The Ides of October: CONCERTS, ETC., this weekend -- Oct 15 & 16 2016

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This one has a short intro before we tell you what's happening. We are working on a tribute to the late ROZ LARMAN of radio's long-running "FOLKSCENE." She died Monday, and the folk music world lost one of its most ardent supporters, best-connected and most admired proponents, and walking repositories of knowledge.

Here's what's happening in the venues and around town (several towns, actually) this weekend, through the rest of October, and beyond.


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CONTENTS / IN THIS EDITION

1) MUSIC THIS WEEKEND, FESTIVALS & CONCERTS, Fri-Sun, Oct 14-17

2) THE REST OF OCTOBER'S ARTSY & TUNEFUL TIMES (Oct 18 thru 31, Festivals, Concerts, etc.)

3) FURTHER ON DOWN THE ROAD... beyond October -- Festivals, Concerts, whatever else that's appealing -- an early look at things ahead

4) Heads-Up! WE NEED YOU (not asking for money) -- Help The Guide Make a Decision for the Future

Let's get started!

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# 1 Feature...


MUSIC THIS WEEKEND, FESTIVALS & CONCERTS, Sat & Sun, Oct 15 & 16


Continuing shows with multiple-performance dates are listed first. Following are the concerts, etc., chronologically, Oct 15 & 16.
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Continuing through Oct 23:
(See times) "BARS AND MEASURES" began its run Sep 24th at Boston Court Theatre, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; 626-683-6883; www.bostoncourt.org. This is "a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere," by Idris Goodwin, directed by Weyni Mengesha. What's it about? Two brothers, both musicians. The classical pianist is Christian. The jazz bassist is Muslim. When Bilal is accused of being a terrorist and jailed awaiting trial, Eric tries to stay connected by pushing aside his own classical aspirations in order to learn big brother's jazz style. Separated by prison bars and religious convictions, the brothers scat and be-bop through their shared language of music. As his brother's trial progresses, Eric becomes disillusioned and struggles to decide if he believes the charges levied against his beloved older brother, or if false accusations make him a beleagured martyr to a prejudiced, paranoid nation. Cast: Brian Abraham, Zehra Fazal, Matt Orduna, Donathan Walters. Production team: Noah Agruss, Music Director/Composer; Francois-Pierre Couture, Scene & Projection Design; Tom Ontiveros, Lighting Design; John Nobori, Sound Design; Leah Piehl, Costume Design; Bethany Tucker, Properties Design; Michael Donovan, Casting Director; June Carryl, Assistant Director; Molly McGraw, Production Stage Manager. Performances Thursday-Saturday nights at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through October 23rd. Post-Show conversation with actors from Bars and Measures: Sunday, September 25th after the 2 pm performance and Thursday, October 13th after the 8 pm performance. There's a $5 Night: Thursday, September 29th. All tickets to Bars and Measures are only $5 this ONE NIGHT ONLY. No advance sales. First come, first served at the door starting at 7 pm. All other tix at: www.bostoncourt.com/events/294/bars-and-measures. Buy your tickets now while dates are still available; it's filling-up.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15

Sat, Oct 15:
"THE FRETBOARD SUMMIT," a conference and festival, with DANNY BARNES, T. BONE BURNETT & DREW CHRISTIE, LAURENCE JUBER, BOB MINNER, COURTNEY HARTMAN, ANTHONY WILSON, MOLLY TUTTLE , GRANT GORDY & JOE K. WALSH, MATT MUNISTERI, ERIC SKYE, and TONY MARCUS, through the weekend at Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego 92128; 888-976-4417.
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Sat, Oct 15; Thu-Sun, Oct 13-16:
Annual "FOLK ALLIANCE FAR-WEST CONFERENCE" in Bellevue, Washington. The Guide brought you feature stories while you could still get discounts and sign-up to perform. You can still register and attend. Full details at www.far-west.org
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Sat, Oct 15:
Time tba WIMBERLEY BLUEGRASS BAND, a talented bunch of siblings who often on the festival circuit, play the Highland Senior Center's annual "Hoedown." The band says, "This event has been a great tradition that we've been doing since the beginning of the band, so it will be great to see everyone again!"
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Sat, Oct 15:
All day WIMBERLEY BLUEGRASS BAND, a talented bunch of siblings who often on the festival circuit, play the "Del Sur Fall Festival" in San Diego. They go on at 3:30 pm.
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Sat, Oct 15:
4 pm SALTY SUITES play the "RELAY FOR LIFE" American Cancer Society fundraiser, 8681 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach.
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Sat, Oct 15:
7 pm THE LOCKE BROTHERS & FRIENDS play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations 10 am-10 pm, at 626-798-6236.
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Sat, Oct 15:
7:30 pm PETER ALSOP plays his "ALSOP FOR ADULTS" show at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga 90290; 310-455-3723.A lovely outdoor evening at the fine venue in Topanga Canyon.
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Sat, Oct 15:
7:30 pm CHATHAM COUNTY LINE plays Brick 15, 915 Camino del Mar, Del Mar 92014; 858-225-1315. (San Diego Co.)
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Sat, Oct 15:
7:30 pm DOM FLEMONS & LEYLA McCALLA play the AMSD Concert Series in the Laura R. Charles Theater at Sweetwater High School, 2900 Highland Av, National City 91950. (San Diego Co.)
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Sat, Oct 15:
8 pm CHERYL WHEELER plays McCabe’s 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Oct 15:
8 pm JENI & BILLY plus CORRINA CARTER play the monthly concert presented by "The Living Tradition" at the Anaheim Downtown Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim 92805; 714-955-3807; concerts@thelivingtradition.org
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Sat, Oct 15:
8 pm PETE & MAURA KENNEDY, plus RADOSLAV LORKOVIC, and DEAD ROCK WEST, play the "Sings Like Hell" concert series at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara 93101; 805-963-0761.
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Sat, Oct 15:
8 pm BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO plays the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; 310-833-6362.
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Sat, Oct 15:
8 pm KEN O’MALLEY brings his authentic & original Irish music to the Tam O’Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Angeles 90039; 323-664-0228.
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Sat, Oct 15:
8 pm Monthly "SONGWRITER'S SQUARE" showcase hosted by BILL BERRY at the Lyric-Hyperion Theatre & Café, 2106 Hyperion Av, Silverlake (L.A.); 310-947-9019.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16

Sun, Oct 16:
"THE FRETBOARD SUMMIT," a conference and festival, with DANNY BARNES, T. BONE BURNETT & DREW CHRISTIE, LAURENCE JUBER, BOB MINNER, COURTNEY HARTMAN, ANTHONY WILSON, MOLLY TUTTLE , GRANT GORDY & JOE K. WALSH, MATT MUNISTERI, ERIC SKYE, and TONY MARCUS, through the weekend at Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego 92128; 888-976-4417.
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Sun, Oct 16; Thu-Sun, Oct 13-16:
Annual "FOLK ALLIANCE FAR-WEST CONFERENCE" in Bellevue, Washington. The Guide brought you feature stories while you could still get discounts and sign-up to perform. You can still register and attend. Full details at www.far-west.org
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Sun, Oct 16:
Time tba WIMBERLEY BLUEGRASS BAND, a talented bunch of siblings who often on the festival circuit, play "the historic re-opening of the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda. The band says, "We'll be playing at 3 pm and the whole day is free for the community. There will be a lot of esteemed guests there that day." Indeed, it'll be a Republican love fest, with former Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Pete Wilson, plus Dr. Henry Kissinger (he's still portable?), and Nixon grandchildren Christopher Cox and Melanie Eisenhower.
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Sun, Oct 16:
1-3 pm Monthly WESTERN MUSIC JAM at the Autry National Center / Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, across from the L.A. Zoo in Griffith Park, Los Angeles 90027; 323-667-2000. Cosponsored by the Western Music Association's California Chapter, this event usually draws touring artists to perform with friends. Not really a jam, it's an "in-the-round" in which anyone in the long line of players across the front of the big indoor museum court is invited to jump in and play backup. All of the day's music-makers and participating cowboy poets, and all cards-carrying WMA members, get in free for the day. All others pay regular museum admission. Go early to explore this amazing museum's exhibit galleries and to have lunch in their cafe. This is always a fun event.
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Sun, Oct 16:
2 pm THE FENIANS play their "Unplugged" all-acoustic show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
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Sun, Oct 16:
7 pm-1 am: "ROARING '20s PROHIBITION SPEAKEASY RED CARPET GALA" is FREE with tix, at the Reserve, 650 S Spring St, downtown Los Angeles 90014. Eugene Sidney Entertainment hosts its annual “Roaring 20's Gala” complete with red carpet, '20s style decor, and all of the entertainment & networking you expect. Invitees include celebrities and friends joining in this historic event, Speakeasy Party style. During the time of Prohibition, the Speakeasy was born and all levels of society began to party behind closed doors. This takes you back to the Roaring '20s and re-creates the feeling of days gone by. In an historic building in downtown Los Angeles, this event features beautiful '20s-style Deco decor, specialty cocktails, music, dancing and a few surprises. DRESS CODE: Feel free to dress in theme for this event as costumes are encouraged (but not required); since this event represents the 1920s, special guests are dressed in the styles of this era. However, a lovely dress for the lady and outstanding suit for the gentleman should also do the job. Tix (they're free, but limited) and info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roaring-20s-prohibition-speakeasy-red-carpet-gala-tickets-27334979660?aff=erellivmlt
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Sun, Oct 16:
7:30 pm PAUL BYROM, Irish singer from CELTIC THUNDER, plays Molly Malone’s, 575 S Fairfax Av, Los Angeles 90036; 323-935-1577.
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Sun, Oct 16:
7:30 pm DANNY BARNES plays Brick 15, 915 Camino del Mar, Del Mar 92014; 858-225-1315. (San Diego Co.)
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Sun, Oct 16:
8 pm CHATHAM COUNTY LINE plays McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
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# 2 Feature...


THE REST OF OCTOBER'S ARTSY & TUNEFUL TIMES (Oct 18 thru 31, Festivals, Concerts, etc.)


Continuing shows with multiple-performance dates are listed first. Following are the concerts, etc., chronologically from Oct 18 thru 31.
__________

Continuing through Oct 23:
(See times) "BARS AND MEASURES" began its run Sep 24th at Boston Court Theatre, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; 626-683-6883; www.bostoncourt.org. This is "a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere," by Idris Goodwin, directed by Weyni Mengesha. What's it about? Two brothers, both musicians. The classical pianist is Christian. The jazz bassist is Muslim. When Bilal is accused of being a terrorist and jailed awaiting trial, Eric tries to stay connected by pushing aside his own classical aspirations in order to learn big brother's jazz style. Separated by prison bars and religious convictions, the brothers scat and be-bop through their shared language of music. As his brother's trial progresses, Eric becomes disillusioned and struggles to decide if he believes the charges levied against his beloved older brother, or if false accusations make him a beleagured martyr to a prejudiced, paranoid nation. Cast: Brian Abraham, Zehra Fazal, Matt Orduna, Donathan Walters. Production team: Noah Agruss, Music Director/Composer; Francois-Pierre Couture, Scene & Projection Design; Tom Ontiveros, Lighting Design; John Nobori, Sound Design; Leah Piehl, Costume Design; Bethany Tucker, Properties Design; Michael Donovan, Casting Director; June Carryl, Assistant Director; Molly McGraw, Production Stage Manager. Performances Thursday-Saturday nights at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through October 23rd. Post-Show conversation with actors from Bars and Measures: Sunday, September 25th after the 2 pm performance and Thursday, October 13th after the 8 pm performance. There's a $5 Night: Thursday, September 29th. All tickets to Bars and Measures are only $5 this ONE NIGHT ONLY. No advance sales. First come, first served at the door starting at 7 pm. All other tix at: www.bostoncourt.com/events/294/bars-and-measures. Buy your tickets now while dates are still available; it's filling-up.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18

Tue, Oct 18:
WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY play the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19

Wed, Oct 19:
JACKIE BRISTOW, acclaimed New Zealand folk singer-songwriter, plays two California dates on her current US tour, both on the Central Coast: Wed, Oct 19 in Santa Ynez, at "Tales From The Tavern Concert Series" at The Maverick Saloon; the other on Fri, Oct 21 in San Luis Obispo at the Steynberg Gallery.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

Thu, Oct 20:
7 pm CHRIS PROCTOR plays the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, San Diego Co.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

Fri, Oct 21, not music, but important:
Noon to 2 pm "RESIST! A WORKSHOP ON STUDENT ACTIVISM" presented by DarkMatter is an event in the USC "Visions & Voices" series, this one at Parkside Performance Café on the USC campus in University Park, L.A. Admission is free. Reservations are required (due to space). Make them at: http://visionsandvoices.usc.edu/events/listing.php?event_id=773918. Drawing from their experience working on campaigns for gender, racial, economic, and environmental justice, DarkMatter will present a workshop focused on skill-building and theoretical frameworks for student activism. Taking an intersectional approach to issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality, they will explore how the university system keeps us reading rather than revolting.
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Fri, Oct 21:
JACKIE BRISTOW, acclaimed New Zealand folk singer-songwriter, plays two California dates on her current US tour, both on the Central Coast: Wed, Oct 19 in Santa Ynez, at "Tales From The Tavern Concert Series" at The Maverick Saloon; the other on Fri, Oct 21 in San Luis Obispo at the Steynberg Gallery.
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Fri, Oct 21:
8 pm THE GOOD INTENTIONS plus THE SUSIE GLAZE NEW FOLK ENSEMBLE play the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
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Fri, Oct 21:
8 pm PETER CASE plays McCabe’s in Santa Monica.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

Sat, Oct 22:
7 pm THE GARLIC BAND plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
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Sat, Oct 22:
7:30 pm BERKLEY HART plays Brick 15 in Del Mar, San Diego Co.
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Sat, Oct 22:
7:30 pm BASIANI plays the Broad Stage in Santa Monica.
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Sat, Oct 22:
8 pm RITA HOSKING plays the Pasadena Folk Music Society series in Beckman Institute Auditorium ("Little Beckman") on the Caltech campus in Pasadena.
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Sat, Oct 22:
8 pm CHRIS PROCTOR plays Boulevard Music in Culver City.
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Sat, Oct 22:
8 pm THE SUSIE GLAZE NEW FOLK ENSEMBLE featuring GLENN HOUSTON plays McCabe’s in Santa Monica.
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Sat, Oct 22:
8 pm BURNING HEART BLUEGRASS plus SUGAR IN THE GOURD play the Fret House in Covina.
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Sat, Oct 22:
8 pm WAKING KATE plays the Tam O’Shanter in Los Angeles.
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Sat, Oct 22:
8 pm SMITHFIELD BARGAIN plays the Grace First Presbyterian Church Concert Series: "Music at the Point" in Long Beach.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

Sun, Oct 23:
3 pm THE JONES GANG plays the "Camarillo Cafe" concert series at the Camarillo Community Center, Camarillo. Note the new daytime / matinee schedule.
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Sun, Oct 23:
4 & 7 pm BASIANI plays Old Mission Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25

Tue, Oct 25; not music, but important:
7 pm "HOMELESSNESS: STORIES FROM THE SHADOWS" is part of "The Provost’s Series on Wicked Problems," presented in the USC "Visions & Voices" series, this time at Doheny Memorial Library, Room 240, on the USC campus in University Park, L.A. Admission is free. Reservations are required beginning Wednesday, September 28, at 9 am (due to space) at: http://visionsandvoices.usc.edu/events/listing.php?event_id=679312. RSVP. Join USC Provost Michael Quick for an illuminating event on homelessness featuring Dr. James O’Connell, author of "Stories from the Shadows: Reflections of a Street Doctor" and founding physician of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. O’Connell, who has been providing medical care to people who live on the streets for three decades, will share stories of struggle, survival, hope, and humanity, followed by a conversation with Professor Suzanne Wenzel of the USC School of Social Work.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27

Thu, Oct 27:
6:30 pm LEFTOVER CUTIES play the Palm Desert Concerts in the Park series in Palm Desert.
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Thu, Oct 27 (world music):
8 pm ZAKIR HUSSAIN & NILADRI KUMAR play the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28

Fri, Oct 28:
7:30 pm HERB OHTA, JR., ukulele master & more, plays the AMSD Concert Series in the Laura R. Charles Theater at Sweetwater High School, National City, San Diego Co.
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Fri, Oct 28:
7:30 pm LEDWARD KAAPANA, ukulele master & more, plays the 1st of 3 shows for the "Masters of the Strings" concert series, this one at the Dana Point Community House in Dana Point.
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Fri, Oct 28:
8 pm CARRIE NEWCOMER plays McCabe’s in Santa Monica.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29

Sat, Oct 29:
2 pm ROSS ALTMAN plays one of his FREE and acclaimed special theme cultural/historical shows at the Allendale Branch Library in Pasadena.
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Sat, Oct 29:
7:30 pm LEDWARD KAAPANA, ukulele master & more, plays the 2nd of 3 shows for the "Masters of the Strings" concert series, this one at the Mission Viejo Civic Center in Mission Viejo.
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Sat, Oct 29:
8 pm BANSHEE IN THE KITCHEN plays Boulevard Music in Culver City.
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Sat, Oct 29:
8 pm JEFFREY FOUCAULT plus QUILES & CLOUD play McCabe’s in Santa Monica.
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Sat, Oct 29:
World premiere of "HANSEL & GRETEL BLUEGRASS." Show runs Oct 29-Dec 11 at 24th St Theatre in L.A. It's Bluegrass as a classic fairy tale, narrated by distinguished actor BRADLEY WHITFORD ("The West Wing"), and features music of THE GET DOWN BOYS. Tix now available. Tix & info, 213-745-6516 or www.24thstreet.org.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30

Sun, Oct 30:
World premiere weekend of "HANSEL & GRETEL BLUEGRASS." Show runs Oct 29-Dec 11 at 24th St Theatre in L.A. It's Bluegrass as a classic fairy tale, narrated by distinguished actor BRADLEY WHITFORD ("The West Wing"), and features music of THE GET DOWN BOYS. Tix now available. Tix & info, 213-745-6516 or www.24thstreet.org.
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Sun, Oct 30:
3 pm LEDWARD KAAPANA, ukulele master & more, plays the 3rd of three shows for the "Masters of the Strings" concert series, this one at the LCA Wine at SOCO Center (Costa Mesa)
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Sun, Oct 30:
3 & 7 pm Annual "SAMHAIN: THE STORY OF HALLOWEEN" musically brings the origins Halloween and Celtic Tales of the Supernatural through song, dance, and instrumental performance for just two performances on the same day, and welcomes KEN O'MALLEY as this year's narrator. Plus, this year's production moves to MacLeod Ale Brewing Co, 14741 Calvert St, Van Nuys 91411. The show is written, produced and directed by the multitalented Aedan MacDonnell of Celtic Rhythms, who is, among many other things in the arts community, a member of the Scottish Fiddlers. This year's show will be held in a Scottish brewery. Aedan tells us, "Enjoy a pint of freshly brewed ale as you listen to the stories, hear the music, and feel the breath of those long gone on the back of your neck. You're not too scared, are you? Good! Fear not, Alastair and Jenny of MacLeod Ale Brewing Co have promised to keep the ghoulies at bay so the music, dance and entertainment can commence." The Guide always strongly recommends this show. It's worthy of going on the road, and each year's fresh rendition gets only two performances. Tickets are now on sale. Aedan adds, "If you like, bring a picnic lunch or dinner, show up early and hang out. Or try out the food truck. From 1-5 pm, Bulls Eye Pub Fare will be on site, and from 6-9 there will be Charlie's Wieners." This show has sold-out, so don't take chances. Buy your tickets on line; remaining tix at the door are cash only. Aedan cautions, "We do have a smaller seating capacity this year and expect to sell out, so don't wait!" Tix for either show are $15, $18 & $22. Ticket purchase page: http://celtic-rhythms.com/samhain-tickets. General Samhain info page: http://celtic-rhythms.com/samhain
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 31

Mon, Oct 31:
7:30 pm JEFFREY FOUCAULT plus QUILES & CLOUD play Brick 15 in Del Mar, San Diego Co.
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# 3 Feature...

FURTHER ON DOWN THE ROAD... beyond October -- Festivals, Concerts, whatever else that's appealing -- an early look at things ahead


Continuing shows with multiple-performance dates are listed first. Following are the festivals, the concerts, and everything else, listed chronologically.
__________

Through Dec 11:
World premiere engagement of "HANSEL & GRETEL BLUEGRASS." Show runs Oct 29-Dec 11 at 24th St Theatre in L.A. It's Bluegrass as a classic fairy tale, narrated by distinguished actor BRADLEY WHITFORD ("The West Wing"), and features music of THE GET DOWN BOYS. Tix now available. Tix & info, 213-745-6516 or www.24thstreet.org.
__________

Sat, Dec 3:
9 pm: THE COUNT BASIE SEPTET, presented by The World Stage Performance Gallery on The World Stage, 4321 Degnan, Leimert Park (Los Angeles). Tix $15-$20. The Count Basie Orchestra, founded over 80 years ago, is widely regarded as the greatest jazz orchestra in the world. The orchestra continues to tour the world spreading its unique brand of swing. In early December The Count Basie Orchestra will be in Los Angeles to record its latest collection of music. During their stint at Capitol Records several of the band members will break from the recording to "stretch out" at the venerable World Stage Performance Gallery co-founded by master drummer Billy Higgins and consummate poet Kamau Daaood. This is a historic, limited engagement. One night only. ** Presale tickets are $15, available before Nov 1.
** General Admission tix are $20 thru Dec 2, 2016. Tickets at the door, subject to availability.
** Because seating for this historic, limited engagement is limited, patrons are advised to purchase tickets in advance, at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-count-basie-septet-the-world-stage-tickets-27344172155?aff=erellivmlt
_______

Mar 7 & 8, 2017:
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS with TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE play Staples Center.
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# 4 Feature...


Heads-Up! WE NEED YOU (not asking for money) -- Help The Guide Make a Decision for the Future


After doing this for years, we're at a crossroads. We must decide whether to be primarily an EVENTS CALENDAR, or primarily a SOURCE OF MUSIC AND INDUSTRY NEWS. It's simply because we no longer have the time to credibly be both.

So we're asking you to determine which way we'll go. YOU decide, by sending-in your VOTE. (Yikes! An election where you actually DO make the difference -- and there's no awful choice with Gropegate and Olighawks dominating a corporate duopoly!)

These calendar features -- the entire subject of this particular edition -- consume a tremendous amount of time, far more than is obvious to anyone who hasn't done this kind of thing. That's because EACH ONE must be written from an individual email. Sometimes we can work from a "look ahead" press release from a venue, and get multiple shows at one time. But more typically, we get news of ONE show at a time in ONE email from a band or an artist. Frankly, it crushes the life out of any creative person to perform the mundane and mechanical task of threshing the wheat from the inordinate amount of chaff, sometimes having to track-down something the sender forgot to include (like what time it starts and who's the opening act). And through it all, there's the whole thing of trying to keep our write-ups as interesting as we know the shows will be for anyone who goes.

It takes far more time to do a "calendar" edition than it does to do an actual NEWS FEATURES edition. Believe it or not, that's the truth.

Meanwhile, it has consumed SO MUCH time the last two or three weeks to prepare our calendar/events editions that it's been impossible to bring you the news. And boy, do we have a lot of news backed-up in our lil' sector of cyberia, bustin' at the seams to get out before too much of it goes stale.

In fact: Our NEWS file currently has 1,779 unpublished items in it. That's just since late August, a period of not even eight weeks. Yep, it's all music and music industry items, including press releases previewing upcoming albums, artist collaborations, projects for charity, who's playing on what film score or TV episode, news of various other special projects in the works, and all kinds o' things that we know will interest you. (If we can ever get to 'em.)

Plus, we have bunches of GEAR info, spec sheets and test results on new widgets and doodads and gewgaws and instruments, upcoming artist signature guitars and the like, mics, stage amp systems, new recording technology -- so much that it's psychologically taxing just to tell you that we have it but you haven't seen it.

You KNOW what we're talking about, because the Guide has been bringing you news features like that for years. In fact, if we had the resources, we could publish a DAILY music news edition. THAT's how much we receive, and it pours in on a daily basis.

It's way past time to say that it's inundating and overwhelming. We can't maintain the idea -- or the fantasy -- that we can do justice to all of it. We can't. If Folk-Americana brought-in more revenue, we could think of applying for a grant. But it doesn't, and sorry, but folkies are cheap.

We know that asking our readers for subscription funding to hire help seems like a good idea, but it would become a stressful rat-race that, inevitably, would take even more time away from what's needed to prepare and publish the next edition.

Other solutions, like publishing fewer editions, with more time to write and prepare each one? The internet is not kind to a monthly publication cycle. Cyberia has a short memory, and anything that lacks frequency and immediacy sees its readership collapse. For years, we published almost daily and watched our page views go up and up, off the charts. When we could no longer devote that much daily time, we went to twice a week, and saw those numbers fall by almost half. Now, we're publishing once a week, and we have actually rebuilt some of the lost readership -- and it's got to be because you are finding things here that you don't get elsewhere.

So that brings us to the question of just WHAT it is that you come here to find, and what you WANT and EXPECT to find here. Time to write and tell us:

"Should the Guide be a MUSIC NEWS publication OR an EVENTS JOURNAL?"

Send your vote to tiedtothetracks (at) hotmail.com

And thanks!



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Boilerplate? Where's the main pressure gauge? And the firebox?
The basic essential informational stuff...
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Pssst -- Hey, kid. Yeah, YOU: It won't be so "basic" when we add all the links for the global network of music news / music education sites that we're joining; THAT'LL be here very soon!


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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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