.
THE EVENTS CALENDAR IN THIS EDITION IS NOW OBSOLETE, replaced by the new December edition with all its ongoing UPDATES.
Of course, the NEWS FEATURES here are still getting plenty of reads!
Below is the now-archived Nov 22 edition as originally published, plus the additions it received until replaced by the new December edition.
_ _ _ _ _
First, this edition opens with short NEWS FEATURES. Because, after a week of political shockers and testimony by some exemplary people of conscience -- and some others who just want to tell the truth to stay out of jail -- we have these three short perspectives on all that's-a-goin' on in D.C., how it figures into something else the world is watching, and what it really means for our future...
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Welcome, as always, to our international readers.
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Bebe can't meet Rico, but Trump could
by Larry Wines
So, the loud, inhumanely exploitive, bloviating, self-aggrandizing head of state says he is the victim of "a politically orchestrated witch hunt."
The charges filed against him Thursday are three separate criminal indictments -- for fraud, bribery, and breach of trust.
He often compares what he does to Biblically righteous examples, turning that into personal attacks on all who disagree with him. He infamously does that in a way that features obtuse threats, bringing concern for the safety of his opponents in the press or minority factions in the face of his cult-like followers. It likewise makes other elected officials fear whether they can fulfill their own public office.
He's even lost two elections and refuses to leave, because his opponents could not put together a clear majority across a government split over partisan divide.
We're not talking about Trump, though those three charges would be a good fit. Trump hasn't yet been indicted, and the House of Representatives hasn't yet prepared impeachment charges. For bribery, fraud, and breach of trust / misuse of public office.
We're talking about an incredible historical parallel playing out in real time. Because in Israel -- just after the Trump administration suddenly broke international law and defied the United Nations and the International Court of Justice by becoming the only nation to endorse illegal invasive settlements of Jewish citizens on lands stolen from Palestinian citizens -- Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has finally been criminally indicted. Finally, after years of investigations and many attempts to overcome a power structure that Netanyahu has manipulated to protect himself.
I wrote, way back in March of 2018, about the uncanny similarities with these two miscreant heads of state, and how the scofflaw arrogance of Bebe Netanyahu was something of a prototype for Trump. (https://www.laprogressive.com/bibi-netanyahu-biography/)
We can muse at the parallels. But it's better to see where we transcend them. Israel doesn't have one key law that the U.S. does. It's call the RICO Statute. That's the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Public law 91-452, 84 Stat. 922-3 aka 84 Stat. 941, 18 U.S.C: Crimes and Criminal Procedure. America is very fortunate to have it.
It's not some nitpicky loophole thing. RICO is a very big deal and very applicable to misuse of any position of power. It isn't just for drug dealers. It applies perfectly when others have walked away and reported they "didn't want to be part of this drug deal."
RICO also covers misusing funds to enrich private individuals. (There's a long history of laws specifically covering THAT one and predating RICO by hundreds of years; if you're thinking the Constitution's "Emoluments Clause," keep going; this is something else. It's an extensive body of law that applies to everyone from bankers to couriers to corporate operatives to government officials; it doesn't need to be embezzlement or theft by the person charged; just misuse through failure to responsibly handle and promptly disburse funds that have been allocated for a specific purpose. Look-up "fiduciary responsibility").
Whatever other charges are or are not brought for violating any specific laws, RICO makes it a federal crime to associate with others in doing any of those things. It labels doing so a criminal enterprise. It makes it racketeering. And it makes any of those things federal felonies for all who take part, whenever there is any coordinated group effort to break a law, or hide, or obfuscate, or cover-up the fact that someone has done any of those things. Even if they were just following orders or misusing public office in, to use the new quote of the day, "facilitating a private errand."
Israel sure could use a RICO Statute. It'll be criminal if America fails to use ours.
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Life Imitating Art, Imitating Life
Just when you thought it couldn't get any more absurd, Republican defenders are taking their criminal defense notes from a cartoon. The Washington Post published an article this week by a former writer for The Simpsons laying out how Republicans in the House are using "the Sideshow Bob defense" -- “Convicted of a crime I didn’t even commit. Hah! Attempted murder? Now honestly, what is that? Do they give a Nobel Prize for attempted chemistry? Do they?” -- to defend this president’s inexcusable actions.
As that article frames it, "'How can Trump be guilty if he only attempted to extort a foreign country to investigate a political rival?' the Republican Party continues to ask."
It seems they haven’t picked up on the idea that attempted extortion is still illegal -- as they shout their protestations that the aid for Ukraine was released on September 11th. Hard to see where that carries much water, since House Dems announced the investigation on September 9th into Trump and Giuliani’s actions regarding Ukraine, and asked for a copy on September 10th of the official complaint, intentionally hidden/misfiled-in-a-classified-server, after being properly filed by the whistleblower. D'oh!
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How intransigence will bring
unprecedented Presidential power
We now know there are five states of matter -- the original three, i.e., solid, liquid, and gas, plus the two "new" ones, plasma and Dark Matter. (And no, we don't know if Dark Matter is all one thing, or if we'll find something else to add to the list if we, say, mess with trying to transfer between dimensions.)
That little paragraph may be thoroughly disorienting, given that science deniers have been running the show these past three years. But indulge us, because It's purposeful for where this is going.
There is a principle of physics governing one of those states of matter -- gases. It holds that a gas will keep expanding indefinitely until it occupies all available volume.
It's the best analogy we know for what happens with presidential power in America, over time.
Lyndon Johnson receives from Congress sole authority to punish North Vietnam for an attack on two U.S. Navy destroyers (an attack that never happened) and pretty soon, there is a huge war in Vietnam with no Congressional declaration of war.
Fast forward forty years. George W. Bush receives from Congress a complete surrender of the latter's exclusive Constitutional authority to make war. Pretty soon, a regime-change war in Afghanistan becomes a regime-change war in Iraq, and never-ending war ensues with people who were not enemies until we were occupying their countries. That, plus indefinite deployments in surrounding countries, wars for oil in a half-dozen other places, and new overseas U.S. military bases and installations anywhere somebody thinks we need them to "fulfill the mission." Even though nobody knows what "the mission" is.
Barack Obama inherits W's do-whatever-you-want authority, and before anyone knows what happened, we are mired into drone wars and proxy wars, the creation of a giant new "Africom" to facilitate clandestine wars on that continent, and money is being poured into arming assorted and dubious "friends" of convenience -- god knows where -- for increasingly unclear reasons.
Not only was there never a promised "peace dividend" after the fall of the Soviet Union -- money we were to have had from unneeded Cold War expenses -- to spend on all our needs at home. But military spending began growing at its fastest rate since World War II, and it has reached its highest expenditures, ever.
Then along comes Trump, the man who does not read (not even dumbed-down single-page summaries prepared exclusively for him). Trump scares the hell out of everybody by launching an administration heavily populated with military generals. But turns out they really were not rabid war mongers who wanted much more than the unmanageable morass of pugilism that was already there. (They, the generalisimos-turned-bureaucrat, were, in fact, the most sensible people the Commander-in-Tweet had, and their departure has made things worse.)
There is a vital point in this. Once Congress surrenders authority to the Executive Branch, history shows that it stays there and becomes irretrievable, with unpredictable consequences.
So get ready to thank all those Republican "small government" advocates for the most dangerous permanent expansion of presidential power since endless war became unstoppable. Because their thoroughly irrational defense of Trump, as they prepare for an impeachment trial in the Senate, carries the certainty of unprecedented new presidential authority with it.
Regardless of who holds the office after this -- Democrat, Republican, Independent, Whacko Religionist Apocalyptic, or some new party that we keep desperately hoping can arise from the morass -- the president will be able to use our taxpayer-funded government to pursue his own personal ends. It's already about whether a sitting president will be allowed to use career foreign service professionals as his campaign operatives, making them subservient to his political hack donors and butt-kissers in the process.
But it won't stop with the State Department. Parallel, rogue, unofficial, subversive cadres and cabals of ham-handed hacks who can't find their asses with both hands will be spending your tax money, getting us into god-knows-what kind of messes, mismanaging or wilfully exploiting who-knows-what public lands and resources, and have a presidentially-protected free rein to do it. All because the U.S. Senate, in its shortsighted paradigm of protection racket, is telling the world that they're giving their orange extortionist a get-out-of-jail-free card.
Before you buy the Fox News gasbags' line about witch hunts and coups and conspiracy theories du jour (or du Hannity), step back from the breathless Chicken Little claustrophobia. A gas keeps expanding to occupy all available volume. The future repercussions are much bigger than the semi-reality show Game of Thrones foisted upon Ukraine.
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Events update
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First up, here's what's
First up, here's what's
continuing,
and very worth
seeing / hearing...
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PODCAST, on-demand:
"RECORDING ARTISTS: RADICAL WOMEN" is a new podcast series from the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. In it, art historian HELEN MOLESWORTH explores the lives and work of six artists — ALICE NEEL, LEE KRASNER, BETYE SAAR, HELEN FRANKENTHALER, YOKO ONO, and EVA HESSE.
* What was it like to be a woman making art during the feminist and civil rights movements? In this season of "Recording Artists," Molesworth delves into their lives and careers, spanning several generations. Hear them describe, in their own words, their work, relationships, and feelings about the ongoing march of feminism. Contemporary artists and art historians join the conversation, offering their own perspectives on the recordings and exploring what it meant—and still means—to be a woman and an artist. Share this with one who'll appreciate it.
* HERE'S THE LINK. The whole series is here in individial episodes so you can pace yourself or binge it. You'll hear rare audiotaped interviews and fresh perspectives on what it meant — and still means — to be a woman making art:
http://www.getty.edu/recordingartists/
___
ONGOING, Nov 29 thru Jan 1:
2 pm-10 pm - "QUEEN MARY CHRISTMAS - WHERE HOLIDAYS SET SAIL" aboard the Queen Mary and dockside, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach CA 90802
* The theme is, "Take a voyage from Long Beach to the North Pole, and discover new traditions mixed with good old-fashioned Christmas cheer."
* With strolling performers and live entertainment on the outdoor stage at the North Pole Village -- and ice skating at the True North Ice Rink, circling a 26-ft Christmas tree -- there's a lot before you go aboard. Ride the "QM Express Train" and Grand Carousel, learn gingerbread house-making and stocking decorating, and consume sweet treats and libations. Plus there's the main event, the "dazzling decor" for the holidays on all the decks aboard the Queen Mary. Shipboard experiences include a special 4-D version of "The Polar Express" movie, screened complete with hot cocoa smells and snow flurries for a magical movie experience.
* TIX & info: https://www.queenmary.com/calendar-of-events/qmchristmas/home/
___
Opening Sun, Nov 24, through Feb 23; FREE:
11am-5 pm - "FALLEN FRUIT: SUPERSHOW!" at PDC Gallery, 8687 Melrose Av, West Hollywood CA
* Runs Sun, Nov 24 through Feb 23; free.
* Opening day Sunday features outdoor jamming, preceded by an artist talk with FALLEN FRUIT (aka DAVID BURNS and AUSTIN YOUNG), and Young will be taking his trademark portraits of whoever wants one inside the installation, plus music and apparently, cheerleaders.
* This is "A gorgeous mile of fruit and flower garland wallpaper in a gradient of saturated hues containing within its two story installation multiple scenarios and vignettes of photography and ceramic, faux Grecian luxury statues, gilded mirrors, chaises and sundry objects. All of this exists in the mode of a secular temple to beauty, as well as a sort of public living room where communities are formed through the universal language of shareable fruit."
* Might be the right thing for a memorable date.
___
Continuing through Dec 15:
L.A. OPERA’s "MAGIC FLUTE" at the Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Av, downtown L.A.
* "With a fantastic visual presentation in which singers interact with animated imagery, L.A. Opera’s surreal twist on W.A. Mozart’s 'The Magic Flute' is that rare opera that is both wildly popular and artistically satisfying." -- Falling James, LA Weekly. (Read his extensive review at: https://www.laweekly.com/l-a-operas-magic-flute-still-enchants-and-laco-mixes-light-and-darkness/
* Runs Thursdays through Sundays, Nov 21 through Dec 15, 7:30 pm, with some 2 pm matinees.
* TIX, $39-$299, at the box office, 213-972-0711, or www.laopera.org
___
Daily: Dec 20-Jan 5:
"SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DICKENS FAIRE" inside of “WINTER FEST” at Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa CA
* Includes multiple days of performances (2:30 pm-5:30 pm & 7 pm-10 pm) by trad acoustic band LOONEY’S FORTUNE and by PATTI AMELOTTE SOLO on hammered dulcimer.
* TIX, schedules, info: https://winterfestoc.com/
___
NOW OPEN, daily:
10 am-5 pm - "EGYPT'S LOST CITIES" exhibition at the Reagan Library, 40 Presidential Dr, Simi Valley CA 93065
* Akin to your best fantasies of Atlantis, these are artifacts recovered from beneath the sea.
* One day as the Mediterranean sun beat down on the bay of Aboukir, two bustling cities of ancient Egypt slipped into the sea without a whisper of wind, buried for centuries.
* These cities, before they sank beneath the waves, were known throughout the world as cultural centers of power, of wealth, of trade, and novel artistry.
* Time may have eroded the memory of a civilization, but not the mystery -- or the breathtaking artifacts -- of what it was.
* This exhibition runs Oct 5, 2019–Apr 12, 2020.
* Open seven days a week, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
* Facility features a nice cafeteria-style cafe.
* TIX include the exhibition and the 125,000 square feet of all the permanent exhibits and displays, including Air Force One; you need to allow three to four hours to enjoy all of the galleries and grounds. Gen'l adm $29.95, discounts for youth, kids, seniors; active US military get in free. Free parking. Tix available in advance or at the door. It's worth adding the $7 "audio tour." Online adv. tix:
https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/online-ticket-sales/
seeing / hearing...
___________________________
PODCAST, on-demand:
"RECORDING ARTISTS: RADICAL WOMEN" is a new podcast series from the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. In it, art historian HELEN MOLESWORTH explores the lives and work of six artists — ALICE NEEL, LEE KRASNER, BETYE SAAR, HELEN FRANKENTHALER, YOKO ONO, and EVA HESSE.
* What was it like to be a woman making art during the feminist and civil rights movements? In this season of "Recording Artists," Molesworth delves into their lives and careers, spanning several generations. Hear them describe, in their own words, their work, relationships, and feelings about the ongoing march of feminism. Contemporary artists and art historians join the conversation, offering their own perspectives on the recordings and exploring what it meant—and still means—to be a woman and an artist. Share this with one who'll appreciate it.
* HERE'S THE LINK. The whole series is here in individial episodes so you can pace yourself or binge it. You'll hear rare audiotaped interviews and fresh perspectives on what it meant — and still means — to be a woman making art:
http://www.getty.edu/recordingartists/
___
ONGOING, Nov 29 thru Jan 1:
2 pm-10 pm - "QUEEN MARY CHRISTMAS - WHERE HOLIDAYS SET SAIL" aboard the Queen Mary and dockside, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach CA 90802
* The theme is, "Take a voyage from Long Beach to the North Pole, and discover new traditions mixed with good old-fashioned Christmas cheer."
* With strolling performers and live entertainment on the outdoor stage at the North Pole Village -- and ice skating at the True North Ice Rink, circling a 26-ft Christmas tree -- there's a lot before you go aboard. Ride the "QM Express Train" and Grand Carousel, learn gingerbread house-making and stocking decorating, and consume sweet treats and libations. Plus there's the main event, the "dazzling decor" for the holidays on all the decks aboard the Queen Mary. Shipboard experiences include a special 4-D version of "The Polar Express" movie, screened complete with hot cocoa smells and snow flurries for a magical movie experience.
* TIX & info: https://www.queenmary.com/calendar-of-events/qmchristmas/home/
___
Opening Sun, Nov 24, through Feb 23; FREE:
11am-5 pm - "FALLEN FRUIT: SUPERSHOW!" at PDC Gallery, 8687 Melrose Av, West Hollywood CA
* Runs Sun, Nov 24 through Feb 23; free.
* Opening day Sunday features outdoor jamming, preceded by an artist talk with FALLEN FRUIT (aka DAVID BURNS and AUSTIN YOUNG), and Young will be taking his trademark portraits of whoever wants one inside the installation, plus music and apparently, cheerleaders.
* This is "A gorgeous mile of fruit and flower garland wallpaper in a gradient of saturated hues containing within its two story installation multiple scenarios and vignettes of photography and ceramic, faux Grecian luxury statues, gilded mirrors, chaises and sundry objects. All of this exists in the mode of a secular temple to beauty, as well as a sort of public living room where communities are formed through the universal language of shareable fruit."
* Might be the right thing for a memorable date.
___
Continuing through Dec 15:
L.A. OPERA’s "MAGIC FLUTE" at the Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Av, downtown L.A.
* "With a fantastic visual presentation in which singers interact with animated imagery, L.A. Opera’s surreal twist on W.A. Mozart’s 'The Magic Flute' is that rare opera that is both wildly popular and artistically satisfying." -- Falling James, LA Weekly. (Read his extensive review at: https://www.laweekly.com/l-a-operas-magic-flute-still-enchants-and-laco-mixes-light-and-darkness/
* Runs Thursdays through Sundays, Nov 21 through Dec 15, 7:30 pm, with some 2 pm matinees.
* TIX, $39-$299, at the box office, 213-972-0711, or www.laopera.org
___
Daily: Dec 20-Jan 5:
"SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DICKENS FAIRE" inside of “WINTER FEST” at Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa CA
* Includes multiple days of performances (2:30 pm-5:30 pm & 7 pm-10 pm) by trad acoustic band LOONEY’S FORTUNE and by PATTI AMELOTTE SOLO on hammered dulcimer.
* TIX, schedules, info: https://winterfestoc.com/
___
NOW OPEN, daily:
10 am-5 pm - "EGYPT'S LOST CITIES" exhibition at the Reagan Library, 40 Presidential Dr, Simi Valley CA 93065
* Akin to your best fantasies of Atlantis, these are artifacts recovered from beneath the sea.
* One day as the Mediterranean sun beat down on the bay of Aboukir, two bustling cities of ancient Egypt slipped into the sea without a whisper of wind, buried for centuries.
* These cities, before they sank beneath the waves, were known throughout the world as cultural centers of power, of wealth, of trade, and novel artistry.
* Time may have eroded the memory of a civilization, but not the mystery -- or the breathtaking artifacts -- of what it was.
* This exhibition runs Oct 5, 2019–Apr 12, 2020.
* Open seven days a week, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
* Facility features a nice cafeteria-style cafe.
* TIX include the exhibition and the 125,000 square feet of all the permanent exhibits and displays, including Air Force One; you need to allow three to four hours to enjoy all of the galleries and grounds. Gen'l adm $29.95, discounts for youth, kids, seniors; active US military get in free. Free parking. Tix available in advance or at the door. It's worth adding the $7 "audio tour." Online adv. tix:
https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/online-ticket-sales/
___________________________________________
MUSIC-MUSIC-MUSIC
& more!
Here's what's happening,
chronologically,
by date and start time.
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(Updated from our original November events edition; we'll continue to add more as the month nears its cardboard-hat homage to pilgrims and the attendant myth that indigenous peoples were happy to meet them; along with the annual turkey apocalypse populated with the inevitable holiday dinner guest whose neanderthal politics is the cause of mass indigestion. Oh, hell, just eat out and go to a concert.)
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Friday
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___
Today is the nationwide "Take A Train To Work Day," for those of us who live where that's an option. It's being resumed after several years' absence. Steve Sweeney of Kalmbach Media says, "You can interpret that headline at least two ways. If you can, I hope you choose to do both. (a) Take a commuter train into the office (a cab ride if you are a qualified railroader), and (b) If you have them, take one of your model trains, toy trains, or old lanterns, switch locks, or pocket watches to work."
Why? Because you can go back to the future.
Here at the Guide, we support this to increase awareness of the energy-saving, cleaner-air alternatives of rail commuting to sitting in your car in gridlocked traffic. Southern California has several Metrolink commuter lines, plus Amtrak has an on-board bar, and the Coaster serves a line from Oceanside to San Diego. Within the L.A. Basin, there is the unglamourous but highly functional Metro Red Line subway and light rail trains -- the Gold Line from Azusa and Pasadena, coming from one end, and East L.A. from the other; the Blue Line from Long Beach; and the Expo Line from Santa Monica, all into downtown Los Angeles. In addition, the Green Line light rail runs east-west below downtown, across toward the South Bay and almost to LAX.
Get to know the lines, how the buses feed them, and the options you have. After all, we can never be sure when Big Oil will screw us with some new contrived reason why gas is nine dollars a gallon.
As for our including Steve Sweeney's part about taking a model train to work today? More opportunity for awareness. As we noted when we first posted this in our previous edition, everybody likes a miniature train going around under the Christmas tree. So you might get tasked to make that happen at work and get a break from your same-old, same-old. (Highball the fun, baby!) Sweeney has his own motivation at Kalmbach Media for wanting to make a holiday out of re-starting "Take A Train To Work Day." His company started it back in the early 2000s with two of the magazines they publish -- "Trains" and "Model Railroader." But the advocacy certainly transcends self-interest.
___
FRIDAY'S EVENTS...
Fri, Nov 22; FILM EVENT:
7 pm - "DARK WATERS" screens with a Q&A following with director TODD HAYNES, at ArcLight Cinemas Hollywood.
* Synopsis: A corporate defense attorney takes on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company that exposes a lengthy history of pollution.
* TIX: https://www.arclightcinemas.com/en/news/dark-waters-qa
___
Fri, Nov 22:
7 pm - MEN OF WORTH, the classic CELTIC/SCOTTISH band, plays Cerro Coso College, 3000 College Heights Bl, Ridgecrest CA 93555
* They also play Santa Barbara Sat, 7:30 pm; see listing.
___
Fri, Nov 22:
7 pm-11:30 pm - PLAY WITH FIRE, plus BOBBY BLUEHOUSE & ABC ALL-STARS, at the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia CA 91006
* Food available from 7 pm until Midnight. Free Parking available on the street and in city lot behind Denny's.
* More, including the menu, newsletter, photo gallery, contact information, etc., at www.arcadiabluesclub.com
* Fun and friendly place. But bring earplugs. Seriously.
* TIX online advance are only $5 for tonight, at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/play-with-fire-11-22-2019-arcadia-blues-club-tickets-80912837475
___
Fri, Nov 22:
7:30 pm - GARETH PEARSON plays the first of 2 concerts 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; 949-244-6656
___
Fri, Nov 22:
8 pm - JANIVA MAGNESS plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405; 310-828-4497
7 pm - MEN OF WORTH, the classic CELTIC/SCOTTISH band, plays Cerro Coso College, 3000 College Heights Bl, Ridgecrest CA 93555
* They also play Santa Barbara Sat, 7:30 pm; see listing.
___
Fri, Nov 22:
7 pm-11:30 pm - PLAY WITH FIRE, plus BOBBY BLUEHOUSE & ABC ALL-STARS, at the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia CA 91006
* Food available from 7 pm until Midnight. Free Parking available on the street and in city lot behind Denny's.
* More, including the menu, newsletter, photo gallery, contact information, etc., at www.arcadiabluesclub.com
* Fun and friendly place. But bring earplugs. Seriously.
* TIX online advance are only $5 for tonight, at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/play-with-fire-11-22-2019-arcadia-blues-club-tickets-80912837475
___
Fri, Nov 22:
7:30 pm - GARETH PEARSON plays the first of 2 concerts 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; 949-244-6656
___
Fri, Nov 22:
8 pm - JANIVA MAGNESS plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405; 310-828-4497
* TIX, $26.50, + $4.50 per ticket online or by phone. Adv. online at: https://www.store.mccabes.com/cart.php
___
Fri, Nov 22:
8 pm - TISA ADAMSON, EDWARD TREE & DAVID SERBY play 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
* Three veteran musicians with tons of chart credits among 'em make for a formidable evening.
* TISA ADAMSON is a veteran of the SoCal music scene. Growing up in a musical Greek and Mexican family, she began playing piano at the age of 8. After graduating from Creative Studies at UCSB she played in several local Santa Barbara bands opening for the likes of The Motels, X, Romeo Void, and Fear. Upon relocating to L.A., she switched from piano to guitar and played in a duo with long time friend Che Zuro for over 15 years.
* Tisa now headlines her own shows featuring original music accompanied by Grammy Award winning guitarist Randy Ray Mitchell. They are frequently joined by local friends Alexis Tueros, Ed Tree, and Hank Linderman. She and her ensemble have opened for Timothy B. Schmit, Petula Clark, and CTA.
* Tisa’s latest album, "Fingers," is available on Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube.
* EDWARD TREE is an in-demand producer, engineer, guitarist and performing songwriter with over 40 years experience working in the highly competitive L.A. area. His songs have been recorded by a number of artists including Spencer Davis, Lacy J. Dalton, Steve Kolander, and others, and have appeared on the Country Top 40 charts. He’s produced more than 175 albums in the Americana, AAA, Blues, Folk, and Country categories, including two top five Billboard Blues Chart CDs, 2 #1 singles on the European Country Charts, and winning a DIY Producer of the Year award. He has recorded and/or toured with Spencer Davis, Rita Coolidge, Juice Newton, Al Stewart, Dusty Springfield and Booker T. Jones as well as sharing the stage with Jimmy Buffet, Aaron Neville and Bonnie Bramlett. He also played on the Grand Ole Opry with his band The Bum Steers. Edward is a member of the songwriter collective Tall Men Group, who have released 4 critically acclaimed albums and are now working on their 5th.
* DAVID SERBY is someone you need to know. Since the 2013 release of his lively double-disc set "David Serby and the Latest Scam," the acclaimed L.A.-based songwriter has been pondering questions that are weighing heavily on many artists’ minds — namely, what is music’s role in modern society? Do songs resonate with listeners the way they used to? How are audiences finding music now?
* When he independently released "Latest Scam," Serby suspected it might be his last album. Happily, it wasn’t. He’s still playing local clubs, still writing songs, still supporting L.A.’s vibrant Americana-roots community, and booking gigs for 2020. He jokes about being in a “gestation period,” but the prolific songwriter has almost two dozen tracks near completion at longtime guitarist/producer Ed Tree’s San Gabriel studio. That includes “California Sand,” a sunny rocker about the frustrations of chasing musical dreams outside Hollywood’s dream factory. Here's a lyric sampler: “You got a midweek gig and you’re playing for beer and tips/ They say the last guy that played there, he really made it big/ He’s at the Chevron pumping gas/ And that day job is kicking his ass.”
* TIX, $20.
___
___
Fri, Nov 22:
8 pm - TISA ADAMSON, EDWARD TREE & DAVID SERBY play 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
* Three veteran musicians with tons of chart credits among 'em make for a formidable evening.
* TISA ADAMSON is a veteran of the SoCal music scene. Growing up in a musical Greek and Mexican family, she began playing piano at the age of 8. After graduating from Creative Studies at UCSB she played in several local Santa Barbara bands opening for the likes of The Motels, X, Romeo Void, and Fear. Upon relocating to L.A., she switched from piano to guitar and played in a duo with long time friend Che Zuro for over 15 years.
* Tisa now headlines her own shows featuring original music accompanied by Grammy Award winning guitarist Randy Ray Mitchell. They are frequently joined by local friends Alexis Tueros, Ed Tree, and Hank Linderman. She and her ensemble have opened for Timothy B. Schmit, Petula Clark, and CTA.
* Tisa’s latest album, "Fingers," is available on Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube.
* EDWARD TREE is an in-demand producer, engineer, guitarist and performing songwriter with over 40 years experience working in the highly competitive L.A. area. His songs have been recorded by a number of artists including Spencer Davis, Lacy J. Dalton, Steve Kolander, and others, and have appeared on the Country Top 40 charts. He’s produced more than 175 albums in the Americana, AAA, Blues, Folk, and Country categories, including two top five Billboard Blues Chart CDs, 2 #1 singles on the European Country Charts, and winning a DIY Producer of the Year award. He has recorded and/or toured with Spencer Davis, Rita Coolidge, Juice Newton, Al Stewart, Dusty Springfield and Booker T. Jones as well as sharing the stage with Jimmy Buffet, Aaron Neville and Bonnie Bramlett. He also played on the Grand Ole Opry with his band The Bum Steers. Edward is a member of the songwriter collective Tall Men Group, who have released 4 critically acclaimed albums and are now working on their 5th.
* DAVID SERBY is someone you need to know. Since the 2013 release of his lively double-disc set "David Serby and the Latest Scam," the acclaimed L.A.-based songwriter has been pondering questions that are weighing heavily on many artists’ minds — namely, what is music’s role in modern society? Do songs resonate with listeners the way they used to? How are audiences finding music now?
* When he independently released "Latest Scam," Serby suspected it might be his last album. Happily, it wasn’t. He’s still playing local clubs, still writing songs, still supporting L.A.’s vibrant Americana-roots community, and booking gigs for 2020. He jokes about being in a “gestation period,” but the prolific songwriter has almost two dozen tracks near completion at longtime guitarist/producer Ed Tree’s San Gabriel studio. That includes “California Sand,” a sunny rocker about the frustrations of chasing musical dreams outside Hollywood’s dream factory. Here's a lyric sampler: “You got a midweek gig and you’re playing for beer and tips/ They say the last guy that played there, he really made it big/ He’s at the Chevron pumping gas/ And that day job is kicking his ass.”
* TIX, $20.
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Saturday
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Today is quite the day for those who love good storytelling concerts. You can catch one in the afternoon, then take your choice of two more in the evening.
If you're into honky-tonkin' rockin' Americana, check the 2 pm listings.
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Sat & Sun, Nov 23 & 24; FOLK ART/CRAFTS:
10 am (all day) - annual "LATIN AMERICAN BAZAAR" in the museum store at the Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (across the giant parking lot from the L.A. Zoo)
* Runs Sat, 10-5, & Sun, 10-4. Just in time, before you start buying alk sorts of plastic junk for holiday gift-giving, the Autry Store presents this annual show and sale of HANDMADE Mexican pottery, rugs, and hand-embroidered clothing.
* Oaxacan folk art, Mata Ortiz pottery, and Zapotec rug sale. Meet master potter Jorge Quintana from Mata Ortiz, who has created outstanding hand-coiled pots for decades. Choose from hundreds of different pots with both traditional and contemporary designs. The Zapotec Indians are world famous for their fine tapestries and woven wall hangings. Come and enjoy looking at a vast selection of rugs—and purchase a beautiful rug of your own to take home. Hundreds of whimsical animal figurines, handcrafted and painted by various Oaxacan artists as well as hand embroidered blouses and dressed will also be for sale.
* Details at: https://theautry.org/events/special-events/latin-american-bazaar
* Free admission, free parking.
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Sat, Nov 23:
11 am-6 pm - 1st annual "HOLIDAY JAVA MAN JAM," designed to help re-establish Hermosa Beach as a destination for all kinds of live music, build community and revitalize downtown, runs all day at Java Man, 157 Pier Av, Hermosa Beach CA
* Donations to the first $2,500 are used to pay the many musicians participating today.
* Any donations beyond the $2,500 goal will go to pay musicians for future music experiences in public spaces in Hermosa Beach.
* More info, donate funds, etc. (if your device is infested with FB spyware), at: facebook.com/donate/459102781393003/459774557992492/
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Sat, Nov 23; FILM EVENT:
1:30 pm - Screening of "THE LONE RANGER AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD" (1958) followed by a conversation with film critic LEONARD MALTIN and DAWN MOORE, daughter of the late star CLAYTON MOORE, in the Wells Fargo Theatre at the Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (across the giant parking lot from the L.A. Zoo)
* Part of the ongoing "What is a Western?" Film Series.
* This was the second of two theatrical features expanding on the 1950s TV show "The Lone Ranger," which helped audiences explore themes popular at the time: (a) concepts of heroes and sidekick; (b) the American West as a land of adventure; and (c) representations of Native Americans in television and film. Directed by Lesley Selander, starring Clayton Moore, Jay Silverheels, and Douglas Kennedy.
* The event includes a screening of the very first television episode “Enter the Lone Ranger” as part of the 70th anniversary of the TV show.
* Introduced by Native actor & writer Jason Grasl (Blackfeet). Screening followed by a conversation with film critic Leonard Maltin and Dawn Moore, daughter of star Clayton Moore.
* This is free with paid museum admission, so you can spend the day at the Autry (also see the "10 am (all day)" event listing. BUT, reserve your seat for this -- it will "sell-out" as others buy online museum admissions.
* TIX: https://theautry.org/events/film-and-television/screening-lone-ranger-and-lost-city-gold-1958
* Free parking.
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Sat, Nov 23:
2 pm - 11th STORYTELLING CONCERT: “FATHERS, DADDIES, & PAPAS” featuring stories by Ann Buxie, Johna Madigan, Beverly Morgan, and Carrie Tyler, presented by Women's Voices, at the Institute of Musical Arts, 3210 W 54th St, Los Angeles CA 90043; 323-300-6578
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Sat, Nov 23, pseudo-FESTIVAL:
2 pm-9 pm - "BACKYARD ROCKIN' AMERICANA HONKY-TONKIN' MUSIC PARTY" at 6261 Strickland Av, Highland Park / Los Angeles CA 90042
* Hosted by "ultra host and cool guy" Bryan Cleary, leader of STRANGE PARADE and a keyboard phenom.
* Headliners are four bands in which festival producer PAUL LACQUES plays:
I SEE HAWKS IN L.A., DOUBLE NAUGHT SPY CAR, GREGG SUTTON BAND, and STRANGE PARADE. But that's not all. Here's the schedule:
* GREGG SUTTON, 2 pm. Gregg & band kick-off the day. Not to be missed. From Wikipedia: "Gregg has written hits for Sam Brown ("Stop!"), Joe Cocker ("Tonight" and seven others) and contributed songs to Maria McKee, Lone Justice, John McVie, Percy Sledge, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tal Bachman, The Commitments, The Human League, Tom Jones, The Nighthawks, Edgar Winter, Eric Burdon" ... and about 8,000 others but you get the idea. His Sunday live streaming "show" has become a staple of my Sunday mornings and I'm honored to have him grace the backyard. Oh, he also played bass for Bob Dylan on Real Live and for Mick Taylor, Dave Alvin, KGB (along with Carmine Appice), Tony Gilkyson ... more.
* I SEE HAWKS IN L.A., 2:45 pm. Gregg says, "One of my favorite live shows in Los Angeles & possibly my favorite L.A. country band. They're the real deal. Their live shows are a blast and they have 8 great albums, a great vibe, hilarious/great lyrics and I hate that my band might have to follow them. Softened only by the fact that we share a guitarist. With Danny McGough sitting in." More at: www.iseehawks.com
* DATAMAPS, 3:45 pm. Gregg says, "Over the past 10-15 years, bands I was in have had the honor to share stages w/ Paul Larson in various incarnations. Paul was singer/songwriter/guitarist from Strictly Ballroom, A Minor Canon, Georgia Sand, guitarist of DNTEL and to me, one of the most underrated artists in the L.A. music scene. His new band, Datamaps, played an unforgettable set at EPR this year and I'm sure they'll take L.A. by storm in 2020." More: https://www.facebook.com/Datamaps-2275083139406052/
* DOUBLE NAUGHT SPY CAR, 4:30 pm, (with Danny McGough). From Gregg: "This band always blows my mind when I see them. Seeing them behind my place is going to be a huge mess, with pieces of my mind all over the tree branches and everything. Instrumental avant-surf ... something. The point is, it's great without words. So I'm. Here's a quick sampling:
⊙ https://www.instagram.com/p/BV8gZeQlob8/
⊙ https://www.facebook.com/doublenaughtspycar/
* MOONCULT, 5:30 pm. "My personal favorite 'new' local band in L.A." says Gregg, "and they keep getting better. I can't wait to see them before they get huge and won't talk to me anymore. They bring a riveting mash of emotive songwriting, beautiful, shoegazey sound and way-out guitars with a hint of gothic beauty. Just see them ... before I ruin it all with words." More: https://www.facebook.com/mooncultofficial/
* STRANGE PARADE, 6 pm. "My new-ish band, not shoegazer or hard rock but does both," says Gregg, "with Dan Allaire on drums (Brian Jonestown Massacre), Paul Lacques on guitar and steel (in half the bands at this party), and Ashley Berry on bass (Wet & Reckless). We'll have CD's for sale & will rock profusely." More: www.strangeparadeofficial.com
* HAUNTED SUMMER, 7 pm. "Ever since they played with Radar Brothers at Alex's in Long Beach, I've watched this band evolve from great to amazing," says Gregg. "Their first album is one of my favorite things to come out of 2016 and their new material takes it to a new level. Plugged or unplugged , their songs are a thing of sheer, intense beauty." More: https://www.facebook.com/HauntedSummermusic/
* JOEL JEROME, 8 pm. "From the amazing Dios / Dios Malos to his amazing new solo record to an extremely cool, current experimental/instrumental project DEVACA/JEROME with former Dios mate Jimi Camaro, (as part of the Arthur King experimental music series on Dangerbird Records), Joel brings a truly local, truly awesome and awesomely psychedelic presence to the LA music scene," reports Gregg. "His new album is outstanding and we're lucky to have him bring his magic to the yard." More: http://larecord.com/news/2019/10/18/video-premiere-joel-jerome-it-will-feel-good-to-die
* After all that? "And possible jams with whomever is left standing!"
* BYOB and "anything else you want to bring."
* Parking might be tight, bicycling encouraged.
* Now, let's get sumpin' straight: if you're a fan of any of these bands or artists, you already know you can go and you need to behave. But if you really needed to read that last line, you probably don't know, and you should look elsewhere for something to do.
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Sat, Nov 23:
3 pm - "THE MUSIC OF ELTON JOHN: THE EARLY YEARS" performed by RICK BAGBY & THE HONKY CATS in a matinee show 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
* Venue impresario Bob Stane says, "This show re-creates the best of the historic decade of hits that have been a soundtrack for our lives over the years."
* After nearly 50 years of international notoriety and phenomenal rock 'n' roll success and hit biopic at the theaters last summer it's easy to lose sight of the legendary British pop star Elton John's primary strength -- his unique gift as a songwriter-keyboardist.
* During his first ten years with co-writer Bernie Taupin, Elton John's music formed a strong foundation with hits like "Your Song," "Love Song," "Tiny Dancer," "Levon," "Rocket Man," "Crocodile Rock," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Candle in the Wind," and Bennie and the Jets," and the list goes on and on.
* Rick Bagby is one of L.A.'s premier musicians & entertainers. With roots in the Sunset Strip scene of the late 1960s, he has built a career as a keyboardist and rock vocalist who specializes in the keyboard style of Elton John, Billy Joel, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Ray Charles. His charisma brings audiences to their feet during his shows.
* The Honky Cats are renowned veteran musicians and knowledgable fans of Elton John's music. The band is: phenomenal bassist Chad Watson (Charlie Rich, Janis Ian, Delaney Bramlett); lead guitarist Ed Tree, one of Americana’s finest roots instrumentalists, singer-songwriters and independent producers; drummer Owen Goldman, nationally-known, he currently works with Robbie Krieger of The Doors.
* TIX, $20.
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Sat, Nov 23:
7 pm-11:30 pm - SELWYN BIRCHWOOD, "International Blues Challenge" Winner, "Albert King Guitar Award" Winner, plus BOBBY BLUEHOUSE & ABC ALL-STARS, at the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia CA 91006
* Food available from 7 pm until Midnight. Free Parking available on the street and in city lot behind Denny's.
* More, including the menu, newsletter, photo gallery, contact information, etc., at www.arcadiabluesclub.com
* Fun and friendly place. But bring earplugs. Seriously.
* TIX online advance, $15 for tonight (higher at door): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/selwyn-birchwood-11-23-2019-arcadia-blues-club-tickets-80916392107
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Sat, Nov 23, BENEFIT:
7 pm-11 pm - 3rd annual "GATSBY GALA" presented by the Napa Center Kids Foundation supports the needs of children with disabilities, at the Catalina Room, 128 S Catalina Av, Redondo Beach CA
* This Gatsby-themed night includes prohibition-style drinks, gaming tables (poker, roulette, blackjack and craps), dancing, a silent auction, and a raffle with "some amazing prizes."
* More info, including sponsorship opportunities, email info@napakids.org or Go to www.napacenterkidsfoundation.org
* TIX, $85 – $115, at Eventbrite/3rd Annual Gatsby Gala.
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Sat, Nov 23:
7 pm - AMANDA ABIZAID performs "Pure Imagination" with the METROPOLITAN MASTER CHORALE at L.A. Valley College Recital Hall, 5800 Fulton Av, Van Nuys CA 91401; 818-947-2600
* AMANDA ABIZAID is highly-respected and thoroughly delightful multi-instrumental singer-songwriter who is as apt to play flute as guitar or piano. You can't put her in a box. Her repertoire includes Middle Eastern blues that she's brought, with critical acclaim, to a top L.A. jazz club.
* STEPHEN STILLS is featured in Amanda's “Walking In Twos” music video, which won its SEVENTH prestigious honor with the win at the "Global Film Festival Awards." The latest? It's been selected as a feature at the "Karnavati International Film Festival." In addition to Stephen Stills and Amanda, her vid creatively features a global cast, the Aeta indigenous children of Haduan Village in the Philippines, and a stunning couple of seconds of Amanda parasailing over a massive waterfall.
* VIEW her seven-time award-winning music vid at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qz4MPEtkwJg
* After that fully-produced, award-winning version grabs you, check-out the intimate version, wherein Amanda treks through jungles to do hands-on music education with children in remote villages (one of her ongoing passions). It's at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=582XaWMk7f0
* Yep, we've written glowingly of her before, going waaay back, so hopefully you know her by now. Check-out her latest album and more at:
https://amandaabizaid.com/music/
* TIX for tonight: https://amandaabizaid.com/music/tour-amanda-abizaid-2/
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* AMANDA ABIZAID is highly-respected and thoroughly delightful multi-instrumental singer-songwriter who is as apt to play flute as guitar or piano. You can't put her in a box. Her repertoire includes Middle Eastern blues that she's brought, with critical acclaim, to a top L.A. jazz club.
* STEPHEN STILLS is featured in Amanda's “Walking In Twos” music video, which won its SEVENTH prestigious honor with the win at the "Global Film Festival Awards." The latest? It's been selected as a feature at the "Karnavati International Film Festival." In addition to Stephen Stills and Amanda, her vid creatively features a global cast, the Aeta indigenous children of Haduan Village in the Philippines, and a stunning couple of seconds of Amanda parasailing over a massive waterfall.
* VIEW her seven-time award-winning music vid at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qz4MPEtkwJg
* After that fully-produced, award-winning version grabs you, check-out the intimate version, wherein Amanda treks through jungles to do hands-on music education with children in remote villages (one of her ongoing passions). It's at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=582XaWMk7f0
* Yep, we've written glowingly of her before, going waaay back, so hopefully you know her by now. Check-out her latest album and more at:
https://amandaabizaid.com/music/
* TIX for tonight: https://amandaabizaid.com/music/tour-amanda-abizaid-2/
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Sat, Nov 23:
7 pm-10 pm - MOIRA SMILEY returns to her old L.A. stomping grounds with PEIA, on the latter's Irish "Night of Song" Tour, featuring Liron Meyuhas on percussion & Rob Taylor on double bass, at Wanderlust Hollywood, 1357 N Highland Av, Hollywood CA 90028
* Moira Smiley tours the world as part of the best vocal groups of our time. She is renowned in Los Angeles for her former ensemble VOCO, which was based here. This time around, she joins American-born song collector, writer and multi-instrumentalist PEIA LUZZI for an Irish celebration of Mother Earth in song.
* Recently returned from several months studying in the Gaeltachts (Irish speaking regions) of Western Ireland, this tour "Oíche na nAmhrán," is focused on the songs and stories PEIA gathered during her studies, as well as some old favorites.
* "Peia's voice soars like the wind as she sings a love letter to our Earth and an ode to humanity." - Huffington Post.
* PEIA LUZZI is an American-born song collector, writer and multi-instrumentalist based in the mountains of Southern Oregon. Like water from a deep well, she draws inspiration from her ancestral roots of Celtic and Old World European folk music. With the voice of a lark, Peia dances nimbly from Child Ballads and 17th C. Gaelic laments, to Waulking Songs, and Bulgarian mountain calls. She has traveled extensively over the past 10 years to uncover melodies that are wrinkled and wise with time, laboring to honor their language and stories, while bringing a piece of herself to each song she carries.
* A powerful voice in the rising global community of people who are committed to restoring a balanced relationship with the Earth, PEIA expresses her holistic vision and passion through her music, educational workshops and advocacy for social and environmental rights groups.
* More at: http://peiasong.com/
* This may well sell-out, so don't dawdle.
* TIX, $23, at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peia-concert-tickets-75763098467
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Sat, Nov 23:
7 pm - GARETH PEARSON plays the 2nd of 2 concerts in different venues for the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series," this one at the Mission Viejo Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Dr, Mission Viejo CA 92691; 949-244-6656
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Sat, Nov 23:
7 pm - THE COLONEL & HIS STRING BAND, FEATURING BROTHER LEON, plus CHRIS CERNA & THE BLUEGRASS REPUBLIC, perform a house concert in Rialto CA 92377
* Reservations get directions at: 661-305-7866
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Sat, Nov 23:
7 pm - SLIGO RAGS play hookey from their long-running Disneyland residency to play 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
* Named among the top acoustic bands in L.A. (by the Guide's editor, writing in Folkworks Magazine) and two-time winners of the Orange County Music Award for Best Folk Band, they always bring delight.
* TIX, $20
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Sat, Nov 23:
7 pm - INLAND VALLEY STORYTELLERS with Ron Evans, Glenn Grant, Angela Lloyd, Adrien Lowery, Nick Smith, John St. Clair, and Stephanie Townes, perform at the Folk Music Center & Museum, 220 Yale Av, Claremont CA 91711; 909-624-2928
* Info on the organization or the evening: john@inlandstorytellers.org
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Sat, Nov 23:
7:30 pm - LONG BEACH STORYTELLERS perform at the El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach CA 90815; 562-570-1745
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Sat, Nov 23:
7:30 pm - MEN OF WORTH, the classic CELTIC/SCOTTISH band, play the San Diego Folk Heritage concert series at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Av, Carlsbad CA 92008
* They also play Ridgecrest on the 22nd, 7 pm; see listing.
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Sat, Nov 23:
7:30 pm - KAI NAREZO & FRIENDS play the "Wooden Hall Concerts" series at Alhecama Theatre, 914 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara CA 93101
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Sat, Nov 23:
8 pm - KELLY WILLIS & BRUCE ROBISON play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405; 310-828-4497
7 pm - GARETH PEARSON plays the 2nd of 2 concerts in different venues for the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series," this one at the Mission Viejo Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Dr, Mission Viejo CA 92691; 949-244-6656
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Sat, Nov 23:
7 pm - THE COLONEL & HIS STRING BAND, FEATURING BROTHER LEON, plus CHRIS CERNA & THE BLUEGRASS REPUBLIC, perform a house concert in Rialto CA 92377
* Reservations get directions at: 661-305-7866
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Sat, Nov 23:
7 pm - SLIGO RAGS play hookey from their long-running Disneyland residency to play 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
* Named among the top acoustic bands in L.A. (by the Guide's editor, writing in Folkworks Magazine) and two-time winners of the Orange County Music Award for Best Folk Band, they always bring delight.
* TIX, $20
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Sat, Nov 23:
7 pm - INLAND VALLEY STORYTELLERS with Ron Evans, Glenn Grant, Angela Lloyd, Adrien Lowery, Nick Smith, John St. Clair, and Stephanie Townes, perform at the Folk Music Center & Museum, 220 Yale Av, Claremont CA 91711; 909-624-2928
* Info on the organization or the evening: john@inlandstorytellers.org
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Sat, Nov 23:
7:30 pm - LONG BEACH STORYTELLERS perform at the El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach CA 90815; 562-570-1745
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Sat, Nov 23:
7:30 pm - MEN OF WORTH, the classic CELTIC/SCOTTISH band, play the San Diego Folk Heritage concert series at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Av, Carlsbad CA 92008
* They also play Ridgecrest on the 22nd, 7 pm; see listing.
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Sat, Nov 23:
7:30 pm - KAI NAREZO & FRIENDS play the "Wooden Hall Concerts" series at Alhecama Theatre, 914 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara CA 93101
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Sat, Nov 23:
8 pm - KELLY WILLIS & BRUCE ROBISON play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405; 310-828-4497
* TIX NEARLY SOLD-OUT when we first listed it; we told ya then, don't dawdle!
* TIX, $28.50, + $4.50 per ticket online or by phone. Adv. online at: https://www.store.mccabes.com/cart.php
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Sat, Nov 23:
8 pm - FRANKIE GAVIN, Fiddler from the Irish group DeDANNAN, plays Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City CA 90230; 310-398-2583
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* TIX, $28.50, + $4.50 per ticket online or by phone. Adv. online at: https://www.store.mccabes.com/cart.php
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Sat, Nov 23:
8 pm - FRANKIE GAVIN, Fiddler from the Irish group DeDANNAN, plays Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City CA 90230; 310-398-2583
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Sunday
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Sun, Nov 24:
10 am-noon - "VICTORIA ROTHCHILD'S 102nd BIRTHDAY" brings JANET KLEIN AND HER PARLOUR BOYS for a special Sunday morning show 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
* Venue impresario Bob Stane says, "SPECIAL. Something new. 10 am. Half the house is available, come join us! Always more fun and music that you might expect. Janet and her Parlour Boys have promised not to behave."
* She will be bring her biggest musical guns in the form of John Reynolds, Tim Gill, and Marquis Howell.
* Ukulele Chanteuse Janet Klein is the most delightful kind of throwback. With her Parlor Boys, she brings you the "Obscure, Naughty and Lovely tunes of the 1910s, 20s & 30s" in a rollicking bundle of spirited and inspired renditions of cleverly fun but forgotten Tin Pan Alley, early hot jazz, and saucy bits and late ragtime gems. Adding to the band's already extensive repertoire these merrymakers zestfully branch into obscure vaudeville and Vitaphone numbers, plus Hawaiian, Yiddish novelty tunes, French and Italian knock-out ballads.
* Do you really want to sit home and listen to the Sabbath gasbags rehash the week in Washington?
* TIX, $20.
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11 am - 2019 "DOODAH PARADE" now produced by the Light Bringer Project is "the other" gala parade in downtown Pasadena CA.
* This parody of Pasadena's Rose Parade has a long love-hate relationship with the staid, white-suited elite producers of the January 1st mega-event. Probably because many Doo-dah'ers would never miss their favorite parade, and would never think of subjecting themselves to the January 1st scene.
* You'll see dozens of examples of hilarity you'd never thought of, including a marching kazoo orchestra, musicians with improbable portable instruments, the corps of crazed shoppers with their daredevil shopping cart acrobatics, the Synchronized Barbecue Marching Brigades (tossing the crowd their freshly-cooked hot dogs with pickles and mustard), and a few entries with purpose, like the the Seismo Sistahs, as they bring their message of earthquake preparedness to all who Doo Dah. Go once and you'll never forget it.
* There Is NO "Reserved" Or "Special Seating"; the ‘free’ eventbrite ‘tickets’ are just for your convenience – so you have the date/time/address in your pocket. You still need to bring a lawn chair and find your own parade-watching spot. (Unlike the Rose Parade, this is not a feast day for capitalism, so there is no fee for a patch of public sidewalk.)
* While there just isn't a way to comprehend the pseudo-cult of DooDah unless you experience it in person, they do have a web site: https://pasadenadoodahparade.info/
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| 2019 DooDah Parade route |
DooDah gallery...
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| The "Moveable Feast" is a literal realization of the book & tv title -- pedal while you dine. |
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| " The 1% Solution" in the staging area, before giving the people what they want. |
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| A vignette of DooDah history: the "Toro Drill Team" roaring down the route back in '79. |
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Opening Sun, Nov 24, through Feb 23; FREE:
11am-5 pm - "FALLEN FRUIT: SUPERSHOW!" at PDC Gallery, 8687 Melrose Av, West Hollywood CA
* Runs Sun, Nov 24 through Feb 23; free.
* Opening day Sunday features outdoor jamming, preceded by an artist talk with FALLEN FRUIT (aka DAVID BURNS and AUSTIN YOUNG), and Young will be taking his trademark portraits of whoever wants one inside the installation, plus music and apparently, cheerleaders.
* This is "A gorgeous mile of fruit and flower garland wallpaper in a gradient of saturated hues containing within its two story installation multiple scenarios and vignettes of photography and ceramic, faux Grecian luxury statues, gilded mirrors, chaises and sundry objects. All of this exists in the mode of a secular temple to beauty, as well as a sort of public living room where communities are formed through the universal language of shareable fruit."
* Might be the right thing for a memorable date.
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Sun, Nov 24:
2 pm - MEN OF WORTH, the classic CELTIC/SCOTTISH band, play the Gelencser House Concerts series in Claremont CA 91711
* Reservations get directions at: 909-596-1266 or singfolk@yahoo.com
* They also play Ridgecrest on the 22nd, 7 pm, and Carlsbad on the 23rd, 7:30 pm; see listings.
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Sun, Nov 24:
2 pm - DIEGO GARCIA: “TWANGUERO” 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
* Latin Grammy Winner, and winner of the recent "Spanish Independent Music Award" for his solo project, "Backroads, ( Vol. 1)," this is the companion solo show, "Backroads." It is a musical journey through the Americas, including his travels to U.S. cities, Chicago, Nashville, Austin, and Mexico to Argentina, in search of the "Heart of the American Guitar." He will be releasing the follow up CD, "Backroads, Vol. ll) this year.
* Originally from Spain, "Latin Twang" guitarist/vocalist/composer, Diego Garcia, also known as "Twanguero", has been hailed as a "fire breathing guitar hero" by the press for his work with his band. He is now residing in the U.S.
* Twanguero has been called one of the "best guitarists in the world." His unique musical style combines rock, blues, country and his signature "Latin Twang". He is available solo or with his band. His latest band recording is the acclaimed "Electric Sunset" on the Cosmica label.
* This is his 3rd encore at The Coffee Gallery Backstage.
* Check out his website: https://twanguero.com
* TIX, $20
___
Sun, Nov 24:
4 pm - ACOUSTIC ASYLUM plays Alva’s Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro CA 90732; 310-519-1314
___
Sun, Nov 24:
7 pm - THE BEATUNES -- BEATLES TRIBUTE 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
* The Beatunes bring together four of Southern Cal’s top musicians - solely to honor and play as faithfully to the recordings as possible - the timeless and spirit-lifting music of The Beatles.
* No wigs. No costumes. Simply enjoy the timeless music of the band that rocked history.
* TIX, $20.
___
Sun, Nov 24:
8 pm - TONGUE-IN-CREEK plus TRACY NEWMAN play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405; 310-828-4497
2 pm - MEN OF WORTH, the classic CELTIC/SCOTTISH band, play the Gelencser House Concerts series in Claremont CA 91711
* Reservations get directions at: 909-596-1266 or singfolk@yahoo.com
* They also play Ridgecrest on the 22nd, 7 pm, and Carlsbad on the 23rd, 7:30 pm; see listings.
___
Sun, Nov 24:
2 pm - DIEGO GARCIA: “TWANGUERO” 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
* Latin Grammy Winner, and winner of the recent "Spanish Independent Music Award" for his solo project, "Backroads, ( Vol. 1)," this is the companion solo show, "Backroads." It is a musical journey through the Americas, including his travels to U.S. cities, Chicago, Nashville, Austin, and Mexico to Argentina, in search of the "Heart of the American Guitar." He will be releasing the follow up CD, "Backroads, Vol. ll) this year.
* Originally from Spain, "Latin Twang" guitarist/vocalist/composer, Diego Garcia, also known as "Twanguero", has been hailed as a "fire breathing guitar hero" by the press for his work with his band. He is now residing in the U.S.
* Twanguero has been called one of the "best guitarists in the world." His unique musical style combines rock, blues, country and his signature "Latin Twang". He is available solo or with his band. His latest band recording is the acclaimed "Electric Sunset" on the Cosmica label.
* This is his 3rd encore at The Coffee Gallery Backstage.
* Check out his website: https://twanguero.com
* TIX, $20
___
Sun, Nov 24:
4 pm - ACOUSTIC ASYLUM plays Alva’s Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro CA 90732; 310-519-1314
___
Sun, Nov 24:
7 pm - THE BEATUNES -- BEATLES TRIBUTE 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
* The Beatunes bring together four of Southern Cal’s top musicians - solely to honor and play as faithfully to the recordings as possible - the timeless and spirit-lifting music of The Beatles.
* No wigs. No costumes. Simply enjoy the timeless music of the band that rocked history.
* TIX, $20.
___
Sun, Nov 24:
8 pm - TONGUE-IN-CREEK plus TRACY NEWMAN play the famous concert hall in back of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405; 310-828-4497
* TIX, $20, + $4.50 per ticket online or by phone. Adv. online at: https://www.store.mccabes.com/cart.php
___
____________________
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, from someone born on this date..,
"We haven't yet learned how to stay human when assembled in masses."
-- Lewis Thomas, physician and author (born Nov 25, 1913, died 1993).
___
Mon, Nov 27:
7 pm - Monthly "DAVID HARVEY PRESENTS" performance showcase at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena CA 91001
* No reservations taken for this show; just get there in time to buy your ticket and get seats with your party.
* This month brings roots/soul singer Skip Heller, the powerhouse voice of Joan Enguita Willingham, and special guest storyteller Dylan Brody.
* SKIP HELLER -- "Roots meets Soul is how I describe Skip Heller," SAYS David Harvey. Skip is one of Los Angeles’ most wide-ranging artists. He's played with NRBQ, Stan Ridgway, Yma Sumac, Phil Alvin, Cannibal and The Headhunters, Rick Danko, Big Jay McNeely, and many many more. Skip always brings a big roots rocking sound and guitar virtuosity to his shows.
* JOAN ENGUITA WILLINGHAM has been known for nearly two decades for her vocals in the Los Angeles area where she first stepped on the stage. Since then, she's toured the world performing her original music. Joan grew up in a U.S. military family and lived nearly half her childhood in France and Spain. As a young mom, she spent a year in the Philippines. Joan studied classical guitar with Jeffrey Van at the University of Minnesota and kept some of those guitar patterns for use in her own songs. Joan has been a member of the award-winning local trio WOMEN ON THE MOVE since its inception. David Harvey notes, "It's a real treat to have her for a solo show!"
* "A Word" With DYLAN BRODY always gets "Special Guest" storyteller billing, though this is Dylan's regular gig between his solo concerts in other prestige venues all over town. Dylan Brody is an award-winning playwright, a thrice published author, a humorist and a story-teller. He's a writer for the "Huffington Post" and a contributor to NPR's "OffRamp" on KPCC. He is also a martial artist, but those skills probably will not come into play during the show. Unless something goes horribly wrong.
* TIX, $15 at the door.
___
___
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Monday
_____________________
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, from someone born on this date..,
"We haven't yet learned how to stay human when assembled in masses."
-- Lewis Thomas, physician and author (born Nov 25, 1913, died 1993).
___
Mon, Nov 27:
7 pm - Monthly "DAVID HARVEY PRESENTS" performance showcase at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena CA 91001
* No reservations taken for this show; just get there in time to buy your ticket and get seats with your party.
* This month brings roots/soul singer Skip Heller, the powerhouse voice of Joan Enguita Willingham, and special guest storyteller Dylan Brody.
* SKIP HELLER -- "Roots meets Soul is how I describe Skip Heller," SAYS David Harvey. Skip is one of Los Angeles’ most wide-ranging artists. He's played with NRBQ, Stan Ridgway, Yma Sumac, Phil Alvin, Cannibal and The Headhunters, Rick Danko, Big Jay McNeely, and many many more. Skip always brings a big roots rocking sound and guitar virtuosity to his shows.
* JOAN ENGUITA WILLINGHAM has been known for nearly two decades for her vocals in the Los Angeles area where she first stepped on the stage. Since then, she's toured the world performing her original music. Joan grew up in a U.S. military family and lived nearly half her childhood in France and Spain. As a young mom, she spent a year in the Philippines. Joan studied classical guitar with Jeffrey Van at the University of Minnesota and kept some of those guitar patterns for use in her own songs. Joan has been a member of the award-winning local trio WOMEN ON THE MOVE since its inception. David Harvey notes, "It's a real treat to have her for a solo show!"
* "A Word" With DYLAN BRODY always gets "Special Guest" storyteller billing, though this is Dylan's regular gig between his solo concerts in other prestige venues all over town. Dylan Brody is an award-winning playwright, a thrice published author, a humorist and a story-teller. He's a writer for the "Huffington Post" and a contributor to NPR's "OffRamp" on KPCC. He is also a martial artist, but those skills probably will not come into play during the show. Unless something goes horribly wrong.
* TIX, $15 at the door.
___
____________________
Tuesday
_____________________
Tue, Nov 26:
7 pm - THE DEAD SOUTH plays the House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Av, San Diego CA 92101; 619-299-BLUE (2583)
* They also play L.A., tomorrow, 7 pm; see listing.
___
7 pm - THE DEAD SOUTH plays the House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Av, San Diego CA 92101; 619-299-BLUE (2583)
* They also play L.A., tomorrow, 7 pm; see listing.
___
_______________________
Wednesday
________________________
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, from someone born on this date:
"We want our sound to go into the soul of the audience, and see if it can awaken some little thing in their minds... 'Cause there are so many sleeping people."
-- Jimi Hendrix, musician, singer, and songwriter (born Nov 27, 1942, died 1970)
___
Wed, Nov 27:
7 pm - THE DEAD SOUTH play the Belasco Theater, 1050 S Hill St, Los Angeles CA 90015; 213-746-5670
* They also play San Diego, Nov 26, 7 pm; see listing
___
Wed, Nov 27:
7 pm - SUITCASE JOHNNIE plays Iva Lee's, 555 N El Camino Real, San Clemente CA 92672; 949-361-2855
___
Wed, Nov 27:
7 pm - SUITCASE JOHNNIE plays Iva Lee's, 555 N El Camino Real, San Clemente CA 92672; 949-361-2855
___
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Thursday
________________________
Thu, Nov 28:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING.
___
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Friday
________________________
Crossroads
A not-so-funny thing happened on the way to global warming
By Larry Wines
Political orientation may not be a predictor, but this writer is vehemently opposed to the "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" orgies of conspicuous consumption. Though we do support "Small Business Saturday," two days after Thanksgiving. If there is an alignment here, it's with Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping, including its Stop Shopping Choir, when it comes to anything remotely resembling "Black Friday."
For starters, 48 million Americans are still in debt from Christmas season holiday spending in 2018, and that's up substantially from 39.4 million Americans a year ago, still indebted from the previous year's Christmas.
Behind the obvious, it's what enables the idiotic fantasy of "constant economic growth." Pursuing it (for the enrichment of the few) comes at devastating costs (to everyone and every species on the planet). As a direct result, the top seven economic nations are nowhere near being able to meet the goals they agreed to in the Paris Accords for this year's maximum carbon emissions. And in the corporate media's reporting of that fact, they continually emphasize "a 1.5 to 2 degree Celsius rise in global temperature" as being "within the goal."
We keep waiting for someone among them to sound the biggest alarm bell they have, that a rise within those limits merely assures continuation of the climate chaos we see now.
On November 26, the latest UN report got some traction at CBS News, amidst the pile of also-ran stories.
The package CBS aired skimmed-over the stark facts contained, without much commentary, in their print piece. Yes, they broached the subject, but like other outlets that ignored it altogether, they failed to run, as the lead, the latest aspect of the most important story of our time: the boo-boo doesn't heal and things don't get all-better if we hold global warming to a 1.5 degree Celsius (2.7° Fahrenheit) temperature increase -- because doing that, we would "merely" need to relocate eighty percent of the human population and entirely change everything we eat if we are to survive that 1.5 to 2 degree C temperature rise.
Instead, corporate media always likes to focus on the parts of U.N. agency reports that says, in the words of CBS citing the latest one, "getting the world back on track to limit the increase to 2.7 degrees (1.5 Celsius) would require a fivefold increase in measures pledged so far." Which quickly defaults to trillions of dollars nobody has, making it readily dismissable. So, predictably, move on to the next story with a smaller sticker shock. And make sure that's not the one about Venice and its art treasures being underwater, so nobody connects things.
CBS isn't especially villainous. Just representative.
Minimizing recognition of actual impacts -- even when they're reported between the hyped stories of celebrity misbehavior or who-wore-what on the red carpet -- facilitates a rapid return to our fantasy comfort zone. It is guaranteed to feed desires the corporatists nurture in each of us: to prove our individual worth in an expression of expensive exercise of conspicuous consumption. The short road is never taken, straight from consumerism to resource depletion and its myriad impacts in environmental degradation, and ultimately, climate change.
Of course, our society is complicated. Turns out the "yeah, yeah, we reported on it" de facto dismissal is also directly related to how the "panic management" game is played.
The Big Media that serves corporate masters -- which is damn near the entire industry -- can't let the masses grasp the idea that our overconsumptive civilization's addiction to shiny baubles is directly courting collapse, with ice melt, drought, twelve-month fire seasons, deforestation, loss of critical habitat and ecosystem collapse, killer storms everywhere, coastal storm surge and coastal inundation, sea level rise, ground water depletion, water ruination from fracking, and collapsing productivity of climate-impacted farms and fisheries.
Because if they did allow that combined juggernaut of existential realities to take hold, they wouldn't be able to strike-up the band for Black Friday and Cyber Monday and (a) keep luring us into addictively buying resource-consumptive stuff we don't need, and (b) manage our panic away from the next great extinction, while simultaneously and profitably maintaining ratings for the talking-head drama-queens of impeachment punditry.
An old folk song advocated "Blow up your tv, throw away the paper, move to the country, build you a home." As if any of us could afford that, with the cost of gas for the commute. Even if we still think of fossil fuels in terms of acquisition costs instead of "use" costs. Nevertheless, like you, we are more than ready to do some good where we can.
Accordingly, we very much DO support "Giving Tuesday," held annually the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year, that's December 3, 2019 -- the day after the lunacy of "Cyber Monday."
Tuesday's celebration of altruism runs for 24 hours and begins at midnight local time, wherever you are. It is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world through tangible expressions on that one day, December 3, and by extension, every day.
It's also a good place to take account and commit to giving of your time and talents, signing-up to volunteer during the holidays or the year ahead. In that sense, it may be the last shred of what Franklin Roosevelt envisioned in his presidential proclamation of Thanksgiving as a permanent holiday.
"Giving Tuesday" was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good.
Each year -- and growing in participants by leaps and bounds -- nonprofits, causes for activism, organizations that fund protection of wild lands or historic sites, or that acquire lands to preserve habitats for threatened species, are ALL benefactors of what ordinary people do, as individuals, on this special day.
Homeless people can get blankets and warm clothes, the hungry can get food, and old people can do better than putting canned cat food on their own menus. Poor people can get access to legal help. A kaleidoscope of possibilities is empowered, because each of us responds thoughtfully and compassionately to the message sounded for this day.
You, me, the crabby neighbors with the toxic politics, together with small businesses, brands, schools, and the inevitable religious organizations -- in your neighborhood, and all over the planet -- can celebrate this as a global day of giving and make a difference in the world. As in, "BE the change you want to see." Which Gandhi never actually said, but we can.
Many reputable charities and activist movements arrange for matching donors or offer special "thank you" recognitions on Giving Tuesday. So if your inbox isn't already bulging at the seems with appeals from them? Then fulfill your inner need to give back (or to pay it forward) by picking something you know you can support, and send 'em a few bucks. Before you blow it all on plastic Christmas crap from some sweatshop in China, and still have the bill on your credit card a year from now.
___
Opening today; ONGOING, Nov 29 thru Jan 1:
2 pm-10 pm - "QUEEN MARY CHRISTMAS - WHERE HOLIDAYS SET SAIL" aboard the Queen Mary and dockside, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach CA 90802
* The theme is, "Take a voyage from Long Beach to the North Pole, and discover new traditions mixed with good old-fashioned Christmas cheer."
* With strolling performers and live entertainment on the outdoor stage at the North Pole Village -- and ice skating at the True North Ice Rink, circling a 26-ft Christmas tree -- there's a lot before you go aboard. Ride the "QM Express Train" and Grand Carousel, learn gingerbread house-making and stocking decorating, and consume sweet treats and libations. Plus there's the main event, the "dazzling decor" for the holidays on all the decks aboard the Queen Mary. Shipboard experiences include a special 4-D version of "The Polar Express" movie, screened complete with hot cocoa smells and snow flurries for a magical movie experience.
* TIX & info: https://www.queenmary.com/calendar-of-events/qmchristmas/home/
___
Opening today; ONGOING, Nov 29 thru Jan 1:
2 pm-10 pm - "QUEEN MARY CHRISTMAS - WHERE HOLIDAYS SET SAIL" aboard the Queen Mary and dockside, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach CA 90802
* The theme is, "Take a voyage from Long Beach to the North Pole, and discover new traditions mixed with good old-fashioned Christmas cheer."
* With strolling performers and live entertainment on the outdoor stage at the North Pole Village -- and ice skating at the True North Ice Rink, circling a 26-ft Christmas tree -- there's a lot before you go aboard. Ride the "QM Express Train" and Grand Carousel, learn gingerbread house-making and stocking decorating, and consume sweet treats and libations. Plus there's the main event, the "dazzling decor" for the holidays on all the decks aboard the Queen Mary. Shipboard experiences include a special 4-D version of "The Polar Express" movie, screened complete with hot cocoa smells and snow flurries for a magical movie experience.
* TIX & info: https://www.queenmary.com/calendar-of-events/qmchristmas/home/
___
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Saturday
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Sat, Nov 30:
"TALL SHIP SAIL" at Los Angeles Maritime Institute, San Pedro Ports O’ Call harbor, San Pedro CA
* With the support of the state Coastal Commission, the Maritime Institute holds a coastal awareness educational experience and three-hour sail on a tall ship.
* The ship departs from the San Pedro Ports O’ Call harbor, sails around the harbor and coastline, and returns.
* The goal is to raise environmental awareness that leads to personal action to reduce marine plastic pollution and human impacts to our local coastline and its marine life,
* On-board hands-on and scientific activities, and bilingual (Spanish) materials and trained bilingual docents are included.
* Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and children must be 10 years or older.
* First sail is today, Nov 30, then once-a-month afterwards on Saturdays.
* More at: www.lamitopsail.org
* Sign up for today or upcoming Saturdays, at 310-833-6055.
___
Sat, Nov 30:
9 am-noon - "OUTDOOR VOLUNTEER DAY" at Alta Vicente Reserve, 30940 Hawthorne Bl, Rancho Palos Verdes CA
* Volunteer to help restore nature with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. Today offers a chance to help care for a restoration area that is home to many threatened and endangered wildlife species.
* Bonus? You get a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean!
* Sign-up at: www.pvplc.volunteerhub.com
___
Sat & Sun, Nov 30-Dec 1:
11 am-7 pm - "JACKALOPE INDIE ARTISAN UNDERGROUND ART FAIR" in Grand Central Market's newly renovated downstairs "underground" event space; parking at 308 S Hill St, Los Angeles CA 90013; or ride the Red/Purple subway to 4th St/Pershing Square Station and walk out the 4th St end.
* Shop small on Small Business Saturday weekend at this Indie Artisan Fair.
* Free, all ages, handicap accessible.
* More at: www.jackalopeartfair.com/visitdtla
___
Sat, Nov 30, FREE concert:
11 am-3 pm - PATTI AMELOTTE on Solo Hammered Dulcimer, performing on the level 1 stage near Pottery Barn, at South Coast Plaza, Bear St, Costa Mesa CA
* She performs here again, free, as follows:
Dec 6 – BEAR St, LEVEL 2 near big Poinsettia tree – 4 pm-8 pm
Dec 8 – JEWEL COURT near gigantic Christmas Tree/Nordstrom’s–4 pm-8 pm
Dec 15 – BEAR St, LEVEL 1 near Pottery Barn– 6 pm-10 pm
Dec 20 – BEAR St, LEVEL 1 near Pottery Barn– 1 pm-5 pm
Dec 24 – BEAR St, LEVEL 2 near big Poinsettia tree – 2 pm-6 pm
___
Sat, Nov 30, FREE concert:
11 am-3 pm - PATTI AMELOTTE on Solo Hammered Dulcimer, performing on the level 1 stage near Pottery Barn, at South Coast Plaza, Bear St, Costa Mesa CA
* She performs here again, free, as follows:
Dec 6 – BEAR St, LEVEL 2 near big Poinsettia tree – 4 pm-8 pm
Dec 8 – JEWEL COURT near gigantic Christmas Tree/Nordstrom’s–4 pm-8 pm
Dec 15 – BEAR St, LEVEL 1 near Pottery Barn– 6 pm-10 pm
Dec 20 – BEAR St, LEVEL 1 near Pottery Barn– 1 pm-5 pm
Dec 24 – BEAR St, LEVEL 2 near big Poinsettia tree – 2 pm-6 pm
___
Sat, Nov 30, on TV:
1:30 pm-3:30 pm - "50 YEARS OF PETER, PAUL, & MARY" (2014) on PBS1, aka PBS So Cal, aka KOCE.
* As for why this is airing now? It's pledge drive time again, which means all the public TV stations trot-out their biggest cash-cow moneymakers. Which are, of course, their acoustic and Americana music specials. Too bad they lie and tell you during every interminable interruption, "If you want to see more programs like this one, you need to make a pledge." It is a lie because the ONLY time you see programs like "that one" are during -- wait for it -- their pledge drives.
* Nevertheless, supporting public TV is worthy for what they DO regularly provide, like "Democracy Now," "Frontline," "Nova," and the classical music series like "Live at Lincoln Center."
* Meanwhile, enjoy the roots music while you can.
* THIS SHOW REPEATS: tonight, 5-7 pm, on KCET; tonight (Sunday am) midnight-2 am on KOCE; Sunday, 6-8 pm on KCET.
___
Sat, Nov 30:
3 pm-5 pm - SAN DIEGO’s NORTH COUNTY MOUNTAIN DULCIMERS perform for the "Bonsall Christmas Tree Lighting," in Bonsall Village Square, San Diego CA
___
Sat, Nov 30, on TV:
5 pm-7 pm - "50 YEARS OF PETER, PAUL, & MARY" (2014) on KCET.
* As for why this is airing now? It's pledge drive time again, which means all the public TV stations trot-out their biggest cash-cow moneymakers. Which are, of course, their acoustic and Americana music specials. Too bad they lie and tell you during every interminable interruption, "If you want to see more programs like this one, you need to make a pledge." It is a lie because the ONLY time you see programs like "that one" are during -- wait for it -- their pledge drives.
* Nevertheless, supporting public TV is worthy for what they DO regularly provide, like "Democracy Now," "Frontline," "Nova," and the classical music series like "Live at Lincoln Center."
* Meanwhile, enjoy the roots music while you can.
* THIS SHOW REPEATS: tonight, midnight-2 am on KOCE; Sunday, 6-8 pm on KCET.
___
Sat, Nov 30; great "acoustica obscura" show:
7 pm - THE LICATA BROTHERS & FRIENDS 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 local homegrown LICATA BROTHERS have played in Memphis and in Europe, and they return to the stage where they started to celebrate their 9th anniversary at the CG Backstage with an all-Cal-State Northridge (CSUN) Matadors lineup for another unique concert of multi-genre classics.
* This includes bright new original tunes from their third CD, “Kindle the Flame” and a sneak peek at material planned for the fourth CD.
* JIMMY LICATA has just completed the CSUN Music Industry Studies program (with local favorite drummer DANIEL MARKUS a few years behind him) and is currently enrolled in the Audio Engineering program at Musicians Institute of Hollywood.
* TONY LICATA, marks the actual 19th birthday tonight, is a CSUN junior in Communication Studies with an emphasis on performance.
* Backstage newcomer and bassist ANDRE ALVISO hails from a family of professional and academic musicians, and is also in the CSUN Communications Studies program. He shares the same passion for classic rock.
* SPECIAL GUEST: YOSI MESBAH – This recent Nashville transplant brought down the house at her June Backstage debut with the LICATA BROTHERS. Her eclectic and diverse style weaves sonic stories which cut through to the heart of things with a wisdom beyond her years and a hope not dulled by experience.
* A new generation has arrived at the Backstage, visible and audible in tonight's rare confluence of musical innovation grounded in classics, youthful exuberance, and well-honed university and professional training. A fine opportunity to share a memorable evening of entertainment with your multigenerational friends and family.
* TIX, $20
* NOTE: The Guide has two picks this weekend for great "acoustica obscura" show and this is one of 'em.
* NOTE: The Guide has two picks this weekend for great "acoustica obscura" show and this is one of 'em.
___
Sat, Nov 30, on TV:
7:30 pm-9 pm - "ARETHA FRANKLIN REMEMBERED" on PBS1, aka PBS So Cal, aka KOCE.
* As for why this is airing now? It's pledge drive time again, which means all the public TV stations trot-out their biggest cash-cow moneymakers. Which are, of course, their acoustic and Americana music specials. Too bad they lie and tell you during every interminable interruption, "If you want to see more programs like this one, you need to make a pledge." It is a lie because the ONLY time you see programs like "that one" are during -- wait for it -- their pledge drives.
* Nevertheless, supporting public TV is worthy for what they DO regularly provide, like "Democracy Now," "Frontline," "Nova," and the classical music series like "Live at Lincoln Center."
* Meanwhile, enjoy the roots music while you can.
* THIS SHOW REPEATS: 8-9:30 pm Mon on KCET; 9-10:30 pm Mon on KOCE; midnight-1:30 am Tue on KCET; 1:30-3 pm Tue & 9-10:30 am Wed on KCET-LINK; 1:30-3 pm on KCET.
___
Sat, Nov 30, on TV:
8 pm-9:30 pm - "JOHN DENVER: COUNTRY BOY" (2013) on KCET.
* The late singer-songwriter JOHN DENVER (1943-1997) SOLD MORE RECORDS THAN ANYBODY during the 1970s, but today's Music industry singularities of soundalike pop, rap-hop, and electronica have forcibly removed his multi-million-seller records from the airwaves. This documentary covers much of his music, how he almost got to fly in space aboard NASA's Shuttle, AND his central role in creation of the modern environmental movement. (Yep, all that is true.)
* As for why this is airing now? It's pledge drive time again, which means all the public TV stations trot-out their biggest cash-cow moneymakers. Which are, of course, their acoustic and Americana music specials. Too bad they lie and tell you during every interminable interruption, "If you want to see more programs like this one, you need to make a pledge." It is a lie because the ONLY time you see programs like "that one" are during -- wait for it -- their pledge drives.
* Nevertheless, supporting public TV is worthy for what they DO regularly provide, like "Democracy Now," "Frontline," "Nova," and the classical music series like "Live at Lincoln Center."
* Meanwhile, enjoy the roots music while you can. (There are no scheduled repeats of this show on other Southern Cal PBS channels.)
___
Sat, Nov 30, on TV:
7:30 pm-9 pm - "ARETHA FRANKLIN REMEMBERED" on PBS1, aka PBS So Cal, aka KOCE.
* As for why this is airing now? It's pledge drive time again, which means all the public TV stations trot-out their biggest cash-cow moneymakers. Which are, of course, their acoustic and Americana music specials. Too bad they lie and tell you during every interminable interruption, "If you want to see more programs like this one, you need to make a pledge." It is a lie because the ONLY time you see programs like "that one" are during -- wait for it -- their pledge drives.
* Nevertheless, supporting public TV is worthy for what they DO regularly provide, like "Democracy Now," "Frontline," "Nova," and the classical music series like "Live at Lincoln Center."
* Meanwhile, enjoy the roots music while you can.
* THIS SHOW REPEATS: 8-9:30 pm Mon on KCET; 9-10:30 pm Mon on KOCE; midnight-1:30 am Tue on KCET; 1:30-3 pm Tue & 9-10:30 am Wed on KCET-LINK; 1:30-3 pm on KCET.
___
Sat, Nov 30, on TV:
8 pm-9:30 pm - "JOHN DENVER: COUNTRY BOY" (2013) on KCET.
* The late singer-songwriter JOHN DENVER (1943-1997) SOLD MORE RECORDS THAN ANYBODY during the 1970s, but today's Music industry singularities of soundalike pop, rap-hop, and electronica have forcibly removed his multi-million-seller records from the airwaves. This documentary covers much of his music, how he almost got to fly in space aboard NASA's Shuttle, AND his central role in creation of the modern environmental movement. (Yep, all that is true.)
* As for why this is airing now? It's pledge drive time again, which means all the public TV stations trot-out their biggest cash-cow moneymakers. Which are, of course, their acoustic and Americana music specials. Too bad they lie and tell you during every interminable interruption, "If you want to see more programs like this one, you need to make a pledge." It is a lie because the ONLY time you see programs like "that one" are during -- wait for it -- their pledge drives.
* Nevertheless, supporting public TV is worthy for what they DO regularly provide, like "Democracy Now," "Frontline," "Nova," and the classical music series like "Live at Lincoln Center."
* Meanwhile, enjoy the roots music while you can. (There are no scheduled repeats of this show on other Southern Cal PBS channels.)
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December
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The middle of the weekend marks arrival of the last month before it becomes an Olympics year (yeeah!) And an election year (ehh. C'mon, you always do need to pull a splinter and apply disinfectant, 'specially when It's been festering). So... even though the corporatocracy has been annoying you with canned Christmas carols for two months? A chance to hide behind the reindeer poop, now, might be your last best respite for almost a whole year to come.
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Sunday
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Sun, Dec 1, BENEFIT:
8:30 am-11:30 am - annual "HOLIDAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST" sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Manhattan Beach, at Joslyn Community Center, 1601 N Valley Dr, Hermosa Beach CA
* The breakfast raises money for Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
* Features pancakes, DJ Rob Christie, games and face painting for the kids, and a "Letter to Santa" table.
* The Manhattan Beach Santa Float will be available for photos for your holiday cards.
* If you CAN'T GO, buying a ticket is still a donation, y'know...
* TIX: Adv tix $10, day-of $12. Children under age 5 are free. TIX at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mb-kiwanis-annual-pancake-breakfast-with-santa-tickets-80616067829
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Sun, Dec 1:
1 pm-4 pm - annual "SPIRIT OF SAN PEDRO HOLIDAY PARADE" steps off at 13th St & Pacific Av, downtown San Pedro CA
* Features marching bands, drill teams, floats and Santa Claus.
* The route hangs a right on 6th St, ending at 6th & Palos Verdes streets.
* Free to attend.
* More info: www.sanpedrochamber.com/events/details/39th-annual-spirit-of-san-pedro-holiday-parade-3520
* And, hey, if you go, spend the earlier part of the day aboard BATTLESHIP IOWA, docked in San Pedro as a museum.
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Sun, Dec 1, on TV:
2:30 pm-4 pm - "PETE SEEGER TRIBUTE CONCERT" features a whole bunch of recording artists performing the music of the late folk icon.
* As for why this is airing now? It's pledge drive time again, which means all the public TV stations trot-out their biggest cash-cow moneymakers. Which are, of course, their acoustic and Americana music specials. Too bad they lie and tell you during every interminable interruption, "If you want to see more programs like this one, you need to make a pledge." It is a lie because the ONLY time you see programs like "that one" are during -- wait for it -- their pledge drives.
* Nevertheless, supporting public TV is worthy for what they DO regularly provide, like "Democracy Now," "Frontline," "Nova," and the classical music series like "Live at Lincoln Center."
* Meanwhile, enjoy the roots music while you can.
* THIS SHOW REPEATS: today, 3:30-5 pm on KOCE; Sunday, 2-3:30 am on KOCE; Sun 2:30-4 pm on KCET; Wed noon-1:30 pm on KCET; Wed 1:30-3 pm, and Thu 10:30 am-noon, on Link TV (aka KCET-Link).
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4 pm - SUMITRA performs voice and piano at Alvas Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro CA 90732
* A wonderful look inside the soul of a songwriter.
* Sumitra’s playing and voice dance together like perfect partners, trading the lead and the spotlight. Intricate piano arrangements, soulful vocals, nourishing lyrics and stories.
* Music vid: https://youtu.be/SIyUl-Cptvs
* TIX, $15, at: https://alvasshowroom.tix.com/m/Event.aspx?EventCode=1156702
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Sun, Dec 1; FILM screening:
5 pm - "THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM" screens at the Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W 6th St, San Pedro CA
* The film depicts the immense complexity of nature, as it follows two dreamers and a dog on an odyssey to bring harmony to their lives and the land.
* TIX: $10 adult, Free for youth age 18 and younger; adv tix: www.pvplc.org/_events/Ticketsfilmseries.asp
* Questions, call 310-541-7613.
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Sun, Dec 1:
7 pm - WILL RYAN & THE CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS return at last to 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
* Will and this superb band haven’t played these parts for many a fortnight, they ride into Altadena for a Sunday night show you'll want to experience.
* Benny “Buckeye” Brydern will have just returned from China and the Far East where he’s been playing first violin with international recording star Yanni. Now he’ll be back playing first fiddle with the ol’ gang.
* Meanwhile, John “Presto” Reynolds has been visiting rococo households, gathering new material for his amazing Bilabial Fricitation demonstration. Presto will also astound with his banjo and guitar superhuman fluency.
* Will “Cactus Katie” Cavera be on hand from her Arizona environs, where she's been rehearsing for next year’s shows? Be there to find out.
* Special Guest Star: Cori Cable Kidder! Lovely thrush Cori will produce genuine Arkansas yodels in a “trilling” performance of obscure and popular tunes performed with the whole band. Do not miss this date.
* CORI CABLE KIDDER, Guide readers will remember, is the star of the wonderfully-reviewed, multi-staged PATSY CLINE SHOW. Well worth coming just to see and hear her. Will tells us, "We got lucky."
* One night only. All ages welcome. The group's last area show of the year.
* TIX, $22
* NOTE: The Guide has two picks this weekend for great "acoustica obscura" show and this is one of 'em.
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Monday
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THOUGHT FOR TODAY, from someone born on this date
"The question is whether or not you choose to disturb the world around you, or if you choose to let it go on as if you had never arrived."
-- Ann Patchett, writer (born Dec 2, 1963)
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THIS DAY IN HISTORY
Dec 2, 1954, 65 years ago today: The United States Senate censured Senator Joe McCarthy for what amounted to reckless endangerment of the US Constitution. The Senate’s action brought to a close the most famous domestic confrontation of the Cold War era — the Army-McCarthy Hearings, in which McCarthy tried to convict the US Army of harboring communists. In so doing, the endlessly exploitive demagogue had finally poked a snake with a stick, and picked the for that would bring him down. As Prof. Ross Altman writes, "The Senate’s action, however, was almost an afterthought: McCarthy had already been condemned in open court by attorney Joseph Welch, with the single most moving quote to emerge from the McCarthy era: 'Senator, have you no decency; at long last, Sir, have you no sense of decency left?'"
Mon, Dec 2, WORKSHOP:
6:30 pm - "LEARN TO PLAY THE JAPANESE TAIKO DRUMS" at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro CA
* This is a Single class. Fee is $24.
* More info, call Grand Vision at 310'833-4813.
* Those whose devices are infested with Facebook spyware can reserve a spot at facebook.com/events/grand-vision-the-grand-annex/taste-of-taiko/405716370065686 (no, we do NOT put Facebook hyperlinks in the Guide).
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Mon, Dec 2, FREE event:
7 pm - "TURNING LIMITATIONS INTO OPPORTUNITIES: AN EVENING WITH ALI STROKER" is a "Visions and Voices Signature Event" in the Bing Theatre (BIT) on the USC main campus in University Park, 3500 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089
* Admission is free, but reservations are required (beginning Mon, Nov 4, 9 am), at: http://visionsandvoices.usc.edu/events/listing.php?event_id=30636231473158
* Ali Stroker is the Tony Award–winning actor and first wheelchair user to star in a Broadway production. She will discuss her life, career, and the importance of inclusion, representation, and ending a culture that assumes "ableism" as an unspoken qualification.
* A co-chair of "Women Who Care," which supports United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, and founding member of "Be More Heroic," an anti-bullying campaign that tours the country, Stroker works to improve the lives of others—whether disabled or not—through advocacy as well as the arts.
* She became the first wheelchair user to star in a Broadway production when she originated the role of Anna in Deaf West’s acclaimed 2015 revival of "Spring Awakening." In 2019, she made history again by winning a Tony Award for "Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical" for her portrayal of Ado Annie in the smash Broadway revival of "Oklahoma!"
* On television, Stroker starred in 12 episodes of Oxygen’s "The Glee Project." She placed second in the competition and won a guest role on Fox’s "Glee." She also starred in the Kyra Sedgwick ABC series, "Ten Days in the Valley."
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Tuesday
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Today is "GIVING TUESDAY, " The annual day following Thanksgiving that is dedicated to helping others instead of Self-indulgently spending money and going into debt. (See our feature story published on Friday, "Turning 'Black Friday' & 'Cyber Monday' GREEN.")
Make your hard-earned bucks, bitcoins, shekels, rupees, Euros and dinars do good for the many, and not enrich the crafty crooked scammers.
There's an old song that fits the real message of GIVING TUESDAY. Written by Hal David & Burt Bacharach, it was made famous when sung by Jackie DeShannon: "What the World Needs Now." Take a moment for positive messaging in musical delight with the lyrics here, and the music vid here.
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THOUGHT FOR TODAY, from someone born on this date:
"A story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end, but not necessarily in that order."
-- Jean-Luc Godard, film director (born Dec 3, 1930)
"A story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end, but not necessarily in that order."
-- Jean-Luc Godard, film director (born Dec 3, 1930)
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Tue, Dec 3, through Sun, Dec 8:
Annual "TORRANCE MEMORIAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL" at Torrance Memorial Hospital, 3330 Lomita Bl, Torrance CA
* Presented by Las Amigas, features children’s activities, shopping in the holiday boutique, a food court, fashion show, and a gala and lunch with Santa.
* More info, including public hours and specific activities, at: www.torrancememorialfoundation.org/public-hours-activities
* Questions, call 310-517-4703.
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Wednesday
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Wed, Dec 4:
5:30 pm-6 pm - "MINDFULNESS SESSIONS" in the South Bay, led by trained Beach Cities Health District staff; for locations call Tiana Rideout, 310-374-3426, ext 139
* Take 30 minutes to drop the holiday buzz and practice mindfulness techniques.
* Free sessions, first Wed every month.
* No prior experience with meditation or mindfulness required. Doors at 5 pm.
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Thursday
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Thu, Dec 5; FREE - LIVE RADIO PLAY:
3 pm & 7 pm - "GOLDEN AGE OF RADIO WITH SAG-AFTRA" is a pair of live reenactments of the original "MELODY RANCH CHRISTMAS PARTY" radio show, staged in the Wells Fargo Theatre at the Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (across the giant parking lot from the L.A. Zoo)
* Every week from 1940 to 1956, fans tuned-in to hear the radio show "Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch," and each December they would look forward to a special Christmas broadcast featuring music, holiday humor, and a Christmas story. Get in the holiday spirit as SAG-AFTRA presents live retro reenactments of the "Melody Ranch Christmas Party" radio show featuring Gene Autry’s classic Christmas music.
* Drinks and light refreshments available for purchase at Crossroads West from 5:30 pm to 7 pm.
* FREE, but RESERVATIONS REQUIRED because it will fill-up: https://theautry.org/events/performing-arts/golden-age-radio-sag-aftra
* Free parking.
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Thu, Dec 5:
7:30 pm - MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER & SHAWN COLVIN perform in the Concert Hall at the California Center For The Arts, 340 N Escondido Bl, Escondido CA 92025; 800-988-4253
* These two old friends, each a recording star in her own right, have been getting together making music for nearly three decades. On multiple occasions, we've been privileged to sit at their feet when they've played in the tiny town park in Telluride Colorado. Anytime they play together, It's memorable.
* They also play Thousand Oaks, Fri at 8 pm; see listing.
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Thu, Dec 5:
8 pm - BILL FRISELL & JULIAN LAGE DUO play the Center for Performing Arts (CAP UCLA) series in Royce Hall on the UCLA Campus in Westwood CA 90095; 310-825-4401
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Thu, Dec 5:
8 pm - LAURENCE JUBER, two-time GRAMMY winning guitarist, plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena CA
* Reservations by phone only, 7 days, 10 am-10 pm: 626-798-6236
* Fingerstyle guitarist of the year, Grammy Winner, lead guitarist for Paul McCartney’s WINGS, and studio musician on many, many award-winning records, movies, TV shows and video games, he is a big-venue, worldwide concert performer who still enjoys playing an intimate venue when he can. Tonight is when and where he can.
* Known to his fans as "LJ," he has released 25 solo albums that spotlight his unique mastery of the acoustic guitar. The latest album, “LJ Can’t Stop Playing The Beatles!" is the third in his series of arrangements by The Fab Four, and was voted one of Acoustic Guitar Magazine's all-time Top Ten albums.
* His solo arrangement of "The Pink Panther Theme" earned him a second Grammy, while his arrangement of "Stand By Me" was heard nationally in a "Diamonds Are Forever" commercial. Juber’s DVD-Audio project "Guitar Noir" (AIX Records) won a CES Demmy award for best audio.
* As a studio musician, he can be heard on recordings from artists as diverse as Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, Seal, and French chanteuse Sylvie Vartin, plus he is featured on the soundtracks to hundreds of TV shows including "Home Improvement" and movies including academy award-winners "Dirty Dancing," "Good Will Hunting," and "Pocahontas."
* His music is featured in the Ken Burns’ documentary "The Tenth Inning."
* Juber co-composed the soundtrack of the award-winning video game "Diablo III" and scored the NBC "Dateline" documentary "Children of the Harvest."
* TIX, $25, and this'll sell-out.
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Thu, Dec 5:
Previously announced, but NOT happening tonight: 8 pm - DAVID STARR plus WE ARE ME at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake Av, Altadena CA 91001; reservations by phone only, 7 days, 10 am-10 pm: 626-798-6236
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Thu, Dec 5:
8:30 pm - CHARLIE PARR plays the Satellite, 1717 Silverlake Bl, Silvrtlake / Los Angeles CA 90026; 323-661-4380
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A Thursday-
Sunday event
Sunday event
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Thu-Sat, Dec 5-7:
8 pm - "BEETHOVEN'S SEVENTH" performed by PACIFIC SYMPHONY for three nights in Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa CA 92626; Box Office, 714-755-5799; www.PacificSymphony.org
More than two centuries after its wildly successful premiere, Beethoven’s Seventh remains a work you simply must experience live. Also featured is another premiere: a tribute to Maestro St.Clair from Academy Award-winning composer, Elliot Goldenthal. And Vadym Kholodenko, winner of the prestigious Van Cliburn competition, joins with an electrifying performance of Prokofiev’s demanding Piano Concerto No. 3.
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Friday
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Fri, Dec 6; FREE concert:
4 pm-8 pm - PATTI AMELOTTE on Solo Hammered Dulcimer, performing on the level 2 stage near the big Poinsettia tree, at South Coast Plaza, Bear St, Costa Mesa CA
* She performs here again, free, as follows:
Dec 8 – JEWEL COURT near gigantic Christmas Tree/Nordstrom’s–4 pm-8 pm
Dec 15 – BEAR St, LEVEL 1 near Pottery Barn– 6 pm-10 pm
Dec 20 – BEAR St, LEVEL 1 near Pottery Barn– 1 pm-5 pm
Dec 24 – BEAR St, LEVEL 2 near big Poinsettia tree – 2 pm-6 pm
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Fri, Dec 6:
7 pm - MISSY ANDERSEN AND HER ONE MAN BAND play Fiddler's Crossing,
206 East F St, Tehachapi CA 93561; 661-823-9994
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Fri, Dec 6, FILM EVENT:
7:15 pm - "OUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE: THE CLIMATE CATASTROPHE AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT" featuring the new documentary, "ROLLBACKS: An Assault Against Life on Earth," with guest speakers, short videos and interactive multimedia presentations, in a special program presented by "The Topanga Peace Alliance" for its 175th Consecutive "First Friday Film Night" at the Topanga Library, 122 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga CA 90290
* After this new 29-minute documentary, a discussion will focus on the most effective actions for individuals, non-profits, companies and governments to combat this fast-moving disaster.
* Featured speakers from different organizations include "The Climate Mobilization" and "Extinction Rebellion," presenting actions you can join right now.
* The program includes short videos, interactive media, and discussions regarding individual actions and the Climate Catastrophe.
* The promo says, "The impact of climate change is undeniable and catastrophic. The recent and ongoing fires in California are a heartbreaking demonstration of this. The Trump administration has met this crisis by systematically and efficiently enacting an alarming number of regulatory rollbacks, reversing past policy progress and putting our very existence at risk. Our feature documentary, 'ROLLBACKS: An Assault Against Life on Earth,' shows that there is no question that we are in a crisis and urgent action is essential."
* Before the film, they have announcements regarding upcoming events and actions for peace and social justice.
* Veggie Snack Pot Luck at 7:15 pm, Movie at 7:30.
* Elevator makes it ADA-compliant, and hearing assistance devices are available, but arrive early for those free options.
* TIX: a $10 donation is requested, but no one is turned away for lack of funds.
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7:15 pm - "OUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE: THE CLIMATE CATASTROPHE AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT" featuring the new documentary, "ROLLBACKS: An Assault Against Life on Earth," with guest speakers, short videos and interactive multimedia presentations, in a special program presented by "The Topanga Peace Alliance" for its 175th Consecutive "First Friday Film Night" at the Topanga Library, 122 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga CA 90290
* After this new 29-minute documentary, a discussion will focus on the most effective actions for individuals, non-profits, companies and governments to combat this fast-moving disaster.
* Featured speakers from different organizations include "The Climate Mobilization" and "Extinction Rebellion," presenting actions you can join right now.
* The program includes short videos, interactive media, and discussions regarding individual actions and the Climate Catastrophe.
* The promo says, "The impact of climate change is undeniable and catastrophic. The recent and ongoing fires in California are a heartbreaking demonstration of this. The Trump administration has met this crisis by systematically and efficiently enacting an alarming number of regulatory rollbacks, reversing past policy progress and putting our very existence at risk. Our feature documentary, 'ROLLBACKS: An Assault Against Life on Earth,' shows that there is no question that we are in a crisis and urgent action is essential."
* Before the film, they have announcements regarding upcoming events and actions for peace and social justice.
* Veggie Snack Pot Luck at 7:15 pm, Movie at 7:30.
* Elevator makes it ADA-compliant, and hearing assistance devices are available, but arrive early for those free options.
* TIX: a $10 donation is requested, but no one is turned away for lack of funds.
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Fri, Dec 6:
7:30 pm - RICHARD SMITH & BRENT MASON play the 1st of two concerts for the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series," this one at the Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan St, Dana Point CA 92629; 949-244-6656
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Fri, Dec 6:
8 pm - MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER & SHAWN COLVIN team-up to play the Fred Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks CA 91362; 805-449-2787
* These two old friends, each a recording star in her own right, have been getting together making music for nearly three decades. On multiple occasions, we've been privileged to sit at their feet when they've played in the tiny town park in Telluride Colorado. Anytime they play together, It's memorable.
* They also play Thu at 7:30 pm in Escondido; see listing.
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Fri, Dec 6:
8 pm - "WORDS & MUSIC BY DAN WILSON" in the famous concert hall in back of McCabes Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405
* TIX, $25, + $4.50 per ticket online or by phone. Adv. online at: https://www.store.mccabes.com/cart.php
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Fri, Dec 6:
8 pm - THE THREE SAPPY SINGER SONGWRITERS play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena CA 91001; reservations by phone only, 7 days, 10 am-10 pm: 626-798-6236
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Fri, Dec 6:
8 pm - JACOB JOLLIFF BAND plays the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro CA 90731; 310-833-6362
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Fri, Dec 6:
8 pm - DAVID STARR plays Kulak’s Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood CA 91606; 818-766-9913
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Saturday
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Sat, Dec 7:
10 am & 11:30 am - "NUTCRACKER FOR KIDS" performed by PACIFIC SYMPHONY in Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa CA 92626; Box Office, 714-755-5799; www.PacificSymphony.org
* Visions of sugarplums and beautiful ballerinas will dance in your head after seeing Tchaikovsky’s delightful Christmas ballet, performed in a condensed 45-minute version created just for kids. This annual favorite finishes with a grand finale sing-along and a jolly visit from Santa.
* Part of "Family Musical Mornings," a series of 45-minute concerts designed for kids age 5-11, with interactive fun at the Musical Carnival, 9 am & 12:15 pm.
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Sat, Dec 7:
11 am-1 pm - MANY STRINGS performs Holiday Music aboard the sailing ship "Star of India" docked at the San Diego Maritime Museum, 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego CA 92101; 619-234-9153
* Jamie Burns - Hammered Dulcimer; Chris Burns - guitar, banjo
* Free with museum admission
* More at: https://www.many-strings.com
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Sat, Dec 7:
2 pm - UKULELE FRIENDS KANIKAPILA! is a first-rate ensemble of stars of the little instrument, with BRYAN TOLENTINO, HERB OHTA Jr., POMAIKA’I LYMAN, and HALEHAKU SEABURY, in the long-running annual series of Hawai'ian concerts at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier CA 90601; 562-907-4203
* This is the first of two stellar Hawai'ian concerts today with different top artists, within driving distance and spaced just right to catch both; see 7 pm for the other one.
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Sat, Dec 7:
5:30 pm-7:30 pm - 56th Annual "CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY WASSAIL GALA" features BETTER THAN ONE, the duo of Patti Amelotte & Barbara Gershman, with holiday music on two hammered dulcimers, plus many Chapman Univ musicians from the College of Performing Arts; at Musco Center for the Arts and in Fish Interfaith Center, on the campus of Chapman University in Orange CA
* Features performances during the Wassail hour, through dinner, and in a concert following.
* TIX & info: 714-997-6624 or email copatickets@chapman.edu
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Sat, Dec 7:
7 pm - RICHARD SMITH & BRENT MASON play the 2nd of two concerts for the "Lord Of The Strings Concert Series," this one at the Mission Viejo Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Dr, Mission Viejo, CA 92691; 949-244-6656
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Sat, Dec 7:
7 pm - ROB ICKES & TREY HENSLEY play the Museum of Making Music, 5790 Armada Dr, Carlsbad CA 92008; 760-438-5996
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Sat, Dec 7:
7 pm - JIM “KIMO” WEST plays his annual "HAWAI'IAN HOLIDAY SHOW" at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena CA
* Reservations by phone only, 7 days, 10 am-10 pm: 626-798-6236
* Grammy-nominated, world-renowned "slack key" guitar master Jim “Kimo” West brings brings traditional hula dancers and special guests to this one, so you can "Spend Christmas in Hawaii!"
* Drawing on material from his two acclaimed holiday slack key CD’s, Kimo presents his island-style take on holiday classics along with storytelling and some mighty fine guitar playing.
* Recently nominated in the 61st Grammy Awards, Kimo is a four-time "Han Hoku Hanohano" (the Hawaiian ‘Grammy”) Award nominee as well as a two-time recipient of the "L.A. Treasures" award.
* His work with musical satirist “Weird Al” Yankovic has resulted in a Billboard #1 CD, five Grammys, and many gold and platinum sales awards in addition to many world tours.
* TIX, $20, and this always sells-out.
* This is the second of two stellar Hawai'ian concerts today with different top artists, within driving distance and spaced just right to catch both; see 2 pm for the other one.
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Sat, Dec 7:
7:30 pm - TRACE BUNDY plays the Wooden Hall Concerts series at the Alhecama Theatre, 914 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara CA 93101
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Sat, Dec 7:
8 pm - Festival faves GRASSLANDS and ROCKY NECK bring a dual bill of top-notch bluegrass to Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City CA 90230; 310-398-2583
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Sat, Dec 7:
8 pm - THE STEEL WHEELS play the famous concert hall in back of McCabes Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405
* TIX, $25, + $4.50 per ticket online or by phone. Adv. online at: https://www.store.mccabes.com/cart.php
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Sat, Dec 7:
8 pm - JONATHAN McEUEN & FRIENDS play Russ and Julie’s House Concerts series in Oak Park CA (Agoura Hills/Westlake Village area)
* Reservations get directions, at 818-707-2179 or rsvp@houseconcerts.us
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Sunday
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Sun, Dec 8:
2 pm - STORYTELLERS, plus THE RATTLESNAKES, play a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena CA 91001
* Reservations by phone only, 7 days, 10 am-10 pm: 626-798-6236
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Sun, Dec 8:
2:30 pm - "AN IRISH CHRISTMAS" returns to Southern California to begin its annual tour, which begins today with this stop at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara CA 93101; 805-963-0761
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Sun, Dec 8:
3 pm - ERIC RIGLER & DIRK FREYMUTH perform "A Celtic Christmas" with Nuala Kennedy at the Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Dr, Aliso Viejo CA 92656; 949-480-4278
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Sun, Dec 8:
3 pm - WILD MOUNTAIN MYSTICS & friends perform their outstanding seasonal originals for the "Cellar Sessions" monthly concert series, at Old Oak Cellars, 2620 E Foothill Bl, Pasadena CA 91107 (look for the big, red “Massage” sign — the winery is behind it, but not affiliated).
* TIX: $20 advance, $25 at door, includes complimentary wine tasting: https://cellarsessions.thundertix.com/events/160107?only_one=true
* Concert goers are invited to stay for the 6 pm event here; see listing for "HOLIDAY SONG-CIRCLE, POTLUCK and TOY DRIVE."
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Sun, Dec 8:
3 pm - WILD MOUNTAIN MYSTICS & friends perform their outstanding seasonal originals for the "Cellar Sessions" monthly concert series, at Old Oak Cellars, 2620 E Foothill Bl, Pasadena CA 91107 (look for the big, red “Massage” sign — the winery is behind it, but not affiliated).
* TIX: $20 advance, $25 at door, includes complimentary wine tasting: https://cellarsessions.thundertix.com/events/160107?only_one=true
* Concert goers are invited to stay for the 6 pm event here; see listing for "HOLIDAY SONG-CIRCLE, POTLUCK and TOY DRIVE."
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Sun, Dec 8:
3 pm - "HANDEL' S GLORIOUS MESSIAH" performed by PACIFIC SYMPHONY in Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa CA 92626; Box Office, 714-755-5799; www.PacificSymphony.org
* A beloved holiday tradition, Handel’s celebrated oratorio — with its blazing trumpets, thundering timpani and spectacular “Hallelujah!” chorus — provides a moment during the busy season to experience reflection, renewal and joy.
___
Sun, Dec 8; FREE concert:
3 pm-4 pm - MANY STRINGS performs "A Renaissance Christmas" at Mission Trails Church, 4880 Zion Av, San Diego CA 92120
* More at: https://www.many-strings.com
___
Sun, Dec 8; PARTICIPATION BENEFIT:
4 pm - 38th annual "HOLIDAY CAROLING FESTIVITIES" for shut-ins, in Los Angeles, California, kicking-off two weeks of national participatory performance events in this series.
* Performances at multiple venues (ranging from nursing homes to assistes living facilities).
* Take part in Some or all: 4 pm, 5:30 pm, and/or 6:30 pm.
* "Cast party" dinner / social time follows for all participants.
* Experience the power, magic, and impact of giving music like you never have for any other audience. Everyone from full-time music pros to folks who sing in the shower are invited to MAKE THIS HAPPEN.
* Longtime producer Vincent Leinen says, "YOU are extended a special invitation to participate at senior care centers -- performing on our modular schedule, you can arrive/depart at your discretion.
* At the first stop, the entire cast breaks into small groups to perform room-to-room for literal shut-ins, some bedridden, some in wheelchairs.
* Each subsequent stop, the cast performs a "stage show" in the facilities' dining halls.
* All "venues" are located in the West San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles.
* Immediately following the caroling, participants are invited to socialize and dine (new site this year, since the longtime dinner venue has closed): convene at IHOP Restaurant at Vanowen & Fallbrook, in West Hills CA (7:30 pm-9:30 pm).
* Please RSVP ASAP via phone to take part, as it helps Vincent to plan logistics: Vincent J. Leinen, 818-429-1563
* Wanna know where Vincent is coming from, doing this here and across North America for all these years? He says, "Thank you for blessing my life and the lives of so many others, especially our senior aged friends and their caregivers."
* More info, INCLUDING THE OTHER CITIES WHERE YOU CAN TAKE PART: www.HolidayCarolingMakingADifference.com
___
Sun, Dec 8, FREE event:
6 pm - "HOLIDAY SONG-CIRCLE, POTLUCK and TOY DRIVE" sponsored by "Concerts In Harmony," at Old Oak Cellars, 2620 E Foothill Bl, Pasadena CA 91107 (look for the big, red “Massage” sign — the winery is behind it, but not affiliated).
* In place of their long-running holiday concert, Dana Charnofsky's "Concerts In Harmony" is producing this musical "giving" event.
* Plenty of street parking (no parking in lot or driveway, as they tow)
* Let the spirit move you and bring a toy (or new clothes, books, school supplies… ages 3-17) to donate to a child in need.
* Bring a dish of sumpin' good to share in the potluck feast.
* Buy wine for holiday gifts.
* Dana tells us, "We’ll round up the chairs for a SONG-CIRCLE and musicians can play all night if they like."
* FREE to attend, kids are welcome, open to the public.
___
Sun, Dec 8:
7 pm - THE JANGLE BROTHERS -- JOHN YORK, BILLY DARNELL & CHAD WATSON -- play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena CA
* Reservations by phone only, 7 days, 10 am-10 pm: 626-798-6236
* JOHN YORK was a legendary member of THE BYRDS and touring partner of BARRY McGUIRE. He has played with The MAMAS AND THE PAPAS, DR. JOHN, JOHNNY RIVERS, RICK DANKO, RICHARD MANUEL, THE SIR DOUGLAS QUINTET, NICKY HOPKINS, the late P.F. SLOAN, and Blues legend LIGHTNING HOPKINS.
* BILLY DARNELL played guitar for the GENE CLARK BYRDS, THE EVERLY BROTHERS, DR. JOHN, DOUG KERSHAW, and ROGER McGUINN.
* CHAD WATSON amazing bass player, has toured and/or recorded with JANIS IAN, DELANEY BRAMLETT, CHARLIE RICH, FREDDY FENDER, and countless other artists.
* TIX: $20
___
Sun, Dec 8:
8 pm - ROB ICKES & TREY HENSLEY play the famous concert hall in back of McCabes Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405
* TIX, $20, + $4.50 per ticket online or by phone. Adv. online at: https://www.store.mccabes.com/cart.php
___
_______________________
ahead in
December
_______________________
Tue, Dec 10:
10 am - "MUSIC WITH ANGIE DONKIN" for kids at three Pasadena library locations this week. Today, at the Central Library, in the splendid Donald Wright Auditorium, 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena CA 91101; 626-744-4066
* A fun and rhythmic morning of music, dance, stories and imaginative play.
* For children age 6 and under, and their parents or caregivers.
* Free.
___
Wed, Dec 11:
10:30 am - "MUSIC WITH ANGIE DONKIN" for kids at three Pasadena library locations this week. Today, at the Santa Catalina Branch, 999 E Washington Bl, Pasadena CA 91104; 626-744-7272
* A fun and rhythmic morning of music, dance, stories and imaginative play.
* For children age 6 and under, and their parents or caregivers.
* Free.
___
Wed, Dec 11; FREE concert:
5 pm - MANY STRINGS performs "A Renaissance Christmas" at Potrero Library, 24883 Potrero Valley Rd, Potrero CA 91963 (San Diego Co); 619-478-4669
* More at: https://www.many-strings.com
___
Thu, Dec 12:
10:30 am - "MUSIC WITH ANGIE DONKIN" for kids at three Pasadena library locations this week. Today, at the Linda Vista Branch, 1281 Bryant St, Pasadena CA 91103; 626-744-7278
* A fun and rhythmic morning of music, dance, stories and imaginative play.
* For children age 6 and under, and their parents or caregivers.
* Free.
___
Fri, Dec 13:
11:15 am - MANY STRINGS performs "A Renaissance Christmas" for a LUNCHEON CONCERT at Santee Parks & Recreation Dept., Santee City Hall, Building 8P, 10601 Magnolia Av, Santee CA 92071 (San Diego Co)
* Music performance precedes lunch.
* Call for reservations and info: 619-258-4100 ext. 120
* More at: https://www.many-strings.com
___
Fri-Sun, Dec 13, 14, 15:
5:30 pm-8:30 pm - 34th annual "CANDLELIGHT WALK AT HERITAGE HILL" features two traditional acoustic string bands playing holiday music, at Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Rd, Lake Forest CA 92630
* Bands are:
⊙ WHEN PIGS FLY! olay Dec 13 & 15, with Marianne Scanlon on hammered & fretted dulcimers & guitar; Jim Romano on guitar, bodhran, snare drum, banjolele, small percussion; Terry Gucwa on cello.
⊙ ON A LARK - CELTIC TRIO, plays Dec 14, with Jill Cassidy on Irish whistle; Barbara Gershman on hammered dulcimer & accordion; Terry Gucwa on cello, and singing leader.
* Festive holiday music in each decorated historic building.
* More than 1,000 luminarios lighting the park’s pathways.
* Traditional refreshments, plus Santa. Family-friendly.
* Info: 949-923-2230 or http://www.ocgov.com/civicax/inc/blobfetch.aspx?BlobID=101443
* TIX: $5, cash only. Free under age 3. TIX at: http://www.ocgov.com/civicax/inc/blobfetch.aspx?BlobID=101443
___
Fri, Dec 13:
8 pm - TRACE BUNDY plays the famous concert hall in back of McCabes Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405
* TIX, $25, + $4.50 per ticket online or by phone. Adv. online at: https://www.store.mccabes.com/cart.php
___
Sat, Dec 14:
7:30 pm - "4 CHRISTMAS CAROLS arranged by SHAWN KIRCHNER" featuring PATTI AMELOTTE on hammered dulcimer, accompanying the USC THORNTON SCHOOL OF MUSIC, on the campus of University of Southern California, University Park, Los Angeles CA
* See website for info, tickets, parking, and reservations: https://music.usc.edu/wintergala/
___
Sat, Dec 14:
8 pm - CHARLIE HUNTER & LUCY WOODWARD play the famous concert hall in back of McCabes Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405
* TIX, $26.50, + $4.50 per ticket online or by phone. Adv. online at: https://www.store.mccabes.com/cart.php
___
Sun, Dec 15:
5:30 pm-11 pm - BILL DEMPSEY plays the "SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY" at the Columbus Club, 4425 Home Av, San Diego CA 92105
* Info: www.billdempseymusic.net
___
Sun & Mon, Dec 15 & 16:
8 pm - "JACKSH*T HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR MMXIX" gets two nights in the famous concert hall in back of McCabes Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405
* TIX, $40, + $4.50 per ticket online or by phone. Adv. online at: https://www.store.mccabes.com/cart.php
___
Mon, Dec 16, Back East:
Annual reenactment of the BOSTON TEA PARTY at the harbor in Boston, MA
* No, not the goofball modern privately-owned (for the profit of the few owners) "Tea Party" that isn't a real political party and should have stuck with the name they originally called themselves: "The Teabaggers."
* THIS, in Boston, is a raucous historical reenactment that pitches fake bundles of tea from square-rigged sailing ships into the harbor, just like the 1775 rebellion. Except then it was real tea, when everybody drank tea like they drink coffee now. So they were putting their mouths where they money would have gone, to rebel against Britain's taxation without representation.
___
Tue, Dec 17:
7:30 pm - "HOLIDAY ORGAN SPECTACULAR" performed by PACIFIC SYMPHONY in Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa CA 92626; Box Office, 714-755-5799; www.PacificSymphony.org
* Celebrate the season with the king of instruments with world-class organist TODD WILSON and members of Pacific Symphony performing a delightful mix of sacred and holiday music. Favorite Christmas carols share the bill with traditional organ works that highlight the 4,322-pipe, $3.1 million William J. Gillespie Concert Organ.
* Carl St.Clair, conductor; Vadym Kholodenko, piano; Pacific Symphony
* Program:
• ELLIOT GOLDENTHAL: “October Light” Adagio for Orchestra (World premiere)
• PROKOFIEV: Piano Concerto No. 3
• BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 7
• Preview Talk at 7 pm with special guests Vadym Kholodenko and Elliot Goldenthal.
- hosted by KUSC's Rich Capparela (Thu. & Sat.)
- hosted by KUSC's John Van Driel (Fri.)
* Doors at 6:45 pm.
* TIX: https://www.pacificsymphony.org/tickets/concerts/holiday-concerts
___
Fri, Dec 20:
THE BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA plays their only Southern Cal date for the 16th Annual "Christmas Rocks! Tour" on Fri, Dec 20 at the lovely McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, CA.
* TIX, EARLIEST SALE: Wed, Jul 24 at 10 am (local time, in all US markets) through Thu, Jul 25 at 10 pm (local time). Or wait for regular sales to arrive Fri, Jul 26 at 10 am (local time), after the good seats are gone. (It was in the Guide's "Ticket Alerts" in July.)
* Iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and three-time Grammy-Award winner BRIAN SETZER and his 19-piece ORCHESTRA will tour the country on their 16th annual "Christmas Rocks! Tour," presented for the fifth consecutive year by SiriusXM.
* Featuring music from their three best-selling holiday albums and Brian's numerous hits.
* The over 20-city annual, critically-acclaimed, holiday extravaganza launches Nov 15 at the State Theatre in Minneapolis, MN, and wraps-up at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, CA on Dec 20.
* TIX (starting at time above) and more info at: www.briansetzer.com
___
Fri & Sat, Dec 20 & 21:
8 pm - "CHRISTMAS WITH MARIE OSMOND" with PACIFIC SYMPHONY, MARIE OSMOND, DAVID OSMOND, & DANIEL EMMET, in Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa CA 92626; Box Office, 714-755-5799; www.PacificSymphony.org
* Marie Osmond, backed by the Hollywood sound of Pacific Symphony, for a holiday concert featuring festive favorites as well as her hit singles, including “Paper Roses.”
* Joining Marie are special guests: her talented nephew David Osmond; and vocal powerhouse Daniel Emmet, 2018 semi-finalist on "America's Got Talent."
* TIX, https://www.pacificsymphony.org/tickets/concerts/holiday-concerts
___
Tue, Dec 24, FREE CONCERT, in-person, or on tv, or LIVE ONLINE:
3 pm-6 pm - 60th Annual "LOS ANGELES COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION" in The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Av, downtown Los Angeles CA 90012; 213-972-7211;
* With all the lights, sets, and sound production that every big show receives at a world-class Music Center production, this appropriately multicultural showcase of Los Angeles County-based musicians and dancers is reliably one of the nation's best annual holiday performances.
* Last year's 59th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration was named the winner of a 2019 "Gold Telly Award" for Television Craft, Use of Live Video; a "Silver Telly" for Television Entertainment; and a "Silver Telly" for Television Craft/Directing. The 58th Annual production's telecast was named the winner of a 2018 "Silver Telly Award" for Television / Live Event and a "Bronze Telly" for Television / Craft Director. This is done with care and it's very impressive and superbly entertaining.
* Doors open at 2:30 pm.
* Available to see GLOBALLY, streaming live on www.pbssocal.org AND on www.kcet.org, or on local tv, on PBS SoCal (aka KOCE in Southern California, AND on other PBS stations nationwide on their own schedules), or best of all, see it happen live, in person, where you can enjoy the scope and scale of it all at The Music Center.
* FREE to attend, but very, very popular. Meaning you need to arrive early and wait in line until the doors open -- or, wait in line until someone inside leaves. There is outdoor entertainment while you're in line, and food vendors.
* TV schedules (Southern California):
□ LIVE 3-HOUR BROADCAST
• Dec 24, 3 pm, on PBS SoCal 1 (KOCE).
□ RE-BROADCASTS (full 3-hour repeat)
• Dec 24, 9 pm, on PBS SoCal 1 (KOCE).
• Dec 25, 3 am, on PBS SoCal 1 (KOCE).
• Dec 25, 3 am, on PBS SoCal 2.
• Dec 25, 6 am, on PBS SoCal 2.
• Dec 25, noon, on KCET.
• Dec 25, 7 pm, on KCET.
• Dec 26, 11 am, on PBS SoCal 2.
* More, including bios of all performers, plus the schedule of performances (when available), at: https://www.musiccenter.org/tickets/events-by-the-music-center/holidaycelebration/
___
Tue, Dec 31:
3:30 pm-4:30 pm - BILL DEMPSEY, sea chanticler and folk musician, performs an early NYE set at Carlsbad by the Sea, 2855 Carlsbad Bl, Carlsbad CA 92008
* More at: www.billdempseymusic.net
___
_______________________
January
_______________________
Fri & Sat, Jan 10 & 11:
8 pm - DAR WILLIAMS plus special guest SETH GLIER gets two nights in the famous concert hall in back of McCabes Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405
* TIX, $40, + $4.50 per ticket online or by phone. Adv. online at: https://www.store.mccabes.com/cart.php
___
Starts Jan 28...
Tue & Thu, (2 sessions per week), WORKSHOP:
5:30 pm-9 pm - "TEACHING ARTIST TRAINING" is The Music Center series returning for 2020, empowering you to "Tap into your artistry to engage learners," at the Los Angeles Music Center, 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles CA 90012
* The 2020 "Teaching Artist Training" is open for registration, as of 11/22/19.
* This class runs all these dates: Jan 28, 30; Feb 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 & 27.
* New and experienced teaching artists specializing in dance, music, theatre, visual arts and media arts are encouraged to sign up.
* This 30-hour training focuses on building and increasing artists' capacity to work creatively and effectively in TK-12 classrooms.
* Participants focus on lesson design and gain strategies to facilitate arts learning in schools and other settings, drawing from their own artistic strengths. Content will connect to the new California Arts Standards, California Content Standards, Universal Design for Learning and Social Emotional Learning.
* Training is led by Music Center teaching artists Madeleine Dahm (dance & theatre), Andrew Grueschow (music) and Lynn Okimura (visual & media arts).
* MORE INFO: Ebony Ruffin, Manager of Professional Development; eruffin@musiccenter.org; 213-972-3308
* COST: $250 (includes materials, light snacks and parking)
___
_______________________
February
_______________________
Feb 1 & 2, VOCAL WORKSHOP:
Time tba - MOIRA SMILEY returns to her old L.A. stomping grounds, teaching two rare vocal workshops at The BirdHouse
* Moira Smiley tours the world as part of the best vocal groups of our time. She is renowned in Los Angeles for her former ensemble VOCO, which was based here.
* Details forthcoming at link below.
* Reservations and info: https://moirasmiley.com/
___
Feb 15:
Time tba - MOIRA SMILEY returns to her old L.A. stomping grounds for a concert at Nichols Canyon Music.
* Moira Smiley tours the world as part of the best vocal groups of our time. She is renowned in Los Angeles for her former ensemble VOCO, which was based here.
* Details not yet available at press time. They'll appear at: https://moirasmiley.com/
___
_______________________
later in
2020
_______________________
Apr 3-5, 2020:
"HISTORYCON" is a national event and exhibition at the Pasadena Convention Center
www.historycon.com
___
THE BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA plays their only Southern Cal date for the 16th Annual "Christmas Rocks! Tour" on Fri, Dec 20 at the lovely McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, CA.
* TIX, EARLIEST SALE: Wed, Jul 24 at 10 am (local time, in all US markets) through Thu, Jul 25 at 10 pm (local time). Or wait for regular sales to arrive Fri, Jul 26 at 10 am (local time), after the good seats are gone. (It was in the Guide's "Ticket Alerts" in July.)
* Iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and three-time Grammy-Award winner BRIAN SETZER and his 19-piece ORCHESTRA will tour the country on their 16th annual "Christmas Rocks! Tour," presented for the fifth consecutive year by SiriusXM.
* Featuring music from their three best-selling holiday albums and Brian's numerous hits.
* The over 20-city annual, critically-acclaimed, holiday extravaganza launches Nov 15 at the State Theatre in Minneapolis, MN, and wraps-up at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, CA on Dec 20.
* TIX (starting at time above) and more info at: www.briansetzer.com
___
Fri & Sat, Dec 20 & 21:
8 pm - "CHRISTMAS WITH MARIE OSMOND" with PACIFIC SYMPHONY, MARIE OSMOND, DAVID OSMOND, & DANIEL EMMET, in Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa CA 92626; Box Office, 714-755-5799; www.PacificSymphony.org
* Marie Osmond, backed by the Hollywood sound of Pacific Symphony, for a holiday concert featuring festive favorites as well as her hit singles, including “Paper Roses.”
* Joining Marie are special guests: her talented nephew David Osmond; and vocal powerhouse Daniel Emmet, 2018 semi-finalist on "America's Got Talent."
* TIX, https://www.pacificsymphony.org/tickets/concerts/holiday-concerts
___
Tue, Dec 24, FREE CONCERT, in-person, or on tv, or LIVE ONLINE:
3 pm-6 pm - 60th Annual "LOS ANGELES COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION" in The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Av, downtown Los Angeles CA 90012; 213-972-7211;
* With all the lights, sets, and sound production that every big show receives at a world-class Music Center production, this appropriately multicultural showcase of Los Angeles County-based musicians and dancers is reliably one of the nation's best annual holiday performances.
* Last year's 59th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration was named the winner of a 2019 "Gold Telly Award" for Television Craft, Use of Live Video; a "Silver Telly" for Television Entertainment; and a "Silver Telly" for Television Craft/Directing. The 58th Annual production's telecast was named the winner of a 2018 "Silver Telly Award" for Television / Live Event and a "Bronze Telly" for Television / Craft Director. This is done with care and it's very impressive and superbly entertaining.
* Doors open at 2:30 pm.
* Available to see GLOBALLY, streaming live on www.pbssocal.org AND on www.kcet.org, or on local tv, on PBS SoCal (aka KOCE in Southern California, AND on other PBS stations nationwide on their own schedules), or best of all, see it happen live, in person, where you can enjoy the scope and scale of it all at The Music Center.
* FREE to attend, but very, very popular. Meaning you need to arrive early and wait in line until the doors open -- or, wait in line until someone inside leaves. There is outdoor entertainment while you're in line, and food vendors.
* TV schedules (Southern California):
□ LIVE 3-HOUR BROADCAST
• Dec 24, 3 pm, on PBS SoCal 1 (KOCE).
□ RE-BROADCASTS (full 3-hour repeat)
• Dec 24, 9 pm, on PBS SoCal 1 (KOCE).
• Dec 25, 3 am, on PBS SoCal 1 (KOCE).
• Dec 25, 3 am, on PBS SoCal 2.
• Dec 25, 6 am, on PBS SoCal 2.
• Dec 25, noon, on KCET.
• Dec 25, 7 pm, on KCET.
• Dec 26, 11 am, on PBS SoCal 2.
* More, including bios of all performers, plus the schedule of performances (when available), at: https://www.musiccenter.org/tickets/events-by-the-music-center/holidaycelebration/
___
Tue, Dec 31:
3:30 pm-4:30 pm - BILL DEMPSEY, sea chanticler and folk musician, performs an early NYE set at Carlsbad by the Sea, 2855 Carlsbad Bl, Carlsbad CA 92008
* More at: www.billdempseymusic.net
___
_______________________
January
_______________________
Fri & Sat, Jan 10 & 11:
8 pm - DAR WILLIAMS plus special guest SETH GLIER gets two nights in the famous concert hall in back of McCabes Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica CA 90405
* TIX, $40, + $4.50 per ticket online or by phone. Adv. online at: https://www.store.mccabes.com/cart.php
___
Starts Jan 28...
Tue & Thu, (2 sessions per week), WORKSHOP:
5:30 pm-9 pm - "TEACHING ARTIST TRAINING" is The Music Center series returning for 2020, empowering you to "Tap into your artistry to engage learners," at the Los Angeles Music Center, 135 N Grand Av, Los Angeles CA 90012
* The 2020 "Teaching Artist Training" is open for registration, as of 11/22/19.
* This class runs all these dates: Jan 28, 30; Feb 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 & 27.
* New and experienced teaching artists specializing in dance, music, theatre, visual arts and media arts are encouraged to sign up.
* This 30-hour training focuses on building and increasing artists' capacity to work creatively and effectively in TK-12 classrooms.
* Participants focus on lesson design and gain strategies to facilitate arts learning in schools and other settings, drawing from their own artistic strengths. Content will connect to the new California Arts Standards, California Content Standards, Universal Design for Learning and Social Emotional Learning.
* Training is led by Music Center teaching artists Madeleine Dahm (dance & theatre), Andrew Grueschow (music) and Lynn Okimura (visual & media arts).
* MORE INFO: Ebony Ruffin, Manager of Professional Development; eruffin@musiccenter.org; 213-972-3308
* COST: $250 (includes materials, light snacks and parking)
___
_______________________
February
_______________________
Feb 1 & 2, VOCAL WORKSHOP:
Time tba - MOIRA SMILEY returns to her old L.A. stomping grounds, teaching two rare vocal workshops at The BirdHouse
* Moira Smiley tours the world as part of the best vocal groups of our time. She is renowned in Los Angeles for her former ensemble VOCO, which was based here.
* Details forthcoming at link below.
* Reservations and info: https://moirasmiley.com/
___
Feb 15:
Time tba - MOIRA SMILEY returns to her old L.A. stomping grounds for a concert at Nichols Canyon Music.
* Moira Smiley tours the world as part of the best vocal groups of our time. She is renowned in Los Angeles for her former ensemble VOCO, which was based here.
* Details not yet available at press time. They'll appear at: https://moirasmiley.com/
___
_______________________
later in
2020
_______________________
Apr 3-5, 2020:
"HISTORYCON" is a national event and exhibition at the Pasadena Convention Center
www.historycon.com
___
_________________________________
As always, we have lots of MUSIC NEWS features in the works, and they'll be along as we get them dressed, shoes tied, cowlicks combed down, bowties cranked straight, and strings tuned.
_________________________________
'Til we catch ya on the flip side...
as Buford the Wonder Dog looks on
and in our best Kathy Baker
"Hee Haw" voice: "THAT's all!"
"Hee Haw" voice: "THAT's all!"
Stay tuneful!
_________________________________
On to the necessary boilerplate...
Boilerplate? What "boilerplate"? Where's the main pressure gauge? And the firebox?
Who came up with that goofy term for the basic essential informational stuff...
Alright already, it's right down there...
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
LEGALESE, CONTACTING US, 'N SUCH...
________________________________
Direct to the Guide's current editions /
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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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We'll be back again soon with music news and more "News of the Non-Trumpcentric Universe." (c)
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