.
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It's the 36th Annual "New” Old Fashioned Acoustic L.A. Holiday Caroling Festivities on Dec 3, 2017
And if it rains, no problem. Everything is indoors.
AND, if you're not in L.A.? It's likely that one of these is already organized near you, if you're anywhere else in America! (If that's the case, scroll down and get the website link.)
Now, on to the big L.A. event...
The word "New" is in the title because there's a bit of a name change. Though what it's about hasn't changed at all, and YOU are still invited to take part. The event itself is meticulously well organized, draws a lot of music stars (including Grammy noms and winners) and the purpose is to perform for audiences as grateful as any you've ever imagined -- audiences of shut-ins -- and to bring them (and get back from them) a lot of joy.
These shows feature complete "sound reinforcement" stage set-ups -- plug-ins and amplification for instruments and plenty of vocal mics. There's a high standard for the "stage" shows in dining halls at the assisted living facilities where we perform.
Before that, the cast breaks into small groups to stroll and perform, room-to-room, in a nursing home facility for audiences of one or two at a time, because those greeting your musical visits are bedridden. Like everyone's vision of traditional caroling, but all indoors.
As organizer and producer Vincent Leinen says, if you participate, you will "Experience the power, magic, and impact of giving music via Santa’s Caroling Team!"
Each year, the Guide is allowed to extend to our readers "a special invitation to support, promote, and participate in at the 36th Annual Los Angeles Holiday Caroling Festivities."
That's not just because many of our readers are musicians. It's because all our readers love music, love sharing music, and approach music with a joy for live performance.
So, on Sunday, December 3rd, 2017, our readers will join about five dozen music stars to perform at three senior care centers located in the West San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. As we said, it's all very well organized. We perform 4 pm-7:30 pm, on a "modular schedule," allowing you to arrive and depart at your discretion, or stay for the full event -- which we hope you will. Things move fast, then we -- all the carolers and instrumental musician participants -- get together for a meet-and-greet and to share a meal at the local Hometown Buffet restaurant, which stays open late just for us. (It's at VanOwen and Fallbrook in Canoga Park, from 7:30 pm-9:30 pm.)
Caroling and Carolers
Vincent says, "The festivities include multiple performances at senior care centers scheduled at concurrent time slots which allows us to provide entertainment (happiness and healing) to more needy senior residents and their caregivers."
He continues, "To balance-out the large talent pool and maximize your impact on the senior residents and care givers, we’re continuing the tradition of forming two separate Holiday Caroling presentation teams. That includes 'Santa’s South Route Caroling Team' and 'Santa’s North Route Caroling Team.'"
Music sheets & refreshments are provided for performers.
___
North or South?
The exact route, including driving directions, is charted-out by time & location. having a printout can be very handy during your whirlwind performance schedule.
Except for those involved in stage set-up and sound checks for the dining hall stage shows, everyone else (both the north and south groups) begin together. Arrive by 3:45 pm to get parking and to be inside for a photo with your new caroling buddies. That'll get your small group launched in time -- with your packet of song sheets (each caroler gets one).
* That first phase is 4 pm-5:15 pm at West Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center (where you perform in a small strolling group, room to room -- with a caroling squad of 6-12 people, including acoustic instrument accompanists, if available.
* West Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center, 7940 Topanga Canyon Bl, Canoga Park, CA 91304.
Then, the participants become two large performing casts, with each individual on either the north or south circuit. Vincent and some of the Grammy noms / winners lead one cast. Grammy nom Lisa Haley (Lisa Haley & the Zydekats), with other Grammy noms and winners, leads the other cast.
At the conclusion of the final performance on both routes, there is a group photo with all participants.
Then it's on to the "Post-Caroling Wrap Party," because, as Vincent says, "The night is young!"
(A special Hometown Buffet discount coupon is distributed at the caroling sites, or you can print one from any of the sites below.)
Vincent Leinen is quite a guy. Each year, his L.A. caroling launches his national tour. He does the same thing, using local talent, all across America, through Christmas Eve, finishing in Iowa.
Across America, he gets rock stars and opera company singers, musical theatre pros and barbershop quartet singers, choir members and folksingers, guitar and banjo pickers and bagpipers. For the L.A. event, he gets them all. Make that, all of us -- the music community, with other artists joining us from Hollywood and Burbank, from motion pictures, television, and radio.
Every place he goes, whether he's taking the show on the road or talking to the Southern California arts community, he says, "All effort given to support, promote, and participate in this heart-warming activity would be appreciated, especially since your contribution, music, and presence would greatly promote the theme and enhance the festivities for all involved."
Then he goes into talking about the audience for whom we perform -- including folks who go an entire year without hearing live music.
We mentioned that our performing cast includes opera stars. The 2017 L.A. festivities will be dedicated in the honor of the late Patrick Ridolfi, L.A. Holiday Caroling Festivities alumni and opera singer from 1996 thru 2016.
Please RSVP to Vincent get your assignment to the north or south route, and if pertinent, provide authorization to use your name on the invitation, website, press release etc.
Vincent adds, "If you're unable to attend and join us this year, you’re encouraged to take your own group or individually visit your local senior centers or shut-ins. This simple act of kindness can make a difference and add true meaning for all involved this holiday season."
___
For all the details and to register (RSVP) to participate, please go to either of the following:
www.HolidayMusicMakingADifference.com
www.facebook.com/HolidayCaroling4Seniors
Or you can call Vincent, at 818-342-9336 or C 818-429-1563.
___
We'll give Vincent the last word: 'Experience the power, magic, and impact of giving music! Thank you for blessing my life and the lives of others. Happy Holidays!"
-- Vincent J. Leinen, Founder, National Director L.A. Holiday Caroling Festivities
___
All these performances are hosted in collaboration with
"Giving Music," A Music Charity. Info at: www.GivingMusic.org
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♪ THAT'S A WRAP FOR THIS EDITION
The Guide'll return soon with more -- inclusive and inquisitive
and informative and pretty dad-burn complete coverage
of all kindsa things, continuing forward and onward
in our next MUSIC NEWS edition,
coming your way soon.
Meantime, check in and let us know what you think about THIS one.
Y'all come back now, y'hear?
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See you next time!
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Seriously...
THIS IS HERE FOR YOU, THE ACOUSTIC MUSIC-MAKER AND FAN, SO LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK...
As always, we invite you to join us and to let us know what YOU are listening to, and what artists or bands just sent you swooning and need to be shared with others.
Doing our part depends on you doing your part. That way, you'll know that a whole lot more is always coming soon — including fresh MUSIC NEWS, PREVIEWS & REVIEWS, and more additions to our massive guide to the MUSIC FESTIVALS of 2017.
Meantime, we are ALWAYS big advocates of supporting LIVE PERFORMANCE. With everything happening in the big, wide world, and through these festival-packed, waning-of-summer weekends? Go get tuneful!
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LEGALESE, CONTACTING US, 'N SUCH...
Boilerplate? Where's the main pressure gauge? And the firebox?
What "boilerplate"? Who came up with that goofy term for the basic essential informational stuff...
________________________________
Direct to the Guide's current editions /
MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY
editions.... all load quickly at
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www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to:
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Contents copyright © 2017,
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All rights reserved.
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♪ The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS — and views of interest to artists everywhere — more specifically to musicians and the creative community and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music. That includes 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 (now undergoing a major update), and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues from the monumentally large to the intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops, conferences, 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 swamp water roots of the blues and the bright lights of where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Our cyber porch'll be here anytime you want to sit a spell, when you're looking for some inspiration or a new tune to pick 'n grin, or when you come back from the road and need to catch-up.
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♪ ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC is blues, bluegrass, borderlands, Cajun, cowboy, Celtic, Cape Breton, newfangled old-time, accessible classical, folk-Americana from riverboats, mountainsides, front porches, barn dances & honkytonks. NOT a musical museum, it is alive with vibrant traditional music & innovators of the Acoustic Renaissance. NEWS, complete listings & descriptions of festivals EVERYWHERE & performances in Southern California, are here, frequently updated!
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Friday, November 24, 2017
Friday night TV has "GRAMMYs® Greatest Stories." And there's more. -- Nov 24 2017
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There's some good stuff, especially if you still have relatives lingering in the house, and you can't afford to take them out, and you really don't want to hear them talk about a buncha blah-blah-blah for another entire evening. So we're riding to your rescue, and you're welcome.
Now, we're not jumping back into covering TV on a regular basis. But since we're telling you about the special Grammy thing that's on your screen tonight, we don't want to shortchange the other good stuff that's competing with it. Especially if that special is too damn pop-music-ee for you, and you need a dose of Americana music.
So here ya go.
_________________________________
# 1 news feature...
"GRAMMYs® Greatest Stories: A 60th Anniversary Special" airs tonight On CBS
Tonight, GRAMMY® Award winners John Legend and Carrie Underwood co-host "GRAMMYs Greatest Stories: A 60th Anniversary Special." It's being promoted as "an all-encompassing retrospective packed with epic moments from the past 59 years of GRAMMY history, including new anecdotes directly from the artists on how their GRAMMY performances came to be."
The primetime special will be broadcast tonight from 9-11 pm ET/PT, on the CBS Television Network.
The broadcast features rare archival footage, exclusive interviews, and special appearances by multi-GRAMMY winners and nominees Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Dave Grohl, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Chris Martin, Ricky Martin, Paul McCartney, P!nk, Ed Sheeran, Blake Shelton, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Justin Timberlake, U2, Underwood, and Keith Urban.
The TV special builds on the annual and acclaimed "'In Memoriam' Tributes to Fallen Musicians," the performances honoring late music legends that have become an inseparable part of the annual GRAMMY Awards. But tonight, it gets its own show.
Brian Haack explains, "A new tradition began at the 45th GRAMMY Awards in 2003, when the curtain rose on an all-star lineup of musicians assembled to perform a special tribute to the late Joe Strummer of the Clash."
He continues, "Whether it's the electric 'Strummer' tribute, [or] Adele honoring George Michael, or Lady Gaga paying homage to David Bowie, these powerful performances in the 15 years since have served as a complement to the annual GRAMMY Awards 'In Memoriam' segment, which serves as a moment of reflection for the artists, technicians, executives, and other music professionas who passed away during the prior year."
Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, Elvis Costello, No Doubt's Tony Kanal, and Steven Van Zandt joined forces for a rendition of "London Calling." And Ed Sheeran's GRAMMY Duet With Elton John will be part of "GRAMMYs Greatest Stories."
We all know that Folk-Americana gets short shrift, with most Grammy categories being variants of pop, rap, and hip-hop awards. But the energy of live performances enables us to recommend tonight's TV show.
______________________________
______________________________
# 2 news feature...
ELSEWHERE on TV tonight...
Listed by channel / network.
___
On PBS So Cal / KOCE:
8:30-11 pm "Great Performances" airs a new 2017 edition, "Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn -- The Broadway Musical."
___
On KLCS:
8-8:30 pm "Sun Studio Sessions" repeats a 2014 edition with JD McPherson.
(Re-airs 3-3:30 am.)
8:30-9 pm "Bluegrass Underground" airs a 2017 show with the McCrary Sisters.
(Repeats 3:30-4 am.)
9-10 pm "Austin City Limits" repeats the 2017 special "ACL Presents the Americana Music Festival 2017" from this year's honors and awards ceremony.
(Repeats 4-5 am.)
10-11 pm "Front and Center" continues its "CMA Songwriters Series" in the show's season 7 finale with Jennifer Nettles, joined by Brandy Clark and Amos Lee.
(This one doesn't repeat.)
___
TCM (Turner Classic Movies):
10:15 pm-12:30 am "Network" (1976) is the four-star Best Picture nominee with Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway, and William Holden. Everything you need to know to understand the BS and baloney of today's corporate mainstream media, with its relentless game of obfuscation and distraction? It's all here, presciently presented way back in 1976. This movie is a must-watch for anyone who hasn't yet realized that we're all being conned to accept perpetual war and a surveillance state, and especially for anyone who believes that Fox or MSNBC actually present news.
___
On KCETL, aka Link TV:
6:30-8 pm "Burt Bacharach's Best" is a 2013 PBS special that always get trotted-out at pledge break time, like all public TV music shows, because they're cash cows for pledges.
(Repeats 9:30-11 pm on KCETV.)
8-10 pm "Carpenters: Close to You / Christmas." From 2016. The note just above applies here, too.
10-11:30 pm "Santana IV" from 2016 features Carlos Santana with the original Santana band.
(Repeats 1-2:30 am on KCETV.)
___
On KCETV:
6-6:30 pm "Music Voyager" from 2017 is, unusually, an America-based episode, "Atlanta: Atlanta's Stage."
6:30-8 pm "Joe Bonamassa at Carnegie Hall" from 2016 features the guitar wizard and some stellar musical guests.
(Repeats 10-11:30 pm on KCETL.)
9:30-11 pm "Burt Bacharach's Best" is a 2013 PBS special that always get trotted-out at pledge break time, like all public TV music shows, because they're cash cows for pledges.
11 pm-1 am "Carpenters: Close to You / Christmas." From 2016. The note just above applies here, too.
1-2:30 am "Santana IV" from 2016 features Carlos Santana with the original Santana band.
______________________________
Copyright (c) 2017, Acoustic Americana Music Guide. All rights reserved.
Contact us at: tiedtothetracks (at) hotmail dot com
______________________________
Much more coming soon, with massive amounts of MUSIC NEWS -- we're preparing it all now for publication.
.
There's some good stuff, especially if you still have relatives lingering in the house, and you can't afford to take them out, and you really don't want to hear them talk about a buncha blah-blah-blah for another entire evening. So we're riding to your rescue, and you're welcome.
Now, we're not jumping back into covering TV on a regular basis. But since we're telling you about the special Grammy thing that's on your screen tonight, we don't want to shortchange the other good stuff that's competing with it. Especially if that special is too damn pop-music-ee for you, and you need a dose of Americana music.
So here ya go.
_________________________________
# 1 news feature...
"GRAMMYs® Greatest Stories: A 60th Anniversary Special" airs tonight On CBS
Tonight, GRAMMY® Award winners John Legend and Carrie Underwood co-host "GRAMMYs Greatest Stories: A 60th Anniversary Special." It's being promoted as "an all-encompassing retrospective packed with epic moments from the past 59 years of GRAMMY history, including new anecdotes directly from the artists on how their GRAMMY performances came to be."
The primetime special will be broadcast tonight from 9-11 pm ET/PT, on the CBS Television Network.
The broadcast features rare archival footage, exclusive interviews, and special appearances by multi-GRAMMY winners and nominees Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Dave Grohl, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Chris Martin, Ricky Martin, Paul McCartney, P!nk, Ed Sheeran, Blake Shelton, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Justin Timberlake, U2, Underwood, and Keith Urban.
The TV special builds on the annual and acclaimed "'In Memoriam' Tributes to Fallen Musicians," the performances honoring late music legends that have become an inseparable part of the annual GRAMMY Awards. But tonight, it gets its own show.
Brian Haack explains, "A new tradition began at the 45th GRAMMY Awards in 2003, when the curtain rose on an all-star lineup of musicians assembled to perform a special tribute to the late Joe Strummer of the Clash."
He continues, "Whether it's the electric 'Strummer' tribute, [or] Adele honoring George Michael, or Lady Gaga paying homage to David Bowie, these powerful performances in the 15 years since have served as a complement to the annual GRAMMY Awards 'In Memoriam' segment, which serves as a moment of reflection for the artists, technicians, executives, and other music professionas who passed away during the prior year."
Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, Elvis Costello, No Doubt's Tony Kanal, and Steven Van Zandt joined forces for a rendition of "London Calling." And Ed Sheeran's GRAMMY Duet With Elton John will be part of "GRAMMYs Greatest Stories."
We all know that Folk-Americana gets short shrift, with most Grammy categories being variants of pop, rap, and hip-hop awards. But the energy of live performances enables us to recommend tonight's TV show.
______________________________
______________________________
# 2 news feature...
ELSEWHERE on TV tonight...
Listed by channel / network.
___
On PBS So Cal / KOCE:
8:30-11 pm "Great Performances" airs a new 2017 edition, "Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn -- The Broadway Musical."
___
On KLCS:
8-8:30 pm "Sun Studio Sessions" repeats a 2014 edition with JD McPherson.
(Re-airs 3-3:30 am.)
8:30-9 pm "Bluegrass Underground" airs a 2017 show with the McCrary Sisters.
(Repeats 3:30-4 am.)
9-10 pm "Austin City Limits" repeats the 2017 special "ACL Presents the Americana Music Festival 2017" from this year's honors and awards ceremony.
(Repeats 4-5 am.)
10-11 pm "Front and Center" continues its "CMA Songwriters Series" in the show's season 7 finale with Jennifer Nettles, joined by Brandy Clark and Amos Lee.
(This one doesn't repeat.)
___
TCM (Turner Classic Movies):
10:15 pm-12:30 am "Network" (1976) is the four-star Best Picture nominee with Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway, and William Holden. Everything you need to know to understand the BS and baloney of today's corporate mainstream media, with its relentless game of obfuscation and distraction? It's all here, presciently presented way back in 1976. This movie is a must-watch for anyone who hasn't yet realized that we're all being conned to accept perpetual war and a surveillance state, and especially for anyone who believes that Fox or MSNBC actually present news.
___
On KCETL, aka Link TV:
6:30-8 pm "Burt Bacharach's Best" is a 2013 PBS special that always get trotted-out at pledge break time, like all public TV music shows, because they're cash cows for pledges.
(Repeats 9:30-11 pm on KCETV.)
8-10 pm "Carpenters: Close to You / Christmas." From 2016. The note just above applies here, too.
10-11:30 pm "Santana IV" from 2016 features Carlos Santana with the original Santana band.
(Repeats 1-2:30 am on KCETV.)
___
On KCETV:
6-6:30 pm "Music Voyager" from 2017 is, unusually, an America-based episode, "Atlanta: Atlanta's Stage."
6:30-8 pm "Joe Bonamassa at Carnegie Hall" from 2016 features the guitar wizard and some stellar musical guests.
(Repeats 10-11:30 pm on KCETL.)
9:30-11 pm "Burt Bacharach's Best" is a 2013 PBS special that always get trotted-out at pledge break time, like all public TV music shows, because they're cash cows for pledges.
11 pm-1 am "Carpenters: Close to You / Christmas." From 2016. The note just above applies here, too.
1-2:30 am "Santana IV" from 2016 features Carlos Santana with the original Santana band.
______________________________
Copyright (c) 2017, Acoustic Americana Music Guide. All rights reserved.
Contact us at: tiedtothetracks (at) hotmail dot com
______________________________
Much more coming soon, with massive amounts of MUSIC NEWS -- we're preparing it all now for publication.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
For us? Friday isn't "Black Friday." It's "Buy Nothing Day" -- early edition for Nov 24 2017
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.
Whatever our place in the Great American Schism of tribal politics, each of us seems to have been brainwashed (if seemingly benevolently) by the same desire. It's the notion that, to validate ourselves, we must affect a certain level of materialistic elitism. You don't have the LATEST iPhone? You're making-do with that OLD thing? You can't unlock your door by voice command from YOUR phone? Well!
Curing this condition won't be easy, because no one wants to admit they're self-afflicted with something malevolent. But this is the one day out of the year when it's easiest to identify it.
You know. Instinctively, you know, because it happens every year, on this day after Thanksgiving -- all that "Door-Buster!" stuff prominently previewed on the 11 PM Thursday TV news and the local and network morning shows. Making acquisition-obsessed people famous for their 15 seconds (sorry, nobody gets 15 minutes anymore) because they camped-out all night, lined-up in some corporate retailer's parking lot. To get that all-important leg-up on the competition. Because, come Friday morning, it's game-on for America's most important national obsession. The annual post-turkey human demolition derby, complete with sharp elbows, football-style broken-field runs, and fixations on beating everyone else to buy something before someone else's grip is too tight to wrestle it from their clutches. It doesn't matter a whit that it's all driven by stuff you don't need. And driven by crappy behavior to obtain more crap.
Sadly, you know exactly what I'm talking about, and you know it gets worse, every year.
The irony is appalling -- the day after you paused to reflect on an ever-so-brief moment, to take stock of what you have. (And to support the methane-making machine of animal agriculture by demolishing a massive turkey.) And, yeah, okay, Thanksgiving is a day to test your own good will by putting-up with that bombastic relative of a dinner-guest, the one from the other tribe with the toxic politics.
But you did survive. And it's just one day later. So now, you're supposed to forget your attitude of gratitude, your fleeting moment of reflection. Yep. Just, suddenly, forget about all your blessings. Think no longer on all you have, and how much debt you incurred to get it. Because now you must become freshly obsessed with buying more.
More baubles. More bling. More ostentatious expressions of your ability to buy expensive stuff you can't afford, but that you must buy to show the Joneses you're ahead of them in the pecking order of consumerism. You work hard, and by god, everybody is going to know it because you're proving it with your purchasing power. Just put aside every shred of thoughtful intellect and clear the decks for action -- a daylong orgy of buying a bunch of overpriced flimsy crap that's all made in some sweatshop overseas. All to maximize the profit margins of the fat cats who control all the levers -- everything necessary to make you believe you can't live without buying more of their crap.
This is where the cowboy used to ride-in and shout, "Whoa-up there for a minute," and add, "Think about the trail you're fixin' to ride, afore you end-up with the varmits."
But cowboys with helpful messages went out when the Marlboro Man died of lung cancer. So you'll have to settle for us, instead. We're here to advocate something, our way: showing the middle-finger salute to the banksters and the self-serving advocates who are determined to use all means to sell you an endless amount of "more!"
We're spending our Friday celebrating "Buy Nothing Day," and in our best Huell Howser parody, "We invite you to join us on this adventure."
For all those acquainted with the purposeful performance art of Reverend Billy and The Church of Stop Shopping, you have a good idea where this is going. Though -- while this is very much like his ongoing message -- this isn't one of his events.
Still, it's all about asserting your importance as a free-willed human being, able to "just say no" to the billions of dollars the corporatocracy spends to get you addicted to what they want you to do. Which is, to part with all your money and go deeply into evermore debt, in their carefully crafted "Black Friday" orgy of addiction to consumerism.
"Economy" used to be about how you made your decisions not to buy things you didn't need, so you'd have that money for things that really mattered. But now it means exactly the opposite. Everything from big-money corporate-owned social media to the six megagiant corporate entities that control all major mainstream media outlets, are allied. They work together to disseminate the "messages" of an empire of corporate consumer-based profitability. They use every tool of psychology to decide -- for you -- what is necessary to have. As in, what you must have to be trendy and hip, and why you deserve to be ostracized and ridiculed unless you buy all of their featured "it" items.
When was the last time you went a whole day without buying anything?
In this day and age, is it actually possible to buy nothing for twenty four hours?
Supporters of "Buy Nothing Day" think it is. And what’s more, they think we should all try it.
At its core, "Buy Nothing Day" is a targeted protest against, not simply against the hype and bad behavior of "Black Friday," but against the consumerism that drives what's destroying the planet. We are confronted with this mathematically impossible notion of endless "economic growth," that prosperity can only be measured in stock dividends and housing starts that pave agricultural lands, all resulting in a never-ending "more" that's somehow necessary for prosperity.
Those who conceived "Buy Nothing Day," we along with them, are motivated by global warming and resource depletion and the societal and environmental costs of a mentality of extraction and development and a culture based on spending money on stupid crap. Because we're just plain running out of time. Meaning it's necessary to pause and take stock, to change our consciousness, to reckon with the true cost of endlessly enriching the exploiters. Isn't it time for each of us to assess the impact and ask ourselves the question, "Do we really need to live in a society governed by the need to 'have evermore things'?"
Of course, you haven't seen any ads for "Buy Nothing Day" on TV, and none in the thickest- of-the-year newspaper editions, filled with stacks of "Black Friday" advertising inserts. You won't see anything there to discourage you from joining the melee, because the wholly-owned media subsidiaries of the megagiant corporations refuse to run ads that say "Stop and think!" Even though a consortium of environmental groups made those ads for "Buy Nothing Day" and had them ready to go.
As commentator and social satirist Lee Camp observes, and we'll paraphrase, you can see ads for weapons-systems-makers, the merchants of death who make endless war possible. You can see ads for Big Pharma, whose profitability is based on addicting you to chemicals that can kill you (as in their creation and ongoing obfuscation and subterfuge for the national addiction to opioid drugs). You can't see ads opposing the toxic chemicals and drugs and steroids and hormones that dangerously pollute our water after they pass-through each critter that gets overdosed in animal agriculture, because the federal "Animal Agriculture Protection Act" makes it illegal to do or say anything that may result in diminished profit for animal agriculture. You can see ads for Big Oil, whose massive uses of toxic fracking chemicals poison the groundwater we need to drink and to grow crops that are free from chemical-laden irrigation. And you can see ads for all the Nestle-owned water bottlers -- plastic-bottle bottlers -- while Nestle is a company whose chairman says, "There is no human right to clean water. Water should be privatized and sold." And you can see ads to buy stock in toxic mining companies, whose extractions poison the planet with heavy metals and cyanide.
"But," concludes Lee, "You can't be allowed to see an ad that might make you question the sanity of a system that has allowed the exploiters to seize control of everything, including whose message can get out."
(Check out comedian Lee Camp's "Redacted Tonight VIP," the Thursday TV interview edition's episode 86 from Nov 16, with "Reverend Billy Talen." He's the leader of "The Church of Stop Shopping." It's here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMpxXw4lU34&list=PLdi9R2OWN6k4biEQanAuVpqF-6G7bXRfH; while you're at it, catch the satiric but damned serious coverage in a couple of Lee's comedic Friday shows. There's the "Secret Family Profiting from the Opioid Crisis" plus more about who profits from drugs, in episode 170 of "Redacted Tonight," titled "Rx, Drugs and Rock 'n Roll," from Friday, Oct. 21, 2017. It's here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86kZ1E9yFP4. And finally, catch the show's most recent episode, # 172, "RT America A Foreign Agent, Tax Deductible Sexual Abuse, & More," here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttrIsFZPV_0)
"Buy Nothing Day" was founded in Vancouver, Canada by artist Ted Dave in September of 1992. It is celebrated each year on the Friday after American Thanksgiving, as awareness spreads in spite of the corporate alliance to keep you from finding out about it. Yes, it's very intentionally aimed at the day infamously known to drive the herd into chain stores, shopping malls, and into the ever-growing multi-billion-dollar empire of corporate e-commerce -- all in an orgy of spending and assurance that consumer debt will be inescapable. All promoted by the entire corporatocracy and their bankster empire as "Black Friday."
Anyone who has ever seen what happens throughout North America during "Black Friday" sales knows to expect poster children for bad behavior on the evening TV news -- examples, not unlike parodies of Roman gladiators. It's greed tuned to aggressively violent behavior. Don't we all understand, all too well, why it is high time that we take a step back and look at ourselves, our behavior, our humanity? Isn't it an acid test, whether we have any real desire to save the planet -- and contemplate the meaning of all of the "Black Friday" madness?
Soon after "Buy Nothing Day" was created in Canada, campaigns to have a similar day of reflection started appearing in the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Austria, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, France, and Norway.
More than 65 nations currently participate in it.
But the corporatocracy will do it's Borg Collective best to make sure you never hear about it.
Adbusters, a company responsible for the initial promotion of Ted Dave’s idea for Buy Nothing Day, states that the day “isn’t just about changing your habits for one day," but "about starting a lasting lifestyle commitment to consuming less and producing less waste."
You can see why that's a shockingly dangerous idea in a system based on the impossible concept of endless growth on a planet of finite resources.
How to Celebrate "Buy Nothing Day"
Anyone who wants to participate can, beyond the obvious, do any of many things to persoanlly express objection to our consumer-based culture.
* You can simply stay home with friends and family, and actually share each others' companionship, rather than going shopping.
* There are some organized actions. Those whose idea of meaningful fun goes to the theatrical can look for web posts for “zombie walks.” In these, all of the participating “zombies” lurch around stores, supermarkets and shopping malls aimlessly, buying nothing, and staring ahead blankly. This is used to raise awareness about the meaning of "Buy Nothing Day" and to shock obsessed spenders into their own internal confrontation with their values. It happens until the “zombies” are inevitably asked what they are doing and why, whereupon they can proceed to explain their point of view. Until store security throws you out for obstructing the buying orgy.
* You can simply take advantage of your boycott of shopping and avoiding being part of the mooing herd, and use the time for something that will make the day memorable for YOU. The weather in Southern California will be warm, so go celebrate nature and the immense amount of beauty it offers us -- it's free of charge! This can be done by spending the day in the countryside or the mountains, or even in a park, resting in the sunshine and enjoying the breeze.
* Some participants choose to stand in a shopping mall with a pair of scissors and a poster that advertises help for people who want to put an end to their mounting credit card debt and shopping addiction "With one simple cut." Though you should have a "Plan B" for the rest of the day, 'cause you'll get kicked-out tout suite.
* A strategy employed by a group of participants in the 2009 "Wildcat General Strike" was to not only refrain from shopping, but also: keep all of their electric appliances shut-off during the entire day; not travel anywhere by car; and, not use their cell phones. All an effort to cut-down on the enormous use of natural resources for the electric power grid and fossil fuels for transportation amidst the orchestrated mass hysteria of stampeding "Door Busters."
While proponents argue that "Buy Nothing Day" can be the start of a life-changing lifestyle commitment, others claim it’s meaningless, contending that its observers simply buy more the following day. But if that's what happens, those who succumb to it are proving their addiction to support whatever is "trending" without exercising independent thought.
Full disclosure time: we very much DO support "Small Business Saturday," which occurs during this weekend and each year. That's always on the day after the corporatocracy's "Black Friday," which we think should be declared "Personal Indebtedness Advocacy Day." We will spend a few bucks supporting the cause of mom-and-pop-owned small businesses on Saturday -- using money we consciously reserve specifically for that purpose.
Now, back to the central message of "Buy Nothing Day" -Friday.
One participant from last year, picks up the point, commenting, "Either way, there’s no doubt that going without buying anything for an entire day is quite a challenge in the modern world, and will serve to make you think about what your life is really about."
At this point, you are expecting a link for the "Official Site for 'Buy Nothing Day.'"
But a not-so-funny thing happened on the way to the browser. It seems that the obvious domain name, buynothingday dot org, has been BOUGHT by a self-proclaimed "e-commerce web developer." And, while he offers-up a couple paragraphs that pay lip service to the cause, they're all part of a continuous-scroll site that's trying to (you guessed it) SELL you all sorts of things.
So it's up to us. Each of us, and all of us.
We are, each of us -- as always -- the only ones who can change society away from the exploitive path of corporations-take-all. We can turn from the path that's depriving future generations of resources they'll need, but won't have because we used them up making shoddy and silly disposable junk that we randomly buried in landfills until we drowned in toxic trash.
Are you up for it, down with it? We can change the mentality of "Black Friday" away from planet-destroying mindless corporate consumerism. (We can even choose to reject the need for silly colloquial expressions that seem de rigueur in all popular dialog.) And we can reject the infatuation with "having more and more stuff" and declare "Power to the People" and "Protection of the Planet" -- while we still can. While there's still a chance that we can tell the difference between what WE want and what "they" want us to want.
Feel free to share this and the link for others to read it.
_ _ _
Copyright (c) 2017, Acoustic Americana Music Guide. All rights reserved.
Contact info: tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail dot com
__________
Much more coming soon, with massive amounts of MUSIC NEWS -- we're preparing it all now for publication!
.
Whatever our place in the Great American Schism of tribal politics, each of us seems to have been brainwashed (if seemingly benevolently) by the same desire. It's the notion that, to validate ourselves, we must affect a certain level of materialistic elitism. You don't have the LATEST iPhone? You're making-do with that OLD thing? You can't unlock your door by voice command from YOUR phone? Well!
Curing this condition won't be easy, because no one wants to admit they're self-afflicted with something malevolent. But this is the one day out of the year when it's easiest to identify it.
You know. Instinctively, you know, because it happens every year, on this day after Thanksgiving -- all that "Door-Buster!" stuff prominently previewed on the 11 PM Thursday TV news and the local and network morning shows. Making acquisition-obsessed people famous for their 15 seconds (sorry, nobody gets 15 minutes anymore) because they camped-out all night, lined-up in some corporate retailer's parking lot. To get that all-important leg-up on the competition. Because, come Friday morning, it's game-on for America's most important national obsession. The annual post-turkey human demolition derby, complete with sharp elbows, football-style broken-field runs, and fixations on beating everyone else to buy something before someone else's grip is too tight to wrestle it from their clutches. It doesn't matter a whit that it's all driven by stuff you don't need. And driven by crappy behavior to obtain more crap.
Sadly, you know exactly what I'm talking about, and you know it gets worse, every year.
The irony is appalling -- the day after you paused to reflect on an ever-so-brief moment, to take stock of what you have. (And to support the methane-making machine of animal agriculture by demolishing a massive turkey.) And, yeah, okay, Thanksgiving is a day to test your own good will by putting-up with that bombastic relative of a dinner-guest, the one from the other tribe with the toxic politics.
But you did survive. And it's just one day later. So now, you're supposed to forget your attitude of gratitude, your fleeting moment of reflection. Yep. Just, suddenly, forget about all your blessings. Think no longer on all you have, and how much debt you incurred to get it. Because now you must become freshly obsessed with buying more.
More baubles. More bling. More ostentatious expressions of your ability to buy expensive stuff you can't afford, but that you must buy to show the Joneses you're ahead of them in the pecking order of consumerism. You work hard, and by god, everybody is going to know it because you're proving it with your purchasing power. Just put aside every shred of thoughtful intellect and clear the decks for action -- a daylong orgy of buying a bunch of overpriced flimsy crap that's all made in some sweatshop overseas. All to maximize the profit margins of the fat cats who control all the levers -- everything necessary to make you believe you can't live without buying more of their crap.
This is where the cowboy used to ride-in and shout, "Whoa-up there for a minute," and add, "Think about the trail you're fixin' to ride, afore you end-up with the varmits."
But cowboys with helpful messages went out when the Marlboro Man died of lung cancer. So you'll have to settle for us, instead. We're here to advocate something, our way: showing the middle-finger salute to the banksters and the self-serving advocates who are determined to use all means to sell you an endless amount of "more!"
We're spending our Friday celebrating "Buy Nothing Day," and in our best Huell Howser parody, "We invite you to join us on this adventure."
For all those acquainted with the purposeful performance art of Reverend Billy and The Church of Stop Shopping, you have a good idea where this is going. Though -- while this is very much like his ongoing message -- this isn't one of his events.
Still, it's all about asserting your importance as a free-willed human being, able to "just say no" to the billions of dollars the corporatocracy spends to get you addicted to what they want you to do. Which is, to part with all your money and go deeply into evermore debt, in their carefully crafted "Black Friday" orgy of addiction to consumerism.
"Economy" used to be about how you made your decisions not to buy things you didn't need, so you'd have that money for things that really mattered. But now it means exactly the opposite. Everything from big-money corporate-owned social media to the six megagiant corporate entities that control all major mainstream media outlets, are allied. They work together to disseminate the "messages" of an empire of corporate consumer-based profitability. They use every tool of psychology to decide -- for you -- what is necessary to have. As in, what you must have to be trendy and hip, and why you deserve to be ostracized and ridiculed unless you buy all of their featured "it" items.
When was the last time you went a whole day without buying anything?
In this day and age, is it actually possible to buy nothing for twenty four hours?
Supporters of "Buy Nothing Day" think it is. And what’s more, they think we should all try it.
At its core, "Buy Nothing Day" is a targeted protest against, not simply against the hype and bad behavior of "Black Friday," but against the consumerism that drives what's destroying the planet. We are confronted with this mathematically impossible notion of endless "economic growth," that prosperity can only be measured in stock dividends and housing starts that pave agricultural lands, all resulting in a never-ending "more" that's somehow necessary for prosperity.
Those who conceived "Buy Nothing Day," we along with them, are motivated by global warming and resource depletion and the societal and environmental costs of a mentality of extraction and development and a culture based on spending money on stupid crap. Because we're just plain running out of time. Meaning it's necessary to pause and take stock, to change our consciousness, to reckon with the true cost of endlessly enriching the exploiters. Isn't it time for each of us to assess the impact and ask ourselves the question, "Do we really need to live in a society governed by the need to 'have evermore things'?"
Of course, you haven't seen any ads for "Buy Nothing Day" on TV, and none in the thickest- of-the-year newspaper editions, filled with stacks of "Black Friday" advertising inserts. You won't see anything there to discourage you from joining the melee, because the wholly-owned media subsidiaries of the megagiant corporations refuse to run ads that say "Stop and think!" Even though a consortium of environmental groups made those ads for "Buy Nothing Day" and had them ready to go.
As commentator and social satirist Lee Camp observes, and we'll paraphrase, you can see ads for weapons-systems-makers, the merchants of death who make endless war possible. You can see ads for Big Pharma, whose profitability is based on addicting you to chemicals that can kill you (as in their creation and ongoing obfuscation and subterfuge for the national addiction to opioid drugs). You can't see ads opposing the toxic chemicals and drugs and steroids and hormones that dangerously pollute our water after they pass-through each critter that gets overdosed in animal agriculture, because the federal "Animal Agriculture Protection Act" makes it illegal to do or say anything that may result in diminished profit for animal agriculture. You can see ads for Big Oil, whose massive uses of toxic fracking chemicals poison the groundwater we need to drink and to grow crops that are free from chemical-laden irrigation. And you can see ads for all the Nestle-owned water bottlers -- plastic-bottle bottlers -- while Nestle is a company whose chairman says, "There is no human right to clean water. Water should be privatized and sold." And you can see ads to buy stock in toxic mining companies, whose extractions poison the planet with heavy metals and cyanide.
"But," concludes Lee, "You can't be allowed to see an ad that might make you question the sanity of a system that has allowed the exploiters to seize control of everything, including whose message can get out."
(Check out comedian Lee Camp's "Redacted Tonight VIP," the Thursday TV interview edition's episode 86 from Nov 16, with "Reverend Billy Talen." He's the leader of "The Church of Stop Shopping." It's here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMpxXw4lU34&list=PLdi9R2OWN6k4biEQanAuVpqF-6G7bXRfH; while you're at it, catch the satiric but damned serious coverage in a couple of Lee's comedic Friday shows. There's the "Secret Family Profiting from the Opioid Crisis" plus more about who profits from drugs, in episode 170 of "Redacted Tonight," titled "Rx, Drugs and Rock 'n Roll," from Friday, Oct. 21, 2017. It's here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86kZ1E9yFP4. And finally, catch the show's most recent episode, # 172, "RT America A Foreign Agent, Tax Deductible Sexual Abuse, & More," here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttrIsFZPV_0)
"Buy Nothing Day" was founded in Vancouver, Canada by artist Ted Dave in September of 1992. It is celebrated each year on the Friday after American Thanksgiving, as awareness spreads in spite of the corporate alliance to keep you from finding out about it. Yes, it's very intentionally aimed at the day infamously known to drive the herd into chain stores, shopping malls, and into the ever-growing multi-billion-dollar empire of corporate e-commerce -- all in an orgy of spending and assurance that consumer debt will be inescapable. All promoted by the entire corporatocracy and their bankster empire as "Black Friday."
Anyone who has ever seen what happens throughout North America during "Black Friday" sales knows to expect poster children for bad behavior on the evening TV news -- examples, not unlike parodies of Roman gladiators. It's greed tuned to aggressively violent behavior. Don't we all understand, all too well, why it is high time that we take a step back and look at ourselves, our behavior, our humanity? Isn't it an acid test, whether we have any real desire to save the planet -- and contemplate the meaning of all of the "Black Friday" madness?
Soon after "Buy Nothing Day" was created in Canada, campaigns to have a similar day of reflection started appearing in the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Austria, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, France, and Norway.
More than 65 nations currently participate in it.
But the corporatocracy will do it's Borg Collective best to make sure you never hear about it.
Adbusters, a company responsible for the initial promotion of Ted Dave’s idea for Buy Nothing Day, states that the day “isn’t just about changing your habits for one day," but "about starting a lasting lifestyle commitment to consuming less and producing less waste."
You can see why that's a shockingly dangerous idea in a system based on the impossible concept of endless growth on a planet of finite resources.
How to Celebrate "Buy Nothing Day"
Anyone who wants to participate can, beyond the obvious, do any of many things to persoanlly express objection to our consumer-based culture.
* You can simply stay home with friends and family, and actually share each others' companionship, rather than going shopping.
* There are some organized actions. Those whose idea of meaningful fun goes to the theatrical can look for web posts for “zombie walks.” In these, all of the participating “zombies” lurch around stores, supermarkets and shopping malls aimlessly, buying nothing, and staring ahead blankly. This is used to raise awareness about the meaning of "Buy Nothing Day" and to shock obsessed spenders into their own internal confrontation with their values. It happens until the “zombies” are inevitably asked what they are doing and why, whereupon they can proceed to explain their point of view. Until store security throws you out for obstructing the buying orgy.
* You can simply take advantage of your boycott of shopping and avoiding being part of the mooing herd, and use the time for something that will make the day memorable for YOU. The weather in Southern California will be warm, so go celebrate nature and the immense amount of beauty it offers us -- it's free of charge! This can be done by spending the day in the countryside or the mountains, or even in a park, resting in the sunshine and enjoying the breeze.
* Some participants choose to stand in a shopping mall with a pair of scissors and a poster that advertises help for people who want to put an end to their mounting credit card debt and shopping addiction "With one simple cut." Though you should have a "Plan B" for the rest of the day, 'cause you'll get kicked-out tout suite.
* A strategy employed by a group of participants in the 2009 "Wildcat General Strike" was to not only refrain from shopping, but also: keep all of their electric appliances shut-off during the entire day; not travel anywhere by car; and, not use their cell phones. All an effort to cut-down on the enormous use of natural resources for the electric power grid and fossil fuels for transportation amidst the orchestrated mass hysteria of stampeding "Door Busters."
While proponents argue that "Buy Nothing Day" can be the start of a life-changing lifestyle commitment, others claim it’s meaningless, contending that its observers simply buy more the following day. But if that's what happens, those who succumb to it are proving their addiction to support whatever is "trending" without exercising independent thought.
Full disclosure time: we very much DO support "Small Business Saturday," which occurs during this weekend and each year. That's always on the day after the corporatocracy's "Black Friday," which we think should be declared "Personal Indebtedness Advocacy Day." We will spend a few bucks supporting the cause of mom-and-pop-owned small businesses on Saturday -- using money we consciously reserve specifically for that purpose.
Now, back to the central message of "Buy Nothing Day" -Friday.
One participant from last year, picks up the point, commenting, "Either way, there’s no doubt that going without buying anything for an entire day is quite a challenge in the modern world, and will serve to make you think about what your life is really about."
At this point, you are expecting a link for the "Official Site for 'Buy Nothing Day.'"
But a not-so-funny thing happened on the way to the browser. It seems that the obvious domain name, buynothingday dot org, has been BOUGHT by a self-proclaimed "e-commerce web developer." And, while he offers-up a couple paragraphs that pay lip service to the cause, they're all part of a continuous-scroll site that's trying to (you guessed it) SELL you all sorts of things.
So it's up to us. Each of us, and all of us.
We are, each of us -- as always -- the only ones who can change society away from the exploitive path of corporations-take-all. We can turn from the path that's depriving future generations of resources they'll need, but won't have because we used them up making shoddy and silly disposable junk that we randomly buried in landfills until we drowned in toxic trash.
Are you up for it, down with it? We can change the mentality of "Black Friday" away from planet-destroying mindless corporate consumerism. (We can even choose to reject the need for silly colloquial expressions that seem de rigueur in all popular dialog.) And we can reject the infatuation with "having more and more stuff" and declare "Power to the People" and "Protection of the Planet" -- while we still can. While there's still a chance that we can tell the difference between what WE want and what "they" want us to want.
Feel free to share this and the link for others to read it.
_ _ _
Copyright (c) 2017, Acoustic Americana Music Guide. All rights reserved.
Contact info: tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail dot com
__________
Much more coming soon, with massive amounts of MUSIC NEWS -- we're preparing it all now for publication!
No Place to Go for Thanksgiving? We've Gotcha Covered! -- Thursday, Nov 23, 2017
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.
TODAY, Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd, from 11 am to 2 pm, The Learning Garden at Venice High School, 13000 Venice Bl, Los Angeles (on the corner of Walgrove Av and Venice Bl) welcomes the community as it hosts the staff and clients of "Program for Torture Victims" for a traditional American Thanksgiving Feast.
Everyone is invited to bring a traditional food item and attend (details below).
The clients of "Program for Torture Victims," though they are the Thanksgiving dinner guests, often bring foods from their home country: Columbia, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia. The clients of Program for Torture Victims are people who were either tortured by their own government or by factions fighting that government; PTV has helped them settle in America and provided assistance as they seek political asylum in the U.S.
TO TAKE PART:
(1) Bring a "potluck" dish to feed about 12 people (or more, if you can) and
(2) Bring your own plate and utensils so the event can be as close as possible to "waste free."
(3) They DO have a turkey, but if you're just learning of this now, you may need to refrain from eating any of their turkey (that's so those from PTV, invited as guests, and the Learning Graden's own group of hosts, can have some turkey). But HEY, you can enjoy and absolutely feast on the multitude of other dishes that everyone is individually bringing.
This event always attracts lots of artists and musicians. Bring your acoustic instrument(s) if you like, because there's always a jam session -- though things really do end at 2 pm, so everyone can dash off to family events, etc. The Guide's editor and some of our staff members have attended this many times over the past decade, and always found it lots of fun with tasty adventures in familiar and exotic foods, and moreover, we've found that attending is very welcoming and very meaningful.
There's always plenty for everyone to eat. The Gardenmaster adds, "We serve and eat on our patio -- the weather forecast is warm and sunny, but dress appropriately."
The Guide adds that it wouldn't do to ask any of the torture victims about what happened to them. This is neither the time nor place for that. BUT, if you want to be in the company of folks who REALLY "get" the meaning of a day to be thankful for being alive and able to get together with other smiling, happy folks to feast and relax and forget their time of living in fear? You'll never find a better time and place for that.
For more details on The Learning Garden Thanksgiving Celebration, you can try to contact David King, The Learning Garden’s Gardenmaster, but he's probably too involved in making everything happen, so you may not get a reply. His phone is 310-722-3656 and his email is learninggardenmaster@yahoo.com.
Those who want to give back?
While attending the Thangsgiving feast brings NO OBLIGATION (beyond the points above), some may want to show appreciation. Here's how:
You can attend the "Post Thanksgiving Workout."
November 25th, The Learning Garden will have a work day. The Gardenmaster says, "We can all work off the extra pounds from Thanksgiving! 9 am to noon in the garden - bring gloves, we have the other tools. Our plan is to spiff the garden up a little and enjoy our garden friends and end the year on a cleaner note!"
__________
More news LATER TODAY.
__________
And MUCH more coming soon, with LOTS of music news now being prepared for publication.
Copyright (c), 2017, Acoustic Americana Music Guide. All rights reserved.
Contact us at: tiedtothetracks (at) hotmail dot com
HAPPY THANGSGIVING!
_____________________________________________
.
TODAY, Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd, from 11 am to 2 pm, The Learning Garden at Venice High School, 13000 Venice Bl, Los Angeles (on the corner of Walgrove Av and Venice Bl) welcomes the community as it hosts the staff and clients of "Program for Torture Victims" for a traditional American Thanksgiving Feast.
Everyone is invited to bring a traditional food item and attend (details below).
The clients of "Program for Torture Victims," though they are the Thanksgiving dinner guests, often bring foods from their home country: Columbia, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia. The clients of Program for Torture Victims are people who were either tortured by their own government or by factions fighting that government; PTV has helped them settle in America and provided assistance as they seek political asylum in the U.S.
TO TAKE PART:
(1) Bring a "potluck" dish to feed about 12 people (or more, if you can) and
(2) Bring your own plate and utensils so the event can be as close as possible to "waste free."
(3) They DO have a turkey, but if you're just learning of this now, you may need to refrain from eating any of their turkey (that's so those from PTV, invited as guests, and the Learning Graden's own group of hosts, can have some turkey). But HEY, you can enjoy and absolutely feast on the multitude of other dishes that everyone is individually bringing.
This event always attracts lots of artists and musicians. Bring your acoustic instrument(s) if you like, because there's always a jam session -- though things really do end at 2 pm, so everyone can dash off to family events, etc. The Guide's editor and some of our staff members have attended this many times over the past decade, and always found it lots of fun with tasty adventures in familiar and exotic foods, and moreover, we've found that attending is very welcoming and very meaningful.
There's always plenty for everyone to eat. The Gardenmaster adds, "We serve and eat on our patio -- the weather forecast is warm and sunny, but dress appropriately."
The Guide adds that it wouldn't do to ask any of the torture victims about what happened to them. This is neither the time nor place for that. BUT, if you want to be in the company of folks who REALLY "get" the meaning of a day to be thankful for being alive and able to get together with other smiling, happy folks to feast and relax and forget their time of living in fear? You'll never find a better time and place for that.
For more details on The Learning Garden Thanksgiving Celebration, you can try to contact David King, The Learning Garden’s Gardenmaster, but he's probably too involved in making everything happen, so you may not get a reply. His phone is 310-722-3656 and his email is learninggardenmaster@yahoo.com.
Those who want to give back?
While attending the Thangsgiving feast brings NO OBLIGATION (beyond the points above), some may want to show appreciation. Here's how:
You can attend the "Post Thanksgiving Workout."
November 25th, The Learning Garden will have a work day. The Gardenmaster says, "We can all work off the extra pounds from Thanksgiving! 9 am to noon in the garden - bring gloves, we have the other tools. Our plan is to spiff the garden up a little and enjoy our garden friends and end the year on a cleaner note!"
__________
More news LATER TODAY.
__________
And MUCH more coming soon, with LOTS of music news now being prepared for publication.
Copyright (c), 2017, Acoustic Americana Music Guide. All rights reserved.
Contact us at: tiedtothetracks (at) hotmail dot com
HAPPY THANGSGIVING!
_____________________________________________
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
The Hollywood Blacklist, dramatically re-enacted tonight on CSPAN-3 -- Wednesday, Nov 22 2017
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.
"Hollywood Blacklist 70th Year Anniversary" gets its final scheduled re-airings today and tonight on CSPAN-3. The event, held October 27 at the Writers Guild Theatre, was cosponsored by the Hollywood Progressive. This offers a more complete view than last year's major motion picture, "Trumbo," which was told from the perspective of the late blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. Here, you see the shocking beginning of all that came to be known as McCarthyism, and you'll even hear the words of Edward R. Murrow when McCarthy was, at last, taken down by a braver mainstream media than we have today.
Both editor Dick Price and publisher Sharon Kyle of "L.A. Progressive" and "Hollywood Progressive" have roles as re-enactors, along with many Hollywood figures whose families were impacted by the blacklist era. They include Ed Asner, Mike Farrell (M*A*S*H), Ben Mankowitz, Ellen Geer, and many more.
The event brings to light and to life the 1947 House UnAmerican Activities Committee hearings. Participants deliver the testimony of those who stood up to an era of abuse of power that can only be seen as American fascism, and the transcripts are also used to supply the words of aggressive threats and badgering by elected officials. The HUAC hearings official transcripts are used, filling in with bits of historical narrative. Some of those subpoenaed who refused to provide names of others to persecute were jailed, and the world was robbed of many of the top talents of the time because those who were less than submissively cooperative were all blacklisted and prevented from working.
CSPAN-3 screens the complete event TODAY & TONIGHT, the very compelling full 3 hours, 50 minutes, as follows:
5 PM-8:50 PM
9:15 PM-1:05 AM
1:10 AM-5 AM.
Set your DVR, or tune-in when you get home this evening, then catch what you missed on the late replay.
Sadly, this isn't just a look at alarming history -- it's a specter that is manifesting, in so many ways, again in our time.
__________
We must also note that today marks the 54th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy -- even as the latest release of classified assassination files is still filled with redactions, including entire missing pages. Though our government has maintained for decades that the Warren Commission Report told the entire story and they have nothing to hide.
As for what the nation and the world lost, in the promised bright future of "The New Frontier"? The Guide's editor wrote a newspaper piece one year ago, published on November 22, 2016, that still resonates:
"November 22nd: One of Modern History’s Darkest Days"
"Looking back to that November 22nd of 53 years ago, there is cause to find hope, and even more, a teachable moment, as we consider the terrible consequences of allowing bold dreams to die."
https://www.laprogressive.com/jfk-assassination/
__________
The Guide is not invoking our copyright on this edition. Please share it freely, in time for tonight's CSPAN-3 broadcasts.
__________
See you soon with a fresh edition filled with lots of acoustic and Americana music news. (Scroll down or consult the sidebar at the upper left, and click "October" to find the most recent massive edition of music news.)
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"Hollywood Blacklist 70th Year Anniversary" gets its final scheduled re-airings today and tonight on CSPAN-3. The event, held October 27 at the Writers Guild Theatre, was cosponsored by the Hollywood Progressive. This offers a more complete view than last year's major motion picture, "Trumbo," which was told from the perspective of the late blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. Here, you see the shocking beginning of all that came to be known as McCarthyism, and you'll even hear the words of Edward R. Murrow when McCarthy was, at last, taken down by a braver mainstream media than we have today.
Both editor Dick Price and publisher Sharon Kyle of "L.A. Progressive" and "Hollywood Progressive" have roles as re-enactors, along with many Hollywood figures whose families were impacted by the blacklist era. They include Ed Asner, Mike Farrell (M*A*S*H), Ben Mankowitz, Ellen Geer, and many more.
The event brings to light and to life the 1947 House UnAmerican Activities Committee hearings. Participants deliver the testimony of those who stood up to an era of abuse of power that can only be seen as American fascism, and the transcripts are also used to supply the words of aggressive threats and badgering by elected officials. The HUAC hearings official transcripts are used, filling in with bits of historical narrative. Some of those subpoenaed who refused to provide names of others to persecute were jailed, and the world was robbed of many of the top talents of the time because those who were less than submissively cooperative were all blacklisted and prevented from working.
CSPAN-3 screens the complete event TODAY & TONIGHT, the very compelling full 3 hours, 50 minutes, as follows:
5 PM-8:50 PM
9:15 PM-1:05 AM
1:10 AM-5 AM.
Set your DVR, or tune-in when you get home this evening, then catch what you missed on the late replay.
Sadly, this isn't just a look at alarming history -- it's a specter that is manifesting, in so many ways, again in our time.
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We must also note that today marks the 54th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy -- even as the latest release of classified assassination files is still filled with redactions, including entire missing pages. Though our government has maintained for decades that the Warren Commission Report told the entire story and they have nothing to hide.
As for what the nation and the world lost, in the promised bright future of "The New Frontier"? The Guide's editor wrote a newspaper piece one year ago, published on November 22, 2016, that still resonates:
"November 22nd: One of Modern History’s Darkest Days"
"Looking back to that November 22nd of 53 years ago, there is cause to find hope, and even more, a teachable moment, as we consider the terrible consequences of allowing bold dreams to die."
https://www.laprogressive.com/jfk-assassination/
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The Guide is not invoking our copyright on this edition. Please share it freely, in time for tonight's CSPAN-3 broadcasts.
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See you soon with a fresh edition filled with lots of acoustic and Americana music news. (Scroll down or consult the sidebar at the upper left, and click "October" to find the most recent massive edition of music news.)
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Really? The Guide needs to register as a "foreign agent"-? -- Special edition, Nov. 13 2017
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What? WE need to register with the U.S. Justice Department as "foreign agents" -- or is it "enemy aliens"-?!
We thought the era of ASCAP and BMI strong-arming all those once-a-week music venues for big time licensing fees was outrageous intimidation, and we said so, until it stopped. We've never been bashful when it comes to calling-out bullies, regardless of who they are.
But THIS? Being required to register as WHAT? And if you don't register, "They're Coming to Take You Away"-? (Whether or not that rings a bell, there's a video link at the end. Meantime, this is serious, even if it is ridiculous.)
Used to be that some people wouldn't even register to vote because they believed it would get them called for jury duty. Since the military draft ended, we doubt that anyone ever thought that registering for something in America could be ugly enough to remind us of internment camps for Japanese-Americans, or other terrifying lessons of history.
"As a native-born U.S. citizen, the last thing I ever expected to do was register in my own country as a 'foreign agent.'"
That's a quote Monday morning from our editor. But it could just as well have been a quote from any of the American journalists or TV tech, newswriting, or support personnel who work for RT America. Because today, anyone with any affiliation of any kind with RT has been ordered by the U.S. Justice Department to do just that.
Is it arbitrary and capricious? Clearly, yes. Is it unjustified? Wholly. But is it legal? Apparently yes, simply because they can order it and get away with doing that, even though it was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court way back in 1957.
Stuck in the middle, and without deep pockets to hire a major league law firm, we feel forced, for the sake of staying out of federal prison, to make a declaration. We are doing that here, as part of a news feature, so we can share that U.S. Justice Department-required declaration with you, where we can give it meaningful context. Because we regard the entire matter with the utmost alarm and seriousness. Simply put, the requirement of this declaration, imposed by the Justice Department, brings the most serious threat to Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Association, and Freedom of Expression, that we have seen in this nation in our lifetimes. We feel the specter of those who were forced to wear armbands with six-pointed stars.
We need to tell you why, out of the clear blue sky, we, an Americana music publication that enjoys a global readership, must declare ourselves "foreign agents" in our own country.
FARA, the "Foreign Agents Registration Act" of 1938, has suddenly been resurrected, and for the first time ever, it was applied, effective TODAY, November 13, 2017, to one global news organization and anyone having any affiliation with that news organization.
All day, we have found ourselves saying, "This is shocking and a serious theft of our Constitutional Rights!" As the day progresses, we add more exclamation points, and shock yielded first to anger, then to unbridled outrage.
And you should know that this "FARA" thing -- this "Foreign Agents Registration Act" -- of 1938 -- has NEVER before been applied to ANY news outlet.
In addition, in our nation's capital today, some of our prominent elected officials continued to emphatically call for an outright ban of public access to yet another source of information -- Wikileaks.
First, RT America is severely impeded in its ability to collect and report news to you. Next, if these government officials get their way, there will be an unprecedented nationwide web block of a particular information site, as is done in totalitarian countries that include China, Iran, and North Korea.
Already, the U.S. shares one thing with North Korea, being the only two nations that refuse to sign the global agreement banning land mines. Will we soon share with that "rogue nation" limited access to the internet, where our citizenry can access only government-approved sites within our borders?
You might think that EVERY journalist and news source, whether online, cable, broadcast, or affiliated with any kind of publication or outlet, would ALL rise up in outraged protest against today's assaults on our cherished 1st Amendment and its traditions and guarantees of Freedom of the Press.
Certainly, WE are declaring our outrage at this act of fascism by an agency of the U.S. government. But we don't seem to have a lot of company in that.
Of course, we, like RT America, are not corporate lackeys -- unlike all of U.S. mainstream media.
Except for a precious few -- and dwindling number of -- independent voices in journalism, nearly EVERYTHING that purports to bring you "the news" is part of just SIX corporate conglomerates, whose "news divisions" are forced to structure the "news" in an agenda carefully vetted so as to do no harm to the activities or profits of the larger corporation.
That is why the perspectives of non-corporate, non-globalist news sources is so vital.
Now, the other shoe must drop. Because the penalties, under federal law, for non-compliant failure to register in accordance with the U.S. Justice Department's edict are so harsh, we aren't taking any chances.
Therefore...
We, the editor as the responsible individual, and the publication known as "The Acoustic Americana Music Guide," do hereby publicly declare that we have, in the past, on numerous occasions, published links, recommendations, and endorsements to view, listen, or read content from RT America, the global news source that has been singled-out by the U.S. Department of Justice for ostracism, unjustified vilification, and registration of anyone affiliated, with said declaration required to be made by today, November 13, 2017.
Given the required disclosure of any such facilitation, we do therefore and hereby declare that we have exercised our Rights to Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Expression to favorably review, sometimes endorse, frequently recommend, and provide links to view, hear, and / or read content from that news source.
We further declare that we expect to have ample cause to continue offering content links, and to recommend programs and content from that news source, in the future.
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Now, dear reader, if the Guide suddenly disappears from its longtime internet home, you can use your imagination about what has happened to us.
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By now, we hope you're asking, "Just HOW can something like this happen in the 'rah-rah, chant-to-drown-out-criticism, U-S-A! U-S-A!'" -?-
The roots go back to several previous periods of officially-induced paranoia, enacted to achieve manipulation of public perceptions. You might start with the "Alien and Sedition Act" passed in the 1790's. Then there's a hundred years of institutionalized fear of black Americans, from the 1820's through at least the 1920's. And in the middle of that period, there was the unlawful jailing of state legislators who might have voted for their states' secession during the Civil War. There was also the "Asian Exclusion Acts" of the mid- to late- 1800's. We had the era of checking under your bed for communists until Joe McCarthy finally made the mistake of accusing the U.S. Army of being run by the Reds. But there was still room for idiotic domino theories used to enrich weapons and chemical merchants and turn Vietnam into a pointless bloodbath and continuing experiment in toxic chemical synergistics. And we've had the arrogance of militarily imposed "regime changes" because the U.S. knew what was better for people in other countries than what the people knew who lived there. On through to the recent attempts to vilify Muslims. All while trying to reinvent old school imperialism for the sake of controlling the world's oil supply, while marketing arms and ultrasophisticated cyberdeath "weapons systems" to as many sides as possible. The latter being the most emphasized theme all over the Middle East, expanding to the Asian-Pacific region with Trump's trip.
Not that the press in any of those examples wasn't culpable in disseminating officially-sanctioned BS, baloney, and approved pro-war propaganda. To its shame, it did. But, uniquely in America, the press was never shut-down, hamstrung, or shut-out by the government because it refused to spread the officially-sanctioned BS. Until now.
So, in the age of the internet, when we (falsely) think we can know all the history and details of everything that's ever happened anywhere, to anybody, how can this happen here, now, to us?
Let's start with ARA, "The Enemy Alien Registration Act of 1938." FARA, the old law resurrected for today's persecution of journalism, was passed in 1938 as an important adjunct to ARA.
It was all largely facilitated as the "Smith Act," public law 76-670, and formally known as the "Alien Registration Act." The centerpiece of all this was passed in 1940 by the 76th United States Congress, 3d session, where it is archived as ch. 439, 54 Stat. 670, 18 U.S.C. § 2385, and enacted as a United States federal statute on June 29, 1940.
It set criminal penalties for advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government and required all non-citizen adult residents to register with the government.
The fact that it was repealed on June 27, 1952, in ch. 477, title IV, § 403(a)(39), 66 Stat. 280 (which took effect Dec. 24, 1952) seems not to have impeded its use in the 1950's, until the combined weight of a series of Supreme Court decisions declared it unconstitutional in 1957.
That should have been the final word on the whole thing. Except it wasn't. And now, in 2017, it's suddenly been forgotten that it was both legislatively repealed and found unconstitutional by the High Court. And it seems they can get away with ignoring the double whammy, because "ARA" isn't exactly the same thing as "FARA," those two being separate pieces of legislation, and all. So, with the dust blown-off and the sharp teeth reinstalled in ancient gums, it's back, as a weapon to support the corporatocracy and its agenda.
Oh my, history is embarrassingly informative. There's more.
ARA's other short title was (and it seems, is, once again) the "Civilian and Military Organizations License Act," and it's long title is, "An Act to prohibit certain subversive activities; to amend certain provisions of law with respect to the admission and deportation of aliens; to require the fingerprinting and registration of aliens; and for other purposes."
From 1940 through the early '50s, approximately 215 people were indicted under the legislation, including alleged communists, anarchists, and fascists. Prosecutions under ARA / the Smith Act continued until a series of U.S. Supreme Court decisions in 1957 reversed a number of convictions under the Act, and seemingly, at the time, rendered it unconstitutional.
Those Supreme Court cases, if you care to look them up, are:
a) Bridges v. Wixon
b) Dennis v. United States
c) Yates v. United States
d) Watkins v. United States; and
e) Scales v. United States
But... unlike every other law that's been found unconstitutional, if you look-up this law, you find the notation that, though supposedly dead, it "has been amended several times."
That gives you a clue about how this parallels the ever-expanding, post-9/11 creation of the Cybersecurity State with the Patriot Act. And what's really been responsible for the endless litany of revelations of abuse of government power reported by Ed Snowden, Chelsea Manning, John Kiriakou*, and Wikileaks.
* - (Spend a little time at CIA whistleblower hero John Kiriakou's official site. He's the one who let the world know the U.S. was torturing detainees in Iraq. You'll be wide-eyed at what else he reveals: www.johnkiriakou.com)
And, oh, by the way, all of those things have been reported, and continue to be kept current, in detail, on RT America. It being a news source where stories are reported with citation of actual sources that are named and identified -- which is downright uncommon by the recent emphatically gossipy standards of U.S. mainstream news. All of which seems to have produced a situation wherein one of the global news outlets that regularly displays the most journalistic integrity is now the only news source that is required by the U.S. government, suddenly, as of today, to suffer the stigma of being forced to register as an "enemy alien" -- using an old repealed and unconstitutional law from 1938 that was intended to call-out Nazis. Back when the Nazis were the fascists who stole press freedoms. Which adds another dimension of extreme irony to this, if you think about it
Given that this action by the Justice Department, requiring so many Americans engaged in journalism to declare ourselves as "foreign agents" (or maybe we need to claim we're "enemy aliens"-?) is so clearly in violation of the U.S. Constitution, as declared by the Supreme Court in 1957? Why did RT America, a globally-acclaimed, internationally popular news source, comply with the order to register? And why are we making our own declaration in compliance with the Justice Department's unconstitutional order?
It's because, even if you are resolved not to fear them, you must reckon with what they can do to you in the short run.
Here's a quote from the ancient 1938 text:
"Title I. Subversive activities," The Smith Act set federal criminal penalties that included fines or imprisonment for as long as twenty years and denied all employment by the federal government for five years."
It applies to anyone who "prints, publishes, edits, issues, circulates, sells, distributes, or publicly displays any written or printed matter advocating, advising, or teaching the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying any government in the United States by force or violence, or attempts to do so; or... organizes or helps or attempts to organize any society, group, or assembly of persons who teach, advocate, or encourage the overthrow or destruction of any such government by force or violence; or becomes or is a member of, or affiliates with, any such society, group, or assembly of persons, knowing the purposes thereof."
Hold on. It isn't safe to stop at the part about "overthrow or destruction... by force or violence." You need to look at the part about anyone who "affiliates with, any such society, group, or assembly of persons."
If you think that's a stretch, then it's time to ask how and why this ancient and repealed Act was suddenly brought to bear to require "enemy alien registration" of any and all persons affiliated with a cable and satellite TV / global internet streaming news channel.
It doesn't matter that RT, the news source at issue, is the most-viewed news channel on all of YouTube, with over two billion views of its programs.
It doesn't matter that most of the programming on RT America is produced and broadcast from within the U.S., and hosted by journalists who are American citizens -- including one former two-term governor of Minnesota.
We could list all those shows, including the two weekly series hosted by former CNN star Larry King. We've recommended many of the RT network's American and British-produced shows in the past. For now, we'll mention just two that air on RT America. First, there's the Saturday show called "On Contact," produced and hosted by Pulitzer Prize winning "Truthdig" journalist Chris Hedges. It's a must for anyone who approaches politics and society from a thoughtful perspective, rather than a tribal adherence. And there's the splendid "Redacted Tonight," hosted by brilliant comedian Lee Camp. The latter is produced in and broadcast from Washington, D.C., the city proclaimed in the show's opening as "the belly of the beast." It is, without question, the best satirical political show on TV, and while bringing plenty of laughs, it often breaks major political news before other outlets discover what's going on.
As for the rampant claim that RT somehow helped elect Trump? Where's the evidence? Surely their accusers can serve-up the aired segments, lined-up and viewable, of advocacy during the campaign for a Trump presidency? If we haven't seen it by now, we won't. Because those who incessantly repeat the claim are like someone spinning a prayer wheel -- if it's perpetually spinning, no one can see what's written on it.
I watched RT America throughout the 2016 campaign. I also maintained awareness of U.S. campaign coverage on DW from Germany, NHK from Japan, the BBC World Service, and France 24. There was no pro-Trump bias on RT. Instead, RT America was the ONLY television news outlet that offered debates among third party candidates before their conventions chose their parties' nominees, and once all the nominees were decided by all the parties, RT America was the ONLY place that viewers could see live debates among the third party alternatives to the corporate duopoly's two highly unpopular candidates.
It was easy then, as it is now, to see how that riled the corporate mainstream media monolith, and how it stood defiantly in the face of those who believe they are entitled to hegemony in deciding for America what is the news that the people are allowed to see. And it's obvious that the Commission on Presidential Debates, literally a wholly-owned property of the Democratic and Republican Parties, would be eager to seek revenge on anyone upsetting their applecart.
Thus, we have this unholy alliance that undoes the essential purpose of our news media and undermines its fundamental role as the Fifth Estate. Its job as skeptic and watchdog and demander that claims be proved with evidence is gone. We are left with a corporate mainstream media under the sole control of just six ruthlessly self-serving corporate amalgamations. So all of it operates on a Glorious Conformity of sensationalized innuendo, constantly repeated assertions based on forever "unnamed sources" with no factual evidence, and emphatic assurance that they are the only ones telling you the truth, whether you're getting the sensationalized and divisive right-wing tribal drivel of Fox or the sensationalized and divisive left-wing tribal drivel of MSNBC.
In August, when "The Nation" magazine ran mathematical proof that the assumed-as-fact "Russian hacks of the DNC" could not have been possible given the top speed of the internet, and the embedded data stamp characteristics that showed no overseas time stamps, and the only possible answer was not a web hack but an on-site download from a DNC computer, where was mainstream media? In fact, where were they when the DNC first reported being criminally hacked, but refused to give law enforcement, including the FBI, access to their computers to obtain evidence?
On both occasions, corporate mainstream media gave themselves an approved absence.
Meanwhile, RT America covered the story in depth and detail and checked-out the web-speed math with top American cyber gurus and ex-CIA and NSA data analysts. We know they did that, because they then questioned the cyber experts, live on-air. Other independent media has since done similar independent analysis, and mainstream media still hasn't gotten around to reporting that all this actual investigative activity consistently verifies the original findings presented by reporter Patrick Lawrence and Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor and publisher, in "The Nation" (link below). All of which strongly tends to corroborate statements made by Craig Murray, a former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan (link below), and prominent others whose analyses maintain that the information was leaked, not hacked.
The original piece in "The Nation" is here (https://www.thenation.com/article/a-new-report-raises-big-questions-about-last-years-dnc-hack/). Here is a key piece from the UK's Daily Mail:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4034038/Ex-British-ambassador-WikiLeaks-operative-claims-Russia-did-NOT-provide-Clinton-emails-handed-D-C-park-intermediary-disgusted-Democratic-insiders.html
As for U.S. corporate mainstream media? Did they ever acknowledge they may have been, uhh, wrong? They played this like a page from Joseph Goebels and Leni Riefenstahl, ignoring the inconvenient truths that challenge their assertions, while doubling-down on vilification of anybody who isn't carrying water for the singularities of truth approved by their corporate masters.
Now, back to FARA.
Earlier today, Chris Chambers, professor of journalism at Georgetown University, put things in context. First, he explained that FARA was adopted in 1938 specifically "to prevent Nazi propaganda on the eve of WWII." Then he asserted, this is "The government coming at you like a weasel, not like a lion with its claws out, but like a weasel, through the back door."
He continued, with particular emphasis, "It has never been used against a media outlet."
He made those remarks on "News with Ed," the daily flagship evening news broadcast on RT America. It's hosted by longtime radio journalist and former MSNBC host Ed Schultz.
In his interview with the professor, Schultz observed, "The funding for the BBC [World Service] comes from their defense department. That doesn't seem to be a red flag for the Justice Department."
Schultz could have made additional observations on the craziness of this.
For example, the excellent "France 24," in English for its U.S. audience, was dropped last month from the "basic plus" cable channel lineup of the former Time-Warner Cable empire. That occurred since that big corporate fish was swallowed by the bigger corporate fish that now calls itself Spectrum.
And we are on the verge of Sinclair Media swallowing Tribune, to expand beyond its current control of local TV stations that recently ballooned to 333 stations. The additional Borglike assimilation will enable Sinclair to expand its "must carry" centrally-determined right-wing content -- which is demonstrably lacking in veracity -- to markets where there will be no locally-based indie stations left to challenge its skewed views.
Certainly, there are plenty of disseminators of "fake news" out there, from supermarket tabloids that "reveal" space aliens mating with celebrities, to websites that created "pizzagate" with absolutely no evidence to launch their horrible and libelous lunacies.
Yet it is RT that has been singled-out for registration as an "enemy alien."
Despite the fact that corporate execs from both Facebook and Twitter declared under oath to Congress that RT played no significant role in influencing the 2016 U.S. election through their platforms.
It is RT, with its vast global audience, that will be separated from news gathering in the U.S. by officially-contrived barriers.
It is RT whose on-air guests will feel the intimidation of needing now to file U.S. government-required reports and forms, and perhaps to undergo mandatory debriefings after appearing as members of panels, or interview subjects, or perhaps simply commenting on-air on an RT America program.
And, ultimately, it is independent, non-corporate news sources and journalists who, by citing or favorably reporting on, or providing links to, any RT America programming -- news outlets like The Guide -- who will be caught in the insane position of having to declare ourselves as "foreign agents" (or, again, maybe it's "enemy aliens").
Given the assertion of new intimidations imposed by our government, independent journalists must now reckon that we may make our situation worse by reporting on this and informing the public. Especially by continuing to report the erosion or outright theft of the Constitutional rights we hold in common with every other U.S. citizen. Even as we oppose endless war, murder of civilians by air strikes, drone strikes, and whatever other means of warfare they don't want us to know about. And even as we oppose the corrupt partisan duopoly that assures enrichment of war profiteers and an ever-expanding corporacratic empire of banksters and military-industrial-cybersecurity oligarchs at the expense of U.S. taxpayers.
Meanwhile, more of our tax dollars will now be required to process all those forms and filings and declarations that the U.S. Justice Department is suddenly requiring from journalists and anyone with any affiliation with one particular news outlet. Even as the current administration promises elimination of unnecessary government regulations that cause productive enterprise to lose time by compliance with stupid regulations. If you've read "Catch 22," this is where Yossarian emits that whistle of admiration for the consistency of bureaucratic insanity.
Finally, we must note the slogans and banners that flutter above the players. The slogan of RT America is "Question More." The slogan of the Trump campaign , continuing as the hollow mantra of his presidency, is "Make America Great Again." Taken together in the light of what the Justice Department has pulled, it reminds us of an old movie line from "Easy Rider." That line, from Dennis Hopper to Peter Fonda is, "This used to be a damn fine country."
Here's a music video link that's appropriate for this situation:
"They're Coming to Take Me Away," updated with Trump and Hillary:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tqVk4Op0RUw
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The Guide is not invoking its copyright privilege for this post. Feel free to share it. Because, as Lee Camp, our colleague and host of "Redacted Tonight" says at the conclusion of each of his shows (all available on YouTube): "Keep fighting."
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What? WE need to register with the U.S. Justice Department as "foreign agents" -- or is it "enemy aliens"-?!
We thought the era of ASCAP and BMI strong-arming all those once-a-week music venues for big time licensing fees was outrageous intimidation, and we said so, until it stopped. We've never been bashful when it comes to calling-out bullies, regardless of who they are.
But THIS? Being required to register as WHAT? And if you don't register, "They're Coming to Take You Away"-? (Whether or not that rings a bell, there's a video link at the end. Meantime, this is serious, even if it is ridiculous.)
Used to be that some people wouldn't even register to vote because they believed it would get them called for jury duty. Since the military draft ended, we doubt that anyone ever thought that registering for something in America could be ugly enough to remind us of internment camps for Japanese-Americans, or other terrifying lessons of history.
"As a native-born U.S. citizen, the last thing I ever expected to do was register in my own country as a 'foreign agent.'"
That's a quote Monday morning from our editor. But it could just as well have been a quote from any of the American journalists or TV tech, newswriting, or support personnel who work for RT America. Because today, anyone with any affiliation of any kind with RT has been ordered by the U.S. Justice Department to do just that.
Is it arbitrary and capricious? Clearly, yes. Is it unjustified? Wholly. But is it legal? Apparently yes, simply because they can order it and get away with doing that, even though it was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court way back in 1957.
Stuck in the middle, and without deep pockets to hire a major league law firm, we feel forced, for the sake of staying out of federal prison, to make a declaration. We are doing that here, as part of a news feature, so we can share that U.S. Justice Department-required declaration with you, where we can give it meaningful context. Because we regard the entire matter with the utmost alarm and seriousness. Simply put, the requirement of this declaration, imposed by the Justice Department, brings the most serious threat to Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Association, and Freedom of Expression, that we have seen in this nation in our lifetimes. We feel the specter of those who were forced to wear armbands with six-pointed stars.
We need to tell you why, out of the clear blue sky, we, an Americana music publication that enjoys a global readership, must declare ourselves "foreign agents" in our own country.
FARA, the "Foreign Agents Registration Act" of 1938, has suddenly been resurrected, and for the first time ever, it was applied, effective TODAY, November 13, 2017, to one global news organization and anyone having any affiliation with that news organization.
All day, we have found ourselves saying, "This is shocking and a serious theft of our Constitutional Rights!" As the day progresses, we add more exclamation points, and shock yielded first to anger, then to unbridled outrage.
And you should know that this "FARA" thing -- this "Foreign Agents Registration Act" -- of 1938 -- has NEVER before been applied to ANY news outlet.
In addition, in our nation's capital today, some of our prominent elected officials continued to emphatically call for an outright ban of public access to yet another source of information -- Wikileaks.
First, RT America is severely impeded in its ability to collect and report news to you. Next, if these government officials get their way, there will be an unprecedented nationwide web block of a particular information site, as is done in totalitarian countries that include China, Iran, and North Korea.
Already, the U.S. shares one thing with North Korea, being the only two nations that refuse to sign the global agreement banning land mines. Will we soon share with that "rogue nation" limited access to the internet, where our citizenry can access only government-approved sites within our borders?
You might think that EVERY journalist and news source, whether online, cable, broadcast, or affiliated with any kind of publication or outlet, would ALL rise up in outraged protest against today's assaults on our cherished 1st Amendment and its traditions and guarantees of Freedom of the Press.
Certainly, WE are declaring our outrage at this act of fascism by an agency of the U.S. government. But we don't seem to have a lot of company in that.
Of course, we, like RT America, are not corporate lackeys -- unlike all of U.S. mainstream media.
Except for a precious few -- and dwindling number of -- independent voices in journalism, nearly EVERYTHING that purports to bring you "the news" is part of just SIX corporate conglomerates, whose "news divisions" are forced to structure the "news" in an agenda carefully vetted so as to do no harm to the activities or profits of the larger corporation.
That is why the perspectives of non-corporate, non-globalist news sources is so vital.
Now, the other shoe must drop. Because the penalties, under federal law, for non-compliant failure to register in accordance with the U.S. Justice Department's edict are so harsh, we aren't taking any chances.
Therefore...
We, the editor as the responsible individual, and the publication known as "The Acoustic Americana Music Guide," do hereby publicly declare that we have, in the past, on numerous occasions, published links, recommendations, and endorsements to view, listen, or read content from RT America, the global news source that has been singled-out by the U.S. Department of Justice for ostracism, unjustified vilification, and registration of anyone affiliated, with said declaration required to be made by today, November 13, 2017.
Given the required disclosure of any such facilitation, we do therefore and hereby declare that we have exercised our Rights to Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Expression to favorably review, sometimes endorse, frequently recommend, and provide links to view, hear, and / or read content from that news source.
We further declare that we expect to have ample cause to continue offering content links, and to recommend programs and content from that news source, in the future.
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Now, dear reader, if the Guide suddenly disappears from its longtime internet home, you can use your imagination about what has happened to us.
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By now, we hope you're asking, "Just HOW can something like this happen in the 'rah-rah, chant-to-drown-out-criticism, U-S-A! U-S-A!'" -?-
The roots go back to several previous periods of officially-induced paranoia, enacted to achieve manipulation of public perceptions. You might start with the "Alien and Sedition Act" passed in the 1790's. Then there's a hundred years of institutionalized fear of black Americans, from the 1820's through at least the 1920's. And in the middle of that period, there was the unlawful jailing of state legislators who might have voted for their states' secession during the Civil War. There was also the "Asian Exclusion Acts" of the mid- to late- 1800's. We had the era of checking under your bed for communists until Joe McCarthy finally made the mistake of accusing the U.S. Army of being run by the Reds. But there was still room for idiotic domino theories used to enrich weapons and chemical merchants and turn Vietnam into a pointless bloodbath and continuing experiment in toxic chemical synergistics. And we've had the arrogance of militarily imposed "regime changes" because the U.S. knew what was better for people in other countries than what the people knew who lived there. On through to the recent attempts to vilify Muslims. All while trying to reinvent old school imperialism for the sake of controlling the world's oil supply, while marketing arms and ultrasophisticated cyberdeath "weapons systems" to as many sides as possible. The latter being the most emphasized theme all over the Middle East, expanding to the Asian-Pacific region with Trump's trip.
Not that the press in any of those examples wasn't culpable in disseminating officially-sanctioned BS, baloney, and approved pro-war propaganda. To its shame, it did. But, uniquely in America, the press was never shut-down, hamstrung, or shut-out by the government because it refused to spread the officially-sanctioned BS. Until now.
So, in the age of the internet, when we (falsely) think we can know all the history and details of everything that's ever happened anywhere, to anybody, how can this happen here, now, to us?
Let's start with ARA, "The Enemy Alien Registration Act of 1938." FARA, the old law resurrected for today's persecution of journalism, was passed in 1938 as an important adjunct to ARA.
It was all largely facilitated as the "Smith Act," public law 76-670, and formally known as the "Alien Registration Act." The centerpiece of all this was passed in 1940 by the 76th United States Congress, 3d session, where it is archived as ch. 439, 54 Stat. 670, 18 U.S.C. § 2385, and enacted as a United States federal statute on June 29, 1940.
It set criminal penalties for advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government and required all non-citizen adult residents to register with the government.
The fact that it was repealed on June 27, 1952, in ch. 477, title IV, § 403(a)(39), 66 Stat. 280 (which took effect Dec. 24, 1952) seems not to have impeded its use in the 1950's, until the combined weight of a series of Supreme Court decisions declared it unconstitutional in 1957.
That should have been the final word on the whole thing. Except it wasn't. And now, in 2017, it's suddenly been forgotten that it was both legislatively repealed and found unconstitutional by the High Court. And it seems they can get away with ignoring the double whammy, because "ARA" isn't exactly the same thing as "FARA," those two being separate pieces of legislation, and all. So, with the dust blown-off and the sharp teeth reinstalled in ancient gums, it's back, as a weapon to support the corporatocracy and its agenda.
Oh my, history is embarrassingly informative. There's more.
ARA's other short title was (and it seems, is, once again) the "Civilian and Military Organizations License Act," and it's long title is, "An Act to prohibit certain subversive activities; to amend certain provisions of law with respect to the admission and deportation of aliens; to require the fingerprinting and registration of aliens; and for other purposes."
From 1940 through the early '50s, approximately 215 people were indicted under the legislation, including alleged communists, anarchists, and fascists. Prosecutions under ARA / the Smith Act continued until a series of U.S. Supreme Court decisions in 1957 reversed a number of convictions under the Act, and seemingly, at the time, rendered it unconstitutional.
Those Supreme Court cases, if you care to look them up, are:
a) Bridges v. Wixon
b) Dennis v. United States
c) Yates v. United States
d) Watkins v. United States; and
e) Scales v. United States
But... unlike every other law that's been found unconstitutional, if you look-up this law, you find the notation that, though supposedly dead, it "has been amended several times."
That gives you a clue about how this parallels the ever-expanding, post-9/11 creation of the Cybersecurity State with the Patriot Act. And what's really been responsible for the endless litany of revelations of abuse of government power reported by Ed Snowden, Chelsea Manning, John Kiriakou*, and Wikileaks.
* - (Spend a little time at CIA whistleblower hero John Kiriakou's official site. He's the one who let the world know the U.S. was torturing detainees in Iraq. You'll be wide-eyed at what else he reveals: www.johnkiriakou.com)
And, oh, by the way, all of those things have been reported, and continue to be kept current, in detail, on RT America. It being a news source where stories are reported with citation of actual sources that are named and identified -- which is downright uncommon by the recent emphatically gossipy standards of U.S. mainstream news. All of which seems to have produced a situation wherein one of the global news outlets that regularly displays the most journalistic integrity is now the only news source that is required by the U.S. government, suddenly, as of today, to suffer the stigma of being forced to register as an "enemy alien" -- using an old repealed and unconstitutional law from 1938 that was intended to call-out Nazis. Back when the Nazis were the fascists who stole press freedoms. Which adds another dimension of extreme irony to this, if you think about it
Given that this action by the Justice Department, requiring so many Americans engaged in journalism to declare ourselves as "foreign agents" (or maybe we need to claim we're "enemy aliens"-?) is so clearly in violation of the U.S. Constitution, as declared by the Supreme Court in 1957? Why did RT America, a globally-acclaimed, internationally popular news source, comply with the order to register? And why are we making our own declaration in compliance with the Justice Department's unconstitutional order?
It's because, even if you are resolved not to fear them, you must reckon with what they can do to you in the short run.
Here's a quote from the ancient 1938 text:
"Title I. Subversive activities," The Smith Act set federal criminal penalties that included fines or imprisonment for as long as twenty years and denied all employment by the federal government for five years."
It applies to anyone who "prints, publishes, edits, issues, circulates, sells, distributes, or publicly displays any written or printed matter advocating, advising, or teaching the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying any government in the United States by force or violence, or attempts to do so; or... organizes or helps or attempts to organize any society, group, or assembly of persons who teach, advocate, or encourage the overthrow or destruction of any such government by force or violence; or becomes or is a member of, or affiliates with, any such society, group, or assembly of persons, knowing the purposes thereof."
Hold on. It isn't safe to stop at the part about "overthrow or destruction... by force or violence." You need to look at the part about anyone who "affiliates with, any such society, group, or assembly of persons."
If you think that's a stretch, then it's time to ask how and why this ancient and repealed Act was suddenly brought to bear to require "enemy alien registration" of any and all persons affiliated with a cable and satellite TV / global internet streaming news channel.
It doesn't matter that RT, the news source at issue, is the most-viewed news channel on all of YouTube, with over two billion views of its programs.
It doesn't matter that most of the programming on RT America is produced and broadcast from within the U.S., and hosted by journalists who are American citizens -- including one former two-term governor of Minnesota.
We could list all those shows, including the two weekly series hosted by former CNN star Larry King. We've recommended many of the RT network's American and British-produced shows in the past. For now, we'll mention just two that air on RT America. First, there's the Saturday show called "On Contact," produced and hosted by Pulitzer Prize winning "Truthdig" journalist Chris Hedges. It's a must for anyone who approaches politics and society from a thoughtful perspective, rather than a tribal adherence. And there's the splendid "Redacted Tonight," hosted by brilliant comedian Lee Camp. The latter is produced in and broadcast from Washington, D.C., the city proclaimed in the show's opening as "the belly of the beast." It is, without question, the best satirical political show on TV, and while bringing plenty of laughs, it often breaks major political news before other outlets discover what's going on.
As for the rampant claim that RT somehow helped elect Trump? Where's the evidence? Surely their accusers can serve-up the aired segments, lined-up and viewable, of advocacy during the campaign for a Trump presidency? If we haven't seen it by now, we won't. Because those who incessantly repeat the claim are like someone spinning a prayer wheel -- if it's perpetually spinning, no one can see what's written on it.
I watched RT America throughout the 2016 campaign. I also maintained awareness of U.S. campaign coverage on DW from Germany, NHK from Japan, the BBC World Service, and France 24. There was no pro-Trump bias on RT. Instead, RT America was the ONLY television news outlet that offered debates among third party candidates before their conventions chose their parties' nominees, and once all the nominees were decided by all the parties, RT America was the ONLY place that viewers could see live debates among the third party alternatives to the corporate duopoly's two highly unpopular candidates.
It was easy then, as it is now, to see how that riled the corporate mainstream media monolith, and how it stood defiantly in the face of those who believe they are entitled to hegemony in deciding for America what is the news that the people are allowed to see. And it's obvious that the Commission on Presidential Debates, literally a wholly-owned property of the Democratic and Republican Parties, would be eager to seek revenge on anyone upsetting their applecart.
Thus, we have this unholy alliance that undoes the essential purpose of our news media and undermines its fundamental role as the Fifth Estate. Its job as skeptic and watchdog and demander that claims be proved with evidence is gone. We are left with a corporate mainstream media under the sole control of just six ruthlessly self-serving corporate amalgamations. So all of it operates on a Glorious Conformity of sensationalized innuendo, constantly repeated assertions based on forever "unnamed sources" with no factual evidence, and emphatic assurance that they are the only ones telling you the truth, whether you're getting the sensationalized and divisive right-wing tribal drivel of Fox or the sensationalized and divisive left-wing tribal drivel of MSNBC.
In August, when "The Nation" magazine ran mathematical proof that the assumed-as-fact "Russian hacks of the DNC" could not have been possible given the top speed of the internet, and the embedded data stamp characteristics that showed no overseas time stamps, and the only possible answer was not a web hack but an on-site download from a DNC computer, where was mainstream media? In fact, where were they when the DNC first reported being criminally hacked, but refused to give law enforcement, including the FBI, access to their computers to obtain evidence?
On both occasions, corporate mainstream media gave themselves an approved absence.
Meanwhile, RT America covered the story in depth and detail and checked-out the web-speed math with top American cyber gurus and ex-CIA and NSA data analysts. We know they did that, because they then questioned the cyber experts, live on-air. Other independent media has since done similar independent analysis, and mainstream media still hasn't gotten around to reporting that all this actual investigative activity consistently verifies the original findings presented by reporter Patrick Lawrence and Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor and publisher, in "The Nation" (link below). All of which strongly tends to corroborate statements made by Craig Murray, a former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan (link below), and prominent others whose analyses maintain that the information was leaked, not hacked.
The original piece in "The Nation" is here (https://www.thenation.com/article/a-new-report-raises-big-questions-about-last-years-dnc-hack/). Here is a key piece from the UK's Daily Mail:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4034038/Ex-British-ambassador-WikiLeaks-operative-claims-Russia-did-NOT-provide-Clinton-emails-handed-D-C-park-intermediary-disgusted-Democratic-insiders.html
As for U.S. corporate mainstream media? Did they ever acknowledge they may have been, uhh, wrong? They played this like a page from Joseph Goebels and Leni Riefenstahl, ignoring the inconvenient truths that challenge their assertions, while doubling-down on vilification of anybody who isn't carrying water for the singularities of truth approved by their corporate masters.
Now, back to FARA.
Earlier today, Chris Chambers, professor of journalism at Georgetown University, put things in context. First, he explained that FARA was adopted in 1938 specifically "to prevent Nazi propaganda on the eve of WWII." Then he asserted, this is "The government coming at you like a weasel, not like a lion with its claws out, but like a weasel, through the back door."
He continued, with particular emphasis, "It has never been used against a media outlet."
He made those remarks on "News with Ed," the daily flagship evening news broadcast on RT America. It's hosted by longtime radio journalist and former MSNBC host Ed Schultz.
In his interview with the professor, Schultz observed, "The funding for the BBC [World Service] comes from their defense department. That doesn't seem to be a red flag for the Justice Department."
Schultz could have made additional observations on the craziness of this.
For example, the excellent "France 24," in English for its U.S. audience, was dropped last month from the "basic plus" cable channel lineup of the former Time-Warner Cable empire. That occurred since that big corporate fish was swallowed by the bigger corporate fish that now calls itself Spectrum.
And we are on the verge of Sinclair Media swallowing Tribune, to expand beyond its current control of local TV stations that recently ballooned to 333 stations. The additional Borglike assimilation will enable Sinclair to expand its "must carry" centrally-determined right-wing content -- which is demonstrably lacking in veracity -- to markets where there will be no locally-based indie stations left to challenge its skewed views.
Certainly, there are plenty of disseminators of "fake news" out there, from supermarket tabloids that "reveal" space aliens mating with celebrities, to websites that created "pizzagate" with absolutely no evidence to launch their horrible and libelous lunacies.
Yet it is RT that has been singled-out for registration as an "enemy alien."
Despite the fact that corporate execs from both Facebook and Twitter declared under oath to Congress that RT played no significant role in influencing the 2016 U.S. election through their platforms.
It is RT, with its vast global audience, that will be separated from news gathering in the U.S. by officially-contrived barriers.
It is RT whose on-air guests will feel the intimidation of needing now to file U.S. government-required reports and forms, and perhaps to undergo mandatory debriefings after appearing as members of panels, or interview subjects, or perhaps simply commenting on-air on an RT America program.
And, ultimately, it is independent, non-corporate news sources and journalists who, by citing or favorably reporting on, or providing links to, any RT America programming -- news outlets like The Guide -- who will be caught in the insane position of having to declare ourselves as "foreign agents" (or, again, maybe it's "enemy aliens").
Given the assertion of new intimidations imposed by our government, independent journalists must now reckon that we may make our situation worse by reporting on this and informing the public. Especially by continuing to report the erosion or outright theft of the Constitutional rights we hold in common with every other U.S. citizen. Even as we oppose endless war, murder of civilians by air strikes, drone strikes, and whatever other means of warfare they don't want us to know about. And even as we oppose the corrupt partisan duopoly that assures enrichment of war profiteers and an ever-expanding corporacratic empire of banksters and military-industrial-cybersecurity oligarchs at the expense of U.S. taxpayers.
Meanwhile, more of our tax dollars will now be required to process all those forms and filings and declarations that the U.S. Justice Department is suddenly requiring from journalists and anyone with any affiliation with one particular news outlet. Even as the current administration promises elimination of unnecessary government regulations that cause productive enterprise to lose time by compliance with stupid regulations. If you've read "Catch 22," this is where Yossarian emits that whistle of admiration for the consistency of bureaucratic insanity.
Finally, we must note the slogans and banners that flutter above the players. The slogan of RT America is "Question More." The slogan of the Trump campaign , continuing as the hollow mantra of his presidency, is "Make America Great Again." Taken together in the light of what the Justice Department has pulled, it reminds us of an old movie line from "Easy Rider." That line, from Dennis Hopper to Peter Fonda is, "This used to be a damn fine country."
Here's a music video link that's appropriate for this situation:
"They're Coming to Take Me Away," updated with Trump and Hillary:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tqVk4Op0RUw
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The Guide is not invoking its copyright privilege for this post. Feel free to share it. Because, as Lee Camp, our colleague and host of "Redacted Tonight" says at the conclusion of each of his shows (all available on YouTube): "Keep fighting."
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Friday, November 3, 2017
November arrives with TWO weekend festivals and much more. Nov 3 edition 2017
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This one covers the month of November, and gets into some things happening in December and on into 2018. Yes, the sand is about out of the 2017 hourglass.
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Hoo-eee, it's NOVEMBER, past the time when you 'spect things would be settling down... yet there are TWO festivals this weekend! Plus, there's a three-day conference on the future of finding ways to take effective political action, and that is the stuff that some of our readers will find irresistible. So the info on all three things is in here.
November is off to a seriously fun and musically solid start, and we don't just mean the concert action (which we cover, too, just after our number-one feature on the festivals and that conference).
This edition is all about helping you find events and places where you can find harmonious fulfillment, if even for a little while in this crazy, mixed-up world. Because, sometimes the best we can hope for? Well, it's the music that just makes you glad you're there.
The weekend's festivals are delightfully unusual. The one that runs both Saturday and Sunday is complete with artsy-fartsy delights and hissing, reciprocating, hard-to-figure-how-they-keep-'em-balanced, whirling, twirling, thrashing and dancing mechanical contraptions large 'n small. And it even comes with melodiously charming steam whistle accompaniments that, contrary to all those songs, won't sound lonesome at all! It's just up the 101 freeway to Hwy 126 in the charming lil' Ventura County burg of Fillmore.
And before that, you can get to the Saturday-only FREE festival with music, theatre, dance, and spectrum-wide samplers of the great cornucopia of performance arts, all happening in downtown L.A.!
Are you smiling yet?
Not to diminish that smile, but there is that conference on where things are headed that we cannot escape (and that we ignore at our peril), and what we can do -- just maybe -- to get them turned in a direction that can benefit ALL of us... and, to find ways to make the powers-that-be and the forces of corporatocracy look out for the well-being of the planet, sustainability, and the futures of all those who will follow us as our inheritors. The event is called "The Left Coast Forum." It's the first one to start this weekend (on Friday, running through Sunday). But we list it after the two festivals, since it's not music. Though you might just find blissful harmony in the company of others who were thinking like you do, until they spent more time contemplating what we can do, TOGETHER, about all of it.
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So, welcome to this edition.
Now, let's get started!
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CONTENTS / IN THIS EDITION...
1) Festivals this Weekend
2) Concerts and Such, this Weekend's Picks -- Friday through Sunday
3) After this Weekend -- Picks for November, and on INTO NEXT YEAR
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# 1 events feature...
♪ FESTIVALS THIS WEEKEND
Three events -- two festivals with earfuls o' tunefulness, and one conference on finding harmony in the institutions that govern us.
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Sat, Nov 4, FREE FESTIVAL:
11 am-5 pm Annual "GRAND AVENUE ARTS" is a FREE ARTS & CULTURE EVENT FOR ALL, at
* There's plenty happening with this, including lots of kids activities and multiple music venues, all FREE.
* Los Angeles is a playground for arts and culture, and in recent years, Grand Avenue is, increasingly, its epicenter. For the second year in a row, "Grand Ave Arts" invites all to explore, be curious, pop-in and choose their own adventures with free access to more than 10 participating cultural institutions along Grand Avenue -- plus what those venues are bringing to the park and adjacent public spaces.
* Events include family-friendly craft-making, performances, architecture tours, workshops, museum exhibitions, food and drink and kids screenings. Events are free and open to the public.
* MUSIC PERFORMANCE VENUES AND SCHEDULES:
a) LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA at the COLBURN SCHOOL, 200 S Grand Av; MUSICBOX: Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra presents the world’s tiniest concert hall—MusicBox. Pop inside the Box for an immersive, intimate concert experience like no other. Anyone can hear the music from outside the Box, but the concert inside is just for you; South Plaza Tent, 1:30 pm–3:30 pm.
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b) L.A. OPERA at the DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION, 135 N Grand Av; PERFORMANCES: Singers from L.A. Opera’s prestigious Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program will perform beloved arias and ensembles from favorite operas. Stern Grand Hall, noon and 2 pm.
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c) L.A. PHIL at WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL, 111 S Grand Av; "WAR OF THE WORLDS: Inspiration is where you find it" – An Introduction to "War of the Worlds" by radio personality Alan Chapman. Learn more about Yuval Sharon’s upcoming opera based on Orson Welles’ 1939 radio broadcast, during which DTLA’s defunct air raid sirens will broadcast the performance from Walt Disney Concert Hall, while performers at the sirens send their reports back to WDCH. Event today at BP Hall, 11:30 am–noon, and 12:45–1:15 pm.
• MUSIC WORKSHOPS With Toyota Symphonies for Youth, 11:30 am–1:30 pm.
• MUSIC WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES: Music activity with an L.A. Phil teaching artist; 4 sessions with short breaks in between for participants to enter and leave; in Keck Auditorium.
• INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO: Walk through the Blue Ribbon Garden on the west terrace of the Walt Disney Concert Hall and get to know some instruments from the orchestra; in the Blue Ribbon Garden.
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d) COLBURN SCHOOL: 200 S Grand Av.
• LITTLE KING: Violist Ryan Davis, aka Little King, performs original music with a looping pedal. Plus, he’ll work with audience members to write new music on the spot.
South Plaza; 11 am–12 pm.
• TAP: Tap extraordinaire and Colburn faculty Denise Sheerer leads a small group in a lively and rhythmic pop-up performance.
South Plaza; 12–12:30 pm.
• "CONDUCT US:" Step up to the podium and lead a small chamber orchestra as their maestro. No prior experience necessary—just have fun.
South Plaza Tent; 12:30–1:30 pm.
• CONCERT CHOIR OPEN REHEARSAL: Pop in to hear the Community School’s choir. Mayman Hall; 3–3:45 pm.
• ACADEMY VIRTUOSI: The Music Academy’s conductorless ensemble performs beloved works for a small orchestra. Thayer Hall; 4–4:45 pm.
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e) MUSIC CRAFTS & VENUE TOURS:
• THE MUSIC CENTER: 135 N Grand Av; The Music Center offers a day of family-friendly activities and tours of its four iconic venues, including the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
• CRAFT-MAKING + MUSIC: Visit The Music Center Plaza for family-friendly craft-making workshops accompanied by music from a Los Angeles-based DJ. 11 am–3 pm.
• WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL TOURS: Check-in in front of Walt Disney Concert Hall. Begin at 11 am, 30 min in duration. Final tour at 2:30 pm.
• DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION TOURS: Check-in in front of Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Begin at 11 am, 30 min in duration. Final tour at 2:30 pm.
• AHMANSON THEATRE TOURS: Check-in in front of Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Begin at 11 am, 30 min in duration. Final tour at 2:30 pm.
• MARK TAPER FORUM TOURS: Check-in in front of Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
Begin at 11 am, 30 min in duration. Final tour at 2:30 pm.
• L.A. OPERA BACKSTAGE TOUR: Experience all the different art forms that go into the creation of an opera — the grandeur of the music, the spectacular singing, the craftsmanship of the sets, the intricacy of the costumes and so much more. Line for the LA Opera Backstage Tour will begin outside of Dorothy Chandler Pavilion along Hope Street; 11 am–12 pm, 1–2 pm, and 3–4 pm.
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Participating Organizations:
The Broad
Center Theatre Group
Colburn School
Grand Park
LA Chamber Orchestra
LA Opera
LA Phil
Los Angeles Public Library
Los Angeles Master Chorale
MOCA
The Music Center
REDCAT
* Grab the whole crew to take a peek behind-the-scenes for "the ultimate (free) Los Angeles arts field trip."
* More info: http://grandavearts.tumblr.com
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Sat & Sun, Nov 4 & 5, FESTIVAL:
10 am-5 pm "STEAM PUNK FESTIVAL CALIFORNIA" in the town park and historical depot / museum grounds adjacent to the Fillmore & Western Railway, 364 Main St, Fillmore, CA 93015
* Tix (festival admission & all on-site activities): adults $15 per day at gate; kids age 10-18 and seniors $5 per day; kids under age 10 get in free.
* Train ride tix: one-hour steam train rides, both days, depart at 10 am, noon, 2 pm, & 4 pm. Reservations required online or by phone, as the seam locomotive runs rarely, so all these trains will sell-out. Adult, $25; Adult & baby (under age 2, on lap) $25; Child age 2-3, $10; Youth age 4-12, $15.
* Train ride tix at: https://public.whistletix.com/FWRY/Events/Calendar
* Festival options:
$50 VIP tickets include a 2 day pass with preview evening on Friday, early entry each day, reserved seating at workshops and a laser etched event pin.
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* Not so fast, because it's not likely you have the whole picture here. That's even (maybe especially) if you among those who recognize the modern educational acronym of "S.T.E.A.M -- Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math," (you know, the stuff that USED to be included in EVERYBODY's public school education before "austerity" became to rage).
* Likewise, if you have experienced "STEAMPUNK," you still don't get all that's happening here. For the uninitiated to THAT term, steampunk is a movement that often gets classed as sci-fi, based on the following premise: what if technology had advanced along mechanical lines, rather than electronics?
* Thus MUSIC that's compatible with steampunk isn't too-terribly plugged-in, and it embraces a lot of archaic and arcane and old-timey trad and folky instruments and forms.
* Of course, that means steam engines and steam locomotives and such are purt near required attendees.
* NOW, put all those elements together and you've got a fair picture of a steampunky S.T.E.A.M. festival. And THAT, including a train you can ride, pulled by a real, standard-gauge steam locomotive, are what you'll find at this festival. And plenty more, for kids and, uhh, "big" kids.
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* In education circles, S.T.E.A.M. is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math as access points for guiding students inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking, and it has been brought to the forefront of schools' curriculum in recent years. S.T.E.A.M. is a movement championed by Rhode Island School of Design & widely adopted by educational institutions, corporations and individuals.
* The S.T.E.A.M. festival arrives this weekend in Fillmore "to make learning fun with Steampunk themed workshops, games, vendors and entertainment; united through the power of imagination and shaped with the aesthetic of Time Travelers, Tinkerers and Steampunks." It’s the worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo Da Vinci played out exclusively at old train towns and museums across the western United States as this festival plays in a different place each time it's held. Steampunk is often defined as a genre of science fiction that has a historical setting and typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology. (Wait a minute. Who SAYS steam locomotion isn't "advanced technology"-? Who do YOU know who can calculate thermodynamics for the volume of a boiler's firebox, or boiler horsepower through cylinders of any given stroke and bore, or tractive effort with drivers of any given diameter?) Anyway, the producers of this festival believe they have devised "a perfect fit for the existing train museums that feature Steam engines and other extinct technology" with the latest effort to get needed support back into education.
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* MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Stage and set times at: http://thesteamfestival.com/index.php/entertainers-the-steam-punk-festival/
FRYTOWN TOUGHS – born out of Doc Holiday’s musical saloon show in Tombstone, Arizona. Their specialties: "Piano! Singing! Music! Mayhem! And plenty of shenanigans."
STRANGE INDEED – All that sound from two people? Projecting larger-than-life musical entertainment through soulful vocal harmonies, banjo, resophonic guitar, harmonica and foot percussions.
STONE STANLEY – is a one man band (Jason Trombley) who plays foot drums, guitars and vocals simultaneously to create Mudstomp Music!
DR. SOLAR – Steampunk Medicine Man show; Magic, Puppetry and oddities abound on the only Solar powered Gypsy caravan stage.
POPLOCK HOLMES – Chap Hop artist and Master of Ceremonies. Poplock Holmes raps about hunting Yeti, Drinking Tea fighting crypto-creatures and dropping scientific facts like the Hundredth Monkey theory.
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You'll encounter all sorts of colorful entertainers, contraptions, and crazy spectacles to behold. The festival is one part science fair and one part traveling circus, “The S.T.E.A.M. Festival” sets up a world which co-exists in the old Train and Steam museums that dot the west coast. This time it’s in historic Fillmore, California. There are activities and adventures at every turn. A stage is brought in for the musical entertainment. A curated ensemble of Steampunk music create a festive atmosphere that will be live broadcast online and via AM radio signals by Steampunk Podcast professionals “Dreadfully Punk”. There will also be a vendor alley where patrons can grab their own goggles, top hat or any number of goodies and gadgets from over 20 unique vendors. Steam Machines will run at the Steam Engine and Machine display, a scavenger hunt will send children to all corners of the festival grounds to learn interesting S.T.E.A.M. facts as they complete their quest, and of course the museum will showcase their splendid Steam powered equipment. While all this fantastic fun is unfolding, there will be educational panels about items of historical significance like Antique Cameras, Antique Musical Instruments like the Theremin, Improvisation workshops, Junk build-offs, and more fun workshops at “The S.T.E.A.M. Festival.”
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* More at: http://thesteamfestival.com
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Fri-Sun, Nov 3-5:
"LEFT COAST FORUM 2017: STATE OF THE STRUGGLE" at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, 400 W Washington Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
* The full event runs Fri, Nov 3, starting at 6 pm, through Sun afternoon at 1 pm.
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* Renowned educator, university professor, economist and author Richard D. Wolff opens the event on Friday evening. His keynote topic is "A Left Program for the US Today." Wolff says, "Beset by worsening instability and inequality, a broken US capitalism has betrayed many millions. Gone is their confidence in both party establishments," Wolff says. "Neither imagines, let alone offers an adequate solution. A new left solution — real system change — is available; now is its historical moment."
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* Producers tell us, "With the grim racist, anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-labor ideology that has grasped much of the nation’s political dialog, the time couldn’t be better to introduce a new platform to West Coast activists and organizers eager to combat this unprecedented reactionary takeover."
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* Modeled on and partnering with New York City’s venerable "Left Forum," the inaugural three-day "Left Coast Forum" brings luminaries of political, social, and economic justice. It is set to focus on ways the burgeoning populist uprisings — think Occupy, Standing Rock, Black Lives Matter, Fight 4 Fifteen, Dreamers — can mold themselves into a lasting movement to create a racially and economically "just" world that we, as Americans, too-often honor in our words, but so rarely in our deeds.
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* You’ll find speakers, panelists, and fellow activists building upon the sometimes-disjointed street protests, online petitions, and "siloed" thinking. All are there to create the potent united front needed to reclaim all threatened rights and freedoms.
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* The editor and publisher of "L.A. Progressive, who is sponsoring the event, say, "Join us in mapping out the state of our struggle. Join us in moving beyond resistance."
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* TIX range from $20–$125, and there are plenty of options:
- The "Solidarity All-Event Pass" is $75 (+$5.12 fee).
- A "Low Income 3-Day Pass" is $25 (+$2.37 fee).
- A "1-Day Pass" is $20 (+$2.09 fee).
- A "Vendor/Publisher/Organization Table" is $125 (+$7.87 fee)
* All tix options are available at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/left-coast-forum-2017-state-of-the-struggle-tickets-37712459983
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# 2 events feature...
♪ CONCERTS AND SUCH, THIS WEEKEND's PICKS -- FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
Chronologically, by day and time.
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ONGOING, closes Nov 19:
"BRIGHT STAR" the musical by STEVE MARTIN and EDIE BRICKELL, with CARMEN CUSACK in her Tony-Award nominated role from Broadway, is on stage at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles CA; 213-972-4400; www.ahmansontheatre.org
* STEVE MARTIN, who first recorded comedic material, is the Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar winner who has become a banjo master and is respected in bluegrass and roots music circles; Grammy winner EDIE BRICKELL has a long and distinguished music career.
* In this collaboration, Martin is credited with the music, book, and story, and Brickell with the music, lyrics, and story.
* The production won "Best Musical" of 2016 in the NY Outer Critics Circle, and it's in L.A. for a limited run, with its original Broadway star.
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Fri-Sun, Nov 3-5, MUSIC CAMP in the local mtns:
Annual "MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS" presented by L.A. Songmakers at Camp de Benneville Pines, 41750 Jenks Lake Road West, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305.
* Registration and complete info at: http://www.uucamp.org/camps-retreats/adult-camps/music-in-the-mountains
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Fri, Nov 3:
7 pm JENNIFER CHUNG plays her Record Release Show with with NESSA RICA & PRISKA at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040.
* California native singer-songwriter Jennifer Chung began sharing her voice to the world over ten years ago when she uploaded her first video on YouTube. Since then, she's garnered over 37 MILLION views, released her first full length album "4 years & counting..", and continued performing all over the U.S. and South Korea. Her journey ultimately led her to Atlanta, GA after marrying rapper-musician, Joules. The two have since debuted their duo music group known as WATS (We Are The Songs.) Jennifer returns to The Hotel Cafe in celebration of her new solo mini-album "After All."
* Tix: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=6843
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Fri, Nov 3:
8 pm THE SHOW PONIES plus HONEY WHISKEY TRIO play the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731
* A Guide favorite since we first heard them at a festival high up in the mountains, the Show Ponies deliver a sassy blend of indie-folk, bluegrass, old-time country and American roots-rock. Openers Honey Whiskey Trio, Harmony Sweepstakes A Capella Festival Champions, offer up traditional folk music with sparkling harmonies.
* Honey Whiskey Trio are first-rate, national a cappela champs, and soulfully folky.
* Limited tix available at the door, so arrive plenty early.
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Fri, Nov 3:
8 pm DON McLEAN plays the Canyon Club, 28192 Roadside Dr, Agoura Hills, CA 91301; 818-879-5016.
* His hits of long ago include "American Pie" and "Vincent."
* he also plays The Rose in Pasadena, Saturday night, Nov 4.
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Fri, Nov 3:
8 pm JOLIE HOLLAND & SAMANTHA PARTON (of THE BE GOOD TANYAS) play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com; tix, $20.
* The LA Weekly writes: "Although Samantha Parton and Jolie Holland are both founding members of The Be Good Tanyas, they hadn't worked much with each other after Holland departed the Canadian folk-country group following the release of their 2001 debut album, 'Blue Horse.' While Holland went on to a well-received solo career, Parton continued with The Be Good Tanyas until she was laid low by injuries she suffered in two separate auto accidents. When Holland phoned Parton out of the blue to talk about collaborating again, Parton was ready to try something new after spending several years recovering. The recording of the duo's new album, 'Wildflower Blues' (on their own Cinquefoil Records), not only helped to restore Parton's confidence, it opened new sonic pathways for both vocalists, whose soothing harmonies are layered within their intimate balladry in a sublimely enchanting fashion."
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Fri, Nov 3:
8 pm RICKY Z plus THE BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND play the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA (take Santa Anita exit off 210 Fwy, go S, left on Huntington and you're right there. Free parking all over the area, including the big city lot.)
* Tickets are available for all concerts at http://arcadiabluesclub.eventbrite.com
* Advance tix online come with substantial savings (though shows here are never expensive, anyway).
* Fun venue, two stages, full bar, good food (generous portions, two can share), pool tables, friendly vibe. But bring earplugs. Seriously.
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Fri, Nov 3:
8 pm LA SANTA CECILIA plus MEXRRISSEY MARIACHI FLOR DE TOLOACHE play Campbell Hall at Univ. of ca;lif. Santa Barbara, 574 Mesa Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93106; 805-893-3535.
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Fri, Nov 3:
9 pm "THE BLUEGRASS SITUATION" presents THE STEEL WHEELS at the Hotel Café Second Stage, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90038; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040.
* Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, The Steel Wheels are familiar with the traditions of folk music and how a string band is supposed to sound. In fact, they’ve been drawing on those steadfast traditions for more than a decade. Yet, their name also evokes a sense of forward motion, which is clearly reflected in their latest album, Wild As We Came Here. The Steel Wheels recorded their album in rural Maine, where producer Sam Kassirer owns a recording studio inside a renovated farmhouse from the 18th century. All four band members – Trent Wagler (guitar, banjo), Eric Brubaker (fiddle), Brian Dickel (upright bass) and Jay Lapp (mandolin) – hunkered down for a week and a half to create Wild As We Came Here.
* The band’s name is a tip of the hat to steam-powered trains, industrial progress and the buggies of their Mennonite lineage. Their musical style weaves through Americana and bluegrass, folk and old-time music, and the acoustic poetry of the finest singer-songwriters. By incorporating percussion and keyboards into their recording sessions for the first time, Wild As We Came Here adds new textures to their catalog, as themes of discovery and perseverance run throughout the collection.
* Tix: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=6737
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Saturday
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Sat, Nov 4, BENEFIT:
5 pm ANDY & RENEE and a huge number of their musical friends are performing a "TOM PETTY TRIBUTE" as a "NOR CAL FIRE BENEFIT," and they're doing it as a house concert with more people lined-up to perform than you've ever imagined you'd see in a house concert. (It's in Torrance.)
* Renee, co-leader of the multiple award-winningf band HARD RAIN, tells us, "We're raising money for the victims of the Napa & Sonoma Fires while remembering, playing and paying tribute to the great music of Tom Petty. We're asking for a minimum $20 donation which will go to DirectRelief.org. DONATE MORE, if you can, and you don't need to be there to donate! We'll have lots of special guests too!"
* A light dinner is included, and you can BYOB.
* Musical guests will include: Andy Hill, Renee Safier, Brax Cutchin, Russell Wiener, Evyn Charles, Terry Buck, Arlen Rimmer, Joe Caccavo, Dave Crossland, John Hoke, Dave Batti & more TBA.
* Reservations (and contributions) get directions, at: http://www.andyandrenee.com/store.php
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Sat, Nov 4:
5:30 pm PHIL SALAZAR & THE KINFOLK play the concert series at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 380 N Fairview Av, Goleta, CA 93111.
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(LATE ADDITION...)
Sat, Nov 4:
5:30-8:30 pm J. PETER BOLES, wonderful acoustic guitar based singer-songwriter, performs at Endless Summer, 113 Harbor Way, in the Santa Barbara HARBOR, CA.
* Whether or not you can go, check-out his "Hand-Picked Acoustic Music" at: www.jpeterboles.com
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Sat, Nov 4:
7 pm THE QUITTERS play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA; phone for reservations, 7 days, 10 am-10 pm: 626-798-6236.
* This is a a guitar duo consisting of a right-side up finger picker (Stevie Coyle) and an upside down flat picker (Glenn Houston). They were two of the three founding members of the virtuoso string band, The Waybacks, and one was the long-time lead guitarist and co-founder of the Americana powerhouse, Houston Jones. Now they play together, on their own, hence the name, “The Quitters”. They deliver a mostly acoustic celebration of flatpick and fingerstyle mastery plus vocals, spiced with humor and serendipity.
* Originally from New Jersey, Glenn Houston's (nee Pomianek) guitarist influences range from Albert King to Doc Watson, as shows in his mastery of both the acoustic and electric guitar. He has shared billing with luminaries in the folk, Americana, blues, country, rock and jazz genres far too numerous to list, and has even been a choral vocal performer with the LA Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony! After an illustrious career with several Bay Area bands, he co-founded the Waybacks in 1999 with Stevie Coyle and Chojo Jacques, leaving to pursue other directions before their first CD was made. One of those directions was co-founding The Houston Jones Band, with vocalist Travis Jones, from which he made his departure last year.
* Stevie Coyle's dad ran a radio station, his granny was a vaudeville pianist, his mother played in a mandolin orchestra, David Lindley rehearsed right next door and gave Stevie his first guitar lessons, and the first Hot Tuna album inspired him to begin fingerpicking! After degrees in Theatre and Theology he hit the road with The Royal Lichtenstein Circus, doing comedy, magic, wire-walking, sword-swallowing, and juggling. He has collaborated with Roy Zimmerman for 25 years, including folk tribute / parody band, The Foremen, and comedy duo, The Reagan Bros. In 1999 he co-founded The Waybacks and toured with them through 2007. https://www.quittersduo.com
* More info: https://www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm
* Tix, $18.
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Sat, Nov 4:
7 pm JOELLEN & THE URBAN GYPSIES play a house concert at the home of Shan Cretin and Emmett Keeler in Santa Monica, CA.
* Sorry, no contact info provided.
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Sat, Nov 4:
8 pm SELWYN BIRCHWOOD plus THE BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND play the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA (take Santa Anita exit off 210 Fwy, go S, left on Huntington and you're right there. Free parking all over the area, including the big city lot.)
* Tickets are available for all concerts at http://arcadiabluesclub.eventbrite.com
* Advance tix online come with substantial savings (though shows here are never expensive, anyway).
* Fun venue, two stages, full bar, good food (generous portions, two can share), pool tables, friendly vibe. But bring earplugs. Seriously.
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Sat, Nov 4:
8 pm BOBBY LONG plus CURTIS McMURTRY play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com; tix, $20.
* The venue tells us, "Saturday brings us UK folk heartthrob Bobby Long for another night of soulful back porch serenades. Long emerged from London's club scene with a reputation for creating memorable songs inhabited by hauntingly poetic lyrics. Since relocating to New York, he has released two CDs of powerful original material: the first - 'A Winter Tale' (2011) - is an homage to his acoustic roots, while the second - 'Wishbone' (2013) - bears a grittier sound that showcases his sorrow-filled voice and his stellar guitar playing. 2015's 'Ode To Thinking,' his third full album, married his varied musical influences, and his rabid fan base has enabled Long to continue, completely crowdsourcing his fourth album, now in production. Additionally, he has published two volumes of poetry -- 'Losing My Brotherhood' (2012) and the newly-released 'Losing My Misery.'"
* "Opening tonight," they continue, "is Austin native Curtis McMurtry whose laconic Americana has made him a favorite in his home town, and who made many new fans at McCabe's opening for Sarah Jarosz last year."
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Sat, Nov 4:
8 pm DON MCLEAN plays the Rose Theatre, 300 E Colorado Bl, Pasadena, CA 91129; 818-879-5016.
* His hits of long ago include "American Pie" and "Vincent."
* he also plays the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, Fri night, Nov 3.
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Sat, Nov 4:
8 pm BOBBY LONG plays the storied concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Nov 4:
8 pm THE PACO DE LUCÍA PROJECT plays "FLAMENCO LEGENDS," with JAVIER LIMÓN, at the Valley Performing Arts Center on the campus of CSUN, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330; 818-677-3000.
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Sat, Nov 4:
8 pm THE NOVEL IDEAS plus JASON HAWK HARRIS play Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583.
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Sat, Nov 4:
8:30 pm SON LITTLE plays the Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Bl, San Diego, CA 92101; 619-255-7224.
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Sat, Nov 4, MUSICAL THEATRE:
8 pm "BILLIE HOLIDAY: FRONT AND CENTER" opening night, at Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, 4305 Degnan Bl, Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90008.
* See the Guide's # 7 news feature story in the Sep 27 edition, at: https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2017/09/octobers-tunefully-and-artfully-big.html
* Runs for six performances: Sat, Nov 4 at 8 pm; Sun, Nov 5 at 3 pm; Fri, Nov 10 at 8 pm; Sun, Nov 12 at 3 pm; Sat, Dec 2 at 8 pm; Sun, Dec 3 at 3 pm.
* The closing performance on Dec. 3 will be a benefit for "Bridge to Africa Connection" honoring Ms. Dawn Sutherland. Tickets for that benefit are $75 general admission or $150 for a V.I.P. ticket.
* Tix to all other performances: $30 general, $25 seniors (age 65+), at 800-838-3006, or online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3077843
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Sunday
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Sun, Nov 5:
12:30 pm CENTER STAGE OPERA presents "AMICI DELLA MUSICA," "A very special Musical Luncheon" at Buon Gusto Ristorante, 15535 Devonshire St, Mission Hills, CA.
* Featured performers are Shira Renee Thomas, Dylan F. Thomas, and Siuzanna Iglidan
* Center Stage Opera friends and family invite you to enjoy a full-course gourmet meal, plus "the very best of opera, Broadway, jazz and soft rock."
* Tix, $55, include tax and tip (wine available at additional charge).
* Reservations required, at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3129503, or call 818-517-4102.
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(LATE ADDITION...)
Sun, Nov 5:
2:20 pm J. PETER BOLES, wonderful acoustic guitar based singer-songwriter, performs at Sculpterra Winery, 5015 Linne Rd, Paso Robles, CA; 805-226-8881.
* Whether or not you can go, check-out his "Hand-Picked Acoustic Music" at: www.jpeterboles.com
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Sun, Nov 5, MUSICAL THEATRE:
3 pm "BILLIE HOLIDAY: FRONT AND CENTER" opening night, at Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, 4305 Degnan Bl, Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90008.
* See the Guide's # 7 news feature story in the Sep 27 edition, at: https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2017/09/octobers-tunefully-and-artfully-big.html
* Runs for six performances: Sat, Nov 4 at 8 pm; Sun, Nov 5 at 3 pm; Fri, Nov 10 at 8 pm; Sun, Nov 12 at 3 pm; Sat, Dec 2 at 8 pm; Sun, Dec 3 at 3 pm.
* The closing performance on Dec. 3 will be a benefit for "Bridge to Africa Connection" honoring Ms. Dawn Sutherland. Tickets for that benefit are $75 general admission or $150 for a V.I.P. ticket.
* Tix to all other performances: $30 general, $25 seniors (age 65+), at 800-838-3006, or online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3077843
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Sun, Nov 5:
7 pm BIG DADDY plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA; phone for reservations, 7 days, 10 am-10 pm: 626-798-6236.
* Almost two ago, BIG DADDY sold out the venue in record time. The band returns as these “Kings of 1950’s Mash-Up continue their quest to transform contemporary hits through a joyous romp back to the golden age of 1950’s Rock & Roll."
* Bob Stane says, "This is a renowned act. They are great. A wonderful Sunday’s entertainment."
* The Rhino recording act stormed the U.K.’s charts in 1985 with their top-twenty version of Bruce Springsteen’s "Dancing in The Dark" and has released six LP’s to date. Two of them, "Cutting Their Own Groove," and "Sgt. Pepper’s," have been placed on Stereophile Magazine’s list of "Records To Die For," including 2014’s "Smashing Songs of Stage & Screen." They also play newer works by Taylor Swift, Leonard Cohen and Bruno Mars, as BIG DADDY continues to amaze audiences with their outrageous renditions of Pop & Rock standards.
* Randy Lewis said in his L.A. Times’ review, "More than a gimmick, Big Daddy creates new takes on Pop and Rock songs that were consistently inspired, illuminating and often hilarious."
* Tix, $25.
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Sun, Nov 5:
8 pm ARIEL HOROWITZ, "AN EVENING OF ARTISTRY AND ACTIVISM," with special guests Linda Tillery and Miles Graber play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com; tix, $20.
* Hailed by The Washington Post as "sweetly lyrical", violinist Ariel Horowitz cannot remember life before loving music. Winner of top prizes at the Stulberg and Irving M. Klein International String Competitions, as well as The Juilliard School's Violin Concerto Competition, The Violin Channel praised Ariel's artistic energy: "If they gave out prizes for attitude...we think we may have found the Olympic champion." Ariel is a student of Itzhak Perlman and Catherine Cho at The Juilliard School as a recipient of the Arnold R. Deutsch/Dorothy DeLay Scholarship.
* Ariel is joined by celebrated pianist Miles Graber, and Oakland's Linda Tillery, who has powered many of the Bay Area's most popular bands over the past four decades. A central figure in the emerging women's music movement in the 1970s and 80s, Linda was also a founding member of Bobby McFerrin's vocal ensemble Voicestra. She currently leads the Cultural Heritage Choir, performing African American roots music.
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Sun, Nov 5:
9 pm SON LITTLE plays the Constellation Room, 3503 S Harbor Bl, Santa Ana, CA 92704; 714-957-0600.
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# 3 events feature...
♪ AFTER THIS WEEKEND -- PICKS FOR NOVEMBER, AND ON INTO NEXT YEAR
Very worth spending some time with this section. Not just to help you plan travels 'n such, but very much to be sure you'll have TICKETS before they sell-out!
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FIRST, OVERVIEWS OF A FEW KEY VENUES and SCHEDULES...
COMING UP AT THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE:
* Location: 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA; phone for reservations, 7 days, 10 am-10 pm: 626-798-6236.
* Thu, Nov 9, 8 pm - JIM & ANNE CURRY "The Songs of John Denver;" $18; You may have to go on the Waiting List.
* Fri, Nov 10, 8 pm - BABY GRAMPS; $18.
* Sat, Nov 11, 2:30 pm matinee - THE LICATA BROTHERS, RASPIN STUWART, NEIL ROSENGARDEN & CHAD WATSON bring a cornucopia of talent; $20, and that's cheap for what you'll see and hear.
* Sat, Nov 11, 7 pm - INCENDIO; $20.
* Sun, Nov 12, 7 pm - THE FOLK COLLECTION; $20.
* Tue, Nov 14, 8 pm - National Yodeling Champion LARRY B. WILDER plays his always-anticipated once-a-year engagement here; $15.
* More info: https://www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm
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UPCOMING AT McCABE's, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com; in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe's Guitar Shop.
* The venue has announced shows into 2018, and tix are available for all listed events.
♪ Fri, Nov 10, 8 pm - HAWKTAIL (formerly Haas Kowert Tice); $25.
♪ Sat, Nov 11, 8 pm - KRIS DELMHORST and JEFFREY FOUCAULT in a stellar double-bill; $25.
♪ Sun, Nov 12, 8 pm - "THE ROCK GODZ MUST BE CRAZY" is "a special night of storytelling to benefit the MusicRising Foundation." (See the write-up. This'll be uniquely special.)
♪ Fri, Nov 17, 8 pm - JOEL RAFAEL with John Trudell's Bad Dog; $25.
♪ Sat, Nov 18, 8 pm & 10 pm - KINKY FRIEDMAN (2 shows); $35, either performance.
♪ Sun, Nov 19, 10:30 am - "Matinee Kids' Show" A FAERY HUNT, "The Fairy & the Pirate;" $15; kids under age 2 get in free.
♪ Sat, Nov 25, 8 pm - LINDA PERHACS plus CHRIS PRICE; $20.
♪ Sun, Nov 26, 7:30 pm - JACK TEMPCHIN plus Chelsea Williams; $25.
♪ Sun, Dec 3, 8 pm - TRACE BUNDY; $25.
♪ Fri, Dec 8, 8 pm - SEAN WATKINS; $25.
♪ Sat, Dec 9, 8 pm - VONDA SHEPARD; $25.
♪ Sun Dec 10, 8 pm - HOLIDAY SWING with MARIA MULDAUR & JOHN JORGENSON; $35.
♪ Fri & Sat, Jan 19 & 20, 2018, 8 pm - ALBERT LEE; either night, $26.50.
♪ Fri & Sat, Feb 9 & 10, 2018, 8 pm - DAVID LINDLEY; either night, $25.
♪ Sat, Feb 17, 8 pm - TOM RUSSELL; $35.
♪ Sat, Feb 24, 2018, 8 pm - JANIVA MAGNESS; $25.
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COMING TO THE ARCADIA BLUES CLUB:
Location: 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA (take santa Anita exit off 210 Fwy, go S, left on Huntington and you're right there. Free parking all over the area.
* Coming up:
Fri, Nov 10: CK AllStars
Sat, Nov 11: Phillip Sayce
Fri, Nov 17: Gentlemen's Blues Club plus "very special guests"
Sat, Nov 18: Shawn Jones Band
* Tickets are available for all concerts at http://arcadiabluesclub.eventbrite.com
* Advance tix online come with substantial savings (though shows here are never expensive, anyway).
* The Bobby Bluehouse Band, with various special guests, is also on hand to kick-off these concerts and perform between sets every Fri. & Sat. night.
* Fun venue, two stages, full bar, good food (generous portions, two can share), pool tables, friendly vibe. But bring earplugs. Seriously.
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PACIFIC SYMPHONY's November Concerts Roundup:
There are 11 concerts presented by Pacific Symphony in November. Their "Classical series" continues with the first performances by the orchestra of a major work in the repertoire. The "Pops series" offers a tribute to one of the greatest jazz singers in history. The orchestra's Youth Ensembles launch their concert seasons. And the orchestra takes a trip to the Soka Performing Arts Center. Here, in quick overview, are the places to catch them:
* "Tribute to the great Ella Fitzgerald" with guest conductor Larry Blank; Nov 3 & 4.
* "OC Can You Play With Us - chamber music edition" as community musicians ages 22 and up gather in Samueli Theater; Pacific Symphony musicians conduct five ensembles; FREE concert but tix are required; Nov 6.
* “Cathedrals of Sound” with Anton Bruckner’s giant "Symphony No. 8" led by Carl St. Clair brings the orchestra in its first-ever performances of the work; preludes are organist Christoph Bull with music by Bach and Bruckner, and the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey singing Gregorian chants; Nov 9-11.
* Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble's 1st concert of the season; Gregory X. Whitmore conducts a program of band classics by Wagner, Grainger, Gordon Jacob and others, and a rare performance of John Philip Sousa’s early “President Garfield’s Inauguration March.” Tickets are free but required; Nov 12.
* St. Clair and the orchestra perform Mozart’s final two concertos, the Piano Concerto No. 27, and the Clarinet Concerto, plus the Papagena/Papageno duet from “The Magic Flute;” at the Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo; Nov 12.
* Roger Kalia and Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra perform a program of Berlioz, Austin Wintory and Stravinsky; Nov 12.
* Irene Kroesen and Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings get their season underway with music by J.C. and J.S. Bach, Prokofiev, Rimsky-Korsakov and Brian Balmages; Nov 19.
* Symphony debut of Estonian guest conductor Anu Tali. Her program (Nov.30 and Dec. 1-2) bookends a pair of Czech masterpieces — Smetana’s “The Moldau” and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7 — with Gershwin’s snazzy Concerto in F as centerpiece. The noted Chinese pianist Xiayin Wang is soloist; Nov 30, & Dec 1 & 2.
* More at: www.PacificSymphony.org
* TIX for each performance use individual links, but it's a mobile-friendly page, at: https://pacificsymphony.blog/2017/10/31/pacific-symphony-november-concerts
_ _ _
ONGOING, closes Nov 19:
"BRIGHT STAR" the musical by STEVE MARTIN and EDIE BRICKELL, with CARMEN CUSACK in her Tony-Award nominated role from Broadway, is on stage at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles CA; 213-972-4400; www.ahmansontheatre.org
* STEVE MARTIN, who first recorded comedic material, is the Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar winner who has become a banjo master and is respected in bluegrass and roots music circles; Grammy winner EDIE BRICKELL has a long and distinguished music career.
* In this collaboration, Martin is credited with the music, book, and story, and Brickell with the music, lyrics, and story.
* The production won "Best Musical" of 2016 in the NY Outer Critics Circle, and it's in L.A. for a limited run, with its original Broadway star.
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INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATES
Mon, Nov 6:
DONNA THE BUFFALO plays Saint Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254; box office / reception, 310-372-0035 (M-F opens at noon, Sat-Sun, opens at 4 pm); www.saintrocke.com.
* “Donna The Buffalo is from central New York state, not Louisiana, but this widely loved quintet has woven that joyful, hip-shaking zydeco pulse into the DNA of its sound, and leaders Jeb Puryear and Tara Nevins have wrapped that core vibe with hopeful, mellow lyrics.” — Music City Roots, Craig Havighurst.
* Donna the Buffalo just passed the marker as their 25th year as a band and have proven to be a consistent purveyor of American music. What’s the recipe? To be sure, it’s infused with more spices than you’ll find at a Cajun cookout by way of a southern-fried, rockin’ country old-time jamboree. “For the dizzying array of styles and genres with which they work, Donna The Buffalo maintain a surprising level of consistency. The New York-based band has played around with folk, zydeco, and many other musical ideas over the course of their 25-year career, but they retain a sharp focus that has helped them create some truly lasting music,” writes Elmore Magazine.
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Tue, Nov 7:
9 pm JESSE CLEGG, South African singer-songwriter, concludes his U.S. tour tonight at the Hotel Café in Hollywood.
* See the Guide's full feature story, events feature B-8, in the Oct 13 edition, at:
https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2017/10/mega-mondo-mid-october-music-news.html
* Tickets are $10 advance, at www.hotelcafe.com
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Sat & Sun, Nov 11 & 12, FESTIVAL, in Orange County, CA:
9 am-8 pm (Sat) 23rd annual "HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS" sponsored by Southern California Dulcimer Heritage, this year on VETERANS DAY, at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 2850 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (Freeway close off the 405 and across from Orange Coast College).
* The MAIN events all happen on Saturday, with performances and jams, vendors, instrument makers, and lots of workshops, including HEIDI MULLER (Mountain Dulcimer), BOB WEBB (Multi-instrumentalist from Joseph, OR), RUTH SMITH (Hammered Dulcimer), STEVE SMITH (Multi-instrumentalist from Zionville, NC) and more. The Sunday events move to two different places, and are extra-fare workshops.
* The Guide has had info on this since April, in our "Encyclopedia Festivanica." In fact, here's more, from there:
* Features WORKSHOPS, ALL-DAY JAMMING, MID-DAY CONCERT and EVENING CONCERTS, VENDORS, OPPORTUNITY DRAWINGS
* SCHEDULE, REGISTRATION, more at: www.scdh.org
* Extra events, "FOCUS WORKSHOPS," on Sunday, Nov 12:
1) "APPALACHIAN HERITAGE MUSIC" for "Hammered Dulcimer & Other Instruments," 10 am-2 pm - in a private home in Fullerton.
2) "PLAYING TOGETHER IN PARTS" for "Fretted Dulcimer & Other Instruments," 11 am-3 pm - in a private home in Downey.
✔ TIX: available online or at the gate, but the concerts and Sunday workshops may sell-out early.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE: Presented by the nonprofit Southern California Dulcimer Heritage (SCDH).
✔ THE SCENE: Each of the days is different. Saturday is filled with workshops, all-day jamming, mid-day and evening concerts, vendors, displays of beautiful handmade instruments, and opportunity drawings from 9 am-8 pm, with the evening concert at 8 pm; all at the main site in Costa Mesa. Sunday moves from Costa Mesa to two intensive workshops presented by the festival's headliner artists; one is "Hammered Dulcimer & Other Instruments" 10 am-2 pm in Fullerton, the other is "Fretted Dulcimer & Other Instruments" 11 am-3 pm in Downey. (This is the same festival that was held for many years in Culver City.)
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Heidi Muller, fretted dulcimer (OR)
♪ Bob Webb, multi-instrumentalist (OR)
♪ Ruth & Steve Smith, she on hammered dulcimer, he a multi-instrumentalist (NC)
♪ Plus local artists and teachers perform, lead a youth ensemble concert, and more.
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Sat & Sun, Nov 11 & 12, FESTIVAL, in San Pedro, CA:
2nd annual "VETERAN'S DAY / FESTIVAL / CONCERT" aboard the Battleship IOWA, docked as a museum at 250 S Harbor Bl , San Pedro, CA 90731; 877-446-9261.
* Both days, activities begin with an 11 am opening ceremony, then things run all day.
* Enjoy "some of L.A.’s premiere bands."
* A discounted $11 general tour admission of the ship will be available to all family & friends accompanying a Veteran.
* FREE sandwiches, chips & water for the first 800 Veterans and their families (both days).
* Special exhibitors include military branch booths, DJ, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sea Cadets, UCLA FOCUS, Sailor’s Bar, and "a place to come and honor the men and women who serve our great nation." Supported by Councilman Joe Buscaino, The Port of Los Angeles, and Black Knight Patrol.
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Sat, Nov 11:
2:30 pm THE LICATA BROTHERS, RASIN STUWART, NEIL ROSENGARDEN & CHAD WATSON, "a cornucopia of talent" at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA; Reservations, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, by phone only: 626-798-6236.
* Bob Stane says, "It’s hard to believe that our home-grown, youthful THE LICATA BROTHERS have just completed seven years at the Coffee Gallery Backstage. TONY and elder brother JIMMY LICATA continue to rock the house with catchy Americana favorites, soulful harmonies, bold and catchy international tunes and a growing catalog of eclectic original work. Hard at work on their third CD, these capable lads are regular features in Coffee Gallery tribute shows and across the San Gabriel Valley with their extensive work with local non-profit organizations. Come join them for another exciting Saturday matinee performance with some of the finest local musicians whom they now count as good friends and collaborators."
* RASPIN STUWART is back with the Licata Brothers again after their SRO performance back in June. His intensely clever and entrancing songs bring that rare blend of spiritual insight, social commentary and self-deprecating humor that had the audience singing along to his diverse song catalog, including from his most recent CD, “We Do What We Do”. In the intimate, comfortable atmosphere of the Coffee Gallery Backstage, an afternoon “session” with Raspin is just what the doctor ordered in these troubled times.
* NEIL ROSENGARDEN, a youthful prodigy in his own day, brings a lifetime of multi-instrument mastery to every event he supports at the Coffee Gallery Backstage. Whether on keyboards, guitar or trumpet, the Licata Brothers are thrilled to have him backing them up as they pull out the stops on music from just about any era and genre. Neil will also have for sale copies of his recent CD, “Four Songs”, on which he collaborated with the renowned lyricist/poet STEPHEN KALINICH.
* CHAD WATSON, lovingly referred to in these parts as ”God’s Bass Player”, brings a rhythmic, melodic and harmonic richness and clarity to every performance. His charming voice, soothing manner and infectious enthusiasm for good music of any period really lights up the room (and his fellow musicians). If you have not yet seen this master at work, get ready for this “soulful keel” on the ship of musical adventure for a truly memorable afternoon.
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Sat, Nov 11:
4 pm THOMPSONIA plays the "Deep End Sessions" in Santa Paula, CA 93060.
* Reservations get directions via email to David Bunn, at: deependsessions@gmail.com
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Sat, Nov 11:
6 pm BRENDA HUNTER & DAVE OGDEN plus HEIDI MULLER & BOB WEBB, and RUTH SMITH & STEVE SMITH, play the evening concert presented by Southern Californa Dulicimer Heritage as part of the "HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS" Festival, at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 2850 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
* Separate tix are available for those not attending the festival.
* Brenda is a former National Hammer Dulcimer champ.
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Sat, Nov 11, BENEFIT:
6 pm MARINA V, multiple award-winning singer songwriter and vocalist-pianist, plays a "Breast Cancer Charity Fundraiser" at Tashia's House Concert series in Redondo Beach, CA
* Reservations get directions at: https://www.marinav.com/tour
* “Hauntingly beautiful” says the L.A. Times.
* A longtime Guide favorite, whether she's singing traditional Russian folksongs or American Songbook standards or her own compositions.
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Sat, Nov 11:
7-10 pm "THE POETRY OF MUSIC" honoring JACKSON BROWNE and OZOMATLI, is Get Lit's Fall Gala, at the Candela Lounge, 831 S La Brea Av, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
* The evening includes dinner and the awards.
* The honorees are (obviously!) icons who have been integral to the history and culture of music.
* "Dinner & cocktails will be served, and the Get Lit Players will perform original pieces inspired by incredible music... all to raise money to transform education in Los Angeles" through our the organization's writing programs."
* More on Get Lit's mission and activities at www.getlit.org
* The producers tell us, "Get Lit’s curriculum bonds classic poetry with students’ original spoken word responses to transform school engagement and empower youth to make their voices heard. The result is transformative and, for some, life-saving. All proceeds from “The Poetry of Music” will go towards adopting LA County schools with literacy and dropout rates among the most severe in the nation. Come, support, and help galvanize our young writers and performers to greatness. Join the 'Literary Riot!'"
* Tix range from $20 to $500, at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-lits-fall-gala-the-poetry-of-music-tickets-37498818977
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Sat, Nov 11:
8 pm SUSIE GLAZE & THE NEW FOLK ENSEMBLE play the "PASADENA FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY" concert series in Beckman Institute Auditorium (aka "Little Beckman") on the Caltech campus at 400 S Wilson Av, Pasadena, CA 91106.
* Park free in either lot at the S end of Michigan Av, S off Del Mar, and ignore the "reserved" signs when attending concerts.
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Sat, Nov 11:
8 pm BERKLEY HART plays Java Joe's Coffee House, 3536 Adams Av, San Diego, CA 92116; 619-354-5637.
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Sat, Nov 11:
8 pm KRIS DELMHORST plus JEFFREY FOUCAULT play the storied concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Nov 11:
8 pm THE KINGSTON TRIO and JOHN SEBASTIAN team-up for a two-act folk legends concert at the "Lyric Theatre" at Cerritos Performing Arts Center, 12700 Center Court Dr., Cerritos, CA 90703; 562-916-8501 or 800-300-4345.
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Sat, Nov 11:
8 pm ADAM MILLER plays Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583.
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(LATE ADDITION...)
Sat, Nov 11:
8 pm "WEST VALLEY MUSIC'S ACOUSTIC MUSIC SERIES" returns with its season-opening concert, with JEFF GOLD plus JOHN ZIPPERER & THE CURRENT BAND, at West Valley Music, 24424 Vanowen Street, West Hills, CA 91307.
* Jeff Gold - "His gentle voice, fluid guitar playing, and captivating melodies draw you into the rich lyrics of his urban-folk style."
* John Zipperer and The Current Band - "A cross between Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, John's clear voice, infectious melodies, and heartfelt lyrics reach listeners in places that they didn't know existed."
* Tix, $15, includes refreshments; make reservations by phone: 818-992-4142.
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Sat, Nov 11:
10 pm MELISSA POLINAR at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040.
* Melissa Polinar first embarked on her journey when the industry was evolving into something new with the digital age. Many of her first steps forward as a singer-songwriter were in large part thanks to YouTube at its beginning. She bubbled to the top of the website’s music category with a collection of original songs, which instantly set her apart from most other curators who are more known for covers of pop music. Self-penned songs like 'Try' and 'Meant to Be' solidified her presence on YouTube not just as a singer, but an authentic songwriter known for her artistic poise and lyrical sincerity.
* It was during the formidable years between her YouTube videos and her extensive songwriting experience at a young age in Nashville when she began to fit into her shoes evolving to the artist that she is today. As the old industry further gave way to the social media era, she was able to reach more of an audience with her work than had arguably ever been available for Asian-American artists before. Polinar put a face and a voice to rising artists worldwide from the early stages of her career onward - thanks to her Internet presence and grassroots approach. Outside of writing, performing, and producing her own art, Polinar has contributed her talents across multiple albums by other artists.
* Tix: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=6871
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Sun, Nov 12:
2 pm THE FOLK REUNION is a consolidation of legends, THE KINGSTON TRIO with JOHN SEBASTIAN, playing the Kavli Theater at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
* In 1957, The Kingston Trio put a new twist on dormant folk music and quickly became part of an immensely popular “folk revival.” The Kingston Trio’s use of acoustic guitars, banjos, and three- part harmony can be heard in their hits “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” and their number one Grammy-winning song “Tom Dooley.”
* The Kingston Trio has put together a brand-new exciting show for the upcoming fall tour. Josh Reynolds, son of Nick Reynolds, one of the original-founding members of the Trio, and Nick’s cousin, Mike Marvin, along with the talented Tim Gorelangton will now continue performing the traditional hit songs of the Kingston Trio.
* Over four decades the contributions of John Sebastian have become a permanent part of the American musical fabric. His group, The Lovin' Spoonful (which he founded with Kingston's late great Zal Yanovsky) played a major role in the mid sixties rock revolution, and their music still reverberates today. Such hits as “Do You Believe in Magic,” “Daydream,” and “Summer in the City” have become a permanent part of our American musical fabric.
* The Kingston Trio and John Sebastian are booking more gigs than ever, a sign of the boomer generation’s return to acoustic music.
* TIX: single tickets are priced from $35-$55 with group discounts available. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com, or through the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard.
* More information, call 805-449-ARTS (2787) or go to www.civicartsplaza.com
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Sun, Nov 12:
2:30 pm RIVERBOAT DIXIE JAZZ BAND plays the Old Town Music Hall, 140 Richmond St, El Segundo, CA 90245; 310-322-2592. All seats: $20 (cash or check only); reservations recommended, at 310-322-2592.
* "Come hear traditional New Orleans Dixieland jazz with lots of great tunes and songs composed between 1897 and the 1920s - the 'Jazz Age.'
* Early American jazz, humorous narrative, and audience participation make for an evening of exciting, upbeat, toe-tapping fun for the whole family."
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Sun, Nov 12:
7-9 pm MARINA V, multiple award-winning singer-songwriter and delightfully musical vocalist-pianist, plays her ALBUM RELEASE SHOW with her band at Three Clubs, 1123 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038.
* “Hauntingly beautiful” says the L.A. Times.
* A longtime Guide favorite, whether she's singing traditional Russian folksongs or American Songbook standards or her own compositions.
* Marina, who tours the globe almost incessantly, tells us, "I am so excited about this show - it is the first show w/my band here in over 4 years! We will have this venue for the whole evening: we will perform, then hang out and celebrate the release of my new album, 'BORN TO THE STARS!'"
* Must be 21+ (sorry, kids.)
* TIX, $10 in advance at www.MarinaV.com or $20 at the door; plus the venue asks that you buy 2 drinks in the course of the evening (2 drink minimum).
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Sun, Nov 12:
8 pm KRIS DELMHORST plus JEFFREY FOUCAULT play SOHo Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805-962-7776.
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Sun, Nov 12:
8 pm DWIGHT YOAKAM plays the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita, CA 91355; 661-362-5304.
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Sun, Nov 12, BENEFIT:
8 pm "THE ROCK GODZ MUST BE CRAZY" is "a special night of storytelling to benefit the MusicRising Foundation," in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com; tix, $20, VIP tix, $100.
* The evening features true tales about music's biggest icons - from Elvis to Dylan - as told by producers, rock writers, roadies and others who were there, featuring Mike Stoller, Dr. Demento, Artie Butler, Felice Mancini, Artie Ripp, and others. In addition to the regular tickets, there are VIP ticket packages that include a wine tasting/meet & greet at Upper West restaurant, preferred seating, gift bags courtesy of Shout! Factory and Rock Beat Records.
* All proceeds go to benefit Music Rising, tasked with raising money to help replace the instruments lost in schools affected by the recent catastrophic hurricanes in the United States and U.S. Territories.
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(LATE ADDITION...)
Mon, Nov 13:
9 am & 11 am "ROOTS OF MUSIC PROGRAM" with CAMBALACHE at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731.
* The venue says, "The legendary Son Jarocho ensemble, Cambalache, will perform for our RoMP students at the Grand Annex, and we'd like you to join us! Performances are at 9 am and 11 am. Please RSVP by calling 310-833-4813 and we'll reserve a seat for you on the VIP deck at the Annex."
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Mon, Nov 13:
THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND headlines The Troubadour in WeHo, during a stop on their current national U.S. tour in support of the recently released album, "What If" on Rounder Records.
* See the Guide's full story in the Oct 13 edition, events feature B-5, at:
https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2017/10/mega-mondo-mid-october-music-news.html
* Get your tix for the Troubadour show before they're gone. More at: http://www.jerrydouglas.com
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Tue, Nov 14:
Noon & 4 pm DISNEY'S "FROZEN" SING-ALONG with special live hosts ELSA & ANNA, at the Thousand Oak's Civic Arts Plaza Scherr Forum, 2100 Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; 805-449-ARTS (2787); www.CivicArtsPlaza.com
* See the Guide's full feature story, events feature B-6 in our Oct 13 edition, at:
https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2017/10/mega-mondo-mid-october-music-news.html
* Tix: http://www.civicartsplaza.com/showinfo.php?id=256
All seats $19 + $4 facility fee; no age discounts for this show; groups get 10% off.
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Wed, Nov 15:
7 pm DANNY KORTCHMAR plus STEVE POSTELL, and DAN NAVARRO, team-up to play the "Tales from the Tavern" series at the Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460; 805-686-4785.
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Fri, Nov 17:
8 pm JOEL RAFAEL plus JOHN TRUDELL'S BAD DOG play the storied concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Nov 18:
"CASINO MODERNE" at American Legion Post 43, Hollywood, CA
* The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles presents "Casino Moderne," an evening of gaming (poker, roulette, craps and more), hot proto jazz from the nineteen-teens, twenties and thirties by JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS, a silent auction, period vendors, and plenty of prohibition-style cocktails (no-host) at the perfect venue: built in 1929 in Art Deco style.
* Cocktail or Evening attire. Vintage or contemporary.
* Age 21 and over.
* Tix:
- ADSLA members $40 (join before the event and save)
- General Admission $55
- Advance ticket sales end Nov 17 at noon.
- Tickets at the door are $60.
* This event benefits the preservation activities of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles.
* Parking prices TBA at the Post.
* Parking is also available for $15 at Hollywood and Highland complex. It is a short Uber or Lyft ride up Highland to the American Legion Post 43.
* ADA, etc: Please note that the elevator into the event space is unreliable in this vintage building.
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Sat, Nov 18:
7 pm “POSTCARDS FROM HOME: AN EVENING OF STORIES, SONGS AND DANCE” at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA; Reservations, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, by phone only: 626-798-6236.
* It's "A Hawaiian Treat and Festival Of Stories, Song & Dance."
* Singer, Songwriter from Hawaii now a California resident, Kimo Williams returns after a SRO crowd earlier this summer. His cache of Hawaiian classic music blends beautifully with his own original compositions reflecting his island home of O'ahu.
* Kimo brings with him master hula dancer Mahealani Harder who enchanted the audience earlier this year with her mesmerizing hula.
* For Kumu Mahealani, hula is a lifestyle and a way of being. You will see her magic as she dances. It will touch your heart.
* Bob Stane says, "A Coffee Gallery Backstage veteran returns. Delightful storyteller Hawaiian native Kamaka Brown joins Kimo and Mahahealani for some of his original stories about growing up in Hawaii. Kamaka's musings and gentle humor in Hawaiian Pidgin English will capture you in a much simpler time in Hawaii. You will love the nostalgic journey into Hawaii's past. Be Blessed. Be light. Be aloha!"
* Hear their music in rotation at: http://www.V93FM.com
* There's more on the awards and accomplishments of one of these artists at: http://www.kamakabrown.com
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Sat, Nov 18:
7:30 pm MEN OF WORTH plus THE McMAMMALS play the monthly "The Living Tradition" concert series at Anaheim Downtown Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim, CA 92805; concerts@thelivingtradition.org
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Sat, Nov 18:
8 pm JOEL RAFAEL plus JOHN TRUDELL'S BAD DOG play the "San Diego Folk Heritage" concert series at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Av, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
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Sat, Nov 18:
8 pm DAVID LINDLEY brings his mega-multi-instrumental magic to the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731; 310-833-6362.
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Sat, Nov 18:
8 pm & 10 pm KINKY FRIEDMAN plays two shows tonight in the storied concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Nov 18:
8 pm CORBETT, MULLINS & KNOPF plus BURNING HEART BLUEGRASS play Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583.
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Sat, Nov 18:
8 pm WENDY WALDMAN plays the monthly "Camarillo Cafe" concert series at Camarillo Community Center, 1605 E Burnley St, Camarillo, CA 93010; 805-814-9366.
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Sun, Nov 19:
10:30 am "A FAERY HUNT: THE FAIRY AND THE PIRATE" is the "Matinee Kids' Show" at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sun, Nov 19:
8 pm ILE plus GABY MORENO play the Valley Performing Arts Center, on the CSUN campus at 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330; 818-677-3000.
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Sun, Nov 19:
2 pm THE KINGSTON TRIO play the lovely McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260; 760-340-ARTS or 866-889-ARTS.
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Sat, Nov 25:
7 pm JIM KWESKIN & JULI CROCKETT at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA; Reservations, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, by phone only: 626-798-6236.
* They bring a four-person band of extreme quality and fun.
* JIM KWESKIN is best known from jug band fame, and these days, as a singer-songwriter and bandleader, but he also created one of the bedrock guitar styles of the folk revival, adapting the ragtime-blues fingerpicking of artists like Mississippi John Hurt and Pink Anderson to the more complex chords of pop and jazz. Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band was the original "Americana" band, playing everything from classic blues to hillbilly country, ragtime, jazz, and rock 'n' roll. Kweskin has maintained a remarkably consistent musical vision since his jug band days, continuing to explore traditional folk and blues with the sophisticated sensibility of a jazz musician and traditional jazz with the communal simplicity of a folk artist.
* Alabama-born JULI CROCKETT is a bona fide Renaissance woman: singer, songwriter, playwright, theater director, undefeated professional boxer and amateur champion, ordained minister, Doctor of Philosophy, and leader of the alt-country / avant Americana genre-defying band THE EVANGENITALS, as well as THE CROCKETT SISTERS. (They’re the same band – you choose which name you prefer. Some bookings have a problem with the original name.)
* The teaming of Jim Kweskin and Juli Crockett is the happy collision of classic and contemporary Americana music. Together, Kweskin and Crockett performances are celebrations of virtuoso musicianship seasoned with humor andexuberance.
* Joined by super mandolin player Daniel Mark (Dustbowl Revival) and bassist Carl Sealove, Jim and Juli have a great time singing both old jazzy, folkyfavorites mixed in with Juli's original (and occasionally irreverent) compositions. Take a wild ride through history and into the future of folk with Kweskin and Crockett.
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Sun, Nov 26:
7:30 pm JACK TEMPCHIN plus CHELSEA WILLIAMS in a fine double-bill in the storied concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
* Jack has written many hits for the EAGLES and that band's individual members.
* Chelsea, a performing songwriter with the SALTY SUITES ensemble, was discovered by John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) who recommended her and resulted in her first radio gigs, playing live on our old "Tied to the Tracks" show when it was broadcast from Los Angeles.
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Wed & Thu, Nov 29 & 30:
7 pm CRISTIN MILIOTI at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040.
* Cristin Milioti makes her two-night Hotel Cafe debut after numerous sold out NYC concerts, including the prestigious Lincoln Center’s American Songbook. Cristin is known for her dramatic, comedic, and musical work on stage, television and in film. She starred as “Girl” in the Broadway smash hit musical ONCE, for which she won a Grammy and was nominated for a Tony Award, and was recently seen in David Bowie's "Lazarus". Her film and television credits include Martin Scorsese’s THE WOLF OF WALL STREET, this upcoming season of Netflix's "BLACK MIRROR", season 2 of FX's Golden Globe-winning drama "FARGO", and CBS’s hit comedy, "HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER", to name a few.
* Tix:
- Nov 29: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=6951
- Nov 30: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=6952
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Wed, Nov 29:
7:30 pm "AN IRISH CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA" presented by AMSD Concerts in the Laura R. Charles Theater at Sweetwater High School, 2900 Highland Av, National City, CA 91950; 829-303-8176.
* Get your tix promptly; this'll sell-out early.
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Thu, Nov 30:
7 pm CRISTIN MILIOTI at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040. (See Nov 29 write-up.)
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Thu, Nov 30:
8 pm ANAT COHEN TENTET plays the Valley Performing Arts Center on the CSUN campus at 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330; 818-677-3000.
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Thu, Nov 30:
8 pm DWIGHT YOAKAM plays City National Grove Of Anaheim, 2200 E Katella Av, Anaheim, CA 92806; 714-712-2700.
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Thu, Nov 30:
8 pm THE MIGHTY ECHOES play Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583.
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(LATE ADDITION...)
Thu through Sat, Nov 30-Dec 2:
8 pm PACIFIC SYMPHONY, joined by internationally acclaimed Chinese pianist XIAYIN WANG, for a "DOUBLE DEBUT" to perform GERSHWIN’S "Concerto in F" led by Estonian conductor ANU TALI, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa.
* Performing with Pacific Symphony for the first time is the international sensation, Chinese pianist Xiayin Wang. This sublime talent gives fresh, dynamic energy to Gershwin’s Concerto in F. Considered an artist of keen musicality and sweeping virtuosity, Wang brings audiences to their feet with her riveting playing. The Washington Post called her playing “precise and strong,” her drive “unrelenting” and her concentration “intense.”
* Considered Gershwin’s most classical piece, the Concerto in F represents the ideal blend of the rhythmic liberty of jazz fused with classical roots.
* Making her debut on the Symphony’s podium is outstanding Estonian Conductor Anu Tali, one of the most intriguing young conductors on the scene today. Tali leads both the Sarasota and Nordic Symphony Orchestras, and she serves as guest conductor for this program, which also features Smetana’s enchanting “The Moldau” and Dvořák’s dramatic Symphony No. 7.
* In addition, the audience is treated to image magnification projected on large screens for an up-close look at the artists.
* The program runs for three performances, Thursday through Saturday, Nov 30-Dec 2, at 8 pm.
* TIX are $25-$126; Box Circle tix, $196-$206; all available at 714-755-5799 or www.PacificSymphony.org
* Go early: A preview talk with Alan Chapman begins at 7 pm.
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Fri, Dec 1:
7:30 pm BLACK MARKET TRUST plays the 1st of 3 dates for the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series," this one at the Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan St, Dana Point, CA 92629; 949-244-6656.
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Fri, Dec 1:
8 pm AARON NEVILLE DUO plays the Luckman Fine Arts Center, 5151 State College Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90032; 323-343-6600.
* Aaron also plays a solo show Sat, Dec 2, in Poway.
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Fri, Dec 1:
8 pm FEUFOLLET plays their authentic old Cajun music with superb liveliness for the "ArtPower" series in The Loft, at Univ. of Calif. San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, Price Center East, San Diego, CA 92093; 858-822-3199..
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Sat, Dec 2:
2 pm & 5 pm "ART & STUDY OF TAIKO" at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center's James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503; 310-781–7171.
* The traditional form of thunderous Japanese drumming has transcended into many modern expressions and gained huge followings in America.
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Sat, Dec 2:
3 pm & 8 pm "AN IRISH CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA" arrives for two shows in the Curtis Theatre, at the Brea Civic & Cultural Center, One Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA 92821; 714-990-7722.
* Don't dawdle getting tix; this will sell-out early.
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Sat, Dec 2:
7 pm JESSE MALIN at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040.
* Few in the modern musical landscape have reinvented themselves like Jesse Malin. Revered by iconic figures from Bruce Springsteen and Joe Strummer to Ryan Adams and Jim Jarmusch, Malin's songwriting has shape-shifted through decades and genres and left an indelible mark on hardcore, punk, folk, and everything in between. Produced by songwriter Joseph Arthur, Jesse Malin’s new EP Meet Me at the End of the World aims his singular blend of gritty street poetry and incisive self-reflection squarely at our troubled, modern times. "The songs were written on tour looking out the van window," reflects Malin. "We were driving around America just watching the frightening and embarrassing ascension of the current administration amidst a really dark and manipulative international media blitz." The music was recorded fast and raw with Malin's live band: drummer Randy Schrager, bassist Catherine Popper, and longtime sideman/producer/co-writer Derek Cruz. The collaboration with Arthur was initially intended to be a one-time affair for Malin's Positive Panther charity, which raises funds for his former European merch-seller Nathalie Baverstock in her fight against cancer, but the two songwriters discovered a natural kinship in the studio. “It's not unusual for Jesse to be writing great songs, but it feels like there's a new energy to it right now," adds Joseph.
* Tix: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=7002
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Sat, Dec 2:
7 pm BLACK MARKET TRUST plays the 2nd of 3 shows for the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series," this one at Mission Viejo Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Dr, Mission Viejo, CA 92691; 949-244-6656.
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Sat, Dec 2:
7 pm JACKIE MORRIS plays her CD release concert at the Palm Loft Gallery, 410 Palm Av, Loft A-1, Carpinteria, CA 93013; 805-684-9700.
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Sat, Dec 2:
8 pm AARON NEVILLE plays the Poway Center for Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd, Poway, CA 92064; 858-668-4797.
* He also plays, in a duo, on Fri, Dec 1, at the Luckman in L.A.
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Sat, Dec 2:
8 pm JIM ‘KIMO’ WEST plays his award-winning Hawai'ian slack key guitar at Alva’s Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro, CA 90732; 310-519-1314.
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Sun, Dec 3:
2 pm & 7 pm "AN IRISH CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA" stages two performances of its tour today at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center's James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503; 310-781–7171.
* Don't dawdle getting tix; this will sell-out early.
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Sun, Dec 3:
3 pm BLACK MARKET TRUST plays the 3rd of 3 shows for the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series," this one at LCA Wine at SOCO Center, 3303-3323 Hyland Av, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
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Sun, Dec 3:
8pm TRACE BUNDY plays the storied concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Dec 16:
8 pm MICHAEL O'DORN, "Merle Travis Fingerstyle Master," plays the Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; frethouse@earthlink.net; www.frethouse.com
* Tix, $20.
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Feb 1-3, 2018:
Annual "NATIONAL COWBOY POETRY GATHERING" in Elko, Nevada.
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Sat, Feb 10, 2018:
MIRANDA LAMBERT "Livin' Like Hippies Tour" at the Forum.
* Tix go on sale Fri, Oct 13.
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♪ THAT'S A WRAP FOR THIS EDITION
The Guide will return with many more inclusive and inquisitive
and informative and pretty dad-burn complete coverage
of all kindsa things, continuing forward and onward
in our next MUSIC NEWS edition,
coming your way soon.
Meantime, check in and let us know what you think about THIS one.
Y'all come back now, y'hear?
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See you next time!
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Seriously...
THIS IS HERE FOR YOU, THE ACOUSTIC MUSIC-MAKER AND FAN, SO LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK...
As always, we invite you to join us and to let us know what YOU are listening to, and what artists or bands just sent you swooning and need to be shared with others.
Doing our part depends on you doing your part. That way, you'll know that a whole lot more is always coming soon — including fresh MUSIC NEWS, PREVIEWS & REVIEWS, and more additions to our massive guide to the MUSIC FESTIVALS of 2017.
Meantime, we are ALWAYS big advocates of supporting LIVE PERFORMANCE. With everything happening in the big, wide world, and through these festival-packed, waning-of-summer weekends? Go get tuneful!
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LEGALESE, CONTACTING US, 'N SUCH...
Boilerplate? Where's the main pressure gauge? And the firebox?
What "boilerplate"? Who came up with that goofy term for the basic essential informational stuff...
________________________________
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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. That includes 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 (now undergoing a major update), and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues from the monumentally large to the intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops, conferences, 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 swamp water roots of the blues and the bright lights of where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell. The porch'll be here anytime you come back from the road.
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This one covers the month of November, and gets into some things happening in December and on into 2018. Yes, the sand is about out of the 2017 hourglass.
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Hoo-eee, it's NOVEMBER, past the time when you 'spect things would be settling down... yet there are TWO festivals this weekend! Plus, there's a three-day conference on the future of finding ways to take effective political action, and that is the stuff that some of our readers will find irresistible. So the info on all three things is in here.
November is off to a seriously fun and musically solid start, and we don't just mean the concert action (which we cover, too, just after our number-one feature on the festivals and that conference).
This edition is all about helping you find events and places where you can find harmonious fulfillment, if even for a little while in this crazy, mixed-up world. Because, sometimes the best we can hope for? Well, it's the music that just makes you glad you're there.
The weekend's festivals are delightfully unusual. The one that runs both Saturday and Sunday is complete with artsy-fartsy delights and hissing, reciprocating, hard-to-figure-how-they-keep-'em-balanced, whirling, twirling, thrashing and dancing mechanical contraptions large 'n small. And it even comes with melodiously charming steam whistle accompaniments that, contrary to all those songs, won't sound lonesome at all! It's just up the 101 freeway to Hwy 126 in the charming lil' Ventura County burg of Fillmore.
And before that, you can get to the Saturday-only FREE festival with music, theatre, dance, and spectrum-wide samplers of the great cornucopia of performance arts, all happening in downtown L.A.!
Are you smiling yet?
Not to diminish that smile, but there is that conference on where things are headed that we cannot escape (and that we ignore at our peril), and what we can do -- just maybe -- to get them turned in a direction that can benefit ALL of us... and, to find ways to make the powers-that-be and the forces of corporatocracy look out for the well-being of the planet, sustainability, and the futures of all those who will follow us as our inheritors. The event is called "The Left Coast Forum." It's the first one to start this weekend (on Friday, running through Sunday). But we list it after the two festivals, since it's not music. Though you might just find blissful harmony in the company of others who were thinking like you do, until they spent more time contemplating what we can do, TOGETHER, about all of it.
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So, welcome to this edition.
Now, let's get started!
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CONTENTS / IN THIS EDITION...
1) Festivals this Weekend
2) Concerts and Such, this Weekend's Picks -- Friday through Sunday
3) After this Weekend -- Picks for November, and on INTO NEXT YEAR
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# 1 events feature...
♪ FESTIVALS THIS WEEKEND
Three events -- two festivals with earfuls o' tunefulness, and one conference on finding harmony in the institutions that govern us.
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Sat, Nov 4, FREE FESTIVAL:
11 am-5 pm Annual "GRAND AVENUE ARTS" is a FREE ARTS & CULTURE EVENT FOR ALL, at
* There's plenty happening with this, including lots of kids activities and multiple music venues, all FREE.
* Los Angeles is a playground for arts and culture, and in recent years, Grand Avenue is, increasingly, its epicenter. For the second year in a row, "Grand Ave Arts" invites all to explore, be curious, pop-in and choose their own adventures with free access to more than 10 participating cultural institutions along Grand Avenue -- plus what those venues are bringing to the park and adjacent public spaces.
* Events include family-friendly craft-making, performances, architecture tours, workshops, museum exhibitions, food and drink and kids screenings. Events are free and open to the public.
* MUSIC PERFORMANCE VENUES AND SCHEDULES:
a) LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA at the COLBURN SCHOOL, 200 S Grand Av; MUSICBOX: Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra presents the world’s tiniest concert hall—MusicBox. Pop inside the Box for an immersive, intimate concert experience like no other. Anyone can hear the music from outside the Box, but the concert inside is just for you; South Plaza Tent, 1:30 pm–3:30 pm.
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b) L.A. OPERA at the DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION, 135 N Grand Av; PERFORMANCES: Singers from L.A. Opera’s prestigious Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program will perform beloved arias and ensembles from favorite operas. Stern Grand Hall, noon and 2 pm.
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c) L.A. PHIL at WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL, 111 S Grand Av; "WAR OF THE WORLDS: Inspiration is where you find it" – An Introduction to "War of the Worlds" by radio personality Alan Chapman. Learn more about Yuval Sharon’s upcoming opera based on Orson Welles’ 1939 radio broadcast, during which DTLA’s defunct air raid sirens will broadcast the performance from Walt Disney Concert Hall, while performers at the sirens send their reports back to WDCH. Event today at BP Hall, 11:30 am–noon, and 12:45–1:15 pm.
• MUSIC WORKSHOPS With Toyota Symphonies for Youth, 11:30 am–1:30 pm.
• MUSIC WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES: Music activity with an L.A. Phil teaching artist; 4 sessions with short breaks in between for participants to enter and leave; in Keck Auditorium.
• INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO: Walk through the Blue Ribbon Garden on the west terrace of the Walt Disney Concert Hall and get to know some instruments from the orchestra; in the Blue Ribbon Garden.
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d) COLBURN SCHOOL: 200 S Grand Av.
• LITTLE KING: Violist Ryan Davis, aka Little King, performs original music with a looping pedal. Plus, he’ll work with audience members to write new music on the spot.
South Plaza; 11 am–12 pm.
• TAP: Tap extraordinaire and Colburn faculty Denise Sheerer leads a small group in a lively and rhythmic pop-up performance.
South Plaza; 12–12:30 pm.
• "CONDUCT US:" Step up to the podium and lead a small chamber orchestra as their maestro. No prior experience necessary—just have fun.
South Plaza Tent; 12:30–1:30 pm.
• CONCERT CHOIR OPEN REHEARSAL: Pop in to hear the Community School’s choir. Mayman Hall; 3–3:45 pm.
• ACADEMY VIRTUOSI: The Music Academy’s conductorless ensemble performs beloved works for a small orchestra. Thayer Hall; 4–4:45 pm.
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e) MUSIC CRAFTS & VENUE TOURS:
• THE MUSIC CENTER: 135 N Grand Av; The Music Center offers a day of family-friendly activities and tours of its four iconic venues, including the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
• CRAFT-MAKING + MUSIC: Visit The Music Center Plaza for family-friendly craft-making workshops accompanied by music from a Los Angeles-based DJ. 11 am–3 pm.
• WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL TOURS: Check-in in front of Walt Disney Concert Hall. Begin at 11 am, 30 min in duration. Final tour at 2:30 pm.
• DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION TOURS: Check-in in front of Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Begin at 11 am, 30 min in duration. Final tour at 2:30 pm.
• AHMANSON THEATRE TOURS: Check-in in front of Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Begin at 11 am, 30 min in duration. Final tour at 2:30 pm.
• MARK TAPER FORUM TOURS: Check-in in front of Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
Begin at 11 am, 30 min in duration. Final tour at 2:30 pm.
• L.A. OPERA BACKSTAGE TOUR: Experience all the different art forms that go into the creation of an opera — the grandeur of the music, the spectacular singing, the craftsmanship of the sets, the intricacy of the costumes and so much more. Line for the LA Opera Backstage Tour will begin outside of Dorothy Chandler Pavilion along Hope Street; 11 am–12 pm, 1–2 pm, and 3–4 pm.
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Participating Organizations:
The Broad
Center Theatre Group
Colburn School
Grand Park
LA Chamber Orchestra
LA Opera
LA Phil
Los Angeles Public Library
Los Angeles Master Chorale
MOCA
The Music Center
REDCAT
* Grab the whole crew to take a peek behind-the-scenes for "the ultimate (free) Los Angeles arts field trip."
* More info: http://grandavearts.tumblr.com
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Sat & Sun, Nov 4 & 5, FESTIVAL:
10 am-5 pm "STEAM PUNK FESTIVAL CALIFORNIA" in the town park and historical depot / museum grounds adjacent to the Fillmore & Western Railway, 364 Main St, Fillmore, CA 93015
* Tix (festival admission & all on-site activities): adults $15 per day at gate; kids age 10-18 and seniors $5 per day; kids under age 10 get in free.
* Train ride tix: one-hour steam train rides, both days, depart at 10 am, noon, 2 pm, & 4 pm. Reservations required online or by phone, as the seam locomotive runs rarely, so all these trains will sell-out. Adult, $25; Adult & baby (under age 2, on lap) $25; Child age 2-3, $10; Youth age 4-12, $15.
* Train ride tix at: https://public.whistletix.com/FWRY/Events/Calendar
* Festival options:
$50 VIP tickets include a 2 day pass with preview evening on Friday, early entry each day, reserved seating at workshops and a laser etched event pin.
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* Not so fast, because it's not likely you have the whole picture here. That's even (maybe especially) if you among those who recognize the modern educational acronym of "S.T.E.A.M -- Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math," (you know, the stuff that USED to be included in EVERYBODY's public school education before "austerity" became to rage).
* Likewise, if you have experienced "STEAMPUNK," you still don't get all that's happening here. For the uninitiated to THAT term, steampunk is a movement that often gets classed as sci-fi, based on the following premise: what if technology had advanced along mechanical lines, rather than electronics?
* Thus MUSIC that's compatible with steampunk isn't too-terribly plugged-in, and it embraces a lot of archaic and arcane and old-timey trad and folky instruments and forms.
* Of course, that means steam engines and steam locomotives and such are purt near required attendees.
* NOW, put all those elements together and you've got a fair picture of a steampunky S.T.E.A.M. festival. And THAT, including a train you can ride, pulled by a real, standard-gauge steam locomotive, are what you'll find at this festival. And plenty more, for kids and, uhh, "big" kids.
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* In education circles, S.T.E.A.M. is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math as access points for guiding students inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking, and it has been brought to the forefront of schools' curriculum in recent years. S.T.E.A.M. is a movement championed by Rhode Island School of Design & widely adopted by educational institutions, corporations and individuals.
* The S.T.E.A.M. festival arrives this weekend in Fillmore "to make learning fun with Steampunk themed workshops, games, vendors and entertainment; united through the power of imagination and shaped with the aesthetic of Time Travelers, Tinkerers and Steampunks." It’s the worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo Da Vinci played out exclusively at old train towns and museums across the western United States as this festival plays in a different place each time it's held. Steampunk is often defined as a genre of science fiction that has a historical setting and typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology. (Wait a minute. Who SAYS steam locomotion isn't "advanced technology"-? Who do YOU know who can calculate thermodynamics for the volume of a boiler's firebox, or boiler horsepower through cylinders of any given stroke and bore, or tractive effort with drivers of any given diameter?) Anyway, the producers of this festival believe they have devised "a perfect fit for the existing train museums that feature Steam engines and other extinct technology" with the latest effort to get needed support back into education.
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* MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Stage and set times at: http://thesteamfestival.com/index.php/entertainers-the-steam-punk-festival/
FRYTOWN TOUGHS – born out of Doc Holiday’s musical saloon show in Tombstone, Arizona. Their specialties: "Piano! Singing! Music! Mayhem! And plenty of shenanigans."
STRANGE INDEED – All that sound from two people? Projecting larger-than-life musical entertainment through soulful vocal harmonies, banjo, resophonic guitar, harmonica and foot percussions.
STONE STANLEY – is a one man band (Jason Trombley) who plays foot drums, guitars and vocals simultaneously to create Mudstomp Music!
DR. SOLAR – Steampunk Medicine Man show; Magic, Puppetry and oddities abound on the only Solar powered Gypsy caravan stage.
POPLOCK HOLMES – Chap Hop artist and Master of Ceremonies. Poplock Holmes raps about hunting Yeti, Drinking Tea fighting crypto-creatures and dropping scientific facts like the Hundredth Monkey theory.
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You'll encounter all sorts of colorful entertainers, contraptions, and crazy spectacles to behold. The festival is one part science fair and one part traveling circus, “The S.T.E.A.M. Festival” sets up a world which co-exists in the old Train and Steam museums that dot the west coast. This time it’s in historic Fillmore, California. There are activities and adventures at every turn. A stage is brought in for the musical entertainment. A curated ensemble of Steampunk music create a festive atmosphere that will be live broadcast online and via AM radio signals by Steampunk Podcast professionals “Dreadfully Punk”. There will also be a vendor alley where patrons can grab their own goggles, top hat or any number of goodies and gadgets from over 20 unique vendors. Steam Machines will run at the Steam Engine and Machine display, a scavenger hunt will send children to all corners of the festival grounds to learn interesting S.T.E.A.M. facts as they complete their quest, and of course the museum will showcase their splendid Steam powered equipment. While all this fantastic fun is unfolding, there will be educational panels about items of historical significance like Antique Cameras, Antique Musical Instruments like the Theremin, Improvisation workshops, Junk build-offs, and more fun workshops at “The S.T.E.A.M. Festival.”
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* More at: http://thesteamfestival.com
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Fri-Sun, Nov 3-5:
"LEFT COAST FORUM 2017: STATE OF THE STRUGGLE" at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, 400 W Washington Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
* The full event runs Fri, Nov 3, starting at 6 pm, through Sun afternoon at 1 pm.
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* Renowned educator, university professor, economist and author Richard D. Wolff opens the event on Friday evening. His keynote topic is "A Left Program for the US Today." Wolff says, "Beset by worsening instability and inequality, a broken US capitalism has betrayed many millions. Gone is their confidence in both party establishments," Wolff says. "Neither imagines, let alone offers an adequate solution. A new left solution — real system change — is available; now is its historical moment."
- - -
* Producers tell us, "With the grim racist, anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-labor ideology that has grasped much of the nation’s political dialog, the time couldn’t be better to introduce a new platform to West Coast activists and organizers eager to combat this unprecedented reactionary takeover."
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* Modeled on and partnering with New York City’s venerable "Left Forum," the inaugural three-day "Left Coast Forum" brings luminaries of political, social, and economic justice. It is set to focus on ways the burgeoning populist uprisings — think Occupy, Standing Rock, Black Lives Matter, Fight 4 Fifteen, Dreamers — can mold themselves into a lasting movement to create a racially and economically "just" world that we, as Americans, too-often honor in our words, but so rarely in our deeds.
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* You’ll find speakers, panelists, and fellow activists building upon the sometimes-disjointed street protests, online petitions, and "siloed" thinking. All are there to create the potent united front needed to reclaim all threatened rights and freedoms.
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* The editor and publisher of "L.A. Progressive, who is sponsoring the event, say, "Join us in mapping out the state of our struggle. Join us in moving beyond resistance."
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* TIX range from $20–$125, and there are plenty of options:
- The "Solidarity All-Event Pass" is $75 (+$5.12 fee).
- A "Low Income 3-Day Pass" is $25 (+$2.37 fee).
- A "1-Day Pass" is $20 (+$2.09 fee).
- A "Vendor/Publisher/Organization Table" is $125 (+$7.87 fee)
* All tix options are available at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/left-coast-forum-2017-state-of-the-struggle-tickets-37712459983
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# 2 events feature...
♪ CONCERTS AND SUCH, THIS WEEKEND's PICKS -- FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
Chronologically, by day and time.
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ONGOING, closes Nov 19:
"BRIGHT STAR" the musical by STEVE MARTIN and EDIE BRICKELL, with CARMEN CUSACK in her Tony-Award nominated role from Broadway, is on stage at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles CA; 213-972-4400; www.ahmansontheatre.org
* STEVE MARTIN, who first recorded comedic material, is the Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar winner who has become a banjo master and is respected in bluegrass and roots music circles; Grammy winner EDIE BRICKELL has a long and distinguished music career.
* In this collaboration, Martin is credited with the music, book, and story, and Brickell with the music, lyrics, and story.
* The production won "Best Musical" of 2016 in the NY Outer Critics Circle, and it's in L.A. for a limited run, with its original Broadway star.
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Fri-Sun, Nov 3-5, MUSIC CAMP in the local mtns:
Annual "MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS" presented by L.A. Songmakers at Camp de Benneville Pines, 41750 Jenks Lake Road West, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305.
* Registration and complete info at: http://www.uucamp.org/camps-retreats/adult-camps/music-in-the-mountains
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Fri, Nov 3:
7 pm JENNIFER CHUNG plays her Record Release Show with with NESSA RICA & PRISKA at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040.
* California native singer-songwriter Jennifer Chung began sharing her voice to the world over ten years ago when she uploaded her first video on YouTube. Since then, she's garnered over 37 MILLION views, released her first full length album "4 years & counting..", and continued performing all over the U.S. and South Korea. Her journey ultimately led her to Atlanta, GA after marrying rapper-musician, Joules. The two have since debuted their duo music group known as WATS (We Are The Songs.) Jennifer returns to The Hotel Cafe in celebration of her new solo mini-album "After All."
* Tix: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=6843
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Fri, Nov 3:
8 pm THE SHOW PONIES plus HONEY WHISKEY TRIO play the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731
* A Guide favorite since we first heard them at a festival high up in the mountains, the Show Ponies deliver a sassy blend of indie-folk, bluegrass, old-time country and American roots-rock. Openers Honey Whiskey Trio, Harmony Sweepstakes A Capella Festival Champions, offer up traditional folk music with sparkling harmonies.
* Honey Whiskey Trio are first-rate, national a cappela champs, and soulfully folky.
* Limited tix available at the door, so arrive plenty early.
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Fri, Nov 3:
8 pm DON McLEAN plays the Canyon Club, 28192 Roadside Dr, Agoura Hills, CA 91301; 818-879-5016.
* His hits of long ago include "American Pie" and "Vincent."
* he also plays The Rose in Pasadena, Saturday night, Nov 4.
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Fri, Nov 3:
8 pm JOLIE HOLLAND & SAMANTHA PARTON (of THE BE GOOD TANYAS) play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com; tix, $20.
* The LA Weekly writes: "Although Samantha Parton and Jolie Holland are both founding members of The Be Good Tanyas, they hadn't worked much with each other after Holland departed the Canadian folk-country group following the release of their 2001 debut album, 'Blue Horse.' While Holland went on to a well-received solo career, Parton continued with The Be Good Tanyas until she was laid low by injuries she suffered in two separate auto accidents. When Holland phoned Parton out of the blue to talk about collaborating again, Parton was ready to try something new after spending several years recovering. The recording of the duo's new album, 'Wildflower Blues' (on their own Cinquefoil Records), not only helped to restore Parton's confidence, it opened new sonic pathways for both vocalists, whose soothing harmonies are layered within their intimate balladry in a sublimely enchanting fashion."
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Fri, Nov 3:
8 pm RICKY Z plus THE BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND play the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA (take Santa Anita exit off 210 Fwy, go S, left on Huntington and you're right there. Free parking all over the area, including the big city lot.)
* Tickets are available for all concerts at http://arcadiabluesclub.eventbrite.com
* Advance tix online come with substantial savings (though shows here are never expensive, anyway).
* Fun venue, two stages, full bar, good food (generous portions, two can share), pool tables, friendly vibe. But bring earplugs. Seriously.
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Fri, Nov 3:
8 pm LA SANTA CECILIA plus MEXRRISSEY MARIACHI FLOR DE TOLOACHE play Campbell Hall at Univ. of ca;lif. Santa Barbara, 574 Mesa Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93106; 805-893-3535.
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Fri, Nov 3:
9 pm "THE BLUEGRASS SITUATION" presents THE STEEL WHEELS at the Hotel Café Second Stage, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90038; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040.
* Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, The Steel Wheels are familiar with the traditions of folk music and how a string band is supposed to sound. In fact, they’ve been drawing on those steadfast traditions for more than a decade. Yet, their name also evokes a sense of forward motion, which is clearly reflected in their latest album, Wild As We Came Here. The Steel Wheels recorded their album in rural Maine, where producer Sam Kassirer owns a recording studio inside a renovated farmhouse from the 18th century. All four band members – Trent Wagler (guitar, banjo), Eric Brubaker (fiddle), Brian Dickel (upright bass) and Jay Lapp (mandolin) – hunkered down for a week and a half to create Wild As We Came Here.
* The band’s name is a tip of the hat to steam-powered trains, industrial progress and the buggies of their Mennonite lineage. Their musical style weaves through Americana and bluegrass, folk and old-time music, and the acoustic poetry of the finest singer-songwriters. By incorporating percussion and keyboards into their recording sessions for the first time, Wild As We Came Here adds new textures to their catalog, as themes of discovery and perseverance run throughout the collection.
* Tix: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=6737
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Saturday
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Sat, Nov 4, BENEFIT:
5 pm ANDY & RENEE and a huge number of their musical friends are performing a "TOM PETTY TRIBUTE" as a "NOR CAL FIRE BENEFIT," and they're doing it as a house concert with more people lined-up to perform than you've ever imagined you'd see in a house concert. (It's in Torrance.)
* Renee, co-leader of the multiple award-winningf band HARD RAIN, tells us, "We're raising money for the victims of the Napa & Sonoma Fires while remembering, playing and paying tribute to the great music of Tom Petty. We're asking for a minimum $20 donation which will go to DirectRelief.org. DONATE MORE, if you can, and you don't need to be there to donate! We'll have lots of special guests too!"
* A light dinner is included, and you can BYOB.
* Musical guests will include: Andy Hill, Renee Safier, Brax Cutchin, Russell Wiener, Evyn Charles, Terry Buck, Arlen Rimmer, Joe Caccavo, Dave Crossland, John Hoke, Dave Batti & more TBA.
* Reservations (and contributions) get directions, at: http://www.andyandrenee.com/store.php
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Sat, Nov 4:
5:30 pm PHIL SALAZAR & THE KINFOLK play the concert series at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 380 N Fairview Av, Goleta, CA 93111.
___
(LATE ADDITION...)
Sat, Nov 4:
5:30-8:30 pm J. PETER BOLES, wonderful acoustic guitar based singer-songwriter, performs at Endless Summer, 113 Harbor Way, in the Santa Barbara HARBOR, CA.
* Whether or not you can go, check-out his "Hand-Picked Acoustic Music" at: www.jpeterboles.com
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Sat, Nov 4:
7 pm THE QUITTERS play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA; phone for reservations, 7 days, 10 am-10 pm: 626-798-6236.
* This is a a guitar duo consisting of a right-side up finger picker (Stevie Coyle) and an upside down flat picker (Glenn Houston). They were two of the three founding members of the virtuoso string band, The Waybacks, and one was the long-time lead guitarist and co-founder of the Americana powerhouse, Houston Jones. Now they play together, on their own, hence the name, “The Quitters”. They deliver a mostly acoustic celebration of flatpick and fingerstyle mastery plus vocals, spiced with humor and serendipity.
* Originally from New Jersey, Glenn Houston's (nee Pomianek) guitarist influences range from Albert King to Doc Watson, as shows in his mastery of both the acoustic and electric guitar. He has shared billing with luminaries in the folk, Americana, blues, country, rock and jazz genres far too numerous to list, and has even been a choral vocal performer with the LA Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony! After an illustrious career with several Bay Area bands, he co-founded the Waybacks in 1999 with Stevie Coyle and Chojo Jacques, leaving to pursue other directions before their first CD was made. One of those directions was co-founding The Houston Jones Band, with vocalist Travis Jones, from which he made his departure last year.
* Stevie Coyle's dad ran a radio station, his granny was a vaudeville pianist, his mother played in a mandolin orchestra, David Lindley rehearsed right next door and gave Stevie his first guitar lessons, and the first Hot Tuna album inspired him to begin fingerpicking! After degrees in Theatre and Theology he hit the road with The Royal Lichtenstein Circus, doing comedy, magic, wire-walking, sword-swallowing, and juggling. He has collaborated with Roy Zimmerman for 25 years, including folk tribute / parody band, The Foremen, and comedy duo, The Reagan Bros. In 1999 he co-founded The Waybacks and toured with them through 2007. https://www.quittersduo.com
* More info: https://www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm
* Tix, $18.
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Sat, Nov 4:
7 pm JOELLEN & THE URBAN GYPSIES play a house concert at the home of Shan Cretin and Emmett Keeler in Santa Monica, CA.
* Sorry, no contact info provided.
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Sat, Nov 4:
8 pm SELWYN BIRCHWOOD plus THE BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND play the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA (take Santa Anita exit off 210 Fwy, go S, left on Huntington and you're right there. Free parking all over the area, including the big city lot.)
* Tickets are available for all concerts at http://arcadiabluesclub.eventbrite.com
* Advance tix online come with substantial savings (though shows here are never expensive, anyway).
* Fun venue, two stages, full bar, good food (generous portions, two can share), pool tables, friendly vibe. But bring earplugs. Seriously.
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Sat, Nov 4:
8 pm BOBBY LONG plus CURTIS McMURTRY play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com; tix, $20.
* The venue tells us, "Saturday brings us UK folk heartthrob Bobby Long for another night of soulful back porch serenades. Long emerged from London's club scene with a reputation for creating memorable songs inhabited by hauntingly poetic lyrics. Since relocating to New York, he has released two CDs of powerful original material: the first - 'A Winter Tale' (2011) - is an homage to his acoustic roots, while the second - 'Wishbone' (2013) - bears a grittier sound that showcases his sorrow-filled voice and his stellar guitar playing. 2015's 'Ode To Thinking,' his third full album, married his varied musical influences, and his rabid fan base has enabled Long to continue, completely crowdsourcing his fourth album, now in production. Additionally, he has published two volumes of poetry -- 'Losing My Brotherhood' (2012) and the newly-released 'Losing My Misery.'"
* "Opening tonight," they continue, "is Austin native Curtis McMurtry whose laconic Americana has made him a favorite in his home town, and who made many new fans at McCabe's opening for Sarah Jarosz last year."
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Sat, Nov 4:
8 pm DON MCLEAN plays the Rose Theatre, 300 E Colorado Bl, Pasadena, CA 91129; 818-879-5016.
* His hits of long ago include "American Pie" and "Vincent."
* he also plays the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, Fri night, Nov 3.
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Sat, Nov 4:
8 pm BOBBY LONG plays the storied concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Nov 4:
8 pm THE PACO DE LUCÍA PROJECT plays "FLAMENCO LEGENDS," with JAVIER LIMÓN, at the Valley Performing Arts Center on the campus of CSUN, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330; 818-677-3000.
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Sat, Nov 4:
8 pm THE NOVEL IDEAS plus JASON HAWK HARRIS play Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583.
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Sat, Nov 4:
8:30 pm SON LITTLE plays the Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Bl, San Diego, CA 92101; 619-255-7224.
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Sat, Nov 4, MUSICAL THEATRE:
8 pm "BILLIE HOLIDAY: FRONT AND CENTER" opening night, at Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, 4305 Degnan Bl, Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90008.
* See the Guide's # 7 news feature story in the Sep 27 edition, at: https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2017/09/octobers-tunefully-and-artfully-big.html
* Runs for six performances: Sat, Nov 4 at 8 pm; Sun, Nov 5 at 3 pm; Fri, Nov 10 at 8 pm; Sun, Nov 12 at 3 pm; Sat, Dec 2 at 8 pm; Sun, Dec 3 at 3 pm.
* The closing performance on Dec. 3 will be a benefit for "Bridge to Africa Connection" honoring Ms. Dawn Sutherland. Tickets for that benefit are $75 general admission or $150 for a V.I.P. ticket.
* Tix to all other performances: $30 general, $25 seniors (age 65+), at 800-838-3006, or online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3077843
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Sunday
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Sun, Nov 5:
12:30 pm CENTER STAGE OPERA presents "AMICI DELLA MUSICA," "A very special Musical Luncheon" at Buon Gusto Ristorante, 15535 Devonshire St, Mission Hills, CA.
* Featured performers are Shira Renee Thomas, Dylan F. Thomas, and Siuzanna Iglidan
* Center Stage Opera friends and family invite you to enjoy a full-course gourmet meal, plus "the very best of opera, Broadway, jazz and soft rock."
* Tix, $55, include tax and tip (wine available at additional charge).
* Reservations required, at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3129503, or call 818-517-4102.
___
(LATE ADDITION...)
Sun, Nov 5:
2:20 pm J. PETER BOLES, wonderful acoustic guitar based singer-songwriter, performs at Sculpterra Winery, 5015 Linne Rd, Paso Robles, CA; 805-226-8881.
* Whether or not you can go, check-out his "Hand-Picked Acoustic Music" at: www.jpeterboles.com
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Sun, Nov 5, MUSICAL THEATRE:
3 pm "BILLIE HOLIDAY: FRONT AND CENTER" opening night, at Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, 4305 Degnan Bl, Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90008.
* See the Guide's # 7 news feature story in the Sep 27 edition, at: https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2017/09/octobers-tunefully-and-artfully-big.html
* Runs for six performances: Sat, Nov 4 at 8 pm; Sun, Nov 5 at 3 pm; Fri, Nov 10 at 8 pm; Sun, Nov 12 at 3 pm; Sat, Dec 2 at 8 pm; Sun, Dec 3 at 3 pm.
* The closing performance on Dec. 3 will be a benefit for "Bridge to Africa Connection" honoring Ms. Dawn Sutherland. Tickets for that benefit are $75 general admission or $150 for a V.I.P. ticket.
* Tix to all other performances: $30 general, $25 seniors (age 65+), at 800-838-3006, or online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3077843
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Sun, Nov 5:
7 pm BIG DADDY plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA; phone for reservations, 7 days, 10 am-10 pm: 626-798-6236.
* Almost two ago, BIG DADDY sold out the venue in record time. The band returns as these “Kings of 1950’s Mash-Up continue their quest to transform contemporary hits through a joyous romp back to the golden age of 1950’s Rock & Roll."
* Bob Stane says, "This is a renowned act. They are great. A wonderful Sunday’s entertainment."
* The Rhino recording act stormed the U.K.’s charts in 1985 with their top-twenty version of Bruce Springsteen’s "Dancing in The Dark" and has released six LP’s to date. Two of them, "Cutting Their Own Groove," and "Sgt. Pepper’s," have been placed on Stereophile Magazine’s list of "Records To Die For," including 2014’s "Smashing Songs of Stage & Screen." They also play newer works by Taylor Swift, Leonard Cohen and Bruno Mars, as BIG DADDY continues to amaze audiences with their outrageous renditions of Pop & Rock standards.
* Randy Lewis said in his L.A. Times’ review, "More than a gimmick, Big Daddy creates new takes on Pop and Rock songs that were consistently inspired, illuminating and often hilarious."
* Tix, $25.
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Sun, Nov 5:
8 pm ARIEL HOROWITZ, "AN EVENING OF ARTISTRY AND ACTIVISM," with special guests Linda Tillery and Miles Graber play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com; tix, $20.
* Hailed by The Washington Post as "sweetly lyrical", violinist Ariel Horowitz cannot remember life before loving music. Winner of top prizes at the Stulberg and Irving M. Klein International String Competitions, as well as The Juilliard School's Violin Concerto Competition, The Violin Channel praised Ariel's artistic energy: "If they gave out prizes for attitude...we think we may have found the Olympic champion." Ariel is a student of Itzhak Perlman and Catherine Cho at The Juilliard School as a recipient of the Arnold R. Deutsch/Dorothy DeLay Scholarship.
* Ariel is joined by celebrated pianist Miles Graber, and Oakland's Linda Tillery, who has powered many of the Bay Area's most popular bands over the past four decades. A central figure in the emerging women's music movement in the 1970s and 80s, Linda was also a founding member of Bobby McFerrin's vocal ensemble Voicestra. She currently leads the Cultural Heritage Choir, performing African American roots music.
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Sun, Nov 5:
9 pm SON LITTLE plays the Constellation Room, 3503 S Harbor Bl, Santa Ana, CA 92704; 714-957-0600.
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# 3 events feature...
♪ AFTER THIS WEEKEND -- PICKS FOR NOVEMBER, AND ON INTO NEXT YEAR
Very worth spending some time with this section. Not just to help you plan travels 'n such, but very much to be sure you'll have TICKETS before they sell-out!
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FIRST, OVERVIEWS OF A FEW KEY VENUES and SCHEDULES...
COMING UP AT THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE:
* Location: 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA; phone for reservations, 7 days, 10 am-10 pm: 626-798-6236.
* Thu, Nov 9, 8 pm - JIM & ANNE CURRY "The Songs of John Denver;" $18; You may have to go on the Waiting List.
* Fri, Nov 10, 8 pm - BABY GRAMPS; $18.
* Sat, Nov 11, 2:30 pm matinee - THE LICATA BROTHERS, RASPIN STUWART, NEIL ROSENGARDEN & CHAD WATSON bring a cornucopia of talent; $20, and that's cheap for what you'll see and hear.
* Sat, Nov 11, 7 pm - INCENDIO; $20.
* Sun, Nov 12, 7 pm - THE FOLK COLLECTION; $20.
* Tue, Nov 14, 8 pm - National Yodeling Champion LARRY B. WILDER plays his always-anticipated once-a-year engagement here; $15.
* More info: https://www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm
_ _ _
UPCOMING AT McCABE's, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com; in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe's Guitar Shop.
* The venue has announced shows into 2018, and tix are available for all listed events.
♪ Fri, Nov 10, 8 pm - HAWKTAIL (formerly Haas Kowert Tice); $25.
♪ Sat, Nov 11, 8 pm - KRIS DELMHORST and JEFFREY FOUCAULT in a stellar double-bill; $25.
♪ Sun, Nov 12, 8 pm - "THE ROCK GODZ MUST BE CRAZY" is "a special night of storytelling to benefit the MusicRising Foundation." (See the write-up. This'll be uniquely special.)
♪ Fri, Nov 17, 8 pm - JOEL RAFAEL with John Trudell's Bad Dog; $25.
♪ Sat, Nov 18, 8 pm & 10 pm - KINKY FRIEDMAN (2 shows); $35, either performance.
♪ Sun, Nov 19, 10:30 am - "Matinee Kids' Show" A FAERY HUNT, "The Fairy & the Pirate;" $15; kids under age 2 get in free.
♪ Sat, Nov 25, 8 pm - LINDA PERHACS plus CHRIS PRICE; $20.
♪ Sun, Nov 26, 7:30 pm - JACK TEMPCHIN plus Chelsea Williams; $25.
♪ Sun, Dec 3, 8 pm - TRACE BUNDY; $25.
♪ Fri, Dec 8, 8 pm - SEAN WATKINS; $25.
♪ Sat, Dec 9, 8 pm - VONDA SHEPARD; $25.
♪ Sun Dec 10, 8 pm - HOLIDAY SWING with MARIA MULDAUR & JOHN JORGENSON; $35.
♪ Fri & Sat, Jan 19 & 20, 2018, 8 pm - ALBERT LEE; either night, $26.50.
♪ Fri & Sat, Feb 9 & 10, 2018, 8 pm - DAVID LINDLEY; either night, $25.
♪ Sat, Feb 17, 8 pm - TOM RUSSELL; $35.
♪ Sat, Feb 24, 2018, 8 pm - JANIVA MAGNESS; $25.
_ _ _
COMING TO THE ARCADIA BLUES CLUB:
Location: 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA (take santa Anita exit off 210 Fwy, go S, left on Huntington and you're right there. Free parking all over the area.
* Coming up:
Fri, Nov 10: CK AllStars
Sat, Nov 11: Phillip Sayce
Fri, Nov 17: Gentlemen's Blues Club plus "very special guests"
Sat, Nov 18: Shawn Jones Band
* Tickets are available for all concerts at http://arcadiabluesclub.eventbrite.com
* Advance tix online come with substantial savings (though shows here are never expensive, anyway).
* The Bobby Bluehouse Band, with various special guests, is also on hand to kick-off these concerts and perform between sets every Fri. & Sat. night.
* Fun venue, two stages, full bar, good food (generous portions, two can share), pool tables, friendly vibe. But bring earplugs. Seriously.
_ _ _
PACIFIC SYMPHONY's November Concerts Roundup:
There are 11 concerts presented by Pacific Symphony in November. Their "Classical series" continues with the first performances by the orchestra of a major work in the repertoire. The "Pops series" offers a tribute to one of the greatest jazz singers in history. The orchestra's Youth Ensembles launch their concert seasons. And the orchestra takes a trip to the Soka Performing Arts Center. Here, in quick overview, are the places to catch them:
* "Tribute to the great Ella Fitzgerald" with guest conductor Larry Blank; Nov 3 & 4.
* "OC Can You Play With Us - chamber music edition" as community musicians ages 22 and up gather in Samueli Theater; Pacific Symphony musicians conduct five ensembles; FREE concert but tix are required; Nov 6.
* “Cathedrals of Sound” with Anton Bruckner’s giant "Symphony No. 8" led by Carl St. Clair brings the orchestra in its first-ever performances of the work; preludes are organist Christoph Bull with music by Bach and Bruckner, and the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey singing Gregorian chants; Nov 9-11.
* Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble's 1st concert of the season; Gregory X. Whitmore conducts a program of band classics by Wagner, Grainger, Gordon Jacob and others, and a rare performance of John Philip Sousa’s early “President Garfield’s Inauguration March.” Tickets are free but required; Nov 12.
* St. Clair and the orchestra perform Mozart’s final two concertos, the Piano Concerto No. 27, and the Clarinet Concerto, plus the Papagena/Papageno duet from “The Magic Flute;” at the Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo; Nov 12.
* Roger Kalia and Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra perform a program of Berlioz, Austin Wintory and Stravinsky; Nov 12.
* Irene Kroesen and Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings get their season underway with music by J.C. and J.S. Bach, Prokofiev, Rimsky-Korsakov and Brian Balmages; Nov 19.
* Symphony debut of Estonian guest conductor Anu Tali. Her program (Nov.30 and Dec. 1-2) bookends a pair of Czech masterpieces — Smetana’s “The Moldau” and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7 — with Gershwin’s snazzy Concerto in F as centerpiece. The noted Chinese pianist Xiayin Wang is soloist; Nov 30, & Dec 1 & 2.
* More at: www.PacificSymphony.org
* TIX for each performance use individual links, but it's a mobile-friendly page, at: https://pacificsymphony.blog/2017/10/31/pacific-symphony-november-concerts
_ _ _
ONGOING, closes Nov 19:
"BRIGHT STAR" the musical by STEVE MARTIN and EDIE BRICKELL, with CARMEN CUSACK in her Tony-Award nominated role from Broadway, is on stage at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles CA; 213-972-4400; www.ahmansontheatre.org
* STEVE MARTIN, who first recorded comedic material, is the Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar winner who has become a banjo master and is respected in bluegrass and roots music circles; Grammy winner EDIE BRICKELL has a long and distinguished music career.
* In this collaboration, Martin is credited with the music, book, and story, and Brickell with the music, lyrics, and story.
* The production won "Best Musical" of 2016 in the NY Outer Critics Circle, and it's in L.A. for a limited run, with its original Broadway star.
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INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DATES
Mon, Nov 6:
DONNA THE BUFFALO plays Saint Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254; box office / reception, 310-372-0035 (M-F opens at noon, Sat-Sun, opens at 4 pm); www.saintrocke.com.
* “Donna The Buffalo is from central New York state, not Louisiana, but this widely loved quintet has woven that joyful, hip-shaking zydeco pulse into the DNA of its sound, and leaders Jeb Puryear and Tara Nevins have wrapped that core vibe with hopeful, mellow lyrics.” — Music City Roots, Craig Havighurst.
* Donna the Buffalo just passed the marker as their 25th year as a band and have proven to be a consistent purveyor of American music. What’s the recipe? To be sure, it’s infused with more spices than you’ll find at a Cajun cookout by way of a southern-fried, rockin’ country old-time jamboree. “For the dizzying array of styles and genres with which they work, Donna The Buffalo maintain a surprising level of consistency. The New York-based band has played around with folk, zydeco, and many other musical ideas over the course of their 25-year career, but they retain a sharp focus that has helped them create some truly lasting music,” writes Elmore Magazine.
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Tue, Nov 7:
9 pm JESSE CLEGG, South African singer-songwriter, concludes his U.S. tour tonight at the Hotel Café in Hollywood.
* See the Guide's full feature story, events feature B-8, in the Oct 13 edition, at:
https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2017/10/mega-mondo-mid-october-music-news.html
* Tickets are $10 advance, at www.hotelcafe.com
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Sat & Sun, Nov 11 & 12, FESTIVAL, in Orange County, CA:
9 am-8 pm (Sat) 23rd annual "HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS" sponsored by Southern California Dulcimer Heritage, this year on VETERANS DAY, at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 2850 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (Freeway close off the 405 and across from Orange Coast College).
* The MAIN events all happen on Saturday, with performances and jams, vendors, instrument makers, and lots of workshops, including HEIDI MULLER (Mountain Dulcimer), BOB WEBB (Multi-instrumentalist from Joseph, OR), RUTH SMITH (Hammered Dulcimer), STEVE SMITH (Multi-instrumentalist from Zionville, NC) and more. The Sunday events move to two different places, and are extra-fare workshops.
* The Guide has had info on this since April, in our "Encyclopedia Festivanica." In fact, here's more, from there:
* Features WORKSHOPS, ALL-DAY JAMMING, MID-DAY CONCERT and EVENING CONCERTS, VENDORS, OPPORTUNITY DRAWINGS
* SCHEDULE, REGISTRATION, more at: www.scdh.org
* Extra events, "FOCUS WORKSHOPS," on Sunday, Nov 12:
1) "APPALACHIAN HERITAGE MUSIC" for "Hammered Dulcimer & Other Instruments," 10 am-2 pm - in a private home in Fullerton.
2) "PLAYING TOGETHER IN PARTS" for "Fretted Dulcimer & Other Instruments," 11 am-3 pm - in a private home in Downey.
✔ TIX: available online or at the gate, but the concerts and Sunday workshops may sell-out early.
✔ CAMPING: No.
✔ NOTE: Presented by the nonprofit Southern California Dulcimer Heritage (SCDH).
✔ THE SCENE: Each of the days is different. Saturday is filled with workshops, all-day jamming, mid-day and evening concerts, vendors, displays of beautiful handmade instruments, and opportunity drawings from 9 am-8 pm, with the evening concert at 8 pm; all at the main site in Costa Mesa. Sunday moves from Costa Mesa to two intensive workshops presented by the festival's headliner artists; one is "Hammered Dulcimer & Other Instruments" 10 am-2 pm in Fullerton, the other is "Fretted Dulcimer & Other Instruments" 11 am-3 pm in Downey. (This is the same festival that was held for many years in Culver City.)
✔ 2017 LINEUP:
♪ Heidi Muller, fretted dulcimer (OR)
♪ Bob Webb, multi-instrumentalist (OR)
♪ Ruth & Steve Smith, she on hammered dulcimer, he a multi-instrumentalist (NC)
♪ Plus local artists and teachers perform, lead a youth ensemble concert, and more.
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Sat & Sun, Nov 11 & 12, FESTIVAL, in San Pedro, CA:
2nd annual "VETERAN'S DAY / FESTIVAL / CONCERT" aboard the Battleship IOWA, docked as a museum at 250 S Harbor Bl , San Pedro, CA 90731; 877-446-9261.
* Both days, activities begin with an 11 am opening ceremony, then things run all day.
* Enjoy "some of L.A.’s premiere bands."
* A discounted $11 general tour admission of the ship will be available to all family & friends accompanying a Veteran.
* FREE sandwiches, chips & water for the first 800 Veterans and their families (both days).
* Special exhibitors include military branch booths, DJ, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sea Cadets, UCLA FOCUS, Sailor’s Bar, and "a place to come and honor the men and women who serve our great nation." Supported by Councilman Joe Buscaino, The Port of Los Angeles, and Black Knight Patrol.
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Sat, Nov 11:
2:30 pm THE LICATA BROTHERS, RASIN STUWART, NEIL ROSENGARDEN & CHAD WATSON, "a cornucopia of talent" at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA; Reservations, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, by phone only: 626-798-6236.
* Bob Stane says, "It’s hard to believe that our home-grown, youthful THE LICATA BROTHERS have just completed seven years at the Coffee Gallery Backstage. TONY and elder brother JIMMY LICATA continue to rock the house with catchy Americana favorites, soulful harmonies, bold and catchy international tunes and a growing catalog of eclectic original work. Hard at work on their third CD, these capable lads are regular features in Coffee Gallery tribute shows and across the San Gabriel Valley with their extensive work with local non-profit organizations. Come join them for another exciting Saturday matinee performance with some of the finest local musicians whom they now count as good friends and collaborators."
* RASPIN STUWART is back with the Licata Brothers again after their SRO performance back in June. His intensely clever and entrancing songs bring that rare blend of spiritual insight, social commentary and self-deprecating humor that had the audience singing along to his diverse song catalog, including from his most recent CD, “We Do What We Do”. In the intimate, comfortable atmosphere of the Coffee Gallery Backstage, an afternoon “session” with Raspin is just what the doctor ordered in these troubled times.
* NEIL ROSENGARDEN, a youthful prodigy in his own day, brings a lifetime of multi-instrument mastery to every event he supports at the Coffee Gallery Backstage. Whether on keyboards, guitar or trumpet, the Licata Brothers are thrilled to have him backing them up as they pull out the stops on music from just about any era and genre. Neil will also have for sale copies of his recent CD, “Four Songs”, on which he collaborated with the renowned lyricist/poet STEPHEN KALINICH.
* CHAD WATSON, lovingly referred to in these parts as ”God’s Bass Player”, brings a rhythmic, melodic and harmonic richness and clarity to every performance. His charming voice, soothing manner and infectious enthusiasm for good music of any period really lights up the room (and his fellow musicians). If you have not yet seen this master at work, get ready for this “soulful keel” on the ship of musical adventure for a truly memorable afternoon.
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Sat, Nov 11:
4 pm THOMPSONIA plays the "Deep End Sessions" in Santa Paula, CA 93060.
* Reservations get directions via email to David Bunn, at: deependsessions@gmail.com
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Sat, Nov 11:
6 pm BRENDA HUNTER & DAVE OGDEN plus HEIDI MULLER & BOB WEBB, and RUTH SMITH & STEVE SMITH, play the evening concert presented by Southern Californa Dulicimer Heritage as part of the "HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS" Festival, at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 2850 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
* Separate tix are available for those not attending the festival.
* Brenda is a former National Hammer Dulcimer champ.
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Sat, Nov 11, BENEFIT:
6 pm MARINA V, multiple award-winning singer songwriter and vocalist-pianist, plays a "Breast Cancer Charity Fundraiser" at Tashia's House Concert series in Redondo Beach, CA
* Reservations get directions at: https://www.marinav.com/tour
* “Hauntingly beautiful” says the L.A. Times.
* A longtime Guide favorite, whether she's singing traditional Russian folksongs or American Songbook standards or her own compositions.
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Sat, Nov 11:
7-10 pm "THE POETRY OF MUSIC" honoring JACKSON BROWNE and OZOMATLI, is Get Lit's Fall Gala, at the Candela Lounge, 831 S La Brea Av, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
* The evening includes dinner and the awards.
* The honorees are (obviously!) icons who have been integral to the history and culture of music.
* "Dinner & cocktails will be served, and the Get Lit Players will perform original pieces inspired by incredible music... all to raise money to transform education in Los Angeles" through our the organization's writing programs."
* More on Get Lit's mission and activities at www.getlit.org
* The producers tell us, "Get Lit’s curriculum bonds classic poetry with students’ original spoken word responses to transform school engagement and empower youth to make their voices heard. The result is transformative and, for some, life-saving. All proceeds from “The Poetry of Music” will go towards adopting LA County schools with literacy and dropout rates among the most severe in the nation. Come, support, and help galvanize our young writers and performers to greatness. Join the 'Literary Riot!'"
* Tix range from $20 to $500, at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-lits-fall-gala-the-poetry-of-music-tickets-37498818977
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Sat, Nov 11:
8 pm SUSIE GLAZE & THE NEW FOLK ENSEMBLE play the "PASADENA FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY" concert series in Beckman Institute Auditorium (aka "Little Beckman") on the Caltech campus at 400 S Wilson Av, Pasadena, CA 91106.
* Park free in either lot at the S end of Michigan Av, S off Del Mar, and ignore the "reserved" signs when attending concerts.
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Sat, Nov 11:
8 pm BERKLEY HART plays Java Joe's Coffee House, 3536 Adams Av, San Diego, CA 92116; 619-354-5637.
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Sat, Nov 11:
8 pm KRIS DELMHORST plus JEFFREY FOUCAULT play the storied concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Nov 11:
8 pm THE KINGSTON TRIO and JOHN SEBASTIAN team-up for a two-act folk legends concert at the "Lyric Theatre" at Cerritos Performing Arts Center, 12700 Center Court Dr., Cerritos, CA 90703; 562-916-8501 or 800-300-4345.
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Sat, Nov 11:
8 pm ADAM MILLER plays Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583.
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(LATE ADDITION...)
Sat, Nov 11:
8 pm "WEST VALLEY MUSIC'S ACOUSTIC MUSIC SERIES" returns with its season-opening concert, with JEFF GOLD plus JOHN ZIPPERER & THE CURRENT BAND, at West Valley Music, 24424 Vanowen Street, West Hills, CA 91307.
* Jeff Gold - "His gentle voice, fluid guitar playing, and captivating melodies draw you into the rich lyrics of his urban-folk style."
* John Zipperer and The Current Band - "A cross between Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, John's clear voice, infectious melodies, and heartfelt lyrics reach listeners in places that they didn't know existed."
* Tix, $15, includes refreshments; make reservations by phone: 818-992-4142.
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Sat, Nov 11:
10 pm MELISSA POLINAR at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040.
* Melissa Polinar first embarked on her journey when the industry was evolving into something new with the digital age. Many of her first steps forward as a singer-songwriter were in large part thanks to YouTube at its beginning. She bubbled to the top of the website’s music category with a collection of original songs, which instantly set her apart from most other curators who are more known for covers of pop music. Self-penned songs like 'Try' and 'Meant to Be' solidified her presence on YouTube not just as a singer, but an authentic songwriter known for her artistic poise and lyrical sincerity.
* It was during the formidable years between her YouTube videos and her extensive songwriting experience at a young age in Nashville when she began to fit into her shoes evolving to the artist that she is today. As the old industry further gave way to the social media era, she was able to reach more of an audience with her work than had arguably ever been available for Asian-American artists before. Polinar put a face and a voice to rising artists worldwide from the early stages of her career onward - thanks to her Internet presence and grassroots approach. Outside of writing, performing, and producing her own art, Polinar has contributed her talents across multiple albums by other artists.
* Tix: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=6871
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Sun, Nov 12:
2 pm THE FOLK REUNION is a consolidation of legends, THE KINGSTON TRIO with JOHN SEBASTIAN, playing the Kavli Theater at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
* In 1957, The Kingston Trio put a new twist on dormant folk music and quickly became part of an immensely popular “folk revival.” The Kingston Trio’s use of acoustic guitars, banjos, and three- part harmony can be heard in their hits “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” and their number one Grammy-winning song “Tom Dooley.”
* The Kingston Trio has put together a brand-new exciting show for the upcoming fall tour. Josh Reynolds, son of Nick Reynolds, one of the original-founding members of the Trio, and Nick’s cousin, Mike Marvin, along with the talented Tim Gorelangton will now continue performing the traditional hit songs of the Kingston Trio.
* Over four decades the contributions of John Sebastian have become a permanent part of the American musical fabric. His group, The Lovin' Spoonful (which he founded with Kingston's late great Zal Yanovsky) played a major role in the mid sixties rock revolution, and their music still reverberates today. Such hits as “Do You Believe in Magic,” “Daydream,” and “Summer in the City” have become a permanent part of our American musical fabric.
* The Kingston Trio and John Sebastian are booking more gigs than ever, a sign of the boomer generation’s return to acoustic music.
* TIX: single tickets are priced from $35-$55 with group discounts available. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com, or through the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard.
* More information, call 805-449-ARTS (2787) or go to www.civicartsplaza.com
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Sun, Nov 12:
2:30 pm RIVERBOAT DIXIE JAZZ BAND plays the Old Town Music Hall, 140 Richmond St, El Segundo, CA 90245; 310-322-2592. All seats: $20 (cash or check only); reservations recommended, at 310-322-2592.
* "Come hear traditional New Orleans Dixieland jazz with lots of great tunes and songs composed between 1897 and the 1920s - the 'Jazz Age.'
* Early American jazz, humorous narrative, and audience participation make for an evening of exciting, upbeat, toe-tapping fun for the whole family."
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Sun, Nov 12:
7-9 pm MARINA V, multiple award-winning singer-songwriter and delightfully musical vocalist-pianist, plays her ALBUM RELEASE SHOW with her band at Three Clubs, 1123 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038.
* “Hauntingly beautiful” says the L.A. Times.
* A longtime Guide favorite, whether she's singing traditional Russian folksongs or American Songbook standards or her own compositions.
* Marina, who tours the globe almost incessantly, tells us, "I am so excited about this show - it is the first show w/my band here in over 4 years! We will have this venue for the whole evening: we will perform, then hang out and celebrate the release of my new album, 'BORN TO THE STARS!'"
* Must be 21+ (sorry, kids.)
* TIX, $10 in advance at www.MarinaV.com or $20 at the door; plus the venue asks that you buy 2 drinks in the course of the evening (2 drink minimum).
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Sun, Nov 12:
8 pm KRIS DELMHORST plus JEFFREY FOUCAULT play SOHo Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805-962-7776.
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Sun, Nov 12:
8 pm DWIGHT YOAKAM plays the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita, CA 91355; 661-362-5304.
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Sun, Nov 12, BENEFIT:
8 pm "THE ROCK GODZ MUST BE CRAZY" is "a special night of storytelling to benefit the MusicRising Foundation," in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com; tix, $20, VIP tix, $100.
* The evening features true tales about music's biggest icons - from Elvis to Dylan - as told by producers, rock writers, roadies and others who were there, featuring Mike Stoller, Dr. Demento, Artie Butler, Felice Mancini, Artie Ripp, and others. In addition to the regular tickets, there are VIP ticket packages that include a wine tasting/meet & greet at Upper West restaurant, preferred seating, gift bags courtesy of Shout! Factory and Rock Beat Records.
* All proceeds go to benefit Music Rising, tasked with raising money to help replace the instruments lost in schools affected by the recent catastrophic hurricanes in the United States and U.S. Territories.
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(LATE ADDITION...)
Mon, Nov 13:
9 am & 11 am "ROOTS OF MUSIC PROGRAM" with CAMBALACHE at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731.
* The venue says, "The legendary Son Jarocho ensemble, Cambalache, will perform for our RoMP students at the Grand Annex, and we'd like you to join us! Performances are at 9 am and 11 am. Please RSVP by calling 310-833-4813 and we'll reserve a seat for you on the VIP deck at the Annex."
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Mon, Nov 13:
THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND headlines The Troubadour in WeHo, during a stop on their current national U.S. tour in support of the recently released album, "What If" on Rounder Records.
* See the Guide's full story in the Oct 13 edition, events feature B-5, at:
https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2017/10/mega-mondo-mid-october-music-news.html
* Get your tix for the Troubadour show before they're gone. More at: http://www.jerrydouglas.com
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Tue, Nov 14:
Noon & 4 pm DISNEY'S "FROZEN" SING-ALONG with special live hosts ELSA & ANNA, at the Thousand Oak's Civic Arts Plaza Scherr Forum, 2100 Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; 805-449-ARTS (2787); www.CivicArtsPlaza.com
* See the Guide's full feature story, events feature B-6 in our Oct 13 edition, at:
https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2017/10/mega-mondo-mid-october-music-news.html
* Tix: http://www.civicartsplaza.com/showinfo.php?id=256
All seats $19 + $4 facility fee; no age discounts for this show; groups get 10% off.
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Wed, Nov 15:
7 pm DANNY KORTCHMAR plus STEVE POSTELL, and DAN NAVARRO, team-up to play the "Tales from the Tavern" series at the Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460; 805-686-4785.
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Fri, Nov 17:
8 pm JOEL RAFAEL plus JOHN TRUDELL'S BAD DOG play the storied concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Nov 18:
"CASINO MODERNE" at American Legion Post 43, Hollywood, CA
* The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles presents "Casino Moderne," an evening of gaming (poker, roulette, craps and more), hot proto jazz from the nineteen-teens, twenties and thirties by JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS, a silent auction, period vendors, and plenty of prohibition-style cocktails (no-host) at the perfect venue: built in 1929 in Art Deco style.
* Cocktail or Evening attire. Vintage or contemporary.
* Age 21 and over.
* Tix:
- ADSLA members $40 (join before the event and save)
- General Admission $55
- Advance ticket sales end Nov 17 at noon.
- Tickets at the door are $60.
* This event benefits the preservation activities of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles.
* Parking prices TBA at the Post.
* Parking is also available for $15 at Hollywood and Highland complex. It is a short Uber or Lyft ride up Highland to the American Legion Post 43.
* ADA, etc: Please note that the elevator into the event space is unreliable in this vintage building.
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Sat, Nov 18:
7 pm “POSTCARDS FROM HOME: AN EVENING OF STORIES, SONGS AND DANCE” at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA; Reservations, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, by phone only: 626-798-6236.
* It's "A Hawaiian Treat and Festival Of Stories, Song & Dance."
* Singer, Songwriter from Hawaii now a California resident, Kimo Williams returns after a SRO crowd earlier this summer. His cache of Hawaiian classic music blends beautifully with his own original compositions reflecting his island home of O'ahu.
* Kimo brings with him master hula dancer Mahealani Harder who enchanted the audience earlier this year with her mesmerizing hula.
* For Kumu Mahealani, hula is a lifestyle and a way of being. You will see her magic as she dances. It will touch your heart.
* Bob Stane says, "A Coffee Gallery Backstage veteran returns. Delightful storyteller Hawaiian native Kamaka Brown joins Kimo and Mahahealani for some of his original stories about growing up in Hawaii. Kamaka's musings and gentle humor in Hawaiian Pidgin English will capture you in a much simpler time in Hawaii. You will love the nostalgic journey into Hawaii's past. Be Blessed. Be light. Be aloha!"
* Hear their music in rotation at: http://www.V93FM.com
* There's more on the awards and accomplishments of one of these artists at: http://www.kamakabrown.com
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Sat, Nov 18:
7:30 pm MEN OF WORTH plus THE McMAMMALS play the monthly "The Living Tradition" concert series at Anaheim Downtown Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim, CA 92805; concerts@thelivingtradition.org
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Sat, Nov 18:
8 pm JOEL RAFAEL plus JOHN TRUDELL'S BAD DOG play the "San Diego Folk Heritage" concert series at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Av, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
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Sat, Nov 18:
8 pm DAVID LINDLEY brings his mega-multi-instrumental magic to the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731; 310-833-6362.
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Sat, Nov 18:
8 pm & 10 pm KINKY FRIEDMAN plays two shows tonight in the storied concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Nov 18:
8 pm CORBETT, MULLINS & KNOPF plus BURNING HEART BLUEGRASS play Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583.
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Sat, Nov 18:
8 pm WENDY WALDMAN plays the monthly "Camarillo Cafe" concert series at Camarillo Community Center, 1605 E Burnley St, Camarillo, CA 93010; 805-814-9366.
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Sun, Nov 19:
10:30 am "A FAERY HUNT: THE FAIRY AND THE PIRATE" is the "Matinee Kids' Show" at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sun, Nov 19:
8 pm ILE plus GABY MORENO play the Valley Performing Arts Center, on the CSUN campus at 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330; 818-677-3000.
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Sun, Nov 19:
2 pm THE KINGSTON TRIO play the lovely McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260; 760-340-ARTS or 866-889-ARTS.
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Sat, Nov 25:
7 pm JIM KWESKIN & JULI CROCKETT at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA; Reservations, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, by phone only: 626-798-6236.
* They bring a four-person band of extreme quality and fun.
* JIM KWESKIN is best known from jug band fame, and these days, as a singer-songwriter and bandleader, but he also created one of the bedrock guitar styles of the folk revival, adapting the ragtime-blues fingerpicking of artists like Mississippi John Hurt and Pink Anderson to the more complex chords of pop and jazz. Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band was the original "Americana" band, playing everything from classic blues to hillbilly country, ragtime, jazz, and rock 'n' roll. Kweskin has maintained a remarkably consistent musical vision since his jug band days, continuing to explore traditional folk and blues with the sophisticated sensibility of a jazz musician and traditional jazz with the communal simplicity of a folk artist.
* Alabama-born JULI CROCKETT is a bona fide Renaissance woman: singer, songwriter, playwright, theater director, undefeated professional boxer and amateur champion, ordained minister, Doctor of Philosophy, and leader of the alt-country / avant Americana genre-defying band THE EVANGENITALS, as well as THE CROCKETT SISTERS. (They’re the same band – you choose which name you prefer. Some bookings have a problem with the original name.)
* The teaming of Jim Kweskin and Juli Crockett is the happy collision of classic and contemporary Americana music. Together, Kweskin and Crockett performances are celebrations of virtuoso musicianship seasoned with humor andexuberance.
* Joined by super mandolin player Daniel Mark (Dustbowl Revival) and bassist Carl Sealove, Jim and Juli have a great time singing both old jazzy, folkyfavorites mixed in with Juli's original (and occasionally irreverent) compositions. Take a wild ride through history and into the future of folk with Kweskin and Crockett.
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Sun, Nov 26:
7:30 pm JACK TEMPCHIN plus CHELSEA WILLIAMS in a fine double-bill in the storied concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
* Jack has written many hits for the EAGLES and that band's individual members.
* Chelsea, a performing songwriter with the SALTY SUITES ensemble, was discovered by John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) who recommended her and resulted in her first radio gigs, playing live on our old "Tied to the Tracks" show when it was broadcast from Los Angeles.
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Wed & Thu, Nov 29 & 30:
7 pm CRISTIN MILIOTI at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040.
* Cristin Milioti makes her two-night Hotel Cafe debut after numerous sold out NYC concerts, including the prestigious Lincoln Center’s American Songbook. Cristin is known for her dramatic, comedic, and musical work on stage, television and in film. She starred as “Girl” in the Broadway smash hit musical ONCE, for which she won a Grammy and was nominated for a Tony Award, and was recently seen in David Bowie's "Lazarus". Her film and television credits include Martin Scorsese’s THE WOLF OF WALL STREET, this upcoming season of Netflix's "BLACK MIRROR", season 2 of FX's Golden Globe-winning drama "FARGO", and CBS’s hit comedy, "HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER", to name a few.
* Tix:
- Nov 29: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=6951
- Nov 30: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=6952
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Wed, Nov 29:
7:30 pm "AN IRISH CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA" presented by AMSD Concerts in the Laura R. Charles Theater at Sweetwater High School, 2900 Highland Av, National City, CA 91950; 829-303-8176.
* Get your tix promptly; this'll sell-out early.
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Thu, Nov 30:
7 pm CRISTIN MILIOTI at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040. (See Nov 29 write-up.)
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Thu, Nov 30:
8 pm ANAT COHEN TENTET plays the Valley Performing Arts Center on the CSUN campus at 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330; 818-677-3000.
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Thu, Nov 30:
8 pm DWIGHT YOAKAM plays City National Grove Of Anaheim, 2200 E Katella Av, Anaheim, CA 92806; 714-712-2700.
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Thu, Nov 30:
8 pm THE MIGHTY ECHOES play Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583.
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(LATE ADDITION...)
Thu through Sat, Nov 30-Dec 2:
8 pm PACIFIC SYMPHONY, joined by internationally acclaimed Chinese pianist XIAYIN WANG, for a "DOUBLE DEBUT" to perform GERSHWIN’S "Concerto in F" led by Estonian conductor ANU TALI, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa.
* Performing with Pacific Symphony for the first time is the international sensation, Chinese pianist Xiayin Wang. This sublime talent gives fresh, dynamic energy to Gershwin’s Concerto in F. Considered an artist of keen musicality and sweeping virtuosity, Wang brings audiences to their feet with her riveting playing. The Washington Post called her playing “precise and strong,” her drive “unrelenting” and her concentration “intense.”
* Considered Gershwin’s most classical piece, the Concerto in F represents the ideal blend of the rhythmic liberty of jazz fused with classical roots.
* Making her debut on the Symphony’s podium is outstanding Estonian Conductor Anu Tali, one of the most intriguing young conductors on the scene today. Tali leads both the Sarasota and Nordic Symphony Orchestras, and she serves as guest conductor for this program, which also features Smetana’s enchanting “The Moldau” and Dvořák’s dramatic Symphony No. 7.
* In addition, the audience is treated to image magnification projected on large screens for an up-close look at the artists.
* The program runs for three performances, Thursday through Saturday, Nov 30-Dec 2, at 8 pm.
* TIX are $25-$126; Box Circle tix, $196-$206; all available at 714-755-5799 or www.PacificSymphony.org
* Go early: A preview talk with Alan Chapman begins at 7 pm.
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Fri, Dec 1:
7:30 pm BLACK MARKET TRUST plays the 1st of 3 dates for the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series," this one at the Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan St, Dana Point, CA 92629; 949-244-6656.
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Fri, Dec 1:
8 pm AARON NEVILLE DUO plays the Luckman Fine Arts Center, 5151 State College Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90032; 323-343-6600.
* Aaron also plays a solo show Sat, Dec 2, in Poway.
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Fri, Dec 1:
8 pm FEUFOLLET plays their authentic old Cajun music with superb liveliness for the "ArtPower" series in The Loft, at Univ. of Calif. San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, Price Center East, San Diego, CA 92093; 858-822-3199..
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Sat, Dec 2:
2 pm & 5 pm "ART & STUDY OF TAIKO" at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center's James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503; 310-781–7171.
* The traditional form of thunderous Japanese drumming has transcended into many modern expressions and gained huge followings in America.
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Sat, Dec 2:
3 pm & 8 pm "AN IRISH CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA" arrives for two shows in the Curtis Theatre, at the Brea Civic & Cultural Center, One Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA 92821; 714-990-7722.
* Don't dawdle getting tix; this will sell-out early.
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Sat, Dec 2:
7 pm JESSE MALIN at the Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028; www.hotelcafe.com; 323-461-2040.
* Few in the modern musical landscape have reinvented themselves like Jesse Malin. Revered by iconic figures from Bruce Springsteen and Joe Strummer to Ryan Adams and Jim Jarmusch, Malin's songwriting has shape-shifted through decades and genres and left an indelible mark on hardcore, punk, folk, and everything in between. Produced by songwriter Joseph Arthur, Jesse Malin’s new EP Meet Me at the End of the World aims his singular blend of gritty street poetry and incisive self-reflection squarely at our troubled, modern times. "The songs were written on tour looking out the van window," reflects Malin. "We were driving around America just watching the frightening and embarrassing ascension of the current administration amidst a really dark and manipulative international media blitz." The music was recorded fast and raw with Malin's live band: drummer Randy Schrager, bassist Catherine Popper, and longtime sideman/producer/co-writer Derek Cruz. The collaboration with Arthur was initially intended to be a one-time affair for Malin's Positive Panther charity, which raises funds for his former European merch-seller Nathalie Baverstock in her fight against cancer, but the two songwriters discovered a natural kinship in the studio. “It's not unusual for Jesse to be writing great songs, but it feels like there's a new energy to it right now," adds Joseph.
* Tix: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=7002
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Sat, Dec 2:
7 pm BLACK MARKET TRUST plays the 2nd of 3 shows for the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series," this one at Mission Viejo Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Dr, Mission Viejo, CA 92691; 949-244-6656.
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Sat, Dec 2:
7 pm JACKIE MORRIS plays her CD release concert at the Palm Loft Gallery, 410 Palm Av, Loft A-1, Carpinteria, CA 93013; 805-684-9700.
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Sat, Dec 2:
8 pm AARON NEVILLE plays the Poway Center for Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd, Poway, CA 92064; 858-668-4797.
* He also plays, in a duo, on Fri, Dec 1, at the Luckman in L.A.
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Sat, Dec 2:
8 pm JIM ‘KIMO’ WEST plays his award-winning Hawai'ian slack key guitar at Alva’s Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro, CA 90732; 310-519-1314.
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Sun, Dec 3:
2 pm & 7 pm "AN IRISH CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA" stages two performances of its tour today at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center's James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503; 310-781–7171.
* Don't dawdle getting tix; this will sell-out early.
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Sun, Dec 3:
3 pm BLACK MARKET TRUST plays the 3rd of 3 shows for the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series," this one at LCA Wine at SOCO Center, 3303-3323 Hyland Av, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
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Sun, Dec 3:
8pm TRACE BUNDY plays the storied concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Dec 16:
8 pm MICHAEL O'DORN, "Merle Travis Fingerstyle Master," plays the Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; frethouse@earthlink.net; www.frethouse.com
* Tix, $20.
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Feb 1-3, 2018:
Annual "NATIONAL COWBOY POETRY GATHERING" in Elko, Nevada.
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Sat, Feb 10, 2018:
MIRANDA LAMBERT "Livin' Like Hippies Tour" at the Forum.
* Tix go on sale Fri, Oct 13.
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♪ THAT'S A WRAP FOR THIS EDITION
The Guide will return with many more inclusive and inquisitive
and informative and pretty dad-burn complete coverage
of all kindsa things, continuing forward and onward
in our next MUSIC NEWS edition,
coming your way soon.
Meantime, check in and let us know what you think about THIS one.
Y'all come back now, y'hear?
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See you next time!
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Seriously...
THIS IS HERE FOR YOU, THE ACOUSTIC MUSIC-MAKER AND FAN, SO LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK...
As always, we invite you to join us and to let us know what YOU are listening to, and what artists or bands just sent you swooning and need to be shared with others.
Doing our part depends on you doing your part. That way, you'll know that a whole lot more is always coming soon — including fresh MUSIC NEWS, PREVIEWS & REVIEWS, and more additions to our massive guide to the MUSIC FESTIVALS of 2017.
Meantime, we are ALWAYS big advocates of supporting LIVE PERFORMANCE. With everything happening in the big, wide world, and through these festival-packed, waning-of-summer weekends? Go get tuneful!
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LEGALESE, CONTACTING US, 'N SUCH...
Boilerplate? Where's the main pressure gauge? And the firebox?
What "boilerplate"? Who came up with that goofy term for the basic essential informational stuff...
________________________________
Direct to the Guide's current editions /
MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY
editions.... all load quickly at
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www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to:
Tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
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Contents copyright © 2017,
Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
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♪ The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS — and views of interest to artists everywhere — more specifically to musicians and the creative community and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music. That includes 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 (now undergoing a major update), and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues from the monumentally large to the intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops, conferences, 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 swamp water roots of the blues and the bright lights of where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell. The porch'll be here anytime you come back from the road.
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