♪ ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC is blues, bluegrass, borderlands, Cajun, cowboy, Celtic, Cape Breton, newfangled old-time, accessible classical, folk-Americana from riverboats, mountainsides, front porches, barn dances & honkytonks. NOT a musical museum, it is alive with vibrant traditional music & innovators of the Acoustic Renaissance. NEWS, complete listings & descriptions of festivals EVERYWHERE & performances in Southern California, are here, frequently updated!
. . More EVENTS added! Plus... OUR BIGGEST PHOTO SECTION EVER -- ADDED TO THIS EDITION! (Easy to enjoy all the pics! Tap or click any image to enlarge it.) . .
Here's your full crawfish bucket of MARDI GRAS happenings in and around L.A. -- PLUS the late addition of the key links you'll need if you're doing Mardi Gras in "the other LA," that being LOUISIANA-!
OUR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA coverage is as down-home "Southern" as you can get! Complete with the red potatoes, and corn on the cob, and cornbread and shrimp, and étouffée, and gumbo, and boiled crab, and po'boys, and catfish, and red beans 'n rice, and Trappey's hot sauce, and hurricane punch. (Which can all be found in California, if you know where to look!)
OUR N'AWLINS SECTION is brief, but mighty! Either way?
"Tie-on your bib, 'elsewise the spicy butter be drippins off dem vicuals and all dem tastiest sides," as Thibodeau an' Beaudreax be likely to say in dat Cajun French turnt into Englash for de rest of us all who don't be understandin' things like the joy of makin' music for dance wit accordion and fiddle aftah wrasslin' gators an' such 'fore time to get on th' dance floor for the Mardi Gras'n.
Of course, we cannot convey the rhythm and cadence of spoken words in English as delivered by folks acculturated in Cajun French. Which already had acquired some inflections in Acadia, before its ancestral speakers brought it to Louisiana and mixed it all in with Creole. Of course we know our efforts to show the rounded ends of a lot of words -- which sort of lets the sounds bounce with that rhythm off one another when spoken -- that the best we can do inadequately represents it here with apostroph-eed endings.
(And please. No insult intended. We love hearing Southern Louisianans speak, as well as sing and make music! And we're trying to authentically replicate and share it, knowing from the outset that it probably cannot be done in a written medium. But indulge us just a bit more, and we'll soon return to neutral use of the language.)
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So, all by their lonesome selves -- no, can't be sayin' lonesome, 'cause theys too many dese goins on, so not be lonesome -- THIS edition is Mardi Gras, just Mardi Gras, and all o' MARDI GRAS, in all its tuneful and delectably edible and imbibably ingestible revelry, and in all its rich and unique vocalizations that delight the ear, all just as big and full as we can make it for you.
Sure, all this IS also included in another massively huge edition, swimming amongst all the very many other events in the Guide's super-duper, all-inclusive, ever-growing and wowsa presentation of everything we cover. And if you want to behold all those others and "else's" out there -- the full universe of things happening from now through our still-growing coverage of ST. PATRICK'S DAY-ish events and beyond -- you can do that, at:
With Fat Tuesday on March 5, this weekend IN NEW ORLEANS will be filled with special events, parades, concerts and more celebrating Mardi Gras. NOLA-based "OffBeat" magazine has compiled their definitive guide to the scene in the Crescent City.
PARADES, FLOATS, SECOND-LINE MARCHERS...
Everyone who builds, rides, or accompanies anything that moves for "Carnival" on the weekend or on Fat Tuesday -- all are part of one or another crew, spelled "krewe," and they've each got a name. Most of those names are a hundred or more years old.
Krewe of Muses, Krewe of Hermes, Krewe of Orpheus, Krewe of Tucks, Krewe of Endymion, Krewe of Thoth, and many, many more groups parade through NOLA this weekend to celebrate Carnival.
The Société Des Champs Elysée even does a streetcar ride in full Mardi Gras costume! If YOU'RE in New Orleans, you need the full "Offbeat" schedule of who 'n what are where, 'n when, and you probably can't find one. So with the magic of the internet, WE have it for you, at:
If you're in NOLA, you'll also need the "Offbeat" list of shows -- the ones that get their staff's stamp of approval.
From "Freedia Gras" to "Lundifest," they've got all the LIVE MUSIC in New Orleans covered -- this WEEKEND through Tuesday's LATE NIGHT CARNIVAL SHENANIGANS -- at:
Speaking of NEW ORLEANS and "Offbeat," they remind us that FATS DOMINO, the legendary New Orleans musician, would have had his 91st birthday on February 26. In honor of his birthday, OffBeat.com premiered the first single from pianist and singer-songwriter Mitch Woods’ upcoming album, "A Tip of the Hat to Fats," and thanks to "Offbeat," you can read about the album, the legacy of Fats' music, and listen to the track.
IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE for Mardi Gras, listen to this single. It's delightfully fresh, thoroughly retro, and the horns -- especially that cupped trumpet solo most of the way through -- are as good as it gets, folks. Listen at:
____________________ All about the beads. A perch and loops to throw makes anybody a celebrity. The one with the heaviest, most unwieldy coil encasing the neck wins, apparently. Among the more irrational obsessions that seasonally seize people anywhere is the uncontrollable desire to accumulate Mardi Gras beads. That is, until It's over. Last year, New Orleans fished 47 tons of beads from the sewers.
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MARDI GRAS IN LOS ANGELES & SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Across Southern Cal, you can find restaurants and bars and even some massive sprcially-appropriated venues, all celebrating Fat Tuesday. But not necessarily on Tuesday.
LOTS OF IT happens early -- especially on the weekend -- and much more IS on the actual day. Tuesday.
It's out there awaiting you, with Cajun n' Zydeco, New Orleans traditional n' Dixieland style jazz, brass bands, fais do-dos, and (yum!) king cakes, and yes indeedy, even a few crawfish boils.
The trick is getting authentic live Cajun or Zydeco or trad N'Awlins jazz to accompany your digestion of the consumables.
We've looked in as many places as a crawfish hides to find everything that went into this. Special thanks to Timeout Los Angeles for their treasures, for all the many sources that contributed just one or two things that all add-up to this big 'ol feast!
SOOOO (second line parade snare drum roll)... with no more ado (and not yet adieux)...
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Here's the Guide's guide to the L.A. Saturday-through-Tuesday MARDI GRAS EXPERIENCE.
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Friday, Mar 1
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Fri, Mar 1; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
10 am - MUDBUG BRASS BAND plays the Skirball Cultural Center, atop Sepulveda Pass at 2701 N Sepulveda Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90049; 310-440-4578.
* Concert is free with paid admission.
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Fri, Mar 1; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
8 pm - MUDBUG BRASS BAND plays the Edye Stage at Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica CA 90401; 310-434-3200.
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÷=÷=÷=÷=÷=÷=÷=÷ Saturday, Mar 2 Okay, so the pics are ÷=÷=÷=÷=÷=÷=÷=÷ from New Orleans.
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Sat, Mar 2-Tue, Mar 5; FREE FESTIVAL / MARDI GRAS EVENT:
30th Annual "MARDI GRAS" at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W Third St (Third & Fairfax), Los Angeles 90036
* One of the only family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations in town. And the Farmers Market is celebrating its 85th!
* Runs Sat & Sun, Mar 2 & 3, and it's back to conclude on Fat Tuesday, Mar 5.
* The entire Market is decked-out in purple, green and gold décor, with strolling parade bands, activities for kids, bead-throwing from the Gate 1 interior balcony at the top of each hour, much like beads are tossed from the balconies of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and more.
* Enjoy New Orleans’ classics – King Cake, beignets, delicious, made-from-scratch Cajun gumbo and jambalaya from The Gumbo Pot – and a musical line-up to bring the celebration to life.
* LIVE MUSIC performances by Cajun and Zydeco favorites:
♤ Eddie Baytos and The Nervis Brothers
◇ Mudbug Brass Band
♧ Bonnie Musique Zydeco
♡ Floyd and the Fly Boys
♤ High Life Cajun Band
♡ Grammy-nominated Lisa Haley and the Zydekats
◇ and more, all bringing the Mardi Gras celebrations to life. Or in Cajunspeak, "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" (“Let the good times roll!”) with the full schedule of activities and performances.
* The Dog Bakery will host its Annual "MUTTI GRAS PET PARADE" on the Market Plaza from Noon-1 pm on Sat, Mar 2nd, with prizes awarded to the best-dressed furry King and Queen of Mutti Gras -- dogs (and occasionally a cat or rabbit) dressed in creative costumes parading across the Plaza, with winners taking home prizes.
* SCHEDULE:
■ Sat, Mar 2
MUTTI GRAS PET PARADE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1 pm PLAZA
MUDBUG BRASS BAND . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1 pm STROLLING
HIGH LIFE CAJUN BAND . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 pm EAST PATIO
MUDBUG BRASS BAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30-3 pm PLAZA
KING & QUEEN CROWN DECORATING . 1:30-4:30 pm PLAZA
FLOYD AND THE FLYBOYS . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 pm WEST PATIO
LISA HALEY AND THE ZYDEKATS . . . . 6-8 pm WEST PATIO
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■ Sun, Mar 3
HIGH LIFE CAJUN BAND . . . . . . 11:30-1:30 pm EAST PATIO
BEAR BRASS BAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3 pm STROLLING
SHAKERS FOR PEACE & JOY CRAFT . 1:30-4:30 pm PLAZA
BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO . . . . . . . . . 2-4 pm WEST PATIO
CRAWDADDIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 pm PLAZA
EDDIE BAYTOS & NERVIS BROTHERS . .5-7 pm WEST PATIO
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■ Fat Tuesday, Mar 5
EDDIE BAYTOS & NERVIS BROTHERS . .6-9 pm WEST PATIO
* Event is FREE, but you'll pay for parking (Metro does go there).
* More at: https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/event/2019/03/02/the-original-farmers-market%E2%80%99s-annual-mardi-gras-celebration-opening-day
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Sat, Mar 2; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
6 pm - "BOOTLEG THEATRE'S MARDI GRAS CARNEVALE 2019" at Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Bl, Los Angeles CA 90057
* It's "an evening of Revelry, Gratitude, Art and Love" to "celebrate 13 years of creating & supporting the best live performance in L.A."
* A night of food and drinks, performances, prizes and surprises, with host JOHN C. REILLY.
* Festivities begin at 6 pm with music & special eats from Mick’s BBQ Rescue and Coffee + Food.
* At 7 pm are performances by TOP SHELF BRASS BAND, comedian MICHAEL RAYNOR, beatboxer TRACK IX, marionettist ELI PRESSER, WESLEY THORNTON of the GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC SHOW), magician KRYS TABUJARA, contortionist MILO GONZALEZ, aerialist KEELY LUNA, Monologue Man BRIAN ALLMAN, THE SILVERLAKE CHORUS, and the LADIES of L.A. LAW. Then dancing ensues with DJ Patrick Belton of Dubgypsy.
* Raffles throughout the night.
* Each General Admission ticket includes one (1) drink ticket & food. Festive attire is encouraged.
* TIX: $75, at http://www.bootlegtheater.org/
* Doors at 6 pm, show is 7 pm-11 pm.
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Sat-Tue, Mar 2-5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
"SPECIAL MARDI GRAS MENU" at Little Dom’s, 2128 Hillhurst Av, Los Angeles CA 90027
* Talk about multicultural! This Italian restaurant is going Cajun for four days! But it makes sense if you know...
* New Orleans son Brandon Boudet is lighting up his restaurant with Bourbon Street specials with few-days-only Mardi Gras menu.
* Catch soft-shell crab po’ boys, shrimp-studded gumbo, sugar-dusted beignets, crunchy pork belly cracklins, sweets like the iconic king cake, and drink specials including $5 Abita beer.
* It all runs 4 days, open to close, in celebration of the holiday.
* You can also place King Cake orders ($25) through the deli by calling 323-661-0055 (48 hours’ notice is required), or grab a slice while you're there, $5 a piece.
* It runs March 2–5, regular hours of business: Mon-Thu 8 am-3 pm, 5:30 pm-11 pm; Fri 8 am-3 pm, 5:30 pm-midnight; Sat 8 am-midnight; Sun 8 am-11 pm.
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Trains are enduring favorites as parade floats in New Orleans. We'll look at 100 years of trains to Mardi Gras in a special section, following.
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Sun, Mar 3; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
Noon-6 pm - "L.A. UNION STATION ALL-DAY CRAWFISH BOIL" presented by Imperial Western Beer Co., at 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles CA 90012
* Each $40 ticket includes crawfish and its simmered compatriots — corn on the cob, red potatoes and andouille sausage — plus fried green tomato salad with remoulade, collard greens and either a beer flight or a cocktail.
* This new brewery is bringing a little bit of NOLA with a full-on party, complete with live music.
* Actually, the very new brewery is getting
credit for the magnificent design & decor of
of L.A. Union Station's original 1939 Fred Harvey restaurant and nightclub, where all the movie stars hung out and all the Big Bands played. It's been closed for decades, and recently re-opened at last, as Imperial Western Beer Co.
* TIX: walk-in event, but you can book your table at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mardi-gras-crawfish-boil-at-imperial-western-beer-company-tickets-55243927073
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Sun, Mar 3 ; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
2 pm-5 pm - MIGUEL FONTENOT plays the French Quarter Creole Bar & Grill, 16728 Bellflower Bl, Bellflower, CA 90706
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Sun, Mar 3; Sat, Mar 2-Tue, Mar 5; FREE FESTIVAL / MARDI GRAS EVENT:
30th Annual "MARDI GRAS" at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W Third St (Third & Fairfax), Los Angeles 90036
* One of the only family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations in town. And the Farmers Market is celebrating its 85th!
* Runs Sat & Sun, Mar 2 & 3, and it's back to conclude on Fat Tuesday, Mar 5.
* The entire Market is decked-out in purple, green and gold décor, with strolling parade bands, activities for kids, bead-throwing from the Gate 1 interior balcony at the top of each hour, much like beads are tossed from the balconies of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and more.
* Enjoy New Orleans’ classics – King Cake, beignets, delicious, made-from-scratch Cajun gumbo and jambalaya from The Gumbo Pot – and a musical line-up to bring the celebration to life.
* LIVE MUSIC performances by Cajun and Zydeco favorites:
■ Sun, Mar 3
HIGH LIFE CAJUN BAND . . . . . . 11:30-1:30 pm EAST PATIO
BEAR BRASS BAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3 pm STROLLING
SHAKERS FOR PEACE & JOY CRAFT . 1:30-4:30 pm PLAZA
BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO . . . . . . . . . 2-4 pm WEST PATIO
CRAWDADDIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 pm PLAZA
EDDIE BAYTOS & NERVIS BROTHERS . .5-7 pm WEST PATIO
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■ Fat Tuesday, Mar 5
EDDIE BAYTOS & NERVIS BROTHERS . .6-9 pm WEST PATIO
* Event is FREE, but you'll pay for parking (Metro does go there).
* More at: https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/event/2019/03/02/the-original-farmers-market%E2%80%99s-annual-mardi-gras-celebration-opening-day
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Tuesday, Mar 5 --
MARDI GRAS!
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Tue, Mar 5, FREE; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
4 pm - Annual "MARDI GRAS AT AMOEBA" at Amoeba Music Hollywood, 6400 Sunset Bl, Hollywood CA 90028
* Bring your horn, tuba, banjo, any portable percussion instrument. Join the annual party procession at 4 pm, to "When the Saints..." and share the cacophonous joy of Fat Tuesday.
* There will be BEADS and fun for the kids and big ones alike.
* The celebration at the fabled record store ensues from 2 pm-4 pm with DJs spinning NOLA party classics.
* Amoeba donates a portion of this day's proceeds to two charities working to preserve the musical and cultural heritage of New Orleans: Tipitina’s Foundation, and New Orleans Musicians' Clinic (NOMC). Details at: https://www.amoeba.com/live-shows/upcoming/detail-4702/index.html
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In L.A., only some "get" public transit. In NOLA, they LOVE their streetcars, functional living history running year- round to the French Quarter. And for MARDI GRAS? It's how they roll!
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Tue, Mar 5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
5 pm-10 pm - "MARDI GRAS CRAB BOIL & LOUISIANA CUISINE FEAST" at 189 by Dominique Ansel, 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles CA 90036
* No music at this one, but it's not far from all the revel at the Farmers Market.
* Each $55 ticket includes buckets of fresh crab, tiger shrimp, P.E.I. mussels and corn tumbled onto your newspaper-topped table, plus a bevy of sides like red pepper maque choux, fried pickles and fresh-baked cornbread.
* You can also expect a crab boil from chef Dominique Ansel, plus pastries -- fried-to-order beignets—and à la carte from the bar, the requisite hurricane cocktails.
* TIX: https://dominiqueansella.com/event/dumplingfest-2-2/
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Mardi Gras, eight decades apart: at the end of the 1930s, at the end of the 2010s.
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Tue, Mar 5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
5 pm-all night (literally, all night!) - "FREE MARDI GRAS AT THE LITTLE EASY" happens at the Little Easy, 216 W 5th St, Los Angeles CA 90013
* The venue bills itself as "the only authentically New Orleans location" (in L.A.). They continue, "There is no homage here. It is as if you are transported to The Big Easy/New Orleans. Have you ever been to Bourbon Street or The French Quarter? After this event you will feel as if you have been. Especially so with their devilish mixed drinks..."
* The venue's cuisine is extensive:
• BEIGNETS Three to an order, dusted with confectioners sugar & a chocolate lavender sauce.
• VOODOO WINGS Cajun dry rubbed with choice of blue cheese or ranch.
• CHICKEN & WAFFLES Boneless fried chicken breast, house-made
gravy, Belgian-style waffle, maple syrup
• SWAMP FRIES smothered in house-made gravy & a blend of cheeses; add: chicken / shrimp or short rib.
• JAMBALAYA Blackened chicken, Andouille sausage, stewed tomatoes & rice.
• BOURBON STREET BURRITO Tortilla filled with jambalaya and cheese.
• DIRTY BIRD Boneless fried chicken breast, creamy cheese grits & gravy.
• MARDI GRAS MAC Cheddar, smoked gouda, pepper jack cheese, béchamel sauce Add: chicken / short rib.
• RED BEANS AND RICE Andouille sausage, kidney beans & rice
• CHEESE GRITS Blend of smoked gouda, pepper jack & cheddar
* See the ambience, drinks, and food, at: http://littleeasybar.com/gallery/
* The Little Easy has comfortable living room seating and a small Southern hotel lobby feel in front, winding down the hallway you feel transport to the Pirates of the Caribbean or New Orleans itself. Is has an impressive indoor courtyard with large bar, working fountain, porch swing.
* Event starts at 7 pm. Early arrival is advised. Space is open 'til it fills. ENTRY IS RESERVED -- Seating is not reserved. First come is first served. Venue says, "Dress code: Vampire Dairies clothes. Anything black and chic will be fine. You can also dress tres mardi gras. For the ladies? You have style! Nobody needs to tell you how to be sharp, classy or stylish and dress for a party. Mandatory will be a mask and beads and etc. Go to Party City or 99 cent store and stock up."
* Metro Rail Red/Purple stop is about 1000 feet away.
* FREE, no cover, no minimum, make a reservation and arrive early or you won't get in.
* Venue says, "RSVP on the event. No RSVP=Big Sadness. Individual Names needed for the Guest List." Make rez at: https://m.evensi.us/free-mardi-gras-easy-masquerade/290090754
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Tue, Mar 5; Sat, Mar 2-Tue, Mar 5; FREE FESTIVAL / MARDI GRAS EVENT:
30th Annual "MARDI GRAS" at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W Third St (Third & Fairfax), Los Angeles 90036
* One of the only family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations in town. And the Farmers Market is celebrating its 85th!
* Runs Sat & Sun, Mar 2 & 3, and it's back to conclude on Fat Tuesday, Mar 5.
* The entire Market is decked-out in purple, green and gold décor, with strolling parade bands, activities for kids, bead-throwing from the Gate 1 interior balcony at the top of each hour, much like beads are tossed from the balconies of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and more.
* Enjoy New Orleans’ classics – King Cake, beignets, delicious, made-from-scratch Cajun gumbo and jambalaya from The Gumbo Pot – and a musical line-up to bring the celebration to life.
* LIVE MUSIC performances by Cajun and Zydeco favorites; today, it's:
■ Fat Tuesday, Mar 5
EDDIE BAYTOS & NERVIS BROTHERS . .6-9 pm WEST PATIO
* Event is FREE, but you'll pay for parking (Metro does go there).
* More at: https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/event/2019/03/02/the-original-farmers-market%E2%80%99s-annual-mardi-gras-celebration-opening-day
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A hundred years ago, Mardi Gras was rather scarey up close.
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Tue, Mar 5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
6 pm-10 pm - "VEGAN MARDI GRAS FEAST" at Krimsey’s, North Hollywood’s all-vegan Cajun restaurant, 12900 Victory Bl, North Hollywood CA 91606
* Here's the place to celebrate Fat Tuesday without the meat. This is a plant-based party that includes live music, raffles, a photo booth, face painting, beads and $10 bowls of their "gumbalaya" (a stewy gumbo-jambalaya hybrid).
* You can order a whole vegan King Cake — with 48 hours’ notice, at: https://krimseys.com/kingcake
* Or buy your King Cake by the slice during the party.
* No advance reservations.
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Tue, Mar 5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
6 pm-10 pm - MARDI GRAS “BANDS, BEADS AND BUGS ” PARTY, at the Ragin Cajun Cafe, 525 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Los Angeles CA 90277
* THESE GUYS ARE A GUIDE FAVORITE, from their "Great American Food Truck Race" TV days.
* As one of South Bay’s few authentic Cajun restaurants, they're going all-out to do this up right.
* You’ll find LIVE ZYDECO AND OTHER FESTIVE MUSIC, and absolutely, totally, completely authentic and splendidly tasty po’boys, Louisiana crawfish, boudin, other delectables, and drink specials.
* No reservations. Just go. As Thibodeau and Beaudreaux say, "That some kinda good!"
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Our Southwestern observance of "Dia de Los Muertos" in November resonates with Mardi Gras in Spring in New Orleans. The Crescent City gets the imagery from voodoo and from the skull-and-crossbones iconography of its famous pirates, including the LaFitte brothers who helped Andrew Jackson win the Battle of New Orleans to end the War of 1812.
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Tue, Mar 5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
6 pm-10 pm - "MARDI GRAS FOOD FEST" BENEFIT is a fun evening of food, dancing, and live music in support of Cancer Care at Methodist Hospital in Arcadia. It's held at
Sirona's Sports Bar at Santa Anita Race Track, Arcadia, CA
* Over 30 local restaurants participate, bringing samples of their favorite dishes.
* Guests enjoy an open bar (21+ only), the tunes of the '80s All Starz (Not Cajun or Zydeco-!), a fun photobooth, a silent auction, a jazzy parade, and lots and lots of dancing.
* This year's event honors Dr. Dino and Hope Clarizio and proceeds support Cancer Care at Methodist Hospital.
* TIX: https://losangeles.carpe-diem.events/calendar/8689959-mardi-gras-food-fest-2019-at-sironas-sports-bar-at-santa-anita-race-track/
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Tue, Mar 5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
7 pm - MUDBUG BRASS BAND plays Herb Alpert's Vibrato Grill & Jazz, 2930 Beverly Glen Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90077.
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MO' MARDI GRAS EATERIES...
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(from descriptions by Cassandra Lane, who writes for "L.A. Parent.")
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♤ LA LOUISANNE, corner of Slauson Av and Overhill Dr, will have a Fat Tuesday celebration that includes a second line, the New Orleans style parade that follows a brass band while participants dance and twirl parasols and handkerchiefs. It's been there 30 years and lights-up the corner at night with its purple, gold and green neon signs – one in the boot shape of Louisiana, the other advertising its Creole cuisine and nightly jazz. Venue: La Louisanne, 5812 Overhill Dr, Los Angeles, CA; 323-293-5073; http://www.lalouisannela.com/
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Sharing that neighborhood’s Little Louisiana corner are two other eateries, just below.
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◇ ORLEANS & YORK, a po-boy go-to at
http://orleansandyorkdeli.com/, and THE SNOBALL SHOP, where you can order all manner of syrupy, icy goodness and even get it creamed with condensed milk, the way they do it down in New Orleans.
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♡ HAROLD AND BELLE'S, at 2920 W Jefferson Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90018, is an L.A. Creole restaurant staple featured recently on TV's "Diner's Drive-ins, and Dives." It opened 50 years ago in the area where it still stands, Jefferson Park, a neighborhood teeming with Louisianians back then. Like other New Orleans-themed restaurants, Harold & Belle’s will be hopping with energy on Fat Tuesday.
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♧ BAYOU GRILLE, 1400 N La Brea Av, Inglewood CA, will host a crawfish boil amidst its celebrated Lou'siana ambience; excellent reputation here.
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Remember to check-out all the MANY other things out there -- concerts, festivals, club gigs, film events, and more -- including our still-growing ST. PATRICK'S DAY-ish events and beyond!
For over a hundred years, Americans went to Mardi Gras by train. That heritage is still celebrated in the many parade floats in New Orleans whose krewes design them to look like 19th century steam locomotives. Some parade floats even vent "steam" and have whistles that blow on compressed air!
Then as now, the clubs on Bourbon and Canal Streets packed 'em in for live blues and jazz. The skillful blaring of horns and the furiosity of strings played blindingly fast became trademarks. But that was all the time, and this was the Big Easy. Then comes Mardi Gras, and you express everything with exponents.
Get past the college frat boys with the beer bongs. When Mardi Gras abates, the music flows effortlessly and so does the culture. History resumes its quiet immediacy with the vaults of 200-year-old above-ground cemeteries. And it fulfills the Zydeco band's appeal for "Somebody scream!" with the five-chime steam whistle on the paddlewheeler Natchez. Add to that the National World War II Museum for a profound sense of past and present intermingling.
In New Orleans, you can still ride old rail streetcars from the 1920s. In fact, you can catch three different streetcar lines within three blocks of the train station -- where all the many streamliners and the great "limiteds" began and ended their runs. Inside, the station, the walls still hold their Conrad Abrizzio art-deco / industrial age murals framed by architectural elements for which Frank Lloyd Wright was the mere chief draftsman. Punctuating the murals in two monolithic swaths are the trains' arrivals-and-departures call boards -- they still hang massively on the high walls, listing a paltry total of three trains. The rest of those boards is a gaping darkness of ten or twelve vertical feet; the empty ribbed surfaces made for press-in letters have displayed only blank space for decades.
Still, New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal was responsible for $17,668,780 in fiscal year 2018. With the merest trickle of activity.
Once it was very different. The trains' schedules meshed with those of paddlewheel riverboats headed up to Natchez, Memphis, St. Louis, Cairo, and Cincinnati. Ocean-going steamships waited at the wharves.
Let's look back at how revelers went to Mardi Gras in a more spacious age. When over a dozen different railroads operated daily passenger trains in and out of the Crescent City.
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Today, with post-Hurricane Katrina track damage still annuling the Florida train, Amtrak still runs trains on just three historic routes.
The best of these is the "Sunset Limited." It was once the flagship of the Southern Pacific Railroad, complete with an on-board barber shop newsstand. It ran behind jaunty red, orange, silver and black locomotives -- streamlined steam, and then streamlined diesels. Amtrak's train with the same name still runs Los Angeles to New Orleans; you can still look 20 to 50 feet away across the border into Mexico from Southwest Texas; of greatest importance, on this train you can still get a private bedroom with a porter to prepare your bed; there's still dinner in the diner, freshly-cooked real food. But don't wait long to ride it.
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The reason is clear when we look at the next Amtrak train, the "City of New Orleans."
Indeed that's the one that gave its name to the Steve Goodman song made famous by Arlo Guthrie. Once, the Illinois Central ran the luxurious "Panama Limited" from Chicago to New Orleans, along with the far less well-appointed "City of New Orleans." Both were glorious in chocolate brown and orange livery. The "Panama" is long gone. Amtrak's "City" still runs Chicago-New Orleans, but... it is now far worse than modern generic. That's because the mercenary Delta Airlines exec who is now in charge of Amtrak has invoked an insane management paradigm and a thoroughly obfuscating accounting system to justify cutbacks and "austerity."
For Amtrak's (supposedly modern) "City of New Orleans," that meant the end of real food. Now, you look out the window at the lush, green Mississippi River Valley, and then farther South, at the Spanish moss-draped bayou, all while you eat 7-11 style fare. Literally. Unless a major political change arrives while there is still time, more of that third-world-class travel -- or cancellation altogether -- awaits riders on several of Amtrak's well-patronized long-distance trains.
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The third train still running to New Orleans is the generically modern version of the "Crescent Limited." Once resplendent in green and gold (as depicted here in steam days), it was the pride of the old Southern Railway. It still runs from Washington, D.C. (with a through-section from New York City); still has Pulllman bedrooms and a real dining car; uses Amtrak's few European-style "Viewliner" cars with double-rows of windows on one level; and its terminal is still the platform in New Orleans. For now.
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One steam locomotive like this one -- a green-and-gold Southern Railway class PS-4, 4-6-2 Pacific type -- survives. You can see it in the Smithsonian Museum of American History on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Perhaps unique in the world, it was completely rebuilt before going into the museum. It is therefore a 1920s-vintage, brand-new rebuilt, zero-mileage steam locomotive. Fitting, since New Orleans and D.C. were the train's terminals.
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Amtrak is what we have now. It's all that we have now.
Sadly, the best Amtrak has been able to do was under its PREVIOUS management who was working to make it better, before the current politically-entwined front-office disaster. Amtrak has always needed to EXPAND to make it easier to use, with more departure and arrival options and more connections. Instead, it's always been about fighting more cuts, and fighting to keep real food aboard trains that passengers call home for one or two days or more. And now, the fights are about nothing less than survival of the American passenger rail option. Even when the energy use statistics and air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions have ALWAYS greatly favored trains? The hugely subsidized airline industry -- which receives stratified layers of often-camoflauged taxpayer cash -- actively lobbies against comparatively tiny subsidies for Amtrak.
It won't be solved in the current piecemeal approaches of separate states myopically viewing their own needs in isolation. A commitment is required for the American passenger train, from sea to shining sea, and in the heartland where no air carrier can economically provide service, anyway. We lost our way in our love affairs with fast cars an cheap gas. Now we have gridlocked freeways and busted interstates and It's far gone to fix with a bake sale or a pot of gumbo.
We can always dream of a time when we won't be in cattle-car airliners with our knees in our armpits! And nothing is stopping you from calling your member of congress and your two US senators!
Anybody for a "Back to the Future" rail system?
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Only one thing left to say...
"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"
That's the Cajun French phrase that literally translates to mean, "Let the good times roll!"
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That's all for this edition.
Stay tuneful!
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We'll be back again soon with music news and more "News of the Non-Trumpcentric Universe." (c)
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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 cyber porch'll be here anytime you come back from the road.
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. Latest updates: March 24, 2019. Not all updates of ST. PATRICK'S / IRISH MUSIC are included here; the emphasis for that went to our VERY comprehensive St. Patrick's special edition.
Note: Sunday, MARCH 10, 8:20 am PDT...
A FESTIVAL TODAY joins literally HUNDREDS more events that have been added -- PLUS MORE TICKET ALERTS -- as this edition continues to be the place to go to know what's goin' on. And until it's replaced by a full new one, even more is STILL BEING ADDED! Give it another scroll on a regular basis, or miss-out!
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Original Feb 21 edition preface...
With winter weather bringing snow levels down to 1500 feet in Southern California, freezing temps and icy roads in places that don't usually freeze, and rain for drivers that are notoriously awful at driving on wet -- not to mention ICY -- surfaces, Californians seem to forget that REAL winter is concurrently clobbering 200 million of their fellow Americans. Last week, it was colder in parts of the Midwest than in Antarctica!
And no matter where you are in the Untied States of America? Some perspective is just a click away:
This is Guide edition number 1,801 since moving to Blogspot.
WE'VE ADDED TWO EXTRA SECTIONS since first publishing this edition.
Here's a list of all that's here, by section titles
● Intro (above) ● Ticket alerts ● Film Events -- where to see the OSCAR Noms ● This edition is different, and why ● Other recent editions (finding them) ● Calendar -- the Guide's updated, annotated events • Ongoing events • Day-by-Day events (by date)
☆ GORDON LIGHTFOOT - "80 YEARS STRONG TOUR" is Mar 12 at City National Grove of Anaheim; tix now on sale.
☆ Steve Miller Band / Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives play August 21 at the The Greek Theatre
PRESALE: Thu, Feb 21, 10 am-10 pm, PASSWORD: EAGLE
☆ Willie Nelson & Family play May 12 at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre. PRESALE: Thu, Feb 21, 10 am-10 pm, PASSWORD: ONTHEROAD
☆ Los Lonely Boys / Los Lobos / Ozomatli play Aug 9 at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre. PRESALE: Thu, Feb 21, 10 am-10 pm, PASSWORD: LAFAMILIA
☆ Steve Miller Band / Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives play Aug 22 at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre.
PRESALE: Thu, Feb 21, 10 am-10 pm, PASSWORD: EAGLE
☆ Brothers Osborne play Apr 2 at the Fox Theater; tix now on sale.
☆ Kansas plays
• Apr 4 at the Balboa Theatre;
• Apr 6 at the Orpheum Theatre;
• Apr 7 at the Arlington Theatre;
tix now on sale.
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SPECIAL SECTION...
FILM EVENTS -- where to see the OSCAR NOMS
Thoughts on the OSCARS broadcast, then the Guide to finding the movies in theatres...
The 91st annual "ACADEMY AWARDS" broadcast is on ABC-TV, Sun, Feb 24, 5-8 pm (Pacific). It will not repeat later on the West Coast, because that would interfere with the media's insipid fawning over celebrities on red carpets and outside parties. (We'll be doing something else immediately following the final OSCAR, thank you.)
The pundits have beat-up on OSCAR this year more than ever. We'll offer an alternative take on things.
1) When your intended host is caught lying about rude behavior and isn't prostrating himself seeking forgiveness, you fire him.
2) If you dawdle around acting like you might bring him back, that's excruciatingly dumb, especially as a way to keep your event in the news cycle.
3) If you want to go without a celebrity-centerpiece host, then DO IT and proclaim why it's a good idea to put the focus back on the award recipients.
4) The whole tangle of awards shows -- ALL OF THEM -- need to learn something from Oscar: when you tried to hide some of the award presentations off-camera, intending to present them during commercials, EVERYONE arose to tell you that was an insult and a disgrace, because ALL THE AWARDS MUST BE AWARDED ON AN EQUAL FOOTING. (Are you listening, GRAMMYS? Because we're really disgusted that so many GRAMMYS -- including the FOLK MUSIC category -- are awarded before your broadcast ever starts.) Thanks, OSCAR, for the teachable moment!
5) OSCAR is showing us it learned from another teachable moment two years ago, when it was "OSCARS so white!" This year's nominees are recognitions of achievement across a rainbow of race and color, including first-ever (and multiple) nominations for SPIKE LEE.
6) Finally, if somebody wants to "hate on" the OSCARS, where were they in 2014 when actress Cate Blanchett wore EIGHTEEN MILLION DOLLARS worth of garments and jewels to the OSCAR broadcast? How much objective good could $18 million do in the REAL world?
** As an addendum: the massive sphere-shaped Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences MUSEUM is now being built in Hollywood. So is it possible the haters are undermining things out of jealousy?
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Here's where you can the nominated films...
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Now in a limited run...
2019 OSCAR®-NOMINATED LIVE ACTION SHORTS
A special presentation of the five films nominated this year: "DETAINMENT," "FAUVE," "MARGUERITE," "MOTHER," and "SKIN," at the ArcLight Cinemas, 120 N Robertson Bl, Floor 3, Hollywood, CA 90048, AND ELSEWHERE.
* Full schedules:
https://www.arclightcinemas.com/movie/2019-oscar-nominated-live-action-shorts
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Now in a limited run...
2019 OSCAR®-NOMINATED ANIMATED SHORTS
A special presentation of the five films nominated this year: "ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR," "BAO," "LATE AFTERNOON," "ONE SMALL STEP," and "WEEKENDS," at the ArcLight Cinemas, 120 N Robertson Bl, Floor 3, Hollywood, CA 90048, AND ELSEWHERE.
* Full schedules:
https://www.arclightcinemas.com/movie/2019-oscar-nominated-animated-shorts
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Now in a limited run...
OSCAR NOMINATED FILMS ON THE BIG SCREEN
Many return to theatres on Fri, Feb 22.
* Find out where to see them and watch the trailers, at:
https://www.arclightcinemas.com/en/news/2019-oscars-nominees
* Here's what you can still go see.
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☆ "VICE" nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, is the story of how Dick Cheney quietly wielded immense power as Vice President to George W. Bush, reshaping the country and the globe to enrich the merchants of perpetual war, cement fossil barons into key seats of power, get a lot of people killed, and set dark and amoral oligarchical forces in motion in ways that we still feel today. (Christian Bale's portrayal of Cheney is creepy-accurate.)
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☆ "BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY" nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, is the inside story of musician Freddie Mercury and the rock band Queen.
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☆ "A STAR IS BORN" nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, Best Original Song, is the newest remake of the tale of a musician who helps a young singer and actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.
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☆ "BLACK k KLANSMAN" nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Film Editing, tells the based-on-true story of Ron Stallworth, an African-American police officer from Colorado, and how he successfully infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan and became the head of the local chapter.
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☆ "GREEN BOOK" nominated for - Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, follows an ethnocentric white man hired by a famed black musician to drive him on a concert tour through the South during America's dangerously apartheid Jim Crow era. You do not know how this will end until the final moments.
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☆ "BLACK PANTHER," nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, Best Sound Editing, is comic-book superhero fiction about T'Challa, who after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king.
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☆ "COLD WAR" nominated for Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Foreign Language Film.
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☆ "THE FAVOURITE" nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing.
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☆ "IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK" nominated for Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score.
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☆ "FREE SOLO" nominated for Best Documentary, is the heart-pounding account of the only person ever to scale -- without a rope -- the vertical 3,000 foot high wall of Yosemite's El Capitan. (We sooooo want to see this one!)
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☆ "MARY POPPINS RETURNS" nominated for Best Costume Design, Best Original Song, Best Original Score, Best Production Design.
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☆ "SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE" nominated for Best Animated Feature.
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☆ "THE WIFE" nominated for Best Actress.
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Note that OSCAR and ACADEMY AWARDS are the registered trademarks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
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This Edition is Different, and why
We're doing this one a little differently. We're publishing with only PART of what needs to be in here. (If we waited to get everything ready, you'd miss something happening soon.) So, we'll be ADDING TO THIS right along, until it's replaced by a later edition with the March of time. (Get it? The "March" of time? Ahem, well, somebody here thought it was clever.) TO MONITOR FOR THINGS WE'RE ADDING, BOOKMARK THIS EDITION OR KEEP US HANDY.
WE DO WANT TO GET THIS ON YOUR RADAR before your world gets covered in snow. Or before all the news gets buried beneath an avalanche of speculative singularity over supposedly-imminent Mueller-time.
After all, we've already been Smolletted, and the Trumpcentric nature of mainstream corporate cable media never allows for more than one other story to detract from the narrative of their cult-of-personality driven, hour-at-a-time sequential rehashes of the same damn thing they've been telling you all day.
And that Smollettizatization? It's tough enough for sponsors of "Black History Month" events to get positive media attention (make that ANY media attention) after they work hard to plan and book talent for some fine special events. Now, anything they do is unjustifiably vying for time against the sensationalized coverage of the Smollett BS. Similarly, LGBTQ folks have worked hard to overcome idiotic prejudices and to be believed when then report real attacks, and a single self-promoting false report does incalculable harm to the campaign for equality and equal protection under the law.
If there is ANY good in this, it's kudos to the Chicago Police Department for excellent detective work that kept this from sucking the oxygen out of the room any longer than it did. But that's still an "if," because that PD assigned TWENTY detectives to this ONE case, while other cases went uninvestigated and unworked.
It should scream at us that this a celebrity-obsessed society. Not one that's obsessed with talent, work ethic, or becoming accomplished. Hence, we get pop tarts making millions and money-manipulators elevated to celebrity status making billions. All while grads of Julliard and Berkley and Musicians Institute find fulfillment following their art, and never quite get past the struggle of working for a living to pursue it.
ALL OF WHICH is why we all need music and the arts: for individual and societal sanity.
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Other recent editions:
"The 'Ramblin' Rose' Garden Show: theatre of the bizarre." Feb 15, 2019 edition, at:
ALL previous editions are available in the archive. Use the search bar at top, or index by month and year in the sidebar at left (if on your mobile device, you may need to enable "Full Web Version.")
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That was then. This is now. Let's get started!
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CALENDAR -- THE GUIDE'S UPDATED, ANNOTATED, EVENTS
___________________________________ WHAT'S HAPP'NIN' OUT THAR... ___________________________________ Up-top, a Thursday morning quickie...
Thu, Feb 21:
SPACE LAUNCHES LIVE ON THE WEB:
There are TWO on Thursday, both LIVE online:
* 1st, at 8:47 am PST, it's "EgyptSat-A," an Earth remote sensing satellite, launching aboard a Soyuz 2.1b launch vehicle into a sun-synchronous orbit from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Watch it live at:
www.baikonur.russian.space
* 2nd, at 5:45 pm PST, it's a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 launch with THREE missions: (1) launching the "Nusantaru Satu" communications satellite for an Indonesian company; (2) launching the "Beresheet" robotic Moon lander for Israel (it will launch into orbit, and later use its own engine to go to the Moon, make a soft landing and then a rocket-powered 50-meter hop); (3) launching the "AFRL S5," a small technology demonstration payload, for the US Air Force. It will deploy from the Nusantaru Satu. In addition to the actual mission and scheduled recovery of the first stage, SpaceX will attempt to catch the upper stage's payload fairing in a big net aboard the ship "Mr. Steven." Watch live at:
https://www.spacex.com/webcast
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Other THURSDAY EVENTS are below, following the ONGOING EVENTS.
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TODAY & ADDITIONAL DAYS FOR A WHILE: Ongoing Events...
Ongoing, Mar 9-Apr 28, FREE:
"PROTECTING MOTHER EARTH" gallery exhibition at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malvern Av, Fullerton, CA 92833; 714-738-6595; www.TheMuck.org
* SPECIAL GALLERY TOUR on Thu, Mar 28, 6:30 pm, Free Admission.
* Presented from the perspective of Native Americans, who, as the original human inhabitants of the western hemisphere, continue to have a unique relationship with the land, and curated by artist Rowan Harrison, "Protecting Mother Earth" is an exhibition about the protection and conservation of our natural environment.
* It brings together works by over a dozen artists from the Native American community, including Corey Stein, Corina Roberts, Maree Cheatham, Gail Werner, Terry Glad Flores, C. M. Scott, Valena Dismukes, Eric Tippeconnic, Rowan Harrison, Nadia Reed, Peggy Fontenot, Laurie Steelink, Nadia LittleWarrior, Zoë Marieh Urness, Randy Kemp, and Sheridan Macknight.
* Open during GALLERY HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday, 12-4 pm. Free Admission, donations welcomed.
___ ONGOING, Stageplay, through Mar 24:
Time varies by day - "THE JUDAS KISS," David Hare's masterful work about Oscar Wilde, is now playing at Boston Court Pasadena, 70 N Mentor, Pasadena CA 91106; 626-683-6801.
* This is one of three events in the L.A. area that celebrate OSCAR WILDE. Since we listed one before we knew of the other two, it only seemed right to list all three.
* Venue's website has a video preview of the play, with director Michael Michetti and leading actors Rob Nagle, Colin Bates, and Darius De La Cruz.
* NOTE SPECIAL EVENTS:
Sun, Feb 24: Pre-show discussion on theme
Fri, Mar 1: Post-show discussion on acting
Thu, Mar 7: Post-show discussion on design
Sat, Mar 9: Post-show discussion on directing
Thu, Mar 14: Post-show discussion on acting
Sun, Mar 17: Post-show discussion on theme
(Pre-show discussions begin 45 minutes prior to curtain; post-show discussions begin immediately after the performance.)
* TIX selling fast; available at: http://bostoncourtpasadena.org/events/the-judas-kiss/
___ ONGOING, through Mar 31 : Annual "WINTER MUSIC SERIES" at BOSTON COURT THEATRE, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena, CA 91106.* The venue's Winter Music Series features 17 eclectic concerts, including two semi-staged operas in concert, a tribute to Scottish composer THEA MUSGRAVE, son jarocho band LOS CAMBALACHE, and jazz with LAO TIZER. * Whether you enjoy being the first to experience brand-new music or appreciate the classics, this 2019 music season has fine offerings.* Series info & tix: BOX OFFICE, 626-683-6801, 11 am-5 pm, Tue-Fri, or online at: www.bostoncourt.com ___ ONGOING, Feb 5-Apr 12, FREE: 10 am-5 pm - 27th annual "ART OF MOTION PICTURE COSTUME DESIGN EXHIBITION" (runs Tue-Sat weekly) at the Fashion Institute's FIDM Museum, 919 S Grand Av, Los Angeles, CA 90015 * FIDM Museum’s annual costume design exhibition is a tradition for L.A. locals and movie lovers alike. It features a variety of film genres that represent outstanding achievement in costume design. * There are fan favorites, along with Academy Award® nominees on display in celebration of the dedication and creativity of costume designers and their teams. * Modern technology has been applied to creating period costumes, with 3-D printed and laser-cut costumes, and all are explained and interpreted. * Admission is FREE. __ ONGOING, through March: " WESTERN FRONTIERS: STORIES OF FACT AND FICTION," exhibition, plus, "MASTERS OF THE AMERICAN WEST" annual art exhibition and sale, at the Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323-667-2000; www.theautry.org * We've told you about the annual Western art exhibition, now running, and let you know about the big event when it first opened. * The new "Western Frontiers" exhibition has just opened. It, says the museum's website, "illuminates the sweep of American Western history through its definitive artifact: the firearm." * The museum's regular galleries make for an immersive day all by themselves. * IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN IN AWHILE... in the most significant renovation since its founding, the Autry Museum opened nearly 20,000 square feet of redesigned indoor and outdoor spaces in Oct, 2016. That brought new temporary and core galleries, an ethnobotanical teaching garden, and an immersive media projection room. The new "California Continued" space explores the ongoing and interdependent relationships between people and the California environment. Drawing on a combination of Native cultural materials, firsthand perspectives, and contemporary artwork, this project connects Native Californian history, traditional ecological knowledge, and cultural practice to address environmental issues facing Californians today. ___ ONGOING, through April 21: 10 am-5 pm - "POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION" at the Reagan Library, 40 Presidential Dr, Simi Valley, CA, 93065 * Go back in time with this spectacular exhibit to relive the lost world of Ancient Rome. Pompeii was a playground, the Las Vegas of its time. Until the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius encased all of it -- including its people -- in a deep layer of volcanic ash that fell from the sky like a deadly blizzard. * When rediscovery of Pompeii came accidentally in the digging of a well, a period ensued of raiding the buried city for treasure. Then, in large measure because of the greedy raiding, much of what became modern archaeology developed to document, understand, and protect the integrity of the lost civilization. * This awe-inspiring exhibition features nearly 200 artifacts hidden from view and forgotten for centuries until rediscovered over 250 years ago. "Pompeii: The Exhibition" includes frescoes, mosaics, gladiator helmets, armor, weapons, plates, furniture, jewelry, statues, and more. * Plaster casts of people who were buried alive in the ash are included -- the ash encased them, and their presence literally left a void that could be reclaimed by wet plaster. * A 4-D eruption theater is key interpretive element, allowing visitors to experience the deathly impact Mount Vesuvius had on this ancient city. * Make plans to see this while it's here. * The Reagan library offers over 125,000 square feet of exhibits, so allow a minimum of three to four hours to enjoy all of the galleries and grounds; yes, they do have food. * TIX to the library through Apr 21 INCLUDE "Pompeii." Save the box office waiting line by buying online -- but you must select the date and time you would like to visit. General Admission $29; Seniors (age 62+) $26; Youth (age 11-17) $22; Child (age 3-10) $19; Children under age 2 are free; add-on audio tour rental $7; Active US Military service member free with valid Military ID, walk-ups get in without timed ticket. * Adv Ticket purchase at: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/online-ticket-sales * Free parking; NOTE: GPS / smartphone map users: entrance is off Madera Road, NOT off Tierra Rejada, which does not go through. ___ ONGOING, through May 12: "40 YEARS OF ALIEN: 40th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBIT AND FILM SCREENINGS" in the George Lucas Building Lobby, on the University Park Campus of USC, Los Angeles, CA * Multiple eveets in a series; Admission to each is free, but require free reservations. Check for schedule of events and reservation information (not yet posted at our press time), at: In celebration of the 40th anniversary of 20th Century Fox’s Alien (1979), directed by Ridley Scott, the USC School of Cinematic Arts will host an exhibit of props, costumes, models, artwork, designs, merchandise, comics, and ephemera from the Alien franchise. In conjunction with the exhibition, Alien films will be screened throughout the Spring 2019 semester. ___ ONGOING, through Sat, Apr 20: "CHEECH & CHONG: STILL ROLLIN' — CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF UP IN SMOKE" is a special exhibition at the GRAMMY Museum, 800 W Olympic Bl, Ste. A245 (entrance on Figueroa), L.A., CA; 213-765-6800. * The exhibit looks at "what made the world fall in love with East L.A. native Richard "Cheech" Marin and Canadian Tommy Chong, while chronicling the development and success of their first feature-length film, 'Up In Smoke.' Items on display will include the original marked-up script from 'Up In Smoke,' the master tape for the soundtrack album, comedy sketches, and selections from Marin's 'Blazing Chicano Guitars' collection, among other items. The selections from Marin's guiar-art collection include Chaz Bojorquez' 'Lester William Polsfus'; Jaime 'GERMS' Zacarias' 'Germtar' and John Valadez' 'Sombrero Hormigas.'" - Do LA. * Special exhibit included with regular museum admission ticket. ___ ONGOING, in San Pedro: "LOST AT SEA: THE EXPLORATIONS OF DR. ROBERT BALLARD" is an exhibition aboard the BATTLESHIP IOWA, docked as a museum in San Pedro, at 250 S Harbor Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90731 * “Everyone is an explorer. How could you possibly live your life looking at a door and not open it?” – Dr. Robert Ballard, discoverer of the wreck of RMS TITANIC. * The exhibit opened Oct 31, 2018 after previews during "Fleet Week." * It includes the "Lost at Sea" gallery, "Alpha Romeo Tango (ART)" art gallery, and ship tour expansion that now includes the USS Iowa's capability as a floating city, with a look at the ship's on-board laundry, barbershop, and brig. * Battleship IOWA Museum was chosen to launch “Lost at Sea: The Explorations of Dr. Robert Ballard” before it goes elsewhere. Ballard is known the world over for his discovery of the final resting place of the Titanic; yet, he has quested for and found many more vessels whose origins date over the past 2,000 years. Their common fate was that they have been claimed by our oceans and seas. Many lie undisturbed as what Ballard calls “undersea museums,” and these are revealed to visitors aboard the historic USS IOWA. * This retrospective is a showcase for the Iowa to highlight many of the world’s most historically noted underwater wrecks, found by the explorer. * “Lost at Sea: The Explorations of Dr. Robert Ballard” was made possible by a generous grant from the Confidence Foundation and is jointly sponsored by Dr. Robert Ballard, the Port of Los Angeles, Ocean Exploration Trust, and AltaSea. * The "Lost at Sea" exhibit is included with General Admission to the Battleship IOWA. Museum ticket office opens daily at 10 am and the last tour ticket is sold at 4 pm. Ticket prices at the box office are $19.95 for ages 12–61. Youth tickets, age 5 – 11, are $11.95. Senior admission (age 62 and over) are $9.95. Children under age 5 are free. General admission for the military (active, retired and U.S. armed forces) on all days other than Nov. 11 are $14.95. * Tix and more info: https://pacificbattleship.com ___
OPENING SOON; Runs Mar 8-24:
"NATIVE VOICES AT THE AUTRY" presents the world premiere of "PURE NATIVE" in the Wells Fargo Theatre at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027; www.theautry.org
*** UPDATE, Mar 15...
FINAL PERFORMANCES
Native Voices at the Autry presents the world premiere of "Pure Native," a new comedy by Vickie Ramirez (Tuscarora) and directed by Randy Reinholz (Choctaw).
* "...the production’s artistic potential is the juiciest enticement. Sharp writing and strong performances promise to reward people who go."—Los Angeles Times.
* "Compelling and relevant . . . well acted . . . this is one of the best productions I have seen from Native Voices."—Peoples World.
* "Both an entertaining comedy/drama and a nuanced look at the debate between corporate America and traditional values."—Stage Raw.
* Final Regular Performances, through March 24:
Thursdays & Fridays, 8 pm.
Saturdays & Sundays, 2 pm.
Weekday Matinees, Fri, Mar 15 & Fri, Mar 22, 11 am.
- - original write-up follows...
* It's a new play by Vickie Ramirez (Tuscarora nation) directed by Randy Reinholz (Choctaw nation)
* The plot: Brewster's back! Rising from the ashes with a slick plan for a bottled water plant on reservation land. There's mixed agreement and opposition from family and friends, including an old flame with a grudge -- but is he the secret ingredient for success?
* "Pure Native" tickets include museum admission to the Autry during the month of March. Present your Eventbrite ticket for complimentary admission. Offer valid March 1-31, 2019, for general museum admission only (no special events) during regular museum hours.
* The Autry's "Crossroads West Cafe" offers a limited menu before and after matinee performances, and from 6 to 8 pm prior to evening performances. Beer, wine, and light dinner fare available for purchase.
* Special dates: Opening Night, Fri, Mar 8, 8 pm includes a reception with the cast and crew following the Opening Night performance; "Talk-Back with the Playwright" is Sat, Mar 9, 2 pm, when, following the matinee performance, Artistic Director Randy Reinholz and playwright Vickie Ramirez will discuss the genesis of "Pure Native" and their processes for writing and producing new plays; "Student Matinees" are Fri, Mar 15, and Fri, Mar 22, at 11 am.
* More details: https://theautry.org/events/signature-programs/native-voices
* TIX; preview performances: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-voices-at-the-autry-presents-pure-native-preview-tickets-53080511238
Regular performances, $8-$25: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-voices-at-the-autry-presents-the-world-premiere-of-pure-native-tickets-53080590475
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6:30 pm-8:30 pm - "THE HEART OF BIDDY MASON" is a City of Los Angeles "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" celebration event, with Celebrity Stage Reading and Live Performance at L.A.'s historical monument, The Pico House (across the plaza from Olvera Street), 424 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
* Red Carpet and Reception at 6:30 pm.
* "Celebrity Reading and Live Performance" at 7:30 pm.
* Blues singer BARBARA MORRISON and TED LANGE are co-hosts. Sponsors tell us, "Celebrities expected. Space Limited."
* Bridget "Biddy" Mason (1818-1891) was an African-American Angeleno, a nurse, real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles.
* Did you know that more than half the founding families of Los Angeles were black? Those early Angelenos of African descent had Spanish surnames and were called "Pobladores." All of us share a rich history anchored in the second largest city in our nation.
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Thu, Feb 21:
7:30 pm - "INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT" at the California Center For The Arts, in Center Theatre, 340 N Escondido Bl, Escondido, CA 92025; 800-988-4253.
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Thu, Feb 21:
8 pm - SIMON SPALDING, Shantyman fiddler, plus JAMES HENDRICKS, at the Whale & Ale Pub, 327 W 7th St, San Pedro, CA 90731; 310-832-0363.
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Thu, Feb 21:
8 pm - BROOKS ROBERTSON: "FINGERPICKING PRO" plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
* Brooks Robertson doesn't need much more than two thumbs, eight fingers and six strings on a wooden box to carry his listeners away.
* Brooks utilizes his superb technical abilities to play bass, rhythm and melody simultaneously and surpass the borders of conventional genres.
* He merges hauntingly beautiful compositions, country rhythms and jazzy harmonies with funky licks into his very own art form – sometimes delivered with a punch, sometimes with a smile.
* Guitar royalty salutes Brooks Robertson:
• "All guitar players are like Frankensteins. Their music is made out of bits and pieces of other players. In Brooks' case, he's a son of a Frankenchops, the well known monster picker Buster B. Jones. Buster and Brooks are both so scary ... the legend continues.” -- Mason Williams.
• "The solo guitar's future is in good hands with players like Brooks out there!". John Jorgenson.
• "Brooks Robertson has one of the very best techniques in fingerstyle guitar. You can hear the influences of Buster B. Jones, Jerry Reed, and all the great fingerpickers past ... and he's writing some fabulous new material. An amazing guitar player who's showing the rest of us how it's done! Nobody whops Brooks Robertson!” -- Richard Smith.
• "He is slicker than a cat on a greased pole.” -- Nokie Edwards.
• "Brooks Robertson plays like the house is on fire.” -- Thom Bresh.
* TIX $18.
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Friday, Feb 22
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Fri, Feb 22:
7 pm - SIMON SPALDING, Shantyman fiddler, plays a house concert at the home of Walter & Sheila Nelson, 19146 Strathern St., Reseda, CA 91335; reservations required at: laha@pacbell.net
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Fri, Feb 22:
8 pm - "AN EVENING OF NEW AND CLASSIC MUSIC with DELIRIUM MUSICUM" from Ancient Aires to Modern Masterpieces, at Boston Court Pasadenra, 70 N Mentor, Pasadena CA 91106; 626-683-6801.
* This young, exciting conductor-less chamber ensemble features everything from baroque and classical music to new works by Composer-in-Residence Gianluca Bersanetti and the group's winners of "Call for Scores" from composers Charles Peck, Nicky Sohn, and Patrick O’Malley.
* Delirium Musicum is a new generation of classical musician who brings a fresh approach to the old masters and enthusiasm for the new. The love and excitement they have playing together creates a bond on stage that allows for spontaneity. They enjoy the thrill of being on the "edge" -- it generates an energy that pulls the audience into their performances.
* TIX at: www.bostoncourtpasadena.org
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Fri, Feb 22:
8 pm - MARK HUMMELS' GOLDEN STATE LONE STAR REVUE plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Fri, Feb 22:
8 pm - ROSE'S PAWN SHOP plays the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731; 310-833-6362.
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Fri, Feb 22:
8 pm - "INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT" at Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Dr., Aliso Viejo, CA 92656; 949-480-4278.
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Fri, Feb 22:
8 pm - SUSANA BACA plus BANDA MAGDA and MICHAEL LEAGUE, play the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (formerly Valley Performing Arts Center at CSUN), 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330; 818-677-3000.
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Fri, Feb 22:
8 pm - SPECIAL CONSENSUS plays Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583.
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Fri, Feb 22:
8 pm-midnight - 🎸 THE RAYFORD BROS play the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd Ste 145, Murrieta, CA 92563.
* Vintage '60s-style rockabilly / rock n’ roll band from Los Angeles also performs '50s rock n’ roll, surf favorites, and originals that have a bopping sound and feel.
* Make a table reservation (no cover) at: http://theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com/reservations/ or call 951-696-5252 after 11 am.
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Fri, Feb 22:
8 pm - ORLEANS plays LPAC, the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 West Lancaster Bl, Lancaster, CA 93534; 661-723-5950.
* Now entering their 41st year of live performances, Orleans’ numerous hits include “Still the One”, “Dance With Me” and “Love Takes Time.”
* This '70s pop-rock band has produced an impressive body of work, spanning 16 albums and nearly as many DVDs.
* Co-founder Lance Hoppen, along with long-standing members Lane Hoppen, Fly Amero and Charlie Morgan were recently re-joined by co-founder John Hall, back from his time as a US Congressman. Now, together, they carry on the legacy they began 40 years ago.
* TIX at www.lpac.org/event.php?id=2423
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Fri, Feb 22:
8 pm - BLIND LEMON PEEL plus THE BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND with various special guests, plays the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia CA 91006.
* TIX $5 advance, $10 at door.
* Adv tix available for all shows at the venue at:
http://arcadiabluesclub.eventbrite.com
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Fri, Feb 22:
8 pm - MICHAEL McGINNIS & FRIENDS play his "Annual Birthday Concert" to celebrate 77 -- at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
* McGINNIS is a member of the Original New Christy Minstrels, and Captain Kangaroo even recorded two of his songs.
* The "friends" are DAVID P. JACKSON, legendary player of most instruments, hilariously funny, and longtime member of New West; and, elite guitarist STEPHEN GEYER, who has penned a number of chart-breaking songs.
* Folksinger McGinnis says, "This could be the last one of these for a while, so don’t miss it. Come and share in a joyous evening of music and frivolity."
* TIX $20.
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Saturday, Feb 23
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Sat & Sun, Feb 23 & 24, FESTIVAL:
10 am-5 pm - "RIVERSIDE DICKENS FESTIVAL" with performances by BLACK ROSE, SWEETWATER CREEK BAND, MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, TEA & STRUMPETS, BOB’S YER UNCLE, ENGLISH PEELERS, LES FOLIES ROUGE, LOONEY’S FORTUNE, SIMON SPALDING, SPORTIVE TRICKS, CHRISTOPHER YATES, DENNIS FOLEY, and MANNIS O’TOOL, on Main St (Between University Av & 11th St), Riverside, CA 92501.
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Sat, Feb 23, FREE FESTIVAL:
10 am-2 pm - 1st annual "HOW-TO FESTIVAL" is a cornucopia of WORKSHOPS, sponsored by the Redondo Beach Public Library at two locations.
* This library, known for efforts to encourage lifelong learning, holds its first "How-To Festival" at both the Main Library and North Branch Library.
* TWENTY (20-!) total workshops are packed into four hours at the Main Library, ranging from the life-saving “How to perform CPR,” with the Redondo Beach Fire Department, to the practical “How to navigate the Home Lending Process,” with Kyungwon Ahn of Citibank, to the …esoteric “How to make a T-shirt into Yarn,” with Frau Fiber, of Sewing Rebellion.
* Matthew Bryce, of nearby Klatch Coffee, will lead a workshop on how to brew coffee, moving beyond steeping ground beans in hot water. Bryce will teach attendees how to use three different techniques: pourover, French press, and clever drippers.
* IN SOMETHING USEFUL TO SONGWRITERS, Mike Wellman, of Manhattan Beach’s Comic Bug, plans to work with attendees to help them craft the message they want to put into the world, then develop the first page of their own comic book.
* The day’s classes, from CPR to yoga, from painting to podcasting, from drumming to meditation, will all be taught by volunteers.
* Full details at, including the schedule, at: www.redondo.org/library
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Sat, Feb 23:
2 pm - "MARDI GRAS PARTY" with live music at Surfside Restaurant in Venice, CA, (on Windward down the block from the beach).
* Their Mardi Gras party starts around two o'clock after the "VENICE MARDI GRAS BOARDWALK PARADE" concludes.
* Venue is formerly Danny's Deli, an historic 110-year-old landmark.
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Sat, Feb 23; ☘️IRISH / CELTIC EVENT☘️:
2 pm - GREEN ASHES: "REVOLUTIONARY IRISH-CELTIC TUNES" at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
* This MATINEE promises depth, range, and brazen musicianship, from a the band whose music is steeped in raw emotion and runs the gamut from fierce rebel songs to soulful ballads. One listener says they "revolutionize traditional Irish tunes, forging a unique Celtic style." The band's influences include The Pogues, Fairport Convention, The Waterboys and Flogging Molly.
* TIX: $15.
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Sat, Feb 23; ☘️IRISH / CELTIC EVENT, FREE☘️:
2 pm-4 pm - READING, LECTURE, & DISCUSSION: SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE'S "RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER," and OSCAR WILDE'S "THE BALLAD OF READING GAOL," read by JOE PRAML at Westwood Branch Library, 1246 Glendon Av, Los Angeles 90024; 310-474-1739.
* This is, rather curiously, one of THREE events in L.A. related to OSCAR WILDE. Since we had already listed one, it seemed appropriate to list all three, so the others are in this edition, too. As for THIS event...
* That's WILDE on the right, COLERIDGE the left, in the photo montage.
* "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" is the last great work of OSCAR WILDE, Irish poet and playwright. He wrote it while in exile in Paris, after his release from the bleak English prison in Reading where he witnessed the execution of another prisoner.
* SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE's "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a moving tale of an old seaman on a long journey of contrition after a mindless act of violence as a younger man, when he kills the benevolent Albatross and suffers the wrath of the vengeful sea.
* More at: www.joepraml.com
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Sat, Feb 23:
3-5 pm - "CELEBRATION OF A WIN FOR WORKERS" is a FREE event with live music and dancing, celebrating the achievement, locally, of the fifteen-bucks-an-hour minimum wage that most other places do not yet have.
* Everyone invited.
* Details in the poster at left.
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Sat, Feb 23:
6:30 pm-8:30 pm - RYAN COLLAZO plays the Whale & Ale, 327 W 7th St, San Pedro CA 90731.
* Ryan is a singer-songwriter from Denver, Colorado. After falling in love with music at a young age, he decided to pick up the guitar and start playing. Ryan performs a wide variety of cover songs ranging from the Lumineers to Elton John, and also has an extensive catalogue of originals.
* PLUS: Tonight The Whale & Ale is donating 15% of sales to "Team Left Hand," a group of employees and friends dedicated to solving the riddle that is Multiple Sclerosis. Your participation drives breakthroughs in research and ensures that people with MS have what they need to live their best lives.
* Free parking behind restaurant in labeled spaces.
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Sat, Feb 23:
7 pm - INCENDIO: "LATIN GUITAR WORLD FUSION" at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
* Incendio is Jim Stubblefield (guitar), Liza Carbe (bass and guitar), and Jean-Pierre Durand (guitar). For this evening, the group is joined by drummer Tim Curle.
* TIX $20.
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Sat, Feb 23, MARDI GRAS event:
7 pm-11 pm - Annual MARDI GRAS at St. Jerome's with DAVE SOUSA & ZYDECO MUDBUGS with special guest CHAKA KHAN, at St. Jerome Parish Hall, 5560 Thornburg St, Los Angeles CA 90045
* Tix:
• Early bird before Mon, Feb 11: $35 or two for $60.
• After Feb 11: $45 or two for $80.
• Available at 424-262-6015 or www.st-jeromeschool.org
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Sat, Feb 23:
7 pm - DULCIE TAYLOR, singer-songwriter with GEORGE NAUFUL on guitar and TRACY MORGAN on percussion, at Fiddler's Crossing, 206 East F St, Tehachapi, CA 93561; 661-823-9994.
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Sat, Feb 23:
7:30 pm - THE SUBDUDES play the AMSD Concerts series at Sweetwater Community Church, 5305 Sweetwater Rd, Bonita, CA 91902; 619-201-0520.
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Sat, Feb 23:
8 pm - "THEA MUSGRAVE: IN-PERSON" at Boston Court Pasadena, 70 N Mentor, Pasadena CA 91106; 626-683-6801.
* Boston Court celebrates the 90th birthday of the internationally renowned Scottish Classical & Opera composer Thea Musgrave with a concert featuring THE ECLIPSE QUARTET, MARK ROBSON, and a host of luminous guests.
* Go early for the pre-concert talk with the composer at 7:15 pm.
* TIX at: www.bostoncourtpasadena.org
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Sat, Feb 23:
8 pm - ROD PIAZZA & THE MIGHTY FLYERS plus THE BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND with various special guests, play the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia CA 91006.
* At this point in his career, ROD PIAZZA has been recording longer than his mentor George "Harmonica" Smith did, or Sonny Boy Williamson (either of them!), or Big Walter Horton. He's been making records for more years than Little Walter was alive.
* Piazza is a tried-and-true, dyed-in-the-wool blues veteran with credentials that are second to none. From his first recordings as a leader in 1967 fronting The Dirty Blues Band, through his multiple "W.C. Handy Award" winning with his current band THE MIGHTY FLYERS, to his countless appearances both live and on record with legendary blues figures, Piazza has set a standard for harmonica virtuosity that has established him as one of the most influential living blues harp players.* Adv tix available for all shows at the venue at:
http://arcadiabluesclub.eventbrite.com
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Sat, Feb 23:
8 pm - STEVE POLTZ plays the Belly Up Tavern, 143 S Cedros Av, Solana Beach, San Diego, CA 92075; 858-481-9022.
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Sat, Feb 23:
8 pm - BOBBY RUSH does a solo performance in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Feb 23:
8 pm - ADAM MILLER plays Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583.
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Sat, Feb 23; ☘️IRISH / CELTIC EVENT☘️:
8 pm - Ireland's great LUNASA plays the "PASADENA FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY" concert series in Beckman Institute Auditorium, aka "Little Beckman," at Caltech in Pasadena.
* A chance to see Lúnasa in a small hall is rare. Here, in this lecture-hall-turned-concert-hall, the seats stairstep up to the back, so all views are good.
* Tix: $20 adults, $5 for children and Caltech students. Buy by phone, 10 am-4:30 pm Mon-Fri, at 626-395-4652. O4 buy any that remain at the door for cash or check (no credit cards at door).
* TIX are available now for some of the upcoming shows; mark your calendars for:
• STEVE GILLETTE & CINDY MANGSEN on Mar 9.
• There's a FREE show at Pasadena Central Library on Mar 23.
• The series is back at Caltech with CAMBALACHE for Son Jarocho music from Veracruz.
• On Apr 6, it's JAYME STONE'S FOLKLIFE, including MOIRA SMILEY.
• Then the series brings a Friday show on Apr 26 with ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS.
* TIX at Caltech ticket office; details to come.
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Sat, Feb 23:
8 pm-10:30 pm - "An Evening With ACOUSTIC ASYLUM" at Four Friends Gallery, 1414 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks, CA 91301
* Acoustic Asylum is some of L.A.’s best recording and touring musicians "in an organic setting. No electronic tricks, no stylistic limits… just having fun and making incredible music. From Swamp Funk, to Jazz, to Klezmer and Tango, to Pastoral Heartfelt Moods and quirky original and covered songs, nothing is off limits!"
* Led by award winning composer and producer Dan Radlauer on accordion; joined by acclaimed guitarist and band leader, Carl Verheyen (Supertramp); Mark Hollingsworth (one of L.A.'s top woodwinds players) on clarinet and baritone sax; Dave Marotta on bass; John Mader on drums (career spanning from Pat Benatar to the L.A. run of "Hamilton"); the multifaceted Luis Alberto bringing his internatinal sensibilities on violin.
Sat, Feb 23; ☘️IRISH / CELTIC EVENT, FREE☘️:
8 pm-midnight - 🎻 BRICK TOP BLAGGERS play the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd Ste 145, Murrieta, CA 92563.
* It's the return of this Shamrock favorite band, with lead singer Steve and the boys and girl. Expect a rip-roaring night of Celtic shenanigans and great music. Fiddle, mandolin, and searing guitars make them one of the most exciting Celtic rock bands on the West Coast.
* Make a table reservation (no cover) at: http://theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com/reservations/ or call 951-696-5252 after 11 am.
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Sunday, Feb 24
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Sun, Feb 24:
*** FINAL DAY for discount tix to "DYLANFEST"
Sale extended on SUPER EARLY BIRD TICKETS, available for $25 through today, Feb 24. That's $10 off the door price.
* The always outstanding annual "DYLANFEST" is 8 hours of the music of BOB DYLAN performed by 50 musicians, from award-winning bands and solo artists to award-winning hosts ANDY & RENEE and their band HARD RAIN.
* This year's "DYLANFEST" (number 29) happens Sun, May 5, 2019.
* Venue is the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Torino Plaza, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503.
* TIX at: http://www.andyandrenee.com/store.php
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Sun, Feb 24, FESTIVAL:
10 am-5 pm - "RIVERSIDE DICKENS FESTIVAL" concludes today with performances by BLACK ROSE, SWEETWATER CREEK BAND, MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, TEA & STRUMPETS, BOB’S YER UNCLE, ENGLISH PEELERS, LES FOLIES ROUGE, LOONEY’S FORTUNE, SIMON SPALDING, SPORTIVE TRICKS, CHRISTOPHER YATES, DENNIS FOLEY, and MANNIS O’TOOL, on Main St (Between University Av & 11th St), Riverside, CA 92501.
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Sun, Feb 24:
10:30 am - MISTA COOKIE JAR plays a "Matinee Kids Show" in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sun, Feb 24:
2 pm - FORTUNATE SON: TRIBUTE TO CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
* Venue impresario, in bringing this MATINEE, Calls this CCR tribute "The Best In The Nation. Returning by popular demand, their own desire, and a thirst for a good cup o’ joe."
* TIX $20.
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Sun, Feb 24, on TV:
5-8 pm (Pacific) - "91st annual ACADEMY AWARDS" on ABC-TV.
* The pundits have beat-up on OSCAR this year more than ever.
* We'll offer an alternative take on things.
1) When your intended host is caught lying about rude behavior and isn't prostrating himself seeking forgiveness, you fire him.
2) If you dawdle around acting like you might bring him back, that's excruciatingly dumb, especially as a way to keep your event in the news cycle.
3) If you want to go without a celebrity-centerpiece host, then DO IT and proclaim why It's a good idea to put the focus back on the award recipients.
4) The whole tangle of awards shows -- ALL OF THEM -- need to learn something from Oscar: when you tried to hide some of the award presentations off-camera, intending to present them during commercials, EVERYONE arose to tell you that was an insult and a disgrace, because ALL THE AWARDS MUST BE AWARDED ON AN EQUAL FOOTING. (Are you listening, GRAMMYS? Because we're really disgusted that so many GRAMMYS -- including the FOLK MUSIC category -- are awarded before your broadcast ever starts.) Thanks, OSCAR, for the teachable moment!
5) OSCAR is showing us it learned from another teachable moment two years ago, when it was "OSCARS so white!" This year's nominees are recognitions of achievement across a rainbow of race and color, including first-ever (and multiple) nominations for SPIKE LEE.
6) Finally, if somebody wants to "hate on" the OSCARS, where were they in 2014 when actress Cate Blanchett wore EIGHTEEN MILLION DOLLARS worth of garments and jewels to the OSCAR broadcast? How much objective good could $18 million do in the REAL world?
** As an addendum: the massive sphere-shaped Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Museum is now being built in Hollywood. So is it possible the haters are undermining things out of jealousy?
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Sun, Feb 24, on TV:
6-7 pm, repeats 8-9 pm (both PST) - ALISON KRAUSS performs with TOM JONES in a premiere tonight on AXS TV.
* It's billed as, "The incomparable TOM JONES takes the stage to perform repertoire from across the range of his long and illustrious career," and "Joining him for the special evening is..."
* ALISON KRAUSS does get a good write-up from AXS. They cite her as "one of the most talented women in the music industry, with 27 Grammy® awards under her belt."
* And they add, "Krauss is the most awarded singer in Grammy® history and one of the most beautiful voices and talents in the world."
* They actually write more about her than about him, but still give him top-billing. Guess they're featuring his songs.
* IF the OSCARS end on time, you can catch the 8 pm replay.
* IF YOU WANT TO BLOW-OFF THE OSCARS, you can find more on AXS. From 5-5:30 pm & repeating 7-7:30 pm (PST) is "Jim Morrison" on "The Day The Rock Star Died" from 2018. This one dives into his life, his music with the DOORS, and it examines "the true cause" of his death.
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Sun, Feb 24:
7 pm - MARC BERGER PERFORMS HIS CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED ALBUM, “RIDE,” WITH STEVE POSTELL at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
* Marc Berger has performed at Austin’s "SXSW" (South by Southwest) Music Festival, and at the "Kerrville" and "Falcon Ridge" Folk Festivals.
* He has opened for Bob Dylan and other national acts.
* TIX $20.
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Sun, Feb 24, on "PBS World" TV:
7-8 pm & 11 pm-midnight - "AMERICAN MASTERS: CHARLEY PRIDE -- I'M JUST ME" is a new 2019 edition of the PBS series, taking you on a fascinating, enlightening, and tunefull journey through the life and career of the first artist to make it in Country Music. There are contributions here from DOLLY PARTON, MARTY STUART, WILLIE NELSON, GARTH BROOKS, DARIUS RUCKER, JIMMIE ALLEN, and many more, as the story unfolds of Charley's key collaborators and how they faced racism with him. COWBOY JACK CLEMENT and CHET ATKINS were in Charley's band, and pivotal figures who included FERLIN HUSKY and JOHNNY CASH also worked with him from the early days. This is a must-see for everyone who loves the kind of music that's made in honky-tonks.
* It repeats a few more times during the week, mostly in the middle of the night on PBS World.
* Final evening chance to see it is Fri, Feb 28, at 7 pm on KOCE's "PBS2."
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Sun, Feb 24:
7:30 pm & 9:30 pm - FRANK FAIRFIELD TEMPLE STREET QUARTET plays two shows tonight at The Museum of Jurassic Technology, 9341 Venice Bl, Culver City, CA 90232.
* Quite a banjo, fiddle, guitar, and bass ensemble, with FRANK FAIRFIELD, ZAC SOKOLOW, JAKE FAULKNER, and DAVID EISENBROCH.
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Sun, Feb 24:
8 pm - BOBBY RUSH does a solo performance in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sun, Feb 24, on TV:
8-9 pm (PST) - ALISON KRAUSS performs with TOM JONES in a premiere tonight on AXS TV.
* If the OSCARS end on time you're good to go for this 8 pm repeat of the 6 pm premiere.
* Repeats Wed, Feb 7, 6:30-7:30 pm on AXS.
* See 6 pm listing for all the deets.
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Sun, Feb 24:
9:30 pm - FRANK FAIRFIELD TEMPLE STREET QUARTET plays the 2nd of two shows tonight at The Museum of Jurassic Technology, 9341 Venice Bl, Culver City, CA 90232.
* See 7:30 listing.
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Sun, Feb 24:
10 pm - CALIFORNIA FEETWARMERS play the Seven Grand Whiskey Bar, 515 W 7th St #200, Los Angeles, CA 90014.
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Sun, Feb 24, on "PBS World" TV:
11 pm-midnight - "AMERICAN MASTERS: CHARLEY PRIDE -- I'M JUST ME" is excellent. See 7 pm listing for full write-up.
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Monday, Feb 25
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Mon, Feb 25:
7 pm - "DE PROFUNDIS: READING & DISCUSSION" at Boston Court Pasadena, 70 N Mentor, Pasadena CA 91106; 626-683-6801.
* This is one of three events in the L.A. area that celebrate OSCAR WILDE. Since we listed one before we knew of the other two, it only seemed right to list all three.
* While in prison in 1897, Oscar Wilde wrote a 50,000-word letter to his beloved Lord Alfred “Bosie” Douglas, beginning with “Dear Bosie,” and ending with “Your affectionate friend.”
* In between, Wilde’s sprawling and poignant letter recounts the relentless emotional injuries he suffered from Bosie, tells of the journey of self-discovery he underwent while incarcerated, and, in the end, becomes a plea for compassion.
* Published after Wilde’s death under the title "De Profundis," the letter articulates Wilde’s thoughts and feelings between the events of Act I and Act II of "The Judas Kiss," and beautifully illuminates many details in the play.
* An abridged version of "De Profundis" will be read by KASEY MAHAFFY (A Noise Within, South Coast Rep, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and numerous film and TV credits), and will be followed by a discussion about the letter, Oscar Wilde, and the points of connection between "De Profundis" and the venue's current production, "The Judas Kiss."
* FREE with RSVP, at: https://ci.ovationtix.com/112/production/1005651?performanceId=10375692
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Tuesday, Feb 26
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Today is the 100th birthday of GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK!
* Misguided "austerity"-advocating politicians are systematically starving the entire National Park Service, many of them with the hidden agenda of "privatizing" the parks -- turning them over to corporations and rich oligarchs as playthings. * That's why it has become outrageously expensive to get in the gate at a lot of our national parks. * By starving the Park Service into needing high visitor fees, those with a cutthroat capitalist agenda are psychologically preparing you for the day when the Park will no longer be for you at all. * Did you know that a giant, 19th century estate in Florida was donated by its heirs to the National Park Service for the people to enjoy, but then it was SOLD as a private club for the rich and powerful? It's called Mir a Lago, and it was bought by DONALD TRUMP. * Right now, many of our National Monuments (run by our National Park Service) are in danger of being put into the hands of mining, drilling, and extraction-exploitation interests. * So be watchful. And if you are, we're betting you'll join the fight to keep publicly-owned assets PROTECTED in the hands of THE PEOPLE. * In his multipart documentary, filmmaker KEN BURNS called our National Parks "America's best idea." Around the world, other nations have adopted our example. They're still America's best idea.
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Tue, Feb 26:
6 pm - STEVE POLTZ plays the Hotel Café Second Stage, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl (half blk S of Hollywood Bl), Hollywood, CA 90038; 323-461-2040.
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Tue, Feb 26, FILM EVENT:
7 pm - "THE ENGLISH PATIENT," presented by "USC VISIONS AND VOICES: The Arts and Humanities Initiative," in Ray Stark Family Theatre (SCA), on the USC main campus in University Park, 900 W 34th St, Los Angeles, CA 90089
* In conjunction with the inaugural reading of the Subir and Malini Chowdhury Foundation Distinguished Speaker Series featuring MICHAEL ONDAATJE, the series screens the 1996 adaptation of his novel, "The English Patient."
* This critically-acclaimed film stars Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, and Kristin Scott Thomas.
* It was nominated for twelve OSCARS and won nine, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director."
* ADMISSION is FREE, but reservations are required, at:
http://cinema.usc.edu/TheEnglishPatient
* Related Event: "AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL ONDAATJE," in the Subir and Malini Chowdhury Foundation Distinguished Speaker Series, Tue, Mar 5, at 7 pm, in USC's Bovard Auditorium; FREE with a reservation; info / RSVP for that event: http://visionsandvoices.usc.edu/events/listing.php?event_id=1468394
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Tue, Feb 26, on TV:
9 pm-10 pm - "ROADS TO MEMPHIS" airs tonight on the PBS series, "AMERICAN EXPERIENCE," in L.A. on KOCE, aka PBS SoCal.
* As BLACK HISTORY MONTH draws to a close, this is outstanding documentary filmmaking, and something everyone should see, across the spectrum of society.
* On April 3, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke to the crowd at the Mason Temple in Memphis, TN, giving one of the most powerful and memorable speeches of his life. He was there to rally support for striking garbagemen. The following day, an escaped convict, from a position of distant ambush, shot and killed Dr. King as he traded comic banter with his close associates outside his room on the exterior balcony of the Lorraine Motel.
* "Roads to Memphis," told through eyewitness testimony from King's inner circle and the officials involved in the assassin's capture, is the fateful narrative of a killer and his prey, set against the seething, turbulent forces fighting to undo a racially polarized American society.
* You can watch the first chapter of tonight's show and additional clips, at:
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/roads-memphis-chapter-1/
* ANOTHER POWERFUL CLIP is this one, with presidential candidate ROBERT F. KENNEDY announcing Dr. King's death to a campaign crowd in Indianapolis, just after it happened. He told them, "A member of my family was killed, and he was also killed by a white man." By referencing the loss Of JFK, he defused things as no one else could. Of the many sites of riots that night, Indianopolis was one place that did not burn. See the footage of that night at: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/rfk-announces-kings-death/
* (Just two months and one night later, RFK was himself fatally shot, in Los Angeles, just after winning the California Primary.)
* Re-airs 3-4 am.
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Wednesday, Feb 27
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Today is INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY.
As global climate change melts polar ice at shocking and wholly unprecedented rates, the polar bear is often stranded on ice floes and left to swim impossibly long distances across open water to reach food sources. The world's oceanic shipping magnates are celebrating the new normal of ice-free shipping across the Arctic Ocean, even as it comes at the cost of collapsing natural systems.
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Wed, Feb 27; FREE world-music concert:
5:30 pm - "FROM INDIA TO INDIANA: MELDING MUSIC" at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, Shoenberg Music Building, on the UCLA Campus in Westwood, CA 90095
* Begins with the pre-concert talk at 5:30 with UCLA Ethnomusicology Professor Amy Catlin-Jairazbhoy.
* Performances begin at 7:30, with UCLA's NEAR EAST ENSEMBLE and MUSIC OF INDIA ENSEMBLE.
* FREE, and very wise to RSVP for your seat, at: https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/from-india-to-indiana/
* PARKING in UCLA’s Parking Structure #2 for events in Schoenberg Music Building and the Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center. Costs range to $20 for all day; there may be an evening rate, or park elsewhere and ride Metro.
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Wed, Feb 27, on TV:
6:30-7:30 pm (PST) - ALISON KRAUSS performs with TOM JONES in a show that premiered this past Sunday on the same channel, AXS TV.
* It's billed as, "The incomparable TOM JONES takes the stage to perform repertoire from across the range of his long and illustrious career," and "Joining him for the special evening is..."
* ALISON KRAUSS does get a good write-up from AXS. They cite her as "one of the most talented women in the music industry, with 27 Grammy® awards under her belt."
* And they add, "Krauss is the most awarded singer in Grammy® history and one of the most beautiful voices and talents in the world."
* They actually write more about her than about him, but still give him top-billing. Guess they're featuring his songs.
* This premiered Sunday during the OSCARS, and now you can catch this replay!
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Wed, Feb 27:
7 pm - JODI SIEGEL & NATALIE GELMAN headline, plus special guest MICHAEL McNEVIN, at the "WINE & SONG" concert series hosted by BRAD COLERICK in the clubhouse at the Arroyo Seco Golf Course, 1055 Lohman Lane, South Pasadena 91030.
* The blues are deeply rooted in Chicago native JODI SIEGEL. In the late '80s she relocated to California and eventually landed in the art community of Laguna Beach. She is a wicked slide guitar player with a bluesy, soulful, and mellow vocal style. She has shared the stage with many venerable artists including Albert King, Robben Ford, Kris Kristofferson, and David Lindley.
* NATALIE GELMAN was raised in a songwriter mecca — New York’s West Village — where she grew-up amidst artists and true bohemians. At 16, she started writing songs and soon after began busking on subway platforms. Captivating tourists and straphangers alike, Natalie stopped even the most hurried commuters in their tracks with her powerful voice. Often compared to Sheryl Crow, Jewel and Joni Mitchell, Natalie’s music is contemporary and timeless.
* The Arroyo Seco Grill (a short step next door) has food and full bar. Or BYOB to the show for a $10 corkage fee.
* TIX, $12 & $17, at https://blueguitar.club/
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Wed, Feb 27:
7 pm - CHRISTIANE CARGILL KINNEY, THE LAUREN ADAMS TRIO, CRAIG GREENBERG, & storyteller DYLAN BRODY play the monthly "DAVID HARVEY PRESENTS" showcase at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001.
* No reservations taken for this series. Just get there in time to pay the admission and get a seat before showtime.
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Wed, Feb 27:
8 pm - PATRICK DANIEL KELLY, plus DAVID BAINE & HONK TONK, play the "DIG/SOW/REAP" concert series at Stories Books & Cafe, 1716 W Sunset Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
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Wed, Feb 27:
8 pm - DARLINGSIDE plus RIVER WHYLESS play the Music Box, 1337 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
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Wed, Feb 27:
8 pm - THE SIDELINE BLUEGRASS BAND plays the "DAVID NAIDITCH HOUSE CONCERTS" series in Altadena, CA.
* Reservations get directions at: davidnaiditch@charter.net
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Thursday, Feb 28
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Thu, Feb 28:
7 pm - NOAM PIKELNY and STUART DUNCAN team-up to play the Pico Union Project, 1153 Valencia St, Los Angeles CA 90015.
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Thu, Feb 28, on "PBS 2" TV:
7-8 pm - "AMERICAN MASTERS: CHARLEY PRIDE -- I'M JUST ME" is a new 2019 edition of the PBS series, taking you on a fascinating, enlightening, and tunefull journey through the life and career of the first artist to make it in Country Music. There are contributions here from DOLLY PARTON, MARTY STUART, WILLIE NELSON, GARTH BROOKS, DARIUS RUCKER, JIMMIE ALLEN, and many more, as the story unfolds of Charley's key collaborators and how they faced racism with him. COWBOY JACK CLEMENT and CHET ATKINS were in Charley's band, and pivotal figures who included FERLIN HUSKY and JOHNNY CASH also worked with him from the early days. This is a must-see for everyone who loves the kind of music that's made in honky-tonks.
* This is the final evening chance to catch a TV airing in L.A., as it goes out on KOCE's "PBS2."
* A perfect closer on the last night of BLACK HISTORY MONTH.
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Thu, Feb 28:
7:30 pm - THE SIDELINE BLUEGRASS BAND plays Shutts Fabricators, 1632 W 15th St, Long Beach, CA 90813; 562-432-4648
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Thu, Feb 28:
7:30 pm - "OFF MY HEAD STORYTELLING" with performing host TH FANCE, and storytellers LAURA CATHCART ROBBINS, ROXANNE REESE, BRYAN KETT, KELLY SPILLMAN, REX McDANIEL, and MICHAEL LAMBERT, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations by phone only, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
* The talented TY FANCE has built a strong reputation with his series, including his choice in selecting other storytelling performers.
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Thu, Feb 28:
8 pm - THE WOOD BROTHERS plus CARSIE BLANTON play the Belly Up Tavern, 143 S Cedros Av, Solana Beach (San Diego) CA 92075; 858-481-9022.
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Thu, Feb 28:
8:30 pm - DARLINGSIDE plus RIVER WHYLESS play the El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323-936-6400.
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Friday, Mar 1
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See today's last listing to watch an exciting SPACE LAUNCH, live online!
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MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH...
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FREE SHOW, OVERHEAD
What can you see in the March sky? How about Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus, all in one good gawk.
There's Jupiter and those other planets in the morning, a change of seasons, and an open star cluster called the Beehive, all awaiting you to bend your head back.
Jupiter greets early risers all month long. Look low in the southeast an hour before sunrise. And if you have an unobstructed view toward the horizon, you'll be able to spot Saturn and Venus as well, a bit lower in the sky.
Historically, March marks the 40th anniversary of the Voyager 1 spacecraft's flyby of Jupiter in 1979. Voyager gave us our first detailed, close-up look at the giant planet and its moons.
March also brings the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, starting on the 20th with the Spring Equinox. Equinoxes occur twice a year, in spring and fall, on the dates when day and night are of equal length. From here until the beginning of fall, in September, daytime will be longer than nighttime, as the Sun travels a longer, higher arc across the sky each day, reaching a peak at the start of summer in June, when we hit the Summer Solstice. It's just the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, where March 20th marks the fall Equinox, and June brings them their Winter Solstice.
Watch "What's Up, March 2019," a new NASA / JPL video. It'll orient you to all of it, in a short watch with a long url:
Fri, Mar 1; FILM SCREENINGS:
"A STAR IS BORN" ENCORE VERSION features over 10 minutes of additional footage, as the OSCAR winning film returns to theatres for a week, starting TODAY.
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Fri, Mar 1; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
10 am - MUDBUG BRASS BAND plays the Skirball Cultural Center, atop Sepulveda Pass at 2701 N Sepulveda Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90049; 310-440-4578.
* Concert is free with paid admission.
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Fri, Mar 1, FREE:
12:15 pm - TRIO ONDINE, with Boglárka Kiss on flute, Alison Bjorkedal on harp, and Alma Lisa Fernandez on viola, perform at the First Lutheran Church & School, 2900 W Carson St, Torrance.
* Free; donations appreciated. Everyone welcome.
* Info: 310-316-5574.
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Fri, Mar 1, FILM EVENT:
7:15 pm - "THE TOPANGA PEACE ALLIANCE" 167th consecutive "First Friday Film Night" presents a special program, "THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS," short videos and presentations, at the Topanga Library, 122 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga CA 90290.
* For March, the Topanga Peace Alliance breaks from screening just one film with filmmakers or other important guests, to present this special evening of short videos, presentations, and discussion. It all focuses on the lack of public services for mental challenges, the criminalization of people with mental health issues, and some hopeful signs that this may be changing.
* The films and presentations provide a background of how public-supported mental health services were discontinued in the 1970s and the challenges that this created.
* It will show how some communities are now recognizing that people with mental health issues do not belong in prisons and are moving the funding from law enforcement to public health services.
* The evening includes short videos from the series "This is Crazy: Criminalizing Mental Health" by Brave New Films and speakers with firsthand experience regarding the lack of public and affordable private support for the mentally
-challenged and what we can do to change the current situation.
* Pre-film announcements of upcoming events and actions for peace and social justice are included each month.
* Doors at 7, "Veggie Snack Pot Luck" at 7:15 pm, movie at 7:30 pm.
* If you can, please bring a non-alcoholic beverage or vegetarian potluck snacks to share.
* Plenty of easy parking. Event is ADA compliant, elevator access and headphones for those needing extra volume.
* Event is in the meeting room, across the patio from the elevator and the top of the stairs.
* More info: call Julie, 310-455-9389 or 310-463-3016.
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Fri & Sat, Mar 1 & 2:
7:30 pm - GINA CHAVEZ "blends the sounds of the Americas with tension and grace," at the George Nakano Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance.
* She’s a 9-time "Austin Music Award" winner and has been hailed by publications across the U.S.
* More on the artist at: www.ginachavez.com
* TIX options: $50 with dinner (Southwest salad, chicken enchiladas, and Chava rice), or $33 concert only.
* TIX at 310-781-7171 or www.torrance.arts.org
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Fri, Mar 1:
7:30 pm - LAURENCE JUBER, the superb GRAMMY winning guitarist, plays the first of 3 nights in different venues for the "Lord Of The Strings" Concert Series, this one at the Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan St, Dana Point, CA 92629.
* TIX for all three shows: 949-244-6656.
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Fri, Mar 1:
7:30 pm - JORMA KAUKONEN plays the "AMSD Concerts" series at Sweetwater Community Church, 5305 Sweetwater Rd, Bonita, CA 91902; 619-201-0520.
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Fri, Mar 1:
8 pm - PETER YARROW & NOEL PAUL STOOKEY, the surviving 2/3 of PETER, PAUL & MARY, play the Fred Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; 805-449-2787.
* Yes, absolutely, they've still got it. Catch 'em before they retire!
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Fri, Mar 1:
8 pm & 10 pm - ROB ICKES & TREY HENSLEY plus FRANK SOLIVAN & DIRTY KITCHEN play two shows tonight in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
* ICKES & HENSLEY are a unique collaborative effort between two uniquely gifted musicians, bound to be a revelation to traditional music fans on several counts. Rob Ickes is a longtime, well-established instrumental giant, and Trey Hensley is newly arrived in Music City, bursting with talent both as a vocalist and guitarist.
* FRANK SOLIVAN & DIRTY KITCHEN, with chops so hot, were named IBMA’s 2016 Instrumental Group of the Year for the second time, with a third nomination in 2017. Their critically acclaimed album Cold Spell earned a 2015 GRAMMY nomination for Best Bluegrass Album of the Year, yet the accolades don’t end there. Solivan, with banjoist Mike Munford, 2013 IBMA Banjo Player of the Year, award-winning guitarist Chris Luquette and bassist Jeremy Middleton, simmer a progressive bluegrass stew of infinite instrumental, vocal and songwriting skills soon to be featured once again on their new album If You Can't Stand the Heat slated to drop January 25th, 2019. Since leaving the cold climes of Alaska for the bluegrass hotbed of Washington, D.C., Frank Solivan has built a reputation as a monster mandolinist — and become a major festival attraction with his band, Dirty Kitchen. Their respect and deep understanding of the tradition collides, live on stage, with jazz virtuosity creating an unforgettable, compelling performance.
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Fri, Mar 1; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
8 pm - MUDBUG BRASS BAND plays the Edye Stage at Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica CA 90401; 310-434-3200.
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Fri, Mar 1:
8 pm-11 pm - WAXAHATCHEE, aka Indie darling KATIE CRUTCHFIELD, plays the Masonic Lodge at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery Concert series in Hollywood.
* Waxahatchee combines lyrical intimacy with raw vocals that encompass a powerful live show.
* Venue is an historic landmark built in 1927. There are no elevators, and ascending stairs is required to enter.
* Parking is free on site, a big deal in Hollywood.
* TIX: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/mobile/index/1788959lo
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Fri, Mar 1:
8 pm-10 pm - "MAMMA MIA!" musical stageplay at the Cupcake Theater, 11020 W Magnolia Bl, North Hollywood, CA
* This "MAMMA MIA!" is a local production of the hit Broadway musical. It's all about the music, to tell the story of a mother, daughter, three possible dads, and an unforgettable trip down the wedding aisle.
* The show features ABBA's songs including "Dancing Queen," "S.O.S.," "The Winner Takes It All," "Take a Chance on Me" and, of course, the title tune.
* TIX: DISCOUNT TICKETS at: https://www.goldstar.com/groups/uNTRPJL1rXJbKcSMJQu13OAl-nNzl84hbmXZn1MBU04=
* Seating is general admission. There is no late seating. Several "Meet-up" groups are going, so if you are a member there, check for the dinner group before the show. Buy your tickets now before this discounted show sells-out.
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Fri, Mar 1:
8 pm - DERIK NELSON & FAMILY play Lancaster Performing Arts Center (LPAC), 750 W Lancaster Bl, Lancaster, CA 93534.
* Stars of Glee, The Voice, & How I Met Your Mother, The Nelson Family brings a pristine sound, state of the art light show, and integrated 20-foot video display.
* TIX: www.lpac.org/event.php?id=2420
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Fri, Mar 1:
8 pm - DIEGO EL CIGALA play the Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr, Irvine, CA 92697; 949-854-4646.
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Fri, Mar 1:
8:15 pm - KATTYWOMPUS STRING BAND performs every Friday, year ‘round, ongoing (Mar 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, etc, through 2019) outside Dollmakers Kattywompus, 412 S Myrtle Av, Monrovia, CA 91016
* THEY STILL HOST AN ACOUSTIC JAM. Contact Jennifer Ranger, 626-357-1091.
* Live sidewalk concert/jam, with the surrounding FREE weekly "Oldtown Monrovia Family Festival."
* LIVE WEBCAST at: www.SoKattywompus.com
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Fri, Mar 1:
8:30 pm - DARLINGSIDE plus RIVER WHYLESS play the SOHo Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805-962-7776.
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Fri, Mar 1:
8 pm - THE LIMELITERS, longtime headlining Americana Folk Band, plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations by phone only, 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
* THIS IS A STAR ACT, and they're delightfully entertaining. Jump on a reservation. It'll sell-out and the waiting list will fill-up in no time.
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Fri, Mar 1:
9 pm - THE WOOD BROTHERS plus CARSIE BLANTON play the Belly Up Tavern, 143 S Cedros Av, Solana Beach (San Diego) CA 92075; 858-481-9022
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Fri Mar 1, on TV:
9 pm - "SINGING FOR OUR LIVES: HOLLY NEAR" premieres on the PBS series "AMERICAN MASTERS" on your local PBS station.
* It's a documentary by Jim Brown.
* Folk duo EMMA'S REVOLUTION tells us, "We're thrilled to be part of this beautiful new film about the life & work of Holly Near!"
* Watch the PBS 4-min trailer at: https://www.hollynear.com/
* Watch the show on your local PBS station on Mar 1 or 2, 2019; see nex
* IN L.A., it premieres on KOCE (aka PBS Social) 9-10 pm, Mar 1; it repeats 3-4 am Fri night / early Sat morning; and it re-airs twice on PBS World, Sat, Mar 2, 5-6 pm & 9-10 pm.
* BONUS: if you missed Holly’s live-streamed concert filmed at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley on Dec 1, 2018, you can watch it at the link below. Yes, that IS a Facebook link, BUT it DOES WORK even if your device is not infested with FB's member-user spyware. So everyone can still see December's recorded-live concert, at: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=325655631376863&id=327289598281&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hollynear.com%2F&_rdr
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Fri, Mar 1:
10 pm - ROB ICKES & TREY HENSLEY plus FRANK SOLIVAN & DIRTY KITCHEN play the 2nd of two shows tonight in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
* See 8 pm for complete write-up.
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Photo: The Dragon 2 capsule inside SpaceX's "Horizontal Integration Facility" at NASA's much-cut-back Launch Complex 39A, where Apollo missions went to the Moon aboard the long lost Saturn V. (Story below.)
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Fri, Mar 1; SPACE LAUNCH, live online:
11:49 pm (Pacific) - MAIDEN FLIGHT TO ISS FOR "DRAGON 2" FUTURE CREW VESSEL. (Confirmed Mar 1, 8 am PST, that all is still good to go.)
* "SpX-DM1" (SpaceX Demonstration Mission 1) is the first orbital test of the reuseable "Dragon 2" astronaut-carrying spacecraft.
* This first spaceflight is an uncrewed mission.
* Instead of carrying astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), this flight carries a test dummy wearing a SpaceX flight suit.
* The capsule carries weight to equal that of an astronaut crew. Launch is atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket contracted by NASA's much-postponed commercial crew program.
* The mission tests the spacecraft's approach and automated docking with the ISS.
* It will remain docked for a about a week, then return using the full re-entry, splashdown and recovery steps as if a crew were aboard.
* Life support systems will be monitored all through the test flight.
* This same capsule will be re-used later for an in-flight abort test, to guarantee a way for a crew to survive in a catastrophe.
* The test will provide data to qualify for spaceflights with humans to / from the ISS -- and just in time, as the US contract with Russia ends soon, so no more hitching rides aboard the Soyuz. That's been the only way to go, since the US retired the Space Shuttle with no alternative.
* WATCH LIVE ONLINE at: https://www.spacex.com/webcast
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Saturday, Mar 2
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Sat, Mar 2; FESTIVAL:
"DANA POINT WHALE FESTIVAL" about which we don't know much... we do know:
* BILL DEMPSEY, one of our sea chantey faves, performs "Whale songs and sea songs for the whole family" on Mar 2 from Noon-3 pm, in Mariner’s Alley (behind Harbor Grill), 34499 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point, CA 92629
* And, Bill is back Sat Mar 9, 11 am-2 pm, and Sun, Mar 10, noon-3 pm, for more of the "DANA POINT WHALE FESTIVAL" for the "Wooden Boat Event" performing both days in the "boater lot next to Harpoon Henry" at 34555 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point, CA 92629
* MORE INFO: www.billdempseymusic.net
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Sat, Mar 2-Tue, Mar 5; FREE FESTIVAL / MARDI GRAS EVENT:
30th Annual "MARDI GRAS" at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W Third St (Third & Fairfax), Los Angeles 90036
* One of the only family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations in town. And the Farmers Market is celebrating its 85th!
* Runs Sat & Sun, Mar 2 & 3, and it's back to conclude on Fat Tuesday, Mar 5.
* The entire Market is decked-out in purple, green and gold décor, with strolling parade bands, activities for kids, bead-throwing from the Gate 1 interior balcony at the top of each hour, much like beads are tossed from the balconies of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and more.
* Enjoy New Orleans’ classics – King Cake, beignets, delicious, made-from-scratch Cajun gumbo and jambalaya from The Gumbo Pot – and a musical line-up to bring the celebration to life.
* LIVE MUSIC performances by Cajun and Zydeco favorites:
♤ Eddie Baytos and The Nervis Brothers
◇ Mudbug Brass Band
♧ Bonnie Musique Zydeco
♡ Floyd and the Fly Boys
♤ High Life Cajun Band
♡ Grammy-nominated Lisa Haley and the Zydekats
◇ and more, all bringing the Mardi Gras celebrations to life. Or in Cajunspeak, "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" (“Let the good times roll!”) with the full schedule of activities and performances.
* The Dog Bakery will host its Annual "MUTTI GRAS PET PARADE" on the Market Plaza from Noon-1 pm on Sat, Mar 2nd, with prizes awarded to the best-dressed furry King and Queen of Mutti Gras -- dogs (and occasionally a cat or rabbit) dressed in creative costumes parading across the Plaza, with winners taking home prizes.
* SCHEDULE:
■ Sat, Mar 2
MUTTI GRAS PET PARADE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1 pm PLAZA
MUDBUG BRASS BAND . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1 pm STROLLING
HIGH LIFE CAJUN BAND . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 pm EAST PATIO
MUDBUG BRASS BAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30-3 pm PLAZA
KING & QUEEN CROWN DECORATING . 1:30-4:30 pm PLAZA
FLOYD AND THE FLYBOYS . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 pm WEST PATIO
LISA HALEY AND THE ZYDEKATS . . . . 6-8 pm WEST PATIO
- - -
■ Sun, Mar 3
HIGH LIFE CAJUN BAND . . . . . . 11:30-1:30 pm EAST PATIO
BEAR BRASS BAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3 pm STROLLING
SHAKERS FOR PEACE & JOY CRAFT . 1:30-4:30 pm PLAZA
BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO . . . . . . . . . 2-4 pm WEST PATIO
CRAWDADDIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 pm PLAZA
EDDIE BAYTOS & NERVIS BROTHERS . .5-7 pm WEST PATIO
- - -
■ Fat Tuesday, Mar 5
EDDIE BAYTOS & NERVIS BROTHERS . .6-9 pm WEST PATIO
* Event is FREE, but you'll pay for parking (Metro does go there).
* More at: https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/event/2019/03/02/the-original-farmers-market%E2%80%99s-annual-mardi-gras-celebration-opening-day
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Sat, Mar 2; visual arts:
3 pm-6 pm - “BREAKING TRADITIONS,” an exhibition of paintings based on tradition in art with contemporary processes, opens with a reception from 3 to 6 pm at APC Fine Arts Gallery, 1621 Cabrillo Av, Old Torrance, Torrance CA.
* Works by RUBY WANG, RON HUST, RON LIBBRECHT, and DINARA DJABIEVA are featured.
* Exhibition runs through April 19.
* Info: 310-328-0366 or www.apcfinearts.com.
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Sat, Mar 2; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
6 pm - "BOOTLEG THEATRE'S MARDI GRAS CARNEVALE 2019" at Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Bl, Los Angeles CA 90057
* It's "an evening of Revelry, Gratitude, Art and Love" to "celebrate 13 years of creating & supporting the best live performance in L.A."
* A night of food and drinks, performances, prizes and surprises, with host JOHN C. REILLY.
* Festivities begin at 6 pm with music & special eats from Mick’s BBQ Rescue and Coffee + Food.
* At 7 pm are performances by TOP SHELF BRASS BAND, comedian MICHAEL RAYNOR, beatboxer TRACK IX, marionettist ELI PRESSER, WESLEY THORNTON of the GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC SHOW), magician KRYS TABUJARA, contortionist MILO GONZALEZ, aerialist KEELY LUNA, Monologue Man BRIAN ALLMAN, THE SILVERLAKE CHORUS, and the LADIES of L.A. LAW. Then dancing ensues with DJ Patrick Belton of Dubgypsy.
* Raffles throughout the night.
* Each General Admission ticket includes one (1) drink ticket & food. Festive attire is encouraged.
* TIX: $75, at http://www.bootlegtheater.org/
* Doors at 6 pm, show is 7 pm-11 pm.
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Sat, Mar 2:
6 pm - MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG QUARTET and MARTY AXELROD play the "Cellar Sessions" concert series at Old Oak Cellars Winery in Pasadena.
* TIX & info: www.inwininc.com/cellar-sessions
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Sat-Tue, Mar 2-5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
"SPECIAL MARDI GRAS MENU" at Little Dom’s, 2128 Hillhurst Av, Los Angeles CA 90027
* Talk about multicultural! This Italian restaurant is going Cajun for four days! But it makes sense if you know...
* New Orleans son Brandon Boudet is lighting up his restaurant with Bourbon Street specials with few-days-only Mardi Gras menu.
* Catch soft-shell crab po’ boys, shrimp-studded gumbo, sugar-dusted beignets, crunchy pork belly cracklins, sweets like the iconic king cake, and drink specials including $5 Abita beer.
* It all runs 4 days, open to close, in celebration of the holiday.
* You can also place King Cake orders ($25) through the deli by calling 323-661-0055 (48 hours’ notice is required), or grab a slice while you're there, $5 a piece.
* It runs March 2–5, regular hours of business: Mon-Thu 8 am-3 pm, 5:30 pm-11 pm; Fri 8 am-3 pm, 5:30 pm-midnight; Sat 8 am-midnight; Sun 8 am-11 pm.
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Sat, Mar 2, live on WEB RADIO:
6 pm (PST) - "FOLKSTAGE" from WFMT Chicago, hosts a live performance by STEPHANIE BETTMAN & LUKE HALPIN.
* WHAT IS "FOLKSTAGE"-? It's one of America's best. About 26 concerts per year are broadcast live from the WFMT studio in front of an audience. The remainder of their concerts are from the show's archives that stretch back 55 years. These include recent recordings made in the Chicago area, live broadcasts from the "Old Town School of Folk Music," or recorded portions of live studio concerts that were not previously broadcast. Note that they NEVER repeat a recorded live show, believing the audience "is entitled to a fresh show every week." Also note, the long-running and very famous Chicago radio show "THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL" immediately follows "FOLKSTAGE" every Saturday. (What a way to run a radio station... we're envious, Chicago.)
* BETTMAN & HALPIN... with music that creates a fully acoustic, delightfully eclectic sound far greater than the sum of its parts, Bettman & Halpin play original Folk-Americana. They got their start as resident Southern California musicians. Since their move to Denver and their increasing tours, we don't see much of 'em here. So, live radio is a welcome treat.
* Their concerts combine high-energy upbeat bluegrass / acoustic roots-inspired compositions, beautiful ballads with soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics, and groovy feel-good songs. Interspersed between songs and instrumentals, they tell stories.
* They're known for storytelling and playful banter as well as hooky songwriting, vocal harmonies, and instrumental wizardry. Touring as a duo since 2008, they've incorporated a trio and quartet since 2013. They perform at lots of arts centers in the US and abroad.
* You'll hear up-tempo down home fiddlin', Stephanie's trademark. They'll deliver soulful sorrowful ballads and hook-laden folk/pop with catchy melodies.
* Bettman & Halpin have been recognized in various regional and national competitions.
* LIVE BROADCAST LINK: https://www.midnightspecial.org/folkstage.htm
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Sat, Mar 2:
7 pm - THE HONEY WHISKEY TRIO, three young women who hold national vocal ensemble champ honors, play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, only by phone: 626-798-6236.
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Sat, Mar 2:
7 pm - LAURENCE JUBER, Grammy-winning guitar wizard, plays one of three dates in different OC venues for the "LORD OF THE STRINGS" Concert Series, this one at Mission Viejo Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Dr, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.
* TIX for all venues in the series: 949-244-6656.
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Sat, Mar 2:
7 pm - NU-BLU, among the Bluegrass genres biggest stars, play the Museum of Making Music, 5790 Armada Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008; 760-438-5996.
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Sat, Mar 2:
7:30 pm - BOTWS - BROTHERS OF THE WEDNESDAY SITUATION -- play the "Sessions at the Loft" concert series in Camarillo.
* TIX & info: www.sessionsattheloft.com
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Sat, Mar 2:
7:30 pm - JAEGER & REID play the Dark Thirty House Concerts series, 1132 Pinehurst Dr, Lakeside, CA 92040; 619-443-9622.
* Reservations required by phone.
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Sat, Mar 2; Fri & Sat, Mar 1 & 2:
7:30 pm - GINA CHAVEZ "blends the sounds of the Americas with tension and grace," at the George Nakano Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance.
* She’s a 9-time "Austin Music Award" winner and has been hailed by publications across the U.S.
* More on the artist at: www.ginachavez.com
* TIX options: $50 with dinner (Southwest salad, chicken enchiladas, and Chava rice), or $33 concert only.
* TIX at 310-781-7171 or www.torrance.arts.org
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Sat, Mar 2; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
8 pm - TRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY at the Richard & Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center, on the campus of Cal State in Long Beach, Long Beach, CA.
* Forget what you think you know about Irish dancing. This is TRINITY; a thoroughly fresh and engaging vision that goes beyond traditional Irish dance without losing touch with its essence.
* TIX: http://carpenterarts.org/2018-2019/trinity-irish-dance-company.html
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Sat, Mar 2:
8 pm - INCENDIO plays Alvas Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro CA 90732
* Info on this show, the venue, and their calendar at:
www.alvasshowroom.com
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Sat, Mar 2:
8 pm - JOE KYE, violinist-looper, performs in the Campus Theatre of El Camino College, Crenshaw & Redondo Beach Boulevards, Torrance.
* Using just his violin -- and live loop recording, done with the audience watching and listening, he creates a symphony of sound, blending indie rock, jazz, classical, pop, and world folk.
* TIX: $10 to $26, at 800-832-ARTS or www.centerforthearts.org
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Sat, Mar 2:
8 pm - PULSE PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE plays Namba Performing Arts Space in Ventura.
* TIX & info: www.nambaarts.com
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Sat & Sun, Mar 2 & 3:
8 pm & 10 pm - JORMA KAUKONEN plays two shows each, Sat & Sun, in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Mar 2:
8 pm - DIEGO EL CIGALA plays the Luckman Fine Arts Center, on the campus at CSULA, 5151 State College Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90032; 323-343-6600.
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Sat, Mar 2:
8 pm - "A GERTRUDE STEIN SONG CYCLE" is Gertrude Stein Set to Music featuring USC Thornton School of Music Graduate Students, at Boston Court Theatre, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena CA 91106.
* It's a singing exploration of the words and life of one of the most interesting and controversial female writers in American history.
* Featuring "Tender Buttons," a new song cycle for string quartet and multiple singers by composer JORDAN NELSON.
* Go early for the pre-concert talk at 7:15 pm.
* Student tickets are FREE with a valid student I.D.
* TIX: Box office at 626-683-6801, or online at: www.bostoncourtpasadena.org
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Sat, Mar 2:
8:30 pm - THE WOOD BROTHERS plus CARSIE BLANTON play the Fonda Theater, 6126 Hollywood Bl, Hollywood, CA 90028; 323-464-0808.
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Sat, Mar 2:
9 pm-11 pm - CAROLINE ROSE plays the Teragram Ballroom, 1234 W 7th St, downtown Los Angeles CA 90017.
* Self-proclaimed "Loner" Caroline Rose takes a lighthearted yet emotional approach to her songwriting and producing. She brings her whimsical satire to the Teragram Ballroom for an all-ages show.
* TIX: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/0900557ED8383D76
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Sat, Mar 2:
9:30 pm-11:55 pm - BRODIE STEWART plays Buckle & Boots, 706 W Lancaster Bl, Ste 111, Lancaster CA 93534; www.buckleandboots.com
* On his debut CD “Born American,” Brodie teamed-up with guitarist-producer-songwriter ADAM SHOENFELD (Jason Aldean, Tim Mcgraw, Luke Bryan, many more) to co-produce and play along with several top players.
* Engineer Aaron Chmielewski did the project in Nashville.
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Sat & Sun, Mar 2 & 3:
10 pm - JORMA KAUKONEN plays two shows each, 8 & 10 pm, Sat & Sun, in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sunday, Mar 3
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Sun, Mar 3:
10:30 am - KRISTEN COOK plays the "Matinee Kids Show" series in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sun, Mar 3; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
Noon-6 pm - "L.A. UNION STATION ALL-DAY CRAWFISH BOIL" presented by Imperial Western Beer Co., at 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles CA 90012
* Each $40 ticket includes crawfish and its simmered compatriots — corn on the cob, red potatoes and andouille sausage — plus fried green tomato salad with remoulade, collard greens and either a beer flight or a cocktail.
* This new brewery is bringing a little bit of NOLA with a full-on party, complete with live music.
* Actually, the brewery is getting credit for the magnificent decor of the station's original 1939 Fred Harvey restaurant and nightclub, where all the movie stars hung out and alk the Big Bands played. It's been closed for decades, and recently re-opened at last, as Imperial Western Beer Co.
* TIX: walk-in event, but you can book your table at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mardi-gras-crawfish-boil-at-imperial-western-beer-company-tickets-55243927073
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Sun, Mar 3; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
2 pm-5 pm - MIGUEL FONTENOT plays the French Quarter Creole Bar & Grill, 16728 Bellflower Bl, Bellflower, CA 90706
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Sun, Mar 3; FREE CONCERT:
2 pm-5 pm - "RHAPSODY IN BLUE" featuring Grammy-winner BILL CUNLIFFE with THE SYMPHONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA, at Carpenter Performing Arts Center, on the campus of CSULB, 6200 E Atherton St, Long Beach, CA
* Grammy Award-winning pianist BILL CUNLIFFE performs GEORGE GERSHWIN's celebrated American classic "Rhapsody in Blue" with the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra.
* This composition is considered to be one of the most popular of all concert works. The clarinet opening, described as a "glissando", is said to be as well known as the start of Beethoven's Fifth.
* BILL CUNLIFFE is known for his innovative and swinging recordings and compositions. Bill began his career as a pianist and arranger with the Buddy Rich Big Band and worked with Frank Sinatra, Freddie Hubbard and Benny Golson. He has since established himself as a solo artist and bandleader, with more than a dozen albums under his name.
* THE SYMPHONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA is the country's only ensemble exclusively dedicated to blending the worlds of jazz and classical music. Now in its second decade, the SJO has performed at leading concert halls across Southern California including UCLA's Royce Hall and the Ford Amphitheatre.
* Attire: Business Casual, sport coat optional.
* Parking on campus $8.
* FREE but this IS a ticketed event and it is 21+. To attend this free concert you must reserve your ticket through Meetup, at: https://bit.ly/2W3JukC
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Sun, Mar 3; Sat, Mar 2-Tue, Mar 5; FREE FESTIVAL / MARDI GRAS EVENT:
30th Annual "MARDI GRAS" at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W Third St (Third & Fairfax), Los Angeles 90036
* One of the only family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations in town. And the Farmers Market is celebrating its 85th!
* Runs Sat & Sun, Mar 2 & 3, and it's back to conclude on Fat Tuesday, Mar 5.
* The entire Market is decked-out in purple, green and gold décor, with strolling parade bands, activities for kids, bead-throwing from the Gate 1 interior balcony at the top of each hour, much like beads are tossed from the balconies of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and more.
* Enjoy New Orleans’ classics – King Cake, beignets, delicious, made-from-scratch Cajun gumbo and jambalaya from The Gumbo Pot – and a musical line-up to bring the celebration to life.
* LIVE MUSIC performances by Cajun and Zydeco favorites:
■ Sun, Mar 3
HIGH LIFE CAJUN BAND . . . . . . 11:30-1:30 pm EAST PATIO
BEAR BRASS BAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3 pm STROLLING
SHAKERS FOR PEACE & JOY CRAFT . 1:30-4:30 pm PLAZA
BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO . . . . . . . . . 2-4 pm WEST PATIO
CRAWDADDIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 pm PLAZA
EDDIE BAYTOS & NERVIS BROTHERS . .5-7 pm WEST PATIO
- - -
■ Fat Tuesday, Mar 5
EDDIE BAYTOS & NERVIS BROTHERS . .6-9 pm WEST PATIO
* Event is FREE, but you'll pay for parking (Metro does go there).
* More at: https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/event/2019/03/02/the-original-farmers-market%E2%80%99s-annual-mardi-gras-celebration-opening-day
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Sun, Mar 3:
3 pm - LAURENCE JUBER, Grammy-winning guitar wizard, plays the 3rd of three dates in different OC venues for the "LORD OF THE STRINGS" Concert Series, this one at LCA Wine at SOCO Center, 3303 Hyland Av, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
* TIX for all venue's in the series: 949-244-6656.
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Sun, Mar 3:
3 pm - THE KINGSTON TRIO play Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Dr, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656; 949-480-4278.
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Sun, Mar 3:
3 pm - THE LIMELITERS plus THE BROTHERS FOUR, two Folk- Americana bands with legendary names, play the splendid McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
* TIX: 760-340-ARTS or 866-889-ARTS.
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Sun, Mar 3; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
5 pm-9 pm - TROOPER THORNE plays all evening in celebration of the 31st birthday of the Harp Inn Irish Pub, 130 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627; www.harpinn.com
* TROOPER THORNE has a celebrated repertoire of authentic Irish rebel and pub tunes.
* The venue will be celebrating all day, starting with Irish breakfast.
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Sun, Mar 3, BENEFIT:
5:30 pm- 8 pm - HERB PEDERSEN, with JOSE PRIETO & VICTOR TORRES -- a pair of Flamenco guitarists from Spain, plus LOS DOS GRINGOS, team-up to perform a benefit fundraiser for "CITIZEN'S CLIMATE LOBBY" (CCL), a group proposing solutions to climate change; at Pizza Place California, 303 S Mission Dr, San Gabriel CA
* Herb brings his guitar and banjo, and he'll be playing with a great pair of singing Flamenco guitarists plus the folky "Gringos" trio, too.
* Herb Pedersen (vocals, guitar, banjo) is a music icon and longtime presence in Southern California, nation so, and worldwide bluegrass, roots, and popular music, often in a duo with longtime collaborator CHRIS HILLMAN, and the two of them together are half of the DESERT ROSE BAND, and other acts.
* JOSE PRIETO (from Madrid) and VICTOR TORRES (from Barcelona) will wow the audience with their flamenco-inspired rumba rhythms.
* Folk group LOS DOS BRINGS brings JORDAN SOLITTO (vocals & guitar), PETER FREIBERGER (bass) and PETE DeCOSTE (drums) to round-out the night's impressive line-up.
* This one'll be a different setting for the GRAMMY winner, and provide you with an outstanding and memorable evening: These folks will be performing together. Come for the music, or come for the cause. (Or both!)
* FREE concert, but you must buy dinner, and that's where the benefit comes in -- the restaurant will give 40% of the night's income to CCL.
* The program is on a covered patio with heaters, and is safe to go whatever the weather.
* More at: 626-791-4583, or http://www.pasadenanow.com/PasadenaEvents/2019/02/26/1551219726
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Sun, Mar 3:
6 pm & 8:30 pm - THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY does two shows tonight at Bogies at the Westlake Village Inn in Westlake Village.
* TIX & info: www.bogies-bar.com
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Sun, Mar 3:
7 pm - JOHNSMITH plays "RUSS & JULIE'S ’s HOUSE CONCERTS" series in Oak Park (Agoura Hills/Westlake Village area)
* For the past thirty-plus years, Johnsmith has been sharing his music all across America and abroad. He has become a favorite at festivals, clubs, and house concerts alike.
* In addition to being a Kerrville New Folk Winner, Johnsmith has released eight solo CDs to rave reviews, leads musical tours to Ireland, teaches songwriting, and has served as a staff songwriter in Nashville.
* Reservations get directions, at: 818-707-2179 or rsvp@houseconcerts.us
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Sun, Mar 3:
7 pm - HARRY MIDDLEBROOKS & JAY ASHER play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001; reservations 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, only by phone: 626-798-6236.
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Sun, Mar 3:
7:30 pm - SAM AMIDON plus SAM GENDEL play the Moroccan Lounge, 901 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213-395-0610.
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Sun, Mar 3:
7:30 pm - "RANDY STERLING (CIERLEY) TRIBUTE" concert presented by "SAN DIEGO FOLK HERITAGE" at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Av, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
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Sun, Mar 3; Sat & Sun, Mar 2 & 3:
8 pm & 10 pm - JORMA KAUKONEN plays two shows each, Sat & Sun, in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sun, Mar 3:
8 pm - RADIM ZENKL plus EVAN MARSHALL play Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA 90230; 310-398-2583.
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Sun, Mar 3:
8 pm - THE KINGSTON TRIO plays the Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Dr, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656; 949-480-4278.
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Sun, Mar 3; Sat & Sun, Mar 2 & 3:
10 pm - JORMA KAUKONEN plays the last of four shows, Sat & Sun, in the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Monday, Mar 4
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Mon, Mar 4:
6 pm - STEVE EARLE performs an in-store solo mini concert at Amoeba Music Hollywood, 6400 Sunset Bl, Hollywood CA 90028
* It's a record release / album signing for the new STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES album, "GUY" (on New West Records).
* "Guy" is a collection of songs written by the late legendary GUY CLARK.
* “…a truly sublime homage.” - Stereogum.
* NOTE: this is billed as "free," but... you'll need to purchase your copy of "GUY" at Amoeba Hollywood on March 4th to attend this post-signing performance. Officially: "Show is free/all-ages, signing limited to purchasers of new album only."
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Mon, Mar 4:
8 pm - PLAID STRANGERS, a multiple award-winning trad acoustic duo, play the "DOWN AT THE YARD MUSIC SERIES" at the Yard Theatre, 4319 Melrose Av, Los Angeles, CA 90029.
* WINNING BOTH THE FIDDLE AND BANJO CONTESTS at the 2017 "Santa Barbara Old Time Fiddlers’ Festival," these two accidentally found themselves in a performing duo after Maxine teamed-up with Karen to win that festival's top honors. Thus, PLAID STRANGERS was born as a stellar and award-winning old time fiddle & banjo duo project, right out of the gate.
* KAREN CELIA HEIL (fiddle, guitar, vocals) is an intense and soulful fiddler, also known for her powerful guitar playing and singing in the BUCKING MULES.
* MAXINE GERBER (banjo, guitar, vocals) has been a top-tier favorite banjo player and taste maker for decades, and musical nucleus at the yearly Appalachian String Band Festival in West Virginia.
* More than a decade ago, KAREN began making pilgrimages to southern fiddlers’ conventions and visiting the region's master musicians, thus firing-up her passion for old-time fiddle music. Karen, in addition to her work in the BUCKING MULES, performs in the Bay Area, plays square dances, and has a thriving teaching practice. She has been on the staff of some of the best traditional music camps around the U.S. and internationally, teaching both guitar and fiddle.
* MAXINE, with her banjo/fiddle obsession, and knowledge amassed from visits in her youth to the older generation of master players, she has nurtured several generations of up-and-coming musicians. Her distinctive, rhythmic and supportive banjo style brings out the best in whomever she accompanies.
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Tuesday, Mar 5 -- MARDI GRAS!
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Tue, Mar 5, FREE; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
4 pm - Annual "MARDI GRAS AT AMOEBA" at Amoeba Music Hollywood, 6400 Sunset Bl, Hollywood CA 90028
* Bring your horn, tuba, banjo, or any portable percussion instrument and join the annual party procession at 4 pm, to "When The Saints..." and share the cacophonous joy of Fat Tuesday. There will be BEADS and fun for the kids and big ones alike.
* The celebration at the fabled record store ensues from 2 pm-4 pm with DJs spinning NOLA party classics.
* Amoeba donates a portion of this day's proceeds to two charities working to preserve the musical and cultural heritage of New Orleans: Tipitina’s Foundation, and New Orleans Musicians' Clinic (NOMC). Details at: https://www.amoeba.com/live-shows/upcoming/detail-4702/index.html
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Tue, Mar 5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
5 pm-10 pm - "MARDI GRAS CRAB BOIL & LOUISIANA CUISINE FEAST" at 189 by Dominique Ansel, 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles CA 90036
* No music at this one, but it's not far from all the revel at the Farmers Market.
* Each $55 ticket includes buckets of fresh crab, tiger shrimp, P.E.I. mussels and corn tumbled onto your newspaper-topped table, plus a bevy of sides like red pepper maque choux, fried pickles and fresh-baked cornbread.
* You can also expect a crab boil from chef Dominique Ansel, plus pastries -- fried-to-order beignets—and à la carte from the bar, the requisite hurricane cocktails.
* TIX: https://dominiqueansella.com/event/dumplingfest-2-2/
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Tue, Mar 5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
5 pm-all night (literally, all night!) - "FREE MARDI GRAS AT THE LITTLE EASY" happens at the Little Easy, 216 W 5th St, Los Angeles CA 90013
* The venue bills itself as "the only authentically New Orleans location" (in L.A.). They continue, "There is no homage here. It is as if you are transported to The Big Easy/New Orleans. Have you ever been to Bourbon Street or The French Quarter? After this event you will feel as if you have been. Especially so with their devilish mixed drinks..."
* The venue's cuisine is extensive:
• BEIGNETS Three to an order, dusted with confectioners sugar & a chocolate lavender sauce.
• VOODOO WINGS Cajun dry rubbed with choice of blue cheese or ranch.
• CHICKEN & WAFFLES Boneless fried chicken breast, house-made
gravy, Belgian-style waffle, maple syrup
• SWAMP FRIES smothered in house-made gravy & a blend of cheeses; add: chicken / shrimp or short rib.
• JAMBALAYA Blackened chicken, Andouille sausage, stewed tomatoes & rice.
• BOURBON STREET BURRITO Tortilla filled with jambalaya and cheese.
• DIRTY BIRD Boneless fried chicken breast, creamy cheese grits & gravy.
• MARDI GRAS MAC Cheddar, smoked gouda, pepper jack cheese, béchamel sauce Add: chicken / short rib.
• RED BEANS AND RICE Andouille sausage, kidney beans & rice
• CHEESE GRITS Blend of smoked gouda, pepper jack & cheddar
* See the ambience, drinks, and food, at: http://littleeasybar.com/gallery/
* The Little Easy has comfortable living room seating and a small Southern hotel lobby feel in front, winding down the hallway you feel transport to the Pirates of the Caribbean or New Orleans itself. Is has an impressive indoor courtyard with large bar, working fountain, porch swing.
* Event starts at 7 pm. Early arrival is advised. Space is open 'til it fills. ENTRY IS RESERVED -- Seating is not reserved. First come is first served. Venue says, "Dress code: Vampire Dairies clothes. Anything black and chic will be fine. You can also dress tres mardi gras. For the ladies? You have style! Nobody needs to tell you how to be sharp, classy or stylish and dress for a party. Mandatory will be a mask and beads and etc. Go to Party City or 99 cent store and stock up."
* Metro Rail Red/Purple stop is about 1000 feet away.
* FREE, no cover, no minimum, make a reservation and arrive early or you won't get in.
* Venue says, "RSVP on the event. No RSVP=Big Sadness. Individual Names needed for the Guest List." Make rez at: https://m.evensi.us/free-mardi-gras-easy-masquerade/290090754
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Tue, Mar 5; Sat, Mar 2-Tue, Mar 5; FREE FESTIVAL / MARDI GRAS EVENT:
30th Annual "MARDI GRAS" at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W Third St (Third & Fairfax), Los Angeles 90036
* One of the only family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations in town. And the Farmers Market is celebrating its 85th!
* Runs Sat & Sun, Mar 2 & 3, and it's back to conclude on Fat Tuesday, Mar 5.
* The entire Market is decked-out in purple, green and gold décor, with strolling parade bands, activities for kids, bead-throwing from the Gate 1 interior balcony at the top of each hour, much like beads are tossed from the balconies of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and more.
* Enjoy New Orleans’ classics – King Cake, beignets, delicious, made-from-scratch Cajun gumbo and jambalaya from The Gumbo Pot – and a musical line-up to bring the celebration to life.
* LIVE MUSIC performances by Cajun and Zydeco favorites; today, it's:
■ Fat Tuesday, Mar 5
EDDIE BAYTOS & NERVIS BROTHERS . .6-9 pm WEST PATIO
* Event is FREE, but you'll pay for parking (Metro does go there).
* More at: https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/event/2019/03/02/the-original-farmers-market%E2%80%99s-annual-mardi-gras-celebration-opening-day
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Tue, Mar 5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
6 pm-10 pm - "VEGAN MARDI GRAS FEAST" at Krimsey’s, North Hollywood’s all-vegan Cajun restaurant, 12900 Victory Bl, North Hollywood CA 91606
* Here's the place to celebrate Fat Tuesday without the meat. This is a plant-based party that includes live music, raffles, a photo booth, face painting, beads and $10 bowls of their "gumbalaya" (a stewy gumbo-jambalaya hybrid).
* You can order a whole vegan King Cake — with 48 hours’ notice, at: https://krimseys.com/kingcake
* Or buy your King Cake by the slice during the party.
* No advance reservations.
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Tue, Mar 5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
6 pm-10 pm - MARDI GRAS “BANDS, BEADS AND BUGS ” PARTY, at the Ragin Cajun Cafe, 525 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Los Angeles CA 90277
* THESE GUYS ARE A GUIDE FAVORITE, from their "Great American Food Truck Race" TV days.
* As one of South Bay’s few authentic Cajun restaurants, they're going all-out to do this up right.
* You’ll find LIVE ZYDECO AND OTHER FESTIVE MUSIC, and absolutely, totally, completely authentic and splendidly tasty po’boys, Louisiana crawfish, boudin, other delectables, and drink specials.
* No reservations. Just go. As Thibodeau and Beaudreaux say, "That some kinda good!"
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Tue, Mar 5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
6 pm-10 pm - "MARDI GRAS FOOD FEST" BENEFIT is a fun evening of food, dancing, and live music in support of Cancer Care at Methodist Hospital in Arcadia. It's held at
Sirona's Sports Bar at Santa Anita Race Track, Arcadia, CA
* Over 30 local restaurants participate, bringing samples of their favorite dishes.
* Guests enjoy an open bar (21+ only), the tunes of the '80s All Starz (Not Cajun or Zydeco-!), a fun photobooth, a silent auction, a jazzy parade, and lots and lots of dancing.
* This year's event honors Dr. Dino and Hope Clarizio and proceeds support Cancer Care at Methodist Hospital.
* TIX: https://losangeles.carpe-diem.events/calendar/8689959-mardi-gras-food-fest-2019-at-sironas-sports-bar-at-santa-anita-race-track/
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Tue, Mar 5; MARDI GRAS EVENT:
7 pm - MUDBUG BRASS BAND plays Herb Alpert's Vibrato Grill & Jazz, 2930 Beverly Glen Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90077.
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MO' MARDI GRAS EATERIES...
- - -
(from descriptions by Cassandra Lane, who writes for "L.A. Parent.")
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♤ LA LOUISANNE, corner of Slauson Av and Overhill Dr, will have a Fat Tuesday celebration that includes a second line, the New Orleans style parade that follows a brass band while participants dance and twirl parasols and handkerchiefs. It's been there 30 years and lights-up the corner at night with its purple, gold and green neon signs – one in the boot shape of Louisiana, the other advertising its Creole cuisine and nightly jazz. Venue: La Louisanne, 5812 Overhill Dr, Los Angeles, CA; 323-293-5073; http://www.lalouisannela.com/
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Sharing that neighborhood’s Little Louisiana corner are two other eateries, just below.
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◇ ORLEANS & YORK, a po-boy go-to at
http://orleansandyorkdeli.com/, and THE SNOBALL SHOP, where you can order all manner of syrupy, icy goodness and even get it creamed with condensed milk, the way they do it down in New Orleans.
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♡ HAROLD AND BELLE'S, at 2920 W Jefferson Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90018, is an L.A. Creole restaurant staple featured recently on TV's "Diner's Drive-ins, and Dives." It opened 50 years ago in the area where it still stands, Jefferson Park, a neighborhood teeming with Louisianians back then. Like other New Orleans-themed restaurants, Harold & Belle’s will be hopping with energy on Fat Tuesday.
- - -
♧ BAYOU GRILLE, 1400 N La Brea Av, Inglewood CA, will host a crawfish boil amidst its celebrated Lou'siana ambience; excellent reputation here.
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Tue, Mar 5:
7 pm - BEIRUT plays the Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA
* Thriving as a collective of indie-folk, Bierut has been on the scene for some time now.
* Known for the signature brass and accordion instrumentals.
* TIX: https://concerts1.livenation.com/event/09005553CEF688EC
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Wednesday, Mar 6
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This coming Friday is INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY. (We incorrectly listed it as today.) March in the US is Women's Month. Odd that we are encoraged to celebrate people that we continue to oppress. February was Black History Month, for example. So now everyone will celebrate women -- even as women in America still make less money than men doing comparable jobs, and the recent efforts to revive the EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT are again facing opposition from entrenched interests, just like 40 years ago...
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Wed, Mar 6; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
6 pm-9 pm - "AGOURA IRISH MUSIC SESSION" is every 1st Wed at Brendan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 30315 Canwood St, Agoura Hills, CA 93010; 888-874-9400.
* No cover.
* All welcome to participate or listen. Note that an "Irish Sessuin" is highly structured, not like your usual free-form acoustic jam. So best to listen and catch-on before jumping-in.
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Wed, Mar 6:
7 pm - GREGORY PAGE plus the KAREN TOBIN BAND play this week's "WINE & SONG" concert series hosted by BRAD COLERICK in the clubhouse at the Arroyo Seco Golf Course, 1055 Lohman Lane, South Pasadena 91030.
* Musician, poet, and filmmaker GREGORY PAGE has a fascinating background. Born in London, his Armenian and Irish parents met while they were on tour with their bands en route to the Middle East. His Irish mother was the lead singer in the all-girl group called the Beat-Chics, who opened multiple concerts for the Beatles in 1965. Gregory’s first concert in London was at the O2 Arena playing an opening set for his pal, Jason Mraz. He has also opened for Bob Dylan and John Prine.
* Singer-songwriter KAREN TOBIN is a veteran of the Los Angeles country music scene. She was signed to a couple of major record labels and has been compared to such luminaries as Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. Karen writes from the heart about her life journey. She was recently recognized by "Music Connection" Magazine as one of the their "Top 20 Prospects For 2018." She’ll be joined by multi-instrumentalists GREG KREUGER and TIM FLEMING.
* The Arroyo Seco Grill (a short step next door) has food and full bar. Or BYOB to the show for a $10 corkage fee.
* TIX, $12 & $17, at https://blueguitar.club/
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Wed, Mar 6; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
8 pm-11 pm - "GRIFFINS IRISH SESSION" led by MICHAEL KELLY (of SLIGO RAGS) happens every Wed at Griffins of Kinsale, 1007 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA; 626-799-0926.
* No cover.
* All welcome to participate or listen. Note that an "Irish Sessuin" is highly structured, not like your usual free-form acoustic jam. So best to listen and catch-on before jumping-in.
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Thursday, Mar 7
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Thu, Mar 7:
7:30 pm–9:30 pm - "SILENT MOVIE NIGHT" at the Muckenthaler presents live musical accompaniment by award-winning composer MICHAEL MORTILLA for a screening of the 1926 movie, "MAN TRAP" starring “the It Girl,” CLARA BOW, at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 West Malvern Av, Fullerton, CA 92833; https://themuck.org
* COMING UP AT THE MUCK:
(All events are 7:30 pm-9:30 pm unless otherwise indicated):
• May 9 - DOC SEVERINSEN SHOW; some new news (just in Sun, Feb 17) -- not only will some of the original "Tonight Show Orchestra" members make a surprise appearance, but there will be a video tribute to Doc created especially for this event.
• Apr 18 - "NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY AND STORYTELLING," 7:30-9:30 pm.
• Oct 17 - "LACY J. DALTON BENEFIT CONCERT feat. DALE POUNET," 7:30-9:30 pm.
* Box Office Tue-Fri, noon-4 pm, at 714-738-6595.
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Friday, Mar 8
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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
How about something meaningful for today, instead of a dumb "rah-rah"-?
US Congressman Ro Khanna (D, CA) offers this:
This International Women’s day
RK
Ro Khanna <info@rokhanna.com>
Fri 3/8/2019
Women and girls living in conflict zones fight an unseen war. Today, on International Women’s Day, I want to take a moment to highlight the struggles that women and girls in Yemen particularly face, and remount the call for an end to the US involvement in this unconstitutional conflict in Yemen.
The UN estimates that, as a result of the ongoing conflict, 76% of the displaced Yemeni people are women and children. Reports of gender based violence have increased, and child marriage rates have soared past 60%. This is part of the conflict that the United States is underwriting.
Without rapid action from U.S. leaders to end our involvement in the war in Yemen, these atrocities will continue. Yes, we’ve made historical progress, passing our War Powers Resolution in the House, but we must continue to advocate for a human-rights centered, progressive feminist foreign policy as a rule of our conduct abroad.
Fri, Mar 8; FREE:
Noon - SANTA BARBARA OPERA performs FREE at the Thousand Oaks Library in Thousand Oaks.
* Info: www.tolibrary.org
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Fri, Mar 8; FREE FESTIVAL:
6 pm-10 pm - "ART NIGHT PASADENA," the twice-annual FREE night on the town, arrives for its Spring edition at a couple dozen venues that include high-caliber museums that otherwise command hefty admission fees.
* FREE entrance to all participating museums and other attractions, as well as FREE transportation, combine to define this event and guarantee its continuing acclaim .
* This time around, you can visit the South Campus of "ArtCenter College of Design" (Raymond & Glenarm) as well as the "Gamble House" at night -- both are otherwise daytime-only venues.
* FREE buses connecting all the venues, combine with the central presence of the Memorial Park Station of the Gold Line to make this event very accessible.
* This is truly splendid exploration, making for the absolute best in all-ages, free, nighttime adventure!
* ALL THE VENUES, free shuttle bus routes and schedules, where to find the food trucks, where to park, and more, at:
http://www.artnightpasadena.org/
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Runs Mar 8-24:
OPENING NIGHT, March -- "NATIVE VOICES AT THE AUTRY" presents the world premiere of "PURE NATIVE" in the Wells Fargo Theatre at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027; www.theautry.org
* It's a new play by Vickie Ramirez (Tuscarora nation) directed by Randy Reinholz (Choctaw nation)
* The plot: Brewster's back! Rising from the ashes with a slick plan for a bottled water plant on reservation land. There's mixed agreement and opposition from family and friends, including an old flame with a grudge -- but is he the secret ingredient for success?
* "Pure Native" tickets include museum admission to the Autry during the month of March. Present your Eventbrite ticket for complimentary admission. Offer valid March 1-31, 2019, for general museum admission only (no special events) during regular museum hours.
* The Autry's "Crossroads West Cafe" offers a limited menu before and after matinee performances, and from 6 to 8 pm prior to evening performances. Beer, wine, and light dinner fare available for purchase.
* Special dates: Opening Night, Fri, Mar 8, 8 pm includes a reception with the cast and crew following the Opening Night performance; "Talk-Back with the Playwright" is Sat, Mar 9, 2 pm, when, following the matinee performance, Artistic Director Randy Reinholz and playwright Vickie Ramirez will discuss the genesis of "Pure Native" and their processes for writing and producing new plays; "Student Matinees" are Fri, Mar 15, and Fri, Mar 22, at 11 am.
* More details: https://theautry.org/events/signature-programs/native-voices
* TIX; preview performances: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-voices-at-the-autry-presents-pure-native-preview-tickets-53080511238
Regular performances, $8-$25: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-voices-at-the-autry-presents-the-world-premiere-of-pure-native-tickets-53080590475
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Fri, Mar 8:
7:30 pm - PIPER HAYS plays the record release show for her debut album "VAGABLONDE" at State Social House, 8782 Sunset Bl, West Hollywood.
* This is an exciting up-and-coming singer-songwriter.
* "VAGABLONDE" was recorded in Memphis, TN at the historic Sam Phillips Recording Studio.
* It was produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer/engineer MATT ROSS-SPANG, noted for his work with JASON ISBELL and MARGO PRICE, as well as for mixing 17 previously unreleased tracks from ELVIS’ 1976 sessions from The Jungle Room at Graceland.
* Having spent the past year busking across Europe with nothing but a backpack and a guitar, PIPER HAYS soulfully expands on her experiences whilst drawing notes inspired by her musical idols ranging from psychedelic garage rock bands to jazz elders and blues pioneers.
* “Her supple vocal style recalls the nuance and richness of Norah Jones with the gripping dramatic earthiness of Adele.” – Harriet Kaplan, TheArtOfLA.com (Feb 11, 2019).
* PIPER recently debuted the music video for the heartfelt single “For You,” which has amassed over 423k views since its premiere this past Valentine’s Day. Check it out at: https://www.facebook.com/piperhaysmusic/videos/2289082121369901/
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Fri, Mar 8; World Music:
7:30 pm - ALASH presents "TUVAN THROAT SINGING WITH A MODERN TWIST" for one night only at the The Broad Stage, 1900 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90405;
* The Washington Post calls this “Sonic magic...it’s one of the most astonishing sounds a human body can produce.”
* GO EARLY for the "Spotlight Talk" with Santa Moni a College Faculty member Ric Alviso at 6:45 pm.
* Imagine a human bagpipe — a person who could sing a sustained low note while humming an eerie, whistle-like melody. For good measure, toss-in a thrumming rhythm similar to that of a jaw harp, but produced vocally — by the same person, at the same time. THAT is Tuvan Throat Singing, and this is an incomparable program hailed by audiences as “an unforgettable experience.”
* ALASH is a TRIO of master throat singers from Tuva, a tiny republic in the heart of Central Asia. Grounded in tradition while expanding their musical vocabulary with new ideas from the West, the ensemble and its individual members have consistently won top honors on the world’s highest stages -- the Tibetan plateau, where all their competition is located, is at a high altitude.
* The late Caltech professor Richard Feynman was a devotee who helped introduce this vocal art form to America, at the same time that he popularized the key piece of Tuvan dwelling architecture, the Yurt. Now, this group brings the art of throat singing at its zenith.
* Find out how the trio that makes up ALASH honors their heritage in their NPR interview, at:
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99356573
* TIX range from $40-$65, at: http://thebroadstage.org/alash
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Fri, Mar 8:
8 pm - LOS CAMBALACHE performs "Made in L.A." at Boston Court Theatre, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena CA 91106
* This four-piece acoustic ensemble plays trad instruments, and they delighted crowds last summer as part of Boston Court's neighborhood "Third Thursdays" events, and at the venue's big Fall Gala. Tonight this East L.A. band returns with a full concert on the theatre's more intimate Branson stage.
* The venue tells us, "Each of the band's concerts is a celebration, sure to leave you smiling and dancing in the aisles."
* Enjoy a more introspective video of their son jarocho-ish "Gallo Ramiro," at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=th5CMGYdqWM&feature=youtu.be
* TIX: Box office at 626-683-6801, or online at: www.bostoncourtpasadena.org
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Fri, Mar 8:
8 pm - CARLO FIERENS plays Namba Performing Arts Space in Ventura.
* TIX & info: www.nambaarts.com
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Fri, Mar 8; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
9:30 pm - KEN O'MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS play their monthly 2nd Fri residency at Ireland's 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys, CA; 818-785-4031.
* No cover.
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Saturday, Mar 9
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Sat, Mar 9:
3:50 pm - "RAIL TO THE FRET" train excursion from LOS ANGELES UNION STATION to/from the CONCERT at THE FRET HOUSE in COVINA.
* It's an exceptionally fun add-on to the 7:30 pm concert with LEEANN SKODA (of PRETTY POLLY) and the BRAD COLERICK TRIO.
* Musician, longtime recording artist, and live music series producer BRAD COLERICK says, "COME JOIN ME AT the Fret House, or better yet, meet me on the train March 9th!"
* Yep, you can tunefully "bundle" things -- for a wonderful evening of train ride with musicians and fans; dinner in whatever groupings you care to join; and then the concert in beautiful downtown Covina.
* TRAIN -- WHICH ONE TO CATCH: Brad explains, "Join me on Metrolink Train # 366 (running on the "San Bernardino Line" - ed.) as it pulls out of Los Angeles Union Station AT 4 PM SHARP on Saturday, March 9."
* METROLINK TRAINS ALWAYS LEAVE ON TIME. The Guide cautions, DO NOT arrive at 4:01 pm or you'll be staring at an empty track. AND be sure you note the "A" and "B" sides of the platform at Union Station, or you'll get on a train that goes someplace else!
* THE RIDE: Brad tells us, "I'll be holding court in the rear car (of Train 366) along with other transit adventurers. Then, 38 minutes later, we'll pull into beautiful downtown Covina where we'll enjoy the shops and restaurants along Citrus Avenue."
* DINNER: If you're up for some Mexican food just a couple blocks from the train station, Brad will be at El Camichin, right next to The Fret House before the show. Or there are many more restaurant options.
* At 7:30 pm, you'll need to be in your seats, as LEEANN SKODA (of PRETTY POLLY) takes the stage for the scheduled concert at the legendary Fret House Guitar Shop (309 Citrus Av). Her set is followed by BRAD COLERICK's trio — with TIM FLEMING on pedal steel guitar, and GUILLERMO GUZMAN on bass.
* Brad assures us, "We'll have a great night of music that I will abruptly bring to a close in plenty of time to catch the final westbound train home, arriving at L.A. Union Station at 11 pm."
* Need more encouragement? "Gonna be a hoot," concludes Brad.
* TIX:
♡ for concert tickets only, go to http://frethouse.com.
♡ for the train & concert -- so you can leave your automobile behind and "get into train-ing," joining Brad & co. on the "Rail to the Fret" adventure -- you can buy your own train tickets, OR, he has a "Combo Concert and Round-trip Metrolink Tickets" for $30, that you can purchase through him at: https://deepmix.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=2298179
(Using Brad's ticket link also offers a chance to donate to a homeless services organization.)
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Sat, Mar 9:
7 pm - BE PART OF A SPECIAL LIVE IN-STUDIO RECORDING PERFORMANCE, with accomplished artists in a new duo named TO WAKE YOU, recording their new album, "Winter and The Sacred Tree" in a live participatory concert at Laurel Lane Studios in San Luis Obispo.
* THIS IS A SPLENDID road trip!
* "To Wake You" is the name of the duo of nu-folk artist MARK DAVIS -- who once had "CD of the Year" honors from a leading newspaper -- and Danish performing songwriter KAROLINE HAUSTED. Both are multi-instrumentalists and their harmonies and combined vocal prowess is superb.
* THIS is the RECORDING of their unique set of traditional and original material, on piano, harp, guitar, percussion and the spoken word.
* The two artists tell us, "The concert is meant to be a shared, communal experience and so we have decided we would like to record it live with an audience present and participating (there is some easy group singing on the finale). Please come and be part of the magic as we capture it!"
* Of the nature of this "Winter and the Sacred Tree concert," Mark writes, "This set of songs is inspired by themes of Nordic mythology, particularly the World Tree, Ygdrassil, and the return of the light of the sun. As most of you know, Karoline is from Denmark (and it) has been while living in California, with some distance, that a deeper reflection on Nordic themes has emerged, and along with it, the universal themes of Winter."
* He continues, "The Tree has always been a powerful symbol around the globe, reflecting the grandeur and mystery of nature, both rooted and touching the heavens; it has become an integral part of winter iconography, particularly as seen with the decorated Christmas tree. The darkening of days and the anticipation of the light’s return are equally profound aspects of Winter. Here is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on deep nature and our relation to it."
* RESERVATIONS REQUIRED, as space in the recording studio is limited. Requested tix donation is $20 to $40.
* Reservations at: https://squareup.com/store/songrites/item/to-wake-you-special-live-recording-performance-of-winter-and-the-sacred-tree
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Sat, Mar 9; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
7 pm-10 pm - PADDY'S PIG brings their lively trad Irish music to the Red Leprechaun, 4000 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804; 562-343-5560.
* Time is approximate, so call the venue to confirm.
* The band tells us, "We will be drummerless but full of vim and vigor. Come get some dinner and a pint, we love this cozy place! Reservations recommended for dinner."
* The new PADDY’S PIG album comes-out March 15. The CD is titled "ALL DOWNHILL FROM HERE." Diving deeper into the rivulets and caverns of their recent EP “REBEL TOOTH,” This full album is a 15-track collection of mostly-original songs and melodies -- all new, barely-ever-before played live!, recorded with special guests. Rants, boozy jaunts, wistful reflections, a creepy dirge, tall tales and more. Available at:
http://www.paddyspig.com/store.html
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Sat, Mar 9:
7 pm - TERESA TUDURY performs at "Live at the A-Frame" series in Kagel Canyon.
* TIX & info: bit.ly/LiveAFrame
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Sat, Mar 9; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
7 pm-10 pm - PADDY'S PIG brings their lively trad Irish music to the Red Leprechaun, 4000 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804; 562-343-5560.
* Time is approximate, so call the venue to confirm.
* The band tells us, "We will be drummerless but full of vim and vigor. Come get some dinner and a pint, we love this cozy place! Reservations recommended for dinner."
* The new PADDY’S PIG album comes-out March 15. The CD is titled "ALL DOWNHILL FROM HERE." Diving deeper into the rivulets and caverns of their recent EP “REBEL TOOTH,” This full album is a 15-track collection of mostly-original songs and melodies -- all new, barely-ever-before played live!, recorded with special guests. Rants, boozy jaunts, wistful reflections, a creepy dirge, tall tales and more. Available at:
http://www.paddyspig.com/store.html
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Sat, Mar 9; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
8 pm - STEVE GILLETTE & CINDY MANGSEN, Missouri-based touring trad folkies able to produce a solid Irish/Celtic repertoire, play the monthly "PASADENA FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY" concert series at California Institute of Technologyin Beckman Institute Auditorium, aka "Little Beckman," 400 S Wilson Av, Pasadena, CA 91106; 626-395-4652.
* Park free for evening events in any space, any lot, including lots at S end of Michigan Av, off Del Mar.
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Sunday, Mar 10
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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME returned last night. Your clocks should have made their Great Leap Forward by one hour, so you can keep up with the times. Or, the time, anyway.
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Sun, Mar 10, FREE FESTIVAL:
Noon-5 pm - 45th annual "FESTIVAL OF THE KITE" on the Redondo Beach Pier, 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach CA 90277
* If they've been telling you to go fly a kite, you can.
* Launch a 25-ft-wide kite.
* Live music, food, prizes for flying your kite, hot-dog-on-a-stick eating contest, martial arts and dance demos.
* Info at: www.redondopier.com
* IF YOU GO... include time for the 11 am-2 pm Sunday Brunch (or anything else on the menu, after that) at the nearby RAGIN CAJUN CAFE, authentic cuisine brought to the South Bay from Lafayette Louisiana, at 525 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach CA. Four years as Easy Reader's "Best of the Beach" reader poll, you remember them from TV's Food Channel, and their years with the big gator-debecked food truck at all the Cajun-zydeco-blues festivals.
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Sun, Mar 10; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
10 am-noon - CLIFF LATIMER & LAURA OSBORN play their trad acoustic string music, inclusive of lots of Irish favorites, at their monthly 2nd Sun residency at Spoke Bicycle Cafe, 3050 N Coolidge Av, Los Angeles, CA
* No cover.
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Sun, Mar 10, FREE; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
10:30 am-noon - "HOUSE OF IRELAND TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION" happens every Sunday at the "House of Ireland" in the International Village that comes back to life every weekend, a vestige of an ancient San Diego World's Fair, in Balboa Park at 665 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA.
* Each cottage offers snacks, often from its nation's culture and cuisine, and all take turns presenting music music on the plaza stage. At the same time, many, including House of Ireland cottage, present a trad Irish "sessiun" inside the cottage, where all are welcome to participate or listen.
* Note that an "Irish Sessuin" is highly structured, not like your usual free-form acoustic jam. So best to listen and catch-on before jumping-in.
* Everything is FREE.
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Sun, Mar 10; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
1 pm - "MULDOON'S ANNUAL KILT CONTEST" at Muldoon's Irish Pub, 202 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA; 949-640-4110; www.muldoonspub.com
* PRIZES FOR THE WINNER, plus $25 MULDOON'S GIFT CARDS FOR ALL WHO COMPETE
~ IRISH MUSIC BY CRAIC IN THE STONE
~ IRISH STEP DANCING BY ANAIR SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE
* All ages, family-friendly ~ so come have lunch, some refreshments, and enjoy a celebration of Irish culture.
* To Sign Up for the Kilt Contest send an email to: corbin@muldoonspub.com
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Sun, Mar 10; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
1:15 pm-4 pm - TOM BALL & KENNY SULTAN play their every Sunday residency, one of the best obscure gems anywhere, at Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Barbara CA; 805-967-0066
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Sun, Mar 10; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
2 pm- 4 pm - "WESTCHESTER IRISH SESSION" every 2nd Sunday at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, 6700 W 83rd St, Westchester CA.
* No cover.
* All welcome to participate or listen. Note that an "Irish Sessuin" is highly structured, not like your usual free-form acoustic jam. So best to listen and catch-on before jumping-in.
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Sun, Mar 10:
2 pm - BAN CARA bring their CELTIC MUSIC to the Camarillo Public Library in Camarillo.
* TIX & info: www.camarillolibrary.org
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Sun, Mar 10:
2 pm - ANN ERWIN & EDITH ORLOFF perform at the Thousand Oaks Library in Thousand Oaks.
* TIX & info: www.tolibrary.org
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Sun, Mar 10:
3 pm - CYNTHIA BRANDO and BELLES OF THE LEVEE play the "Cellar Sessions" at Old Oak Cellars Winery in Pasadena.
* TIX & info: www.inwininc.com/cellar-sessions
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Sun, Mar 10; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
4 pm-7 pm - "AULD DUBLINER TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION" is every Sunday at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach CA 90802; 562-437-8300.
* No cover.
* All welcome to participate or listen. Note that an "Irish Sessuin" is highly structured, not like your usual free-form acoustic jam. So best to listen and catch-on before jumping-in.
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Sun, Mar 10; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
4:30 pm-7:30 pm - "SANTA BARBARA TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION" is every Sunday at La Arcada Bistro, 1112 State St, Santa Barbara CA
* No cover.
* All welcome to participate or listen. Note that an "Irish Sessuin" is highly structured, not like your usual free-form acoustic jam. So best to listen and catch-on before jumping-in.
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Sun, Mar 10; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
4:30 pm-7 pm - "IRISH JAM SESSION" is every Sunday at Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 18 E Ortega St, Santa Barbara CA; 805-568-0702
* No cover.
* All welcome to participate or listen. Note that an "Irish Sessuin" is highly structured, not like your usual free-form acoustic jam. So best to listen and catch-on before jumping-in.
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Sun, Mar 10:
5 pm & 7 pm - MARTIN BARRE does two early shows at Bogies at the Westlake Village Inn in Westlake Village.
* TIX & info: www.bogies-bar.com
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Sun, Mar 10:
7 pm - GLENDALE YOUTH ORCHESTRA performs "HANDEL'S MESSIAH" at the Alex Theatre, 216 N Brand Bl, Glendale, CA
* The Glendale Youth Orchestra is celebrating their 30th season as one of Los Angeles County's leading youth orchestras.
* They've played twice in recent years at the Walt Disney Concert Hall to great reviews.
* Performance includes the St. Cecilia Chorale, the Simbayanan Chorale, and the Philippine Chamber Singers.
* TIX: adult $15, child (age 12 & under) $12; (prices shown include $4.50 fees).
* Buy online adv, because it will sell-out. Open seating, so arrive in time to sit with your companions.
* TIX: https://www.alextheatre.org/event/glendale-youth-orchestra-presents-handels-messiah
* Parking info: http://www.alextheatre.org/visit/parking
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Sun, Mar 10; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
7:30 pm-11 pm - "O'BRIEN'S IRISH MUSIC SESSION" is every Sunday at O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 2226 Wilshire Bl, Santa Monica CA 90403; 310-829-5303
* No cover.
* All welcome to participate or listen. Note that an "Irish Sessuin" is highly structured, not like your usual free-form acoustic jam. So best to listen and catch-on before jumping-in.
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Tuesday, Mar 12
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Tue, Mar 12; FREE:
6 pm - THE WILD REEDS do a free in-store mini concert at Amoeba Music Hollywood, 6400 Sunset Bl, Hollywood CA 90028.
* The GUIDE attended the first real concert this band ever played, and we were smitten from the get-go.
* Now, these L.A. locals and Amoeba faves celebrate their new album, "Cheers" (out Mar 8 on Dualtone) with a live show / album signing.
* You'll need to purchase "Cheers" in-store at Amoeba Hollywood to attend the meet/signing, post-performance.
* Show is free/all-ages.
* The Wild Reeds fronted by three women, all talented singers, songwriters, and multi-instrumentalists in their own right: Kinsey Lee, Mackenzie Howe, and Sharon Silva, with drummer Nick Jones and bass player Nick Phakpiseth providing the rhythmic foundation.
* "Like a harmony at its euphoric best, the leads' powerful - and powerfully distinct - voices merge to form a sound that can only be The Wild Reeds. On their third LP, Cheers, the band comes together to create an ode to the joys and pains of camaraderie," writes one reviewer.
* The Wild Reeds' previous LPs, "Blind and Brave" (2014) and "The World We Built" (2017), and EPs, "Best Wishes" (2016) and "New Ways To Die" (2018), caught press attention from outlets ranging from NPR Music (including a "Tiny Desk Concert"), to "Billboard," "Rolling Stone Country," "Noisey," and "Garden & Gun," in addition to early attention in the GUIDE and radio play from influential stations like KEXP and KCRW. And now arrives "Cheers" It's a career highlight achieved by giving each writer considerable latitude, in the end creating a singular work out of three striking songwriting voices.
* On "Cheers," Lee, Howe, and Silva lean into their differences for the first time, giving one another unprecedented amounts of freedom to execute their own songs. Each was allowed room to pursue her vision, while always leaving an open door for the other members to step in and collaborate.
* "We decided to explore our individuality," says Howe. "It was a scary thing for us, because when you have three writers, you often have to do your best to tame your differences and come to some sort of agreement writing-wise, sonically, stylistically. It was the first time we said, 'Screw that, why don't we just record the songs the way they should be done?'"
* For all the exploration on "Cheers," the result is still tight and cohesive. The album makes room for infectious sing-along anthems (opening track "Moving Target"), tinges of R&B ("Lose My Mind"), lilting '60s pop-rock waltzes that build to resounding finishes ("Cheers," "Get Better"), haunting balladry ("Run and Hide," "My Name"), and even a gloriously hook-heavy track that Lee sheepishly admits started as a tongue-in-cheek pop punk throwback ("P.S. Nevermind").
* Every song sounds fresh, but all of them sound like The Wild Reeds.
* "For me, it felt no holds barred, limitless, like I could step up to the plate," Silva says. "The record feels very communal, and that's part of the reason we called it 'Cheers.' It felt like, 'Hey, we're all in this together and we're all focusing on what we're getting better at.' We could let go of what we're supposed to sound like and all reach a higher potential."
* If you don't yet know their music, fix that, fast.
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Wednesday, Mar 13
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Wed, Mar 13:
7 pm - BLUEGRASS comes to this week's "Wine & Song" concert series with ROSE VALLEY THORNS, plus KYLIE ROTHFIELD, hosted by BRAD COLERICK in the clubhouse at the Arroyo Seco Golf Course, 1055 Lohman Lane, South Pasadena 91030.
* The ROSE VALLEY THORNS are Joshua Bergmann on mandolin, Jared Bergmann on guitar, and Corey Highberg on upright bass. They are a bluegrass and progressive folk band out of Ventura County. They combine their youthful energy and eclectic musical backgrounds into a modern take on the traditional bluegrass genre.
* KYLIE ROTHFIELD was on NBC’s "The Voice" in 2016 where she was chosen by Alicia Keys, who coached her throughout the season. Kylie makes a long overdue return to Wine & Song. When one hears her voice, there is no denying the timeless, raw sense of emotion in her delivery. Crafting songs that combine elements of soul, blues and pop, Kylie’s music is honest and expressive. Although her vocal ability is undeniable, she is also an accomplished guitarist.
* The Arroyo Seco Grill (a short step next door) has food and full bar. Or BYOB to the show for a $10 corkage fee.
* TIX, $12 & $17, at https://blueguitar.club/
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Thursday, Mar 14
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Thu, Mar 14; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
7 pm - "ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN IRELAND" with CONNOR REIDER and the KERRY TRADITIONAL BAND, plus the CELTIC IRISH DANCE ACADEMY led by "Riverdance" star MAEVE CROKE, at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks, CA.
* This is the only Southern Cal performance of the tour.
TIX: Box Office, 805-449-2787, or online, at: www.civicartsplaza.com/ show_detail.php?id=629
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Thu, Mar 14, ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
7:30 pm - SLIGO RAGS in concert at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 West Malvern Av, Fullerton, CA 92833; https://themuck.org
* Or Box Office Tue-Fri, noon-4 pm, at 714-738-6595.
* COMING UP AT THE MUCK:
(All events are 7:30 pm-9:30 pm unless otherwise indicated):
• Mar 22 - SEAN OLIU & THE COASTLINE COWBOYS.
• May 9 - DOC SEVERINSEN SHOW; some new news (just in Sun, Feb 17) -- not only will some of the original "Tonight Show Orchestra" members make a surprise appearance, but there will be a video tribute to Doc created especially for this event.
• Apr 18 - "NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY AND STORYTELLING," 7:30-9:30 pm.
• Oct 17 - "LACY J. DALTON BENEFIT CONCERT feat. DALE POUNET," 7:30-9:30 pm.
* Box Office Tue-Fri, noon-4 pm, at 714-738-6595.
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Thu, Mar 14:
7:30 pm - AMANDA ABIZAID performs songs from her award winning EP "Walking In Twos" and more, Upstairs at Vitello’s, 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604
* STEPHEN STILLS says, “Amanda is fabulous, really check this out!”
* Her songs resemble chapters in a book telling stories ranging in different genres.
* American Lebanese singer songwriter Amanda Abizaid is accompanied tonight by Herman Matthews, Pete Korpela, Michael Mennell, Dimitris Mahlis, Luke Miller and Sharon Vaturi for a 7 piece band.
* Amanda Abizaid is best-known for her captivating vocals on the Emmy-winning theme song “A Place In Time” from Paramount’s "The 4400."
* Amanda's awards include: USA Songwriting Festival winner, Global Film Festival Awards, Los Angeles Film Awards, Asians on Film Festival Awards, Global Music Awards, and the Clouzine Int'l Music Awards (Best Children's Music Video).
* All-ages show.
* Venue serves dinner, lighter fare, and has full bar.
* Arrive at 6:30 pm to meet Amanda and the band and to enjoy a delicious meal at this beautiful venue. Full dinner menu available as soon as doors open.
* Your $10 ticket purchase confirms your reservation. Tables are available first-come first-serve. In addition, there is a two-item ($20 from menu) minimum.
* Tix price INCREASES on day of show.
* Valet parking available with validation for $6.
* Metered street parking, but be sure to read the signs; no parking on Woodbridge after 9 pm nightly.
* Tix online advance: use discount code LIONSDEN to get your $10 ticket, at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/amanda-abizaid-tickets-55048267851
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Thu, Mar 14:
8 pm-11 pm - GARRET SWAYNE & FRIENDS play "a big show" with performing songwriter Garret joined by SCOTT FIRESTONE, country singer-songwriter SHERI PEDIGO, and chanteuse SUZIE OLIVER, at Pickwick’s Pub, 21010 Ventura Bl, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
* No cover.
* View clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/garretswayne/videos?sort=p&view=0&flow=grid&live_view=500
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Friday, Mar 15
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Today is "THE IDES OF MARCH," marking the 2,063rd anniversary of the assassination of Julius Caesar. 'Tis the fateful day of which Shakespeare reminds that hubris can be fatal, as when the soothsayer warned Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March," alas, to no avail.
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Fri-Sun, Mar 15-17, FREE FESTIVAL:
Annual "ORANGE COUNTY CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL" at Huntington Beach Central Park, 18381 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
* Annual spring celebration of Japanese and Japanese-American culture in Southern California.
* Features "a broad spectrum of performers and activities that span the traditional to the contemporary -- Taiko drumming, minyo, classical dance, gagaku music, origami, ikebana are presented alongside cosplay contests, anime characters, electronic music, jazz, video game tournaments and beyond."
* Includes "tasting the best of Japanese food and drink vendors in the region."
* New for 2019 is the "Sakura Night Market."
* Since its inception, the Festival has been inspired by and helped to fund an international student exchange program between Huntington Beach and its sister city, Anjo, Japan.
* SCHEDULE:
Fri, 3/15, 5 pm-9 pm
Sat, 3/16, 10 am-9 pm
Sun, 3/17, 10 am-4 pm
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Saturday, Mar 16
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Sat, Mar 16; Fri-Sun, Mar 15-17, FREE FESTIVAL:
Annual "ORANGE COUNTY CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL" at Huntington Beach Central Park, 18381 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
* See Friday's extensive write-up.
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Sat, Mar 16; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S FESTIVAL, FREE☘️:
11 am - Annual "CANOGA PARK ST. PATRICK'S CELEBRATION" starts with a "Community March" (they used to call it a parade), and includes Live Irish Music & Comedy, begins at the Madrid Theatre with stages set up at the Farmer's Market, Canoga Park, CA.
* Event features entertainment by True Thomas, Owen Dara, and many more.
* Includes Vendors, Free Food, Door Prizes and more, billed as "Great family fun for all ages."
* FREE event presented by the Canoga Park Improvement Association.
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Sat, Mar 16; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
Noon-2 pm - LEO KRETZNER & THE OLD GREY CATS play their 1st of two St. Pat's gigs today with Irish Tunes & Songs with dulcimer, fiddle & bodhran, at Last Name Craft Brewery, 2120 Porterfield Way, Upland, CA 91786; 909-579-0032; www.lastnamebrewing.com
* No cover.
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Sat, Mar 16; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
6 pm-8 pm - LEO KRETZNER & THE OLD GREY CATS play their 2nd of two St. Pat's gigs today with Irish Tunes & Songs with dulcimer, fiddle & bodhran, at Lytle Creek Community Center, 14082 Center Rd, Lytle Creek, CA 92358 (near Mt. Baldy).
* Public welcome; $10 for corned beef and cabbage dinner.
* Reservations: 909-887-0983.
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Sat, Mar 16:
6:30 pm - THE FLAMENCO SESSIONS TRES! at the "SESSIONS AT THE LOFT" concert series in Camarillo.
* TIX & info: www.sessionsattheloft.com
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Sat, Mar 16 (Rescheduled from Mar 8):
7 pm - WHITHERWARD indie Folk duo plays Fiddler's Crossing, 206 East F St, Tehachapi, CA 93561; 661-823-9994
* In 2014, EDWARD A. WILLIAMS and ASHLEY E. NORTON, exploring the sub-genres of folk, and resolved to never settle in one place, founded WITHERWARD and left Nashville to play music they love for people who love music. Upon finding the word in Dictionary.com, they felt "The name glowed," and knew it was theirs to set free.
* Now a full-time, nationally & internationally touring storyteller duo, Whitherward wanders the country and overseas.
* Whitherward records Americana/indie-folk music with a full band, and tours mainly as a duo, often adding violinist/mandolin player/vocalist STEPHANIE GROOT.
* Hear song tracks at: https://whitherward.com/
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Sat, Mar 16:
7:30 pm - PHIL SALAZAR & THE KINFOLK play the "CAMARILLO CAFE CONCERT SERIES" at the Camarillo Community Center, 1605 E Burnley St, Camarillo, CA 93010.
* NEW MANAGEMENT: inland Ventura County, through Camarillo and across the pass to Thousand Oaks, has faced a lot of challenges and heartbreak with massive wildfires that followed yet another gun massacre in a nightclub. That isn't why Peter Krantz & Becky Glenn retired at the end of last year, but it's part of why, in handing the series to Bob Schetter and Marilyn Owen, things went a couple months without performances. Bob & Marilyn tell us, "We have been working hard ever since to learn the ropes and keep things going at the level you have become accustomed to. One of the changes is a brand new website, with a new URL."
* Although never an actual dining establishment, the "Camarillo Café" is a long-running, delightful, intimate, smoke-free and alcohol-free coffeehouse-style concert series, monthly except July & Dec, sponsored by the Pleasant Valley Rec & Park District.
* There's also their Facebook page (if your devices are infested with the FB spyware that comes with an FB account); that's at: https://www.facebook.com/CamCafe/
* The series' first act of 2019 is Camarillo Café favorite and Southern Cal roots music institution, PHIL SALAZAR and the KINFOLK, in time for St. Patrick's Day.
* In April, the monthly series presents award-winning San Diego folk duo BERKLEY HART, and in May, it's TOM BALL & KENNY SULTAN. Ahead are SLIGO RAGS, GARY STOCKDALE, SUZIE GLAZE & THE NEW FOLK ENSEMBLE, and a night with DAN CRARY with the CACHE VALLEY DRIFTERS. Finishing up the year, they have LISA RICHARDS, a brilliant new talent visiting the US from Australia.
* TONIGHT'S SHOW: as the bookers say, "We hardly need to introduce them to this audience, but in case you are new to the community, Phil and his band have been performing and recording for over 30 years. Their signature style blends bluegrass, country, pop, rock, jazz, and blues in a way no one else can. Last year's show was sold out, with latecomers banging on the doors to get in! Yep, they are local superstars. You can't help but tap your toes, dance in your seat, and have a good time when Phil and the band are on stage." The Guide heartily concurs.
* Doors at 7 pm for the best seats.
* TIX $25 at the door, no advance sales. Be early to get in; it'll sell-out!
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Sat, Mar 16:
8 pm - monthly "WEST VALLEY ACOUSTIC MUSIC CONCERT SERIES" presents BARRY DOW and JEFF GOLD in a TWO ARTISTS' CD RELEASE SHOW at West Valley Music Center, 24424 Vanowen St, West Hills, CA 91307
* Barry Dow - Kerville Folk Festival winner, plays contemporary folk finger-picked with an easy, rolling flair.
* Jeff Gold - urban folk rendered in a gentle voice, accompanied by flowing, fluid guitar.
* TIX, $20, includes refreshments. Reserve at www.westvalleymusiccenter.com
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Sat, Mar 16:
8 pm - THE SUZIE GLAZE NEW FOLK ENSEMBLE, plus openers, the LYONS ACADEMY DANCERS, at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731
* Award-winning vocalist Susie Glaze, mandolinist Steve Rankin, fiddler Mark Indictor and bassist Fred Sanders play gorgeous eclectic blends of mountain folk including tunes from the Jean Ritchie songbook plus new-grassy and Celtic-inspired originals.
* "One of the most beautiful voices in bluegrass and folk music today.” -- KPFK's "FolkScene" radio show.
* WATCH the video performance: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gwTGJPpRUqs&mc_cid=7a2caa0bff&mc
* TIX, with seat selector: https://grandvision.secure.force.com/ticket/#sections_a0F46000001xOPZEA2
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Sat, Mar 16; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
8 pm - DUBLIN'S IRISH TENORS & THE CELTIC LADIES play Beckman Auditorium (aka "Big Beckman") at Caltech, 332 S Michigan Av (S of Del Mar Bl), Pasadena CA
* Delighting critics and audiences around the world, it's two superb Irish groups in one magical concert, featuring wonderful harmonies and lilting melodies. These talented singers take you on a breathtaking musical journey covering Irish classics, opera, & pop.
* TIX: $39, $44, 49; youth (HS age & younger) $10. Senior rush tickets are $25, beginning 1/2 hr before performance (subject to availability).
* Info: 626 395-4652; www.caltech.edu/content/dublins-irish-tenors-and-celtic-ladies
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Sunday, Mar 17
St. Patrick's Day
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Sun, Mar 17; Fri-Sun, Mar 15-17, FREE FESTIVAL:
Annual "ORANGE COUNTY CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL" at Huntington Beach Central Park, 18381 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
* See Friday's extensive write-up.
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Sun, Mar 17, FREE ; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
10:30 am-noon - "HOUSE OF IRELAND TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION" happens every Sunday at the "House of Ireland" in the International Village that comes back to life every weekend, a vestige of an ancient San Diego World's Fair, in Balboa Park at 665 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA.
* Each cottage offers snacks, often from its nation's culture and cuisine, and all take turns presenting music music on the plaza stage. At the same time, many, including House of Ireland cottage, present a trad Irish "sessiun" inside the cottage, where all are welcome to participate or listen.
* Note that an "Irish Sessuin" is highly structured, not like your usual free-form acoustic jam. So best to listen and catch-on before jumping-in.
* Everything is FREE.
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Sun, Mar 17; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
1:15PM - 4:00PM TOM BALL AND KENNY SULTAN
Every Sunday
Cold Spring Tavern
5995 Stagecoach Road, Santa Barbara, CA
805-967-0066
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Sun, Mar 17, ☘️ST. PATRICK'S DAY EVENT ☘️:
2 pm-midnight - "ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT THE SHAMROCK" at the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd, Ste 145, Murrieta, CA 92563.
* IMPORTANT NOTE: on Feb 21, the venue announced, "Last chance for St Patrick's Day commemorative t-shirt & wristband package, with guaranteed entry on the big day, all for $25. Only a few left. Email paul@getshamrocked.com with your name, # of wristbands you want, and a contact cell phone. You will receive a reply that same day. Entrance on St Patrick's Day is a $15 cover charge at the door," NO RESERVATIONS, space available.
* Performing are: KEY OF Whiskey, KICK-STOMP ENSEMBLE, THE GUINNESS MARQUEE, pipes and drums, plus a party DJ.
* They'll have green beer, corned beef & cabbage "and other surprises." Sláinte!
* This is strictly a 21+ event from 2 pm.
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Sun, Mar 17:
2 pm - THE STORYTELLERS plus THE RATTLESNAKES play a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, CA 91001
* Reservations 10 am-10 pm, 7 days, at 626-798-6236.
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Sun, Mar 17; SILENT FILM / LIVE ORGANIST:
3 pm - THE 1925 “PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" with acclaimed silent film organist DENNIS JAMES performing his revamped soundtrack, for one show at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
* Organist DENNIS JAMES, on the massive "William J. Gillespie Pipe Organ," performs the chilling organ accompaniment to this vintage, genre-making horror classic.
* “Phantom of the Opera,” the original 1925 black-and-white silentvfilm version, stars the great LON CHANEY.
* Projected on a huge high-definition screen above the stage, this concert is part of PACIFIC SYMPHONY's 2018-19 "Pipes and Pedals" series, sponsored by Valerie and Barry Hon.
* “Phantom of the Opera” is the tale of a lonely and deformed organist’s pursuit of love. Attempting to boost the career of the woman of his affection from starlet to celebrity, the organist haunts the corridors of the Paris Opera House, infamously transforming into the “Opera Ghost.”
* Originally published as a novel in 1910 by Gaston Leroux, the story was originally adapted into THIS horror film in 1925 by the founder of Universal Studios, Carl Laemmle. Despite encountering its own production drawbacks while filming, the adaptation became a legendary success.
* Eventually it inspired the inevitable cinematic re-makes, and the now-classic ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER Broadway musical in 1986.
* Interestingly, although the Webber musical became an overwhelming success in large part because of its haunting and hypnotic score, the 1925 film soundtrack composed by J. CARL BRIEL was believed lost to history.
* Lost, that is, until DENNIS JAMES conjured his own hybrid score. James took on the monstrous task of creating a score that embodies the unfolding drama with a plethora of note colors, textures and the commanding lines of a pipe organ to characterize the “Phantom” himself.
* TIX start at just $10. (Wow! That's cheaper than seeing some modern drivel in a shoebox multiplex.)
* Tix available from Box Office at 714-755-5799, or online at: https://www.pacificsymphony.org
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Sun, Mar 17:
4 pm - JOHN YORK, alum of THE BIRDS, plays Alvas Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro CA 90732
* Info on this show, the venue, and their calendar (mostly jazz) at:
www.alvasshowroom.com
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Sun, Mar 17; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
4 pm-7 pm - "AULD DUBLINER TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION" Is every Sunday at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach, CA 90802; 562-437-8300.
* No cover.
* All welcome to participate or listen. Note that an "Irish Sessuin" is highly structured, not like your usual free-form acoustic jam. So best to listen and catch-on before jumping-in.
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Sun, Mar 17; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
4:30 pm-7:30 pm - "SANTA BARBARA TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION" happens every Sunday at La Arcada Bistro, 1112 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
* No cover.
* All welcome to participate or listen. Note that an "Irish Sessuin" is highly structured, not like your usual free-form acoustic jam. So best to listen and catch-on before jumping-in.
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Sun, Mar 17; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S EVENT☘️:
4:30 pm-7 pm - "IRISH JAM SESSION" happens every Sunday at Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 18 E Ortega St, Santa Barbara, CA; 805-568-0702.
* No cover.
* All welcome to participate or listen. Note that an "Irish Sessuin" is highly structured, not like your usual free-form acoustic jam. So best to listen and catch-on before jumping-in.
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Sun, Mar 17, ON TV:
5 pm & 7:30 pm - JOHNNY CASH is profiled on the oddly-titled series, "The Day The Rock Star Died," on AXS TV.
* He’s primarily remembered as a country icon, but Johnny Cash blended rock & roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel, making him a true music legend. His deep, calm, bass-baritone voice combined with his lyrics of sorrow, moral tribulation and redemption established his distinct sound that captivated millions & inspired countless more.
* The 2018 show is 30 mins.
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Sun, Mar 17; ☘️ST. PATRICK'S DAY EVENT☘️:
Time tba - "IRISH CENTER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SAINT PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION"
* The evening includes dinner and Live entertainment, and features a special drawing for two round-trip tickets to Ireland or the cash equivalent.
* Tix: donation is $25 per ticket, or $50 for three tickets.
* Info: 818-238-0445.
* Reservations: 818-956-5466.
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Sun, Mar 17, ON TV:
7:30 pm - JOHNNY CASH is profiled on the oddly-titled series, "The Day The Rock Star Died," on AXS TV. see 5 pm write-up.
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Sun, Mar 17:
8 pm - ROSE COUSINS, genuine folk star, plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405; 310-828-4497
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Monday, Mar 18
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Mon, Mar 18:
6:30 pm - CHARGED PARTICLES, with 15-time GRAMMY winner MICHAEL BRECKER, play the Thousand Oaks Library in Thousand Oaks.
* TIX & info: www.tolibrary.org
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Tuesday, Mar 19
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Tue, Mar 19:
8 pm - ARLO GUTHRIE plays the "Lobero Live" concert series at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 805-963-0761
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Tue, Mar 19:
8 pm - DUSTBOWL REVIVAL plus HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN play their "ACROSS THE GREAT DIVIDE" tour, with its 50th Anniversary Tribute to THE BAND, in the Smothers Theatre at Pepperdine University's Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts, 24255 P.C.H., Malibu, CA 90265; 310-506-4522
* The other local dates are:
• Mar 20, 7:30 pm, at the Fremont Theatre, San Luis Obispo, CA
• Mar 22, 7:30 pm, at the Musco Center for the Arts, Orange, CA
• Mar 23 at the "City of Las Vegas Bluegrass Festival" (HCOC only)
• Mar 31, 7 pm at the Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
• Apr 2, 8 pm, UCSB Campbell Hall, Santa Barbara, CA
* TIX for all shows: https://www.hotclubofcowtown.com/tour/
* JUST RELEASED new album "Crossing the Great Divide." In celebration of the 50th anniversary of THE BAND'S first two albums "Music From Big Pink" and "The Band," Texas trio HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN revisits its Americana roots and re-imagines these seven masterpieces in its own, unique style.
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Wednesday, Mar 20
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Wed, Mar 20:
7 pm - WILD PONIES plus SILVER LAKE play the "WINE & SONG" Concert Series in South Pasadena.
* TIX & info: www.wineandsong.com
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Thursday, Mar 21
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Thu, Mar 21, FILM SCREENING:
"STEVIE NICKS: IN YOUR DREAMS" is a new documentary that follows Stevie Nicks as she begins writing and recording her first solo album in nearly a decade.
* Special one-day-only screenings are today at ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Beach Cities, and Culver City.
* TIX for all locations at: https://www.arclightcinemas.com
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Saturday, Mar 23
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Sat, Mar 23, FREE FESTIVAL:
All-day - Annual "PIE FESTIVAL" in downtown Claremont, CA.
* 10 am-4 pm, HIGH STRUNG plays "our general eclectic mix of 'music your grandpappy'd like' including some leftover Irish :-) for our yearly Pie Festival performance."
* They expect to be performing on the corner of Indian Hill and 2nd, where they've been located the past couple years.
* They alternate with other bands, "playing intermittently throughout the day."
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Sat, Mar 23, FREE FESTIVAL:
11am-7 pm - 4th Annual "VEGAN STREET FAIR LOS ANGELES" is actually in the SFV, in North Hollywood.
* Named "the largest single day vegan food festival in the world" by the esteemed "HappyCow Vegan Guide."
* The annual FREE ENTRANCE vegan food celebration is where local vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants and vendors come together to serve bite-size portions of vegan eats, all in one place.
* The best part? It's street fair prices.
* Every food vendor has a $4-or-less bite-size portion.
* Get ready to #eatalltheveganthings
* How to play this: instead of buying a $10 plate of vegan nachos and sitting out the rest of the food experiences, use the option to get bites from one vendor, move on to the next, and enjoy tastes of all of L.A.'s best vegan eats for the cumulative price of one restaurant meal.
* VSF has been named a 2017 Good Food Champion by the Los Angeles Food Policy Council for bringing health conscious food to the community at large.
* So, is there live music? We don't know. We figure you're probably interested, anyway.
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Sat, Mar 23:
7:30 pm - THE ALLEY CATS play the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks.
* TIX & info: www.civicartsplaza.com
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Sat, Mar 23:
8 pm - Banjo maven DONNA LYNN CASKEY plays the Namba Performing Arts Space in Ventura.
* TIX & info: www.nambaarts.com
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Sunday, Mar 24
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SPECIAL SECTION: FREE "BACH IN THE SUBWAYS" PERFORMANCES TODAY, MULTIPLE VENUES
From L.A. to Claremont, Santa Monica to Bakersfield, "we've got your Bach..."
Sun, Mar 24, FREE CONCERT:
10 am-noon - "BACH IN THE SUBWAYS" presents CANTABILE performing at the Glendale Amtrak Station (historic Southern Pacific RR station), Glendale Transportation Center, W Cerritos Av, Glendale, CA
* "Bach in the Subways" is an international event highlighting the music of Bach in public spaces. It celebrates Johann Sebastian Bach’s 334th birthday all weekend with numerous concerts and events.
* it's the 4th year in a row for CANTABILE, their 3rd year at the Glendale Train Station.
* CANTABILE is part of the "Los Angeles Chamber Music Players meetup group," and is directed Barbara Don.
* Orchestral performance with violins, violas, cellos
* PROGRAM: Orchestral Suite #3, selections from The Art of Fugue, Brandenburg Concerto #3
* Map, more, at: https://bachinthesubways.org/losangeles/
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Sun, Mar 24, FREE CONCERT:
1 pm- 2:30 pm - "BACH IN THE SUBWAYS" presents "Maggie Parkins and Friends" Kyle Champion, Kira Blumberg, Jeff Gauthier, Alfred Cramer, Lynn Burrows, April Losey, & Sara Parkins, perfoming mixed ensembles at the Leammle Theatre courtyard, Claremont, CA
* Free outdoor concert of Brandenburg Concerti and other delights celebrating J.S.'s birthday.
* "Bach in the Subways" is an international event highlighting the music of Bach in public spaces. It celebrates Johann Sebastian Bach’s 334th birthday all weekend with numerous concerts and events.
* More info: http://maggieparkins.com/
* Map, more, at: https://bachinthesubways.org/losangeles/
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Sun, Mar 24, FREE CONCERT:
1 pm-2:30 pm - "BACH IN THE SUBWAYS" presents Dermot Mulroney & Dale Henderson performing as a cello duet at the Page Museum, on Wilshire Bl, Los Angeles, CA
* "Bach in the Subways" is an international event highlighting the music of Bach in public spaces. It celebrates Johann Sebastian Bach’s 334th birthday all weekend with numerous concerts and events.
* Map, more, at: https://bachinthesubways.org/losangeles/
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Sun, Mar 24, FREE CONCERT:
1 pm-3:40 pm - "BACH IN THE SUBWAYS" presents members of the Bakersfield Symphony and student artists performing solo, duet, and in ensembles in multiple performance spaces at the Bakersfield Amtrak Station, on Truxtun Av, Bakersfield, CA
* "Bach in the Subways" is an international event highlighting the music of Bach in public spaces. It celebrates Johann Sebastian Bach’s 334th birthday all weekend with numerous concerts and events.
* Schedule:
Ella Gove 1-1:10 pm
Daniel Yuan 1:30-1:40 pm
Giana Park and Rachel Pan (duet) 1:40-2:50 pm
Ella and Daniel Gove (duet) 1:45-2:55 pm
Jeannie and Daniel Yuan (duet) 1:45-2 pm
Isaac Kim 1:50-2 pm
Music of Bakersfield 2-2:30 pm
Zaylie Pasillas 2:30-2:40 pm
Brian Shih and Ian Kim 2:40-2:50 pm
Jaden Choi 3-3:10 pm
Philippe and Rafael Marinas (guitar duet) 3-3:10 pm
Philippe Marinas 3:10-3:20 pm
Raphael Marinas 3:20-3:30 pm
Candice Lee 3:30-3:40 pm
* Sponsored by Music of Bakersfield: http://www.musicofbakersfield.org
* Map, more, at: https://bachinthesubways.org/losangeles/
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Sun, Mar 24, FREE CONCERT:
5 pm-7 pm - "BACH IN THE SUBWAYS" presents a Bach-themed "Third Street Promenade Open Mic" on the Third Street Promenade, pedestrian-only 3rd St, Santa Monica, CA
* Performances by string quartet, on viola, and by "who ever else wants to play."
* PROGRAM: Bach Double Concerto, Arioso, Air on G, Bach Cello Suite (for viola).
* "Bach in the Subways" is an international event highlighting the music of Bach in public spaces. It celebrates Johann Sebastian Bach’s 334th birthday all weekend with numerous concerts and events.
* Map, more, at: https://bachinthesubways.org/losangeles/
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Sunday's other events
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Sun, Mar 24:
4 pm-7 pm - LEO KRETZNER & THE OLD GREY CATS play Celtic & Old-Time Music at the Black Watch British Pub, 497 N Central Av, Upland, CA 91786; 909-981-6069; www.theblackwatchpub.com
* No cover.
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Sun, Mar 24:
7 pm - VENICE, the longtime band from, er, Venice, who delighted at NAMM, play Bogies at the Westlake Village Inn in Westlake Village.
* TIX & info: www.bogies-bar.com
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Wednesday, Mar 27
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Wed, Mar 27:
7 pm - MIA & JONAH and ANNA VOGELZANG play the "WINE & SONG" Concert Series in South Pasadena.
* TIX & info: www.wineandsong.com
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Saturday, Mar 30
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Sat, Mar 30:
7 pm - DYLAN EARL plays the "TINY PORCH CONCERTS" series at Cornell Winery in Agoura.
* TIX & info: www.tinyporchconcerts.com
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Sat, Mar 30:
8 pm - LAITH AL-SAADI plays the "BROGDEN BAY PRESENTS" concert series at Four Friends Gallery in Thousand Oaks.
* TIX & info: www.brogdenbaypresents.com
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April and a bit of May -- first look
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Fri, Apr 5; live webcast:
3:30 pm (PDT) - 2019 "AMERICAN PIANISTS AWARDS"
* It's an award given once every four years.
* It goes to the winner at the conclusion of a unique 13-month competition process.
* It's the prestigious "COLE PORTER FELLOWSHIP" of the 2019 "American Pianists Awards."
* The five finalists are Kenny Banks, Jr., Emmet Cohen, Keelan Dimick, Dave Meder, and Bill Test.
* WHAT YOU CAN WATCH ONLINE:
☆ The "Club Finals" features two sets of trio performances on Friday and the finals on Saturday, all with online simulcasts from Indianapolis.
☆ Friday, April 5 at 3:30 pm and 6 pm (Pacific) each pianist competes in two performances from The Jazz Kitchen.
☆ Saturday, April 6, the "Gala Finals" start at Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis at 5 pm (Pacific). Grammy® Award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater hosts the event. Each finalist performs with the Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra and GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist Kurt Elling.
☆ Both nights streamed live at: www.AmericanPianists.org/live
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Sat, Apr 6; ONLY DAY TO GET TIX:
Annual "EXPLORE JPL" will be held at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, on May 18 & 19 from 8:30 am to 4 pm.
* TODAY ONLY, Tickets are available to the public online, at 8 am PDT. All will be gone promptly.
* WHY IS THIS A BIG DEAL? The long-running "NASA/JPL Open House" drew more traffic and visitors than the facility could handle. It is gone forever, replaced by this online ticket rush, and there are NO OTHER options for the public to see the center of the world of robotic planetary exploration.
* Visitors will have the opportunity to see, among other things, full-sized models of Mars rovers, and to view the "Mars 2020" rover that is being constructed in the Spacecraft Assembly Facility. Attendees can also see mission control and the machine shop, where precise parts are made for spacecraft.
* Tickets are FREE BUT VERY LIMITED and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of five tickets per requestor. Orders for more than five tickets may be subject to cancellation.
* Tickets will be provided for specific time slots and must be reserved for specific names.
* To attend, visitors must have their tickets in hand -- nobody will be admitted without a ticket -- and anyone age 18 or over must show a matching legal ID.
* Tickets are not transferable and cannot be sold.
* Although children under two do not require a ticket, experiences at the event are not intended for very young guests.
* Vehicles entering NASA/JPL property are subject to inspection. Visitors cannot bring these items to NASA/JPL: weapons, explosives, incendiary devices, dangerous instruments, alcohol, illegal drugs, pets and all types of skates, skateboards and Segways. Bicycling to NASA/JPL is welcomed, but not inside the event, as the venues are crowded with pedestrians. Bike racks will be provided near the main entrance.
* No bags, backpacks or ice chests are allowed, except small purses and diaper bags.
* Drones are not allowed to fly over NASA/JPL under any circumstances.
* FULL INFO at: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/special-events.php
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Sat Apr 6:
1 pm - "CENTENIAL CELEBRATION 2019: THE RE-PETE SEEGER CONCERT" celebration of Pete's 100th birthday, with The Geer Family Singers, Ellen Geer, Peter Alsop, Melora Marshall, EMMA'S REVOLUTION, Marshall McDaniel, Earnestine Phillips, Gerald C. Rivers, with Michele Brourman, Elizabeth Tobias, Ross Altman, and more, at the beautiful Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga CA
* Tickets -- adult $25; Seniors-Students $15; Youth 6-17 $10; Kids under age 6 are free.
5 pm (PDT) - 2019 "AMERICAN PIANISTS AWARDS" present their "Gala Finals" live from the Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis, Indiana.
* It's an award given once every four years.
* It goes to the winner at the conclusion of a unique 13-month competition process.
* It's the prestigious "COLE PORTER FELLOWSHIP" of the 2019 "American Pianists Awards."
* The five finalists are Kenny Banks, Jr., Emmet Cohen, Keelan Dimick, Dave Meder, and Bill Test.
* WHAT YOU CAN WATCH ONLINE:
☆ The "Club Finals" features two sets of trio performances on Friday and the finals on Saturday, all with online simulcasts from Indianapolis.
☆ Friday, April 5 at 3:30 pm and 6 pm (Pacific) each pianist competes in two performances from The Jazz Kitchen.
☆ Saturday, April 6, the "Gala Finals" start at Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis at 5 pm (Pacific). Grammy® Award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater hosts the event. Each finalist performs with the Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra and GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist Kurt Elling.
☆ Both nights streamed live at: www.AmericanPianists.org/live
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Sun Apr 7 Topanga CA:
Time tba - "LOVE & PEACE & SEX & WAR, GENDER, JUSTICE & LOTS MORE!" concert with PETER ALSOP and EMMA'S REVOLUTION, at the Corazon Performing Arts Center, 125 S Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga, CA
* TIX: $20 General Admission; $15 Students/Seniors/Military.
* Tickets at the door (first come, first served) or adv at: https://emmasrevolution.com/sun-april-7th-topanga-emmasrev-peter-alsop
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Apr 11-14, FESTIVAL:
"BENDER JAMBOREE" in Las Vegas, Nv
* Lineup features the phenomenal BILLY STRINGS Apr 11 & 12. He and his band were the 2018 fall season openers on "Bluegrass Underground." Their instrumental wizardry is phenomenal.
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UPDATED LISTING -- ACT PROMPTLY FOR DISCOUNT TIX! Details below...
Sat, Apr 13, FESTIVAL:
10 am-10 pm - 2nd Annual "FOLKWORKS FOLK ROOTS FESTIVAL" at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 11000 National Bl, Los Angeles CA 90064
* Early Bird DISCOUNT TICKET SALES end Midnight Sun, Mar 24. (Tix options & purchase info at bottom.)
* More than SEVENTY artists perform on two stages (one Indoor, one Outdoor Stage), plus five Workshop Rooms.
* Theme is a hybrid of Roots-Americana and "World" music, like the every-month content of FolkWorks itself; this year, the "world" half of the theme is Africa / African music and dance: "Exploring African Roots from Zimbabwe to Appalachia" (and Louisiana).
* Festival headliners also lead WORKSHOPS.
* DOM FLEMONS, GRAMMY winner while a founding member of CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS, leads the daytime workshop, "Discovering Early American Roots Music and Culture"; he performs in the separately-ticketed evening concert.
* ADAAWE performs; members of ADAAWE lead "African Drumming Workshop."
* WILLY SOULY and his group of musicians and dancers perform in the evening concert; choreographer, dancer, drummer, Taekwondo expert, UCLA instructor WILLY SOULY, originally from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in West Africa, leads a "West African Dance Workshop."
* LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS perform, and GRAMMY nom Lisa leads a "Fiddle Workshop."
* Blues greats BERNIE PEARL and BARBARA MORRISON perform together; Bernie leads a "Blues Guitar Workshop."
* The 5-member BANJO PROJECT, "celebrating the connection between African and American music" performs with Walter Spencer, Tom Sauber, Steve Shapiro, Chris Berry, & Monika White; Monika White and Tom Sauber also lead workshops.
* MASANGA MARIMBA performs and leads workshop.
* SAUSAGE GRINDER plays an "Appalachian running set" with James Hutson calling. All are welcome, experienced dancers or not.
* SPENCER & RAINS play their twin fiddle harmony, based on influences of the midwestern Scandinavian fiddlers Tricia heard as a child.
* WORKSHOP LEADERS: Tom Sauber • Chris Berry • David Bragger • Monika White • Roger Goodman • Jim & Amber Mueller • Emil Olguin • Mary Pat Cooney • Nick Smith • Ruth Alpert • Lisa Haley • Ric Alviso • Dom Flemons • Angel Luis Figueroa • Pat Mac Swyney • Suzy Thompson • Eric Thompson • Bernie Pearl • Emile Hassan Dyer • Barbara Morrison • Willy Souly • Gerald Rivers • Members of ADAAWE.
** EVENING CONCERT (separate tix) at 7:30 pm, with:
• DOM FLEMONS - GRAMMY winner while a founding member of CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS, the D.C.-based "American Songster" brings his 100-year repertoire; expert player on Banjo, Fife, Guitar, Harmonica, Percussion, Quills, and Rhythm Bones; also leads daytime workshop.
• THOMPSONIA - "Southern roots music" from Suzy Thompson, Eric Thompson, Allegra Thompson (Folk-Americana icon Suzy, and Eric, also lead daytime workshops).
• SOULY DANCE ARTS - Willy Souly, Aboulacar Kouyate, Gnenomen Soro, Adama Biloro Dembe, Malik Sow.
* FULL SCHEDULE: https://fwfolkrootsfestival.com/schedule
* FULL LINEUP, with profiles, bios, etc: https://fwfolkrootsfestival.com/lineup
* DISCOUNT TICKET PRICES shown below end Mar 25 at midnight; three types:
(1) Daytime Events tix (10 am-5 pm): $25
Includes admission to the WORKSHOPS, FOLK FILMS, and AFTERNOON CONCERTS.
(2) Evening Concert tix (7 pm-10 pm): $25, that concert only; option, +$10, for Limited Reserved seats, Rows 2-4 of seating.
(3) "Everything" tix, all day and evening, 10 am-10 pm: $45, with option of +$10 for Limited Reserved seats at Evening Concert, first three rows of seating.
* PRICES GO UP AFTER MARCH 24th.
* TIX purchase, to get early bird discount (Brown Paper Tickets link): https://m.bpt.me/event/3918676
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Tue, Apr 14:
2 to 5 pm - ANDRE THIERRY plays The French Quarter Creole Bar & Grill, 16728 Bellflower Bl, Bellflower, CA 90706
* $15 at the door.
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Apr 26, FREE:
7 pm - "GREEN NEW DEAL TOUR & TOWN HALL: LOS ANGELES" massive rally at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, 400 W Washington Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90015; exact location on campus TBD.
* The "Sunrise" speaking tour is stopping in nine locations across the U.S. to bring the fight for a "Green New Deal" to every corner of the country. Individual communities are hosting their own large-scale gatherings alongside the tour stops, sharing stories from within the community to bring the "Green New Deal" home.
* Political opposition from entrenched office-holders (both parties) is already formidable, and their chief tactic is to ridicule and marginalize anyone concerned with actually doing something. This tour is being done to force pressure on the corporate political establishment to quit obfuscating, distracting, and making false claims to protect monied interests, and to instead PASS INTO LAW the GREEN NEW DEAL for the health of the planet and the ability of human societies to continue.
* Attend this Town Hall to hear leaders in our community share how the Green New Deal is the biggest opportunity of our lifetime to invest in the American people, and what that looks like for all of us.
* RESERVATIONS (free) to attend, get you ongoing info in the meantime: https://actionnetwork.org/events/la-green-new-deal-town-hall
* Sponsored by "Sunrise Los Angeles": https://actionnetwork.org/groups/sunrise-los-angeles
* L.A. host contact: Timothy Hayes, timothy.hayes@groundgamela.org
* MORE, FROM ELSEWHERE, THAT'S RELATED...
You can sign-up to get the FREE "Fossil Free News," at:
https://act.350.org/signup/fossil-free-newsletter
• It's got stories and news on climate organizing that matter and inspire, delivered directly to you every 2 weeks.
• Here at The Guide, we have signed-up for this new #FossilFree Newsletter. It's "Digestible climate movement news, every fortnight, straight to your inbox."
* Because you don't need to feel alone with barbarians at the gate.
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Sun, May 19; FESTIVAL:
Annual "TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL" will, indeed, happen this year at Paramount Ranch, Santa Monica Mtns Nat'l Recreation Area, About a Hills, CA.
* The National Park Service has given the go-ahead for the use of the longtime venue, which suffered fire damage in the 2018 Woolsey Fire. Despite the loss of most of the buildings, the show will go on with some adaptive measures.
* Musicians -- start polishing your act now, with a chance to win prize money and the opportunity to perform before a big crowd! And you prob'ly already know the jamming is amazing!
* Info on registering at:
* Children can compete too, and you will be amazed at the talent.
* Non musicians make this a must-do to enjoy the contestants, the stage acts, and the whole scene.
* Professional acoustic roots bands and individuals delight on the stages, though not yet announced after the delay from the gov't shut down.
* For the presenters, there will be challenges, but all are committed to again bring an outstanding event! -- including the Guide's editor, who emcees a stage here every year.
* "We hope to be able to witness some of nature's resilience. It could include some blooming lupine and other early fire followers. It may be a bit early, but recovery will be starting, even if subtle," says one nature-lover.
* OFFICIAL website is adding more all the time, at:
http://www.topangabanjofiddle.org/
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ADDITIONS TO THIS EDITION will be made regularly until, as we told you, the March of time replaces it with an altogether new edition.
PLUS, we have lots of MUSIC NEWS features in the works!
'Til we catch ya on the flip side, stay tuneful!
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We'll be back again soon with music news and more "News of the Non-Trumpcentric Universe." (c)
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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 cyber porch'll be here anytime you come back from the road.
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of L.A. Union Station's original 1939 Fred Harvey restaurant and nightclub, where all the movie stars hung out and all the Big Bands played. It's been closed for decades, and recently re-opened at last, as Imperial Western Beer Co.
* The venue's cuisine is extensive:
Tue, Mar 5; Sat, Mar 2-Tue, Mar 5; FREE FESTIVAL / MARDI GRAS EVENT:
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The reason is clear when we look at the next Amtrak train, the "City of New Orleans." 
