537
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# 11 news feature
"MOZART IN THE JUNGLE," 2016 GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD DOUBLE-WINNER, SET FOR RELEASE
It's been a trend for years that fans of Folk-Americana are apt to be fans of some kind of classical music, much more so than fans of "world" music. Thus, the Guide always caters to those tastes, and tries to cultivate some interest among the classic crowd in traditional string music and more. This one is made to order for that intersection of sensibilities.
On August 12, Amazon will release the soundtrack to seasons 1 and 2 of "Mozart in the Jungle," the 2016 Golden Globe award winner for best series and best actor, starring Gael García Bernal. It will be available there and for streaming on Prime Music. The album features the Symphonic Arrangement of "Listzomania" by Roger Neill.
The anticipated soundtrack is ten of the most celebrated songs from the series, bringing together classical favorites and modern renditions, with tracks ranging from Neill’s inspired arrangement of “Listzomania” to fan favorite “Clair De Lune,” beautifully performed by the Attacca Quartet.
"The music in 'Mozart in the Jungle' is not only the voice of the show, it's the inspiration for the show. It draws the characters together and raises the bar for the creative team to aspire to. Listening to and learning about the music leads us to answer the question ‘is classical music dead?’ with a resounding no,” stated executive producer Paul Weitz.
Executive producer Roman Coppola adds, "I grew up in a household that appreciated music—(my grandfather was composer and conductor) and it seems every Sunday morning we had opera resonating throughout the house. By making the show, I was able to become exposed to and appreciate classical music all the more and hope, with the release of our record, that a whole new generation of people will get the pleasure of blasting some classical music on a Sunday morning.”
It's the same date of availability, August 12, for streaming on Prime Music in the US, UK, Germany, Austria and Japan. Prime members can listen to the entire album at no additional cost to their membership on compatible devices that support Amazon Music, including Amazon Echo, Fire devices, iPads, iPhones, Android devices, Sonos Players, the Web and more—songs can also be downloaded for offline listening on mobile devices. The soundtrack will also be available for all customers to purchase and download in MP3 format in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Spain and Japan.
"Mozart in the Jungle" is an Amazon Original Series comedic drama based on the critically-acclaimed memoir “Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs & Classical Music” by Blair Tindall. The series draws back the curtain on the world of music, where artistic dedication and creativity collide with mind games, politicking and survival instincts. Starring Gael García Bernal (Salt and Fire), who was awarded the Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series, and Lola Kirke (Gone Girl), Mozart in the Jungle will come back for a third season, and continue the story of the talented musicians who perform and live with passion under the baton of its spirited conductor, best known simply as Rodrigo. Executive Produced by Roman Coppola (Moonrise Kingdom), Jason Schwartzman (The Darjeeling Limited) and Paul Weitz (About a Boy), season three will see Rodrigo and many musicians take their talents to Europe. Seasons 1 and 2 of Mozart in the Jungle are currently available for Prime members at no additional cost to their membership, through the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/mozartinthejungle.
For a list of all Amazon Video compatible devices, go to: www.amazon.com/howtostream.
Here's the track list:
1. “Lisztomania” performed by The Hollywood Symphony, arranged and conducted by Roger Neill.
2. “Scherzo in D Minor” performed by Kogan, Pavel, Moscow State Symphony Orchestra.
3. "Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K. 466 - III. Rondo" performed by Jeno Jando & Concentus Hungaricus.
4. “Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: I. Adagio molto - Allegro con brio” performed by Drahos, Bela, Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia.
5. "La damnation de Faust, Op. 24 - Rakoczy March" performed by London Symphony Orchestra & Sir Colin Davis.
6. “Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47: II. Adagio di molto” performed by Kang, Dong-Suk, Leaper, Adrian, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra.
7. "Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492 - Sinfonia" performed by Capella Weilburgensis.
8. “Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64, MWV O14 - I. Allegro molto appassionato – Presto” performed by Scottish Chamber Orchestra & Joseph Swensen.
9. "Scheherazade, Op. 35 - The Sea And Sinbad's Ship" performed by David Nolan & Philharmonia Orchestra.
10. “Clair De Lune” performed by Attacca Quartet.
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# 12 news feature
PLAYING TIPS FOR MUSICIANS: 3 WAYS TO BECOME A BETTER IMPROVISER
by Bennett Sullivan
(republished from Deering Banjo's "Hooks and Nuts.")
Improvising on the banjo is not as mysterious or unreachable as it may seem. There are tangible things you can practice to become a great improviser like the players you look up to and in this post I’ll share with you 3 of my top tips for getting started.
1. Learn Songs By Ear
This is no shortcut. Initially this approach will take you 3x longer than learning from tab, but the benefits in the end will be worth it. The challenge comes from actual changes happening in your brain and how it’s organizing the sounds you’re hearing and translating them into movements of your hands and fingers. First you’ll begin to easily notice original melodies and then gradually start to play them on the banjo. It’s a time consuming process initially, but you’ll start to notice the satisfying and positive effects of it soon after you make it a routine activity.
Here Are a Few Tips For Starting To Learn Banjo By Ear?
Slow it down:
There are many programs that allow you to slow down the recording without changing the pitch like, examples. is an amazing tool to help you start learning by ear. Take a recording you like, plug it in to the slow-down application, and start out learning each note one-by-one. It sounds time consuming but you’ll get better at it, and graduate to learning phrases soon enough.
Checkout the New Deering Tony Trischka Signature Models
Use YouTube: Learning from video is a fantastic way to ween yourself off of tab to start learning by ear because you’re getting both visual and auditory clues as to what notes you’re looking for. Look for a clear video with right and left hand cameras and crisp audio so you can easily see and hear what melodies are being played. There are also applications that will allow you to slow down video (youloop.io.)
2. Play With the Metronome
A tried and true way for musicians to enhance their rhythmic feel. The greatest improvisers have complete control over their timing and rhythm and this is largely thanks to daily practice with the metronome. Once you feel comfortable playing in time with a metronome or backing track you can focus purely on improvising melodies.
There are lots of ways to mix up your metronome practice so it doesn’t become stale and boring. Here are a few things I recommend to keep metronome practice interesting:
Play really slow – It’s actually fairly difficult to play slow and feel relaxed. At slow tempos you can focus on lots of different things like breathing, improvising, technique, and dynamics. I like to warm up playing slowly because it helps me tune out thoughts and focus on the music.
Play fast – this is usually the most fun part of metronome practice, but also the sloppiest. Pay attention to your right hand’s tension level and the rhythmic evenness of your notes. In bluegrass, its especially important that you are consistent with your timing and rhythm.
3. Practice Actually Improvising
You get better at what you practice and even though practicing improvisation may at first be challenging and uncomfortable (you may not exactly feel like the rockstar you want to be) it’s essential to get yourself into that space and run with it. Set a time limit or find a song you want to play with and dive in.
Here are some ways I’ve practiced improvisation:
Practice slowly with a familiar chord progression
Take a song you know extremely well, and play along to a metronome or backing track. Play the melody first, and then try to play something slightly different the second time around. Vary it even more the third time through the progression. Practice “hearing” what you want to play before you play it. Sometimes you have to slow it way down for that to happen. I find that singing what I’m playing gives me clarity as to what I should play next.
Learn chord tones and good voice leading
This is more of a jazz concept, but it works really well with bluegrass chord progressions. Chord tones are the individual notes in a chord. So a G chord would have G, B, and D as it’s chord tones and a C chord would have C, E, and G. Find where these notes happen all over the neck. A good place to start is with the familiar chord positions on the neck.
The reason that you learn chord tones is so you can train your ear to “aim” for these tones when you’re improvising. Say you’re playing a G chord and the next chord is C. Training your ear to hear the notes in the chord will lead to clearer and more foundational improvisation.
Want to learn more ways to practice improvising and learning by ear? Check out my free Melodification series on Youtube and join me for the Melodification Master Class, a four-week, live, online workshop starting August 13th, 2016!
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Bennett Sullivan is a writer, performer and teacher based in Brooklyn, NY. He’s worked and performed with Steve Martin, Peter Asher, Edie Brickell, Elle King, and many more. He believes learning music by ear will give you more freedom with your instrument and loves creating new music and music learning tools daily. Get access to the most recent resources for improving on the banjo through his YouTube channel, revolutionary iPhone apps, and Instagram posts. In addition to performing regularly, Bennett has a growing YouTube presence, and creates weekly instructional videos for banjo and guitar players. He's also the cofounder of the Listen & Learn App company, which has released several mobile apps for learning banjo and guitar by ear.
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This was originally published at:
http://blog.deeringbanjos.com/3-ways-become-better-improviser-banjo
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Deering offers plenty of resources on their website and blog. Here's another good 'un...
Watch the Tony Trischka Video - "Playing The Melody," at:
http://info.deeringbanjos.com/tony-trischka-masterclass-playing-the-melody
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Deering Banjo Company was founded in 1975 as the world’s specialist in banjos and has grown to become the largest manufacturer of American made banjos in the world. Located in Spring Valley, CA, Deering produces all of its quality 4-string, 5-string, and 6-string banjos in the same US facility and boasts the most knowledgeable team in the industry. Always on the cutting edge of banjo innovation, Deering is proud to have artists such as Mumford and Sons, Steve Martin, Tony Trischka, Jens Kruger, Keith Urban, the Avett Brothers, Dropkick Murphys, and many more play their banjos. The Guide is grateful to Deering for permission to reprint stories from "Hooks & Nuts" and their blog.
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# 13 news feature
ANOTHER PROMINENT ROCKER GOES SOLO ACOUSTIC
SULLY ERNA: Announces
His new solo acoustic album, "HOMETOWN LIFE," is due out Friday, September 30, on BMG. The title track is out now, exclusively on Fuse TV.
The artist is SULLY ERNA, founding member of the multi-platinum rock band GODSMACK.
"HOMETOWN LIFE" offers a stylistic left-turn, exploring a wide-range of musical tastes, and that's why we're bringing it to you.
SULLY ERNA is certainly known as a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter. Here, Sully composed his new solo album on piano and acoustic guitar. He produced it in his New Hampshire studio. HOMETOWN LIFE offers a departure from the tribal, world music feel and experimentation on 2010's "Avalon." The new album's 10 songs are more accessible, sonically and musically precise.
Listen to the new song and title track "Hometown Life" exclusively on FUSE, and watch behind-the-scenes footage of the making of SULLY's new album. It's all at:
http://www.fuse.tv/2016/08/godsmack-sully-erna-hometown-life-song-premiere
Sully tells us, "When I do a solo album, I write for myself." he continues, "It's not for critics, radio or even fans. I like to explore different kinds of music that work together. A good song is a good song. I stopped categorizing a long time ago."
A personal, confessional, raw work which takes yet another stylistic left-hand turn from the music he has created as front man for the multi-platinum rock band Godsmack, "HOMETOWN LIFE" offers a wide-ranging glimpse of Erna's eclectic musical tastes—from the singer-songwriter Billy Joel/Bruce Springsteen narratives of the title track and the bossa nova touch of "Take All of Me," to the breezy island feel of "Your Own Drum," the finger-snapping Motown bass lines of the bluesy "Turn It Up," the country flavors of "Different Kind of Tears" and the wide-screen canvas of mini-symphonies "Blue Skies" and "Forever My Infinity." All of them are tied together with Sully's unflinching view of the emotional roller-coaster of his life, drawing us into an intimate space. The album explores Sully's diverse musical touchstones from James Bay, new country favorites like Chris Stapleton and Brantley Gilbert to soul legends Ray Charles, Etta James and Amy Winehouse.
With SULLY on piano, acoustic guitar and the stray bongo, HOMETOWN LIFE was also a family affair, with his 71-year-old father Salvatore — who helped nurture his son's own musical interest early on — playing trumpet on "Turn It Up." It's a song Erna describes as a tribute to the power of music, a blueprint for how a song "makes you get off your seat, tap your feet, feel the energy and let it pass through you."
"It was a proud moment," says SULLY, who also channeled his great-uncle, a famed composer from Sicily, in several of the songs which feature symphonic strings, like "Blue Skies," "Forever My Infinity," "Father of Time" and "Falling to Black."
For "HOMETOWN LIFE,' Sully worked with the same musicians from Avalon with the exception of percussionist Niall Gregory. On two of the songs—"Different Kind of Tears" and "Your Own Drum"—SULLY collaborated with Nashville-based tunesmith Zac Malloy, who has also written for Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Jake Owen, Skillet and Daughtry. "It was cool to see the same exact players sound completely different on this album," SULLY says. "It just goes to show their musicianship and versatility. They can really pull off anything I ask of them."
HOMETOWN LIFE allows an inside glimpse at Sully's vulnerability on a personal level, and he attributes much of his honesty and inspiration for this album to the love of his life, Sarah. "We've definitely gone through some complicated times and fought for what we have. And I'm really grateful to have her in my life. We have a very special and unique kind of relationship that most people can only dream of having. And I wouldn't put that second to anything! These songs are about exposing my inner thoughts, laying myself bare, being honest and expressing genuine emotions... about dark times and positive ones." Some songs offer fatherly advice, like the percussion-heavy "Your Own Drum," an admonition to his teenage daughter to follow her own muse and not be afraid to be different, or trying to deal with life's hurried pace, as in the rhythmic tick-tock of "Father of Time." On the soaring "Blue Skies," SULLY reaches out to his loved ones and asks them to acknowledge the man and father he has become from the immature boy he once was.
As for how his solo career fits in with his "other band," Sully is circumspect. "Godsmack is a very energetic, aggressive, powerhouse rock band. It's for those moments when you want to scream and stomp your feet. My solo stuff is a lot more vulnerable, the grown-up version of who I am and how I process. It's about finding acceptance for the things that don't go right in your life, being appreciative for all the memories, good or bad. Sometimes these experiences can be very painful, but I do get some beautiful songs out of it. I'm just happy to be blessed with a gift that enables me to channel this stuff and vent it through my music."
"HOMETOWN LIFE" does just that, revealing sides of SULLY ERNA only hinted at in Godsmack, "That's the whole point," he explains. "The people who have followed me and can appreciate it, I encourage them to explore. All my albums—including the ones with Godsmack—are like musical journals, diaries of what I've gone through in my life at the time. I'd love to reach a whole new audience with this. Music has helped me get through some tough times. That's when I write, when something affects me emotionally, happy or sad."
"For all those things we've ever done/Give us our chance to prove our love," sings SULLY on the album's closing track "Falling to Black." He describes it as "a beautifully sad song," which offers a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. The same could be said of HOMETOWN LIFE. As SULLY himself puts it in "Your Own Drum": "There's no shadows/If you don't have light."
Get more info on SULLY ERNA at:
http://sullyerna.com
HOMETOWN LIFE album pre-order links:
Sully Erna store: http://shop.sullyerna.com
iTunes:https://smarturl.it/HometownLifeiT
Apple Music:http://smarturl.it/HometownLifeAM
Spotify:https://smarturl.it/HometownLifeSY
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# 14 news feature
INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC) ANNOUNCES 2017 JUDGES
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is a big-deal songwriter's competition with 23 23 categories covering many genres. It is open to both amateur and professional songwriters. A total of 71 winners share in more than $150,000 in cash and prizes, including an overall Grand Prize consisting of $25,000 (US) cash and much more in merchandise and services.
Each year, there is plenty of "buzz" when ISC announces its judges. So, here's the short list / teaser: Judges include Chris Cornell, Lorde, Tom Waits, Joe Bonamassa, Bastille, India Arie, Donovan, Ziggy Marley, Martie Maguire (Dixie Chicks), Fat Joe, Jesse & Joy, Hardwell, and many more.
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels and promote excellence in the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters and musicians are invited to participate. ISC has the most prestigious panel of judges of all the songwriting and music contests in the world, offering exposure and the opportunity to have your songs heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry.
Entering ISC offers the opportunity for your music to be heard by an elite panel of recording artists and music executives who are the decision makers that can influence and launch an artist's career. Monte Lipman, CEO and Chairman of Republic Records, says that "We're always impressed with the talented songwriters who participate in the ISC. This is a great A&R source to find new artists."
The ISC judging panel includes both an impressive group of high-profile recording artists and presidents, CEOs, and A&R executives from Atlantic, Warner Bros., RCA, Sire, Glassnote, Island, Razor & Tie, Sony Music Latin, Concord Label Group, Warner Music Nashville, Alligator, Wind-Up, Interscope, Provident, Capitol, Black River, New West, Virgin/EMI, Word, and many more.
Winning ISC is a distinction that has propelled many artists to achieve greater success, including getting record and publishing deals, licensing agreements, gigs, and much more. Past winners have included: Vance Joy; Bastille; Gotye; Lindsey Stirling; Kimbra; The Band Perry; Andrew Bird; Passenger; Gin Wigmore; Missy Higgins; King Charles; For King And Country; and many more.
Here's a more complete list of the ISC 2017 judges, by category:
Recording Artists:
Chris Cornell
Lorde
Joe Bonamassa
Tom Waits
Ziggy Marley
Hardwell
Bastille
India Arie
Donovan
Donovan
Sara Evans
Danilo Perez
Jesse & Joy
Martie Maguire - Dixie Chicks / Court Yard Hounds
Kaskade
Kaskade
Joy Willams - The Civil Wars
Mike Stern
Far East Movement
Carlos Vives
Keane
Femi Kuti
Rickie Lee Jones
Ana Barbara
Vijay Iyer
Art Alexakis - Everclear
Luis Fonsi
Fat Joe
Mariana Vega
Salif Keita
John Mayall
Gerald Casale
Devo
Nicholas Gunn
Ryan Bingham
Amadou & Mariam
Jordan Feliz
Jay Farrar - Son Volt / Uncle Tupelo
Matt Maher
Afro Celt Sound System
Ray Benson
Asleep At The Wheel
and more.
Music Industry Executives:
Craig Kallman - Chairman/CEO, Atlantic Records
Dan McCarroll - President, Warner Bros. Records
Dan McCarroll
Seymour Stein - Chairman/CEO Sire Records
Daniel Glass - President, Glassnote Records
John Esposito - Chairman/CEO, Warner Music Nashville
John Burk - President, Concord Label Group
Afo Verde - Chairman, Sony Music Latin
Nate Albert - Executive VP of A&R, Capitol Records
Nick Burgess - Senior VP of A&R, Virgin/EMI
Gordon Kerr - CEO, Black River Ent.
Josh Bailey - Senior VP of A&R, Word Ent.
Aaron Bay-Schuck - President of A&R, Interscope Records
Bruce Iglauer - President, Alligator Records
Craig Balsam - Co-Owner, Razor & Tie / Washington Square / Kidz Bop
Kim Buie - VP of A&R, New West Records
Ed Vetri - President, Wind-Up Records
Mike Flynn - Senior VP of A&R, Capitol Records
and more...
Sponsors:
ISC is sponsored by: Adam Professional Audio, Berklee College of Music, CAD Audio, Celebrity Access, D'Addario, Dark Horse Institute, Disc Makers, Gauge Precision Instruments, Gig Salad, LANDR, Lowden Guitars, Marshall, Musicians Institute, Sessions, and SongU.com. Thanks to all of our sponsors for their support and committment to artists throughout the world!
How To Enter
You can upload or mail your songs, or you can give us a link to your songs, making it really easy because ISC will go to your page and listen to your songs there.
Categories / Genres:
Adult Album Alternative (AAA), Adult Contemporary (AC), Americana, Blues, Children's Music, Comedy/Novelty, Country, EDM (Electronic Dance Music), Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Gospel/Christian, Instrumental, Jazz, Latin Music, Lyrics Only, Music Video, Performance, Pop/Top 40, R&B/Hip-Hop, Rock, Teen, Unpublished, Unsigned Only (this category is open only to unsigned songwriters and artists), and World Music.
Entrants may submit as many songs as they wish - in the same category or in multiple categories.
ISC 2016 IS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES
Regular Deadline is September 9th, 2016. All 2016 entrants will receive one free magazine subscription to either Guitar Player or Guitar World ($30 value), as well as a 45-day trial membership to SongU.com just for entering.
ENTRIES & MORE INFO:
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/
NEW IN ISC 2016
This year ISC has added a new category called "Unpublished." They explain, "We all know how important publishing is to an artist - it is one of the major sources of revenue, but it is so difficult to get your music heard by publishing companies. So, ISC is taking steps to open the doors for you by having established, high-profile publishers as judges for this category only. This is your chance to get your music heard by publishers who can help your songwriting career. Songs entered into Unpublished cannot be owned in any part by a music publishing company (entrant must own 100% of the publishing rights to the song). Songs entered into the Unpublished category must also be entered into at least one other category (excluding the Unsigned Only category). Entries in this category will be entered in ISC 2016 and be eligible for all associated prizes."
Win cash, prizes, recognition, and exposure. 71 winners will share in the cash and prizes! ISC is a great opportunity for songwriters, musicians, and performers to win cash and prizes, further their music careers, and gain recognition and exposure in the music industry.
Categories include: AAA (Adult Album Alternative), AC (Adult Contemporary), Americana, Blues, Children's Music, Comedy/Novelty, Country, EDM (Electronic Dance Music), Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Christian, Instrumental, Jazz, Latin Music, Lyrics Only, Music Video, Performance, Pop/Top 40, R&B/Hip-Hop, Rock, Teen, World Music, Unpublished, and Unsigned Only. Entrants may submit as many songs as they wish - in the same category or in multiple categories.
In addition to cash and merchandise prizes, winners benefit from a multilateral promotional campaign designed to give international exposure and attention to their songwriting achievements.
Depending on the category, submissions are judged on the following criteria:
• Creativity
• Originality
• Lyrics (excludes songs that do not have lyrics)
• Melody
• Arrangement
• Overall likeability
Some categories may have additional criteria. Production/Recording quality and vocal ability are NOT criteria (except in the Performance category in which Vocals are a judging criteria).
SOME PREVIOUS WINNERS:
Vance Joy, Gotye, Bastille, The Band Perry, Kimbra, Passenger, Kasey Chambers, Passenger, Lindsey Stirling, Skrizzly Adams, Kate Miller-Heidke, Gregory Porter, King Charles, Gin Wigmore, Andrew Bird, Tommy Castro, for King & Country, Omar Sosa, and more.
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# 15 news feature
ARCADIA BLUES CLUB KNOWS HOW TO BRING IT
Arcadia Blues Club is at 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia. Take the Santa Anita offramp and go S from the 210 Fwy not quite a mile. Turn left on Huntington, and the venue is in the first block on the right side.
Advance tix are substantially cheaper, though shows are never expensive. Buy online at:
www.eventbrite.com/o/arcadia-blues-club
They have good food with generous portions (two can share) and a full bar. Fun place, but bring earplugs. Seriously. 877-BLUES-07 (877 258 3707); www.arcadiabluesclub.com
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Fri, Aug 5: Ray Goren
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Sat, Aug 6: Shawn Jones Band.
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Fri, Aug 12: Matt Schofield.
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Sat, Aug 13: Chef Denis and Friends.
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# 16 news feature
HOMEGROWN MAGIC AT MCCABE'S THIS WEEKEND, PLUS SCHEDULE UPDATE
Is there a more storied music hall through a hallway behind a guitar store anywhere? Here's what's happening at McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
Local music rules the day this weekend at McCabe's when they present shows with literal ladies of the canyon, CALICO THE BAND, along with AMELIA WHITE on Friday, and a Saturday show with local music fave ROB LAUFER.
Formed in 2013, Kirsten Proffit, Manda Mosher, and Aubrey Richmond hit the road right away, performing live shows that Grammy President Neil Portnow deemed "jaw dropping." Calico's debut album, "Rancho California," was released in September, 2014, and was named Americana Album of the Year and the group was named National Touring Artist of the Year by the L.A. Music Awards. They've played the Stagecoach Festival, and their music can be heard on ABC's "Nashville" and NBC's "The Night Shift." The band draws comparisons to groups like Crosby, Stills & Nash, Fleetwood Mac, and the Eagles, both in terms of their L.A. roots, as well as being a band of songwriters. "When you have a band where everybody's a songwriter," says Manda, "and everybody has a lead voice, it is powerful. That is who we are." Opening the show will be Nashville's Amelia White, whose new record, Home Sweet Hotel, is getting lots of attention. Don't miss these two great acts.
On Saturday, ROB LAUFER makes his McCabe's debut as a headliner. Appearing on their stage countless times over the years, Rob has written, played, arranged, and produced with the likes of Johnny Cash, Frank Black, George Martin, Fiona Apple, Cheap Trick, Dirk Hamilton, Shawn Colvin, and many others. A Beatlemania alum (appearing alongside Marshal Crenshaw), Rob's stature in the local musical community is lofty indeed thanks to his work as musical director with the celebrated Wild Honey Orchestra, and their wildly successful tribute evenings with Big Star, The Beach Boys, and of course The Beatles. He's made a lot of musical friends along the way, and a few of them will be sitting in Saturday night.
Speaking of friends on the McCabe's stage, they've added a few to the August 13 show with local blues phenom BLIND BOY PAXTON... including FRANK FAIRFIELD and MEREDITH AXELROD. Other new additions to their upcoming schedule include shows with DON HEFFINGTON (Aug 21), two nights with PETER ASHER & ALBERT LEE plus special guest KATE TAYLOR on September 10 & 11, and the L.A. debut from FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE front man CHRIS COLLINGWOOD on September 23, when he brings his solo project "Look Park" to the McCabe's back room.
UPCOMING SHOW SCHEDULE:
FRI 8/5
CALICO the band
plus Amelia White
8:00 PM - $20
SAT 8/6
ROB LAUFER
and friends
8:00 PM - $15
FRI 8/12
JUDY HENSKE &
JERRY YESTER
8:00 PM - $25
SAT 8/13
BLIND BOY PAXTON
and friends Frank Fairfield and Meredith Alxelrod
8:00 PM - $15
FRI 8/19
"Roots On The Rails Revue"
with DAVE ALVIN
MARY GAUTHIER
plus Rick Shea
and Christy McWilson
8:00 PM - $32.50
SOLD OUT
SAT 8/20
STAN RIDGWAY
8:00 PM - $22.50
SUN 8/21
DON HEFFINGTON
8:00 PM - $15
FRI 8/26
STEVE FORBERT
8:00 PM - $25
SAT 8/27
ERNEST TROOST/
RAY BONNEVILLE
8:00 PM - $20
SUN 8/28
Matinee Kids' Show
LUCKY DIAZ & The Family Jam Band
11:00 AM - $10
(kids under age 2 get in free)
SUN 8/28
BILL KIRCHEN
The Titan of the Telecaster!
8:00 PM - $20
FRI 9/9
MATT THE ELECTRICIAN
8:00 PM - $15
SAT & SUN 9/10 & 11
PETER ASHER &
ALBERT LEE
plus special guest
Kate Taylor
8:00 PM both nights - $30
FRI 9/16
TOM RUSH
8:00 & 10:00 PM - $30
FRI 9/23
LOOK PARK
(CHRIS COLLINGWOOD OF FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE)
8:00 PM - $20
SAT 9/24
BOB FORREST & FRIENDS
8:00 PM - $20
SUN 9/25
Matinee Kids' Show
AUNTIE KAYTE
11:00 AM - $10
(kids under age 2 get in free)
SUN 10/2
Matinee Kids' Show
RED YARN
11:00 AM - $10
(kids under age 2 get in free)
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# 17 news feature
BLUEGRASS SUMMER SUNDAY INTERLUDE
If it seems like you're not getting your minimum daily requirement of bluegrass in all this summer heat, we've got you covered. MURPHY'S FLAW "Celebrates the Melding of Summer Heat and Ice-Cold Alcoholic Drinks" from 2-4 pm on Sunday, Aug 7, at Cody's Viva Cantina, 900 W Riverside Dr, Burbank. Park free across the street at Pickwick (same owners). Cover is one purchase from the menu or bar.
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# 18 news feature
"INDIE ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT" IS AUGUST 10-13 IN L.A.
Where but the heart of the entertainment capital to host the INDIE ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT? It is happening August 10-13, with panels, over 100 industry-leading speakers, and over 100 Bands and DJ's rocking live concerts and music showcases.
The Conference is headquartered in North Hollywood, with venues in Hollywood & Universal Studios, and the IES "Hub" at The Federal, 5303 Lankershim Bl, North Hollywood 91601.
The IES "was envisioned by a group of acclaimed industry veterans with decades of success in the industries who are dedicated to providing opportunities for talent and business to thrive in the ever-changing world of entertainment."
The Conference offers attendees an opportunity to learn and grow with over 50 seminars and workshops "where industry leaders share their secrets for success in the business." Speakers include executives from "top music labels," BMI, SESAC, ASCAP, GRAMMYS, INDMUSIC, CDBaby, ADA, INGROOVES, as well as TV program creators, "social media leaders, influencers, top DJs & radio programmers, leading blogs – magazine journalists, concert & tour promoters, film production companies, cutting edge tech CEOs, and more," according to their promo.
Live performances "will showcase the best bands and artists from around the world in front of the media, A&R, attendees and industry decision makers," they tell us.
The keynote speaker is KEITH AICHELE, Wednesday at 4:15 pm. Keith Aichele – "America’s Marketivity Expert®" – is the Founder and CEO of Misaic. He is an internationally recognized speaker, author, trainer and successful entrepreneur who has a proven track record and passion for rapidly accelerating businesses. He is a Keynote at America’s largest trade show for entrepreneurs and small businesses, reaching 14 major US cities and over 100,000 entrepreneurs. Every business and entrepreneur must master the science of marketing to achieve extraordinary, sustainable success. In this powerful keynote, Keith will share some of the secrets he’s been asked to teach at one of the top 5 universities in the world, enabling you to begin building an Extreme Marketing Machine. Imagine having a systematic approach to generate a continuous stream of customers and followers, converting more fans into paying customers, and maximizing your limited marketing budget. This keynote will start the journey to elevating the marketing of your entertainment business or career to the next level! Learn more about Keith Aichele at http;//www.KeithAichele.com.
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Here's some press from their past events:
"There was Non-stop excitement and Top Speakers everywhere. It was fantastic and historic. You CANNOT miss this music conference!" – Violet Brown, TECH N9NE, STRANGE Music.
"It's the best conference I've ever attended!" – Sydney Alston DISCMAKERS.
"IES is an amazing opportunity for indie artists to propel their careers to new heights, it’s vital for anyone aspiring to rise in Entertainment!"- James Leach, VP-SESAC.
The INDIE ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT is happening on August 10-13, 2016 in the Heart of Los Angeles, with 4 big days of Workshops and Panels, over 100 industry-leading speakers and over 100 Bands and DJ's ROCKING live concerts and music showcases!
"If you’re serious about your music career, don’t miss the IES!"- Rob McDermott, Manager LINKIN PARK.
"IES has its finger on the pulse of what’s happening now - and where it’s heading!"- Nick Green, Manager.
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Register at 818-505-9537 days & evenings, or info@IESfest.com
More at: www.IESfest.com
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# 19 news feature
ANNUAL "TASTE OF SAN PEDRO" IS THIS SATURDAY
On Saturday, August 6, from 5-10 pm, the waterfront comes alive with local top of the line entertainment at "a culinary spectacular" featuring food, handcrafted beers, spirits & fine wines. Guests can sample fare from 25 San Pedro and Peninsula area restaurants.
Tickets and Info:
http://www.grandvision.org/shop/tickets.asp?id=950
Enter GVFTASTE when ordering your tickets online and save $10 per person.
Eat, drink, celebrate under the stars at CRAFTED at The Port of Los Angeles Courtyard. The taste of San Pedro is a culinary spectacular. Enjoy the Grand Annex Stage with unique entertainment including STREET CORNER RENAISSANCE, SIRENA SERPENTINA FIRE DANCERS, U2 L.A.VATION, LOS ANGELES TAIKO INSTITUTE, PANJIVE STEEL DRUM BAND, and lots more.
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# 20 news feature
USC "VISIONS AND VOICES" ARTS & MUSIC SERIES UPDATES
This ia a wonderful series of music, film, stage performances, arts exhibitions, interviews, panels, and more, at USC. Most events occur on the main USC University Park campus,ving and most are FREE, though nearly all require reserving your free tickets (online or by phone) before they run out. (Contact info is at the end.) Here's a look at what's coming. Get your tix while you can.
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Friday, August 26, at 2 pm. "THE WORLD ACCORDING TO FREDERICK WISEMAN." At the Ray Stark Family Theatre, School of Cinematic Arts 108. Reception to follow. Admission is free. Reservations required. RSVP beginning Tuesday, August 9, at 9 a.m. In a career spanning almost 30 years, legendary documentarianFrederick Wiseman has created an exceptional body of work consisting of 40 films from Titicut Follies (1967) to In Jackson Heights (2015). In conversation with USC professors Michael Renov and Vanessa Schwartz, Wiseman will talk about how he documents and analyzes the present while knowing that his films will become sources for future historians.
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Friday, August 26, at 6 pm. "FREDERICK WISEMAN - NATIONAL GALLERY: A SCREENING AND CONVERSATION WITH FREDERICK WISEMAN." In the Ray Stark Family Theatre, School of Cinematic Arts 108. Admission is free. Reservations required. RSVP beginning Tuesday, August 9, at 9 a.m. Following an introduction by USC professor Daniela Bleichmar, we will screen Frederick Wiseman’s three-hour tour de force National Gallery (2014), which looks behind the scenes and on the walls of the London museum that houses one of the world’s greatest collections of paintings. A Q&A with Wiseman moderated by USC professor Akira Lippit will follow.
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Other events described on the Visions & Voices website:
9/9: R.F. Georgy - USC Thornton Symphony
9/13: Guatemalan Hip Hop Artist Rebeca Lane
9/14: Author R.F. Georgy
9/15: A Workshop with Rebeca Lane
9/19: Two Men Talking
9/20: Kamasi Washington in Concert and Conversation
9/29 & 9/30: Focus Forsythe
10/6: An Evening with Suzan-Lori Parks
10/11: Movements, Or What Sound Does the Earth Make?,more info
10/12: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
10/14: Islamic Art Now at LACMA
10/15: 500 Years of Utopia
10/16: Trip to the LA Philharmonic
10/20: DarkMatter: #ItGetsBitter
10/22: Celebrate Forsythe
MAKE RESERVATIONS AT:
http://visionsandvoices.usc.edu/how-to-rsvp/
More information on these and other events is on their website:
http://visionsandvoices.usc.edu
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# 21 news feature
ASSORTED FREE EVENTS IN AUGUST
(with thanks to EventBrite for some of this info)
BULLFISH band
Fri & Sat, Aug 5 & 6, 8-11 pm.
Cody's Viva Cantina, Burbank. No Cover. Free parking across the street at Pickwick.
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Free Farmer John Food Truck Tour
Aug 6-7; 11 am at Fairfax & 3rd St;
Aug 13-14, 11 am, at Santa Monica & Venice.
You can get free Dodger Dogs, L.A. Hot Dog, and Styling Sausage Dogs as the Farmer John food truck makes another appearance on its tour across L.A.
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Beach Movie Nights: Pixar's "Inside Out"
Aug 12, 8-10 pm, at Dockweiler Youth Center. It's a screening on the beach. Tell 'em that in Iowa.
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Marina Del Rey's Summer Concert Series: Puccini’s Madama Butterfly
Aug 18, 7 pm, at Burton Chace Park. Bring blankets and snacks for this family-friendly free outdoor summer concert.
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Beach Movie Nights: "Finding Nemo"
Aug 19, 8-10 pm, at the Dockweiler Youth Center. Free screening on the beach.
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"L.A. Taco Festival"
Aug 20, Noon-8 pm, in Grand Park, downtown L.A. Tacos may be taking center stage at this festival, but live music, dance performances, and local taco masters round out the reasons why you can't-miss this summer event.
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Rooftop Cinema Series Presents "Hook"
Aug 20, 6-11 pm at Corporate Center Pasadena on South Lake. Kids and adults gather fonr the modern classic film, "Hook," and there's a live DJ and free parking.
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LAUREN ADAMS & HER EXCELLENT BAND TO PLAY CD RELEASE SHOW AUGUST 20
Folk artist LAUREN ADAMS brings her exceptional full band of seasoned pros to celebrate her new album, "Somewhere Else," at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, Los Angeles 90046, on August 20, 6-8 pm. It's a FREE performance.
The quite impressive lineup of musicians on stage -- each a recording artist in his/her own right -- are Lauren, Nick Kirgo, Debra Dobkin, Mark "Pocket" Goldberg, Dave Frase, Hank VanSickle, and Lisa Turner.
Full info on the new album and the band are at:
http://www.laurenadams.com/
At her site, you can listen to Lauren talk about songwriting and her process -- in "The STANDING ‘O’ PROJECT" and watch the video for "Somewhere Else" which premiered at "Songwriting UK."
"Lauren’s song 'Thirsty,' title track to one of her albums, evokes lost country and western from a time before Nashville lost the western part and turned it all into dysfunctional relationship, red-state-trailer-park rock." -- Larry Wines, The Acoustic Americana Music Guide, 2012.
Heartfelt and full of emotion, Adams always adds her sense of humor making the music fun and upbeat. As she has done on her previous three releases, with "Somewhere Else," Adams delivers quality songwriting in the Carol King / Eagles / Lucinda Williams vein: deep Americana roots and vivid storytelling delivered by a group of tasteful, compassionate players including her producer and friend Nick Kirgo (Nels Kline of Wilco, JD Souther, Vonda Shepard), Mark 'Pocket' Goldberg and Dave Fraser).
Lauren Adams’ songs evoke lots of places and times and themes. You hear everything from the Florida Everglades to L.A.'s Laurel Canyon. There’s wood and steel and sweet harmonies at one turn and fuzz guitar and drums at the next. But the song remains king.
Go early and you can order dinner. The venue is known for its Chinese food. But make sure they seat you in the music hall, and be early enough to get a seat at what'll be a capacity crowd for this FREE show.
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Free Summer Movie in NoHo: "Gravity"
Aug 20, 8-10 pm in North Hollywood Park. Free screening of "Gravity" AND free popcorn!
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LEVI PETREE Album Release Party, plus NOCONA
Sat, Aug 20, 9 pm-1 am, at Villains Tavern, 1356 Palmetto St, Los Angeles 90013. Jacob Penniston on accordion with Levi while Paul Rathje is away.
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"Saturdays Off the 405" series brings DIANE COFFEE
Aug 27, 6-9 pm at the Getty Center. Diane Coffee, the stage persona of Shaun Fleming, plays the Getty Center's free evening concert series.
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"Venice Beach Music Fest"
Aug 27, 11 am-7:30 pm, at Windward Plaza Park. Some of the best in local music, art, and literature is on display at the free Venice Beach Music Fest.
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17th Annual "Elvis Festival"
Aug 28, 9 am-6 pm, on Historic Main Street, in Garden Grove. Themed "The King Lives On," this free festival celebrates everything Elvis, including a car show, Elvis & Priscilla on stilts, trivia contest, memorabilia sale, food, and more.
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# 22 news feature +
SCOTTISH PIPE BAND FROM "ON THE DAY" MOVIE RETURNS TO COMPETITION; FILM ON SPECIAL THRU AUG 15
THE SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND PIPE BAND returns to the "World Pipe Band Championships" on Saturday, August 13. The last time they competed on Glasgow Green was at the 2008 Worlds, and few thought they would ever be able to repeat the experiment. But here they are. It will be an amazing day for the participating pipers and fans of traditional Scottish music alike. To celebrate the band's return to the world stage, the documentary filmmakers who made the film, "On the Day," are offering 30% off for the "On The Day" DVD and Box Set, but their offer ends August 15.
Watch the original "ON THE DAY" trailer (contact info is there) at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtqgC13eXhY&feature=youtu.be
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# 23 news feature
MASTER YOUR DISC — DISCOUNT OFFER
The folks at DiscMaster ask, "Why stop short of making your album sound its best?" We're not doing a commercial for them, but it's certainly true when they say, "Mastering is one of the last and most critical stages in determining the overall quality of your music release" — and The SoundLAB just dropped their single song pricing in half.
Now all indie artists can get all of these features for just $49: •6 expert audio engineers
• 20+ years of professional mastering experience
• Premium analog and digital gear
• 4 custom-built rooms
• The fastest turn times in mastering
It's an opportunity to get your single to a professional level and save 50% when you use code SNGL49
Offer expires Sep 9, 2016. The link is:
https://www.discmakers.com/soundlab/pricing.asp
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# 24 news feature
"RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK" - FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA - AUGUST 13
Thanks to the enduring popularity of his orchestral film music, you can experience John Williams' epic score live. Pacific Symphony presents "Raiders of the Lost Ark" on August 13. It's a Concert / Film + optional dinner, all for a package deal price of just $43.
Relive Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, and hear each instrument with its full force and authority. The film that gave the world one of its greatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones, is back and, with live music, better than ever before. Relive the original action-packed blockbuster on the big screen as John Williams’ thrilling score is performed live to the picture by Pacific Symphony. It's a special celebration of the film’s 35th anniversary under the stars at Irvine Meadows.
Constantine Kitsopoulos, conductor • Pacific Symphony.
The year is 1936, and professor of archaeology and “obtainer of rare antiquities” Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is tasked by U.S. Army Intelligence to recover the legendary Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of the Nazis. Indy’s quest takes him to Nepal and Egypt, reuniting him with an old friend (John Rhys-Davies), an old foe (Paul Freeman), and an ex-flame (Karen Allen) who falls somewhere in between. Armed with his hat, whip and wits, our intrepid hero must face formidable enemies — and impossible odds — to save the day...and the world.
“The most perfect distillation of cinematic pulp and crackerjack thrills yet committed to film.” —Los Angeles Times about Steven Spielberg's Raiders of the Lost Ark.
SPECIAL OFFER: Your Presto Picnic Package includes a reserved-seat ticket in the Terrace level (regular price $70) and a "24 carrots" gourmet picnic dinner (value $18), all for just $43.
Call 714-755-5799 for tickets (M-F, 9-5). Phone orders only; not available online. Offer ends at 5 pm on August 11.
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# 25 news feature
TICKET ALERTS
Hither and yon, what these shows have in common is they'll all sell-out. So grab tix while you can.
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The Piano Guys
The Greek Theatre
Sat, Aug 6
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Paquita la del Barrio
City National Grove
Sat, Aug 13
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The GRAMMY Museum Presents "The Drop" as Mike Posner performs live in the Clive Davis Theater in DTLA. Posner will discuss his latest album followed by an intimate special performance for The GRAMMY Museum audience.
Tue, Aug 16
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Jackson Browne
The Greek Theatre
Wed, Aug 17
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The Gipsy Kings
The Greek Theatre
Sat, Aug 20
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YES - The Album Series: Drama + Topographic 1 & 4
City National Grove
Fri, Aug 26
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Gavin DeGraw & Andy Grammer
The Greek Theatre
Thu, Sep 15
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The Monkees
The Pantages Theatre
Fri, Sep 16
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Local Natives
The Greek Theatre
Fri, Sep 16
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Gloria Trevi
Arlington Theatre
Thu, Sep 22
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Allen Stone
Majestic Ventura Theater
Wed, Sep 28
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Willie Nelson & Family
The Pantages Theatre
Tue, Oct 18
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# 26 news feature
NEW MUSIC DISCOVERIES FOR YOU
We've put numbers in front of each to keep 'em separated. It's not a rating of what's "Number One" or number-whatever in any chart. But we wouldn't be surprised if some of 'em make the charts!
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(1) TIFFANI JENÉE says, "My EP has finally been released! My bandmates and I have been working on this EP for soooo long now and it's finally done! Woot! IndieNation has been kind enough to feature a review of it on their blog at http://indienationblog.com/tiffani-jenee/ Definitely check that out! Thanks IndieNation! You can get your own copy of the EP at https://tiffanijenee.bandcamp.com/ and I want to offer you a special discount for being on the email list (as promised)! You can use the code "music" to get 20% off of the regular price now through this weekend only! So it's only $4 for the whole EP. The code expires on Monday (8/8/16). I am only offering this discount to you guys! I really appreciate your support and everyone that has been sharing my EP to their Facebook page and with their friends : ) You guys are amazing! As always, thank you for all the support and love!"
EP, by Tiffani Jenée, is a 7 track album.
Upcoming Show: August 27, 3-5 pm, The Antelope Valley Fair, Lancaster, CA
More at: www.tiffanijenee.com
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(2) MORNING BEAR, "Take Flight. His distinctive brand of orchestral indie folk channels emotion through vivid imagery and intricate melodies. Take Flight, Morning Bear’s sophomore release, was inspired by singer/songwriter John Runnels’ travels through Europe; from the alleyways of Sevilla, Spain to the botanic gardens of Copenhagen,Take Flight takes listeners on a candid and emotional journey through battles with self-doubt, the challenges of chasing dreams, and the realities of growing up. Featuring soaring vocals and atypical arrangements including cello, violin, piano and more, Morning Bear’s Take Flight provides a textured landscape behind pop-influenced hooks. Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Folk.
Listen to the album and catch Morning Bear on tour: www.morningbearofficial.com.
===
(3) CAMERON BROOKS, "Love Runs On." An up-and-coming singer-songwriter from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. With his debut EP, "Love Runs On," Brooks has released four fresh and transparent acoustic songs that explore love, the beckoning openness of the Great Plains, and the struggles of a young man searching for meaning in a catch-all world. Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Acoustic
===
(4) CAROLINA GOLD, "Southern Comfort Sessions." A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, and bathed in a whole lot of Southern Comfort, Carolina Gold is the south’s newest export; much like whiskey, the band has taken time to age and yielded a result every bit as strong. The band's bold sound is evident in this collection of live studio sessions. Consider this exclusive NoiseTrade release a single shot before you reach for the bottle. Genre: Country, Rock.
Hear their music at:
http://noisetrade.com/carolinagold/southern-comfort-sessions
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(5) SPENCER BOHREN, "The Long Black Line," heard on Folk Alley. It's wailing electric blues, but lyrically and quite appropriately about politicians.
===
And, our main feature in this news item...
(6) SHEL, the band of sisters, premieres new video, "You Could Be My Baby," with American Songwriter magazine. "Stronger than My Fears" selected as theme song for "The Women Sports Film Festival" featured on ESPNW, in the Huffington Post. New album "Just Crazy Enough," out now. SHEL has released the video for their new single "You Could Be My Baby", which puts their songwriting, gorgeous vocal harmonies, and DIY fashion aesthetic on full display. The video was shot at the beautiful Wyatt Hall, a Southern mansion in Franklin, TN built circa 1805.
SHEL’s “Stronger Than My Fears” was recently featured in The Huffington Post & ESPNW as the theme song for The Women in Sports film festival trailer. Watch the trailer, which celebrates female athletes from around the world, HERE. SHEL's acapella vocals are also featured on the new trailer for TBS' new dark comedy series, "Search Party."
SHEL's full length album "Just Crazy Enough" was released on May 13th and first debuted with Culture Collide, who describe the record as "ten tracks laden with enticing beats, bright and airy backing vocals, and earnestly told stories woven throughout." The record was was co-produced by Dave Stewart (best known for his work with the Eurythmics). Stewart remarks, "These ladies will become close to your heart from the minute you hear the first few bars and once you see them live, they inhabit a part of of your brain, make a nest…and are there to stay."
The group also received a tremendous response for their haunting cover of Metallica's “Enter Sandman”, which was hyped by Nerdist, The Atlantic, Inquisitr, Blabbermouth, and many more. SHEL previously released a video for their song "Rooftop", which was directed and self-produced by SHEL while on tour in Europe, and premiered with Baeble Music. Other recent features include exclusives with Team Coco, Glide Magazine, Brightest Young Things, and Clash Music.
The four sisters of SHEL have amassed a loyal fanbase due to a defiantly DIY approach marked by tireless touring and genre-twisting music that wears its heart on its sleeve. Raised on an abandoned trailer park that the family restored and turned into a farm, the they had an unconventional and imaginative upbringing in the foothills of Fort Collins, Colorado. Each found an instrument to master early on, studying classical music while composing and arranging with Sarah on violin, Hannah on piano, Eva on mandolin, and Liza on drums, djembe and beatboxing. Using their first initials, the band created an acronym - SHEL. Sarah, Hannah, Eva, and Liza Holbrook like to say they are "four sisters, traveling the world, tellin' tales, and sharing a dream." The band released their 2012 self-titled debut to great acclaim, and were embraced by MTV, USA Today, American Songwriter, and many more.
Their current tour won't get west of Colorado, but you can catch the song at the link below.
The album is currently streaming via American Songwriter. Watch: SHEL "You Could Be My Baby," at:
https://youtu.be/GeIAzRhK7CE
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# 27 news feature
SATURDAY: JILL FREEMAN AND DAN SHUST WILL FOLK YOUR WORLD
" We Will, We Will Folk You," promises JILL FREEMAN for her show Saturday, August 6, at 7 pm, at cozy lil' Butler’s Coffee in Palmdale.
She adds, "Sometimes you don’t need a big noise or to bang a gong to get it on. Sometimes just a well-crafted song sung with conviction and smarts (and maybe a little guitar) will do it. And guess what? Just coincidentally, ladies and gentlemen, we happen to have two great performers this Saturday who have oodles of songs just like that..."
We hand it over to KEVIN BURTON SMITH, "Butlers Coffee Music Guy," for the rest of the descriptions.
"A humdinger of a modern-day folksinger, Jill Freeman's warm, intimate vocals and audacious knack for melody serve her smart, literate songs well. She'll be featuring selections from her brand new CD, A Handmade Life — a must-hear kaleidoscope of swirling, startling imagery and lyrical poignancy; alternately ballsy and haunting. It's a swirling, kaleidoscopic alt-folk trip through the inner world of folktales and fairy tales that recalls everyone from Gregory Maguire to Tom Waits and Bertolt Brecht, featuring oft-startling takes on ugly ducklings, sleeping beauties, red shoes and (why not?) Jungian philosophy.
"If you missed her last appearance at Butler’s, don’t miss this one!
"Plus special musical guest DAN SHUST. And speaking of lyrical chops, Jersey Shore refugee and singer-songwriter Dan Shust ain't just scribblin' on the wall. His rough-hewn, noir-tinged tales of hard luck, hard times and hard roads are balanced by a bruised romaticism and heart-on-his-sleeve optimism that lets in just enough light to see. It's folk music for working folks; for guys with dirt under their fingernails and shift workers fighting to keep it all together. For people who somehow don't give up; who insist on rumbling through the Promised Land, still searching for that One Great Thing. Because it's out there, right?
"So, in conclusion, Your Honour, two great singer-songwriters, playing smart, savvy songs in a small, comfy venue that believes in that kinda thing. Plus great coffee, snacks and light meals.
"The defense rests."
It happens at Butler’s Coffee, 40125 10th St. West, Suite I, Palmdale 93551; 661-272-9530; http://www.butlerscoffee.com/
Free with a food or beverage purchase.
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# 28 news feature
SATURDAY CHARITY AUCTION AT AMOEBA HOLLYWOOD
Brently Heilbron hosts a charity auction for Inner-City Arts at Amoeba Hollywood on Saturday, August 6.
Everybody's favorite Hollywood record store tells us, "Join us for the return of Amoeba's prodigal son, Brently Heilbron, the original host of our charity auctions. Brently will be hosting a charity auction at Amoeba Hollywood to benefit Inner-City Arts Saturday, August 6th at 4 pm. We've uncovered a treasure trove of crazy collectibles and promo items for Brently to auction off, not to mention concert tickets to see Kraftwerk at the Hollywood Bowl and Culture Club at the Hollywood Bowl; gift certificates from our amazing neighbors; and lots more goodies you never knew you had to have.
"Our charity auctions began back in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana. What started as an effort to help the Gulf Coast relief efforts has turned into an 11 year commitment to supporting organizations ranging from Doctors Without Borders to the Los Angeles LGBT Center and an incredible $450,000+ being raised through our charity auctions.
"At every auction Amoeba matches all winning bids up to $1,000, doubling the amount of money going to charity. We do this with the help of our partners and friends who donate their goods for the auction and the generosity of our customers who come down to the auctions and open up their wallets and their hearts.
"Brently was there at the beginning, shepherding our auctions from their start at the sound booth to what is now an event on our main stage. Brently began performing stand up at the age of 14 and is today the host and co-creator of the new PBS comedy series 'Stand Up Empire.' (We just missed the 'Stand Up Empire' showcase live at the Comedy Central Stage in Hollywood on Wednesday, August 3rd.)
"This month's auction benefits Inner-City Arts, an organization dedicated to helping students engage in a variety of visual and performing art forms in a safe and supportive environment in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. They provide classes during the instructional day for elementary students, after-school, weekend and summer workshops for teens and creativity-based professional development for educators. Children who attend Inner-City Arts develop skills that are highly valued in the 21st century workforce such as collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.
A preview of some of the goodies up for auction on August 6:
• Concert tickets to see Kraftwerk at the Hollywood Bowl Sept. 18
• Concert tickets to see Culture Club at the Hollywood Bowl Aug. 26
• Concert tickets to see The Kills at the Wiltern Sept. 3
• Concert tickets to see PJ Harvey at the Shrine Aug. 18
• Concert tickets to Ohana Fest (Eddie Vedder, Lana Del Rey, Band of Horses) Aug 27-28 in Dana Point
• Concert tickets to Desert Daze Festival (Primus, Television, Washed Out) Oct 14-16 in Joshua Tree
• The Neon Demon poster SIGNED by director Nicolas Winding Refn and composer Cliff Martinez
• Gift cards to Trader Joe's, Stella Barra, Urban Outfitters
• The Beatles denim jacket
• Elvis lunchbox, whiskey decanter & pez dispenser
• KISS rubber duckies
Get down to Amoeba Hollywood on Saturday, August 6th at 4 pm and help welcome back Brently Heilbron and raise money for a great local organization.
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# 29 news feature
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN HAS YOUR BACKSTAGE PASS INTO COLE PORTER'S WORLD, AUGUST 20
Michael Feinstein and the Pasadena POPS heat up the Arboretum stage on August 20th with an evening solely devoted to one of America’s most beloved musical icons - Cole Porter. "Smart and sophisticated with a naughty boy’s streak for mischief, Porter was in that rare echelon of songwriters who wrote both words and music," says Feinstein. But that's not all. Feinstein gives you a veritable backstage pass into his world for an evening of classics with "I’ve Got You Under My Skin," "I Love Paris," "Night and Day" and many more of your favorites.
Saturday, August 20, at the LA County Arboretum, just south of the 210 Fwy at the Baldwin exit in Arcadia. Gates open at 5:30 pm for picnicking. Concert begins at 7:30 pm.
Michael Feinstein, conductor
Tom and Erika Girardi Chair
Catherine Russell, soloist
Nick Ziobro, soloist
Lawn Tickets start at $25. Table seats, $45 - $132 (some sections are already sold out)
Tix at:
https://pasadenasymphony-pops.secure.force.com/ticket or 626-793-7172.
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# 30 news feature
PLAN NOW: "TICKET TO THE TWENTIES" IN OCTOBER
The Guide staff are big fans of the FREE annual "Ticket to the Twenties" Festival that happens just one Saturday & Sunday a year. This year, it's October 1 & 2, from 3-7 pm, both days.
It's free admission and free parking. And if so few hours seem like it can't possibly be much, then you just don't know how to 23 skidoo. It's a weekend of great fun, where you'll celebrate the Roaring Twenties as you enjoy music, dancing, silent films, crafts, historic house tours, games, demonstrations, and more. They really know how to do this right. So polish-up your Stutz Bearcat.
It's at the Homestead Museum, 15415 E Don Julian Rd, City of Industry 91745; www.homesteadmuseum.org; 626-968-8492.
And it's a fun place to go even when the festival isn't happening.
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Be sure to peruse our recent VERY YUGELY FULL editions for bunches more on events and deep digs into music news. (Use the "July" tab in the sidebar, if necessary on your device, to get access.)
The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS, festivals, events (from concerts to film festivals) and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.
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More soon, as always.
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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 forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds 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 bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
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