Friday, May 13, 2011
Acoustic Americana Music Guide - PREVIEWS and REVIEWS edition! - May 12, 2011
Acoustic Americana Music Guide NEWS FEATURES, May 12 edition
PREVIEWS and REVIEWS edition!
(Note: this edition was published ON TIME in the 14 other websites / webgroups where it appears. Blogspot was down for most of three days with "maintenance issues," so the time & date tag here are late. BUT the NEWS is still VERY current, especially the amazing events and concerts and festivals THIS WEEKEND!)
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Holy crap, Batman! The coming weekend is FULL of great things and they’re so affordable we can do a BUNCH of ’em!
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. Welcome to the
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ACOUSTIC
AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
NEWS FEATURES
May 12 edition
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THIS WEEK’S NEWS FEATURES
1) 51st Annual TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL Is Sunday –
and The Guide Is A Sponsor
2) Thursday: PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND, DEL McCOURY BAND Share a Stage
3) “6th EVER LOS ANGELES OLD TIME SOCIAL,” THURSDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 12-14
4) 21st Annual “DYLANFEST,” this Saturday, May 14
5) BUTCH HANCOCK, Texas Legend, to Play L.A. May 19
6) PERFORMANCE REVIEW: SID HAUSMAN & WASHTUB JERRY
7) PERFORMANCE REVIEW: GERRY O’BIERNE & ROSIE SHIPLEY
8) PERFORMANCE REVIEW: SLIGO RAGS
9) KENNY ROGERS in a Revealing Interview, part two
10) BLUES IN L.A. WITH BERNIE PEARL, THREE WEEKENDS IN MAY
11) “L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL” RETURNS MAY 22 AT DIFFERENT VENUE
12) “FOREVER YOUNG: Celebrating BOB DYLAN's 70th Birthday” at the Grammy Museum,
May 24
13) MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MUSIC FESTIVALS Are Nearly Upon Us –
We Profile Two of Them
14) PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY: “MAKE MUSIC PASADENA,” June 18
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Here are these news feature stories…
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Our # 1 Story:
51st ANNUAL TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL IS SUNDAY –
AND THE GUIDE IS A SPONSOR
For many years, we’ve called it the best one-day folk-Americana festival in Southern California. This year, The Guide is especially proud to be there, with a booth as an official sponsor. Drop by and say howdy, and pick up info on the next “How to Work the Media – a Workshop for Artists,” and more. We invited another sponsor of the event, the Coffee Gallery / Coffee Gallery Backstage, to share our booth, and SongNet – the nonprofit Songwriter’s Network, which has a pair of very accessible monthly events at that venue – will be on hand in our booth, as well.
The big day runs 9 am-6 pm at Paramount Ranch near Agoura Hills, in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area. It’s a beautiful place administered by the National Park Service.
“Southern California’s favorite Bluegrass, Old-Time & Folk Music Event” features contests for players of all kinds of acoustic instruments – it draws competitors from several western states – plus professional musicians perform scheduled sets on three stages, and there’s a whole lotta jammin’ goin’ on beneath the oak trees and on the porches in the “old west” town.
There are many facets. Since its inception in 1961, the event has always ranked high on the roots music calendar as an always-anticipated old-time, bluegrass, folk song, folk dancing and crafts festival. It’s easy to find yourself dashing from stage to stage to catch favorite performers – or settling in at any one stage to be thoroughly entertained (or jamming until your fingers go numb) without going anywhere else.
In addition to the stages and jams happening everywhere, there are the Dance Barn and the Children's area, all within the western movie sets and adjacent oak-tree-covered mountain locations. Bring your instruments and sit in, or enjoy the contestants who pre-registered for the prestigious competitions.
Here are some highlights.
The Main Stage: Over 100 instrumental and singing contestants, plus performances by
DUSTBOWL CAVALIERS, HABERDASHERY ENSEMBLE, FRANK FAIRFIELD, SCOTT GATES & THE SALTY SUITES.
Dance Barn: Band Playoffs, Clogging, Square Dancing, Contra Dancing – all backed with live music by TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT and OLD SLEDGE.
Pavilion Stage: Beginner Instrument Playoffs, plus scheduled shows by OLD SLEDGE – roots & history of string band music; MIKE MAHANEY & FRIENDS – cowboy music & poetry show; FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER – “songs of the open road.”
Railroad Stage: Traditional Singing Playoffs, Intermediate Fiddle Playoffs, plus scheduled shows by EVIE LADEN – old-time banjo and songs; EVAN MARSHALL – “Mr. Solo Mandolin;” SUSIE GLAZE & HILONESOME – mountain music; ROSS ALTMAN – the walking encyclopedia of labor and protest songs.
Eucalyptus Grove: “Family Fun” with “new, expanded programs in the grove,” including organized jams and sing-alongs, beginning at 11 am, with “Folk Songs with FUR & STEVE (aka FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER),” “Kids Crafts with ALAINA SMITH,” DAN, THE FIDDLE MAN, SOUTHWEST FIDDLERS, SCOTTISH FIDDLERS, OLD-TIME FIDDLE WORKSHOP, OLD-TIME BANJO WORKSHOP, CELTIC SLOW SESSION, HAWAIIAN SONGS – UKES & GUITARS. This stage includes the long-running Kids Program, ever-popular Arts & Crafts for young children, and youth-oriented traditional music.
ADVANCE TICKETS are available online at a discount, and you can get directions and lots more info at www.topangabanjofiddle.org.
Tix at the gate cost more on the day of the event. Online ticket prices are lower this year than last, with tix this year at $10 for ages 18-64 ($15 at gate), and $8 for ages 10-17 or over age 65 ($10 at gate). No charge for children under age 10. Free parking, free shuttle bus to the gate.
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Our # 2 Story
THURSDAY: PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND, DEL McCOURY BAND SHARE STAGE
This Thursday, May 12, at 8 pm, the UCLA Live series welcomes New Orleans’ own PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND teamed-up with bluegrass legends and fellow GRAMMY winners THE DEL McCOURY BAND in a stellar double-bill in Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A. Info on parking, online ticket purchase and more is available at www.uclalive.org. Live info at 310-825-4401, and the UCLA ticket office number is 310-825-2101.
Two pillars of American music from two distinct lineages come together for a wonderfully unlikely evening “to celebrate the glory of tradition and the power of newfound collaboration.” Starting as a sideman to BILL MONROE – the legendary “father of bluegrass” – nearly 50 years ago, DEL McCOURY has spent years broadening the audience for the genre. Throughout the same period, the legendary PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND has defined the tradition of New Orleans jazz. Now, they have converged to perform – and record(!) – an unforgettable mix of bluegrass and traditional jazz.
We got an advance copy of that new collaborative album, “American Legacies: Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Del McCoury Band.” It’s twelve tracks and 47 minutes of rollickin’ good time, and the CD will be available at the concert. Wait’ll you hear “Jambalaya” with horns and “I’ll Fly Away” with piano and tuba!
Each band will play individual sets, followed by a promised “soul-stirring joint finale.” If the Cd is any indication, that’s guaranteed. Tix, $38-63 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Our # 3 Story
“6th EVER LOS ANGELES OLD TIME SOCIAL” IS THURSDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 12-14
Blazing fast old time music is the hottest thing going these days, as proven by last month’s “Railroad Revival Tour” with OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW, MUMFORD & SONS, and EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS, which included a big, outdoor, sold-out show at Ports o’ Call in San Pedro, as the tour made its way to New Orleans aboard 15 classic railroad passenger cars from the great “name” trains.
Whether you were there or not, if you know anything about “old time music,” you know it’s infectious. You need to get yourself to the Old Time Social. The brainchild of L.A.-based band TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT, it’s a Thursday-and-Friday-evening-plus-all-day-Saturday bit o’ genius that mates perfectly with Sunday’s Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival. Seems that six years back, “The Foot’s” BEN GUZMAN and his pals noted that the famed Topanga Banjo fete was a one-day affair, and people were coming from everywhere for it, anyway. Hence, why not create an event that could stand on its own, and attract the “TBFC” crowd before Sunday?
The oddly but aptly named Old Time Social was the result, and it took only a couple of years to get the format set.
Thursday night is the Social’s “Kick Off Party” at HM157, 3130 N Broadway, L.A. 90031. Performing are WALTER SPENCER, THE DRIFTWOOD SINGERS, & THE MODAL TEASE STRING BAND. The Kick Off kicks-off at 8 pm, and it’s just $5.
The Social’s Friday Concert stars GENE BURDO with TOM SAUBER, EVIE LADIN, & OLD SLEDGE. It’s at the Velaslavasay Panorama, 1122 West 24th St, L.A. 90007; www.panoramaonview.org. The concert is at 8 pm, and tickets are $15.
Saturday events run all day and include a Family Dance, Cakewalk, Squaredance, and a bunch of Workshops. $15 gets you as many workshops as you can take, AND it gets you into the dance. Saturday events are at Nomad Studios, 1993 Blake Ave, L.A. 90039.
And, as always, the Social’s music makers will follow-up by attending and jamming nonstop at the 51st Annual Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival on Sunday.
But let’s not rush past the mention of Saturday’s possibilities. The event’s organizers say, “The BEST part about the L.A. Old Time Social, besides the Cakewalk, of course, is all of the amazing workshops and instructors, Saturday, 11 am-7 pm.”
Check out the list of classes, covering a wide range of instrumentation and dance styles for all skill levels of old time music, and sign up, at www.oldtimeisagoodtime.com/?p=834.
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Our # 4 Story
21st ANNUAL “DYLANFEST,” THIS SATURDAY, MAY 14
From 12:30-8 pm, some of L.A.’s best musicians will play their annual homage to one of the most iconic musical figures of the past half century, right near his birthday, in the year that he turns (gasp) 70. The "21st annual DYLANFEST" returns to St. Anthony Elementary School, 233 Lomita St, in El Segundo, and as always, a portion of the proceeds benefit the school. Still, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available, along with food (it’s a private school).
Stellar musicians BOB MALONE, MARTY RIFKIN, KAREN NASH, JULIE LONG, HWY 61 REVISITED, THE 8-TRACKS, and JACK MCGEE will all play – along with MANY others. Over 50 musicians will take the stage during the event.
Musical hosts and event founders ANDY HILL & RENEE SAFIER will perform with and without their band, HARD RAIN.
Andy & Renee script and direct this thing to assure that over 60 songs from Dylan's vast catalogue are performed, with no repeats. The fest is outside, adjacent to the gym, rain or shine.
Watch a clip from past years at www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsZhj35CVpc&feature=related. You’ll get a wristband that allows easy re-entry, so you can leave early, or come late, or leave for dinner and return (even though they have food there). Tables and chairs are available, but you may bring a beach chair for seating.
Admission is $25 for adults; children ages 6-12 are $10. Andy and Renee say, “All ages are welcome...bring the kids and introduce them to LIVE MUSIC!” Get tickets and more info at www.andyandrenee.com.
In addition to this Dylan event and the one ROSS ALTMAN held recently, the GRAMMY Museum has one on May 24; see News Feature # 11.
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Our # 5 Story
BUTCH HANCOCK, TEXAS LEGEND, TO PLAY L.A. MAY 19
World traveling troubadour BUTCH HANCOCK hails from the Lubbock, Texas, music scene that gave the world JOE ELY and JIMMIE DALE GILMORE, his equally eclectic colleagues in THE FLATLANDERS. Butch is one of contemporary music's most entertaining raconteurs and his tunes evoke mystical visions of wind-swept dry plains with profoundly imaginative lyrics. Indeed, his words-set-to-music, with their creative irony and metaphors, often evoke the miracles that occur in the ordinary.
Rolling Stone magazine describes Butch Hancock as "a raspy-voiced West Texas mystic with an equal affinity for romantic border balladry and Zen paradox." A world-traveling troubadour with a long string of recorded songs and albums, Butch has been called "one of the finest songwriters of our time" and is acknowledged by his peers and critics alike as one of the premiere singer-songwriters Texas has ever produced. His lyrical style has often been compared to that of BOB DYLAN and to WOODY GUTHRIE. His record, “Own and Own,” released in 1991, contains his original "If I Were a Bluebird" – a song later covered by EMMYLOU HARRIS.
During his acclaimed career, Hancock has written and recorded several landmark albums, some of them sparse and simple, others as big as the West Texas sky. After moving to the progressive country hotbed of Austin in the mid ’70s, he started his own label, Rainlight, and in 1978 released the quintessential “West Texas Waltzes and Dust-Blown Tractor Tunes.”
In the years that followed he continued to release albums steeped with meaning and memory, a foundation that cemented his world-wide reputation as a master wordsmith.
In 1990, Hancock and more than two dozen musician friends staged an event that he’ll tell you was worthy of the Guinness Book of World Records. Entitled “No Two Alike” they played six straight nights of live performances in Austin's famed Cactus Café, recording 140 of Hancock’s originals without repeating a single song. He released the staggering output later in the year as the “No Two Alike Tape of the Month Club.”
In 2010, Butch reprised the event, this time entitling it “No Two More Alike.” Fans from as far as Tokyo were on hand, representing a measure of the devotion Hancock’s singular compositions inspire.
This is a show that shouldn’t be missed. Venue impresario BOB STANE says, “Butch Hancock is a very big deal. Other acts are asking me how I got him to sign on the dotted line. Big stagecraft guy. See him up close.”
Butch Hancock performs Thursday, May 19, at 8 pm at “the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue,” the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations 626-794-2424; info www.coffeegallery.com. Tickets, $20.
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Our # 6 Story
PERFORMANCE REVIEW: SID HAUSMAN & WASHTUB JERRY
The two did a show together at Island Bazaar in Huntington Beach
Review for The Guide by Geo. McCalip
Island Bazaar, the ukulele store in Huntington Beach, hosted another in their notable and occasional concert series on On Saturday, April 2. This one featured the Western swing sounds of Sid Hausman and Washtub Jerry.
Sid, a working cowboy, children’s book illustrator and singer-songwriter, played ukulele and sang. Washtub Jerry accompanied him on the washtub bass. The selection of songs ranged from Ernest Tubb’s “Milles and Miles of Texas” to the Andrews Sisters’ “Houses of Blue Lights” to Woody Guthrie’s “Oklahoma Hills” to Cole Porter’s “Don’t Fence Me In” to Dale Evan’s “Happy Trails.”
In addition to the songs, Sid also performed two poems, his own composition “Willie Pickett” and Howard Parker’s “Ranch Women.” For the poetry he accompanied himself on bones. He also told the audience about his new book, Emus and Owlhoots. Along with his story and illustrations, the book also comes with a CD with six songs.
Washtub Jerry, or “Wash” has a day job as a NASA engineer at the McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, and an engineer’s understanding of music as reflected in his instrument. He uses a Mexican "size 6" tub instead of the American size 3 because it has an extra three inches of diameter. As Wash says, “That gives me a 24-inch woofer.” He went on to explain that he uses a clutch cable from a Porsche 914 for his string and the handle from a Peavey for the neck of the bass. Don’t feel bad if you don’t know what a Peavey is; it took Wash years to find out that the neck for his bass was intended as the handle for a logging tool.
For those who think you have to have at least one fiddle to have true Western swing, I would highly recommend that you give a listen to the very pleasant, and unmistakably Western swing, sound of Sid Hausman and Washtub Jerry.
And for those who appreciate a variety of music played on the ukulele, the occasional concert series at Island Bazaar features some of the best in a friendly and inviting venue.
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Our # 7 Story
PERFORMANCE REVIEW: GERRY O’BIERNE & ROSIE SHIPLEY
The duo played the Caltech Folk Music Society series;
Review for The Guide by Geo. McCalip
Some of us who spent time in the Pasadena area in the late ’70s and early ’80s have fond memories of a local pub, The Loch Ness Monster, and particularly of a group that played there, Train to Sligo. GERRY O’BIERNE, who was the lead guitarist and a vocalist in that group, returned to Pasadena on March 19 to perform in a concert presented by the Caltech Folk Music Society.
Although born in Ennis, County Clare, along Ireland’s music-rich West Coast, Gerry has since traveled the world and picked up what is, to say the least, a varied repertoire. The fact that he was not performing this concert as part of an Irish group let Gerry demonstrate his versatility and range.
ROSIE SHIPLEY accompanied him on fiddle/violin. Rosie’s background in fiddle began with Cape Breton dance tunes, but she had no problem matching Gerry’s diversity of styles. Still, watching her feet made it obvious that you can take the fiddler out of Cape Breton but you can’t take Cape Breton out of the fiddler.
The evening featured songs ranging from a beautiful solo by Gerry on 12-string guitar to an Appalachian tune with Rosie’s fiddle and guitar, to an Irish Polka, to a comic song, “Your Red Scarf Matches Your Eyes,” with Gerry on ukulele. Of course, the evening included a medley of Cape Breton tunes. And their rousing performance of “O’Carolan’s Concerto” closed the show.
Bringing hometown favorite Gerry O’Bierne back was just the latest of the concerts presented by the good people at the Caltech Folk Music Society. Their monthly concert series consistently features a high caliber of talent.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
This coming Saturday, May 14, the Caltech Folk Music Society series presents its May offering, MOLLY’S REVENGE with their frequent musical collaborator MOIRA SMILEY of VOCO fame. They’re touring their brand new album “Aged Ten Years,” and you have a choice of catching them at Caltech on Saturday or the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena this Thursday, May 12.
Either way, check the Caltech Folk website, www.folkmusic.caltech.edu for tickets, and to see the great things coming in their series through the 2011 season: there’s ROSALIE SORRELS on June 4; THE SYNCOPATHS (now featuring Western States Picking Champ ASHLEY BRODER) on July 23; LOAFER'S GLORY on August 13; SMALL POTATOES and DAVE MORRISON on October 8; WILLIAM JACKSON & GRNNE HAMBLY on October 29; and KEVIN BURKE on December 3.
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Our # 8 Story
PERFORMANCE REVIEW: SLIGO RAGS
Concert at Grace First Presbyterian, Long Beach;
Review for The Guide by Geo. McCalip
You might expect a strange fusion when you mix a classically trained violinist with a jazz bass player, an Afro/Latin percussionist and a bluegrass banjo player. Surprisingly, what you get is Sligo Rags, one of the best Irish groups around.
The group includes MICHAEL KELLY an accomplished player in country, newgrass, swing, and bebop styles – as well as Irish music; co-vocalist and guitarist, DAVID BURNS, an accomplished banjo and award-winning guitar player and veteran of the Southern California acoustic music scene; GORDON RUSTVOLD, a bass player with a strong background in jazz, country and pop as well as Irish music; and percussionist REID De FEVER on djembe and bongos.
On Saturday evening, March 26, the group played at Grace First Presbyterian Church in Long Beach as part of the venue’s ongoing concert series. Putting a group that features songs about drinking and fighting (we did mention they are an Irish band) in a church sanctuary seems about as likely and as workable a combination as the varied backgrounds of the band members. But once again, it worked.
You could sense some trepidation when the band did one of their first songs, but as guitarist-vocalist David Burns noted, “Lightning hasn’t struck us down after that one, so we’ll get on with the show.”
Get on they did, much to the delight of the audience. The performance featured songs from two of the band’s CDs. “The Whiskey Never Lies” was a FolkWorks top 10 pick in 2007, the same year that the Guide’s editor, writing for FolkWorks, named them among the Top Ten Acoustic Bands in Southern California. The night featured selections from that album and from their new CD, “Roll Me Down the Mountain.” The new album’s material maintains the same high standard. When these guys perform, a good time is had by all.
The night’s audience was a mix of church members and visitors. “Grace First” is to be congratulated for hosting the concert series, and has obviously found a way to introduce their church to a much wider audience. The Grace First Presbyterian Church acoustic concert series happens at 3955 Studebaker Rd, Long Beach. Their phone is 562-420-2292. The Guide will bring you word of their upcoming concerts.
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Our # 9 Story
KENNY ROGERS IN A REVEALING INTERVIEW
Part Two
You can read Part One in our archive, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/03/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_30.html
“I’m like a boomerang. You can throw me away but you bet your ass I’m coming back.” – Kenny Rogers.
Last issue, in part one of our feature on KENNY ROGERS from his recent discussion with SCOTT GOLDMAN, vice president of the Grammy Foundation, we looked at parts of Rogers’ career that spans 120+ charted records across six decades, 24 Number One hits, and 165 million records sold. This, time, we’ll look at more of the experiences he finds memorable or meaningful, and the perspectives and attitudes that are evident as he releases his newest album.
That new record is a spiritual / gospel project called “The Love of God.” So, one might wonder whether Kenny Rogers has adopted proselytizing from the stage, like so many of today’s country and bluegrass recording artists.
Happily, he remains multidimensional, so it’s fun to listen to him talk, as we saw in part one.
Mostly, he has avoided being cast in any particular era. Whether consciously or not, he comes across as a guy who’s never lost his sense of wonder. And that always evokes an eternally youthful spirit, in anybody.
Still, Rogers is the first to acknowledge his longevity in an often fickle business. He mentions that he had just recorded a TV special, “The First Fifty Years.” At another point, he quoted some of his song lyrics: “Youth only happens to you one time… If you should miss it in your young time, have it when you’re old.”
When asked by Goldman about his first solo record deal, with Mercury Records, Rogers replied, “I’d forgotten about that,” but all seemed readily accessible to him. He recalled, “The first time I’d heard ‘Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,’ was on a ROGER MILLER album, and the Mercury A&R guy played it for me.”
Of course, the world would remember that song when Kenny Rogers recorded it.
There were interesting twists and turns as he learned the workings of the music business.
He recalled what happened next. “THE NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS had been bought from RANDY SPARKS.”
(Sparks was the group’s founder, and years later, he again owns the name and his troupe of assembled alumni tour and perform again.)
In the ’60s, the young Rogers recalls, “They [the Minstrels] were looking for someone to sing high. That wasn’t what I did. But I auditioned over the phone and got the job.”
He smiles as he mentions tours and performances that excited the group, and he moves quickly to a simple explanation of what came next, and how he came to have his own hit band. “THE FIRST EDITION broke out of the group because they wouldn’t let us record. They used studio singers for the Minstrel’s albums.”
After that move, things happened fast. “The First Edition had been together all of three weeks when we were on the SMOTHERS BROTHERS Show.”
The band would go on to record eight Top Ten records, but those early days had humbling moments.
We were on ED SULLIVAN” Rogers recalls. “He was kind of losing it by that time. Ed fell in love with another performer that night – Thelma Camacho – and he introduced The First Edition as ‘Thelma and Her Boys.’”
The name by which the band would become famous was KENNY ROGERS & THE FIRST EDITION. “It bothered me when I was the one whose name went up front,” he recalls with some conviction. “I’d been in bands and I knew how it worked. Once somebody does that, you start looking for the breakup.
The band lasted several years and produced the first hits still attributed to Rogers as the lead singer. The breakup didn’t come until after their little known cult classic double album, the thematic “Ballad of Calico.” It was a post-Marty Robbins western music album after “country & western” had ceased to be a single genre, and it came from a band that was known as light rockers / pop rockers. Its lyrics were written by MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHY who would forsake the direction of his pop rock hit “Carolina in the Pines” for a beyond-“Wildfire” career in real western music. And it marked the unheralded beginnings of Rogers as a western music star – just one aspect of his multi-track career. Rogers’ roles in the five installments of the TV movie franchise of “The Gambler” would follow, as well as his hosting the History Channel’s “The Real West.” Unfortunately, that pivotal album went unmentioned, so its significance must await another interview, perhaps with The Guide’s editor.
Rogers did remain refreshingly accessible on all topics, and still managed to cover the “due diligence” for his new gospel project. He ventured, “I’ve never been overtly religious, but I’ve always been truly spiritual.”
He quickly added an aphorism from his mother, “You can never be any more as an adult than you were as a child.” He didn’t cite that as an evocation of Wordsworth, but it would seem his mother knew the poet’s work.
Rogers is comfortable with including many asides and quotations from his childhood experiences. That may be because he is happily involved with raising his second set of offspring. He has twin six-year-old boys to which he seems devoted. He works at a recorded set of stories and life lessons he wants to leave them, in case he isn’t there as they grow up. He loves them, yet he quotes someone who expressed, “All six year old boys are criminals.”
He adds, “Having kids will either make you or break you. Right now, I’m leaning heavily toward break.”
But all his apparent straying is well crafted, to the point of being masterful. He never loses focus on his intended progression of messages. That holds, regardless of what questions he gets from the audience or from his interviewer. He leaves everyone feeling they got the answer to their question, whether or not it was germane to the central topic. Clearly, he could give lessons to politicians in handling an interview and keeping the audience interested.
Only once during the evening did Rogers perhaps reveal more than he intended to say. When asked what music he listens to, for enjoyment – he doesn’t, but if he did, it would be jazz – and what he watches on TV, he said, “I don’t watch TV. At all. Except for Fox News.”
That quip brought instant laughter from about half the L.A. audience, quickly melting into a mix of mild cheers and mild boos.
Elsewhere in the discussion, Rogers asserted, “I’ve always kind of lived in the moment. I will not talk about anything that can be contested by anybody because I don’t remember.”
Goldman brought up Rogers renown as a photographer who has had three books of his work published. His quick story is proof that it’s never to late to begin something new. He says, “I was at KIRBY STONE’s house in New Jersey. It was in the fall. I found the colors breathtaking. I’d never taken a picture in my life. Kirby gave me an old Brownie Hawkeye [camera]. I was about 30 years old.”
Invariably, his eclectic interests and conversation always come back to music. Though he is cited as one of the key figures who changed country music, he sounds mildly aggravated at what it has become. “What I do is so far removed from where country is now,” he says. Still, he quickly adds, “But I heard a song the other day, ‘Buy Me a Rose.’ It’s a great song!”
Even when he was one of a small handful of country stars, his collaborations outside the genre have been huge, if not always known. Asked about the original “We Are the World” recording session, he says, “PAT BENATAR and I paid all the costs of everything so all the money would go to the cause. It was an incredible experience to stand there and hear everybody sing one line.”
Asked about his duet mega-hit with DOLLY PARTON, “Islands in the Stream,” he revealed, BARRY GIBB wanted to produce that. KEN KRAGEN, my manager, brought in Dolly Parton. I didn’t even like the song ’til I heard Dolly sing it.”
Somehow, you can reconcile the take-charge guy with the one who never lost his sense of wonder, and the guy who won’t talk about anything that can be contested with the one who is a devotee of Fox News.
He chose all the songs on the new gospel CD. He felt it was important that it include “recognizable songs,” because “when someone goes to buy a CD, they like to know what it is.”
He seems genuinely proud of the new songs for the project, as well. “MICHAEL McDONALD, VINCE GILL, and MICHAEL W. SMITH all wrote originals for it,” he says.
He seems especially proud of the album’s collaboration with THE WHITES and celebrates the track with POINT OF GRACE. Noting the latter’s CD, “May the Circle Be Unbroken” (not to be confused with the series of records by the NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND), Rogers says “They [Point of Grace] asked to record the song again with me for this CD.”
So what’s next? “I’m in the process of doing a project with DOLLY PARTON now,” he says. “Dolly’s scratch vocals sound better than my finished vocals. She’s always so prepared. I’m always so unprepared.”
Maybe that’s true in the studio or maybe it’s a bit of obfuscation. It sure isn’t true of Kenny Rogers when he sits down for an interview.
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Our # 10 Story
BLUES IN L.A. WITH BERNIE PEARL, THREE WEEKENDS IN MAY
He’s a Southern Cal treasure, one of the few performers who played with the great legends of the blues. BERNIE PEARL checked in to tell us that he and his longtime sideman, “MIKE BARRY, “had a wonderful time in the Delta in April, performing at the B.B. King Museum and leading several ‘Blues in Schools’ sessions in the Indianola [Mississippi] area. Although I had a cold and raspy vocal cords, we were well-received by appreciative audiences of all ages. We then went on to Clarksdale and had a ball playing at the ‘Juke Joint Festival’ in the central town in Mississippi Blues history. We hope to return soon.”
Bernie continues about topics closer to home. “We have some things coming up that I'd like you to know about,” and he explains, “The Bernie Pearl Blues Band has been playing Monday nights 8-11 pm at the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, which will continue indefinitely. But, for those who find it difficult to get out on Mondays (but really need to hear some blues!) we have a surprise - we will also be playing several weekend dates there in May!”
Those dates are a pair of Fridays & Saturdays, and the following Saturday.
On May 13 & 14, Bernie says, “We will have as special guest, stirring vocalist SISTA SHERRY PRUITT.”
The following Friday & Saturday, May 20 & 21, Bernie and Mike are joined by “Sensational saxman” BOBBY “HURRICANE” SPENCER.
That’s not all. On Saturday, May 28, the “Soulful guitar slinger from New Orleans,” BIG TERRY DeROUEN, “joins the fun.”
Bernie adds, “It is not unusual for outstanding blues artists in the audience to sit in for a tune or two.”
He went on to announce a “Big Special Show! We will be doing the backup for the ‘Blues Mamas,’ presented by Barbara Morrison as part of her ‘Jazz in the Park’ series. A spectacular line-up of 15 (yes, count 'em) blues women telling the world all about it. Don't miss it! It's bound to sell out, get your tickets now!”
The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center is located at 4305 Degnan Bl, Leimert Park (Los Angeles) 90008. All shows there run 8-11 pm, and there is a $10 door charge. More info at 323-296-2272 or 310-462-1439 or online at www.barbaramorrison.com.
Finally, you can catch the BERNIE PEARL BLUES BAND playing the annual “LONG BEACH BAYOU FESTIVAL” on Sunday, June 26. Their set is at noon. The Saturday & Sunday festival is set in beautiful Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach, where as Bernie observes, “you can enjoy the sounds and the soul food of Louisiana all weekend.” Get festival info at 562-424-0013 or at www.rainbowpromotions.com.
On an ongoing basis, blues aficionados should keep an eye on the schedule at the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006; www.arcadiabluesclub.com; 626-447-9349.
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Our # 11 Story
“L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL” RETURNS MAY 22 AT DIFFERENT VENUE
The “L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL” returns after a year of hiatus, with ELLIS PAUL, ELIZA GILKYSON, JIMMY LaFAVE, SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION. This year, it’s indoors, and a one-day event in the Broad Stage Theatre at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica. Venue phone and websites, 310-434-3200; www.thebroadstage.com; www.events.smc.edu.
Even before we knew the lineup, we were comfortable recommending it as a “Show-of-the-Week” pick, given the talent that producer RENEE BODIE booked the first year. Plus, this is a MUCH more manageable venue where costs can be contained and ticket prices can be kept to reasonable limits. The festival is, once again, a benefit for the nonprofit California Acoustic Music Project, whose mission is described at www.californiaacousticmusicproject.org.
Complete info and advance tickets for the L.A. Acoustic Music Festival are available on their website at www.laacousticmusicfestival.com.
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Our # 12 Story
“FOREVER YOUNG: CELEBRATING BOB DYLAN'S 70th BIRTHDAY” AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM, MAY 24
Seventy? He’s turning SEVENTY? This aptly-named program celebrates a musical icon whose accolades include a GRAMMY award, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Few artists can come close to achieving the musical and historical prominence of BOB DYLAN.
The GRAMMY Museum wants us to tell you, “To commemorate Dylan’s 70th birthday, we invite you to join us for a special screening of Murray Lerner’s documentary, ‘The Other Side of the Mirror: Bob Dylan Live at The Newport Folk Festival 1963-1965.’”
Described by the New York Times as “a remarkably pure and powerful documentary,” the film captures the musical genius of a young Bob Dylan and the controversy that surrounded him. After the screening, acclaimed writer and Rolling Stone contributing editor MIKHAL GILMORE, and Princeton professor and distinguished historian SEAN WILENTZ will discuss the film, Dylan's career, and the importance of the evening's occasion. Gilmore's numerous outstanding works include some of the most revealing interviews Bob Dylan has ever given. Critics from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, and the Los Angeles Times praise Wilentz and his book, “Bob Dylan in America,” for uncovering Dylan's art as never before. Gilmore and Wilentz will take audience questions and be available to sign copies of their books.
“Forever Young” is Tuesday, May 24, at 7:30 pm in the 200-seat Clive Davis Sound Stage in the GRAMMY Museum. Doors open at 7. Admission is free, but reservations are required. This will certainly be booked solid, well ahead of the event. GRAMMY Museum members receive priority seating. To reserve your seats, and don’t dawdle. Call 213-765-6800 or e-mail programs@grammymuseum.org. The museum is located in the L.A. LIVE complex near Staples Center, at 800 W Olympic Bl (entrance on Figueroa) downtown Los Angeles 90015.
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Our # 13 Story
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MUSIC FESTIVALS ARE NEARLY UPON US
We Profile Two of Them
There was a guy named DICK LANE in the early days of television who hosted a weekly wrestling show, and he had a trademark line for anything that was over the top (and what isn’t, in so-called “professional” wrestling?) Well, if ol’ Dick were still here, his “Whoa, Nellie!” would fit Memorial Day Weekend’s musical offerings. Next week, we’ll get deeply into the whole scene, but for those who may still need to make plans, here’s a quick overview of just two options.
If you can handle a trip to Seattle, go. Seriously. Friday through Monday, May 27-30, is the annual NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL with well over 20 stages, many workshops, and the most beautiful outdoor/indoor festival site in America – Seattle Center, the preserved former World's Fair site, in Seattle, Washington.
It’s free, though a daily entry donation is requested to support the festival (you won’t get strong armed over it – but once you experience it, you’ll WANT to support it). Every fan of folk-Americana, world folk music, traditional dance, acoustic jamming, and musical fun must attend this at least once (though it will probably become habit-forming).
It's immense and very well organized. You'll need the first hour of each day to study the printed program and plan your activities, and you'll be thrilled and satiated if you manage to get to a third of what's on your “hit list.”
The Seattle Center Monorail connects to many downtown hotels, and the Seattle bus system is quite good, so match that up with a deal on Amtrak (highly recommended) or a cheap flight, and just go.
Among the notable specialties? Fans of maritime music always find good stuff there.
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But if, like most of us, you’re too rooted in Southern Cal (by already taking a second mortgage and selling your blood plasma to pay for gasoline), then head for the 38th annual “TOPANGA DAYS FAIR” at the Topanga Community Center fairgrounds, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga, midway between the 101 and PCH. (Yes, THIS “Topanga” festival is REALLY in Topanga.) Running Saturday-through-Monday, May 28-30, 10 am-7 pm each day, it's “One of the most celebrated country fairs in Southern California,” always with three stages of music and other entertainment, and the weekend when canyonites welcome everyone else not fortunate enough to live there.
Musical headliners include the FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, JOHN MAYALL, MAGGIE MAYALL, JIM MESSINA, THE STRAY CATS’ LEE ROCKER, & YESTERDAY’S CHILD.
In addition to booking big time musical headliners, the event is known for its food and beverages, clothing, jewelry and art created by local artisans, along with a variety of environmentally-conscious products and services.
Free shuttle service will run along Topanga Canyon Blvd, through the heart of the canyon.
Even the Los Angeles Times, not usually friendly to avant garde or folky happenings, managed to note, “Live Music, tie-dyed shirts and a groovy spread continue to lure bohemians of all stripes!”
The LA Weekly says, “The big draw is the music... Get up, stand up and love the one you’re with!”
And the Daily News more substantially adds, “Celebrated for its family friendly atmosphere with an eye on preserving the earth for generations to enjoy, the country fair organically blends cutting edge musical acts, eclectic side stage attractions and booths peddling great food and award-winning contemporary crafts. Mark your calendars for Memorial Day weekend - Why would you want to be anywhere else?”
Metro Mix says, “Oh Topanga Canyon. Despite all the pressure of gentrification in L.A., you remain an incubator for creative hippies who know how to throw a wicked party.”
Topanga Days is a three-day fair and fundraiser celebrating music, the arts and the work of indigenous artisans. It’s not just Topangans who enjoy the festival. Assorted bohemians and regular families come from all over California. People flock to the fun scene for a relaxing and festive weekend. One of the highlights of the fair is the Monday morning Memorial Day Parade.
“We’re making this year’s fair an event to remember,” said Mimi Williams, Managing Coordinator for the Fair. “We’re offering the best in live music, food and beverages, traditional family games and providing a showcase for innovative, environmentally conscious products and services.”
She adds, “The arts are heavily supported with multiple stages filled with a diverse and talented roster of music and dance, an abundance of booths and vendors ranging from one-of-a-kind art pieces to affordable handcrafted gifts. Topanga Days… offers a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks that will satisfy vegetarians, vegans and carnivores alike.”
Go early to get a close place to park along the road and watch for signs that restrict parking (handicapped parking is available on site). The Fair opens its gates at 10 am, “welcoming attendees into a wonderland from a bygone era,” nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains on the edge of the State Park. General admission is $20. A discount is offered to members of the military or Topanga Community Center at $15; children between 6-12 and seniors are $10.
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Our # 14 Story
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY: “MAKE MUSIC PASADENA” / “FETE DE LA MUSIQUE”
The event is accepting musician submissions, via Sonicbids, for a chance to perform.
On Saturday, June 18 – while some of the best music festivals in North America are happening from Telluride to Live Oak to Huck Finn – the US's largest expression of the French-based “FETE DE LA MUSIQUE” makes its annual one-day return as “MAKE MUSIC PASADENA.”
While relatively new here, it has become Southern California's largest music festival, in terms of the number of stages and participating performing artists.
The event, which by French tradition happens June 18 regardless what day of the week that is, happily falls on Saturday this year. Organizers in Pasadena expect their biggest year yet, with over 100 free concerts and an estimated attendance of over 20,000. (It took a few years for anything to eclipse the 2004 Desert Song Music Festival booked and co-produced by Guide editor Larry Wines as a benefit for Project Hope – that one had 70 acts on six stages in one day, more than any one-day festival in California history to that time.)
More info, including schedules of each stage as they are developed, are available at sonicbids.com/makemusicpasadena.
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Resources, etc…
Our recently updated VENUE DIRECTORY
...with OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html
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RECENT EDITIONS of The Guide’s NEWS FEATURES are still available…
Just check our archive! Read the contents bar on the left side of the page at www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com and click the appropriate month.
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at
tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
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The LATEST EDITION of THE GUIDE, with the NEWS FEATURES, THE SCENE, SPOTLIGHTED EVENTS, & THE VENUE DIRECTORY – what it takes to bring you the world of current acoustic music happenings, including “heads up” notices to buy advance tickets for shows likely to sell-out…
Plus VENUES TO HEAR MUSIC OR CONTACT TO GET GIGS, and lots more
– is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at ~
www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
- or follow any of the links in the fifteen web sites and web groups that carry the Guide’s weekly News Features.
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Entire contents copyright © 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
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May 10th, in history…
A pause, amidst the amazing offering of acoustic music possibilities…
May 10th, in history…
Happy Golden Spike Day! On May 10, 1869, the final spike – made of California gold – completed the first transcontinental railroad. It was atop Promontory Summit, a high, windblown, shallow saddle of sage-covered landscape in the wilds of Utah, just north of the Great Salt Lake.
The Union Pacific’s Irish immigrant tracklayers had built from the east, across the sea of grass of the Great Plains, then over a gentle crossing of the Rockies in Wyoming, finally encountering high canyon walls in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah.
The Central Pacific’s Chinese immigrant work force had built from California up, through, and ultimately over the mighty High Sierra, then down and across the brutal deserts of Nevada and into Utah.
It was the feat of the age, comparable, in its time, to the moon landing a hundred years later. The event united East and West, and was of incalculable value in uniting North and South a scant five years after the Civil War. An arduous three-month overland wagon trek was replaced overnight by a three-day journey by rail. A new mindset took hold, seeing everything as within reach of the American dream. As much as anything ever has, it made us one nation.
Each year on May 10, the National Park Service re-enacts the event on the exact site, with a pair of replica steam locomotives and a troupe of actors in period attire (who may or may not use words like those originally spoken when the iconic photograph was taken). Wherever you are, raise a glass to the spike, and to all those, known and unknown, whose labors made it possible, 142 years ago.
Musically, it's remained part of our consciousness, as recently as the hit, just a few years ago, "Driving the Last Spike." (Question for you: tell us who recorded that!)
Now, let's get on to the latest batch of 21st century News Features from The Guide!
May 10th, in history…
Happy Golden Spike Day! On May 10, 1869, the final spike – made of California gold – completed the first transcontinental railroad. It was atop Promontory Summit, a high, windblown, shallow saddle of sage-covered landscape in the wilds of Utah, just north of the Great Salt Lake.
The Union Pacific’s Irish immigrant tracklayers had built from the east, across the sea of grass of the Great Plains, then over a gentle crossing of the Rockies in Wyoming, finally encountering high canyon walls in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah.
The Central Pacific’s Chinese immigrant work force had built from California up, through, and ultimately over the mighty High Sierra, then down and across the brutal deserts of Nevada and into Utah.
It was the feat of the age, comparable, in its time, to the moon landing a hundred years later. The event united East and West, and was of incalculable value in uniting North and South a scant five years after the Civil War. An arduous three-month overland wagon trek was replaced overnight by a three-day journey by rail. A new mindset took hold, seeing everything as within reach of the American dream. As much as anything ever has, it made us one nation.
Each year on May 10, the National Park Service re-enacts the event on the exact site, with a pair of replica steam locomotives and a troupe of actors in period attire (who may or may not use words like those originally spoken when the iconic photograph was taken). Wherever you are, raise a glass to the spike, and to all those, known and unknown, whose labors made it possible, 142 years ago.
Musically, it's remained part of our consciousness, as recently as the hit, just a few years ago, "Driving the Last Spike." (Question for you: tell us who recorded that!)
Now, let's get on to the latest batch of 21st century News Features from The Guide!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Artists Workshop: How to Work the Media" RETURNS May 11, 7:30 pm
“HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS”
… and others in the music business and the arts
Larry Wines workshop/seminar is so popular they booked it again – for next WEDNESDAY EVENING, May 11, at 7:30 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena (just N of Pasadena).
This workshop is highly acclaimed by artists who have already experienced it. The current #1 single and album on the Western Music Chart is by the Tumbling Tumbleweeds, who took the workshop last summer. They'll tell you they used all the techniques when their new album (now #1) was released.
Professional touring artists – in many music genres – have taken this workshop and rave about it. Whether you tour or seek local gigs, there's plenty here for you. If you have a new CD coming out, this workshop is ESSENTIAL.
Workshop presenter Larry Wines is an award-winning editor, journalist, and broadcaster. He has added even MORE to his acclaimed workshop since its presentation on April 16.
It's now THREE hours with a break halfway through, because it’s so packed with information. Larry has added a NEW section on “The Venue/Media Interface,” and how to effectively work THAT aspect. The workshop is organized with PLENTY of examples illustrating all the techniques you'll learn. You'll get the ENTIRE presentation on disc at the conclusion (as a 161-slide Power Point) PLUS 21 supportive PDF docs(!) – with additional in-depth info and full-size examples of the most effective One-Sheets, Artist Bios, Press Releases, and more – ALL explained in detail, with how-and-why the techniques and plan work!
Learning to “work” the media – and how to do it EFFECTIVELY – is not a skill that comes naturally to most artists, because the media has its own culture and way of doing things.
Learn WHAT WORKS from someone who's been there, from newspapers to magazines to broadcasting to consulting, and taken the time to study the processes, the psychology of people in the media, work environment, the way work flow happens through the week (it’s important to understand timing before you contact them, because you want results!) and lots more.
Q: “What happens when I mail my brand-new CD for a review or radio airplay?”
Answer: too often, nothing. Literally nothing. (Unless you know WHAT to do.)
Q: “Are there ways to guarantee the media will pay attention to my CD and my gigs?”
Answer: YES! This workshop teaches techniques and an effective plan!
Q: “Is this all just obvious stuff if I think about it, or is there important stuff or art involved here?”
Answer: There is art AND technique AND required specific content AND effective presentation AND knowing who to reach AND what to give them AND timing – if you want to be successful. You want to get results from the money you spend sending packages and CDs to the media – your hopes run high, and you want your emotional and financial investments, and your time, to be worthwhile – all that you've been spending trying to get the media to let the world know you make music, win awards, have fans. This workshop shows you how to do that!
Q: “Can I actually build a relationship with the media, so they'll want to hear from me?”
Answer: YES. We'll teach you the most effective techniques in the workshop.
Q: “Isn't my web presence and EPK enough to handle this?”
Answer: Did Picasso put drawings in bottles and throw them in the ocean? The web is effective only if you do EVERYTHING right AND you know what to do to get the right people to go there and interact with it. And “working” the media requires much more. We'll teach you SPECIFICS with EXAMPLES of the how, what, and why.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 11, at 7:30 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Ave, Altadena.
RESERVATIONS get a discount: $30 with a reservation, $35 without a reservation (and if space remains – limited to 30 participants per session). Starts PROMPTLY at 7:30 pm, runs THREE hours, including a break. Reservations, call 626-807-3229. (Call, don't email).
FOOD:
The coffeehouse has a wide selection of sandwiches & salads, Mama Julie's award-winning chili, plus many hot and cold drinks, wonderful real fruit smoothies, & Fosselman's Ice Cream.
… and others in the music business and the arts
Larry Wines workshop/seminar is so popular they booked it again – for next WEDNESDAY EVENING, May 11, at 7:30 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena (just N of Pasadena).
This workshop is highly acclaimed by artists who have already experienced it. The current #1 single and album on the Western Music Chart is by the Tumbling Tumbleweeds, who took the workshop last summer. They'll tell you they used all the techniques when their new album (now #1) was released.
Professional touring artists – in many music genres – have taken this workshop and rave about it. Whether you tour or seek local gigs, there's plenty here for you. If you have a new CD coming out, this workshop is ESSENTIAL.
Workshop presenter Larry Wines is an award-winning editor, journalist, and broadcaster. He has added even MORE to his acclaimed workshop since its presentation on April 16.
It's now THREE hours with a break halfway through, because it’s so packed with information. Larry has added a NEW section on “The Venue/Media Interface,” and how to effectively work THAT aspect. The workshop is organized with PLENTY of examples illustrating all the techniques you'll learn. You'll get the ENTIRE presentation on disc at the conclusion (as a 161-slide Power Point) PLUS 21 supportive PDF docs(!) – with additional in-depth info and full-size examples of the most effective One-Sheets, Artist Bios, Press Releases, and more – ALL explained in detail, with how-and-why the techniques and plan work!
Learning to “work” the media – and how to do it EFFECTIVELY – is not a skill that comes naturally to most artists, because the media has its own culture and way of doing things.
Learn WHAT WORKS from someone who's been there, from newspapers to magazines to broadcasting to consulting, and taken the time to study the processes, the psychology of people in the media, work environment, the way work flow happens through the week (it’s important to understand timing before you contact them, because you want results!) and lots more.
Q: “What happens when I mail my brand-new CD for a review or radio airplay?”
Answer: too often, nothing. Literally nothing. (Unless you know WHAT to do.)
Q: “Are there ways to guarantee the media will pay attention to my CD and my gigs?”
Answer: YES! This workshop teaches techniques and an effective plan!
Q: “Is this all just obvious stuff if I think about it, or is there important stuff or art involved here?”
Answer: There is art AND technique AND required specific content AND effective presentation AND knowing who to reach AND what to give them AND timing – if you want to be successful. You want to get results from the money you spend sending packages and CDs to the media – your hopes run high, and you want your emotional and financial investments, and your time, to be worthwhile – all that you've been spending trying to get the media to let the world know you make music, win awards, have fans. This workshop shows you how to do that!
Q: “Can I actually build a relationship with the media, so they'll want to hear from me?”
Answer: YES. We'll teach you the most effective techniques in the workshop.
Q: “Isn't my web presence and EPK enough to handle this?”
Answer: Did Picasso put drawings in bottles and throw them in the ocean? The web is effective only if you do EVERYTHING right AND you know what to do to get the right people to go there and interact with it. And “working” the media requires much more. We'll teach you SPECIFICS with EXAMPLES of the how, what, and why.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 11, at 7:30 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Ave, Altadena.
RESERVATIONS get a discount: $30 with a reservation, $35 without a reservation (and if space remains – limited to 30 participants per session). Starts PROMPTLY at 7:30 pm, runs THREE hours, including a break. Reservations, call 626-807-3229. (Call, don't email).
FOOD:
The coffeehouse has a wide selection of sandwiches & salads, Mama Julie's award-winning chili, plus many hot and cold drinks, wonderful real fruit smoothies, & Fosselman's Ice Cream.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
“HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS”
[to get to the latest edition of the Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS, click from the table of contents on the left.]
||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
“HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS”
… and others in the music business and the arts
This is an upgraded and improved version of the workshop presented to great acclaim at the Autry Museum last summer, It's presented by the editor of the Acoustic Americana Music Guide, award-winning editor / journalist / broadcaster Larry Wines.
Saturday, April 16, at 1 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena (just N of Pasadena).
This workshop is highly acclaimed by artists who have already experienced it. The current #1 single and album on the Western Music Chart is by the Tumbling Tumbleweeds, who took the workshop last summer. They'll tell you they used all the techniques when their new album (now #1) was released.
Professional touring artists – in many genres – have taken this workshop and rave about it. Whether you tour or seek local gigs, there's plenty here for you. If you have a new CD coming out, this workshop is ESSENTIAL.
Workshop presenter Larry Wines is an award-winning editor, journalist, and broadcaster. He has just added even MORE to his acclaimed workshop.
It's two information-packed hours, plus a break halfway through. It's organized with PLENTY of examples illustrating all the techniques you'll learn. You'll get the entire presentation on disc at the conclusion (as a Power Point) PLUS many Word and PDF examples of the most effective One-Sheets, Artist Bios, Press Releases, and more – ALL explained in detail, and why it works!
Learning to “work” the media – and how to do it EFFECTIVELY – is not a skill that comes naturally to most artists, because the media has its own culture and way of doing things.
Learn WHAT WORKS from someone who's been there, from newspapers to magazines to broadcasting to consulting, and taken the time to study the processes, the psychology of people in the media, work environment, the way work flow happens through the week (timing is important to know before you contact them, because you want something!) and lots more.
Q: “What happens when I mail my brand-new CD for a review or radio airplay?”
Answer: too often, nothing. Literally nothing. (Unless you know WHAT to do.)
Q: “Are there ways to guarantee the media will pay attention to my CD and my gigs?”
Answer: YES!
Q: “Is this all just obvious stuff if I think about it, or is there important stuff or art involved here?”
Answer: There is art AND technique AND required specific content AND required presentation AND knowing who to reach AND timing, (yep, even the timing is important) – if you want to be successful. (Or if you just want your time to be worthwhile – all that time you've been spending trying to get the media to let the world know you make music, win awards, have fans).
Q: “Can I actually build a relationship with the media, so they'll want to hear from me?”
Answer: YES. We'll teach you all the techniques in the workshop.
Q: “Isn't my web presence and EPK enough to handle this?”
Answer: Did Picasso put drawings in bottles and throw them in the ocean? The web is effective only if you do EVERYTHING right AND you know what to send to get somebody to go there and interact with it. And the media needs much more. We'll teach you the how, what, and why.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 16, at 1 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Ave, Altadena. RESERVATIONS get a discount: $25 with a reservation, $35 without a reservation (and if space remains – limited to 30 participants per session). Starts PROMPTLY at 1 pm, runs two full hours, plus time for a break. Reservations, call 626-807-3229. (Call, don't email).
LUNCH / TEST DRIVE A SONG OR TWO OR THREE:
“Come at Noon, Play a Tune.” There's an open mic for Saturday's workshop participants from noon to 1 pm in the Backstage – a chance to perform on this world-famous stage! The coffeehouse has a wide selection of sandwiches & salads, Mama Julie's award-winning chili, plus many hot and cold drinks, wonderful real fruit smoothies, & Fosselman's Ice Cream.
||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
“HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS”
… and others in the music business and the arts
This is an upgraded and improved version of the workshop presented to great acclaim at the Autry Museum last summer, It's presented by the editor of the Acoustic Americana Music Guide, award-winning editor / journalist / broadcaster Larry Wines.
Saturday, April 16, at 1 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena (just N of Pasadena).
This workshop is highly acclaimed by artists who have already experienced it. The current #1 single and album on the Western Music Chart is by the Tumbling Tumbleweeds, who took the workshop last summer. They'll tell you they used all the techniques when their new album (now #1) was released.
Professional touring artists – in many genres – have taken this workshop and rave about it. Whether you tour or seek local gigs, there's plenty here for you. If you have a new CD coming out, this workshop is ESSENTIAL.
Workshop presenter Larry Wines is an award-winning editor, journalist, and broadcaster. He has just added even MORE to his acclaimed workshop.
It's two information-packed hours, plus a break halfway through. It's organized with PLENTY of examples illustrating all the techniques you'll learn. You'll get the entire presentation on disc at the conclusion (as a Power Point) PLUS many Word and PDF examples of the most effective One-Sheets, Artist Bios, Press Releases, and more – ALL explained in detail, and why it works!
Learning to “work” the media – and how to do it EFFECTIVELY – is not a skill that comes naturally to most artists, because the media has its own culture and way of doing things.
Learn WHAT WORKS from someone who's been there, from newspapers to magazines to broadcasting to consulting, and taken the time to study the processes, the psychology of people in the media, work environment, the way work flow happens through the week (timing is important to know before you contact them, because you want something!) and lots more.
Q: “What happens when I mail my brand-new CD for a review or radio airplay?”
Answer: too often, nothing. Literally nothing. (Unless you know WHAT to do.)
Q: “Are there ways to guarantee the media will pay attention to my CD and my gigs?”
Answer: YES!
Q: “Is this all just obvious stuff if I think about it, or is there important stuff or art involved here?”
Answer: There is art AND technique AND required specific content AND required presentation AND knowing who to reach AND timing, (yep, even the timing is important) – if you want to be successful. (Or if you just want your time to be worthwhile – all that time you've been spending trying to get the media to let the world know you make music, win awards, have fans).
Q: “Can I actually build a relationship with the media, so they'll want to hear from me?”
Answer: YES. We'll teach you all the techniques in the workshop.
Q: “Isn't my web presence and EPK enough to handle this?”
Answer: Did Picasso put drawings in bottles and throw them in the ocean? The web is effective only if you do EVERYTHING right AND you know what to send to get somebody to go there and interact with it. And the media needs much more. We'll teach you the how, what, and why.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 16, at 1 pm at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Ave, Altadena. RESERVATIONS get a discount: $25 with a reservation, $35 without a reservation (and if space remains – limited to 30 participants per session). Starts PROMPTLY at 1 pm, runs two full hours, plus time for a break. Reservations, call 626-807-3229. (Call, don't email).
LUNCH / TEST DRIVE A SONG OR TWO OR THREE:
“Come at Noon, Play a Tune.” There's an open mic for Saturday's workshop participants from noon to 1 pm in the Backstage – a chance to perform on this world-famous stage! The coffeehouse has a wide selection of sandwiches & salads, Mama Julie's award-winning chili, plus many hot and cold drinks, wonderful real fruit smoothies, & Fosselman's Ice Cream.
Spotlight Events: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, April 13, 2011
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Spotlight Events: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, April 13, 2011
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COMING SOON: Photographs to accompany News Features, Spotlight Events, and MORE!
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. SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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. from THE ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE
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. April 13, 2011 edition
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Fresh NEWS and REVIEWS coming soon.
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SPOTLIGHT EVENTS are listed in this edition all the way to December!
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APRIL: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Wednesday, April 13...
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Wed, Apr 13:
7-10 pm Monthly "SINGER-SONGWRITER NIGHT" (formerly the Soiree) sponsored by LAWIM, Los Angeles Women in Music, at the M Bar, Hollywood, with Lois Blaisch, Kris Garrett, Alicia Morgan, Brooke Ramel & Paul Zollo.
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Wed, Apr 13:
8 pm RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END play their monthly residency at Cafe 322, 322 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre 91024.
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Wed, Apr 13:
8 pm THE BAND OF HEATHENS plus JONNY BURKE and PATROLLED BY RADAR at The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A.; www.themintla.com/show/detail/38640. Tickets $10
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Wed, April 13, live webcast:
9:30 pm (Pacific) "EAR MEAL" web radio show with guest JESSICA CATRON, who you've heard perform as a member of the acclaimed group, VOCO. Jessica Catron grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota and now lives as a cellist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and teaching artist in Los Angeles. Jessica loves sound in just about any form and context and has a pretty eclectic performance history because of her involvement with a very colorful mix of music projects and people. She has performed and/or recorded with an array of amazing musical entities including Pauline Oliveros, James Tenney, Harold Budd, Rod Poole, Carla Bozulich, Evangelista, Corin Tucker, Linda Ronstadt, Nels Cline, Devin Sarno, Sheila Nicholls, Eleni Mandell, Rebekah Jordan, VOCO, Patrick Lyons/Nirvana (UK), The Need, Lavender Diamond, Vinny Golia, Adam Rudolph, Kraig Grady, Laura Steenberge, Ezra Buchla, Daniel Brummel, Cat Lamb, Scott Weiland, Steve Vai, Dave Matthews, Devotchka, The Eels, and Spiritualized, as well as with visual and multi-media artists Mike Kelley, Scott Benzel, Susan Silton, and Cloud Eye Control. Jessica's current projects include the trio Missincinatti with guitarist Jeremy Drake and percussionist Corey Fogel, The Microscore Project with violinist Johnny Chang, and a pool party band called The Receptionists with vocalist / percussionist and VOCO alum Jessica Basta and cellist Larissa Fedoryka. More on Jessica catron at www.myspace.com/jessicacatron. Hear tonight's Ear Meal webcast at www.laartstream.com/ear-meal
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Wed, Apr 13:
10 pm DAVID SERBY with Austin honky tonker BILLY ELI, hosted by Julie Richmond, THE CAROLINA CHICKADEE, at Taix, 1911 Sunset Bl, Echo Park. David has an impressive band at 10 pm – David Serby & The Dirt Poor Folklore (Ed Tree, Taras Prodaniuk, Carl Byron, Debra Dobkin); 11 pm – Billy Eli. David adds, “I’ll be playing songs off my upcoming record, 'Poor Man’s Poem.' As an added bonus, Ed and Taras will be playing with Billy, too.”
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Thursday, April 14...
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(Today in history: President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the US, was shot by assassin John Wilkes Booth in 1865; Lincoln died in the early morning of April 15. That's not all. The RMS Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, in 1912, and sank in the early morning of April 15. See why your federal income taxes are due on April 15?)
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Thu, Apr 14; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm TRACY NEWMAN, LARAINE NEWMAN, & award-winning comedic songwriter ERIC SCHWARTZ do a benefit for charity at The Talking Stick, 1411c Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net; 310-450-6052. Yep, it's Laraine of the original “Saturday Night Live” cast. And it's her very musical sister Tracy (who is an Emmy and Peabody Award winner). And Eric is very funny. Looks like a good night to support a cause...
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Thu, Apr 14:
8 pm THE BYRDS AND BEYOND, JOHN YORK with Billy Darnell at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Now featuring Chad Watson on bass. A great addition. A fine chance to see this singer-songwriter and former member of the legendary folk-rock band, The Byrds. Over the years John has been a constant musical creative force in support of acts like The Mamas and the Papas, Dr. John, Johnny Rivers, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Sir Douglas Quintet, Rolling Stones keyboardist Nicky Hopkins. He even played bass for the blues legend, Lightin' Hopkins. Recently John has completed a new solo album titled Fanfare For 2 and West Coast Revelation, a collaboration with rock legend, Kim Fowley. Joining him on stage will be veteran performer, Billy Darnell, who joined John in a later Byrds band with Gene Clark. He has also played guitar for The Everly Brothers, Dr. John and Doug Kershaw. The show is filled with familiar Byrds tunes for sing-along, fine original songs and great interpretations of songs from the era..and the best music this side of Bob Dylan and The Band. Tix, $20.
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Thu, Apr 14:
8:30 pm KRIS COLT & THE BLACK ROSE BAND play their CD release show, with musical special guests including KEN O'MALLEY at Ireland's 32 in Van Nuys; bit.ly/irelands32. The event begins with appetizers at 7:30 pm, followed by the music, starting at 8:30 pm.
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Thu, Apr 14:
9 pm FAY WOLF at Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood 90028.
While she sometimes plays acoustic, she tells us that this time she is “Power-backed by
Cormac Bluestone, John Forest, Dylan Halacy and Jes Hudak.” $10 cover. Venue is 21+.
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Thu, Apr 14:
CANCELLED: Poet SEAMUS HEANEY’s spoken word engagement at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101. Event cancelled due to Visa issues. Full refunds or exchanges are available at the point of purchase to patrons who purchased tickets to this event during UCLA Live’s subscription-sales window.
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Friday, April 15...
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Fri, Apr 15, in Washington State:
7:30-10 pm RED HORSE: ELIZA GILKYSON, JOHN GORKA & LUCY KAPLANSKY – play the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St, SE, Olympia WA; 360-753-8586; www.washingtoncenter.org. More at www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Horse/100743976643456.
Check out the #1 folk album of October 2010, “Red Horse,” at www.redhouserecords.com.
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Fri, Apr 15:
8 pm LOAFER’S GLORY at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. They'll do their award-winning instrumentals and fine harmony vocals. Venue impresario Bob stane says, "It’s refreshing to know that one band on the music scene is more into the development of good solid live performances rather than the pyrotechnics that go with today’s new look at country music and it’s by-products. Southern California has always been a haven for interested parties trying to find good live bluegrass, folk and blues. In the winter of February 2010, four players decided to form a new group with a direction combining the best of old-time and bluegrass music. This is indeed the time for another highly skilled acoustic band… Loafer’s Glory.” Tickets, $15.
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Fri, Apr 15:
9 pm-midnight CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7 at Ashley's, 1731 E 4th St, Long Beach 90802; 562-495-5700.
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Fri, Apr 15:
9 pm MISSINCINATTI with JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) opening for THE TOUGHCATS and HOWARDAMB at HM157, Lincoln Heights (Los Angeles); www.thechurchoffashion.com
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Saturday, April 16...
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Sat, Apr 16, WORKSHOP; an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK FOR ARTISTS:”
“HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA EFFECTIVELY: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS” and others in the music biz and the arts – the workshop acclaimed by artists who have taken it – returns as the most popular offering in the venue's series of workshops for artists, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena.
Presented by LARRY WINES, Guide editor, longtime journalist, newspaper and magazine columnist and feature writer, music journalist, radio host / tastemaker producer, event and festival emcee, and producer of festivals and events for charity, this is a guy who knows the media, how it works, and how YOU can make it responsive, as an artist.
Event will be in the afternoon, time tbd. All participants receive complete presentation materials to take home (already deemed “excellent,” and just updated to include even more).
Register early. Due to the popularity of this workshop and anticipation (and frequent questions of “When will do this again?”) we anticipate a capacity crowd (and we're limiting it so that everyone in attendance can participate).
Register at tiedtothetracks @ hotmail.com (just take out the spaces; we're fighting spam).
Advance registration (prepaid) is $25; at the door it's $35.(LAST one before price increase!)
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:Sat & Sun, Apr 16 & 17, in San Bernardino:
Annual “RAILROAD DAYS” with music, food, family activities, historical displays in and around museum, modern and historic RR equipment, at historic Santa Fe San Bernardino train station (Metrolink station). Free.
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Sat, Apr 16:
2 pm JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) on cello with FRANCES STARK and strin sextet at the UCLA Hammer Museum, on the campus in Westwood; www.hammer.ucla.edu/calendar/detail/type/program/id/804
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
5-10 pm "TOPANGA ACOUSTIC MUSIC SERIES" presents "Dinner & a Show" with VICKI PETERSON (the Bangles) solo acoustic, THE PORCH GIRLS with ELIZA JAYNE, DAVE MORRISON BAND with ED TREE, CHAD WATSON, GENEVIEVE ADELL, and SHELBY TIEG & TARA, at the Topanga Commujnity House, 1440 N Topanga Cyn, Topanga 90290; info, marilynbabcock@mac.com. Shelby Tieg and Tara open the show at 5:30; dinner is included, with tacos, chili, corn bread, brownies, vegan soup, Dave
Morrison's Chili, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea, all included. Producer Marilyn Babcock says, "Bring your dancing shoes and guitar for the SONG CIRCLE at the end." Tix, $15.
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Sat, Apr 16:
7 pm THE RANDY VAN HORNE SINGERS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. The Randy Van Horne Singers were among the most prolific and respected session vocalists of the space age pop era. In addition to contributions to classic LPs from exotica maestros like Martin Denny and Esquivel, their buoyant harmonies are immortalized via classic TV themes including The Flintstones and The Jetsons. Founder and arranger Randy Van Horne worked in Hollywood in 1949, forming his first vocal group, the Encores, and touring with the Billy May Orchestra. In the 50s, Van Horne focused on session work with a new ensemble, The Randy Van Horne Singers, which signed with RCA Victor to cut the LP Swingin' Singin'. In the years to follow the lineup at various times assembled a who's who of session vocal greats; among them Marni Nixon, Marilyn King, Clark Burroughs, Gene Merlino, Thurl Ravenscroft and Bob Zwirn. Albums like Sleigh Ride, The Clef Dwellers and the MGM release Sing a Song of Goodman are notable both for their light, joyful harmonies and Van Horne's clever, jazz-inspired arrangements.
At the peak of their renown, the Van Horne Singers assumed backup duties on sessions headlined by artists such as Dean Martin and Mel Tormé, and were regulars on television's The Nat King Cole Show. The Randy Van Horne Singers were admired for their contributions to the space age pop genre, with highlights including Martin Denny's Afro-Desia and Esquivel's Other Worlds Other Sounds. In 1958, composer Hoyt Curtin contracted the Van Horne Singers to perform the title theme to animators Hanna/Barbera's The Huckleberry Hound Show, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Yogi Bear, and others. These themes are immortalized in the collective memory of the baby boomer generation. Randy continued to arrange and write music, directed several other vocal and instrumental groups, and formed a new lineup of the Randy Van Horne Singers, which he was involved with up to his passing September 26, 2007 in Woodland Hills, California. The group carries on his grand tradition to this day, and are performing shows again! New members include director Alan Wilson and recording artists Max Vasquez, Harry Middlebrooks, Art Depew, Lynn Keller, Billie Barnum, Franny McCartney and others in the current 20 member ensemble. Tickets, $15.
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Sat, Apr 16:
7:30-9 pm Monthly "YOUNG TALENT NIGHT" sponsored by LAWIM, Los Angeles Women in Music, tonight with Sami Staitman, Madyn Coakley, Corey Fogelmanis, Sarah Staitman, Lauren Taveras, plus instrument "gifting," at Kulak's Woodshed in North Hollywood; info and web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com
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Sat, Apr 16:
8 pm RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END play an acoustic show at Trilogy Guitars.
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm SUSIE GLAZE & THE HILONESOME BAND bring their traditional and original Appalachian mountain music, Jean Ritchie homages, and West Coast bluegrass, to the CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY series in Beckman Institute Auditorium (“Little Beckman”) on the campus, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; 626-395-4652, or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832). More on the Caltech Folk Music Series at www.folkmusic.caltech.edu - and check-out other music on campus at Caltech Presents / Caltech Public Events series at www.events.caltech.edu.
Susie’s soaring high vocals have propelled her career since she sang solos on Broadway in “Big River.” Her friendship and devotion to the music of legendary Appalachian folk queen JEAN RITCHIE earned her an endorsement from the matriarch, and she performed a tribute concert for Ritchie with members of Jean’s musical family at the University of Pennsylvania.
Much of the HILONESOME repertoire is older mountain and bluegrass, and it mixes well with modern compositions by the band’s guitarist / chief songwriter, ROB CARLSON. Indeed, series bookers NICK SMITH and REX MAYREIS say, “Whether they are performing a classic Jean Ritchie piece or something they cooked up on their own, the music is a treat.”
The group’s newest CD is scheduled for release in time for this show. But the live concert energy is special with this five-piece ensemble. You’ll hear acoustic guitars, mandolin, fiddle, upright bass, and Susie’s wonderful vocals, backed by the band’s instruments and voices – and any of them may take a lead vocal or two. Expect an evening of bluegrass, traditional (not modern Nashville) country, old-time, gospel, and as the promo asserts, “any of the musical styles based on those…” Gen’l admission, $18; Caltech students & children, $5.
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN FLYNN & JOHN WORT HANNAM play the “Bodie House Music Series at the Thousand Oaks Library,” at Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks 91362; 818-621-8309; info, www.BodieHouse.com.
Canadian singer-songwriter JOHN WORT HANNAM took L.A. by storm when he toured a number of local venues in October, 2009. At home in the Great White North, he’s won just about every acoustic music award there is.
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Sunday, April 17...
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Sun, Apr 17:
2 pm THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN play a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. They "provide the perfect blend of harmony and humor harkening back to the days of Vaudeville," says Bob Stane. Preserving America’s great vocal sounds from a time when music was music, this vocal quartet, named the 2002 National A Cappella Champions, recreates the close harmonies of such legendary groups as The Ink Spots and the Pied Pipers, while including the era’s great comic songs made famous by the likes of Louis Jordan and The Hoosier Hotshots. A typical performance by The Perfect Gentlemen includes marvelous melodious music mingled with masterful mirth, mischief, and merry-making. The group’s versatility allows for effortless shifts between vocal styles with an air of ease, whether singing a cappella or accompanied by guitar or ukulele. Their signature piece, "Salute to the 20th Century," is, says Bob, "a humorous take on the de-evolution of music over the last century, illustrated by singing the same song in the style of barbershop, Dixieland, blues, big band, doo-wop, bluegrass, disco, techno punk, and rap, complete with visuals that delights audiences of all ages time and time again. Once you’ve heard The Perfect Gentlemen, you won’t settle for anything." Tickets, $20.
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Sun, Apr 17:
5-9 pm Weekly "GRAND OLE ECHO" brings a set by RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END about 7:30 pm. Just come and stay. No cover, plenty of fun, full bar, BBQ out back, all ages.
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Monday, April 18...
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Mon, Apr 18:
8 pm JIM CURRY'S TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Husband and wife team Jim and Anne Curry deliver the multi-platinum hits of the great John Denver in a fun-filled evening of singing and stories. Jim plays the guitar and sings John's songs in a crystal clear tenor. Anne, his wife and musical partner, plays guitar and mandolin and sings harmony in all the right places. You'll be invited to sing along, share in the memories, learn new songs and howl at the moon (literally). More at www.jimcurrymusic.com. Tickets, $18.
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Tuesday, April 19...
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Tue, Apr 19:
8 pm “TINA FEY: A CONVERSATION WITH STEVE MARTIN” presented by Live Talks Los Angeles at Nokia Theatre / L.A. Live. Doors at 7 pm. Tix $29-119. $119 includes prime seating, Tina Fey's book, “Bossypants,” and Steve Martin's book, “An Object of Beauty.” $49 includes premier seating and Tina Fey's book. $29 reserved orchestra seats, books not included. Book signing by Tina Fey immediately follows the event. Net proceeds benefit Southern California Public Radio 89.3 KPCC and KCET independent public TV.
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Tue, Apr 19:
8 pm BARRY McGUIRE, “Trippin’ The 60’s,” with JOHN YORK, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the Andy Williams Show as the gravelly voiced lead singer of the New Christy Minstrels. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar." In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times. Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "Hair." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. Dick Clark says, “When world events collide with “Rock&Roll” you get Barry McGuire”.Currently working with Barry McGuire in "Trippin' The Sixties," John York is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned Folk Rock/Country Rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of such musical luminaries as Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band)……and many others. The TV show “The Place Where I Am Dreaming” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." The duet "Redneck Ninja" highlights John's creative partnership with acclaimed songwriter Patrick Brayer. In 2007, John played concerts in Japan for the third time. Shows are Tuesday, April 19 and Wednesday, April 21. Tickets, $20, either night.
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Wednesday, April 20...
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Wed, Apr 20:
7 pm “CLASSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE CONCERT SERIES” concludes its 6th season tonight with special guests RAYNOR CARROLL & AFRICAN AMERICAN DRUMMING and other performing musicians (tba) in the Cay Mortenson Auditorium at Arcadia Public Library, 20 W Duarte Rd, Arcadia 91006; www.library.ci.arcadia.ca.us; 626-821-5567. Info on this program and the series, 626-821-5569.
This is a free series, no reservations, but seating is limited to the first 150 people in line to enter. Doors at 6:30 pm.
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Wed, Apr 20:
8 pm BARRY McGUIRE, “Trippin’ The 60’s,” with JOHN YORK, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the Andy Williams Show as the gravelly voiced lead singer of the New Christy Minstrels. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar." In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times. Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "Hair." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. Dick Clark says, “When world events collide with “Rock&Roll” you get Barry McGuire”.Currently working with Barry McGuire in "Trippin' The Sixties," John York is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned Folk Rock/Country Rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of such musical luminaries as Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band)……and many others. The TV show “The Place Where I Am Dreaming” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." The duet "Redneck Ninja" highlights John's creative partnership with acclaimed songwriter Patrick Brayer. In 2007, John played concerts in Japan for the third time. Shows are Tuesday, April 19 and Thursday, April 21. Tickets, $20, either night.
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Thursday, April 21...
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Thu, Apr 21:
8 pm RICHARD SMITH & JULIE ADAMS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Virtuoso guitar and cello duo playing an eclectic mix of music from the Beatles to Bach to Bluegrass. Richard and Julie’s ever changing repertoire will include a wide variety of music from Scott Joplin Rags, Sousa marches, Mozart, fiddle tunes, standards, Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed tunes, Django Reinhardt gypsy jazz, Bach, Beatles tunes, pop tunes, Chopin, originals, lightning fast barn-burners to beautiful ballads. This promises to be an outstanding blend of virtuoso musicianship and vocals. Richard’s flawless technique and Julie’s lyrical style and luscious tone, will have your toes tapping , melt your heartstrings and have your jaws hanging open. More at www.richardsmithmusic.com. Tix, $20.
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Saturday, April 23...
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Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2 pm CHRISTOPH BULL performs a stirring BACH ORGAN RECITAL for UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
Bull is a UCLA Live favorite. This is a delightful afternoon of classical music on Royce Hall’s glorious Skinner organ from acclaimed organist Christoph Bull, known for his energizing and often eclectic musical interpretation of organ repertoire. Bull will perform a thrilling and ethereal program of Bach on the UCLA campus treasure, which is known as one of the country’s great musical devices of its kind. Tix, $23/28/33 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLAME SALLY at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $16.
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Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BILLY COLLINS and KAY RYAN, two former U.S. Poet Laureates in a spoken word event, at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
The two Poet Laureates share the stage for an evening of readings from their acclaimed work and Q&A with the audience.
BILLY COLLINS, winner of the 2004 inaugural Mark Twain Prize for Humor in Poetry, served as America’s Poet Laureate from 2001-2003. Beloved for his ironic style, Collins is one of the top-selling modern poets and author of nine collections including “Questions about Angels”,” The Art of Drowning,” and “The Trouble With Poetry and Other Poems.”
KAY RYAN, California native and UCLA alumna, was U.S. Poet Laureate from 2008-2010 and is revered for her complex and rueful style. Her work includes “The Jam Jar Lifeboat & Other Novelties Exposed,” a delightful collection inspired by stories from “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!,” as well as “Flamingo Watching”, a finalist for both the Lamont Poetry Selection and the Lenore Marshall Prize. In 2004, Ryan was awarded The Ruth Lilly Prize—the Poetry Foundation’s highest honor.
In conjunction with this event and April’s National Poetry Month, UCLA Live will launch a poetry-writing contest for the Los Angeles community, with winning submissions to be read onstage in Royce Hall. More details will be available closer to the event. Tix, $28-53.
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Wednesday, April 27...
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Wed, Apr 27:
7-9 pm WORKSHOP - "WWW=What Went Wrong?" sponsored by LAWIM, Los Angeles Women in Music. Social media techniques and more with Ariel Hyatt from Cyber PR. Not going to ASCAP EXPO? Special MasterClass just for us! Going to the EXPO? Hear her in a more hands-on setting and get your site/page evaluated and questions answered tonight. Info, location, reservations, at www.lawim.com
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Wednesday-Sunday, April 27-May 1 - festival...
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Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
TONIGHT:
“COWBOY COUTURE” launches the 2011 Cowboy Festival with western designer fashions, vintage cowboy apparel, models and a wine reception, at the Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main St, Old Town Newhall (Santa Clarita), at 7 pm. You can shop for the latest Western wear before and after the show for a great opportunity to outfit yourself for the Cowboy Festival. Tix, www.repeastplayhouse.org or 661-288-0000; $25 and $35.
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Thursday, April 28...
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Thu, Apr 28; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
TWO EVENTS, TODAY & TONIGHT:
“SANTA CLARITA VALLEY FILM TOUR” (new, this year), begins at Heritage Junction at William S. Hart Park, Newhall. Runs Noon-3 pm; Tickets: $35. Join Local historian E. J. STEPHENS for a bus tour of the Santa Clarita Valley to visit locations where dozens of famous movies were filmed. Tour is complete with photos of the productions and revealing stories of the area's movie history.
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“CHUCKWAGON DINNER SHOW” at Heritage Junction at William S. Hart Park at 6 pm; tickets, $40 includes dinner, and there’s a no-host saloon. It’s “A feast for the Western senses, featuring chuckwagon cooking demonstrations and dinner prepared by award-winning Manflo Ranch, Montie Montana's show wagon and in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Stuntman's Association, a presentation by world famous stuntmen DIAMOND FARNSWORTH and LOREN JANES. Proceeds benefit the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.
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Thu, Apr 28:
8 pm Canadians SARAH MacDOUGALL & GORDIE TENTREES, on their 3 month, 8 country, 75 date tour, hit the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Gordie Tentrees released 3 albums internationally to rave reviews. The most recent " Mercy or Sin" produced by Juno Winner Bob Hamilton, was nominated for a 2010 Western Canadian Music Award for 'Roots Solo Album of the Year". The title track was also a finalist out of 15 000 entries in the 2010 International Songwriting Competition. Judges included Tom Waits, Loretta Lynn and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He performed at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver for the New Songs New Voices concert selected as the best of Canada’s songwriters to perform during the games. He was also selected by CBC Radio's 2009 Song Quest as one of Canada’s top songwriters and hosted the prestigous SOCAN songwriters circle at the 2009 WCMA's. He has toured with Fred Eaglesmith, Kelly Joe Phelps, and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He recently began recording his 4th album and is releasing a "Live from Germany " concert dvd in May.
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Gordie Tentrees Awards:
2010 Western Canadian Music Award Roots Nominee
2010 International Song Competition Americana Finalist
2010 Winter Olympics Best of Canada Performer
Visit his Web Page: www.tentrees.ca
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Sarah Macdougall has been a touring internationally for years with her dynamite songs, blistering guitar chops and astounding voice earning rave reviews and topping major music writers top ten album of the year lists as a songwriter, all the while producing and engineering her own albums. 24 hrs Vancouver called her ‘one of the most promising exports out of Sweden since Abba’ and her album Across the Atlantic (2009) got four star reviews in such notable publications as Q magazine, the Irish Times, No Depression, and many more. Her songs have been chosen for onboard entertainment on Lufthansa airplanes, on TV shows, and she’s been a semi-finalist on the International Songwriting competition with her song Crow’s Lament. She has performed on the Bob Harris show in the UK, has played Canadian and International Festivals, performed with Mary Gauthier, Todd Snider, and Po’Girl among others. Sarah is currently working on her new album, which is scheduled for release in the summer of 2011. Visit her Web Page: www.sarahmacdougall.com
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Tickets, $20.
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Friday, April 29...
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Fri, Apr 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
Their fusion of Bob Wills and Django Reinhardt, plus their '30s sweet jazz, combined with stellar musicianshiop, makes them a must-see trio.
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Fri, Apr 29:
8 pm JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) on cello with PATRICK LYONS, founder of NIRVANA UK, at Stories Books & Cafe, Echo Park; www.storiesla.com
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Fri, Apr 29:
8 pm SOURDOUGH SLIM, "Last of the Vaudeville Cowboys," with ROBERT ARMSTRONG, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. A marvel of musical ingenuity, showman extraordinaire Sourdough Slim and string instrument wizard Robert Armstrong joyously rekindle the country blues, western classics, vintage jazz and string band repertoire of pre-WWII America. A fast-paced performance of music and humor that showcases their seasoned gift for connecting with audiences. Whether capturing the haunting refrain of a Jimmie Rodgers blue yodel or swinging out a hot novelty number, everyone one gets caught up in the fun these two cut-ups have on stage. Long time fans will remember them as founding members of two of California's favorite acoustic combo's, "8th Avenue String Band" and "R. Crumb's Cheap Suit Serenaders." Between them they share a provocative array of period instruments including: flat-top guitar, national steel guitar, baritone and soprano ukulele, musical saw, accordion, six-string banjo and harmonica.
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Well traveled veterans of stages ranging from Carnegie Hall and The Lincoln Center to The Strawberry Music Festival, The National Cowboy Gathering and Prairie Home Companion, these modern day vaudevillians capture a sound and moment in time that consistently delights fun loving music fans wherever they perform.
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REVIEWS: "First rate entertainment. A delightful show..... real deal Americana." - Liz Baines, Seattle Times
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"You won't find better authentic Country or Western music being played anywhere." - David Barnes, British Archive of Country Music
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"Much more invigorating than 9/10ths of the stuff you hear from the current cadre of Western revivalists." - Ronald Lankford, Jr., Sing Out! magazine. "Good Stuff!" - Dallas Dobro, Strawberry Music Festival
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"A must see for those that love to be thoroughly entertained." - Charity Maness, Calaveras News
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Great copy and photos at http://sourdoughslim.com. Tickets, $20.
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Fri, Apr 29; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
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FIVE EVENTS are today and tonight:
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“CALIFORNIO FIESTA DE RANCHO CAMULOS” with DON EDWARDS at 11 am. Multiple award-winner and Grammy nominee Don Edwards does an intimate concert at Don Ygnacio del Valle's estancia. It highlights an afternoon at Rancho Camulos (Est. 1853), the site that inspired the novel "Ramona," where the history, myth, and romance of old California still linger. Enjoy a Southwest “Vaquero buffet,” music, and costumed docent-led tours as you step back in time in Heritage Valley. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit museum's historical preservation. More at www.ranchocamulos.org. Tickets, $50 (includes lunch, tours and concert).
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“WALK OF WESTERN STARS UNVEILING” at 2 pm – Free. For the first time, a director will be honored on the Walk of Western Stars when legendary western film director JOHN FORD is inducted into the Walk on the streets of Old Town Newhall. Ford was director of numerous Western classics including “The Searchers,” “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence,” “Stagecoach,” and “Rio Grande.” Mr. Ford's 1939 version of “Stagecoach” will be shown Friday evening at the Melody Ranch Movie Night.
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“WYATT EARP – HERO OR VILLAIN?” (new event, this year) at Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main St, Old Town Newhall, at 3 pm. Join Editor and Publisher of “True West” Magazine, BOB BOZE BELL, as he walks you through history with fascinating stories and anecdotes about Wyatt Earp. Some thought of him as a hero, others thought he was a jerk. Bob knows the story from all sides and will surprise you with his insights. Tickets, $15.
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“MELODY RANCH MOVIE NIGHT” at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, 7 pm. It’s “an intimate western-style dinner under the stars on Melody Ranch's Main Street,” and an what can only be deemed an ultimate atmospheric screening of the classic film “Stagecoach” on Melody Ranch street, in the middle of the old west movie set town. The film’s legendary director JOHN FORD will be inducted into the “Walk of Western Stars” earlier in the day. Seating for the screening is limited and only ticket holders will be admitted to Melody Ranch for this event. Tickets, $60.
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“AN EVENING OF MUSIC WITH THE SONS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN” at the William S. Hart Mansion at 8 pm. The Sons are back to perform their international award-winning western harmonies on classics and originals in a unique, up close and personal concert. You can tour silent film cowboy star BILL HART's historic residence and then relax in his living room, among his Remington and Russell paintings and sculptures as The Sons take you on a special, memory filled, musical journey. Hear the west, the way it should be sung. Limited to 70 seats. Tickets, $80.
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Saturday, April 30...
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Sat & Sun, Apr 30-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “STAGECOACH FESTIVAL” at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, with LORETTA LYNN, RICKY SCAGGS, JERRY DOUGLAS TRIO, GATLIN BROTHERS, LEON RUSSELL, RODNEY CROWELL, RHONDA VINCENT, THE PUNCH BROTHERS, ROSIE FLORES, WANDA JACKSON, COAL PORTERS, THE GOURDS, JACK INGRAM, JUNIOR BROWN, LUKAS NELSON & THE PROMISE OF THE REAL, THE CLOVERLYS, TRUTH & SALVAGE CO., and PHOSPHORESCENT, in the lineups on two stages, and a crop of big Nashville pop-country people on the third, “Mane Stage,” including KENNY CHESNEY, RASCAL FLATTS, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, DARIUS RUCKER, JOSH TURNER, EASTON CORBIN, & CHRIS YOUNG. Schedules and info, http://stagecoachfestival.com.
It’s billed as “California’s Country Music Festival,” and the producers are maintaining their shockingly wonderful commitment to diversity and inclusion of roots-Americana artists and music on the “other” two stages. Seriously, you can go, never get near the Nashville pop-country “Mane Stage,” and you’ll see and hear many of the best acts who are playing the big folk-Americana festival circuit this summer.
Only thing is, the “Mane Stage” here is notorious for blasting apocalyptic sound into the other stages, half a mile away. So you may need to crowd the sound reinforcement at “your” stage to avoid things that, in past years, have included Brooks & Dunn doing a hiphop version of “Neon Moon,” and Kid Rock doing whatever he was doing at a supposedly “country” festival. Still, for so much music that you will like, it’s a fine bargain, and a lot closer than Telluride.
$149 full weekend pass is now available; + $6 Venue charge + $2 Charity (+ applicable charges) each. A weekend pass is 1 ticket for the entire weekend; your ticket will be exchanged for 1 wristband at the venue. It is GA (General Admission), no reserved seats. The $149 price is being advertised by the festival for limited time while supplies last.
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Sat, Apr 30; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
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Saturday & Sunday events at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio:
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“BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF MELODY RANCH” at 8:30 am. Take a walking tour of Melody Ranch with local historian E. J. STEPHENS. Hear tales of building the Ranch, learn about the Ranch's film history, and visit Melody Ranch Motion Picture Museum. This is a walking tour that covers a wide area of Melody Ranch. Tickets, $40.
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Festival events, included with festival general admission:
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“CALIFORNIA MUSIC STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Ongoing shows feature Western Music, Cowboy Poetry and Storytelling by the best performers in the business.
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“Heritage Stage” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Take in the history and culture of the American West with Native American, Hispanic, and Old West music and dance.
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“MELODY RANCH STAGE” ” at Melody Ranch, 10 am-6 pm, is included in General Admission. This is the festival’s main stage, with shows featuring nationally-known Western musicians and poets. Seating is first-come, first-serve, except for reserved up-front seating for "Friends of the Festival" patrons.
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Street shows, living history, art, gear, dry goods & the Gold Rush Food Court, 10 am-6 pm, both days. Enjoy performances up and down Main Street and on several music stages, and visit The Buffalo Soldiers at their encampment or the festival blacksmiths.
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Children's Activities are at no extra cost, all day. Visit the Pioneer Living exhibit and pan for gold, spin wool, and re-live the old days like children of the early West. Stop by Biskit Saddle Arts and learn about leatherworking or let your children hear authors as they read from their award winning children's books during “Buckaroo Story Time.” Step into the Buckaroo Book Shop and browse book titles for the whole family. Whether your passion is Western film, the real West, Western fiction or shopping for great Western toys like trick ropes, plush ponies or puzzles and games, they’ll have it.
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Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Museum is open 10 am- 3 pm during the festival (and not accessible to the public at any other time during the year). Admission this year is free. This one-of-a-kind museum on the grounds of Melody Ranch is a walk through the history of filmmaking there.
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More of the festival's Saturday Events, April 30:
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“COWBOY CABARET” (new event this year) at Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main St, Old Town Newhall, at 8 pm. Spend an evening of unbridled musical fun with HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN, SOURDOUGH SLIM, and THE LUCKY STARS as they jam the night away. This small, intimate theater will put you up close and personal with some of the best western swing musicians in the country. There’s a no-host bar available. Tickets, $30.
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WYLIE GUSTAFSON – Rare Solo performance at the William S. Hart Mansion at 8 pm. Wylie of WYLIE & THE WILD WEST as you have never experienced him before (unless you caught his solo acoustic performance a few years back on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks”) in a rare, intimate, acoustic concert in cowboy star Bill Hart's living room. From Lincoln Center to the Grand Ole Opry to Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Wylie has charmed them all with his special brand of energy and good time Cowboy music. Expect the unexpected. Limited to 70 seats. Tickets, $80 for this additional event only.
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Sat, Apr 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JAMES McMURTRY at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $22.
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Sat, Apr 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BORDER RADIO at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. A lineup of Souther Cal all-star musicians bring a refreshing spin on traditional bluegrass. Border Radio’s original “gypsygrass” style is a fusion of bluegrass, classic country and old country sounds. – like that once heard in the days of 100,000 Watt radio from just over the Mexican radio. Deeply rooted in tradition, this is what “country” music is supposed to sound like. "Call it rural Tin Pan Alley, prairie jazz, hand-me-down country, city folk -- Border Radio is an original stew of American music that blasts across all these borders” - Kerrville New Folk Competition.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of hisoric downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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MAY: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sunday, May 1...
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Sun, May 1; Sat & Sun, Apr 30-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “STAGECOACH FESTIVAL” at the Empire Polo Field in Indio; http://stagecoachfestival.com. See complete write-up in April 30 listing.
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Sun, May 1; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
+
Saturday & Sunday events at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio:
+
“BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF MELODY RANCH” at 8:30 am. Take a walking tour of Melody Ranch with local historian E. J. STEPHENS. Hear tales of building the Ranch, learn about the Ranch's film history, and visit Melody Ranch Motion Picture Museum. This is a walking tour that covers a wide area of Melody Ranch. Tickets, $40.
+
Festival events, included with festival general admission:
+
“CALIFORNIA MUSIC STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Ongoing shows feature Western Music, Cowboy Poetry and Storytelling by the best performers in the business.
+
“HERITAGE STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Take in the history and culture of the American West with Native American, Hispanic, and Old West music and dance.
+
“MELODY RANCH STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am-6 pm, is included in General Admission. This is the festival’s main stage, with shows featuring nationally-known Western musicians and poets. Seating is first-come, first-serve, except for reserved up-front seating for "Friends of the Festival" patrons.
+
Street shows, living history, art, gear, & dry goods & the Gold Rush Food Court, 10 am-6 pm, both days. Enjoy performances up and down Main Street and on several music stages, and visit The Buffalo Soldiers at their encampment or the festival blacksmiths.
+
Children's Activities are at no extra cost, all day. Visit the Pioneer Living exhibit and pan for gold, spin wool, and re-live the old days like children of the early West. Stop by Biskit Saddle Arts and learn about leatherworking or let your children hear authors as they read from their award winning children's books during “Buckaroo Story Time.” Step into the Buckaroo Book Shop and browse book titles for the whole family. Whether your passion is Western film, the real West, Western fiction or shopping for great Western toys like trick ropes, plush ponies or puzzles and games, they’ll have it.
+
Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Museum is open 10 am- 3 pm during the festival (and not accessible to the public at any other time during the year). Admission this year is free. This one-of-a-kind museum on the grounds of Melody Ranch is a walk through the history of filmmaking there.
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Additional Sunday Event, May 1:
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Off-site event, “Cowboy Church” at the Masters College, 8 am. Admission is free. Info, 661-268-8863.
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Sun, May 1:
7:30 pm MISSINCINATTI with JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) plays the "Open Gate" series at the Center For the Arts, Eagle Rock; www.centerartseaglerock.org/index.php
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Sun, May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm LEON REDBONE at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. He has plenty of imitators these days, but he’s the guy who kept his brand of gentle New Orleans swing blues in the public consciousness and on the radio when he had no peers there. He’s still the best. Tix, $26.50.
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Saturday, May 7...
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Sat, May 7; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CLAUDIA RUSSELL & THE FOLK UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.claudiarussell.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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Sat, May 7; world music (and now for something completely different…):
8 pm EAST L.A. TAIKO with LYSA FLORES combines innovative reinvention of traditional Japanese percussion with the venue’s ongoing “Ritmos Latinos” series, at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. EAST L.A. TAIKO, aka ELAT, led by master drummer MACEO HERNANDEZ, marries Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythms with driving Taiko beats – a fiery eclectic blend of world rhythm that travels the globe and takes you right into the heart of Los Angeles. ELAT performs at the Annex with LYSA FLORES, named in Newsweek magazine as one of “20 young Latinos to watch in the new millennium.” A first generation Mexican-American, Flores has been a pioneer in the “EastLos” alternative music scene since her teens, making music that now defines an urban L.A. style.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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Thursday, May 12...
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Thu, May 12; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND and THE DEL McCOURY BAND in a stellar double-bill at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
Two pillars of American music from two distinct lineages come together for a wonderfully unlikely evening “to celebrate the glory of tradition and the power of newfound collaboration.” Starting as a sideman the legendary “father of bluegrass” BILL MONROE nearly 50 years ago, DEL McCOURY has broadened the audience for the genre. During that same period, the legendary PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND has defined the tradition of New Orleans jazz. Now, they have converged to perform – and record(!) – an unforgettable mix of bluegrass and traditional jazz. Each band will play individual sets, followed by a soul-stirring joint finale. Tix, $38-63 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Friday, May 13...
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Fri, May 13; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm MOLLY’S REVENGE brings splendid Irish music to the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. Known for its unique and infectious on-stage enthusiasm, dynamic acoustic Celtic band Molly's Revenge is a classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, and song. Their arrangements of traditional jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more. They’re festival favorites.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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Sunday, May 15...
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Sun, May 15; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
9 am-6 pm: 51st annual “TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL” at Paramount Ranch near Agoura Hills, in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area.
“Southern California’s favorite Bluegrass, Old-Time & Folk Music Event” and the best one-day festival anywhere returns with contests for all kinds of acoustic instrument players – drawing contestants from several western states – plus professional musicians performing scheduled sets on three stages, and a whole lotta jamming goin’ on beneath the oak trees and on the porches of the old west movie set town.
Since 1961, this event has been an always-anticipated old-time, bluegrass, folk song, folk dancing and crafts festival.
Entertainment on three stages, plus The Dance Barn and Children's area, all set within the western movie sets and mountain locations. Bring your instruments and "sit in" with jamming musicians, or pre-register for any of the prestigious contests.
Some highlights, including acts already booked (with latest changes included):
The Main Stage: Over 100 instrumental and singing contestants, plus performances by
DUSTBOWL CAVALIERS, HABERDASHERY ENSEMBLE, FRANK FAIRFIELD, SCOTT GATES & THE SALTY SUITES.
Dance Barn: Band Playoffs, Clogging, Square Dancing, Contra Dancing - with all live music by TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT and OLD SLEDGE.
Pavilion Stage: Beginner Instrument Playoffs, plus scheduled shows by OLD SLEDGE – roots & history of string band music; MIKE MAHANEY & FRIENDS – cowboy music & poetry show; FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER – songs of the open road.
Railroad Stage: Traditional Singing Playoffs, Intermediate Fiddle Playoffs, plus scheduled shows by EVIE LADEN – old-time banjo and songs; EVAN MARSHALL – “Mr. Solo Mandolin;” SUSIE GLAZE & HILONESOME – mountain music; ROSS ALTMAN – bringing a theme tba.
Eucalyptus Grove: “Family Fun” with “new, expanded programs in the grove,” including organized jams and sing-alongs, beginning at 11 am, with “Folk Songs with FUR & STEVE (aka FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER),” “Kids Crafts with ALAINA SMITH,” DAN, THE FIDDLE MAN, SOUTHWEST FIDDLERS, SCOTTISH FIDDLERS, OLD-TIME FIDDLE WORKSHOP, OLD-TIME BANJO WORKSHOP, CELTIC SLOW SESSION, HAWAIIAN SONGS – UKES & GUITARS. This stage includes the long-running Kids Program, ever-popular Arts & Crafts for young children, and youth-oriented traditional music.
ADVANCE TICKETS available online at a discount, and more info, at www.topangabanjofiddle.org.
Tix at the gate cost more on the day of the event. Online ticket prices are lower this year than last, with tix this year at $10 for ages 18-64 ($15 at gate), and $8 for ages 10-17 or over age 65 ($10 at gate). No charge for children under age 10. Free parking and free shuttle bus to gate.
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Saturday, May 21...
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Sat, May 21; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
3 & 8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings THE BROTHERS CAZIMERO at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; 562-907-4203; www.shannoncenter.org.
ROBERT & ROLAND, being brothers, naturally perform as THE BROTHERS CAZIMERO. The venue tells us, “No group has made more of a contribution to Hawaiian music then they have, and the season wouldn’t be complete without them. Every season they put on a different show and they never cease to amaze.”
This closes the annual series of seven shows for the 2010-2011 season; contact them regarding discounts for buying tix to next season’s entire series. Tix, for today, including new “facilities surcharges,” $48.
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Sunday, May 22...
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May 22; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL” returns after a year of hiatus, with ELLIS PAUL, ELIZA GILKYSON, JIMMY LaFAVE, SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION. This year, it’s a one-day event at the Broad Stage Theatre at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica; 310-434-3200; www.thebroadstage.com; www.events.smc.edu. Even before we knew the lineup, we were comfortable recommending it as a “Show-of-the-Week” pick, given the talent that Renee Bodie booked the first year, and the fact that this is a MUCH more manageable venue where costs can be contained and ticket prices should be kept to reasonable limits. The festival is a benefit for the nonprofit California Acoustic Music Project.
More info on the L.A. Acoustic Music Festival at www.laacousticmusicfestival.com
Info on the California Acoustic Music Project is at www.californiaacousticmusicproject.org
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Tuesday, May 24...
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Tue, May 24; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
JOHNNY REID at the Wilshire Ebell Theater, 743 S Lucerne (at Wilshire), L.A. 90005; 323-931-1277; www.ebellla.com/operating/index.html. His PBS concert, “Johnny Reid Live: Heart & Soul,” taped at his concert in Nova Scotia and aired in L.A. in late February, was amazingly, wonderfully good. Of course, the only time you see music performances on PBS is during pledge drive. But this concert was so good it was worth muting the pledge begging and staying with it. His song, “Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World” was accompanied by bagpipes, fiddles, and marvelous harmonies from a choir. Whether or not you make this concert, he’s an artist to watch.
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MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, Saturday-Sunday-Monday, May 28-30...
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MANY festivals happen this weekend. We'll bring you the extensive run-down soon.
Sat-Mon, May 28-30; festival; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick::
10 am-7 pm 38th annual “TOPANGA DAYS FAIR” at the Topanga Community Center fairgrounds, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga, midway between the 101 and PCH. It's “One of the most celebrated country fairs in Southern California,” each year bringing three stages of music and more for Memorial Day Weekend.
Musical headliners include the FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, JOHN MAYALL, MAGGIE MAYALL, JIM MESSINA, THE STRAY CATS’ LEE ROCKER, & YESTERDAY’S CHILD.
This event is known for its food and beverages, clothing, jewelry and art by local artisans and a variety of environmentally-conscious products and services
Free shuttle service will run along Topanga Canyon Blvd, through the heart of the canyon.
“Live Music, tie-dyed shirts and a groovy spread continue to lure bohemians of all stripes!” - The Los Angeles Times.
“The big draw is the music... Get up, stand up and love the one you’re with!” - LA Weekly.
“Celebrated for its family friendly atmosphere with an eye on preserving the earth for generations to enjoy, the country fair organically blends cutting edge musical acts, eclectic side stage attractions and booths peddling great food and award-winning contemporary crafts. Mark your calendars for Memorial Day weekend - Why would you want to be anywhere else?” - Daily News.
“Oh Topanga Canyon. Despite all the pressure of gentrification in L.A., you remain an incubator for creative hippies who know how to throw a wicked party.” - Metro Mix.
Topanga Days is a three day fair and fundraiser celebrating music, the arts and the work of local artisans. It’s not just Topangans who enjoy the festival. From bohemians to families from all over California, people flock to the fun scene for the relaxing and festive weekend. One of the highlights of the fair is the Monday morning Memorial Day Parade.
“We’re making this year’s fair an event to remember,” said Mimi Williams, Managing Coordinator for the Fair. “We’re offering the best in live music, food and beverages, traditional family games and providing a showcase for innovative, environmentally conscious products and services.”
She adds, “The arts are heavily supported with multiple stages filled with a diverse and talented roster of music and dance, an abundance of booths and vendors ranging from one of a kind art pieces to affordable hand crafted gifts. Topanga Days also offers a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks that will satisfy vegetarians, vegans and carnivores alike.”
The complete music lineup will be announced in the near future.
The Fair opens its gates at 10 am welcoming attendees into a wonderland from a bygone era, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains on the edge of the State Park. Gates close at 7 pm.
General admission is $20. A discount is offered to members of the military and Topanga Community Center at $15; children between 6-12 and seniors are $10.
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Tuesday, May 31...
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Tue, May 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BRUCE COCKBURN and his band, plus JENNY SCHEINMAN opening, in a McCabe’s / Goldenvoice co-presentation at The El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Bl, L.A.; 323-936-4790; www.theelrey.com. Tix are $35, but buy direct from McCabe’s and save a bundle: TicketMaster is levying a $12.90 PER TICKET fee (compared to McCabe’s $4 PER ORDER surcharge) meaning that you'll save over $20 on a pair from McCabe’s online (not in the shop). This is a seated, general admission show, and McCabe’s has a limited number of tickets available through this arrangement, so don't delay.
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JUNE: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
Fri, Jun 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
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Fri & Sat, Jun 3 & 4; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“STAR WARS IN CONCERT” performed with a full orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood; www.hollywoodbowl.com; 323-850-2000 or 213-480-3232.
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Sat, Jun 4:
8 pm BILL KIRCHEN at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
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Jun 5-10, in New Orleans:
Annual “NEW ORLEANS TRAD JAZZ CAMP” for all enthusiasts of traditional and New Orleans-style jazz.
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Sun, Jun 5:
7 pm NEIL INNES at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $24.50.
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Sat, Jun 11; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm DAN NAVARRO at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $17.50.
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Jun 12-16:
22nd annual “NORTH AMERICAN JAMES JOYCE CONFERENCE” at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, and at Caltech in Pasadena. This event takes place in a different locale each year, and this year, Southern Cal fans of James Joyce have it right here at home. Info, www.joyceconference2011.com.
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Fri, Jun 17; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLACK CROWN STRING BAND plus CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7 at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. The latest super-group to emerge from the SF Bay-Area bluegrass and old-timey scene, BLACK CROWN STRING BAND combines the best elements of old-time string band music and Bill Monroe's "high lonesome" sound to create a fusion that is at once old-school and brand new. When they played last year in Sierra Madre with Tom & Patrick Sauber, they brought delight to a full house. Tonight is musically hosted by CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7, San Pedro’s own nationally-recognized bluegrass-Americana band. Unless you’re in Telluride for the Bluegrass Festival, be here tonight.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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Sat, Jun 18; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CAROLINE AIKEN plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.carolineaiken.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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JULY: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Jul 2 & 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“LOS ANGELES GUITAR FESTIVAL” brings an acoustic lineup July 2 and an electric lineup July 3, to the 1,457-seat Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Acoustic on July 2 are TOMMY EMMANUEL, LAURENCE JUBER, CYRIL PAHINUI, & GONZALO BERGARA. Electric on July 3 are JIMMIE VAUGHN, DICK DALE, BRICE FORMAN, & BEN LACY. Info & tix, www.LAGuitarFestival.com.
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Sat, Jul 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm LAURENCE JUBER plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.laurencejuber.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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AUGUST: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Aug 13; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “TRIPPIN' THE ’60S” with BARRY McGUIRE and JOHN YORK at Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.trippinthesixties.com & www.barrymcguire.com & www.johnyorkmusic.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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SEPTEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat & Sun, Sep 17 & 18, festival:
2011 “FALL EQUINOX FOLK MUSIC DANCE & STORYTELLING FESTIVAL,” presented by the California Traditional Music Society (CTMS) for this second year, is again scheduled at the Rancho Cordillera del Norte in Northridge.
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Sat, Sep 17; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLAME SALLY plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.blamesally.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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OCTOBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Oct 29:
ORLA FALLON brings her delightful Irish music to the Irvine Barclay Theatre, on the campus at UC Irvine, 4242 Campus Dr, Irvine; 949-854-4646..
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Sat, Oct 29:
8 pm JENI & BILLY and NATHAN McEUEN play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.jeniandbilly.com & www.nathanmceuen.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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NOVEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Nov 19; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JAIME MICHAELS and SEVERIN BROWNE play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.jaimemichaels.com & www.severinbrowne.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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DECEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Dec 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE KOLES and JOHN BATDORF play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.arlenekolemusic.com & www.johnbatdorfmusic.com) All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc…
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THE GUIDE now has FOUR SECTIONS, each with individual addresses for access:
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1) “SPOTLIGHT EVENTS” is THIS Section, and this is the latest edition.
2) “THE SCENE” contains everything that ISN’T “spotlighted” each day, in separate
editions FOR EACH DAY.
3) “NEWS FEATURES” is a fresh edition each week, with news and reviews from the
acoustic music universe, with features on folk-Americana, the “acoustic renaissance,”
latest releases, reviews of CDs and live shows, industry news, news for artists, and more.
4) “VENUE DIRECTORY” - The Guide’s extensive locator – has location and contact
info for OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, from
Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, plus a few for San Diego, the deserts,
and the Central Coast.
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HELP KEEP THE GUIDE GOING! Send us $25, and you’ll get an ad in the Guide – for your event or CD release or gig – and you’ll become a Guide Annual Subscriber (you’ll be eligible for ticket giveaways and more!) Write us at tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com
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UPDATED EDITIONS bring more (always more -- as we have time to organize all of it).
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We do all we can to bring you news and notices of all the many, many, acoustic music events in and around Los Angeles.
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Plus, we tell you about RADIO SHOWS with acoustic music, focusing on those with live acoustic performances. (They’re available mostly on the web, of course, since we are in acoustic-music-radio-deprived Los Angeles.)
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And, we bring news and reviews of the many acoustic music FESTIVALS near and far, hither and yon, here, there and everywhere! With your help, we’ll keep doing it!
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com (remove all the spaces when you type it.)
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THE LATEST EDITION of the Guide, the NEWS FEATURES, THE SCENE, and SPOTLIGHTED EVENTS, covering the world of current acoustic music happenings, including “heads up” notices to buy advance tix for shows likely to sell-out – and lots more – is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at
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www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com or through links from the News-only edition at
www.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks
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- or by following any of many links on the web to get to one of those sites.
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Entire contents copyright © 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
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Spotlight Events: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, April 13, 2011
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COMING SOON: Photographs to accompany News Features, Spotlight Events, and MORE!
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. SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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. April 13, 2011 edition
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Fresh NEWS and REVIEWS coming soon.
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SPOTLIGHT EVENTS are listed in this edition all the way to December!
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APRIL: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Wednesday, April 13...
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Wed, Apr 13:
7-10 pm Monthly "SINGER-SONGWRITER NIGHT" (formerly the Soiree) sponsored by LAWIM, Los Angeles Women in Music, at the M Bar, Hollywood, with Lois Blaisch, Kris Garrett, Alicia Morgan, Brooke Ramel & Paul Zollo.
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Wed, Apr 13:
8 pm RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END play their monthly residency at Cafe 322, 322 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre 91024.
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Wed, Apr 13:
8 pm THE BAND OF HEATHENS plus JONNY BURKE and PATROLLED BY RADAR at The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A.; www.themintla.com/show/detail/38640. Tickets $10
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Wed, April 13, live webcast:
9:30 pm (Pacific) "EAR MEAL" web radio show with guest JESSICA CATRON, who you've heard perform as a member of the acclaimed group, VOCO. Jessica Catron grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota and now lives as a cellist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and teaching artist in Los Angeles. Jessica loves sound in just about any form and context and has a pretty eclectic performance history because of her involvement with a very colorful mix of music projects and people. She has performed and/or recorded with an array of amazing musical entities including Pauline Oliveros, James Tenney, Harold Budd, Rod Poole, Carla Bozulich, Evangelista, Corin Tucker, Linda Ronstadt, Nels Cline, Devin Sarno, Sheila Nicholls, Eleni Mandell, Rebekah Jordan, VOCO, Patrick Lyons/Nirvana (UK), The Need, Lavender Diamond, Vinny Golia, Adam Rudolph, Kraig Grady, Laura Steenberge, Ezra Buchla, Daniel Brummel, Cat Lamb, Scott Weiland, Steve Vai, Dave Matthews, Devotchka, The Eels, and Spiritualized, as well as with visual and multi-media artists Mike Kelley, Scott Benzel, Susan Silton, and Cloud Eye Control. Jessica's current projects include the trio Missincinatti with guitarist Jeremy Drake and percussionist Corey Fogel, The Microscore Project with violinist Johnny Chang, and a pool party band called The Receptionists with vocalist / percussionist and VOCO alum Jessica Basta and cellist Larissa Fedoryka. More on Jessica catron at www.myspace.com/jessicacatron. Hear tonight's Ear Meal webcast at www.laartstream.com/ear-meal
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Wed, Apr 13:
10 pm DAVID SERBY with Austin honky tonker BILLY ELI, hosted by Julie Richmond, THE CAROLINA CHICKADEE, at Taix, 1911 Sunset Bl, Echo Park. David has an impressive band at 10 pm – David Serby & The Dirt Poor Folklore (Ed Tree, Taras Prodaniuk, Carl Byron, Debra Dobkin); 11 pm – Billy Eli. David adds, “I’ll be playing songs off my upcoming record, 'Poor Man’s Poem.' As an added bonus, Ed and Taras will be playing with Billy, too.”
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Thursday, April 14...
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(Today in history: President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the US, was shot by assassin John Wilkes Booth in 1865; Lincoln died in the early morning of April 15. That's not all. The RMS Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, in 1912, and sank in the early morning of April 15. See why your federal income taxes are due on April 15?)
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Thu, Apr 14; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm TRACY NEWMAN, LARAINE NEWMAN, & award-winning comedic songwriter ERIC SCHWARTZ do a benefit for charity at The Talking Stick, 1411c Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net; 310-450-6052. Yep, it's Laraine of the original “Saturday Night Live” cast. And it's her very musical sister Tracy (who is an Emmy and Peabody Award winner). And Eric is very funny. Looks like a good night to support a cause...
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Thu, Apr 14:
8 pm THE BYRDS AND BEYOND, JOHN YORK with Billy Darnell at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Now featuring Chad Watson on bass. A great addition. A fine chance to see this singer-songwriter and former member of the legendary folk-rock band, The Byrds. Over the years John has been a constant musical creative force in support of acts like The Mamas and the Papas, Dr. John, Johnny Rivers, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Sir Douglas Quintet, Rolling Stones keyboardist Nicky Hopkins. He even played bass for the blues legend, Lightin' Hopkins. Recently John has completed a new solo album titled Fanfare For 2 and West Coast Revelation, a collaboration with rock legend, Kim Fowley. Joining him on stage will be veteran performer, Billy Darnell, who joined John in a later Byrds band with Gene Clark. He has also played guitar for The Everly Brothers, Dr. John and Doug Kershaw. The show is filled with familiar Byrds tunes for sing-along, fine original songs and great interpretations of songs from the era..and the best music this side of Bob Dylan and The Band. Tix, $20.
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Thu, Apr 14:
8:30 pm KRIS COLT & THE BLACK ROSE BAND play their CD release show, with musical special guests including KEN O'MALLEY at Ireland's 32 in Van Nuys; bit.ly/irelands32. The event begins with appetizers at 7:30 pm, followed by the music, starting at 8:30 pm.
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Thu, Apr 14:
9 pm FAY WOLF at Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood 90028.
While she sometimes plays acoustic, she tells us that this time she is “Power-backed by
Cormac Bluestone, John Forest, Dylan Halacy and Jes Hudak.” $10 cover. Venue is 21+.
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Thu, Apr 14:
CANCELLED: Poet SEAMUS HEANEY’s spoken word engagement at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101. Event cancelled due to Visa issues. Full refunds or exchanges are available at the point of purchase to patrons who purchased tickets to this event during UCLA Live’s subscription-sales window.
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Friday, April 15...
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Fri, Apr 15, in Washington State:
7:30-10 pm RED HORSE: ELIZA GILKYSON, JOHN GORKA & LUCY KAPLANSKY – play the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St, SE, Olympia WA; 360-753-8586; www.washingtoncenter.org. More at www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Horse/100743976643456.
Check out the #1 folk album of October 2010, “Red Horse,” at www.redhouserecords.com.
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Fri, Apr 15:
8 pm LOAFER’S GLORY at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. They'll do their award-winning instrumentals and fine harmony vocals. Venue impresario Bob stane says, "It’s refreshing to know that one band on the music scene is more into the development of good solid live performances rather than the pyrotechnics that go with today’s new look at country music and it’s by-products. Southern California has always been a haven for interested parties trying to find good live bluegrass, folk and blues. In the winter of February 2010, four players decided to form a new group with a direction combining the best of old-time and bluegrass music. This is indeed the time for another highly skilled acoustic band… Loafer’s Glory.” Tickets, $15.
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Fri, Apr 15:
9 pm-midnight CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7 at Ashley's, 1731 E 4th St, Long Beach 90802; 562-495-5700.
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Fri, Apr 15:
9 pm MISSINCINATTI with JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) opening for THE TOUGHCATS and HOWARDAMB at HM157, Lincoln Heights (Los Angeles); www.thechurchoffashion.com
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Saturday, April 16...
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Sat, Apr 16, WORKSHOP; an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK FOR ARTISTS:”
“HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA EFFECTIVELY: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS” and others in the music biz and the arts – the workshop acclaimed by artists who have taken it – returns as the most popular offering in the venue's series of workshops for artists, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena.
Presented by LARRY WINES, Guide editor, longtime journalist, newspaper and magazine columnist and feature writer, music journalist, radio host / tastemaker producer, event and festival emcee, and producer of festivals and events for charity, this is a guy who knows the media, how it works, and how YOU can make it responsive, as an artist.
Event will be in the afternoon, time tbd. All participants receive complete presentation materials to take home (already deemed “excellent,” and just updated to include even more).
Register early. Due to the popularity of this workshop and anticipation (and frequent questions of “When will do this again?”) we anticipate a capacity crowd (and we're limiting it so that everyone in attendance can participate).
Register at tiedtothetracks @ hotmail.com (just take out the spaces; we're fighting spam).
Advance registration (prepaid) is $25; at the door it's $35.(LAST one before price increase!)
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:Sat & Sun, Apr 16 & 17, in San Bernardino:
Annual “RAILROAD DAYS” with music, food, family activities, historical displays in and around museum, modern and historic RR equipment, at historic Santa Fe San Bernardino train station (Metrolink station). Free.
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Sat, Apr 16:
2 pm JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) on cello with FRANCES STARK and strin sextet at the UCLA Hammer Museum, on the campus in Westwood; www.hammer.ucla.edu/calendar/detail/type/program/id/804
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
5-10 pm "TOPANGA ACOUSTIC MUSIC SERIES" presents "Dinner & a Show" with VICKI PETERSON (the Bangles) solo acoustic, THE PORCH GIRLS with ELIZA JAYNE, DAVE MORRISON BAND with ED TREE, CHAD WATSON, GENEVIEVE ADELL, and SHELBY TIEG & TARA, at the Topanga Commujnity House, 1440 N Topanga Cyn, Topanga 90290; info, marilynbabcock@mac.com. Shelby Tieg and Tara open the show at 5:30; dinner is included, with tacos, chili, corn bread, brownies, vegan soup, Dave
Morrison's Chili, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea, all included. Producer Marilyn Babcock says, "Bring your dancing shoes and guitar for the SONG CIRCLE at the end." Tix, $15.
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Sat, Apr 16:
7 pm THE RANDY VAN HORNE SINGERS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. The Randy Van Horne Singers were among the most prolific and respected session vocalists of the space age pop era. In addition to contributions to classic LPs from exotica maestros like Martin Denny and Esquivel, their buoyant harmonies are immortalized via classic TV themes including The Flintstones and The Jetsons. Founder and arranger Randy Van Horne worked in Hollywood in 1949, forming his first vocal group, the Encores, and touring with the Billy May Orchestra. In the 50s, Van Horne focused on session work with a new ensemble, The Randy Van Horne Singers, which signed with RCA Victor to cut the LP Swingin' Singin'. In the years to follow the lineup at various times assembled a who's who of session vocal greats; among them Marni Nixon, Marilyn King, Clark Burroughs, Gene Merlino, Thurl Ravenscroft and Bob Zwirn. Albums like Sleigh Ride, The Clef Dwellers and the MGM release Sing a Song of Goodman are notable both for their light, joyful harmonies and Van Horne's clever, jazz-inspired arrangements.
At the peak of their renown, the Van Horne Singers assumed backup duties on sessions headlined by artists such as Dean Martin and Mel Tormé, and were regulars on television's The Nat King Cole Show. The Randy Van Horne Singers were admired for their contributions to the space age pop genre, with highlights including Martin Denny's Afro-Desia and Esquivel's Other Worlds Other Sounds. In 1958, composer Hoyt Curtin contracted the Van Horne Singers to perform the title theme to animators Hanna/Barbera's The Huckleberry Hound Show, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Yogi Bear, and others. These themes are immortalized in the collective memory of the baby boomer generation. Randy continued to arrange and write music, directed several other vocal and instrumental groups, and formed a new lineup of the Randy Van Horne Singers, which he was involved with up to his passing September 26, 2007 in Woodland Hills, California. The group carries on his grand tradition to this day, and are performing shows again! New members include director Alan Wilson and recording artists Max Vasquez, Harry Middlebrooks, Art Depew, Lynn Keller, Billie Barnum, Franny McCartney and others in the current 20 member ensemble. Tickets, $15.
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Sat, Apr 16:
7:30-9 pm Monthly "YOUNG TALENT NIGHT" sponsored by LAWIM, Los Angeles Women in Music, tonight with Sami Staitman, Madyn Coakley, Corey Fogelmanis, Sarah Staitman, Lauren Taveras, plus instrument "gifting," at Kulak's Woodshed in North Hollywood; info and web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com
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Sat, Apr 16:
8 pm RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END play an acoustic show at Trilogy Guitars.
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm SUSIE GLAZE & THE HILONESOME BAND bring their traditional and original Appalachian mountain music, Jean Ritchie homages, and West Coast bluegrass, to the CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY series in Beckman Institute Auditorium (“Little Beckman”) on the campus, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; 626-395-4652, or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832). More on the Caltech Folk Music Series at www.folkmusic.caltech.edu - and check-out other music on campus at Caltech Presents / Caltech Public Events series at www.events.caltech.edu.
Susie’s soaring high vocals have propelled her career since she sang solos on Broadway in “Big River.” Her friendship and devotion to the music of legendary Appalachian folk queen JEAN RITCHIE earned her an endorsement from the matriarch, and she performed a tribute concert for Ritchie with members of Jean’s musical family at the University of Pennsylvania.
Much of the HILONESOME repertoire is older mountain and bluegrass, and it mixes well with modern compositions by the band’s guitarist / chief songwriter, ROB CARLSON. Indeed, series bookers NICK SMITH and REX MAYREIS say, “Whether they are performing a classic Jean Ritchie piece or something they cooked up on their own, the music is a treat.”
The group’s newest CD is scheduled for release in time for this show. But the live concert energy is special with this five-piece ensemble. You’ll hear acoustic guitars, mandolin, fiddle, upright bass, and Susie’s wonderful vocals, backed by the band’s instruments and voices – and any of them may take a lead vocal or two. Expect an evening of bluegrass, traditional (not modern Nashville) country, old-time, gospel, and as the promo asserts, “any of the musical styles based on those…” Gen’l admission, $18; Caltech students & children, $5.
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Sat, Apr 16; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JOHN FLYNN & JOHN WORT HANNAM play the “Bodie House Music Series at the Thousand Oaks Library,” at Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks 91362; 818-621-8309; info, www.BodieHouse.com.
Canadian singer-songwriter JOHN WORT HANNAM took L.A. by storm when he toured a number of local venues in October, 2009. At home in the Great White North, he’s won just about every acoustic music award there is.
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Sunday, April 17...
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Sun, Apr 17:
2 pm THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN play a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. They "provide the perfect blend of harmony and humor harkening back to the days of Vaudeville," says Bob Stane. Preserving America’s great vocal sounds from a time when music was music, this vocal quartet, named the 2002 National A Cappella Champions, recreates the close harmonies of such legendary groups as The Ink Spots and the Pied Pipers, while including the era’s great comic songs made famous by the likes of Louis Jordan and The Hoosier Hotshots. A typical performance by The Perfect Gentlemen includes marvelous melodious music mingled with masterful mirth, mischief, and merry-making. The group’s versatility allows for effortless shifts between vocal styles with an air of ease, whether singing a cappella or accompanied by guitar or ukulele. Their signature piece, "Salute to the 20th Century," is, says Bob, "a humorous take on the de-evolution of music over the last century, illustrated by singing the same song in the style of barbershop, Dixieland, blues, big band, doo-wop, bluegrass, disco, techno punk, and rap, complete with visuals that delights audiences of all ages time and time again. Once you’ve heard The Perfect Gentlemen, you won’t settle for anything." Tickets, $20.
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Sun, Apr 17:
5-9 pm Weekly "GRAND OLE ECHO" brings a set by RICK SHEA & THE LOSIN' END about 7:30 pm. Just come and stay. No cover, plenty of fun, full bar, BBQ out back, all ages.
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Monday, April 18...
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Mon, Apr 18:
8 pm JIM CURRY'S TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Husband and wife team Jim and Anne Curry deliver the multi-platinum hits of the great John Denver in a fun-filled evening of singing and stories. Jim plays the guitar and sings John's songs in a crystal clear tenor. Anne, his wife and musical partner, plays guitar and mandolin and sings harmony in all the right places. You'll be invited to sing along, share in the memories, learn new songs and howl at the moon (literally). More at www.jimcurrymusic.com. Tickets, $18.
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Tuesday, April 19...
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Tue, Apr 19:
8 pm “TINA FEY: A CONVERSATION WITH STEVE MARTIN” presented by Live Talks Los Angeles at Nokia Theatre / L.A. Live. Doors at 7 pm. Tix $29-119. $119 includes prime seating, Tina Fey's book, “Bossypants,” and Steve Martin's book, “An Object of Beauty.” $49 includes premier seating and Tina Fey's book. $29 reserved orchestra seats, books not included. Book signing by Tina Fey immediately follows the event. Net proceeds benefit Southern California Public Radio 89.3 KPCC and KCET independent public TV.
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Tue, Apr 19:
8 pm BARRY McGUIRE, “Trippin’ The 60’s,” with JOHN YORK, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the Andy Williams Show as the gravelly voiced lead singer of the New Christy Minstrels. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar." In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times. Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "Hair." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. Dick Clark says, “When world events collide with “Rock&Roll” you get Barry McGuire”.Currently working with Barry McGuire in "Trippin' The Sixties," John York is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned Folk Rock/Country Rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of such musical luminaries as Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band)……and many others. The TV show “The Place Where I Am Dreaming” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." The duet "Redneck Ninja" highlights John's creative partnership with acclaimed songwriter Patrick Brayer. In 2007, John played concerts in Japan for the third time. Shows are Tuesday, April 19 and Wednesday, April 21. Tickets, $20, either night.
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Wednesday, April 20...
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Wed, Apr 20:
7 pm “CLASSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE CONCERT SERIES” concludes its 6th season tonight with special guests RAYNOR CARROLL & AFRICAN AMERICAN DRUMMING and other performing musicians (tba) in the Cay Mortenson Auditorium at Arcadia Public Library, 20 W Duarte Rd, Arcadia 91006; www.library.ci.arcadia.ca.us; 626-821-5567. Info on this program and the series, 626-821-5569.
This is a free series, no reservations, but seating is limited to the first 150 people in line to enter. Doors at 6:30 pm.
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Wed, Apr 20:
8 pm BARRY McGUIRE, “Trippin’ The 60’s,” with JOHN YORK, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the Andy Williams Show as the gravelly voiced lead singer of the New Christy Minstrels. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar." In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times. Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "Hair." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. Dick Clark says, “When world events collide with “Rock&Roll” you get Barry McGuire”.Currently working with Barry McGuire in "Trippin' The Sixties," John York is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned Folk Rock/Country Rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of such musical luminaries as Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band)……and many others. The TV show “The Place Where I Am Dreaming” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." The duet "Redneck Ninja" highlights John's creative partnership with acclaimed songwriter Patrick Brayer. In 2007, John played concerts in Japan for the third time. Shows are Tuesday, April 19 and Thursday, April 21. Tickets, $20, either night.
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Thursday, April 21...
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Thu, Apr 21:
8 pm RICHARD SMITH & JULIE ADAMS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Virtuoso guitar and cello duo playing an eclectic mix of music from the Beatles to Bach to Bluegrass. Richard and Julie’s ever changing repertoire will include a wide variety of music from Scott Joplin Rags, Sousa marches, Mozart, fiddle tunes, standards, Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed tunes, Django Reinhardt gypsy jazz, Bach, Beatles tunes, pop tunes, Chopin, originals, lightning fast barn-burners to beautiful ballads. This promises to be an outstanding blend of virtuoso musicianship and vocals. Richard’s flawless technique and Julie’s lyrical style and luscious tone, will have your toes tapping , melt your heartstrings and have your jaws hanging open. More at www.richardsmithmusic.com. Tix, $20.
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Saturday, April 23...
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Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
2 pm CHRISTOPH BULL performs a stirring BACH ORGAN RECITAL for UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
Bull is a UCLA Live favorite. This is a delightful afternoon of classical music on Royce Hall’s glorious Skinner organ from acclaimed organist Christoph Bull, known for his energizing and often eclectic musical interpretation of organ repertoire. Bull will perform a thrilling and ethereal program of Bach on the UCLA campus treasure, which is known as one of the country’s great musical devices of its kind. Tix, $23/28/33 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLAME SALLY at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $16.
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Sat, Apr 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BILLY COLLINS and KAY RYAN, two former U.S. Poet Laureates in a spoken word event, at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
The two Poet Laureates share the stage for an evening of readings from their acclaimed work and Q&A with the audience.
BILLY COLLINS, winner of the 2004 inaugural Mark Twain Prize for Humor in Poetry, served as America’s Poet Laureate from 2001-2003. Beloved for his ironic style, Collins is one of the top-selling modern poets and author of nine collections including “Questions about Angels”,” The Art of Drowning,” and “The Trouble With Poetry and Other Poems.”
KAY RYAN, California native and UCLA alumna, was U.S. Poet Laureate from 2008-2010 and is revered for her complex and rueful style. Her work includes “The Jam Jar Lifeboat & Other Novelties Exposed,” a delightful collection inspired by stories from “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!,” as well as “Flamingo Watching”, a finalist for both the Lamont Poetry Selection and the Lenore Marshall Prize. In 2004, Ryan was awarded The Ruth Lilly Prize—the Poetry Foundation’s highest honor.
In conjunction with this event and April’s National Poetry Month, UCLA Live will launch a poetry-writing contest for the Los Angeles community, with winning submissions to be read onstage in Royce Hall. More details will be available closer to the event. Tix, $28-53.
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Wednesday, April 27...
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Wed, Apr 27:
7-9 pm WORKSHOP - "WWW=What Went Wrong?" sponsored by LAWIM, Los Angeles Women in Music. Social media techniques and more with Ariel Hyatt from Cyber PR. Not going to ASCAP EXPO? Special MasterClass just for us! Going to the EXPO? Hear her in a more hands-on setting and get your site/page evaluated and questions answered tonight. Info, location, reservations, at www.lawim.com
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Wednesday-Sunday, April 27-May 1 - festival...
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Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
TONIGHT:
“COWBOY COUTURE” launches the 2011 Cowboy Festival with western designer fashions, vintage cowboy apparel, models and a wine reception, at the Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main St, Old Town Newhall (Santa Clarita), at 7 pm. You can shop for the latest Western wear before and after the show for a great opportunity to outfit yourself for the Cowboy Festival. Tix, www.repeastplayhouse.org or 661-288-0000; $25 and $35.
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Thursday, April 28...
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Thu, Apr 28; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
TWO EVENTS, TODAY & TONIGHT:
“SANTA CLARITA VALLEY FILM TOUR” (new, this year), begins at Heritage Junction at William S. Hart Park, Newhall. Runs Noon-3 pm; Tickets: $35. Join Local historian E. J. STEPHENS for a bus tour of the Santa Clarita Valley to visit locations where dozens of famous movies were filmed. Tour is complete with photos of the productions and revealing stories of the area's movie history.
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“CHUCKWAGON DINNER SHOW” at Heritage Junction at William S. Hart Park at 6 pm; tickets, $40 includes dinner, and there’s a no-host saloon. It’s “A feast for the Western senses, featuring chuckwagon cooking demonstrations and dinner prepared by award-winning Manflo Ranch, Montie Montana's show wagon and in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Stuntman's Association, a presentation by world famous stuntmen DIAMOND FARNSWORTH and LOREN JANES. Proceeds benefit the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.
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Thu, Apr 28:
8 pm Canadians SARAH MacDOUGALL & GORDIE TENTREES, on their 3 month, 8 country, 75 date tour, hit the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. Gordie Tentrees released 3 albums internationally to rave reviews. The most recent " Mercy or Sin" produced by Juno Winner Bob Hamilton, was nominated for a 2010 Western Canadian Music Award for 'Roots Solo Album of the Year". The title track was also a finalist out of 15 000 entries in the 2010 International Songwriting Competition. Judges included Tom Waits, Loretta Lynn and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He performed at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver for the New Songs New Voices concert selected as the best of Canada’s songwriters to perform during the games. He was also selected by CBC Radio's 2009 Song Quest as one of Canada’s top songwriters and hosted the prestigous SOCAN songwriters circle at the 2009 WCMA's. He has toured with Fred Eaglesmith, Kelly Joe Phelps, and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He recently began recording his 4th album and is releasing a "Live from Germany " concert dvd in May.
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Gordie Tentrees Awards:
2010 Western Canadian Music Award Roots Nominee
2010 International Song Competition Americana Finalist
2010 Winter Olympics Best of Canada Performer
Visit his Web Page: www.tentrees.ca
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Sarah Macdougall has been a touring internationally for years with her dynamite songs, blistering guitar chops and astounding voice earning rave reviews and topping major music writers top ten album of the year lists as a songwriter, all the while producing and engineering her own albums. 24 hrs Vancouver called her ‘one of the most promising exports out of Sweden since Abba’ and her album Across the Atlantic (2009) got four star reviews in such notable publications as Q magazine, the Irish Times, No Depression, and many more. Her songs have been chosen for onboard entertainment on Lufthansa airplanes, on TV shows, and she’s been a semi-finalist on the International Songwriting competition with her song Crow’s Lament. She has performed on the Bob Harris show in the UK, has played Canadian and International Festivals, performed with Mary Gauthier, Todd Snider, and Po’Girl among others. Sarah is currently working on her new album, which is scheduled for release in the summer of 2011. Visit her Web Page: www.sarahmacdougall.com
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Tickets, $20.
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Friday, April 29...
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Fri, Apr 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
Their fusion of Bob Wills and Django Reinhardt, plus their '30s sweet jazz, combined with stellar musicianshiop, makes them a must-see trio.
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Fri, Apr 29:
8 pm JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) on cello with PATRICK LYONS, founder of NIRVANA UK, at Stories Books & Cafe, Echo Park; www.storiesla.com
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Fri, Apr 29:
8 pm SOURDOUGH SLIM, "Last of the Vaudeville Cowboys," with ROBERT ARMSTRONG, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N lake Av, Altadena; www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-794-2424. A marvel of musical ingenuity, showman extraordinaire Sourdough Slim and string instrument wizard Robert Armstrong joyously rekindle the country blues, western classics, vintage jazz and string band repertoire of pre-WWII America. A fast-paced performance of music and humor that showcases their seasoned gift for connecting with audiences. Whether capturing the haunting refrain of a Jimmie Rodgers blue yodel or swinging out a hot novelty number, everyone one gets caught up in the fun these two cut-ups have on stage. Long time fans will remember them as founding members of two of California's favorite acoustic combo's, "8th Avenue String Band" and "R. Crumb's Cheap Suit Serenaders." Between them they share a provocative array of period instruments including: flat-top guitar, national steel guitar, baritone and soprano ukulele, musical saw, accordion, six-string banjo and harmonica.
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Well traveled veterans of stages ranging from Carnegie Hall and The Lincoln Center to The Strawberry Music Festival, The National Cowboy Gathering and Prairie Home Companion, these modern day vaudevillians capture a sound and moment in time that consistently delights fun loving music fans wherever they perform.
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REVIEWS: "First rate entertainment. A delightful show..... real deal Americana." - Liz Baines, Seattle Times
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"You won't find better authentic Country or Western music being played anywhere." - David Barnes, British Archive of Country Music
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"Much more invigorating than 9/10ths of the stuff you hear from the current cadre of Western revivalists." - Ronald Lankford, Jr., Sing Out! magazine. "Good Stuff!" - Dallas Dobro, Strawberry Music Festival
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"A must see for those that love to be thoroughly entertained." - Charity Maness, Calaveras News
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Great copy and photos at http://sourdoughslim.com. Tickets, $20.
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Fri, Apr 29; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
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FIVE EVENTS are today and tonight:
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“CALIFORNIO FIESTA DE RANCHO CAMULOS” with DON EDWARDS at 11 am. Multiple award-winner and Grammy nominee Don Edwards does an intimate concert at Don Ygnacio del Valle's estancia. It highlights an afternoon at Rancho Camulos (Est. 1853), the site that inspired the novel "Ramona," where the history, myth, and romance of old California still linger. Enjoy a Southwest “Vaquero buffet,” music, and costumed docent-led tours as you step back in time in Heritage Valley. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit museum's historical preservation. More at www.ranchocamulos.org. Tickets, $50 (includes lunch, tours and concert).
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“WALK OF WESTERN STARS UNVEILING” at 2 pm – Free. For the first time, a director will be honored on the Walk of Western Stars when legendary western film director JOHN FORD is inducted into the Walk on the streets of Old Town Newhall. Ford was director of numerous Western classics including “The Searchers,” “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence,” “Stagecoach,” and “Rio Grande.” Mr. Ford's 1939 version of “Stagecoach” will be shown Friday evening at the Melody Ranch Movie Night.
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“WYATT EARP – HERO OR VILLAIN?” (new event, this year) at Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main St, Old Town Newhall, at 3 pm. Join Editor and Publisher of “True West” Magazine, BOB BOZE BELL, as he walks you through history with fascinating stories and anecdotes about Wyatt Earp. Some thought of him as a hero, others thought he was a jerk. Bob knows the story from all sides and will surprise you with his insights. Tickets, $15.
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“MELODY RANCH MOVIE NIGHT” at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, 7 pm. It’s “an intimate western-style dinner under the stars on Melody Ranch's Main Street,” and an what can only be deemed an ultimate atmospheric screening of the classic film “Stagecoach” on Melody Ranch street, in the middle of the old west movie set town. The film’s legendary director JOHN FORD will be inducted into the “Walk of Western Stars” earlier in the day. Seating for the screening is limited and only ticket holders will be admitted to Melody Ranch for this event. Tickets, $60.
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“AN EVENING OF MUSIC WITH THE SONS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN” at the William S. Hart Mansion at 8 pm. The Sons are back to perform their international award-winning western harmonies on classics and originals in a unique, up close and personal concert. You can tour silent film cowboy star BILL HART's historic residence and then relax in his living room, among his Remington and Russell paintings and sculptures as The Sons take you on a special, memory filled, musical journey. Hear the west, the way it should be sung. Limited to 70 seats. Tickets, $80.
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Saturday, April 30...
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Sat & Sun, Apr 30-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “STAGECOACH FESTIVAL” at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, with LORETTA LYNN, RICKY SCAGGS, JERRY DOUGLAS TRIO, GATLIN BROTHERS, LEON RUSSELL, RODNEY CROWELL, RHONDA VINCENT, THE PUNCH BROTHERS, ROSIE FLORES, WANDA JACKSON, COAL PORTERS, THE GOURDS, JACK INGRAM, JUNIOR BROWN, LUKAS NELSON & THE PROMISE OF THE REAL, THE CLOVERLYS, TRUTH & SALVAGE CO., and PHOSPHORESCENT, in the lineups on two stages, and a crop of big Nashville pop-country people on the third, “Mane Stage,” including KENNY CHESNEY, RASCAL FLATTS, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, DARIUS RUCKER, JOSH TURNER, EASTON CORBIN, & CHRIS YOUNG. Schedules and info, http://stagecoachfestival.com.
It’s billed as “California’s Country Music Festival,” and the producers are maintaining their shockingly wonderful commitment to diversity and inclusion of roots-Americana artists and music on the “other” two stages. Seriously, you can go, never get near the Nashville pop-country “Mane Stage,” and you’ll see and hear many of the best acts who are playing the big folk-Americana festival circuit this summer.
Only thing is, the “Mane Stage” here is notorious for blasting apocalyptic sound into the other stages, half a mile away. So you may need to crowd the sound reinforcement at “your” stage to avoid things that, in past years, have included Brooks & Dunn doing a hiphop version of “Neon Moon,” and Kid Rock doing whatever he was doing at a supposedly “country” festival. Still, for so much music that you will like, it’s a fine bargain, and a lot closer than Telluride.
$149 full weekend pass is now available; + $6 Venue charge + $2 Charity (+ applicable charges) each. A weekend pass is 1 ticket for the entire weekend; your ticket will be exchanged for 1 wristband at the venue. It is GA (General Admission), no reserved seats. The $149 price is being advertised by the festival for limited time while supplies last.
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Sat, Apr 30; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
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Saturday & Sunday events at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio:
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“BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF MELODY RANCH” at 8:30 am. Take a walking tour of Melody Ranch with local historian E. J. STEPHENS. Hear tales of building the Ranch, learn about the Ranch's film history, and visit Melody Ranch Motion Picture Museum. This is a walking tour that covers a wide area of Melody Ranch. Tickets, $40.
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Festival events, included with festival general admission:
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“CALIFORNIA MUSIC STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Ongoing shows feature Western Music, Cowboy Poetry and Storytelling by the best performers in the business.
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“Heritage Stage” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Take in the history and culture of the American West with Native American, Hispanic, and Old West music and dance.
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“MELODY RANCH STAGE” ” at Melody Ranch, 10 am-6 pm, is included in General Admission. This is the festival’s main stage, with shows featuring nationally-known Western musicians and poets. Seating is first-come, first-serve, except for reserved up-front seating for "Friends of the Festival" patrons.
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Street shows, living history, art, gear, dry goods & the Gold Rush Food Court, 10 am-6 pm, both days. Enjoy performances up and down Main Street and on several music stages, and visit The Buffalo Soldiers at their encampment or the festival blacksmiths.
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Children's Activities are at no extra cost, all day. Visit the Pioneer Living exhibit and pan for gold, spin wool, and re-live the old days like children of the early West. Stop by Biskit Saddle Arts and learn about leatherworking or let your children hear authors as they read from their award winning children's books during “Buckaroo Story Time.” Step into the Buckaroo Book Shop and browse book titles for the whole family. Whether your passion is Western film, the real West, Western fiction or shopping for great Western toys like trick ropes, plush ponies or puzzles and games, they’ll have it.
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Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Museum is open 10 am- 3 pm during the festival (and not accessible to the public at any other time during the year). Admission this year is free. This one-of-a-kind museum on the grounds of Melody Ranch is a walk through the history of filmmaking there.
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More of the festival's Saturday Events, April 30:
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“COWBOY CABARET” (new event this year) at Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main St, Old Town Newhall, at 8 pm. Spend an evening of unbridled musical fun with HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN, SOURDOUGH SLIM, and THE LUCKY STARS as they jam the night away. This small, intimate theater will put you up close and personal with some of the best western swing musicians in the country. There’s a no-host bar available. Tickets, $30.
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WYLIE GUSTAFSON – Rare Solo performance at the William S. Hart Mansion at 8 pm. Wylie of WYLIE & THE WILD WEST as you have never experienced him before (unless you caught his solo acoustic performance a few years back on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks”) in a rare, intimate, acoustic concert in cowboy star Bill Hart's living room. From Lincoln Center to the Grand Ole Opry to Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Wylie has charmed them all with his special brand of energy and good time Cowboy music. Expect the unexpected. Limited to 70 seats. Tickets, $80 for this additional event only.
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Sat, Apr 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JAMES McMURTRY at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $22.
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Sat, Apr 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BORDER RADIO at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. A lineup of Souther Cal all-star musicians bring a refreshing spin on traditional bluegrass. Border Radio’s original “gypsygrass” style is a fusion of bluegrass, classic country and old country sounds. – like that once heard in the days of 100,000 Watt radio from just over the Mexican radio. Deeply rooted in tradition, this is what “country” music is supposed to sound like. "Call it rural Tin Pan Alley, prairie jazz, hand-me-down country, city folk -- Border Radio is an original stew of American music that blasts across all these borders” - Kerrville New Folk Competition.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of hisoric downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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MAY: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sunday, May 1...
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Sun, May 1; Sat & Sun, Apr 30-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “STAGECOACH FESTIVAL” at the Empire Polo Field in Indio; http://stagecoachfestival.com. See complete write-up in April 30 listing.
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Sun, May 1; Wed-Sun, Apr 27-May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
Annual “SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL” with most events Saturday & Sunday at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios in Newhall (Santa Clarita). It’s a favorite every each year that books the best artists in contemporary western, traditional cowboy, and western swing music, plus top cowboy poets.
+
Saturday & Sunday events at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio:
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“BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF MELODY RANCH” at 8:30 am. Take a walking tour of Melody Ranch with local historian E. J. STEPHENS. Hear tales of building the Ranch, learn about the Ranch's film history, and visit Melody Ranch Motion Picture Museum. This is a walking tour that covers a wide area of Melody Ranch. Tickets, $40.
+
Festival events, included with festival general admission:
+
“CALIFORNIA MUSIC STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Ongoing shows feature Western Music, Cowboy Poetry and Storytelling by the best performers in the business.
+
“HERITAGE STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am- 5:30 pm, is included in General Admission. Take in the history and culture of the American West with Native American, Hispanic, and Old West music and dance.
+
“MELODY RANCH STAGE” at Melody Ranch, 10 am-6 pm, is included in General Admission. This is the festival’s main stage, with shows featuring nationally-known Western musicians and poets. Seating is first-come, first-serve, except for reserved up-front seating for "Friends of the Festival" patrons.
+
Street shows, living history, art, gear, & dry goods & the Gold Rush Food Court, 10 am-6 pm, both days. Enjoy performances up and down Main Street and on several music stages, and visit The Buffalo Soldiers at their encampment or the festival blacksmiths.
+
Children's Activities are at no extra cost, all day. Visit the Pioneer Living exhibit and pan for gold, spin wool, and re-live the old days like children of the early West. Stop by Biskit Saddle Arts and learn about leatherworking or let your children hear authors as they read from their award winning children's books during “Buckaroo Story Time.” Step into the Buckaroo Book Shop and browse book titles for the whole family. Whether your passion is Western film, the real West, Western fiction or shopping for great Western toys like trick ropes, plush ponies or puzzles and games, they’ll have it.
+
Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Museum is open 10 am- 3 pm during the festival (and not accessible to the public at any other time during the year). Admission this year is free. This one-of-a-kind museum on the grounds of Melody Ranch is a walk through the history of filmmaking there.
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Additional Sunday Event, May 1:
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Off-site event, “Cowboy Church” at the Masters College, 8 am. Admission is free. Info, 661-268-8863.
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Sun, May 1:
7:30 pm MISSINCINATTI with JESSICA CATRON (VOCO alum) plays the "Open Gate" series at the Center For the Arts, Eagle Rock; www.centerartseaglerock.org/index.php
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Sun, May 1; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm LEON REDBONE at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. He has plenty of imitators these days, but he’s the guy who kept his brand of gentle New Orleans swing blues in the public consciousness and on the radio when he had no peers there. He’s still the best. Tix, $26.50.
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Saturday, May 7...
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Sat, May 7; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CLAUDIA RUSSELL & THE FOLK UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.claudiarussell.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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Sat, May 7; world music (and now for something completely different…):
8 pm EAST L.A. TAIKO with LYSA FLORES combines innovative reinvention of traditional Japanese percussion with the venue’s ongoing “Ritmos Latinos” series, at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. EAST L.A. TAIKO, aka ELAT, led by master drummer MACEO HERNANDEZ, marries Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythms with driving Taiko beats – a fiery eclectic blend of world rhythm that travels the globe and takes you right into the heart of Los Angeles. ELAT performs at the Annex with LYSA FLORES, named in Newsweek magazine as one of “20 young Latinos to watch in the new millennium.” A first generation Mexican-American, Flores has been a pioneer in the “EastLos” alternative music scene since her teens, making music that now defines an urban L.A. style.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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Thursday, May 12...
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Thu, May 12; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND and THE DEL McCOURY BAND in a stellar double-bill at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr, on the UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A.; www.uclalive.org; info 310-825-4401; UCLA ticket office 310-825-2101.
Two pillars of American music from two distinct lineages come together for a wonderfully unlikely evening “to celebrate the glory of tradition and the power of newfound collaboration.” Starting as a sideman the legendary “father of bluegrass” BILL MONROE nearly 50 years ago, DEL McCOURY has broadened the audience for the genre. During that same period, the legendary PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND has defined the tradition of New Orleans jazz. Now, they have converged to perform – and record(!) – an unforgettable mix of bluegrass and traditional jazz. Each band will play individual sets, followed by a soul-stirring joint finale. Tix, $38-63 ($15 for UCLA students).
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Friday, May 13...
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Fri, May 13; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm MOLLY’S REVENGE brings splendid Irish music to the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. Known for its unique and infectious on-stage enthusiasm, dynamic acoustic Celtic band Molly's Revenge is a classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, and song. Their arrangements of traditional jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more. They’re festival favorites.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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Sunday, May 15...
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Sun, May 15; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
9 am-6 pm: 51st annual “TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FESTIVAL” at Paramount Ranch near Agoura Hills, in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area.
“Southern California’s favorite Bluegrass, Old-Time & Folk Music Event” and the best one-day festival anywhere returns with contests for all kinds of acoustic instrument players – drawing contestants from several western states – plus professional musicians performing scheduled sets on three stages, and a whole lotta jamming goin’ on beneath the oak trees and on the porches of the old west movie set town.
Since 1961, this event has been an always-anticipated old-time, bluegrass, folk song, folk dancing and crafts festival.
Entertainment on three stages, plus The Dance Barn and Children's area, all set within the western movie sets and mountain locations. Bring your instruments and "sit in" with jamming musicians, or pre-register for any of the prestigious contests.
Some highlights, including acts already booked (with latest changes included):
The Main Stage: Over 100 instrumental and singing contestants, plus performances by
DUSTBOWL CAVALIERS, HABERDASHERY ENSEMBLE, FRANK FAIRFIELD, SCOTT GATES & THE SALTY SUITES.
Dance Barn: Band Playoffs, Clogging, Square Dancing, Contra Dancing - with all live music by TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT and OLD SLEDGE.
Pavilion Stage: Beginner Instrument Playoffs, plus scheduled shows by OLD SLEDGE – roots & history of string band music; MIKE MAHANEY & FRIENDS – cowboy music & poetry show; FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER – songs of the open road.
Railroad Stage: Traditional Singing Playoffs, Intermediate Fiddle Playoffs, plus scheduled shows by EVIE LADEN – old-time banjo and songs; EVAN MARSHALL – “Mr. Solo Mandolin;” SUSIE GLAZE & HILONESOME – mountain music; ROSS ALTMAN – bringing a theme tba.
Eucalyptus Grove: “Family Fun” with “new, expanded programs in the grove,” including organized jams and sing-alongs, beginning at 11 am, with “Folk Songs with FUR & STEVE (aka FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER),” “Kids Crafts with ALAINA SMITH,” DAN, THE FIDDLE MAN, SOUTHWEST FIDDLERS, SCOTTISH FIDDLERS, OLD-TIME FIDDLE WORKSHOP, OLD-TIME BANJO WORKSHOP, CELTIC SLOW SESSION, HAWAIIAN SONGS – UKES & GUITARS. This stage includes the long-running Kids Program, ever-popular Arts & Crafts for young children, and youth-oriented traditional music.
ADVANCE TICKETS available online at a discount, and more info, at www.topangabanjofiddle.org.
Tix at the gate cost more on the day of the event. Online ticket prices are lower this year than last, with tix this year at $10 for ages 18-64 ($15 at gate), and $8 for ages 10-17 or over age 65 ($10 at gate). No charge for children under age 10. Free parking and free shuttle bus to gate.
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Saturday, May 21...
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Sat, May 21; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
3 & 8 pm “ALOHA CONCERT SERIES” brings THE BROTHERS CAZIMERO at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; 562-907-4203; www.shannoncenter.org.
ROBERT & ROLAND, being brothers, naturally perform as THE BROTHERS CAZIMERO. The venue tells us, “No group has made more of a contribution to Hawaiian music then they have, and the season wouldn’t be complete without them. Every season they put on a different show and they never cease to amaze.”
This closes the annual series of seven shows for the 2010-2011 season; contact them regarding discounts for buying tix to next season’s entire series. Tix, for today, including new “facilities surcharges,” $48.
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Sunday, May 22...
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May 22; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL” returns after a year of hiatus, with ELLIS PAUL, ELIZA GILKYSON, JIMMY LaFAVE, SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION. This year, it’s a one-day event at the Broad Stage Theatre at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica; 310-434-3200; www.thebroadstage.com; www.events.smc.edu. Even before we knew the lineup, we were comfortable recommending it as a “Show-of-the-Week” pick, given the talent that Renee Bodie booked the first year, and the fact that this is a MUCH more manageable venue where costs can be contained and ticket prices should be kept to reasonable limits. The festival is a benefit for the nonprofit California Acoustic Music Project.
More info on the L.A. Acoustic Music Festival at www.laacousticmusicfestival.com
Info on the California Acoustic Music Project is at www.californiaacousticmusicproject.org
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Tuesday, May 24...
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Tue, May 24; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
JOHNNY REID at the Wilshire Ebell Theater, 743 S Lucerne (at Wilshire), L.A. 90005; 323-931-1277; www.ebellla.com/operating/index.html. His PBS concert, “Johnny Reid Live: Heart & Soul,” taped at his concert in Nova Scotia and aired in L.A. in late February, was amazingly, wonderfully good. Of course, the only time you see music performances on PBS is during pledge drive. But this concert was so good it was worth muting the pledge begging and staying with it. His song, “Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World” was accompanied by bagpipes, fiddles, and marvelous harmonies from a choir. Whether or not you make this concert, he’s an artist to watch.
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MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, Saturday-Sunday-Monday, May 28-30...
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MANY festivals happen this weekend. We'll bring you the extensive run-down soon.
Sat-Mon, May 28-30; festival; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick::
10 am-7 pm 38th annual “TOPANGA DAYS FAIR” at the Topanga Community Center fairgrounds, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga, midway between the 101 and PCH. It's “One of the most celebrated country fairs in Southern California,” each year bringing three stages of music and more for Memorial Day Weekend.
Musical headliners include the FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, JOHN MAYALL, MAGGIE MAYALL, JIM MESSINA, THE STRAY CATS’ LEE ROCKER, & YESTERDAY’S CHILD.
This event is known for its food and beverages, clothing, jewelry and art by local artisans and a variety of environmentally-conscious products and services
Free shuttle service will run along Topanga Canyon Blvd, through the heart of the canyon.
“Live Music, tie-dyed shirts and a groovy spread continue to lure bohemians of all stripes!” - The Los Angeles Times.
“The big draw is the music... Get up, stand up and love the one you’re with!” - LA Weekly.
“Celebrated for its family friendly atmosphere with an eye on preserving the earth for generations to enjoy, the country fair organically blends cutting edge musical acts, eclectic side stage attractions and booths peddling great food and award-winning contemporary crafts. Mark your calendars for Memorial Day weekend - Why would you want to be anywhere else?” - Daily News.
“Oh Topanga Canyon. Despite all the pressure of gentrification in L.A., you remain an incubator for creative hippies who know how to throw a wicked party.” - Metro Mix.
Topanga Days is a three day fair and fundraiser celebrating music, the arts and the work of local artisans. It’s not just Topangans who enjoy the festival. From bohemians to families from all over California, people flock to the fun scene for the relaxing and festive weekend. One of the highlights of the fair is the Monday morning Memorial Day Parade.
“We’re making this year’s fair an event to remember,” said Mimi Williams, Managing Coordinator for the Fair. “We’re offering the best in live music, food and beverages, traditional family games and providing a showcase for innovative, environmentally conscious products and services.”
She adds, “The arts are heavily supported with multiple stages filled with a diverse and talented roster of music and dance, an abundance of booths and vendors ranging from one of a kind art pieces to affordable hand crafted gifts. Topanga Days also offers a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks that will satisfy vegetarians, vegans and carnivores alike.”
The complete music lineup will be announced in the near future.
The Fair opens its gates at 10 am welcoming attendees into a wonderland from a bygone era, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains on the edge of the State Park. Gates close at 7 pm.
General admission is $20. A discount is offered to members of the military and Topanga Community Center at $15; children between 6-12 and seniors are $10.
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Tuesday, May 31...
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Tue, May 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BRUCE COCKBURN and his band, plus JENNY SCHEINMAN opening, in a McCabe’s / Goldenvoice co-presentation at The El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Bl, L.A.; 323-936-4790; www.theelrey.com. Tix are $35, but buy direct from McCabe’s and save a bundle: TicketMaster is levying a $12.90 PER TICKET fee (compared to McCabe’s $4 PER ORDER surcharge) meaning that you'll save over $20 on a pair from McCabe’s online (not in the shop). This is a seated, general admission show, and McCabe’s has a limited number of tickets available through this arrangement, so don't delay.
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JUNE: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
Fri, Jun 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
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Fri & Sat, Jun 3 & 4; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“STAR WARS IN CONCERT” performed with a full orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood; www.hollywoodbowl.com; 323-850-2000 or 213-480-3232.
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Sat, Jun 4:
8 pm BILL KIRCHEN at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
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Jun 5-10, in New Orleans:
Annual “NEW ORLEANS TRAD JAZZ CAMP” for all enthusiasts of traditional and New Orleans-style jazz.
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Sun, Jun 5:
7 pm NEIL INNES at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $24.50.
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Sat, Jun 11; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm DAN NAVARRO at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $17.50.
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Jun 12-16:
22nd annual “NORTH AMERICAN JAMES JOYCE CONFERENCE” at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, and at Caltech in Pasadena. This event takes place in a different locale each year, and this year, Southern Cal fans of James Joyce have it right here at home. Info, www.joyceconference2011.com.
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Fri, Jun 17; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLACK CROWN STRING BAND plus CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7 at the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; www.grandvision.org; 310-833-4813. The latest super-group to emerge from the SF Bay-Area bluegrass and old-timey scene, BLACK CROWN STRING BAND combines the best elements of old-time string band music and Bill Monroe's "high lonesome" sound to create a fusion that is at once old-school and brand new. When they played last year in Sierra Madre with Tom & Patrick Sauber, they brought delight to a full house. Tonight is musically hosted by CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7, San Pedro’s own nationally-recognized bluegrass-Americana band. Unless you’re in Telluride for the Bluegrass Festival, be here tonight.
The Grand Annex is an intimate 100-seat music listening room in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro, offering a wide range of artists and genres, from world sounds to American roots music. The Grand Annex is a project of the Grand Vision Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing high quality arts entertainment to the Harbor Area and to the continued use of the historic Warner Grand Theatre, two doors away. Proceeds from Annex shows support ongoing upgrades at the Warner Grand. Sponsors for the 2011 series include the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, CRA/LA, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and The Norris Foundation.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8 pm. “Wine Tasting & Ticket” package available with pre-show tasting at Off the Vine Wines a few doors away. Reservations, 310-833-4813. Concert tix, $20 advance, $25 door.
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Sat, Jun 18; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm CAROLINE AIKEN plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.carolineaiken.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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JULY: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Jul 2 & 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
“LOS ANGELES GUITAR FESTIVAL” brings an acoustic lineup July 2 and an electric lineup July 3, to the 1,457-seat Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Acoustic on July 2 are TOMMY EMMANUEL, LAURENCE JUBER, CYRIL PAHINUI, & GONZALO BERGARA. Electric on July 3 are JIMMIE VAUGHN, DICK DALE, BRICE FORMAN, & BEN LACY. Info & tix, www.LAGuitarFestival.com.
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Sat, Jul 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm LAURENCE JUBER plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.laurencejuber.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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AUGUST: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Aug 13; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “TRIPPIN' THE ’60S” with BARRY McGUIRE and JOHN YORK at Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.trippinthesixties.com & www.barrymcguire.com & www.johnyorkmusic.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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SEPTEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat & Sun, Sep 17 & 18, festival:
2011 “FALL EQUINOX FOLK MUSIC DANCE & STORYTELLING FESTIVAL,” presented by the California Traditional Music Society (CTMS) for this second year, is again scheduled at the Rancho Cordillera del Norte in Northridge.
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Sat, Sep 17; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm BLAME SALLY plays Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.blamesally.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $20.
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OCTOBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Oct 29:
ORLA FALLON brings her delightful Irish music to the Irvine Barclay Theatre, on the campus at UC Irvine, 4242 Campus Dr, Irvine; 949-854-4646..
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Sat, Oct 29:
8 pm JENI & BILLY and NATHAN McEUEN play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.jeniandbilly.com & www.nathanmceuen.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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NOVEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Nov 19; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm JAIME MICHAELS and SEVERIN BROWNE play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.jaimemichaels.com & www.severinbrowne.com. All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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DECEMBER: SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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Sat, Dec 3; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE KOLES and JOHN BATDORF play Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills area); info, www.houseconcerts.us. Reservations get directions at rsvp@houseconcerts.us or 818-707-2179. More at www.arlenekolemusic.com & www.johnbatdorfmusic.com) All house concert “prices” are “suggested donation” amounts. $15.
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc…
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THE GUIDE now has FOUR SECTIONS, each with individual addresses for access:
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1) “SPOTLIGHT EVENTS” is THIS Section, and this is the latest edition.
2) “THE SCENE” contains everything that ISN’T “spotlighted” each day, in separate
editions FOR EACH DAY.
3) “NEWS FEATURES” is a fresh edition each week, with news and reviews from the
acoustic music universe, with features on folk-Americana, the “acoustic renaissance,”
latest releases, reviews of CDs and live shows, industry news, news for artists, and more.
4) “VENUE DIRECTORY” - The Guide’s extensive locator – has location and contact
info for OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, from
Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, plus a few for San Diego, the deserts,
and the Central Coast.
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HELP KEEP THE GUIDE GOING! Send us $25, and you’ll get an ad in the Guide – for your event or CD release or gig – and you’ll become a Guide Annual Subscriber (you’ll be eligible for ticket giveaways and more!) Write us at tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com
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UPDATED EDITIONS bring more (always more -- as we have time to organize all of it).
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We do all we can to bring you news and notices of all the many, many, acoustic music events in and around Los Angeles.
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Plus, we tell you about RADIO SHOWS with acoustic music, focusing on those with live acoustic performances. (They’re available mostly on the web, of course, since we are in acoustic-music-radio-deprived Los Angeles.)
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And, we bring news and reviews of the many acoustic music FESTIVALS near and far, hither and yon, here, there and everywhere! With your help, we’ll keep doing it!
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com (remove all the spaces when you type it.)
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THE LATEST EDITION of the Guide, the NEWS FEATURES, THE SCENE, and SPOTLIGHTED EVENTS, covering the world of current acoustic music happenings, including “heads up” notices to buy advance tix for shows likely to sell-out – and lots more – is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at
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www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com or through links from the News-only edition at
www.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks
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- or by following any of many links on the web to get to one of those sites.
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Entire contents copyright © 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
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