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This weekend brings one event we've talked about for months -- the season's first folk festival in Southern Cal -- plus a massive march we spoke of last week.
It's also the fifteen-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, and the start of the long chain of disastrous events and loss of global prestige that haunts our nation with ever-increasing consequences. So we include a piece that appeared in several newspapers way back in 2002, a full six months prior to that invasion. It was written by the Guide's editor, and it still resonates with its caution that could be expressed in the words of Jeff Goldblum's character in Jurassic Park, "Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should."
There is plenty more happening around town on the concert scene. But this go 'round, you're on your own to check schedules for the Coffee Gallery Backstage (Altadena), McCabe's (Santa Monica), Boulevard Music (Culver City), The Grand Annex and Warner Grand (San Pedro), The Arcadia Blues Club (Arcadia), Hotel Cafe (Hollywood), The Fret House (Covina), The Folk Music Center (Claremont), Viva Cantina (Burbank), Joe's Great American Bar & Grill (Burbank), Alvas Showroom (San Pedro), and anyplace else you know offers good tunefulness.
WE'RE FOCUSING ON THE "FOLKWORKS 'FOLK ROOTS' FESTIVAL, THE "MARCH FOR OUR LIVES," AND A PURPOSEFUL REMINISCENCE OF THE START OF THE IRAQ WAR.
Let's get started.
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In This Edition
1) Folkworks "Folk Roots" in L.A., & an Evening Irish Mini-Fest by the Beach
2) Saturday's "March for Our Lives" is Democracy in Action
3) Fifteen Years Ago this Week, We Invaded Iraq
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# 1 news feature...
FOLKWORKS "FOLK ROOTS" IN L.A., & AN EVENING IRISH MINI-FEST BY THE BEACH
It's the first weekend of Spring, and the season's folk festivals arrive in stylish solid form.
Sat, Mar 24, FESTIVAL:
10 am-10 pm Annual "FOLKROOTS FESTIVAL" at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 11000 National Bl, West LA, 90064
* This is a crossroads of Folk-Americana and world folk music, with so many options that everyone can find plenty of ways to be immersed in fun, listening, learning, and discovery for the full day, into the night.
* WORKSHOPS, FOLK FILMS, SONG CIRCLE, JAMMING all begin at 10 am, and include:
• 10 am block: BANJO (Beg/Int) with Steve Lewis; HARMONICA with Roger Goodman; SINGING - The Art of Unaccompanied Voice (All levels) with Susie Glaze; MANDOLIN with Tom Corbett.
• 11 am block: VERY BEGINNING FIDDLE with Jim & Amber Mueller; HOW TO PLAY ANYTHING with Roger Goodman; BALKAN 101 with Pat Mac Swyney; EGYPTIAN ORIENTAL DANCE AKA BELLY DANCE (All levels) with Gigi deMarrais.
• Noon block: MOUNTAIN DULCIMER For Absolute Beginners with Joellen Lapidus; MANDOLIN "Nail That Tune!" (All Levels) with Emil Olguin; PERCUSSION with Ava Nahas; GUITAR - Bottleneck, Slide, with Fred Sokolow.
• 1 pm block: SPOONS - "Playing with spoons" with Monika White; UKULELE Split-level class with Kate Friedricks; MIDDLE EAST FRAMED DRUM with Rowan Storm; BALKAN SINGING (All Levels) with Members of Nevenka; INSTRUMENT Care & Feeding with Kurt Gary; POWER OF SONGS with Sam Curtis, Ross Altman, Sunny War (followed by 2 pm panel discussion).
• 2 pm block: PANEL DISCUSSION - "SOCIAL JUSTICE AND FOLK MUSIC" with Ross Altman, Darryl Holter, Jonathan Ritter (follows 1 pm "Power of Song"); FIDDLE, Old Time (All Levels) with David Bragger; GUITAR with Chris Berry; FROM COLTRANE TO NUSRAT:THE MYSTERY OF MUSIC & SPIRITUALITY with Yuval Ron; FLAT FOOT DANCING with Rebecca Stout.
* DAYTIME CONCERTS begin at 11 am, with FRANK HOPPE and CHRISTINA ORTEGA as emcees, and performances (two stages of music all afternoon) by:
• NEVENKA ENSEMBLE
• LINDA ALVAREZ & FRIENDS
• HIGH LIFE CAJUN BAND
• THE SUSIE GLAZE NEW FOLK ENSEMBLE
• BAKLAVA ENSEMBLE
• DOUBLE BATCH DADDY & THE ZEHNDER FAMILY
• COMPLICATED ANIMALS
• AMARO LUMIYA
• LA VICTORIA
• Chris Berry, Milena Reed, Art Podell
* Silent Auction opens at 1 pm.
* SQUARE DANCE begins at 3 pm.
* CONCERT BOX OFFICE OPENS at 5:30 pm for those without advance tickets (subject to tix remaining).
* EVENING CONCERTS begin at 6 pm, with YATRIKA SHAH-RAIS as emcee, and performances by:
• CHLOE POURMORADY ENSEMBLE
• SAUSAGE GRINDER
• YUVAL RON ENSEMBLE
• CAMBALACHE
* Early bird tickets are available through the end of February, and are going fast; get them now at: https://fwfolkrootsfestival.brownpapertickets.com/
* FULL INFO, WORKSHOP SIGN-UPS, & TIX INFO, at: https://fwfolkrootsfestival.com/
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Plus...
A SATURDAY NIGHT MINI-FEST...
If you didn't get your fill of all things Irish last weekend, shura begorahh, you'll be wantin' ta know 'bout this one...
Sat, Mar 24, FESTIVAL:
6-10 pm Annual "IRISH SPRING GALA" at Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, 501 Indian Peak Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA.
* Features band PADDY’S PIG.
* Reservations required. For tickets, email kathy-bradford@cox.net
or go to
http://www.hoy-southbay.org/irish-spring-gala.html
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# 2 news feature...
SATURDAY'S "MARCH FOR OUR LIVES" IS DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
The Guide is proud to support the grassroots efforts founded by young people who survived the school shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The fact that it isn't still "the latest school shooting" in America screams with urgency for getting involved.
We join many other community organizations in being thrilled and inspired to see young people across the country using their voices to call attention to our nation’s gun violence crisis -- and appalled that our elected leaders still dither, dawdle, blow smoke, and refusal to act.
It’s time for us to speak out. The Parkland, FL students have organized and spoken out about how the NRA and its political spending stands in the way of meaningful changes to our gun laws. They’ve said -- and we agree -- that progress on this issue means making sure lawmakers are accountable to their constituents -- not NRA lobbyists and the gun industry that pays them.
On SATURDAY, MARCH 24, there will be marches in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Ventura, San Diego, and a dozen other Southern California communities.
Here are three things you can do to get involved:
1. Find the closest march to you. On Saturday, led by the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the March For Our Lives will take to the streets in more than 700 communities across the country. Those whose devices are afflicted with facebook can find a nearby event at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/marchforourlives/events/ -- or search "March For Our Lives" and the name of your city on ixQuick, DuckDuckGo, or Startpage.
2. Activate people in your community. Print off copies of this flyer to help connect our work for a better democracy with this fight -- and help put pressure on elected officials to stop taking money from gun lobby groups like the NRA. Download the PDF in color (https://takingonthenra.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2018/03/we-have-the-power-flyer.pdf) or black & white (https://takingonthenra.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2018/03/we-have-the-pwer-flyer-bw.pdf).
3. Read the new report by "Common Cause." Ending gun violence means building a representative, reflective, and active democracy. Read at www.takingontheNRA.org for info on how we, the people, have the power to confront the NRA and win -- then share it far and wide. The report provides important facts about the NRA’s political spending, its operations, and how it wields outsized influence in our democracy.
The March For Our Lives comes at an important moment where our children, students, families, and communities are focused on what can reasonably be called "the gun violence crisis" -- which kills or injures more than 100,000 people each year. We need to empower ordinary people to advocate for change in their communities. That’s what democracy is all about.
Karen Hobert Flynn, President of the respected bi-partisan / non-partisan organization "Common Cause" says, "The vast majority of Americans support common sense gun reform -- and elected officials’ inaction on the issue is one of the clearest examples of how our democracy is failing us. But together, we can take on the gun lobby, and show that We The People are the true power in our democracy. March with us on March 24th."
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*** IF YOU CAN’T GO TO THE MARCH, there are still a vitally important few things you can do to demand that elected officials hear our voices in the halls of OUR government. Whether you have five minutes, an hour, or even longer to spare, you can make sure our democracy represents us all. Check it out at: https://takingonthenra.org/toolkit/
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# 3 news feature...
FIFTEEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK, WE INVADED IRAQ
No one seems willing to talk about the fact that America's gun culture is fed by an intentional national image of being the biggest badass on the global block. Today, our foreign policy is based not on diplomacy, but on threats of military intervention. So there is a connection between the "March for Our Lives" and the road we took as a nation fifteen years ago this week when we invaded Iraq based on premises that have been solidly proven to be lies, knowingly told to us and to the world by the most senior officials of our government.
In the Guide's edition exactly five years ago, published Friday, March 22, 2013, on the tenth anniversary of the still-ongoing Iraq war, we ran the editor's newspaper piece from 2002. It's still significant, because it was one of the very few in the U.S. opposing the Iraq war before it was launched, AND examining WHY IT WAS A BAD IDEA to invade that country. That original 2002 piece was called, "An Endless Occupation of Iraq?"
The 2002 piece referenced what is now known as "The First Gulf War" under the elder Bush's presidency, and cautioned against a second U.S. invasion. Among the reasons? "Another Iraq war will bring decades of occupation and harsh, expensive realities. It will reshape national defense priorities for decades. It could define us as the British Empire of the 21st century."
When we reprinted it five years ago, those words appeared along with the entire original piece. You can find that 2013 edition in our archive, along with reader comments, where it was titled, "Ten-Year Anniversary of the Iraq War, and an Ignored Caution, Before it Happened..." It's at: https://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2013/03/ten-year-anniversary-of-iraq-war-and.html
Or you can read the same piece below, following this new intro.
We decided to reprint it again, because all too sadly, given the proliferation of a foreign policy based on braggadocio, bluster, and who's-got-a-bigger-nuke-button; childish taunting tweets about "little rocket man"; threats the U.S. will unilaterally renege on the multinational Iran Nuclear Deal despite international certification that Iran remains in compliance; this week's appointment of chicken hawk John Bolton as National Security Advisor; and too damn many years of sabre-rattling that's extended and amplified under the third president in a row.
Avoiding additional disasters by pausing to consider consequences is more urgent today than it was five years ago. Because as bad as things were then, thousands of civilians had yet to be killed by drone wars, bombing raids, cruise missile attacks, and proxy wars. And the most massive arms sales since WW II had not yet been made by America's arms merchants to Saudi Arabia, the richest Arab nation -- the nation that is now actively exterminating the population of Yemen, the poorest Middle East nation.
Five years ago, our intro said, "With all the sabre-rattling in stark contrast to the message of Easter, we received a comment (March 30) from a reader calling himself 'Pete for Peace.' As he points-out, it's beginning to feel like deju vu all over again. You can read his comment and others, and we encourage you to do that ~ and to add your own ~ at the end. Thanks to Pete, and to all, for your reader comments to this reprinted piece from long ago, which seems eerily relevant once again."
Once again, we welcome your comments on a fifteen-and-a-half-year-old piece that still calls to us to consider the unintended consequences, painfully obvious repercussions, and financial and moral bankrupting of our future because we want to be the biggest badass on the global block.
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(Where it says "ten years," just note that it's now fifteen years.)
This week marks the tenth anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq. Ten and half years ago, a full six months before that invasion, Larry Wines wrote a full-page piece that ran in several newspapers, opposing that war. At the time, precious few journalists were expressing caution. Indeed, many seemed happy to get in the Pentagon’s good graces in hopes of being given coveted “embed” positions with deploying troops.
Perhaps you recall Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s cryptic comment about known knowns and unknown knowns and unknowable knowns. It was weird at the time, and his delivery, with self-satisfied smugness, already smacked of the hubris that characterizes any examination of the Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld policy that led to the US becoming an invading aggressor in the name of finding weapons of mass destruction that were never there.
Larry’s piece, "An Endless Occupation of Iraq?" was published in September 2002, the week of the one-year anniversary of the 9/11 attack, and more than six months before the US invaded Iraq.
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Here is the piece, as it ran in September, 2002.
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(A “pull quote,” in larger, bold typeface, midway down piece, read, "Rebuilding Iraq will require a lengthy commitment from US taxpayers, without help from anyone else, and plenty of accommodations with people who hate us.")
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An Endless Occupation of Iraq?
By Larry Wines
This week's September 11 remembrances have run the gamut: poignant, exploitative, useful, and manipulative. The last should concern us most.
A Bush White House is spending millions preparing for war against Iraq. It looks like the family business. After the 9-11 attacks, Dubya wasted no time assessing public support for completing what his father left unfinished with Saddam Hussein. He inherited a decade of simmering frustration from a conflict left maddeningly unresolved despite overwhelming military domination.
Frustration in Southern California is acute, given the prominence of the military-industrial complex here. The sexiest aerial weapons platforms, the F-117A, B-1 and B-2, are local products. Builders are proud when their creations work.
Meanwhile, the national attention span is short. A year of Dubya's saber rattling, and Iraq hasn't been attacked. Now, polls show collapsing support for another Iraq war. Complex realities may have penetrated popular reckoning.
Senior Pentagon commanders doubt killing Saddam is a good idea. Our traditional allies in NATO will sit this one out. Our erstwhile Arab allies from the last go 'round won't fight alongside us, and some hint at unpleasant surprises if we attack their fellow Muslim nation. Even Russia joined the international chorus, with Moscow seeking to resolve tensions by returning UN weapons inspectors after their eviction four years ago.
But Iraq says that's a "non-starter," and White House spokesman Ari Fleischer agrees, saying, "Iraq changes positions on whether they'll let the inspectors in more often than Saddam Hussein changes bunkers."
It begs questions that aren't being asked. Is there a moral imperative here? Does our security, or the free world's safety from terrorist attacks, rest on Saddam's removal? Or, would going after him trigger more attacks? And if the moral thing to do is kill him, should fear influence us?
Evoking everybody from Teddy Roosevelt to Mahatma Gandhi can prove a moral argument one way or the other. So let's stick with some practical concerns.
History offers contradictory but useful examples. There is the deliberate decision to keep the Emperor of Japan alive during World War II. Bombing the Imperial Palace was prohibited. America's war propaganda made Prime Minister Tojo the symbol of evil, and scant mention was made of Emperor Hirohito. But, Adolph Hitler and Benito Mussolini had no fall guys, then or now. Neither does Saddam. His adversary, Iran's Ayatollah, got off America's list by dying, so it's unclear whether we're supposed to hate Iran anymore.
Saddam is, without question, a brutal and ruthless dictator. He has murdered his own people, including anyone with leadership ability who might build their own cult of personality. It's a means of control that Niccolò Machiavelli would have admired, and it creates a practical problem for Saddam's removal. Who is left to take over?
World War II offers additional insight. The Allies in conquered Germany employed unreconstructed Nazis, the only ones who understood infrastructure that enabled human settlements to operate.
It's a lesson in practicality versus moral imperative. West Germany combined the American, British and French sectors. Solutions involved all the participants, and accommodations allowed some nasty Nazis to escape justice at Nuremburg, as we later learned.
But the Russians went it alone in East Germany. They invoked the moral imperative, persecuting defeated Nazis, regardless of an individual's role in German society from 1933-1945.
While West Germany's famed industrial capacity was quickly rebuilt, economic prosperity came quickly, fueled by the generosity of America's Marshall Plan. East Germany remained largely in ruins and a drain on its Soviet sponsors until German reunification brought money from the west.
History's lessons? Iraq has a resource, oil, but has never been industrial. Rebuilding Iraq will require a lengthy commitment from US taxpayers, without help from anyone else, and plenty of accommodations with people who hate us. In the end, our own oil companies will exploit us. But that isn't the only point, or the most costly one.
American military forces occupy conquered nations. There are important variables, like how long it lasts, compliance by indigenous peoples, and what threats lurk at the borders. These determine the differences between the US in Japan or Germany or Vietnam.
Postwar duty in Japan was pleasant, with no hostile adversary lurking at a border. Germans accepted occupation without resistance, but pleasantries ended there. A half-century of US military presence and Pentagon war plans centered on expected ground invasion by the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. America's military was designed and deployed in response to that scenario. Hostile borders determine everything.
In the 1980's, Iraq fought a ten-year war with its hated neighbor, Iran. Saddam received US assistance during that war, as payback to Iran for the humiliating hostage siege. America was Saddam's friend. So were the Afghani Mujaheddin who fought the Soviets and later became the Taliban. So much for moral imperatives.
The legacy of the Iran-Iraq War is the trump card. Decapitating Iraq's leadership invites another Iranian invasion. Iran made dozens of "human wave" border attacks during the war. Armed with pointed sticks ahead of armed troops, Iranians died in mounds of carnage unseen since the Middle Ages. The horror of Cambodia's killing fields is the only modern parallel.
America chose not to stop that killing in Iran or Cambodia. We allowed the carnage in the former Yugoslavia to run its course before a controversial peacekeeping entry. None are proud moments, but none evoke the specter of Vietnam. Our modern "model," the first Iraq war, brought pride in a victory that was only symbolic.
Another Iraq war will bring decades of occupation and harsh, expensive realities. It will reshape national defense priorities for decades. It could define us as the British Empire of the 21st century. Should we use military power to pursue still nebulous moral imperatives and goals we abandoned a decade ago?
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Originally filed September 4, 2002.
11:13 PM
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See you soon with a TRULY HUGE and brand-new mega mondo MUSIC NEWS EDITION!
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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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Direct to the Guide's current editions /
MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY
editions 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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Entire 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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Saturday, March 24, 2018
Saturday, March 17, 2018
ST. PATRICK'S DAY Saturday, & MORE: News & Things to Do -- March 17 2018 edition
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Happy St. Paddy's Day! Today is one of those precious ones on the calendar when all of us, regardless of our own roots, are invited to celebrate the special day -- and food, and MUSIC -- of one of the many cultures that's become part of the American experience. (The other main ones are Cinco de Mayo for the whole first week of May, and Mardi Gras, which Californians do not limit to a few days before "Fat Tuesday," but celebrate all year with "Gator by the Bay" in San Diego, the "Cajun Blues Fest" in Simi Valley, the "Long Beach Bayou Festival" and the "Crawfish Festival," both in Long Beach, and more. So if the whole world is Mexican and Louisiana Cajun on those occasions, TODAY THE WHOLE WORLD IS IRISH!
You can probably find Corned Beef and Cabbage on the menu 'purt near everywhere today, including a lot of music venues that feature the signature sounds of the Emerald Isle. Now, to be sure, they really don't celebrate with corned beef & cabbage in Ireland. But they DO eat Irish Soda Bread, a delectable concoction in round loaf form that's only available in L.A. around this time of celebration of all-things Irish. Fortunately, all the big supermarket chains seem to have it, but don't dawdle. If there's any left, it'll be on the bargain cart by Monday, then it's off their shelves for a year.
If you're staying at home today, preparing a feast with the fresh carrots and fresh potatoes and celery and celery seed and pepper corns that makes YOUR corned beef an' cabbage really delicious -- then you'll be happy to know you can enjoy a FULL DAY of Hollywood's tributes to Ireland on TCM (Turner Classic Movies). Don't have that channel? Then tune to KCET from 4-6 pm for "JIMMY'S HALL," the fine 2014 motion picture with Barry Ward and Simone Kirby. It's a true story of "the other" Irish struggle -- the one against the repression of The Church -- and how political activist Jimmy Gralton took on a crotchety priest and built a community center that taught dance, music, culture, and awareness of the outside world, and what it cost him to do it. Really an exceptional "sleeper" film and one for anyone who feels they're up against powerful forces, and wantin' to bring a better outcome.
Of course, ST. PATRICK'S DAY is all about MUSIC! And we have you covered! You'll be paying your own tab at the pub, where the beverages of choice are, of course, Guinness and Bailey's. Just remember to find a sober driver to get your inebriated remains home.
THE GUIDE TO ST. PATRICK'S CONCERTS & EVENTS TODAY & TONIGHT IS THE LAST ITEM, SO YOU CAN SCROLL PAST EVERYTHING ELSE AND FIND IT EASILY.
We ALSO BRING YOU OTHER SELECTED (NON-IRISH) EVENTS THIS WEEKEND, as the Guide's other Top Picks for things that await your patronage and participation. Plus, the bits 'o MUSIC 'N ARTS NEWS is betwixt here and the events calendar. So put your track shoes on the starting blocks already!
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AN IMPORTANT STRAY TEE VEE NOTE:
This show is science-geek heaven, anyway. BUT, this week, when we lost STEPHEN HAWKING, one of the most remarkable humans of our time, and the most consequential scientist since Albert Einstein? It isn't enough that the Guide ran an obit this past week. Because TONIGHT (Saturday), from 11 pm-midnight, the LAST INTERVIEW WITH HAWKING -- done in segments for last week's edition of "STAR TALK" with host NEIL deGRASSE TYSON -- re-runs on the NatGeo channel. Dr. MICHIO KAKU is on hand to discuss the interview segments.
This show originally aired just before Hawking died, so it's exploratory-celebratory / mind-boggling rather than mournful.
And you do get to see why Hawking was such an in-demand guest on everything from "Star Trek" to "The Simpsons."
Example? Tyson: "Dr. Hawking, who is your favorite non-scientist?" Hawking: "A few years ago, I would have said Nelson Mandella. He brought a peaceful solution to a seemingly impossible situation. There is no one of this stature today. Certainly not Donald Trump." Thereupon the camera cut to Tyson's bouncing belly-laugh, and quickly back to Hawking doing something he wasn't supposed to be able to do -- smiling, broadly.
Tyson's final comment to his studio audience: "Here is this man who has only his mind, because he can't use his body. Yet he has shown us the power of thought in discovery and in changing our understanding of everything. Perhaps at the end of the day, it's all about your thoughts and your imagination and your dreams. Truly, THAT is cosmic perspective."
A final little "wow" added to the countless BIG "Wows" that STEPHEN HAWKING brought us all.
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Ready? Let's get started!
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A THOUGHT FOR TODAY (from a famous Jew, and appropriate for the Irish experience and for our times):
"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth." -- Albert Einstein, physicist and Nobel Laureate (born Mar 14, 1879, died 1955).
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In This Edition
x) Intro - On TV and notes on cuisine (ahead of this table of contents)
1) "Roots Music & Beyond" -- St. Patrick's, Plus Folkworks "Folk Roots" Artists
2) Folk Alley's Special "Irish Music Stream - Sláinte Mhaith"
3) Knott's Annual "Boysenberry Festival" now on, Runs March 16-April 8
4) Arcadia Blues Club Tonight has Mike Osborn, "Straight from Ireland by Way of San Francisco
5) “Night of 1000 Drawings” is March 22 in L.A.
6) Grammy Museum Launches Podcast
7) TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC VIDEOS
8) ST. PATRICK'S DAY MUSIC -- CONCERTS & EVENTS
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# 1 news feature...
"ROOTS MUSIC & BEYOND" -- ST. PATRICK'S, & "FOLK ROOTS FESTIVAL" ARTISTS
One of L.A.'s few remaining folk music radio shows brought a tasty mixed bag of delights for its Saturday Morning, March 17th broadcast, and YOU CAN STILL HEAR IT ON-DEMAND.
Broadcast on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, it airs only on some Saturdays, and when it does, it's on reeeaaallly early.
This go 'round, they "lifted an audio pint to St. Pat whilst playing music familiar and not -- guaranteed to bring a fresh breeze from the distant isle all the way to L.A." That part was the show's first hour (broadcast before the sun began to rise, 6 to 7 am).
Then, for the second hour, host ART PODELL had in-studio guests -- STEVE & LEDA SHAPIRO, founding editors of L.A.-based "FolkWorks," a print publication back-when that changed to an e-zine more than a decade ago. (It lives online at www.Folkworks.org) In it, Art Podell writes a regular column; the Guide's editor was once a FolkWorks columnist, and still does feature stories there from time to time.
"FolkWorks" was in-studio to help Art play selections "from some of the... unique and varied featured artists appearing at the fantastic all-day and most-of-the-night annual 'Folk Roots Festival'" happening March 24th. (There's more on the festival in this edition.) Art even had a few free admission tickets to the festival for some lucky listeners.
Radio's "Roots Music and Beyond" with Art Podell is always refreshing on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, streaming live at www.kpfk.org -- on the Saturdays that it airs. But let's face it -- most folks aren't out of bed that early on the weekend.
Soooo, each edition of THE SHOW IS ARCHIVED for fourteen days. AND THIS ONE BEING EXTRA SPECIAL, AN' ALL, we suggest you go catch it on your schedule, at
www.archive.kpfk.org
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#2 news feature...
FOLK ALLEY'S SPECIAL "IRISH MUSIC STREAM - SLÁINTE MHAITH"
For your St. Patrick's Day soundtrack, Folk Alley, that delightful non-profit, listener-supported internet radio service, has assembled over TWELVE HOURS of uninterrupted music by many of their, and soon-to-be your, favorite Irish musicians.
You'll hear a great mix of familiar and new artists, including We Banjo 3, Usher's Island, Eileen Ivers, The Alt, Karan Casey, Cillian Vallely, Glen Hansard, Lisa Hannigan, Altan, I Draw Slow, Beoga, Sharon Shannon, Dervish, Solas, The Henry Girls, Danu, The Chieftains (of course!) and so much more.
LISTEN 24/7 at:
http://www.folkalley.com/music/irish/
Or, take it on the road, and stream Folk Alley via a free iPhone mobile app that lets you purchase downloads of any song you want, at:
http://www.folkalley.com/mobile/iphone/
FolkAlley is the non-profit internet venture (since 2003) produced by WKSU-FM, an award-winning public radio station with nearly 60 years of broadcasting history. It's a service of Kent State University in Ohio. (Yes, "The" Kent State of Neil Young's song, "Ohio.") The station also presents the "Kent State Folk Festival" and broadcasts 13 dedicated hours each week of original folk music programming, with a signal reaching throughout Northeast Ohio over WKSU 89.7 FM, with four repeater stations and two translator signals extending the reach.
You can hear the main Folk Alley stream on WKSU HD-2 and other radio stations running HD across the United States. Except, alas, in L.A., where the multibillion-dollar soundalike crappiness of the sh-thump-thud mainstream entertainment biz based here is too terrified to let you hear anything they can't control.
Hmmm. That sounds sort of like what happened to cause a revolution by the... Irish, eh?
Sláinte mhaith!
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# 3 news feature...
KNOTT'S ANNUAL "BOYSENBERRY FESTIVAL" NOW ON, RUNS MARCH 16-APRIL 8
Given the absolute unaffordability of the Mouse's empire in Anaheim, and the fact that if you pay all that money, you are jammed and crammed into an overrated amusement with too damn many other people to move enough to get to to the overlong lines for the few rides you can reach? We are fortunate to have Knott's Berry Farm. Let's face it: a Knott's Season Pass, with 6 payments of $15.66, is less than a one-day ticket to Disneyland. Jeepers.
That's any time. But right now, it's the season for the annual "KNOTT'S BOYSENBERRY FESTIVAL." That means extra portions of entertainment, and some of it is roots-Americana.
On the Wagon Camp Stage -- the circle of covered wagons that never goes anywhere, and where the SONS OF THE PIONEERS used to have a residency, the fetival has plenty of shows by Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies. They perform "their toe tappin’, knee-slappin’, side splittin’ country comedy show that has Knott’s audiences clamoring for more," according to the publicity. Which we deem a credible claim, since all the big amusement parks have their pick of the best.
Over on the Fireman's BBQ Stage, you'll find the Ghost Town Miners. This five-piece brings a "fun, audience interactive, musical performance," and the promo continues, "Saddle up for the sounds of classic instruments like guitars and fiddles played in brand new ways. Dance around the stage to the toe-tappin' tunes or grab a table and enjoy some delicious ribs covered in boysenberry BBQ sauce from Fireman's BBQ next door."
The Bird Cage Theatre, as a tribute to Knott’s past, is once again home for musical comedy melodrama. You can (and are expected to) "Cheer the Hero and Boo the Villain" in what they're dubbing as "a special presentation at Knott’s Legendary Bird Cage Theatre," where "America’s Longest Running Melodrama returns with an original, audience interactive comedy with a surprising Boysenberry twist!"
Get the lowdown on the hoedown at:
https://www.knotts.com/play/boysenberry-festival
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# 4 news feature...
ARCADIA BLUES CLUB TONIGHT HAS MIKE OSBORN, "STRAIGHT FROM IRELAND BY WAY OF SAN FRANCISCO"
A true "Bay Area Sensation" and Irish bluesman, Mike Osborn arrives with his full band. The venue offers a "Free Shot at the bar" if you wear green and get there before 9 pm.
The show runs 7 pm-11:30 pm, and Arcadia Blues Club is at 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia CA; 626-447-9349; www.arcadiabluesclub.com
The venue's chef, Maria, is cooking-up some Irish Specials for their special Mike Osborn Concert. They tell us, "Mike is threatening to be wearin' a kilt and showing off his sexy legs while playing some hot blues and Irish guitar licks. Our lassies Maria and April will be ready to celebrate with you. It will be a do not miss show."
While this is a blues show by an Irish bluesman in a blues club, word is he is a guitar wizard who will spend some time doing tributes to notable Irish rock acts. So don't expect uilleann pipes at this one.
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ABC has a Saint Patrick's Day menu and bar specials:
Food Specials (including CA sales tax):
Corn beef and cabbage $14.00
or
Irish Bangers, mashed potatoes, onion gravy $14.00
Special $7 Drinks are the "Irish Car Bomb," and "The Irish." Special $5 Shots are "Fumblin Dublin," "Shamrock," and "Leprechaun."
- - -
Use the tix link and save $5. It's $10 advance, $15 at the door. Link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mike-osborn-3-17-2018-arcadia-blues-club-tickets-43497417948
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# 5 news feature...
“NIGHT OF 1000 DRAWINGS” IS MARCH 22 IN L.A.
This one-night-only arts event is different. Every attendee chooses a doodle or drawing to take home. You can participate in a silent auction.
There's entertainment by award-winning musicians while artists and creatives bring the results of their “doodling for a difference,” works they've been creating for months to donate to this unique event.
It's 5-8 pm, Thursday, March 22, at the Globe Theatre, 740 S Broadway St, Los Angeles, CA 90014.
All proceeds fund a music program for Metro Charter Elementary, a downtown L.A. school, and it's sponsored by The Central City Association (CCA), Metro Charter Elementary and Miyamoto Relief.
Tickets are $30, at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-of-1000-drawings-tickets-38096092438
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# 6 news feature...
GRAMMY MUSEUM LAUNCHES PODCAST
The L.A.-based GRAMMY MUSEUM, home to some wonderful exhibitions and delightfully intimate performance-interview sessions, has teamed with the Recording Academy™ and "HowStuffWorks" to bring you their latest venture, "Required Listening." It's a new podcast that "provides an all-access pass to stories and songs from some of the favorite artists who have participated in the GRAMMY Museum's public programs series in the museum's intimate Clive Davis Theater."
Their spokesman continues, "We have an incredible archive of public programs, and this podcast will enable us to share the personal and unscripted stories heard nightly in our theater with people everywhere. We'll feature some of our most memorable past programs, as well as new programs, highlighting emerging artists to legendary music industry figures. Please join us each week and subscribe, rate, like, and share the 'Required Listening' podcast through Apple Music, iTunes, or the Podcast app on your phone."
Now, here at the Guide, we have to tell you, the available podcasts don't yet include any of their memorably inspiring and sometimes amazing nights with the folkie and acoustic Americana artists and legends -- who we've gone to see perform -- in their Clive Davis Theatre. So we hope the producers of the podcast series become more inclusive, pronto, since they already HAVE these recordings -- both video and audio -- in their archive.
You can check it out, keep an eye on new inclusions, or become a regular on their notification list, at:
https://shows.howstuffworks.com/requiredlistening
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# 7 news feature...
TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC VIDEOS
This makes no pretense of being comprehensive. But we do want to serve-up some good trad Irish tuneage for today. So are a few we like. Enjoy!
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Traditional Irish Uilleann Piping
This is a wonderful video, a fine performance workshop with some of the top artists on the instrument.
Published on Dec 6, 2017 on the United Nations' website for "UNESCO: Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - 2017. URL: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/01264)
Uilleann Piping is explained as "a musical practice in which a particular type of bagpipe (known as ‘uilleann’ ‘Irish’ or ‘union’ pipes) is used to play traditional music. Bearers and practitioners include participants of all ages, dispersed throughout the world. Uilleann Piping offers an important way of socializing, providing a sense of rootedness and connection to the past. Knowledge and skills are transmitted using both long-established and modern practices, and the practice is primarily safeguarded through the efforts of the group Na Piorabairi Uilleann. Country(ies): Ireland."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MxFsk4sYM4
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Tiarnan Ó Duinnchinn -- Uilleann Pipes
A fine piper performing at Scoil Cheoil na Botha, the traditional music festival in Scotstown, County Monaghan, Ireland.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8blbyNHgpO8
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In Scotland, not Ireland, and bagpipes, to let you see and hear the difference...
Young piper stealing the show at Canmore Highland Games 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHQ6AfD2_t8
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Irish Dance with Live Music
UCWDC Worlds 2016, performance by The Willis Clan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROynama9rxc
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Davy Spillane - Caoineadh Cu Chulainn Uilleann Pipes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwxga8udIio
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Michael Flatley - Lord Of The Dance (his final live TV performance on "Britain's Got Talent")
More contemporary than traditional, but wildly fun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoUr7dlvI7g
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For "Riverdance" fans, ones you've likely never seen...
...Irish Step Dancing (Best show in 2007) Riverdance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B718RsboGEI
... their 1995 show (1 hr, 10 mins) -- yes, they were an incredible troupe back then:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9KkbU4yStM
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Titanic and Braveheart themes on Uilleann Pipes
This is Ugi Mueller, who says, "I play the opening theme from the Titanic soundtrack and the main theme from Braveheart. I don't have sheets for them, I learned them by ear, they're easy!
The uilleann chanter I use is a Neil O'Grady chanter with 4 keys. Reed is by Howard Music and adjusted to the chanter by the Swiss flute and pipemaker Tom Aebi."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2YBw_6bpDU
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# 8 news feature...
ST. PATRICK'S DAY MUSIC -- CONCERTS & EVENTS
Hold onto your little green derby, 'cause here we go! Plus, we include some major stuff that happens after this weekend. It's all chronological, by date and time, so you won't get lost. Even if people keep telling you to.
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Fri-Sun, Mar 16-17-18, FESTIVAL, in Laughlin, NV:
"SHAMROCKS & SHENANIGANS FEST" runs Friday & Saturday 2 pm-10 pm, Sunday Noon-7 pm, at Colorado Belle Hotel, Casino, Resort, 2100 S Casino Dr, Laughlin, Nevada 89029; 702-298-4000; Toll Free Reservations 866-352-3553.
* Southern Cal Irish band PADDY’S PIG brings their quintet to Laughlin for the first time to play the festival's "Loading Dock stage."
* Fest info, lineup and schedules, http://www.coloradobelle.com/loading-dock-stage.html
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Sat, Mar 17:
Noon-10 pm "BACKYARD ST. PATRICK'S DAY" at Station 1640, 1640 N Cahuenga Bl & Cosmo Lot, Hollywood, CA.
* Enjoy 10 hours of music, a beer garden, food trucks, vendors and more.
* Six outdoor bands, none of them overtly Irish.
* The party is free with RSVP before 4 PM, and $10 after that, so don’t sleep on this one.
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Sat, Mar 17:
1-10 pm "7th ANNUAL ROCK & REILLY'S ST. PADDY'S DAY BLOCK PARTY" at Rock & Reilly's Sunset Strip,
* The venue presents this one to benefit MVP: "Merging Vets & Players." Join in for a good cause with DH’s food, games and 100 kegs of green beer.
* Unfortunately, it's a DJ.
* 21+ only, and entry is not guaranteed after 3 pm and is subject to capacity.
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Sat, Mar 17:
1 pm-'til-late-night "ST. PATTY'S BEER FEST" at the Pig 'n Whistle on Hollywood Bl.
* It's just not a St. Patty's celebration without the ceremonial raising of a pint, so this venue wants you to get your green on, then head down to the glamorous old Hollywood hotspot for an Irish-themed party.
* Unfortunately, it's a DJ for dancing, but plenty of drink specials on Jamison and Guinness.
* One of the most historic bars in all of L.A., The Pig 'n Whistle opened next door to the Egyptian Theatre in 1927, and has since hosted celebs like Cary Grant, Shirley Temple, Judy Garland, Clark Gable and many more.
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Sat, Mar 17 -- PLACES TO HANG-OUT before going to one of the concerts listed after this...
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*** Muldoon's Irish Pub, 202 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA; 949-640-4110; www.muldoonspub.com
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*** O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant "The Sports Pub With The Irish Heart," 2226 Wilshire, Santa Monica, CA; 310-829-5303; www.obriensla.com
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*** The Red Leprechaun, 4000 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804; www.redleprechaun.com
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*** King's Head British Pub & Restaurant, 116 Santa Monica Bl, Santa Monica, CA; 310-451-1402; www.yeoldekingshead.com
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*** The Harp Inn Irish Pub, Costa Mesa, CA; www.harpinn.com
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*** The Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, Murrieta, CA; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com
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Sat, Mar 17:
3 pm SLIGO RAGS plays Brendan’s Irish Pub, 495 Ventu Park, Newbury Park, CA 91320; 805-498-5050.
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Sat, Mar 17:
4 pm THE PLOUGHBOYS play the Tam O’Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90039; 323-664-0228.
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Sat, Mar 17:
4-9:30 pm FLOGGING MOLLY PARTY outside the Hollywood Palladium. The FLOGGING MOLLY concert inside the venue is sold out. BUT you can still join in on the fun and PARTY, right outside the venue. Come early. They'll have drinks, food, and a live DJ from 4 pm–9:30 pm.
* No ticket needed. 21+ only.
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Sat, Mar 17:
6 pm WILD ROSE, with Melanie Nolley, Andrew Shuman & Steve Shapiro, play Brendan’s Irish Pub, 30315 Canwood St, Agoura Hills, CA 91301; 818-874-9400.
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Sat, Mar 17:
6 pm OXALIS plays The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
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Sat. Mar 17:
7 pm ERIC RIGLER & DIRK FREYMUTH WITH KIRA OTT play the Black Box Theater at Hi-Desert Cultural Center, 61231 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252.
* Eric is the one who played the trad music in the spoundtrack of "Titanic," and in many more films.
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Sat, Mar 17:
7 pm DROPKICK MICKEYS play Brendan’s Irish Pub, 495 Ventu Park, Newbury Park, CA 91320; 805-498-5050.
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Sat, Mar 17:
7 pm WHISKEY SUNDAY plays the Tam O’Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90039; 323-664-0228.
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Sat, Mar 17:
7-10 pm CHAUNCEY BOWERS, with LISA TURNER and KEVIN ROGERS, plays the "CITY ROOTS CONCERT SERIES" evening of music-and-DINNER, at Hope Lutheran Church, 6720 Melrose Av, Hollywood 90038.
* Concert series organized by Alexia Salvatierra, and she will give you a permit for street parking when you arrive.
* Chauncey Bowers notes, "That's sort of amazing for Hollywood. You should come just for the permit."
* Music starts at 7PM. There is good food at intermission. Chauncey notes, "The chili is particularly tasty. The whole affair ends around 10."
* Chauncey just won't shut-up about this. He says, "I've played this venue before and it is wonderful. Nice room with good sound system and acoustics. It's a church for god's sake. Great place for music."
* Chauncey plays about an hour, and Lisa Turner will sing with him. "She will take your breath away. She does that to me, and yet I am still able to sing with her. Some form of magic, I'm guessing," he says. (The Guide says she is a wonderful talent, too.)
* Kevin Rogers also plays a set. He brings younger energy to the table. His voice has been likened to a "soulful Sting."
* Tix and parking passes at the door.
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Sat, Mar 17:
7 pm CON GIOIA EARLY MUSIC ENSEMBLE plays the final concert of the "Winter Music Series" at Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena, CA 91106.
* Southern California’s premier baroque ensemble celebrates the 350th anniversary of the birth of one of France’s most venerable composers, Francois Couperin, with a sumptuous survey of his popular and lesser-known repertoire.
* Limited seats remaining. Tix and info, www.bostoncourt.com
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Sat, Mar 17:
7 pm KEN O'MALLEY AND THE TWILIGHT LORDS play the annual "IRISH CENTER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ST. PATRICK'S DAY DINNER & DANCE" at the Glendale Hilton, 100 W Glenoaks Bl, Glendale, CA 91202; http://irishcenter.org
* The Twilight Lords are the logical connection of ancient modalities to electric instruments. Their treatment of classic songs -- such as "The Foggy Foggy Dew," "The Water is Wide," and "Carrick Fergus" -- are amazing and real crowd pleasers.
* Join the fun and support the Irish Center of Southern California, Inc. which promotes Irish culture and supports our local Irish and Irish-American community.
* The evening begins with cocktails at 5 pm; dinner is served at 6 pm followed by Irish dancers and music by Ken O'Malley and the Twilight Lords.
* For tickets ($75) call Mary Dempsey at 626-337-0075 or check the above website.
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Sat, Mar 17:
7-9 pm AVC SYMPHONIC BAND: ASCENSION, at Antelope Valley College Performing Arts Theater, 3041 W Avenue K, Lancaster, CA 93534; www.itsmyseat.com/events/442419.html
* Dedicated to one of Europe’s many great pieces of art: Dante Alighieri’s "Divine Comedy," this multimedia presentation features the ANTELOPE VALLEY CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY and the AVC Symphonic Band performing Robert W. Smith’s complete first band symphony, "The Divine Comedy."
* Tix: http://www.itsmyseat.com/events/442419.html
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Sat, Mar 17:
7:30 pm "OLD-TIMEY LEPRECHAUN-PALOOZA" with EVIE LADIN & KEITH TERRY, SAUSAGE GRINDER, and ECHO MOUNTAIN, is a mini-festival with concerts and a workshop, at American Legion Hall Post 206, 255 N Ave. 55, Highland Park, 90041
* With "Fiddles, Banjos, Guitars, Mandolins, Square Dancin', and a Bar!" the Old-Time Tiki Parlour and the "3rd Saturday Square Dance" series" team-up for this "St. Paddy's Day 'Old-Timey' Leprechaun-Palooza.
* Preceded, 5:30 pm-7 pm by EVIE LADIN teaching an "Old-Time Harmony Singing Workshop" before the concert. Seats are limited.
* Concert, 7:30 pm, with EVIE LADIN & KEITH TERRY performing.
* Square Dance and Jamming, 9 pm-11 pm; tunes played by a mashup of Sausage Grinder and Echo Mountain. Dance calls by EVIE LADIN and "L.A.'s Rookie Callers Club."
* EVIE LADIN & KEITH TERRY are Oakland, California-based innovative musicians/dancers with a quirky neo-trad soul. They perform throw-down original folk songs and deep interpretations of old songs, with the kinetic thrill of percussive dance. Ladin sings and plays infectious clawhammer banjo, while Terry is a master percussionist. "It was Appalachian string band music pared to the absolute minimum of accompaniment, but packed with an orchestras worth of rhythm." -- Music City Roots, Nashville.
* SAUSAGE GRINDER, Los Angeles' classic old-time and country blues string band, combines the traditional sounds of fiddle and banjo breakdowns with the low-down sound of country blues, topped off with a touch of ragtime and hillbilly jazz. The versatile acoustic ensemble features fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, jug, washboard, and a few odds and ends.
* ECHO MOUNTAIN is an old-time string band based out of Los Angeles.Together they play square dances and farmers markets in the L.A. area and have been featured performers at "The Watkins Family Hour," hosted by the brother-sister team from NICKEL CREEK. The collective vision of Echo Mountain is to build a repertoire that reflects the whole spectrum of the old-time tradition, playing each fiddle tune and mountain ballad with new energy while remaining true to traditional style and form.
* Ticket options: $20 gen'l adm. for the Concert and Square Dance Jam Party; $30 for the "Harmony Singing Workshop w/Evie Ladin" at 5:30 pm.
* Tix at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3233753
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Sat, Mar 17:
(SOLD OUT) 8 pm THE FENIANS play The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; 949-496-8927.
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Sat, Mar 17:
8 pm CELTIC SPIRIT WITH EILEEN IVERS, the nine-time ALL IRELEND FIDDLE CHAMP and star of "RIVERDANCE," performs with the LONG BEACH SYMPHONY at the Long Beach Arena, Pacific Ballroom, 300 E Ocean Bl, Long Beach, CA 90802.
* Fiddler Eileen Ivers will change the way you think about the violin. She’s been hailed as “a sensation” by Billboard magazine, “a virtuoso” by The Irish Times, “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin” by The New York Times.
* Conductor WILLIAM WALDROP is a Broadway Music Director, Pianist and Conductor, who currently serves as Principal Conductor of the Broadway revival of "Cats" at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York City.
* Tix via Symphony box office, 562-436-3203 ext. 1
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Sat, Mar 17, FREE concert:
8-10:30 pm ARIELLE DEEM in her "PLAY IT FORWARD TOUR 2018" performs at Baracoa Cuban Restaurant, 853 Auto Center Dr Ste F, Palmdale, CA 93551; www.baracoacubanrestaurant.com
* Featuring EVAN MONTGOMERY on guitar.
* Arielle Deem is a Los Angeles based vocalist, composer and visual artist, advocating for social change through original music and art.
* Her warm presence and transformative voice invite communities to actively listen and recognize the similarities in all of us, as her music blends progressive jazz, soul, vocal looping/fx and spoken word.
* Arielle has released two albums and has plans to do a new collection of songs in 2018.
* She has toured independently throughout the U.S, Canada and Europe, and is presently endorsed by the Vocal Looping/FX gear company, TC-Helicon, in association with Behringer.
* In addition to pursuing her passion for performing, Arielle teaches part-time on Faculty at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA and offers private voice lessons.
* More at: www.arielledeem.com
* FREE show.
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Sat, Mar 17, STAGEPLAY:
8 pm THE WORLD PREMIERE OF "BINGO HALL" nears the end of its run as the feature presentation of the prestigious "NATIVE VOICES AT THE AUTRY" series, at The Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way (in Griffith Park, across from the L.A. Zoo), Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323-495-4354; www.TheAutry.org/NativeVoices
* Guide contributor and actress Debbie Berry called to be certain we had this show listed. She raved about, all the way around, and called it a "Must-see!"
* Debbie is hardly alone in her assessment. Check outb these reviews:
- “RECOMMENDED . . . a delight, a deft and witty comedy that recalls vintage Neil Simon.”—Stage Raw
- “A charming, at times funny, well-acted play about retaining cultural traditions.”—Guardian Liberty Voice
- “Explores themes of tradition and identity . . . with plenty of jokes and unexpected occurrences.”—Hollywood Soapbox
- “Family friendly, and the ticket price includes admission to the Autry Museum of the American West. Add a picnic and you’ve got a day of entertainment.”—Los Angeles Times (they do note: The play includes some profanity)
* Synopsis: Edward Anaya makes all the calls in the pueblo—well, he calls the numbers at the senior center's bimonthly bingo. But college acceptance letters kick-start an identity crisis: Who will Edward be if he leaves home and bingo behind? Like Ferris Bueller if he lived in a pueblo, Edward knows just what to say until romantic rejection, family antics, and community pressures leave him tongue-tied. New playwright Dillon Chitto brings the pueblo to the American theatre in this hilarious new play about tradition in a fast-changing world.
* SPECIAL EVENT, tonight only: Bingo! on Saturday, March 17. As a special treat, the Autry will host a round of bingo in the cafe before doors open for the 8:00 p.m. performance.
* FINAL PERFORMANCES: Sun, Mar 18, 2 pm; Thu-Fri-Sat, Mar 22-24, 8 pm; Sat & Sun, Mar 24 & 25, 2 pm.
* Tix are $8–$25, at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-voices-at-the-autry-presents-the-world-premiere-of-bingo-hall-tickets-42012936825
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Sat, Mar 17:
8:30-11:30 pm ANDY HILL & RENEE SAFIER (aka ANDY & RENEE of the award-wining band HARD RAIN) play a St. Pat's gig at Avenue A Bar & Grill, 800 S PCH, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 310-316-2832.
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Sat, Mar 17:
9 pm THE PLOUGHBOYS play Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill, 4311 W Magnolia Bl, Burbank, CA 91505; 818-729-0805.
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FARTHER AHEAD...
Sat, Mar 24, FESTIVAL:
10 am-10 pm Annual "FOLKROOTS FESTIVAL" at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 11000 National Bl, West LA, 90064
* This is a crossroads of Folk-Americana and world folk music, with so many options that everyone can find plenty of ways to be immersed in fun, listening, learning, and discovery for the full day, into the night.
* WORKSHOPS, FOLK FILMS, SONG CIRCLE, JAMMING all begin at 10 am, and include:
• 10 am block: BANJO (Beg/Int) with Steve Lewis; HARMONICA with Roger Goodman; SINGING - The Art of Unaccompanied Voice (All levels) with Susie Glaze; MANDOLIN with Tom Corbett.
• 11 am block: VERY BEGINNING FIDDLE with Jim & Amber Mueller; HOW TO PLAY ANYTHING with Roger Goodman; BALKAN 101 with Pat Mac Swyney; EGYPTIAN ORIENTAL DANCE AKA BELLY DANCE (All levels) with Gigi deMarrais.
• Noon block: MOUNTAIN DULCIMER For Absolute Beginners with Joellen Lapidus; MANDOLIN "Nail That Tune!" (All Levels) with Emil Olguin; PERCUSSION with Ava Nahas; GUITAR - Bottleneck, Slide, with Fred Sokolow.
• 1 pm block: SPOONS - "Playing with spoons" with Monika White; UKULELE Split-level class with Kate Friedricks; MIDDLE EAST FRAMED DRUM with Rowan Storm; BALKAN SINGING (All Levels) with Members of Nevenka; INSTRUMENT Care & Feeding with Kurt Gary; POWER OF SONGS with Sam Curtis, Ross Altman, Sunny War (followed by 2 pm panel discussion).
• 2 pm block: PANEL DISCUSSION - "SOCIAL JUSTICE AND FOLK MUSIC" with Ross Altman, Darryl Holter, Jonathan Ritter with Larry Wines as Moderator (follows 1 pm "Power of Song"); FIDDLE, Old Time (All Levels) with David Bragger; GUITAR with Chris Berry; FROM COLTRANE TO NUSRAT:THE MYSTERY OF MUSIC & SPIRITUALITY with Yuval Ron; FLAT FOOT DANCING with Rebecca Stout.
* DAYTIME CONCERTS begin at 11 am, with FRANK HOPPE and CHRISTINA ORTEGA as emcees, and performances (two stages of music all afternoon) by:
• NEVENKA ENSEMBLE
• LINDA ALVAREZ & FRIENDS
• HIGH LIFE CAJUN BAND
• THE SUSIE GLAZE NEW FOLK ENSEMBLE
• BAKLAVA ENSEMBLE
• DOUBLE BATCH DADDY & THE ZEHNDER FAMILY
• COMPLICATED ANIMALS
• AMARO LUMIYA
• LA VICTORIA
• Chris Berry, Milena Reed, Art Podell
* Silent Auction opens at 1 pm.
* SQUARE DANCE begins at 3 pm.
* CONCERT BOX OFFICE OPENS at 5:30 pm for those without advance tickets (subject to tix remaining).
* EVENING CONCERTS begin at 6 pm, with YATRIKA SHAH-RAIS as emcee, and performances by:
• CHLOE POURMORADY ENSEMBLE
• SAUSAGE GRINDER
• YUVAL RON ENSEMBLE
• CAMBALACHE
* Early bird tickets are available through the end of February, and are going fast; get them now at: https://fwfolkrootsfestival.brownpapertickets.com/
* FULL INFO, WORKSHOP SIGN-UPS, & ADVANCE TIX, at: https://fwfolkrootsfestival.com/
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Sat, Mar 24, FESTIVAL:
6-10 pm Annual "IRISH SPRING GALA" at Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, 501 Indian Peak Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA.
* Features band PADDY’S PIG.
* Reservations required. For tickets, email kathy-bradford@cox.net
or go to
http://www.hoy-southbay.org/irish-spring-gala.html
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Thu-Sat, May 17-19th, FESTIVAL:
"13th-Ever 'LOS ANGELES OLD TIME SOCIAL'" returns with concerts, workshops, square dancing and more, at multiple L.A. venues.
* Featured performers include RICHIE STEARNS & ROSIE NEWTON, OZARK HIGHBALLERS, CLINTON DAVIS, YO PITZY JUG BAND, ECHO MOUNTAIN, DAVID BRAGGER & SUSAN PLATZ, HAVE MORE FUN STRINGBAND, and dance caller extraordinaire SUSAN MICHAELS.
* Though not affiliated with the annual "Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival" which happens on Sunday, May 20, the two festivals, both excellent, are designed to interlock into a four-day tuneful run that's the best musical start to your roots-music summer.
* "Kick Off Party" for the Old Time Social is Thu, May 17, 8 pm, at Tropico De Nopal Gallery, 1665 Beverly Bl, L.A. CA 90026; tix $10, ages 21+.
* CONCERT is Fri, May 18, 8 pm, at The Velaslavasay Panorama, 1122 W 24th St, L.A. CA 90007; advance tix below. Features Echo Mountain (Los Angeles); Richie & Rosie (NY); Ozark Highballers (AR); House Band with David Bragger & Susan Platz; Yo Pitzy Jugband (Los Angeles); Clinton Davis (San Diego); Have More Fun Stringband (Los Angeles).
* WORKSHOPS, FAMILY DANCE, CAKEWALK & SQUARE DANCE, are Sat, May 19, Noon–11 pm, at American Legion Post 206, 227 N Avenue 55, Highland Park (L.A.) CA 90042:
• Saturday ticket options: $20 for the day (workshops included) or $10 for the evening dances only.
• Family Dance 6 pm
• Cakewalk 7:30 pm
• Square Dance 8 pm
• Callers are Susan Michaels (Seattle) and Rookie Callers (L.A.)
• Bands are Hollywood Boll Weevils (Family Dance – L.A.); Ozark Highballers; Rosie Newton & Richie Stearns.
• WORKSHOPS are Noon–6 pm saturday, and include:
"Upstairs" Saturday Workshops:
- Noon-2 pm - Sacred Harp Shape-Note Singing
- 2-4 pm - Square Dance Calling—Susan Michaels
- 4-5 - Cajun Dancing with Ira Bernstein
- 5-6 - Flatfooting with Ira Bernstein and Ruth Alpert
"Downstairs" Saturday Workshops:
- Noon-1 pm - Italian & New Mexican Music with Paul Rangell & Emily Abbink
- 1-2 pm - Cajun Guitar with Eric Thompson
- 2-3 pm - Cajun Fiddle with Suzy Thompson
- 3-4 - Old-Time Fiddle & Bowing of African American Fiddler Will Adam with David Bragger
- 4-5 - Old-Time Fiddle with Bob Willoughby
- 5-6 - Old-Time Banjo with Rafe Stefanini
(Contact David Bragger for sign-ups and more info, at: davidbragger (at) gmail.com)
* FULL INFO, SIGN-UPS, & TIX (find the bar at the top of their page, or you'll miss everything); tix at: http://losangelesoldtimesocial.com/
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See you soon with a TRULY HUGE and brand-new mega mondo MUSIC NEWS EDITION!
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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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Pssst – Hey, kid. Yeah, YOU: It won't be so "basic" when we add all the links for the global network of music news / music education sites that we're joining; THAT'LL be here very soon, as an ESSENTIAL COMPONENT of the Guide returning to being a MUSIC NEWS journal!
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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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Happy St. Paddy's Day! Today is one of those precious ones on the calendar when all of us, regardless of our own roots, are invited to celebrate the special day -- and food, and MUSIC -- of one of the many cultures that's become part of the American experience. (The other main ones are Cinco de Mayo for the whole first week of May, and Mardi Gras, which Californians do not limit to a few days before "Fat Tuesday," but celebrate all year with "Gator by the Bay" in San Diego, the "Cajun Blues Fest" in Simi Valley, the "Long Beach Bayou Festival" and the "Crawfish Festival," both in Long Beach, and more. So if the whole world is Mexican and Louisiana Cajun on those occasions, TODAY THE WHOLE WORLD IS IRISH!
You can probably find Corned Beef and Cabbage on the menu 'purt near everywhere today, including a lot of music venues that feature the signature sounds of the Emerald Isle. Now, to be sure, they really don't celebrate with corned beef & cabbage in Ireland. But they DO eat Irish Soda Bread, a delectable concoction in round loaf form that's only available in L.A. around this time of celebration of all-things Irish. Fortunately, all the big supermarket chains seem to have it, but don't dawdle. If there's any left, it'll be on the bargain cart by Monday, then it's off their shelves for a year.
If you're staying at home today, preparing a feast with the fresh carrots and fresh potatoes and celery and celery seed and pepper corns that makes YOUR corned beef an' cabbage really delicious -- then you'll be happy to know you can enjoy a FULL DAY of Hollywood's tributes to Ireland on TCM (Turner Classic Movies). Don't have that channel? Then tune to KCET from 4-6 pm for "JIMMY'S HALL," the fine 2014 motion picture with Barry Ward and Simone Kirby. It's a true story of "the other" Irish struggle -- the one against the repression of The Church -- and how political activist Jimmy Gralton took on a crotchety priest and built a community center that taught dance, music, culture, and awareness of the outside world, and what it cost him to do it. Really an exceptional "sleeper" film and one for anyone who feels they're up against powerful forces, and wantin' to bring a better outcome.
Of course, ST. PATRICK'S DAY is all about MUSIC! And we have you covered! You'll be paying your own tab at the pub, where the beverages of choice are, of course, Guinness and Bailey's. Just remember to find a sober driver to get your inebriated remains home.
THE GUIDE TO ST. PATRICK'S CONCERTS & EVENTS TODAY & TONIGHT IS THE LAST ITEM, SO YOU CAN SCROLL PAST EVERYTHING ELSE AND FIND IT EASILY.
We ALSO BRING YOU OTHER SELECTED (NON-IRISH) EVENTS THIS WEEKEND, as the Guide's other Top Picks for things that await your patronage and participation. Plus, the bits 'o MUSIC 'N ARTS NEWS is betwixt here and the events calendar. So put your track shoes on the starting blocks already!
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AN IMPORTANT STRAY TEE VEE NOTE:
This show is science-geek heaven, anyway. BUT, this week, when we lost STEPHEN HAWKING, one of the most remarkable humans of our time, and the most consequential scientist since Albert Einstein? It isn't enough that the Guide ran an obit this past week. Because TONIGHT (Saturday), from 11 pm-midnight, the LAST INTERVIEW WITH HAWKING -- done in segments for last week's edition of "STAR TALK" with host NEIL deGRASSE TYSON -- re-runs on the NatGeo channel. Dr. MICHIO KAKU is on hand to discuss the interview segments.
This show originally aired just before Hawking died, so it's exploratory-celebratory / mind-boggling rather than mournful.
And you do get to see why Hawking was such an in-demand guest on everything from "Star Trek" to "The Simpsons."
Example? Tyson: "Dr. Hawking, who is your favorite non-scientist?" Hawking: "A few years ago, I would have said Nelson Mandella. He brought a peaceful solution to a seemingly impossible situation. There is no one of this stature today. Certainly not Donald Trump." Thereupon the camera cut to Tyson's bouncing belly-laugh, and quickly back to Hawking doing something he wasn't supposed to be able to do -- smiling, broadly.
Tyson's final comment to his studio audience: "Here is this man who has only his mind, because he can't use his body. Yet he has shown us the power of thought in discovery and in changing our understanding of everything. Perhaps at the end of the day, it's all about your thoughts and your imagination and your dreams. Truly, THAT is cosmic perspective."
A final little "wow" added to the countless BIG "Wows" that STEPHEN HAWKING brought us all.
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Ready? Let's get started!
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A THOUGHT FOR TODAY (from a famous Jew, and appropriate for the Irish experience and for our times):
"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth." -- Albert Einstein, physicist and Nobel Laureate (born Mar 14, 1879, died 1955).
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In This Edition
x) Intro - On TV and notes on cuisine (ahead of this table of contents)
1) "Roots Music & Beyond" -- St. Patrick's, Plus Folkworks "Folk Roots" Artists
2) Folk Alley's Special "Irish Music Stream - Sláinte Mhaith"
3) Knott's Annual "Boysenberry Festival" now on, Runs March 16-April 8
4) Arcadia Blues Club Tonight has Mike Osborn, "Straight from Ireland by Way of San Francisco
5) “Night of 1000 Drawings” is March 22 in L.A.
6) Grammy Museum Launches Podcast
7) TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC VIDEOS
8) ST. PATRICK'S DAY MUSIC -- CONCERTS & EVENTS
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# 1 news feature...
"ROOTS MUSIC & BEYOND" -- ST. PATRICK'S, & "FOLK ROOTS FESTIVAL" ARTISTS
One of L.A.'s few remaining folk music radio shows brought a tasty mixed bag of delights for its Saturday Morning, March 17th broadcast, and YOU CAN STILL HEAR IT ON-DEMAND.
Broadcast on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, it airs only on some Saturdays, and when it does, it's on reeeaaallly early.
This go 'round, they "lifted an audio pint to St. Pat whilst playing music familiar and not -- guaranteed to bring a fresh breeze from the distant isle all the way to L.A." That part was the show's first hour (broadcast before the sun began to rise, 6 to 7 am).
Then, for the second hour, host ART PODELL had in-studio guests -- STEVE & LEDA SHAPIRO, founding editors of L.A.-based "FolkWorks," a print publication back-when that changed to an e-zine more than a decade ago. (It lives online at www.Folkworks.org) In it, Art Podell writes a regular column; the Guide's editor was once a FolkWorks columnist, and still does feature stories there from time to time.
"FolkWorks" was in-studio to help Art play selections "from some of the... unique and varied featured artists appearing at the fantastic all-day and most-of-the-night annual 'Folk Roots Festival'" happening March 24th. (There's more on the festival in this edition.) Art even had a few free admission tickets to the festival for some lucky listeners.
Radio's "Roots Music and Beyond" with Art Podell is always refreshing on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, streaming live at www.kpfk.org -- on the Saturdays that it airs. But let's face it -- most folks aren't out of bed that early on the weekend.
Soooo, each edition of THE SHOW IS ARCHIVED for fourteen days. AND THIS ONE BEING EXTRA SPECIAL, AN' ALL, we suggest you go catch it on your schedule, at
www.archive.kpfk.org
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#2 news feature...
FOLK ALLEY'S SPECIAL "IRISH MUSIC STREAM - SLÁINTE MHAITH"
For your St. Patrick's Day soundtrack, Folk Alley, that delightful non-profit, listener-supported internet radio service, has assembled over TWELVE HOURS of uninterrupted music by many of their, and soon-to-be your, favorite Irish musicians.
You'll hear a great mix of familiar and new artists, including We Banjo 3, Usher's Island, Eileen Ivers, The Alt, Karan Casey, Cillian Vallely, Glen Hansard, Lisa Hannigan, Altan, I Draw Slow, Beoga, Sharon Shannon, Dervish, Solas, The Henry Girls, Danu, The Chieftains (of course!) and so much more.
LISTEN 24/7 at:
http://www.folkalley.com/music/irish/
Or, take it on the road, and stream Folk Alley via a free iPhone mobile app that lets you purchase downloads of any song you want, at:
http://www.folkalley.com/mobile/iphone/
FolkAlley is the non-profit internet venture (since 2003) produced by WKSU-FM, an award-winning public radio station with nearly 60 years of broadcasting history. It's a service of Kent State University in Ohio. (Yes, "The" Kent State of Neil Young's song, "Ohio.") The station also presents the "Kent State Folk Festival" and broadcasts 13 dedicated hours each week of original folk music programming, with a signal reaching throughout Northeast Ohio over WKSU 89.7 FM, with four repeater stations and two translator signals extending the reach.
You can hear the main Folk Alley stream on WKSU HD-2 and other radio stations running HD across the United States. Except, alas, in L.A., where the multibillion-dollar soundalike crappiness of the sh-thump-thud mainstream entertainment biz based here is too terrified to let you hear anything they can't control.
Hmmm. That sounds sort of like what happened to cause a revolution by the... Irish, eh?
Sláinte mhaith!
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# 3 news feature...
KNOTT'S ANNUAL "BOYSENBERRY FESTIVAL" NOW ON, RUNS MARCH 16-APRIL 8
Given the absolute unaffordability of the Mouse's empire in Anaheim, and the fact that if you pay all that money, you are jammed and crammed into an overrated amusement with too damn many other people to move enough to get to to the overlong lines for the few rides you can reach? We are fortunate to have Knott's Berry Farm. Let's face it: a Knott's Season Pass, with 6 payments of $15.66, is less than a one-day ticket to Disneyland. Jeepers.
That's any time. But right now, it's the season for the annual "KNOTT'S BOYSENBERRY FESTIVAL." That means extra portions of entertainment, and some of it is roots-Americana.
On the Wagon Camp Stage -- the circle of covered wagons that never goes anywhere, and where the SONS OF THE PIONEERS used to have a residency, the fetival has plenty of shows by Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies. They perform "their toe tappin’, knee-slappin’, side splittin’ country comedy show that has Knott’s audiences clamoring for more," according to the publicity. Which we deem a credible claim, since all the big amusement parks have their pick of the best.
Over on the Fireman's BBQ Stage, you'll find the Ghost Town Miners. This five-piece brings a "fun, audience interactive, musical performance," and the promo continues, "Saddle up for the sounds of classic instruments like guitars and fiddles played in brand new ways. Dance around the stage to the toe-tappin' tunes or grab a table and enjoy some delicious ribs covered in boysenberry BBQ sauce from Fireman's BBQ next door."
The Bird Cage Theatre, as a tribute to Knott’s past, is once again home for musical comedy melodrama. You can (and are expected to) "Cheer the Hero and Boo the Villain" in what they're dubbing as "a special presentation at Knott’s Legendary Bird Cage Theatre," where "America’s Longest Running Melodrama returns with an original, audience interactive comedy with a surprising Boysenberry twist!"
Get the lowdown on the hoedown at:
https://www.knotts.com/play/boysenberry-festival
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# 4 news feature...
ARCADIA BLUES CLUB TONIGHT HAS MIKE OSBORN, "STRAIGHT FROM IRELAND BY WAY OF SAN FRANCISCO"
A true "Bay Area Sensation" and Irish bluesman, Mike Osborn arrives with his full band. The venue offers a "Free Shot at the bar" if you wear green and get there before 9 pm.
The show runs 7 pm-11:30 pm, and Arcadia Blues Club is at 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia CA; 626-447-9349; www.arcadiabluesclub.com
The venue's chef, Maria, is cooking-up some Irish Specials for their special Mike Osborn Concert. They tell us, "Mike is threatening to be wearin' a kilt and showing off his sexy legs while playing some hot blues and Irish guitar licks. Our lassies Maria and April will be ready to celebrate with you. It will be a do not miss show."
While this is a blues show by an Irish bluesman in a blues club, word is he is a guitar wizard who will spend some time doing tributes to notable Irish rock acts. So don't expect uilleann pipes at this one.
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ABC has a Saint Patrick's Day menu and bar specials:
Food Specials (including CA sales tax):
Corn beef and cabbage $14.00
or
Irish Bangers, mashed potatoes, onion gravy $14.00
Special $7 Drinks are the "Irish Car Bomb," and "The Irish." Special $5 Shots are "Fumblin Dublin," "Shamrock," and "Leprechaun."
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Use the tix link and save $5. It's $10 advance, $15 at the door. Link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mike-osborn-3-17-2018-arcadia-blues-club-tickets-43497417948
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# 5 news feature...
“NIGHT OF 1000 DRAWINGS” IS MARCH 22 IN L.A.
This one-night-only arts event is different. Every attendee chooses a doodle or drawing to take home. You can participate in a silent auction.
There's entertainment by award-winning musicians while artists and creatives bring the results of their “doodling for a difference,” works they've been creating for months to donate to this unique event.
It's 5-8 pm, Thursday, March 22, at the Globe Theatre, 740 S Broadway St, Los Angeles, CA 90014.
All proceeds fund a music program for Metro Charter Elementary, a downtown L.A. school, and it's sponsored by The Central City Association (CCA), Metro Charter Elementary and Miyamoto Relief.
Tickets are $30, at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-of-1000-drawings-tickets-38096092438
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# 6 news feature...
GRAMMY MUSEUM LAUNCHES PODCAST
The L.A.-based GRAMMY MUSEUM, home to some wonderful exhibitions and delightfully intimate performance-interview sessions, has teamed with the Recording Academy™ and "HowStuffWorks" to bring you their latest venture, "Required Listening." It's a new podcast that "provides an all-access pass to stories and songs from some of the favorite artists who have participated in the GRAMMY Museum's public programs series in the museum's intimate Clive Davis Theater."
Their spokesman continues, "We have an incredible archive of public programs, and this podcast will enable us to share the personal and unscripted stories heard nightly in our theater with people everywhere. We'll feature some of our most memorable past programs, as well as new programs, highlighting emerging artists to legendary music industry figures. Please join us each week and subscribe, rate, like, and share the 'Required Listening' podcast through Apple Music, iTunes, or the Podcast app on your phone."
Now, here at the Guide, we have to tell you, the available podcasts don't yet include any of their memorably inspiring and sometimes amazing nights with the folkie and acoustic Americana artists and legends -- who we've gone to see perform -- in their Clive Davis Theatre. So we hope the producers of the podcast series become more inclusive, pronto, since they already HAVE these recordings -- both video and audio -- in their archive.
You can check it out, keep an eye on new inclusions, or become a regular on their notification list, at:
https://shows.howstuffworks.com/requiredlistening
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# 7 news feature...
TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC VIDEOS
This makes no pretense of being comprehensive. But we do want to serve-up some good trad Irish tuneage for today. So are a few we like. Enjoy!
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Traditional Irish Uilleann Piping
This is a wonderful video, a fine performance workshop with some of the top artists on the instrument.
Published on Dec 6, 2017 on the United Nations' website for "UNESCO: Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - 2017. URL: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/01264)
Uilleann Piping is explained as "a musical practice in which a particular type of bagpipe (known as ‘uilleann’ ‘Irish’ or ‘union’ pipes) is used to play traditional music. Bearers and practitioners include participants of all ages, dispersed throughout the world. Uilleann Piping offers an important way of socializing, providing a sense of rootedness and connection to the past. Knowledge and skills are transmitted using both long-established and modern practices, and the practice is primarily safeguarded through the efforts of the group Na Piorabairi Uilleann. Country(ies): Ireland."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MxFsk4sYM4
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Tiarnan Ó Duinnchinn -- Uilleann Pipes
A fine piper performing at Scoil Cheoil na Botha, the traditional music festival in Scotstown, County Monaghan, Ireland.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8blbyNHgpO8
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In Scotland, not Ireland, and bagpipes, to let you see and hear the difference...
Young piper stealing the show at Canmore Highland Games 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHQ6AfD2_t8
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Irish Dance with Live Music
UCWDC Worlds 2016, performance by The Willis Clan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROynama9rxc
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Davy Spillane - Caoineadh Cu Chulainn Uilleann Pipes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwxga8udIio
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Michael Flatley - Lord Of The Dance (his final live TV performance on "Britain's Got Talent")
More contemporary than traditional, but wildly fun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoUr7dlvI7g
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For "Riverdance" fans, ones you've likely never seen...
...Irish Step Dancing (Best show in 2007) Riverdance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B718RsboGEI
... their 1995 show (1 hr, 10 mins) -- yes, they were an incredible troupe back then:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9KkbU4yStM
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Titanic and Braveheart themes on Uilleann Pipes
This is Ugi Mueller, who says, "I play the opening theme from the Titanic soundtrack and the main theme from Braveheart. I don't have sheets for them, I learned them by ear, they're easy!
The uilleann chanter I use is a Neil O'Grady chanter with 4 keys. Reed is by Howard Music and adjusted to the chanter by the Swiss flute and pipemaker Tom Aebi."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2YBw_6bpDU
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# 8 news feature...
ST. PATRICK'S DAY MUSIC -- CONCERTS & EVENTS
Hold onto your little green derby, 'cause here we go! Plus, we include some major stuff that happens after this weekend. It's all chronological, by date and time, so you won't get lost. Even if people keep telling you to.
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Fri-Sun, Mar 16-17-18, FESTIVAL, in Laughlin, NV:
"SHAMROCKS & SHENANIGANS FEST" runs Friday & Saturday 2 pm-10 pm, Sunday Noon-7 pm, at Colorado Belle Hotel, Casino, Resort, 2100 S Casino Dr, Laughlin, Nevada 89029; 702-298-4000; Toll Free Reservations 866-352-3553.
* Southern Cal Irish band PADDY’S PIG brings their quintet to Laughlin for the first time to play the festival's "Loading Dock stage."
* Fest info, lineup and schedules, http://www.coloradobelle.com/loading-dock-stage.html
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Sat, Mar 17:
Noon-10 pm "BACKYARD ST. PATRICK'S DAY" at Station 1640, 1640 N Cahuenga Bl & Cosmo Lot, Hollywood, CA.
* Enjoy 10 hours of music, a beer garden, food trucks, vendors and more.
* Six outdoor bands, none of them overtly Irish.
* The party is free with RSVP before 4 PM, and $10 after that, so don’t sleep on this one.
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Sat, Mar 17:
1-10 pm "7th ANNUAL ROCK & REILLY'S ST. PADDY'S DAY BLOCK PARTY" at Rock & Reilly's Sunset Strip,
* The venue presents this one to benefit MVP: "Merging Vets & Players." Join in for a good cause with DH’s food, games and 100 kegs of green beer.
* Unfortunately, it's a DJ.
* 21+ only, and entry is not guaranteed after 3 pm and is subject to capacity.
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Sat, Mar 17:
1 pm-'til-late-night "ST. PATTY'S BEER FEST" at the Pig 'n Whistle on Hollywood Bl.
* It's just not a St. Patty's celebration without the ceremonial raising of a pint, so this venue wants you to get your green on, then head down to the glamorous old Hollywood hotspot for an Irish-themed party.
* Unfortunately, it's a DJ for dancing, but plenty of drink specials on Jamison and Guinness.
* One of the most historic bars in all of L.A., The Pig 'n Whistle opened next door to the Egyptian Theatre in 1927, and has since hosted celebs like Cary Grant, Shirley Temple, Judy Garland, Clark Gable and many more.
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Sat, Mar 17 -- PLACES TO HANG-OUT before going to one of the concerts listed after this...
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*** Muldoon's Irish Pub, 202 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA; 949-640-4110; www.muldoonspub.com
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*** O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant "The Sports Pub With The Irish Heart," 2226 Wilshire, Santa Monica, CA; 310-829-5303; www.obriensla.com
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*** The Red Leprechaun, 4000 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804; www.redleprechaun.com
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*** King's Head British Pub & Restaurant, 116 Santa Monica Bl, Santa Monica, CA; 310-451-1402; www.yeoldekingshead.com
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*** The Harp Inn Irish Pub, Costa Mesa, CA; www.harpinn.com
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*** The Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, Murrieta, CA; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com
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Sat, Mar 17:
3 pm SLIGO RAGS plays Brendan’s Irish Pub, 495 Ventu Park, Newbury Park, CA 91320; 805-498-5050.
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Sat, Mar 17:
4 pm THE PLOUGHBOYS play the Tam O’Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90039; 323-664-0228.
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Sat, Mar 17:
4-9:30 pm FLOGGING MOLLY PARTY outside the Hollywood Palladium. The FLOGGING MOLLY concert inside the venue is sold out. BUT you can still join in on the fun and PARTY, right outside the venue. Come early. They'll have drinks, food, and a live DJ from 4 pm–9:30 pm.
* No ticket needed. 21+ only.
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Sat, Mar 17:
6 pm WILD ROSE, with Melanie Nolley, Andrew Shuman & Steve Shapiro, play Brendan’s Irish Pub, 30315 Canwood St, Agoura Hills, CA 91301; 818-874-9400.
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Sat, Mar 17:
6 pm OXALIS plays The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
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Sat. Mar 17:
7 pm ERIC RIGLER & DIRK FREYMUTH WITH KIRA OTT play the Black Box Theater at Hi-Desert Cultural Center, 61231 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252.
* Eric is the one who played the trad music in the spoundtrack of "Titanic," and in many more films.
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Sat, Mar 17:
7 pm DROPKICK MICKEYS play Brendan’s Irish Pub, 495 Ventu Park, Newbury Park, CA 91320; 805-498-5050.
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Sat, Mar 17:
7 pm WHISKEY SUNDAY plays the Tam O’Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90039; 323-664-0228.
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Sat, Mar 17:
7-10 pm CHAUNCEY BOWERS, with LISA TURNER and KEVIN ROGERS, plays the "CITY ROOTS CONCERT SERIES" evening of music-and-DINNER, at Hope Lutheran Church, 6720 Melrose Av, Hollywood 90038.
* Concert series organized by Alexia Salvatierra, and she will give you a permit for street parking when you arrive.
* Chauncey Bowers notes, "That's sort of amazing for Hollywood. You should come just for the permit."
* Music starts at 7PM. There is good food at intermission. Chauncey notes, "The chili is particularly tasty. The whole affair ends around 10."
* Chauncey just won't shut-up about this. He says, "I've played this venue before and it is wonderful. Nice room with good sound system and acoustics. It's a church for god's sake. Great place for music."
* Chauncey plays about an hour, and Lisa Turner will sing with him. "She will take your breath away. She does that to me, and yet I am still able to sing with her. Some form of magic, I'm guessing," he says. (The Guide says she is a wonderful talent, too.)
* Kevin Rogers also plays a set. He brings younger energy to the table. His voice has been likened to a "soulful Sting."
* Tix and parking passes at the door.
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Sat, Mar 17:
7 pm CON GIOIA EARLY MUSIC ENSEMBLE plays the final concert of the "Winter Music Series" at Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena, CA 91106.
* Southern California’s premier baroque ensemble celebrates the 350th anniversary of the birth of one of France’s most venerable composers, Francois Couperin, with a sumptuous survey of his popular and lesser-known repertoire.
* Limited seats remaining. Tix and info, www.bostoncourt.com
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Sat, Mar 17:
7 pm KEN O'MALLEY AND THE TWILIGHT LORDS play the annual "IRISH CENTER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ST. PATRICK'S DAY DINNER & DANCE" at the Glendale Hilton, 100 W Glenoaks Bl, Glendale, CA 91202; http://irishcenter.org
* The Twilight Lords are the logical connection of ancient modalities to electric instruments. Their treatment of classic songs -- such as "The Foggy Foggy Dew," "The Water is Wide," and "Carrick Fergus" -- are amazing and real crowd pleasers.
* Join the fun and support the Irish Center of Southern California, Inc. which promotes Irish culture and supports our local Irish and Irish-American community.
* The evening begins with cocktails at 5 pm; dinner is served at 6 pm followed by Irish dancers and music by Ken O'Malley and the Twilight Lords.
* For tickets ($75) call Mary Dempsey at 626-337-0075 or check the above website.
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Sat, Mar 17:
7-9 pm AVC SYMPHONIC BAND: ASCENSION, at Antelope Valley College Performing Arts Theater, 3041 W Avenue K, Lancaster, CA 93534; www.itsmyseat.com/events/442419.html
* Dedicated to one of Europe’s many great pieces of art: Dante Alighieri’s "Divine Comedy," this multimedia presentation features the ANTELOPE VALLEY CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY and the AVC Symphonic Band performing Robert W. Smith’s complete first band symphony, "The Divine Comedy."
* Tix: http://www.itsmyseat.com/events/442419.html
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Sat, Mar 17:
7:30 pm "OLD-TIMEY LEPRECHAUN-PALOOZA" with EVIE LADIN & KEITH TERRY, SAUSAGE GRINDER, and ECHO MOUNTAIN, is a mini-festival with concerts and a workshop, at American Legion Hall Post 206, 255 N Ave. 55, Highland Park, 90041
* With "Fiddles, Banjos, Guitars, Mandolins, Square Dancin', and a Bar!" the Old-Time Tiki Parlour and the "3rd Saturday Square Dance" series" team-up for this "St. Paddy's Day 'Old-Timey' Leprechaun-Palooza.
* Preceded, 5:30 pm-7 pm by EVIE LADIN teaching an "Old-Time Harmony Singing Workshop" before the concert. Seats are limited.
* Concert, 7:30 pm, with EVIE LADIN & KEITH TERRY performing.
* Square Dance and Jamming, 9 pm-11 pm; tunes played by a mashup of Sausage Grinder and Echo Mountain. Dance calls by EVIE LADIN and "L.A.'s Rookie Callers Club."
* EVIE LADIN & KEITH TERRY are Oakland, California-based innovative musicians/dancers with a quirky neo-trad soul. They perform throw-down original folk songs and deep interpretations of old songs, with the kinetic thrill of percussive dance. Ladin sings and plays infectious clawhammer banjo, while Terry is a master percussionist. "It was Appalachian string band music pared to the absolute minimum of accompaniment, but packed with an orchestras worth of rhythm." -- Music City Roots, Nashville.
* SAUSAGE GRINDER, Los Angeles' classic old-time and country blues string band, combines the traditional sounds of fiddle and banjo breakdowns with the low-down sound of country blues, topped off with a touch of ragtime and hillbilly jazz. The versatile acoustic ensemble features fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, jug, washboard, and a few odds and ends.
* ECHO MOUNTAIN is an old-time string band based out of Los Angeles.Together they play square dances and farmers markets in the L.A. area and have been featured performers at "The Watkins Family Hour," hosted by the brother-sister team from NICKEL CREEK. The collective vision of Echo Mountain is to build a repertoire that reflects the whole spectrum of the old-time tradition, playing each fiddle tune and mountain ballad with new energy while remaining true to traditional style and form.
* Ticket options: $20 gen'l adm. for the Concert and Square Dance Jam Party; $30 for the "Harmony Singing Workshop w/Evie Ladin" at 5:30 pm.
* Tix at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3233753
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Sat, Mar 17:
(SOLD OUT) 8 pm THE FENIANS play The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; 949-496-8927.
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Sat, Mar 17:
8 pm CELTIC SPIRIT WITH EILEEN IVERS, the nine-time ALL IRELEND FIDDLE CHAMP and star of "RIVERDANCE," performs with the LONG BEACH SYMPHONY at the Long Beach Arena, Pacific Ballroom, 300 E Ocean Bl, Long Beach, CA 90802.
* Fiddler Eileen Ivers will change the way you think about the violin. She’s been hailed as “a sensation” by Billboard magazine, “a virtuoso” by The Irish Times, “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin” by The New York Times.
* Conductor WILLIAM WALDROP is a Broadway Music Director, Pianist and Conductor, who currently serves as Principal Conductor of the Broadway revival of "Cats" at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York City.
* Tix via Symphony box office, 562-436-3203 ext. 1
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Sat, Mar 17, FREE concert:
8-10:30 pm ARIELLE DEEM in her "PLAY IT FORWARD TOUR 2018" performs at Baracoa Cuban Restaurant, 853 Auto Center Dr Ste F, Palmdale, CA 93551; www.baracoacubanrestaurant.com
* Featuring EVAN MONTGOMERY on guitar.
* Arielle Deem is a Los Angeles based vocalist, composer and visual artist, advocating for social change through original music and art.
* Her warm presence and transformative voice invite communities to actively listen and recognize the similarities in all of us, as her music blends progressive jazz, soul, vocal looping/fx and spoken word.
* Arielle has released two albums and has plans to do a new collection of songs in 2018.
* She has toured independently throughout the U.S, Canada and Europe, and is presently endorsed by the Vocal Looping/FX gear company, TC-Helicon, in association with Behringer.
* In addition to pursuing her passion for performing, Arielle teaches part-time on Faculty at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA and offers private voice lessons.
* More at: www.arielledeem.com
* FREE show.
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Sat, Mar 17, STAGEPLAY:
8 pm THE WORLD PREMIERE OF "BINGO HALL" nears the end of its run as the feature presentation of the prestigious "NATIVE VOICES AT THE AUTRY" series, at The Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way (in Griffith Park, across from the L.A. Zoo), Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323-495-4354; www.TheAutry.org/NativeVoices
* Guide contributor and actress Debbie Berry called to be certain we had this show listed. She raved about, all the way around, and called it a "Must-see!"
* Debbie is hardly alone in her assessment. Check outb these reviews:
- “RECOMMENDED . . . a delight, a deft and witty comedy that recalls vintage Neil Simon.”—Stage Raw
- “A charming, at times funny, well-acted play about retaining cultural traditions.”—Guardian Liberty Voice
- “Explores themes of tradition and identity . . . with plenty of jokes and unexpected occurrences.”—Hollywood Soapbox
- “Family friendly, and the ticket price includes admission to the Autry Museum of the American West. Add a picnic and you’ve got a day of entertainment.”—Los Angeles Times (they do note: The play includes some profanity)
* Synopsis: Edward Anaya makes all the calls in the pueblo—well, he calls the numbers at the senior center's bimonthly bingo. But college acceptance letters kick-start an identity crisis: Who will Edward be if he leaves home and bingo behind? Like Ferris Bueller if he lived in a pueblo, Edward knows just what to say until romantic rejection, family antics, and community pressures leave him tongue-tied. New playwright Dillon Chitto brings the pueblo to the American theatre in this hilarious new play about tradition in a fast-changing world.
* SPECIAL EVENT, tonight only: Bingo! on Saturday, March 17. As a special treat, the Autry will host a round of bingo in the cafe before doors open for the 8:00 p.m. performance.
* FINAL PERFORMANCES: Sun, Mar 18, 2 pm; Thu-Fri-Sat, Mar 22-24, 8 pm; Sat & Sun, Mar 24 & 25, 2 pm.
* Tix are $8–$25, at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-voices-at-the-autry-presents-the-world-premiere-of-bingo-hall-tickets-42012936825
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Sat, Mar 17:
8:30-11:30 pm ANDY HILL & RENEE SAFIER (aka ANDY & RENEE of the award-wining band HARD RAIN) play a St. Pat's gig at Avenue A Bar & Grill, 800 S PCH, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 310-316-2832.
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Sat, Mar 17:
9 pm THE PLOUGHBOYS play Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill, 4311 W Magnolia Bl, Burbank, CA 91505; 818-729-0805.
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FARTHER AHEAD...
Sat, Mar 24, FESTIVAL:
10 am-10 pm Annual "FOLKROOTS FESTIVAL" at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 11000 National Bl, West LA, 90064
* This is a crossroads of Folk-Americana and world folk music, with so many options that everyone can find plenty of ways to be immersed in fun, listening, learning, and discovery for the full day, into the night.
* WORKSHOPS, FOLK FILMS, SONG CIRCLE, JAMMING all begin at 10 am, and include:
• 10 am block: BANJO (Beg/Int) with Steve Lewis; HARMONICA with Roger Goodman; SINGING - The Art of Unaccompanied Voice (All levels) with Susie Glaze; MANDOLIN with Tom Corbett.
• 11 am block: VERY BEGINNING FIDDLE with Jim & Amber Mueller; HOW TO PLAY ANYTHING with Roger Goodman; BALKAN 101 with Pat Mac Swyney; EGYPTIAN ORIENTAL DANCE AKA BELLY DANCE (All levels) with Gigi deMarrais.
• Noon block: MOUNTAIN DULCIMER For Absolute Beginners with Joellen Lapidus; MANDOLIN "Nail That Tune!" (All Levels) with Emil Olguin; PERCUSSION with Ava Nahas; GUITAR - Bottleneck, Slide, with Fred Sokolow.
• 1 pm block: SPOONS - "Playing with spoons" with Monika White; UKULELE Split-level class with Kate Friedricks; MIDDLE EAST FRAMED DRUM with Rowan Storm; BALKAN SINGING (All Levels) with Members of Nevenka; INSTRUMENT Care & Feeding with Kurt Gary; POWER OF SONGS with Sam Curtis, Ross Altman, Sunny War (followed by 2 pm panel discussion).
• 2 pm block: PANEL DISCUSSION - "SOCIAL JUSTICE AND FOLK MUSIC" with Ross Altman, Darryl Holter, Jonathan Ritter with Larry Wines as Moderator (follows 1 pm "Power of Song"); FIDDLE, Old Time (All Levels) with David Bragger; GUITAR with Chris Berry; FROM COLTRANE TO NUSRAT:THE MYSTERY OF MUSIC & SPIRITUALITY with Yuval Ron; FLAT FOOT DANCING with Rebecca Stout.
* DAYTIME CONCERTS begin at 11 am, with FRANK HOPPE and CHRISTINA ORTEGA as emcees, and performances (two stages of music all afternoon) by:
• NEVENKA ENSEMBLE
• LINDA ALVAREZ & FRIENDS
• HIGH LIFE CAJUN BAND
• THE SUSIE GLAZE NEW FOLK ENSEMBLE
• BAKLAVA ENSEMBLE
• DOUBLE BATCH DADDY & THE ZEHNDER FAMILY
• COMPLICATED ANIMALS
• AMARO LUMIYA
• LA VICTORIA
• Chris Berry, Milena Reed, Art Podell
* Silent Auction opens at 1 pm.
* SQUARE DANCE begins at 3 pm.
* CONCERT BOX OFFICE OPENS at 5:30 pm for those without advance tickets (subject to tix remaining).
* EVENING CONCERTS begin at 6 pm, with YATRIKA SHAH-RAIS as emcee, and performances by:
• CHLOE POURMORADY ENSEMBLE
• SAUSAGE GRINDER
• YUVAL RON ENSEMBLE
• CAMBALACHE
* Early bird tickets are available through the end of February, and are going fast; get them now at: https://fwfolkrootsfestival.brownpapertickets.com/
* FULL INFO, WORKSHOP SIGN-UPS, & ADVANCE TIX, at: https://fwfolkrootsfestival.com/
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Sat, Mar 24, FESTIVAL:
6-10 pm Annual "IRISH SPRING GALA" at Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, 501 Indian Peak Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA.
* Features band PADDY’S PIG.
* Reservations required. For tickets, email kathy-bradford@cox.net
or go to
http://www.hoy-southbay.org/irish-spring-gala.html
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Thu-Sat, May 17-19th, FESTIVAL:
"13th-Ever 'LOS ANGELES OLD TIME SOCIAL'" returns with concerts, workshops, square dancing and more, at multiple L.A. venues.
* Featured performers include RICHIE STEARNS & ROSIE NEWTON, OZARK HIGHBALLERS, CLINTON DAVIS, YO PITZY JUG BAND, ECHO MOUNTAIN, DAVID BRAGGER & SUSAN PLATZ, HAVE MORE FUN STRINGBAND, and dance caller extraordinaire SUSAN MICHAELS.
* Though not affiliated with the annual "Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival" which happens on Sunday, May 20, the two festivals, both excellent, are designed to interlock into a four-day tuneful run that's the best musical start to your roots-music summer.
* "Kick Off Party" for the Old Time Social is Thu, May 17, 8 pm, at Tropico De Nopal Gallery, 1665 Beverly Bl, L.A. CA 90026; tix $10, ages 21+.
* CONCERT is Fri, May 18, 8 pm, at The Velaslavasay Panorama, 1122 W 24th St, L.A. CA 90007; advance tix below. Features Echo Mountain (Los Angeles); Richie & Rosie (NY); Ozark Highballers (AR); House Band with David Bragger & Susan Platz; Yo Pitzy Jugband (Los Angeles); Clinton Davis (San Diego); Have More Fun Stringband (Los Angeles).
* WORKSHOPS, FAMILY DANCE, CAKEWALK & SQUARE DANCE, are Sat, May 19, Noon–11 pm, at American Legion Post 206, 227 N Avenue 55, Highland Park (L.A.) CA 90042:
• Saturday ticket options: $20 for the day (workshops included) or $10 for the evening dances only.
• Family Dance 6 pm
• Cakewalk 7:30 pm
• Square Dance 8 pm
• Callers are Susan Michaels (Seattle) and Rookie Callers (L.A.)
• Bands are Hollywood Boll Weevils (Family Dance – L.A.); Ozark Highballers; Rosie Newton & Richie Stearns.
• WORKSHOPS are Noon–6 pm saturday, and include:
"Upstairs" Saturday Workshops:
- Noon-2 pm - Sacred Harp Shape-Note Singing
- 2-4 pm - Square Dance Calling—Susan Michaels
- 4-5 - Cajun Dancing with Ira Bernstein
- 5-6 - Flatfooting with Ira Bernstein and Ruth Alpert
"Downstairs" Saturday Workshops:
- Noon-1 pm - Italian & New Mexican Music with Paul Rangell & Emily Abbink
- 1-2 pm - Cajun Guitar with Eric Thompson
- 2-3 pm - Cajun Fiddle with Suzy Thompson
- 3-4 - Old-Time Fiddle & Bowing of African American Fiddler Will Adam with David Bragger
- 4-5 - Old-Time Fiddle with Bob Willoughby
- 5-6 - Old-Time Banjo with Rafe Stefanini
(Contact David Bragger for sign-ups and more info, at: davidbragger (at) gmail.com)
* FULL INFO, SIGN-UPS, & TIX (find the bar at the top of their page, or you'll miss everything); tix at: http://losangelesoldtimesocial.com/
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See you soon with a TRULY HUGE and brand-new mega mondo MUSIC NEWS EDITION!
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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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Pssst – Hey, kid. Yeah, YOU: It won't be so "basic" when we add all the links for the global network of music news / music education sites that we're joining; THAT'LL be here very soon, as an ESSENTIAL COMPONENT of the Guide returning to being a MUSIC NEWS journal!
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CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to:
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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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Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Shows-of-the-Week: May 13th & 15th -- Caroline Cotter plays L.A.
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*** WEDNESDAY MORNING LATE ADDITION...
We've added two late items on "pi day" (3.14... get it?)
# 1 LATE-ADDED FEATURE:
The Guide humbly supports the student-organized national observance today, which is taking a stand against gun violence in our gun-crazed, violence-saturated society. What the kids are doing isn't some nebulous feel-good exercise. They are demanding that legislators in all 50 states and in Congress stop taking campaign cash support from the NRA and the gun manufacturers, and instead fulfill the will of the majority of Americans. Specifically, the kids are calling for changes in the laws to ban guns that can be converted to automatic weapons -- i.e., machine guns, like those used at the Las Vegas concert massacre, at Newtown, at Columbine, and nearly once a week for the past 10 years in massacres. The kids are demanding that gun purchases be illegal for anyone under age 21. The kids are demanding thorough background checks and red flags if psychological or emotional factors are present that suggest violence-prone behavior. And that want these things put in place for all who want to possess a firearm, with no exceptions. Of course the impetus for all this, and the straw that broke the camel's back, was the massacre just one month ago today at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. "And a little child shall lead them" -- unless gun lobby money or fear-based thinking of cynical adults gets in the way.
Here are some old song lyrics we recommend for the occasion. Read both choruses all the way through, because they're brilliantly and meaningfully different:
"So you speak to me of sadness and the coming of the winter
The fear that is within you now, it seems to never end
And the dreams that have escaped you, and the hopes that you've forgotten
You tell me that you need me now, you want to be my friend
And you wonder where we're going
Where's the rhyme and where's the reason
And it's you who cannot accept
It is here we must begin
To seek the wisdom of the children
And the graceful way of flowers in the wind
- [Chorus - 1:]
For the children and the flowers
Are my sisters and my brothers
Their laughter and their loveliness
Could clear a cloudy day
Like the music of the mountains
And the colors of the rainbow
They're a promise of the future
And a blessing for today.
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Though the cities start to crumble
And the towers fall around us
The sun is slowly fading
And it's colder than the sea
It is written from the desert
To the mountains they shall lead us
By the hand and by the heart
They will comfort you and me
In their innocence and trusting
They will teach us to be free
- [Chorus - 2:]
For the children and the flowers
Are my sisters and my brothers
Their laughter and their loveliness
Could clear a cloudy day
And the song that I am singing
Is a prayer to non believers
Come and stand beside us
We can find a better way."
-- John Denver, "Rhymes and Reasons."
* There's a nicely produced, non-official, 2009 slide-show video of the song, at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbwXwR3ETm0
* Or catch John Denver performing the song on a TV special long ago, at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPpRyjTP0a0
* TODAY BROUGHT 17 MINUTES OF SILENCE in schools across the land, and on-air on all the MTV- and Viacom-owned networks.
* But you've got to wonder: WHERE ARE THE VOICES IN SONG to accompany the students and express their passion for a better world? Do the events of our times portend a new folk revival?
* We'll get to that in our 2 PM panel discussion, "SOCIAL JUSTICE AND FOLK MUSIC," following a performance of "Protest Songs" new and old, at the annual "FOLKWORKS FOLK ROOTS FESTIVAL" on MARCH 24, 2018 - 10 am to 10 pm. The panel is moderated by the Guide's editor. The extensive festival takes-over the campus at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 11000 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064. Advance tix and full info at:
http://fwfolkrootsfestival.com
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# 2 LATE-ADDED FEATURE:
Stephen Hawking, Who Examined the Universe and Explained Black Holes, Dies at 76
He was born exactly 300 years after the day Galileo died. He was the most consequential scientist since Einstein. And he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS) just after his 21st birthday. Not only did that not stop his brilliant mind, but he visited every continent (including Antarctica) and appeared on TV shows that ranged from "The Simpsons" to "Star Trek" to "Star Talk," the latter airing just this month, where he was interviewed by Neil deGrasse Tyson. For anyone battling any debilitating disease, Stephen Hawking was an inspiration to make life matter. For all of humanity, he was astonishing, representing so much of what humanity, when we are at our best, can aspire to discover, to learn, to understand, to do, and to be.
We lost the late musician Eric Lowen to ALS in 2012. We lost Leslie Perry, known in folk circles as "The Story Man," to ALS in 2014. Both those artists were determined to leave a legacy in their art and to show all of us that life should be pursued to the final fall of the curtain. Yet how many, who are not facing an imminent demise, fail to find time to savor and to value our time here -- and to recognize that each of us has a unique gift to share for the benefit of those who will come after us. And so, now, we are offered the opportunity to be reminded of that once again, as we consider the remarkable life of Stephen Hawking.
-- These few words from the Guide's editor are hardly enough. We highly recommend the abundant coverage of his life that you can read in the New York Times morning edition.
(Link includes NYT story, a video from NBC News, and a 24-slide slideshow)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/14/obituaries/stephen-hawking-dead.html
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Now to the MUSIC NEWS that provided the ORIGINAL REASON for this edition, as first published.
_ _ _ _
We prepared this album review for the upcoming (and huge) music news edition. But it can't wait. We want you to know, so you can go. As in, GO SEE CAROLINE COTTER while she's in town! Venue info follows the review.
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ALBUM REVIEW: CAROLINE COTTER, "HOME ON THE RIVER"
by Larry Wines,
Acoustic Americana Music Guide
The fresh new album releases for 2018 have begun to arrive. If Caroline Cotter's "Home on the River" is an indication of what's ahead, her current tour -- and what's in store for us this year -- will make 2018 sweetly tuneful. Often what's released early in the year is forgotten by the time awards season arrives. That won't be the case with this album.
"Home On The River" is CAROLINE COTTER's second full-length major release. The opening tracks can't help but make you smile. There's mighty fine acoustic instrumentation, bringing alive her first-rate songwriting. While thoughtful, her music has that elusive universality that defies simple classification. It fits-in to whatever season -- sunshine or rain or softly falling snow -- and wherever you are geographically, and whatever place you envision to find your heart. And her voice is a marvel that should pack the place even if she sings a night of covers. Having won acclaim as a rising Americana artist, Caroline is, at once, perfect for folk music, her songs sweetly and melodiously flowing with just enough inflections. Her honeyed soprano voice is one to make you fall in love at first listen.
The album is nine of her original songs, plus a bonus track -- Cotter's hauntingly lovely a cappella version of Woody Guthrie's "My Peace." Lyrics for her originals are there in a nice booklet -- one of the reasons you want a CD instead of a download.
Every artist or band who faces making a record as a wholly indie project should give this a careful listen. Caroline, and her co-producer Jeff Oehler of Beehive Productions, let you hear what you're trying to achieve. They're certain to get requests for collaboration and use of their recording spaces. The tracks were made in sessions in Saranac Lake, New York, and Kansas City, Missouri -- so you can envision whether that "Home on the River" is one viewed from the Winter Carnival's Ice Palace in upper New York State, or somewhere on the banks of the Missouri.
Of the recording sessions, Caroline says, "There are a few songs that are one take, live with the band. No separations in the studio, just live in one room with bass, drums, electric guitar and me."
That just should not yield things as wonderful as what we hear. But if you believe her, it did. And credibility, so important in Folk-Americana music, is here, vulnerably, confidently, celebratory, and with honest, soul-searching expression.
Of that, she says simply, "My music is my honest expression of myself, reaching out to a world who I hope to connect with."
Opening the album is Caroline's original, "Peace of Mind." She'll tell you it's a declaration of her aspirations, both personally and professionally.
“I’ve talked with many people who see the goal of a music career to be wealth and fame," she says, “But when I thought about it and really dug deep, I realized that everything I'm doing is to move forward with peace of mind. I’m taking the focus off of material wealth and recognizing that none of it matters if you don't have peace of mind."
Simple wisdom, profound in its implications, and revelatory for an age where would-be leaders are obsessed with material wealth.
So, where does Caroline get her inspirations? In the album's lyric booklet, you find a dedication to her parents and her grandmother, which of itself, isn't so unusual in the folk world. Here, it illustrates poignant reflections about those three people. The thoughts for her parents are evident in the songs "When I Think of You" and "Hey Mama."
And she writes and sings one that, while its character is as universal as everything else she chose for the album, is her parting words for her grandmother. It's titled, "1 4 3," based not so cryptically on the numbers of letters in the phrase, "I love you." If you read the lyrics, it'll seriously grab you, and take you with immediacy to memories and thoughts of everyone influential in your life when they reach they end of theirs. But give it a listen before you do that. It isn't a "downer" at all.
Her freshman effort reached No. 5 on the "Folk DJ" chart. It was Caroline's critically-acclaimed 2015 debut, "Dreaming as I Do."
Since that release, she has played over 200 shows per year in such far-flung prestigious venues as Boston's Club Passim and the Alberta Rose Theater in Portland, Oregon. She's played Florida's "30A Songwriters Festival" and New York's legendary "Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival." Along the way, she has shared stages with musicians LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III, DAVID WILCOX, and DAN BERN. And Caroline was selected for the "Emerging Artist Showcase" at the "Falcon Ridge Folk Festival" in New York.
The part about parents and grandparents and influences? Caroline says, "American folk music filled our house, and was sung as lullabies to me."
She says those, her earliest musical inspirations, inform her own body of work. Caroline continues, "I remember as young as [age] three sitting in the living room by myself, working the record player while sitting on the piano stool plunking out notes from the GEORGE WINSTON, BEACH BOYS, or BEATLES record I was listening to. My favorite was 'Magical Mystery Tour.'"
That album title would become prescient.
After growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, and attending college in Maine, Caroline Cotter set off on what has become a global quest for adventure and education set to music. Over the past 15 years, Cotter's magical, musical tour has included living in and traveling to 31 countries on five continents.
While writing and recording her first album, she spent time working for the "Council on International Educational Exchange" (CIEE) in Portland, Maine, along with teaching yoga throughout the city and at camps, conferences and retreats.
It all makes you pause in wonder that she ever had time to write songs. Prior to living in Maine for college, she had already spent time working in France, Portugal, Spain and Thailand, studying yoga in India, and traveling in South America.
Which doesn't lessen the astonishment when you learn that, in addition to writing songs in English, Caroline sings in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian and Sanskrit.
You need all that to provide enough context when she tells you, "The real thread [of 'Home On The River'] is the peace with being on a journey and carrying my home with me, rather than finding comfort from home in the traditional sense."
Share some time with Caroline Cotter. Listen to the record, which is habit-forming. And catch her when she hits Southern Cal for the only local stops on her national tour.
*** Tue, MARCH 13, at Bar Lubitsch, 7702 Santa Monica Bl, West Hollywood, CA 90046; 323-654-1234; www.barlubitsch.com; check out the pics of this venue on their website -- the decor is right out of "Doctor Zhivago"-!
*** Wed, MARCH 14, at the "Wine & Song Concert Series," 1055 Lohman Ln, South Pasadena, CA 91030; the adjacent Arroyo Seco Grill has food and full bar.
And if you're up north:
*** Thu, MARCH 15, at 7 Sisters Brewing / "Songwriters At Play" series in San Luis Obispo, CA
*** Sat, MARCH 17, at Lille Aeske, Boulder Creek, CA
Check your local record store or buy the album at one of her shows. Or get one from her website, where you can learn more about this delightful and talented artist:
www.carolinecotter.com
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
See you soon with a brand-new mega mondo MUSIC NEWS EDITION!
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
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...
________________________________
Pssst – Hey, kid. Yeah, YOU: It won't be so "basic" when we add all the links for the global network of music news / music education sites that we're joining; THAT'LL be here very soon, as an ESSENTIAL COMPONENT of the Guide returning to being a MUSIC NEWS journal!
________________________________
Direct to the Guide's current editions /
MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY
editions load quickly at
.
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to:
Tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Entire contents copyright © 2017,
Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
♪ 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.
.
The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell. The porch'll be here anytime you come back from the road.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
*** WEDNESDAY MORNING LATE ADDITION...
We've added two late items on "pi day" (3.14... get it?)
# 1 LATE-ADDED FEATURE:
The Guide humbly supports the student-organized national observance today, which is taking a stand against gun violence in our gun-crazed, violence-saturated society. What the kids are doing isn't some nebulous feel-good exercise. They are demanding that legislators in all 50 states and in Congress stop taking campaign cash support from the NRA and the gun manufacturers, and instead fulfill the will of the majority of Americans. Specifically, the kids are calling for changes in the laws to ban guns that can be converted to automatic weapons -- i.e., machine guns, like those used at the Las Vegas concert massacre, at Newtown, at Columbine, and nearly once a week for the past 10 years in massacres. The kids are demanding that gun purchases be illegal for anyone under age 21. The kids are demanding thorough background checks and red flags if psychological or emotional factors are present that suggest violence-prone behavior. And that want these things put in place for all who want to possess a firearm, with no exceptions. Of course the impetus for all this, and the straw that broke the camel's back, was the massacre just one month ago today at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. "And a little child shall lead them" -- unless gun lobby money or fear-based thinking of cynical adults gets in the way.
Here are some old song lyrics we recommend for the occasion. Read both choruses all the way through, because they're brilliantly and meaningfully different:
"So you speak to me of sadness and the coming of the winter
The fear that is within you now, it seems to never end
And the dreams that have escaped you, and the hopes that you've forgotten
You tell me that you need me now, you want to be my friend
And you wonder where we're going
Where's the rhyme and where's the reason
And it's you who cannot accept
It is here we must begin
To seek the wisdom of the children
And the graceful way of flowers in the wind
- [Chorus - 1:]
For the children and the flowers
Are my sisters and my brothers
Their laughter and their loveliness
Could clear a cloudy day
Like the music of the mountains
And the colors of the rainbow
They're a promise of the future
And a blessing for today.
-
Though the cities start to crumble
And the towers fall around us
The sun is slowly fading
And it's colder than the sea
It is written from the desert
To the mountains they shall lead us
By the hand and by the heart
They will comfort you and me
In their innocence and trusting
They will teach us to be free
- [Chorus - 2:]
For the children and the flowers
Are my sisters and my brothers
Their laughter and their loveliness
Could clear a cloudy day
And the song that I am singing
Is a prayer to non believers
Come and stand beside us
We can find a better way."
-- John Denver, "Rhymes and Reasons."
* There's a nicely produced, non-official, 2009 slide-show video of the song, at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbwXwR3ETm0
* Or catch John Denver performing the song on a TV special long ago, at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPpRyjTP0a0
* TODAY BROUGHT 17 MINUTES OF SILENCE in schools across the land, and on-air on all the MTV- and Viacom-owned networks.
* But you've got to wonder: WHERE ARE THE VOICES IN SONG to accompany the students and express their passion for a better world? Do the events of our times portend a new folk revival?
* We'll get to that in our 2 PM panel discussion, "SOCIAL JUSTICE AND FOLK MUSIC," following a performance of "Protest Songs" new and old, at the annual "FOLKWORKS FOLK ROOTS FESTIVAL" on MARCH 24, 2018 - 10 am to 10 pm. The panel is moderated by the Guide's editor. The extensive festival takes-over the campus at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 11000 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064. Advance tix and full info at:
http://fwfolkrootsfestival.com
__________
# 2 LATE-ADDED FEATURE:
Stephen Hawking, Who Examined the Universe and Explained Black Holes, Dies at 76
He was born exactly 300 years after the day Galileo died. He was the most consequential scientist since Einstein. And he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS) just after his 21st birthday. Not only did that not stop his brilliant mind, but he visited every continent (including Antarctica) and appeared on TV shows that ranged from "The Simpsons" to "Star Trek" to "Star Talk," the latter airing just this month, where he was interviewed by Neil deGrasse Tyson. For anyone battling any debilitating disease, Stephen Hawking was an inspiration to make life matter. For all of humanity, he was astonishing, representing so much of what humanity, when we are at our best, can aspire to discover, to learn, to understand, to do, and to be.
We lost the late musician Eric Lowen to ALS in 2012. We lost Leslie Perry, known in folk circles as "The Story Man," to ALS in 2014. Both those artists were determined to leave a legacy in their art and to show all of us that life should be pursued to the final fall of the curtain. Yet how many, who are not facing an imminent demise, fail to find time to savor and to value our time here -- and to recognize that each of us has a unique gift to share for the benefit of those who will come after us. And so, now, we are offered the opportunity to be reminded of that once again, as we consider the remarkable life of Stephen Hawking.
-- These few words from the Guide's editor are hardly enough. We highly recommend the abundant coverage of his life that you can read in the New York Times morning edition.
(Link includes NYT story, a video from NBC News, and a 24-slide slideshow)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/14/obituaries/stephen-hawking-dead.html
__________
Now to the MUSIC NEWS that provided the ORIGINAL REASON for this edition, as first published.
_ _ _ _
We prepared this album review for the upcoming (and huge) music news edition. But it can't wait. We want you to know, so you can go. As in, GO SEE CAROLINE COTTER while she's in town! Venue info follows the review.
____________________________
ALBUM REVIEW: CAROLINE COTTER, "HOME ON THE RIVER"
by Larry Wines,
Acoustic Americana Music Guide
The fresh new album releases for 2018 have begun to arrive. If Caroline Cotter's "Home on the River" is an indication of what's ahead, her current tour -- and what's in store for us this year -- will make 2018 sweetly tuneful. Often what's released early in the year is forgotten by the time awards season arrives. That won't be the case with this album.
"Home On The River" is CAROLINE COTTER's second full-length major release. The opening tracks can't help but make you smile. There's mighty fine acoustic instrumentation, bringing alive her first-rate songwriting. While thoughtful, her music has that elusive universality that defies simple classification. It fits-in to whatever season -- sunshine or rain or softly falling snow -- and wherever you are geographically, and whatever place you envision to find your heart. And her voice is a marvel that should pack the place even if she sings a night of covers. Having won acclaim as a rising Americana artist, Caroline is, at once, perfect for folk music, her songs sweetly and melodiously flowing with just enough inflections. Her honeyed soprano voice is one to make you fall in love at first listen.
The album is nine of her original songs, plus a bonus track -- Cotter's hauntingly lovely a cappella version of Woody Guthrie's "My Peace." Lyrics for her originals are there in a nice booklet -- one of the reasons you want a CD instead of a download.
Every artist or band who faces making a record as a wholly indie project should give this a careful listen. Caroline, and her co-producer Jeff Oehler of Beehive Productions, let you hear what you're trying to achieve. They're certain to get requests for collaboration and use of their recording spaces. The tracks were made in sessions in Saranac Lake, New York, and Kansas City, Missouri -- so you can envision whether that "Home on the River" is one viewed from the Winter Carnival's Ice Palace in upper New York State, or somewhere on the banks of the Missouri.
Of the recording sessions, Caroline says, "There are a few songs that are one take, live with the band. No separations in the studio, just live in one room with bass, drums, electric guitar and me."
That just should not yield things as wonderful as what we hear. But if you believe her, it did. And credibility, so important in Folk-Americana music, is here, vulnerably, confidently, celebratory, and with honest, soul-searching expression.
Of that, she says simply, "My music is my honest expression of myself, reaching out to a world who I hope to connect with."
Opening the album is Caroline's original, "Peace of Mind." She'll tell you it's a declaration of her aspirations, both personally and professionally.
“I’ve talked with many people who see the goal of a music career to be wealth and fame," she says, “But when I thought about it and really dug deep, I realized that everything I'm doing is to move forward with peace of mind. I’m taking the focus off of material wealth and recognizing that none of it matters if you don't have peace of mind."
Simple wisdom, profound in its implications, and revelatory for an age where would-be leaders are obsessed with material wealth.
So, where does Caroline get her inspirations? In the album's lyric booklet, you find a dedication to her parents and her grandmother, which of itself, isn't so unusual in the folk world. Here, it illustrates poignant reflections about those three people. The thoughts for her parents are evident in the songs "When I Think of You" and "Hey Mama."
And she writes and sings one that, while its character is as universal as everything else she chose for the album, is her parting words for her grandmother. It's titled, "1 4 3," based not so cryptically on the numbers of letters in the phrase, "I love you." If you read the lyrics, it'll seriously grab you, and take you with immediacy to memories and thoughts of everyone influential in your life when they reach they end of theirs. But give it a listen before you do that. It isn't a "downer" at all.
Her freshman effort reached No. 5 on the "Folk DJ" chart. It was Caroline's critically-acclaimed 2015 debut, "Dreaming as I Do."
Since that release, she has played over 200 shows per year in such far-flung prestigious venues as Boston's Club Passim and the Alberta Rose Theater in Portland, Oregon. She's played Florida's "30A Songwriters Festival" and New York's legendary "Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival." Along the way, she has shared stages with musicians LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III, DAVID WILCOX, and DAN BERN. And Caroline was selected for the "Emerging Artist Showcase" at the "Falcon Ridge Folk Festival" in New York.
The part about parents and grandparents and influences? Caroline says, "American folk music filled our house, and was sung as lullabies to me."
She says those, her earliest musical inspirations, inform her own body of work. Caroline continues, "I remember as young as [age] three sitting in the living room by myself, working the record player while sitting on the piano stool plunking out notes from the GEORGE WINSTON, BEACH BOYS, or BEATLES record I was listening to. My favorite was 'Magical Mystery Tour.'"
That album title would become prescient.
After growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, and attending college in Maine, Caroline Cotter set off on what has become a global quest for adventure and education set to music. Over the past 15 years, Cotter's magical, musical tour has included living in and traveling to 31 countries on five continents.
While writing and recording her first album, she spent time working for the "Council on International Educational Exchange" (CIEE) in Portland, Maine, along with teaching yoga throughout the city and at camps, conferences and retreats.
It all makes you pause in wonder that she ever had time to write songs. Prior to living in Maine for college, she had already spent time working in France, Portugal, Spain and Thailand, studying yoga in India, and traveling in South America.
Which doesn't lessen the astonishment when you learn that, in addition to writing songs in English, Caroline sings in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian and Sanskrit.
You need all that to provide enough context when she tells you, "The real thread [of 'Home On The River'] is the peace with being on a journey and carrying my home with me, rather than finding comfort from home in the traditional sense."
Share some time with Caroline Cotter. Listen to the record, which is habit-forming. And catch her when she hits Southern Cal for the only local stops on her national tour.
*** Tue, MARCH 13, at Bar Lubitsch, 7702 Santa Monica Bl, West Hollywood, CA 90046; 323-654-1234; www.barlubitsch.com; check out the pics of this venue on their website -- the decor is right out of "Doctor Zhivago"-!
*** Wed, MARCH 14, at the "Wine & Song Concert Series," 1055 Lohman Ln, South Pasadena, CA 91030; the adjacent Arroyo Seco Grill has food and full bar.
And if you're up north:
*** Thu, MARCH 15, at 7 Sisters Brewing / "Songwriters At Play" series in San Luis Obispo, CA
*** Sat, MARCH 17, at Lille Aeske, Boulder Creek, CA
Check your local record store or buy the album at one of her shows. Or get one from her website, where you can learn more about this delightful and talented artist:
www.carolinecotter.com
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
See you soon with a brand-new mega mondo MUSIC NEWS EDITION!
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
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...
________________________________
Pssst – Hey, kid. Yeah, YOU: It won't be so "basic" when we add all the links for the global network of music news / music education sites that we're joining; THAT'LL be here very soon, as an ESSENTIAL COMPONENT of the Guide returning to being a MUSIC NEWS journal!
________________________________
Direct to the Guide's current editions /
MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY
editions load quickly at
.
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to:
Tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Entire contents copyright © 2017,
Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
♪ 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.
.
The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell. The porch'll be here anytime you come back from the road.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Friday, March 9, 2018
ART NIGHT PASADENA, the twice-a-year FREE extravaganza, is Friday March 9, 2018
.
.
Here's a short 'n sweet, single-item edition. Sure, there are wonderful shows Friday and/or Saturday at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, McCabe's, the Arcadia Blues Club, Hotel Cafe, Boulevard Music (Culver City), the Folk Music Center (Claremont), and at some of the big performing arts centers, and at lotsa other fun places... but all of those concerts cost. ArtNight Pasadena has a proven track record, and it's FREE, with FREE shuttles connecting its many venues.
Here's the scoop, the whole enchilada, the main course, and uhh, the... info...
Fri, Mar 9, FREE FESTIVAL:
6-10 pm Twice-Annual "ART NIGHT PASADENA" Winter/Spring 2018 edition, is at NINETEEN primary venues and MORE makeshift/temporary exhibition / performance site / temporary venues, all over Pasadena, CA.
* FREE admission and FREE shuttles among/between all events.
* All-ages; some venues are kid-and/or-teen oriented, but MOST -- including the top museums and galleries displaying fine art -- are very much for grownup tastes and sensibilities.
* Where to start? We recommend THREE places to launch yourself, ALL with live music: (1) where the "Meet-Up" group is beginning at 5:30 pm, is the Courtyard at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N Garfield Av. Good place, because some events are easy walking distance from City Hall; (2) another good starting place is Armory for the Arts, across from the Metro Gold Line light rail's Memorial Park Station -- which means you can ride the train to town, save the parking hunt, and start just diagonally across the park and across the street at that delightful venue and its shuttle stop station; or, (3) the main Pasadena City Library always has multiple events happening simultaneously, including live acoustic music in the courtyard -- it's walkable from City Hall if you don't mind a bit of hoofing, or you can just start there (though parking issues suggest you catch the free shuttle there if you're starting at the library).
* Most of the truly wonderful venues have admission fees any other time, and few of the world-calls galleries and museums are even open at night. But on ArtNight there's no charge at all. And we're talking places like the world-famous Norton Simon, which house art by renaissance masters, and even medieval and ancient Egyptian and ancient Greek art works!
* One quote from a regular participant is a fair summation: "We all like to have an evening out of Art and Culture. ArtNight is that on steroids. Instead of one location, or one event event or institution, a whole city of art opens before you. And it's all free and even ticket-less!"
* Yeppers! The 19 primary venues include everything from world-class museums to music performances in many genres -- including acoustic -- this is a don't-miss event. If you've gone before, you know you can only get to a few of the things you want to see. So go again and pick-up where you left-off.
* The adventurous can just leap-in and find delights. Buuuut... perusing the schedule in advance is the best way to avoid missing what you will most want to see. If you wait 'til you're at the event, and start planning when you pick-up the free map and schedule, you'll waste valuable time sorting yourself out.
* FULL INFO and schedules, addresses, shuttle routes, maps, performance times, etc, is at: www.artnightpasadena.org
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
See you soon with a brand-new mega mondo MUSIC NEWS EDITION!
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
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...
________________________________
Pssst – Hey, kid. Yeah, YOU: It won't be so "basic" when we add all the links for the global network of music news / music education sites that we're joining; THAT'LL be here very soon, as an ESSENTIAL COMPONENT of the Guide returning to being a MUSIC NEWS journal!
________________________________
Direct to the Guide's current editions /
MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY
editions load quickly at
.
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to:
Tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Entire contents copyright © 2017,
Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks.
All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
♪ 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.
.
The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell. The porch'll be here anytime you come back from the road.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
Here's a short 'n sweet, single-item edition. Sure, there are wonderful shows Friday and/or Saturday at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, McCabe's, the Arcadia Blues Club, Hotel Cafe, Boulevard Music (Culver City), the Folk Music Center (Claremont), and at some of the big performing arts centers, and at lotsa other fun places... but all of those concerts cost. ArtNight Pasadena has a proven track record, and it's FREE, with FREE shuttles connecting its many venues.
Here's the scoop, the whole enchilada, the main course, and uhh, the... info...
Fri, Mar 9, FREE FESTIVAL:
6-10 pm Twice-Annual "ART NIGHT PASADENA" Winter/Spring 2018 edition, is at NINETEEN primary venues and MORE makeshift/temporary exhibition / performance site / temporary venues, all over Pasadena, CA.
* FREE admission and FREE shuttles among/between all events.
* All-ages; some venues are kid-and/or-teen oriented, but MOST -- including the top museums and galleries displaying fine art -- are very much for grownup tastes and sensibilities.
* Where to start? We recommend THREE places to launch yourself, ALL with live music: (1) where the "Meet-Up" group is beginning at 5:30 pm, is the Courtyard at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N Garfield Av. Good place, because some events are easy walking distance from City Hall; (2) another good starting place is Armory for the Arts, across from the Metro Gold Line light rail's Memorial Park Station -- which means you can ride the train to town, save the parking hunt, and start just diagonally across the park and across the street at that delightful venue and its shuttle stop station; or, (3) the main Pasadena City Library always has multiple events happening simultaneously, including live acoustic music in the courtyard -- it's walkable from City Hall if you don't mind a bit of hoofing, or you can just start there (though parking issues suggest you catch the free shuttle there if you're starting at the library).
* Most of the truly wonderful venues have admission fees any other time, and few of the world-calls galleries and museums are even open at night. But on ArtNight there's no charge at all. And we're talking places like the world-famous Norton Simon, which house art by renaissance masters, and even medieval and ancient Egyptian and ancient Greek art works!
* One quote from a regular participant is a fair summation: "We all like to have an evening out of Art and Culture. ArtNight is that on steroids. Instead of one location, or one event event or institution, a whole city of art opens before you. And it's all free and even ticket-less!"
* Yeppers! The 19 primary venues include everything from world-class museums to music performances in many genres -- including acoustic -- this is a don't-miss event. If you've gone before, you know you can only get to a few of the things you want to see. So go again and pick-up where you left-off.
* The adventurous can just leap-in and find delights. Buuuut... perusing the schedule in advance is the best way to avoid missing what you will most want to see. If you wait 'til you're at the event, and start planning when you pick-up the free map and schedule, you'll waste valuable time sorting yourself out.
* FULL INFO and schedules, addresses, shuttle routes, maps, performance times, etc, is at: www.artnightpasadena.org
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
See you soon with a brand-new mega mondo MUSIC NEWS EDITION!
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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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Pssst – Hey, kid. Yeah, YOU: It won't be so "basic" when we add all the links for the global network of music news / music education sites that we're joining; THAT'LL be here very soon, as an ESSENTIAL COMPONENT of the Guide returning to being a MUSIC NEWS journal!
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Direct to the Guide's current editions /
MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY
editions 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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Entire 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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Thursday, March 8, 2018
Today is WOMEN'S DAY! Thursday, March 8th...
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Happy International Women's Day!
The one day of the year when the numerical majority of the human population gets celebrated -- after being discriminated against; underpaid and exploited; denied opportunity; forced by societal expectation to dress uncomfortably; bullied by a fraction (the bad apples we could all do without) of the male minority; and generally being underappreciated the other 364 days of the year.
We are made aware, all too frequently, of the extra struggles faced by women BECAUSE they are women -- women musicians, artists, and tech specialists in sound, stage, film, and elsewhere in the performing arts, recording arts, and entertainment industries. If these few simple words can alert our male colleagues and inspire our female friends to re-make our world as one with NO PLACE for sexual bullying or gender discrimination -- even if we reach just ONE person and enable someone to be spared from being demeaned, dismissed, trivialized, shown the casting couch as the gateway to opportunity, or otherwise prevented from being judged on the basis of her art and the power of her contributions -- then we can, as one little part of humanity, claim a victory for all of us, regardless of gender.
Throughout the world today, there are protests and celebrations, some in unlikely places. In Spain, FIVE MILLION people are demonstrating for pay equality(!) -- and against a legal system that lets abusers escape justice, even when their physical battery breaks bones and causes other serious physical and emotional damage and leaves crippling psychological impacts.
As usual, the corporate mainstream American media is caught-up in its singular fixation, and mere scant mentions of today as THE ONE DAY we honor women is trivialized by blathering talking heads between their breathless Chicken-Little drivel about how the sky is falling.
Obviously, it doesn't have to be that way, even with the money-grubbing corporacratic oligarchs.
Take this expression, for example. As much as we despise McDonald's for getting rich on that artery-clogging crap they call food? Images appeared on BBC World Service of McDonald's arches inverted into a "W" on worker's uniform shirts, hats, and even a restaurant sign. That is nice. Now, if they would just pay their people a living wage...
-- Larry Wines
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Copyright is waived on this single-item edition, provided it is shared in-full, with the complete above content intact. That's because we hope you share it, especially with the women in your life who might just need to hear it from you!
____________________________________
Back soon with lots more, including our long-delayed major mondo MUSIC NEWS edition.
.
Happy International Women's Day!
The one day of the year when the numerical majority of the human population gets celebrated -- after being discriminated against; underpaid and exploited; denied opportunity; forced by societal expectation to dress uncomfortably; bullied by a fraction (the bad apples we could all do without) of the male minority; and generally being underappreciated the other 364 days of the year.
We are made aware, all too frequently, of the extra struggles faced by women BECAUSE they are women -- women musicians, artists, and tech specialists in sound, stage, film, and elsewhere in the performing arts, recording arts, and entertainment industries. If these few simple words can alert our male colleagues and inspire our female friends to re-make our world as one with NO PLACE for sexual bullying or gender discrimination -- even if we reach just ONE person and enable someone to be spared from being demeaned, dismissed, trivialized, shown the casting couch as the gateway to opportunity, or otherwise prevented from being judged on the basis of her art and the power of her contributions -- then we can, as one little part of humanity, claim a victory for all of us, regardless of gender.
Throughout the world today, there are protests and celebrations, some in unlikely places. In Spain, FIVE MILLION people are demonstrating for pay equality(!) -- and against a legal system that lets abusers escape justice, even when their physical battery breaks bones and causes other serious physical and emotional damage and leaves crippling psychological impacts.
As usual, the corporate mainstream American media is caught-up in its singular fixation, and mere scant mentions of today as THE ONE DAY we honor women is trivialized by blathering talking heads between their breathless Chicken-Little drivel about how the sky is falling.
Obviously, it doesn't have to be that way, even with the money-grubbing corporacratic oligarchs.
Take this expression, for example. As much as we despise McDonald's for getting rich on that artery-clogging crap they call food? Images appeared on BBC World Service of McDonald's arches inverted into a "W" on worker's uniform shirts, hats, and even a restaurant sign. That is nice. Now, if they would just pay their people a living wage...
-- Larry Wines
____________________________________
Copyright is waived on this single-item edition, provided it is shared in-full, with the complete above content intact. That's because we hope you share it, especially with the women in your life who might just need to hear it from you!
____________________________________
Back soon with lots more, including our long-delayed major mondo MUSIC NEWS edition.
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