Friday, October 7, 2011
NEWS FEATURES, Acoustic Americana Music Guide, October 7 edition
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This is the latest edition of The Guide's NEWS section.
If you're looking for the section with ALL THE EVENTS – concerts, club gigs, workshops, festivals, etc., you'll find that in The Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS section – it's a click away at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/10/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana.html
Here's the up-to-the-minute (well, up-to-the-deadline) NEWS, so let's get started!
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Welcome to the
Tied to the Tracks
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ACOUSTIC
AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
NEWS FEATURES
October 7, 2011 edition
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THIS WEEK’S NEWS FEATURES
1) A Festival-Crazy Weekend
2) “Show-of-the-Week” Concerts this Weekend
3) Chicago Folk Duo SMALL POTATOES Plays this Saturday In Pasadena
4) STEVE JOBS, iPod Inventor, Tech Guru, Has Logged-Off
5) Artists Join “OCCUPY WALL STREET” as Unemployment, Economy Worsen
6) WORKSHOP: “Country Blues with ALICE STUART & PAT TENNIS,” October 15
7) “Tracking Film & TV Music” with LEE HOLDRIDGE & JON BURLINGAME,” Oct 16
8) WILL RYAN & THE CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS to Follow OSCARS Theatre Triumph
with October 22 Concert
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Here are this week's news feature stories, listed above...
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Our # 1 Story
A FESTIVAL-CRAZY WEEKEND
Egads, it's nearly a record number of 'em this month, and this weekend is loaded. We dare you to stay home.
Sat & Sun, Oct 8 & 9, in Ventura,
The annual “SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES” are at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. This is a wonderful event. Featured musicians are SLIGO RAGS, THE BROWNE SISTERS & GEORGE CAVANAUGH, ANITA & THE YANKS, CELTIC SPRING, and ERIC RIGLER & BAD HAGGIS, plenty of bagpipes and drums, dancing by the CLADDAGH DANCE COMPANY, plus the only sanctioned Scottish Fiddle Competition in California. We ran a News Feature in the September 15 edition that's reprinted in this week's Spotlight Events Section with even MORE late-breaking info.
Sat & Sun, Oct 8 & 9, in Ventura County,
Annual “FOLK FESTIVAL”weekend, with performances by FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER, PHIL SALAZAR and THE KINFOLK, I SEE HAWKS IN L.A., TOM CORBETT & BILL KNOPF, RANDALL LAMB, DAN JANISCH, THE CATTERWAILERS, and HANS OTTSEN & ASHLEY BRODER. It's part of the month-long “UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL” that runs weekends with music, weekdays without, Oct 1-31; also includes the Oct 22 & 23 “WESTERN HERITAGE” weekend, all at Underwood Family Farms, in the countryside near Moorpark. More at www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com, or 805-529-3690.
Sun, Oct 9, in Santa Barbara County,
40th annual “OLD TIME FIDDLER'S CONVENTION & FESTIVAL” is a one-day event, 10 am-5 pm, at Rancho La Patera & Stow House in Goleta. This is a landmark year for a fine event that's always under-promoted. The lineup is appropriate for the convention / festival's four-decade anniversary, with LAURIE LEWIS & TOM ROZUM, HOT BUTTERED RUM, ERIC & SUZY THOMPSON, PETER FELDMANN & THE VERY LONESOME BOYS, MOLLY'S REVENGE, and the OLD TIME FIDDLERS. We ran a News Feature in the September 15 edition, but our current Spotlight Events section is much more updated.
The fiddle fest is a one-day event, Sunday only; if you're going, why not make it a full weekend by spending Saturday at the SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES in Ventura or the FOLK FESTIVAL in Moorpark? (See listings.)
Sun, Oct 9, in OC,
“THE BIG SQUEEZE: ORANGE COUNTY ACCORDION FESTIVAL” has a lot happening this year, including a Cajun-Zydeco Stage with ANDRE THIERRY, LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS, & BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, today only, 10 am 4 pm.
Through Oct 31, in Woodland Hills,
10 am-midnight “HALLOWEEN HARVEST FESTIVAL” has live music and lots more, at the Pierce College Farm Center, corner of Victory and Desoto. They proclaim the event as “the largest Harvest Festival in all of Southern California,” and they've expanded this year to include a larger festival grounds and an expanded six-acre corn maze. Lots to do at this one. There's more in our Spotlight Events, and more at www.halloweenharvestfestival.com – www.FrightFair.com – www.PierceFarmCenter.com – or call them at 818-999-6300.
Through Oct 16, at various venues throughout L.A.,
Annual “WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC” (www.festivalofsacredmusic.org) includes a fine concert at UCLA's Royce Hall on Sat, Oct 15, at 7 pm, and it shouldn't be lost in the deluge of the festival's 16-day, 32-event, 832-artist fare that's filled with rather exotic world-music offerings that mostly do not appeal to folk-Americana fans. See the Oct 15 listing...
Through Oct 31, in Ventura County,
“UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL” runs weekends with music, weekdays without, and includes the annual “FOLK FESTIVAL”weekend Oct 8 & 9, and the Oct 22 & 23 “WESTERN HERITAGE” weekend, all at Underwood Family Farms, in the countryside near Moorpark. More at www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com, or call them at 805-529-3690.
Through Oct 16, at various venues throughout Pasadena,
Biennial “AxS FESTIVAL” (www.axsfestival.org) this time explores the themes of “Fire & Water” with two weeks of art, music, dance, theater, performance and “provocative conversation.” It's art and some very cool, very accessible science. Main music was Sun, Oct 2. More at www.axsfestival.org
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> MORE FESTIVALS HAPPEN LATER IN OCTOBER (plus the ongoing ones, above)...
Sat, Oct 15, in L.A.,
Key show at the “WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC” (www.festivalofsacredmusic.org) is a fine concert at UCLA's Royce Hall at 7 pm, and it shouldn't be lost in the deluge of the festival's 16-day, 32-event, 832-artist fare that's filled with rather exotic world-music offerings that mostly do not appeal to folk-Americana fans. The UCLA show is “WATER IS RISING: Music & Dance Amid Climate Change,” with 36 artists from the Pacific atols of Kiribati, Tokelau, and Tuvalu, presenting song and dance. it's safe to say, If you enjoy Hawaiian music, you'll love this. And it will bring you face-to-face with the reality of climate change and rising sea levels. This show may sell-out. Info, www.waterisrising.com; advance tix, www.uclalive.org.
Oct 22 & 23, in Ventura County,
Annual “WESTERN HERITAGE” weekend, is part of the month-long “UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL” that runs weekends with music, weekdays without, Oct 1-31 at Underwood Family Farms, in the countryside near Moorpark. More at www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com, or call them at 805-529-3690.
Sun, Oct 30, in Burbank,
“SAMHAIN” Irish Song, Dance & Story, with optional traditional Samhain dinner, brings the story of Halloween and a celebration of the Celtic New Year, with SLUGGER O'TOOLE, BARRY LYNCH, ACS DANCERS, ADAM KIRK, CHRIS LOKEN, AEDAN MacDONNELL, STEVE PRIBYL, & LINEA SOLEDAD, sponsored by the Celtic Arts Center at the Burbank Moose Lodge. Two shows, 3 pm or 7 pm, tix for either are $18; tix for the optional 5 pm dinner are $15; show + dinner discount, $30. It'll sell-out early; info & advance tix, www.CelticArtsCenter.com/Samhain.
For MORE on any of the above, see this week's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS section at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/10/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana.html
We 'spect we'll learn about even MORE festivals and add 'em as the month continues.
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Our # 2 Story
“SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” CONCERTS THIS WEEKEND
Of course, you'll find ALL of this week's COMING EVENTS – our complete harvest of vine-ripened, organically grown, spring-water-washed good times, often presented in delectable detail – and always chronologically displayed as listings and write-ups, all awaiting you in the Guide's current SPOTLIGHT EVENTS Section, at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/10/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana.html
In QUICK form, here are our Concert “Show-of-the-Week” picks, all indoors...
Fri, Oct 7, in L.A.
MERLE HAGGARD and KRIS KRISTOFFERSON team-up to play the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park at 8 pm. (Or, catch 'em in Temecula tomorrow night or Sunday.)
Fri, Oct 7, in Cerritos
THE BROTHERS FOUR and the KINGSTON TRIO play a double-bill at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts at 8 pm.
Fri, Oct 7, in Hollywood
“CHANSONS D'AMOUR” with AMANDA McBROOM & LEE LESSACK is “an homage to the great French songbook from an American perspective,” at the Ford Amphitheatre at 8 pm.
Fri, Oct 7, in Ventura
NATHAN McEUEN & MASON REED play Zoey's Café at 7:30 pm.
Fri, Oct 7, in OC
MICHAEL CHAPDELAINE plays the first of two shows for Lord Of The Strings Concert Series, this one at Dana Point Community House at 7:30 pm.
Fri, Oct 7, in Altadena
PRESTON REED plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage at 8 pm.
Fri, Oct 7, in Santa Barbara
TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE play UCSB's Campbell Hall at 8 pm.
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Sat, Oct 8, in Temecula
8 pm MERLE HAGGARD and KRIS KRISTOFFERSON play the Pechanga Resort & Casino. (They're here tonight and tomorrow night.)
Sat, Oct 8, in L.A.
HALAU O LILINOE A ME NA PUA ME KEALOHA performs as part of the ongoing the “WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC,” with a 1 pm show at the Autry National Center, Griffith Park.
Sat, Oct 8, in L.A.
KEITH URBAN with JAKE OWEN brings the former's “Get Closer 2011 World Tour” to Staples Center, if you can withstand the fake / generic pop-country “Nashvul ack-scent” from the transplanted Aussie.
Sat, Oct 8, in OC
MICHAEL CHAPDELAINE plays the second of two concerts for the Lord Of The Strings Concert Series, this one at Mission Viejo Civic Center at 7 pm.
Sat, Oct 8, in Covina
TOM CORBETT, RICK SHEA, and fabulous Aussie expatriate AUDREY AULD-MEZERA play at 8 pm at The Fret House in Covina.
Sat, Oct 8, in Pasadena
SMALL POTATOES plus an opening set by DAVE MORRISON, at the Caltech Folk Music Society series at 8 pm.
Sat, Oct 8, in Santa Monica
ABIGAIL WASHBURN and OLENTANGY JOHN play McCabe’s at 8 pm.
Sat, Oct 8, in L.A.
TRACY NEWMAN & THE REINFORCEMENTS, plus SHELBY, TIEG AND TARA, play Westwood Music at 8 pm.
Sat, Oct 8, in L.A.
NATHAN McEUEN and MASON REED play Genghis Cohen at 8 pm.
Sat, Oct 8, in Culver City
PRESTON REED plays Boulevard Music at 8 pm.
Sat, Oct 8, in Altadena
THE ALLEY CATS plus JULIE BRETT play the Coffee Gallery Backstage at 7 pm.
Sat, Oct 8, in Anaheim
LaCHE CERCEL & THE ROMA SWING ENSEMBLE play the Dunarea Restaurant at 9 pm.
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Sun, Oct 9, in Santa Barbara
RIDERS IN THE SKY, the only multiple Grammy-winning Western group, play UCSB's Campbell Hall at 3 pm.
Sun, Oct 9, in Temecula
MERLE HAGGARD and KRIS KRISTOFFERSON play a second night at Pechanga Resort and Casino at 7 pm.
Sun, Oct 9, in Santa Monica
Monthly “SONGWRITER SANCTUM,” this time with blues from MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG, country from J.C. HYKE, classically-flavored singer-songwriter music from KAREN HART, and folk-rock from NICOLE GORDON, at the Church in Ocean Park at 2 pm.
Sun, Oct 9, in Altadena
LaCHE CERCEL & THE ROMA SWING ENSEMBLE play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 3 pm.
Sun, Oct 9, in L.A.
The ongoing “WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC” today brings the CHOIR OF ST. JAMES and ALAN MORRISON to St. James-in-the-City at 4:30 pm.
Sun, Oct 9, in Long Beach
DIKKI DU & HIS ZYDECO KREWE play the Cajun-zydeco dance at the Golden Sails Hotel at 5 pm.
Sun, Oct 9, in Altadena
JONATHAN McEUEN and NATHAN McEUEN (musical sons of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band founding member JOHN McEUEN) play the Coffee Gallery Backstage at 7 pm.
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(As always, don't overlook the FESTIVALS...)
And of course, a whoooole lot more Southern Cal events are described in The Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS section, at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/10/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana.html
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Our # 3 Story
CHICAGO FOLK DUO SMALL POTATOES PLAYS THIS SATURDAY IN PASADENA
If you're not enmeshed in a festival this weekend, there are over a first-rate dozen concerts around town. For lovers of neo-folk / new folk, the Caltech Folk Music Society's Saturday night offering is a fine place to be.
Following an opening set by DAVE MORRISON, you'll see a performance by JACQUIE MANNING & RICH PREZIOSO, a.k.a. SMALL POTATOES. Series producers Nick Smith and Rex Mayreis will tell you, “Rich and Jacquie bring a harvest of original songs and some by their contemporaries, plus lots of humor and playfulness.”
Another guy named Rich – Rich Warren, who has a long-running folk music radio show in Chicago, asserts, “Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso combine cleverly witty with powerfully poignant songs, along with well chosen covers to present an unusually entertaining and involving repertoire engagingly delivered. Prezioso's song, '1000 Candles, 1000 Cranes,' is one of the most outstanding songs of the past 50 years.”
L.A. radio listeners concurred about that song, naming it a “Listener Favorite” on “Tied to the Tracks” a few years back.
Another radio host / programmer, Warren Nelson from Bayfield, Wisconsin, says the two “don't sound like anybody else. I like that. They lay out a blanket and every song is a picnic."
Just a few of the people they've performed with include TOM PAXTON, GREG BROWN, JOHN MCCUTCHEON, UTAH PHILLIPS, CHERYL WHEELER, ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS, DAVID WILCOX, and BRYAN BOWERS.
SMALL POTATOES come from the storied Chicago folk scene. That's the music community that gave us the late STEVE GOODMAN ( who wrote “City of New Orleans”), MICHAEL SMITH (who wrote “The Dutchman,” and who Caltech Folk hopes to have back in 2012), and many other fine musicians, singers, and songwriters.
There's more at www.smallpotatoesmusic.com.
DAVE MORRISON is opening, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist GREG KRUEGER on "stringed things," and they may be joined by a bass player. There's a nice feature on Dave in Friday's San Gabriel Valley Tribune newspaper. Google it or pick up a copy.
Marilyn Babcock, founder and producer of Topanga Acoustic Music Series, says, "Dave Morrison, songwriter and performer, is my favorite artist in California. His musical storytelling evokes a visual tapestry of tangible emotions and experiences we all have shared as part of the human experience. His memories and his inventive spirit lead the way toward romantic imagery and poetry of the soul. I am always impressed by Dave Morrison's capacity for humor and joy in the short-story songs he presents. He is a very prolific writer, and all his compositions are exceptional.”
Dave's web site is www.davemorrisonmusic.com
The concert is Saturday, October 8, at 8 pm, in Beckman Institute Auditorium, on the Caltech campus in Pasadena 91106; 626-395-4652. Park in one of the two lots on Michigan Avenue, South off Del Mar. Tix, $15 for adults, $5 for Caltech students and children.
The Folk Music Society has two different shows this month. The other concert, on Saturday, October 29, will feature WILLIAM JACKSON AND GRÁINNE HAMBLY and their "Two Sides of Celtic" show in Beckman Institute Auditorium. Tickets for that show can be ordered in advance by calling the Ticket Office at 626-395-4652, visiting the Ticket Officeon campus, or purchased for cash at the door. $15 for adults, $5 for Caltech students and children.
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Our # 4 Story
STEVE JOBS, iPOD INVENTOR, TECH GURU, HAS LOGGED-OFF
The day after his death to complications of pancreatic cancer, one farewell was a computer printed note, taped to the outside window of an Apple Store in New York City. It read simply, “iThankYou.”
Steve Jobs himself once said, in a much-quoted commencement speech to Stanford graduates, “Don't be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of someone else's thinking.”
That could be any artists' mantra. In this bleak economic time of paralyzed politics and no willingness by supposed leaders to find solutions, it's a good epitaph for a genuine and accomplished leader to leave to all of us.
Wherever you turn this week, you'll see and hear obituaries and tributes to the late co-founder of Apple and one of America's greatest innovators, STEVE JOBS. So we'll limit our comments here to just a few, about his influence on music and the arts.
It's not enough to say he revolutionized recorded music with the iPod, making it possible for indie artists and those in non-mainstream genres (like folk-Americana) to reach a global audience with their zither and accordion and mandolin and banjo music.
He did that, of course. And you had the sense that he knew he was doing it from the outset, democratizing access and dealing a body blow to the tyranny of Big Music's would-be gate keepers and tastemakers.
When introducing the device, Jobs said, “The coolest thing about an iPod of course, is your entire music library fits in your pocket.”
There, the acclaimed visionary got it wrong. The coolest thing turned out to be the ease with which an iPod allowed everyone to ADD to their music library, and how so many people's listening libraries could suddenly and affordably grow exponentially with music by artists they'd never had heard otherwise.
More than anything else, Steve Jobs was the think-outside-the-box genius who dreamed of making everything instantly accessible to anyone who wanted to seek it. While we all know that the foibles of the internet prevent us from achieving that without waaay too many steps and individual operations, who would argue that Jobs, more than anyone else, got closer to delivering all of whatever “it” was, while always increasing expectations that so much more should be available.
Even for non-techno-geeks – those of us who are veritable Luddites by choice, who don't want to be perpetually connected to nonstop tweeting twits and perpetually chirping chips, Steve Jobs' thinking transcended the devices he produced, representing true creativity.
Not that he had any patience for those who didn't “get it.” As WALTER ISACCSON's upcoming biography of Jobs says, “He thought you were either a genius or an idiot, and sometimes that could go back and forth in fifteen minutes.”
Is it a great contradiction that Jobs himself chose to vacation without being “connected,” and was seemingly grateful to escape the techno-leash? Who among us hasn't felt that way? Whether he had misgivings or second thoughts whether the quality of life was improved or stifled by constant connectivity, we do not know. Perhaps we will learn more. We're expecting that we will, and that we will read thoughtful treatises by the man himself, since he was a deep thinker.
Some found him difficult. Apple co-founder STEVE WOSNIAK may have been more personable. But it was Jobs, after his return to the company he co-founded, whose personal introduction of products brought the comedians to parody his procession of “i” devices, like the fictional CD shelf unit, the “iRack” (ironically rendered obsolete, or at least redundant, by his iPod) and the running shoes for technogeeks, the “iRan.”
But his insistence on attention to aesthetics in his real “i” products made him an industrial artist-designer in America's post-industrial age. He conceived things that often had an inherent beauty and the illusion of simplicity as a design requirement. He may not be named with Raymond Loewy or Henry Dreyfus as demigods of American industrial design, but the physicality of his many devices is as iconic as the streamlined art deco toaster or rounded-corners of the chrome-adorned early refrigerator or elegant curves of the GG-1 electric locomotive. Whether other high-tech mini-gewgaws supersede the capabilities of those pioneered by Apple during the rein of Steve Jobs, everyone else lacked the panache, the sheer style, and the anticipation of their new product or the latest upgrade of it.
As CNN observed, he was “A guy rooted in counterculture but able to connect to the masses... with his death, how does the world fill the gap?”
The long list of his ever-smaller consumer products represented ever-bigger innovations and achievements, all from an inspiring man who was a college dropout. Still, Jobs gave us more seemingly incidental, often impressive, Zenlike aphorisms than a philosophy professor. Thus, we come full-circle to where we began. Perhaps that's always where we find ourselves when we contemplate someone who changed so many things so profoundly.
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Our # 5 Story
ARTISTS JOIN “OCCUPY WALL STREET” AS UNEMPLOYMENT, ECONOMY WORSEN
“There's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear.” - '60s song lyrics.
New Census statistics are out. Brace yourself. 48.5% of all American households now get some kind of government aid. 34% live in a household that gets Food Stamps or some kind of welfare benefit. 14% are on Medicare.
There's more. 46% of households will pay no federal taxes this year, and 45% paid none last year.
Unemployment is officially 14 million, plus six or seven million more who are underemployed and wanting full-time work, plus more we'll get into in a moment. That translates to an official unemployment rate of 9.1%, and up to 12%, depending where you are. But that's not the entire picture. The criteria for reporting unemployment rates only reflects the people who are currently collecting unemployment benefits. That's been the case since the Nixon Administration. BUT – Once your unemployment insurance benefits are exhausted, you are deemed a “discouraged worker” (yep, that's the term they use) and you drop off the map. The system loses the ability to count you for statistical purposes, except in spot updates for the Census.
If you're in that predicament, you're probably descending into deep debt, you certainly don't have a job, but you're not unemployed. It's insane. The actual numbers of people out of work and seeking jobs is really about 31%, or one in five Americans of working-age, plus the 5% (or so) who are underemployed because that's all they can find.
All of the above numbers are worse than they were during the depths of the Great Depression that began in 1929. Mega-billionaire Warren Buffet even called on Congress to raise his tax rates, emphasizing how ludicrously wrong things are, that his secretary paid more taxes last year than he did. He was ridiculed by other fat cats and by corporate-lackey politicians.
We hear more of that '60s song: “Paranoia runs deep...”
Instead of anything pro-active, politicians in Congress are blocking an embarrassingly modest Jobs Bill proposed by the Obama Administration. It's all about contrarian politics and what one financial reporter calls “paralysis and toxicity” in the face of a crisis.
We should be talking about the exact form and structure of a new WPA and a new CCC to re-employ Americans with projects that will give us all a future legacy – like that we inherited from the enduring public works projects of the '30s. We could be building high-speed rail and alternatives to gas-guzzling automobiles and alternatives to polluting coal-fired power plants. We could be leading the world in high tech investment and encouraging math and science education with a vigorous space program, aimed at Mars, instead of pouring money and blood into the sands of Afghanistan. We could be creating jobs so that the 24% of the military enlistees, who go there because there are no other jobs, could find career work in improving our society and rebuilding it for their children's future.
Instead, we are told that a tepid jobs bill is dead on arrival in the House of Representatives, even as we see record profits for companies that took our money to employ people overseas, but not here. We see money being used to make money without creating any jobs or benefits for our society in a time when meaningful, career-track jobs should be our key national priority. We're not building for the future. We're not even doing required maintenance on the gifts we received from our parents and grandparents. We hear politicians rant that government must charge the rich no taxes and make Capital Gains profits off-limits to taxation, altogether. We see bonuses paid to money manipulators who exported America's jobs even as they took bailouts from taxpayers. Rome is burning. They're buying Stradovari violins with our money.
Wall Street, led by Big Oil, continues to post record profits. The rest of us are, at best, being squeezed, at worst, seeing our futures get raped, pillaged and plundered.
That's true from the macro to the micro end of the average American's shrinking economic spectrum. At “Occupy L.A.,” an oversized mock check is held aloft; in the amount of $673 billion, it represents the payment that protestors say is due from Bank of America to the People of California “for destruction” caused by the megabank's mortgage foreclosure and other practices.
Big banks, who enjoyed billions in taxpayer-funded bailouts, continue to find ways to screw their customers. Small things are representative of their philosophy and larger practices.
There's Chase Bank, luring new accounts with promises of “no fees, no minimum balances and $100 of the bank's money for you,” and then changing the rules to charge $20 per account per month in fees – after you're trapped there for a year because you accepted their hundred bucks. (Do the math: the fees on one account are $240 a year.)
There's Bank of America, luring you with a no-fee, no-minimum-balance account, then slapping you with $8.95 a month for your account statement, plus $5 a month from then on, if you use your debit card (even once) to buy anything in a store or online. (That totals to $167.40 a year in fees.)
But getting a loan from either of them, to buy a house or start a small business that would be a job creator? Forget it. All that bailout money they took? It's too tight, especially since millions of it went to executive bonuses.
It's all nuts. We amass record levels of consumer debt just trying to hang-on, because record numbers of us are unemployed or underemployed. Instead of us running up debt trying to survive, government could be (gasp) borrowing money – something it could do at record low interest rates – to finance public works projects that would employ our own people.
But nothing gets done, even as our individual consumer debt increases each month to set new record levels while no one gets a job to repay it. Of course, the money manipulators post record profits because they game the system, exploit foreign workers with low pay in dangerous workplaces, and sell the world inferior junk. They pay themselves obscene bonuses as rewards for bringing their corporations record profits based on cutting and exporting jobs, after they merge, over-consolidate, eliminate competition, and erase any pressure to make better products.
They play shell games with the profits of their offshore operations to escape and avoid paying taxes. They get away with it because they own the politicians they buy with campaign contributions in amounts that are now unlimited (since the 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United). They protect themselves at the expense of everyone else, no matter what happens, even when they're the ones exacerbating it. And many of them flaunt it.
Enter “Occupy Wall Street”
That '60s song is playing: “You better stop, hey, what's that sound, everybody look what's goin' down.”
Is it any wonder that, twenty-one days ago, a movement began to “Occupy Wall Street” in protest of, as the occupiers put it, “the one percent” that are predators on “the 99 percent” of Americans? Indeed, we have literally reached a point where the top one percent makes one-fourth of the income in America. That, too, is a record. Meanwhile, the system has quite literally stopped working for everyone else; income has been flat for decades for all but the super-rich.
This phenomenon – this Occupy Wall Street thing – is something that appears to be a genuine grassroots uprising by a broad cross-section of ordinary people of all ages. It's people who are fed-up with watching the fat cats game the system and prosper at the expense of the rest of us. It's people fed-up with being disillusioned, people disgusted by what they see happening and feel powerless to stop, people who include the long-term unemployed, who are young and middle-aged and old, people who should be at the mid-points of their careers doing jobs that were suddenly exported to China, people who see no one doing anything to improve their prospects, people who are being told to prepare for a time of decline and diminished expectations, people who, consequently, have “had it” to the point of taking to the streets.
They're taking one street in particular – Wall Street, the home base and monolithic symbol of the 21st century's resurrection of the ruthless Robber Barons we thought we'd left in the 19th century, back there on the junk heap of rich elitists who controlled politicians to protect their own tyrannical exploitation of people and resources and capital and the environment.
Suddenly, a growing number of people are asking, “How much is enough,” enough tax breaks, enough record profits for the rich, enough to manipulate and to control for one's one ego and greed? The malcontents are collectively declaring that they have “had enough” of watching their country and their future concentrate wealth into fewer hands at the expense of those who have worked their whole lives for modest returns that are now being denied, and they have simply had enough of being exploited. Even the ersatz populism of the Koch Brothers-funded Tea Party has begun to transcend an agenda that was, early on, spoon-fed to its followers. Somewhere, some manipulator must be holding his breath at the thought that Tea Partiers may have started thinking for themselves and looking out for their own futures.
Generally apolitical members of Middle America's rapidly diminishing middle class, along with disillusioned Democrats and Ron Paul conservatives and hardcore right-wingers, have joined students who face deeper debts from higher tuition and the impossibility of getting all the classes to finish a degree in four years at a campus where cutbacks have occurred, and they've all joined recent graduates who have no job prospects and no hope of paying student loans, and there are the people facing mortgage foreclosure, and those who have lost homes, and those at or near Medicare age, and workers who have seen their benefit packages erode to almost nothing, and the vast ranks of unemployed of all skill levels and levels of education and expertise, and workers who have had their pension funds stolen by money manipulators, and union members fighting legislation that would undo the gains it took a century to achieve, and left-leaning social activists, and veterans of G4 summit protests, and yes, a few genuine radicals and even a handful of bonafide anarchists. It's a crazy quilt that's the real America.
At “Occupy Washington” in the nation's capital, one of the 22 satellite sites spawned by “Occupy Wall Street,” one woman's sign reads, “Lost my job – found an occupation.”
Critics and many watchers in the media opine that it isn't organized enough to be a movement, this conglomeration of refugees of the ninety-nine percent. We answer that it doesn't need to be coherently structured and organized. Native American Indians fought on horseback with each warrior his own general, willing to boldly lead and be led to facilitate taking part, but not willing to be commanded by anyone. The internet analogue shows us countless examples of large numbers buying-in to ideas and movements that have a bare minimum of officious formality. They don't require it. Should we wonder that “Occupy Wall Street” would resonate in our time, without a published manifesto or Statement of Purpose?
Should we wonder, in an age of web forums that allow equal access and participation – without regard to geographic location – that this populist outrage would engage others too far away to join those in New York? Like a viral flash demonstration that won't go away, other communities' financial districts get cloned “occupations” tapping the same discontent, including one that grew during a rainstorm at the diagonally-opposite corner of the country, in L.A.
Is it any wonder that artists are part of this new community that's spreading nationwide to these “occupations”-? Some bring six-strings, others add voices. They sing songs of the uniquely American consciousness, old songs of social justice and labor organizing, new songs of economic justice, songs from the last Great Depression, old and new songs of struggle and overcoming oppression and exploitation, songs of camaraderie of common purpose, songs decrying greed and manipulation and thwarted opportunity, songs of fat cats whose lack of concern rivals the aristocrats' “Let them eat cake” cliche of the French Revolution.
Should we wonder at that? Is it any wonder that it is the artists, as an inevitable part of their own experience of it, who are already writing new anthems and updating lyrics for the old ones, defining the experience and giving it voice and inspiring their fellow “occupiers”-?
In the first week, politicians and even the media were dismissing the Wall Street occupiers as a mob with no coherent agenda. By the second week, TV news was running a clip from the movie, “Network,” with the key line, “I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!”
The “not-a-movement” movement quickly won supporters and sympathizers over its first weekend, when 70 of its participants were arrested, following the caught-on-camera violence inflicted and indiscriminate hosings with pepper spray or mace inflicted on unresisting people by New York Police officers and one police official. THAT made it news, as numerous media outlets commented with a sense that the NYPD had just erased the residual goodwill it had earned following 9-11. That rhetoric lasted until police and fire unions joined the occupiers, and signs appeared with slogans like “No more cuts to fire, police, and emergency responders.”
The New York protestors – or occupiers – won more hearts and minds by cleverly defeating the nearly unprecedented ban the city had slapped on them, prohibiting their use of bullhorns or mics with electric amplification. The group quickly unified by developing and implementing “The People's Microphone,” wherein everyone within earshot of any recognized speaker simply shouts, in synchronized repetition, whatever the speaker says. It's effective. Everyone hears, as each phrase or sentence is repeated all the way to the far end of the crowd. For ingenuity, doggedness of purpose, and building group cohesion, it's unbeatable.
Give an artist the whole scenario – all of it, starting with what caused it in the first place, the fat cats prospering off everyone else who sees their prospects diminishing, and then the scenes of mishandling by New York officials and attempted suppression of those pointing-out the inequities of worsening economic oppression, then the goofy statements by rich political neophytes who don't get it, like Herman Cain, who asserts it's all orchestrated by the Obama campaign – and expect songs like Bob Dylan wrote during the Civil Rights and Vietnam era.
Not that we expect the fat cats to “get it.” So we'll close with an effort to help them.
MEMO TO THOSE WALLOWING IN WALL STREET BONUSES AND BANK BAILOUT BILLIONS and the taxpayer-subsidized obscene profits of Big Oil in your decadently furnished, hermetically sealed offices: You've lost the battle for hearts and minds. No one (except your fellow greedy elitists in “the one percent”) will be sympathetic to you, because the artists are on to you and they can see the emperor has all the gold, but no clothes. You've had your day in the sun on your gated private beach, with your tax-free yachts and caviar and free rides on your capital gains – your chief sources of income – and tax rates lower than what your secretaries pay. In case you hadn't noticed, the artists are not only on to you, they're telling the truth from a position to attract and inform everyone else. The occupiers will besiege you until you wake up and realize we're all in this together, sharing this fragile planet and all needing essential shares of its rersources. And you, the 1%, have no Right of Kings to oppress the rest of us in the 99%.
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Our # 6 Story
WORKSHOP: “COUNTRY BLUES WITH ALICE STUART & PAT TENNIS,” OCTOBER 15
Learn some of the fingerpicking techniques that blues great Alice Stuart uses with her superb fingerstyle blues. Alice has played with VAN MORRISON, ZAPPA, and BLOOMFIELD, and toured the national and international circuits. She blends blues and good country music (not the Nashville pop junk) and she performs with style, finesse, and great humor.
Plus, in the same workshop, PAT TENNIS will teach you tips on how to back up and support the lead player.
The workshop is 3 to 5 pm on Saturday, October 15, at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. The Workshop fee is $35 and registration is now open.
That evening, Alice does a concert at the venue at 8 pm, and tickets are now on sale.
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Our # 7 Story
“TRACKING FILM & TV MUSIC” WITH LEE HOLDRIDGE & JON BURLINGAME,” OCT 16
World renowned author and lecturer JON BURLINGAME will guide the audience in seeing and hearing the astonishing and precise world of film and television music scores, when he is joined by Emmy and Grammy award winning composer LEE HOLDRIDGE (the late JOHN DENVER's orchestra leader and collaborator). The two will discuss, from the composer's perspective, the nature, performance and application of music composed for the big and little screens, with comments on matching the music to the scene to achieve the mood and feel.
Live musical performances and selected clips from Mr. Holdridge’s extensive catalog of his film and television scores are interspersed throughout this fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at “the music behind the magic.”
“Tracking Film & Television Music: An Afternoon with Lee Holdridge & Jon Burlingame,” is Sunday, October 16, at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; tix and info, including multi-event discount and bonus packages, are now available at www.bostoncourt.com or 626-683-6883.
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Our # 8 Story
WILL RYAN & THE CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS TO FOLLOW “OSCARS” THEATRE TRIUMPH WITH OCTOBER 22 CONCERT
Whoa-up there, pardner. If you're thinking, “sounds like another cowboy crooner outfit,” you're taking the wrong fork. This band brings a GRAMMY and Music EMMY winning leader, spans generations, balances genders, and delights listeners of all persuasions. Okay, so the show is on the West Side, near Culver City's old movie studios where westerns were filmed. Go ahead, make connections, jump to conclusions if you want, but this is much more than that.
This band dazzled a sophisticated industry audience at the ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS & SCIENCES (THE OSCARS) THEATER this summer, with a world premiere live performance of their original soundtrack. It accompanied the screening of THE prototype classic western movie, 1925's “Covered Wagon.” The film was that year's Best Picture, pre-Oscar by two years. It won the top honor from the film-addicted readers of Photoplay, as did all definitive Best Picture / Best Actor winners in each of the pioneering feature-film years.
The classic silent film was meticulously reassembled from archives around the world. But its old “soundtrack” – probably no more than a stack of lead sheets for piano – was lost long ago. Will and his band were picked to write the new score. It's a delight. The music matches the film so well that it feels like the only soundtrack the film ever had, or needed. It features memorable and matched-to-the-scene lead parts for string instruments, lots of piano themes and signature motifs, and oh yes, tastefully placed horns.
The achievement is worthy of the acclaim it received from that sophisticated industry audience, and more than merits repeating the screening / live soundtrack performance for fresh audiences far and wide. It's a sure bet it'll happen again and delight additional packed houses.
But they're playing a concert October 22, not another film screening, so what's the significance of all this?
This band reliably brings a smooth interdisciplinary blend that's delightfully melodious, tastefully rhythmic, with some fine vocal harmonies, and they do that every time they perform. While fresh and original, this outfit takes you back to a time when music had all the elements in the right mix, and they do it without sounding like a trip to the museum.
Their music stays in the saddle through gallops and canters, but rides beyond all the horizons. Take their song about the Texan who wins “more oil wells than a man can handle” in a poker game on the Fourth of July, making him “The Ding Dong Daddy of Abu Dabai and the Oobie Doobie Doo of Dubai.”
They deliver a unified sound, with just the right amount of spotlight solos for each player, rather than the impression of superbly talented individual players in an ensemble – which they are.
That won't surprise anyone who has heard them perform their ever-growing repertoire. You'll be humming and singing the choruses of their '30s-style originals for days. WILL RYAN's lyrical songwriting is catchy and delightful, with depth that connects great melodies to contemporary sensibilities, as in their concert favorite, “Too Big to Fail.”
Instrumentally, they're adept, more Bob Wills-ish, more rhythm-driven (“Rhythm Rides the Range” is one of their signature songs) and even syncopated bebop jazz and Djangostyle '40s pop than you get from some simplistic honky-tonk revival or recent country-western outfit in ersatz Nudie suits. This band brings virtuoso performances from session-and-tour string wizard JOHN “PRESTO” REYNOLDS on banjo, guitar, and resophonic; rubber-face character expressions from “WESTY” WESTENHOFER on upright bass and tuba (yes, tuba, and he can play anything on it); wunderkind CHLOE FEORANZANO, their young saxophone / clarinet / mandolin player; Betty Boopish commentary from lovely Big Band jazz vet KATIE CAVERA on fiddle; and WILL RYAN's outstanding songwriting, guitar, and smooth lead vocals.
On top of that, they're funny, even when they're way too corny. It all combines quite wonderfully, giving them a stage presence that show biz impresario Bob Stane celebrates with his highest compliment, reserved for the rarest of artists, calling them “A complete act.”
Their growing cadre of fans will be glad to know that they have a new CD ready for release. No official word whether copies will be available at this show, but we 'spect they will be.
The show is Saturday, October 22, 8 pm, at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. Tix are $15, and go on sale October 8.
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Resources, etc
Our 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.
The MOST RECENT past editions (last 30 days) are easy to find HERE:
September 30 edition is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/news-features-acoustic-americana-music_30.html
and the stories are:
1) World's Oldest Musician Releases New CD, with Party this Saturday
2) GLEN CAMPBELL is on his Farewell Tour; he Means it, and Why
3) SIMON LYNGE Returns to L.A. with Hits in Europe; Plays this Weekend
4) BUTCH HANCOCK, from THE FLATLANDERS, to Play Altadena Monday Night
5) Musical Revue of American History – in Song & Story, this Tuesday
6) WORKSHOPS are part of “WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC,” October 1st-16th
7) INVITATION TO ARTISTS: 30th annual “Los Angeles Holiday Caroling” Festivities –
(or participate in YOUR city...)
8) GIG OPPORTUNITY: Wanna Play Southern California's Largest Harvest Festival?
9) “WATER IS RISING: Music & Dance Amid Climate Change,” by Pacific Island Artists,
will have World Premiere in L.A. and Two Local Performances
10) “Moody Bluegrass Two...Much Love” with VINCE GILL, RICKY SKAGGS, SAM BUSH, &
More, Gets Critical Acclaim
11) Highlights of the Coming Week (and Beyond): Welcome to Acoustic Rocktober!
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September 23 edition is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/news-features-acoustic-americana-music_23.html
and the stories are:
1) 17th annual “HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS” this Saturday in Culver City
2) All-Star Lineup for “BLUEGRASS CONCERT AT THE FORD,” September 25
3) This Weekend's Festival Scene Brings a Hodge-Podge of Music – Catch
THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, DAVID LINDLEY, FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, more
4) Cajun Music from Grammy Nominee Headlines “CASTAIC DAYS FESTIVAL,” Saturday
5) “AMERICANAFEST,” Oct 12-15, is "Nashville's Best Music Festival" says Southern Living
Magazine
6) Arts Commission Workshops Start September 26
7) Pasadena's Boston Court Announces Fall Music Series
8) SEPTEMBER's Best Remnants – A Quick Roundup – Newly Updated
9) OCTOBER - First Look at an Acoustic Rocktober's Impending Events
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September 15 edition is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/news-features-acoustic-americana-music.html
and the stories are:
1) Musician ALEX BEATON Paralyzed from Accident
2) Innovative Ways to Sell Your CDs
3) Stuff that Works: Musicians' Comedic Press Release of the Month
4) “MILLPOND MUSIC FESTIVAL” Brings Finale to Summer Fests, this Weekend
5) 8th Annual “CELTIC CONCERT” at the Ford Brings the Craic, this Sunday
6) Grand Ole Echo Brings “GRAMATHON” this Sunday
7) FUR & STEVE Invite You to Recording Sesh for their Live CD, this Sunday
8) All-Star Lineup for “BLUEGRASS CONCERT AT THE FORD,” September 25
9) Of Autoharps, Jobs Bills, and a Vision for Our Future (or the Lack of it)
10) “SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES” Coming October 8 & 9 in Ventura
11) 40th annual “OLD TIME FIDDLER'S CONVENTION & FESTIVAL” is Sunday, October 9
12) KEN GRAYDON Memorial Concert Brings Fitting Adios
13) SEPTEMBER MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS – The Guide's Quick Roundup
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September 9 edition is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html
and the stories are:
1) Frightful Heat Comes and Goes, but Upcoming Music is Delightful
2) Performance Workshop: Learn from Successful Indies, Saturday at the Autry
3) And Now for Something Completely Different: PHIL WARD, this Friday Night
4) “Equinox Folk Music, Dance & Storytelling Festival” is this Weekend
5) Blues in House: HUGH LAURIE the Musician
6) “Songwriter Sanctum,” Local Recurring Event, Gets Media Attention
7) “Millpond Music Festival” Brings Fine Lineup, September 16-18
8) 9-11's Legacy: The Part Played by Artists, and What's Still to be Done
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at
tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
(We're trying to cut-down spam. Please help – just remove all the spaces and type the "@" and the ".")
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The LATEST EDITION of THE GUIDE, 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 (c) 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
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“It'll never sell...too many notes!” - Gene Autry
(passed along to us by Bruce Forman of COW BOP.)
Spotlight Events: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, October 7, 2011 edition
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SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
from THE ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE
October 7, 2011 edition
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Southern California – the region of our core coverage – has THE MOST live acoustic music performances of anyplace in the world! (Not a brag, just a FACT.)
That's amply demonstrated every week in THIS SECTION of the Guide,
our SPOTLIGHT EVENTS.
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PLUS, remember to check THIS WEEK’S NEWS FEATURES, October 7 edition, in its own section of the Guide!
It's only a click away, at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/10/news-features-acoustic-americana-music.html
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SPOTLIGHT EVENTS brings you the Guide's chronological, day-by-day listings and descriptions of live acoustic and Americana performances, festivals, workshops for artists, and more. We cover music indoors and out, across a vast L.A. region, from the north border of Santa Barbara County, through all the L.A. megalopolis to the south border of Orange County, from the ocean shore inland to the deserts, plus some key events in San Diego and beyond. And, we include FESTIVALS anywhere we think you're interested in finding them.
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THIS is the Acoustic Americana Music Guide's
SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
updated edition, October 7, 2011
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Ongoing, through October
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Daily, through Oct 31, FESTIVAL:
10 am-midnight “HALLOWEEN HARVEST FESTIVAL” has live music and lots more, at the Pierce College Farm Center, corner of Victory and Desoto in Woodland Hills. Organizers proclaim the event as “the largest Harvest Festival in all of Southern California,” and they've expanded this year to include a larger festival grounds and an expanded six-acre corn maze.
The festival opens at 10 am and runs daily and every evening. Sundays-Thursdays, it closes at 10 pm, Fridays & Saturdays, 'til midnight.
This is a big-deal event, and they've been doing it for years, so they're good at it. In addition to the live music and that giant Corn Maze, activities include a Hay Ride, Giant Slide, Jumpers, Petting Zoo, a Train Ride, Carousel, Pony Rides, Bumper Boats, daytime Haunted House, Cow Train, Bungee, Rock Wall Climb, Gemstone Mining, and there's an “Afterdark FrightFair Screampark” with nighttime Factory of Nightmares Haunted House, Creatures of the Corn Haunted Trail, nighttime Corn Maze, and something they're calling the “Insane Reaction.”
They offer all kinds of “activity ticket” combinations, but basic admission, which includes entry, the Corn Maze, the Hay Ride, and a couple of activity tickets, is only $5. Anyone who rides the Metro Orange Line gets in free, and the station is just across the street (must show a paper Metro ticket with that day's date).
There's more info at www.halloweenharvestfestival.com – www.FrightFair.com – www.PierceFarmCenter.com – or call them at 818-999-6300.
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Daily, through Oct 31, in Ventura County, FESTIVAL:
“UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL” runs weekends with music, weekdays without, and includes the annual “FOLK FESTIVAL”weekend Oct 8 & 9, and the Oct 22 & 23 “WESTERN HERITAGE” weekend, plus a big corn maze, lots of activities for kids, food, and more, all at Underwood Family Farms, in the countryside near Moorpark. More at www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com, or call them at 805-529-3690.
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Through Oct 16, various venues throughout L.A.; FESTIVAL:
Annual “WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC” (www.festivalofsacredmusic.org) includes concerts as well as workshops for artists. Though most of it is “world music” that's rather “out there,” and not especially of interest to folk-Americana fans, the workshops are of broader interest. (A few that we think will interest you are in the Guide's listings on the days they occur; check the festival's site for the full offerings.) Plus, there are two fine concerts you should definitely consider: (1) Sat, Oct 8, 1 pm at the Autry Museum, and (2) Sat, Oct 15, at 7 pm at UCLA's Royce Hall; these shouldn't be lost in the deluge of the festival's 16-day, 32-event, 832-artist fare. See the Oct 8 & Oct 15 listings.
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Through Oct 16, various venues throughout Pasadena; FESTIVAL:
Biennial “AxS FESTIVAL” (www.axsfestival.org) this time explores the themes of “Fire & Water” with two weeks of art, music, dance, theater, performance and “provocative conversation.” It's art and some very cool, very accessible science. The festival's main music offering was Sun, Oct 2...
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Friday, October 7
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Fri, Oct 7, in Ventura:
5 pm Kickoff event for this weekend's “SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES” brings a ceilidh, whiskey tasting, and Celtic fashion show, at Seaside Park, 10 W Harbor Bl, Ventura 93001; 818-886-4968.
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Fri, Oct 7:
8 pm “CHANSONS D'AMOUR” with AMANDA McBROOM & LEE LESSACK is “an homage to the great French songbook from an American perspective,” at the Ford Amphitheatre, [aka John Anson Ford Amphitheatre] 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood 90068; 323-GO1-FORD (323-461-3673); www.FordTheatres.org. Box dinner orders available for some shows at 310-652-3797. Come early and bring your picnic to enjoy at the tables & chairs in the “leafy entryway” by the waterfalls (you can bring your own wine or other beverage of your choice, and grounds open 2 hours before show time for picnicking). Food & drink are available on-site, though they always run out of hot cocoa when it’s chilly.
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Fri, Oct 7, in Ventura:
7:30 pm NATHAN McEUEN & MASON REED play Zoey's Café, 185 E Santa Clara, Ventura 93001; 805-652-1137.
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Fri, Oct 7, in OC:
7:30 pm MICHAEL CHAPDELAINE plays the first of two shows for Lord Of The Strings Concert Series, this one at Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan St, Dana Point 92629; 949-842-2227 or 949-244-6656.
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Fri, Oct 7:
8 pm MERLE HAGGARD and KRIS KRISTOFFERSON team-up to play the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park, 2700 N Vermont, L.A. 90027; 213-480-3232. Clearly, one of the Greek's best shows this year, and a rare chance to see two multi-platinum-selling music legends performing together.
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Fri, Oct 7:
8 pm BROTHERS FOUR and the KINGSTON TRIO play a double-bill at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts – Lyric Theatre, 12700 Center Court Dr, Cerritos 90703; 562 916-8501 or 800- 300-4345. For fans of the music of the “Great Folk Revival” of the late '50s and early '60s, this is a must-see concert; despite personnel changes, the songs are enduring and offer a chance to sample the optimism of an era lost that abruptly ended with the assassination of a young president.
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Fri, Oct 7:
8 pm PRESTON REED plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations, 626-798-6236.
“Spectacular…the best one-man show this reviewer has seen since Bruce Springsteen…A terrific performer” - The Irish Independent.
This guitar wizard will, among other dazzling things, show you a two-handed fretboard attack characterized by percussive techniques and simultaneous rhythm and melody. He was very popular when he played live a few years back on radio's “Tied to the Tracks.” He always delivers a good show.
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Fri, Oct 7, in Santa Barbara:
8 pm TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE play UCSB's Campbell Hall, on Mesa Rd, Santa Barbara; 805-893-3535.
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Saturday, October 8
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Sat & Sun, Oct 8 & 9, in Ventura; FESTIVAL:
Annual “SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES” at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura. This is a wonderful event, and it's really a collection of events with multiple stages of music and California's only Scottish Fiddle Competition.
We ran a News Feature in the September 15 edition that's reprinted below.
“SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES” COMING OCTOBER 8 & 9 IN VENTURA
This is always one of the best fall music events in the Southern half of the Golden State, with Celtic music that includes both traditional music and dance and Celtic rock. There are pipe and drum corps competitions and performances and massed band pageantry – and “pipe” means bagpipes, for the uninitiated – with the best kilt-and-kit wearing groups for 400 miles.
While there is enough music on multiple stages to make tough choices a certainty, plus the state's only Scottish fiddle championship, this is a convening of Highland games, as well. As their promo said a few years ago, that means “Large men throwing things,” and some powerful women letting loose with potentially lethal objects, as well.
The Caber Toss involves throwing telephone poles end-over-end. One person throwing one pole. Amazing. And they do the Hammer Throw. Think of a scene from Thor. You'll either be intimidated or inspired by the sheer physical strength and control of these athletes. See this, and you'll be far less tolerant of TV's silly junk sports with floaties and Styrofoam bats. These sports and their athletes are serious and fun to watch. And don't worry about the kids. There's nothing gladiatorial here and you watch from a safe place.
Featured musicians are SLIGO RAGS, THE BROWNE SISTERS & GEORGE CAVANAUGH, ANITA & THE YANKS, CELTIC SPRING, and ERIC RIGLER & BAD HAGGIS, plenty of bagpipes and drums, dancing by the CLADDAGH DANCE COMPANY, plus more musicians to be announced.
ERIC RIGLER did the haunting Irish flute and whistle for the soundtrack of “Titanic.” These days, his band, BAD HAGGIS, is one of the top Celtic rock outfits. (Festival food vendors have good haggis, in case you're wondering.)
SLIGO RAGS has been named by the Guide's editor, writing the annual “Top Ten/Best of” for FolkWorks magazine, as one of the Top Ten acoustic bands in Southern California. Their musicality gets them booked every year as the only Celtic band at bluegrass festivals, too.
CELTIC SPRING is the ultra-exciting fiddling-while-step-dancing family family of attractive, virtuosic kids. They were final-round finalists on one of those NBC-network TV talent competition shows.
Tragically absent this year is longtime headliner ALEX BEATON, who suffered a paralyzing accident (see News Feature # 1 in the September 15 edition, archived at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/news-features-acoustic-americana-music.html).
In addition to the Saturday and Sunday festival that uses the entire Ventura County Fairgrounds complex, there's a Friday “Scottish Evening” event, October 7, and a Saturday night concert / country dance with PEAT-FIRE FLAME. These require separate tickets. A Celtic rock concert is included with festival admission on Saturday, 5 to 8 pm.
A two-day festival pass is $19 advance, $22 gate (seniors $18 and $20, children $3/day, age 5 and under free). One-day tickets are $12 advance, $14 gate (seniors $10 and $12, children $3, age 5 and under free). The festival site is the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W Harbor Bl, Ventura 93001. Amtrak's Ventura stop is at the festival's front gate.
For more, check www.seaside-games.com or call 818-886-4968.
Finally, if you're attending the 40th annual OLD TIME FIDDLER'S CONVENTION & FESTIVAL (feature # 11) in Goleta on Sunday, October 9, it makes a great weekend to spend Saturday in Ventura at the SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES.
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Sat & Sun, Oct 8 & 9, in Ventura County; FESTIVAL:
Annual “FOLK FESTIVAL” weekend, with performances by FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER, I SEE HAWKS IN L.A., RANDALL LAMB, DAN JANISCH, TOM CORBETT & BILL KNOPF, THE CATTERWAILERS, HANS OTTSEN & ASHLEY BRODER, PHIL SALAZAR and THE KINFOLK, at Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd., Moorpark, CA 93021.
It's a key part of the month-long “UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL,” Oct 1-31, in Ventura County (weekends with music, weekdays without); also note that October 22 & 23 brings the “WESTERN HERITAGE” weekend, all at the farm complex in the countryside near Moorpark. More at www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com, or call them at 805-529-3690.
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Ongoing, through Oct 31, FESTIVAL:
“HALLOWEEN HARVEST FESTIVAL” has live music and lots more at the Pierce College Farm Center, corner of Victory and Desoto in Woodland Hills. Organizers proclaim it as “the largest Harvest Festival in all of Southern California.” There's lots to do there. See the Guide's full write-up in the “Ongoing” listings that precede the daily listings. Opens daily at 10 am, closes at 10 pm, Fri & Sat 'til midnight. More at www.halloweenharvestfestival.com – www.FrightFair.com – www.PierceFarmCenter.com – or call them at 818-999-6300.
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Sat, Oct 8:
1 pm HALAU O LILINOE A ME NA PUA ME KEALOHA performs music from the Hawaiian Islands as part of the ongoing “WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC,” with this show at the Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles 90027; 323-667-2000.
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Sat, Oct 8, in OC:
7 pm MICHAEL CHAPDELAINE plays the second of two concerts for the Lord Of The Strings Concert Series, this one at Mission Viejo Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Dr, Mission Viejo; 949-842-2227 or 949-244-6656.
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Sat, Oct 8:
7 pm THE ALLEY CATS plus JULIE BRETT play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations, 626-798-6236.
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Sat, Oct 8, in Ojai:
7:30 pm TAMMURRIATAROCK plays the Ojai Concert Series at Dancing Oak Ranch, on Hwy 150, with a GPS address of 4585 Casitas Pass Rd, Ventura 93001; 805-649-5189.
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Sat, Oct 8, in Santa Barbara County:
7:30 pm CHUCUMITE plays the Song Tree Concert Series at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 820 N. Fairview Av, Goleta 93117; 805-403-2639.
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Sat, Oct 8, in Temecula:
8 pm MERLE HAGGARD and KRIS KRISTOFFERSON play the Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula 92592; 877-711-2946.
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Sat, Oct 8:
KEITH URBAN with JAKE OWEN brings the former's “Get Closer 2011 World Tour” to Staples Center, if you can withstand the fake / generic pop-country “Nashvul ack-scent” from the transplanted Aussie. Tix, 800-745-3000.
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Sat, Oct 8:
8 pm TOM CORBETT, RICK SHEA, & fabulous Aussie expatriate AUDREY AULD-MEZERA team-up to play The Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com.
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Sat, Oct 8:
8 pm SMALL POTATOES plus an opening set by DAVE MORRISON, at the Caltech Folk Music Society series in Beckman Institute Auditorium, on the campus in Pasadena 91106; 626-395-4652. Park in one of the two lots on Michigan Av, S off Del Mar.
Following the opening set by DAVE MORRISON, you can catch a performance tonight by JACQUIE MANNING & RICH PREZIOSO, aka SMALL POTATOES. Rich and Jacquie bring a harvest of original songs and some by their contemporaries, plus lots of humor and playfulness.
Another guy named Rich – Rich Warren, who has a long-running folk music radio show in Chicago, asserts, “Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso combine cleverly witty with powerfully poignant songs, along with well chosen covers to present an unusually entertaining and involving repertoire engagingly delivered. Prezioso's song, '1000 Candles, 1000 Cranes,' is one of the most outstanding songs of the past 50 years.”
L.A. radio listeners concurred about that song, naming it a “Listener Favorite” on “Tied to the Tracks” a few years back.
Another radio man, Warren Nelson from Bayfield, Wisconsin, says of the duo, "They don't sound like anybody else. I like that. They lay out a blanket and every song is a picnic."
Just a few of the people they've performed with include Tom Paxton, Greg Brown, John McCutcheon, Utah Phillips, Cheryl Wheeler, Robin & Linda Williams, David Wilcox, and Bryan Bowers.
SMALL POTATOES come from the storied Chicago folk scene. That's the music community that gave us the late Steve Goodman (“City of New Orleans”), Michael Smith (who wrote “The Dutchman,” and who Caltech Folk hopes to have back in 2012), and many other fine musicians, singers, and songwriters.
More at www.smallpotatoesmusic.com.
DAVE MORRISON is opening, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist GREG KRUEGER on "stringed things," and they may be joined by a bass player.
Marilyn Babcock, founder and producer of Topanga Acoustic Music Series, says, "Dave Morrison, songwriter and performer, is my favorite artist in California. His musical storytelling evokes a visual tapestry of tangible emotions and experiences we all have shared as part of the human experience. His memories and his inventive spirit lead the way toward romantic imagery and poetry of the soul. I am always impressed by Dave Morrison's capacity for humor and joy in the short-story songs he presents. He is a very prolific writer, and all his compositions are exceptional.”
Dave's web site is www.davemorrisonmusic.com
Tix, $15 for adults, $5 for Caltech students and children.
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The Folk Music Society has two different shows this month. The other concert, on Saturday, October 29, will feature WILLIAM JACKSON and GRÁINNE HAMBLY and their "TWO SIDES OF CELTIC" show in Beckman Institute Auditorium. Tickets for that show can be ordered in advance by calling the Ticket Office at 626-395-4652, visiting the Ticket Office on campus, or purchased for cash at the door. $15 for adults, $5 for Caltech students and children.
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Sat, Oct 8:
8 pm ABIGAIL WASHBURN and OLENTANGY JOHN play McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sat, Oct 8:
8 pm TRACY NEWMAN & THE REINFORCEMENTS, plus SHELBY, TIEG AND TARA, play Westwood Music, 1627 Westwood Bl, Los Angeles 90024; 310-478-4251.
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Sat, Oct 8:
8 pm NATHAN McEUEN and MASON REED play Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, Los Angeles 90046; 323-653-0640.
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Sat, Oct 8:
8 pm PRESTON REED plays Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583.
“Spectacular…the best one-man show this reviewer has seen since Bruce Springsteen…A terrific performer” - The Irish Independent.
This guitar wizard will, among other dazzling things, show you a two-handed fretboard attack characterized by percussive techniques and simultaneous rhythm and melody. He was very popular when he played live a few years back on radio's “Tied to the Tracks.” Tix, $17.50.
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Sat, Oct 8:
9 pm LaCHE CERCEL & THE ROMA SWING ENSEMBLE play the Dunarea Restaurant, 821 N Euclid Av, Ste C, Anaheim; 714-772-7233.
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Sunday, October 9
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Check Saturday's listings for two-day FESTIVALS that continue today...
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Sun, Oct 9, in Santa Barbara County; FESTIVAL:
10 am-5 pm 40th ANNUAL “OLD TIME FIDDLER'S CONVENTION & FESTIVAL” is a one-day event at Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 N Carneros Rd, Goleta 93117. This is a landmark year for a fine event that's always under-promoted. The lineup is appropriate for the convention / festival's four-decade anniversary, with LAURIE LEWIS & TOM ROZUM, HOT BUTTERED RUM, ERIC & SUZY THOMPSON, PETER FELDMANN & THE VERY LONESOME BOYS, MOLLY'S REVENGE, and the OLD TIME FIDDLERS. There's a BBQ, kid's activities, fine crafts and instruments, and more, and it's sponsored for charity by the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise. Festival emcee ANDY DOERR adds that you should “Bring your instrument to jam, and take time for the tour of the Stowe House.” We ran a News Feature in the September 15 edition, but the event's website is more updated. More at www.fiddlersconvention.org or call 805-450-2243.
Plus, for everyone interested in the 40 year history of this event, check out “Peter's Blog,” written by PETER FELDMANN at www.bluegrasswest.com. You'll find narrative and plenty of pictures of people who have performed there over the past four decades.
The fiddle fest is a one-day event, Sunday only; if you're going, why not make it a full weekend by spending Saturday at the SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES in Ventura or the FOLK FESTIVAL in Moorpark? (See listings.)
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Sun, Oct 9, in OC; FESTIVAL:
10 am 4 pm “THE BIG SQUEEZE: ORANGE COUNTY ACCORDION FESTIVAL” with a lot happening this year, including a Cajun-Zydeco Stage with ANDRE THIERRY, LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS, & BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, at the Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa 92626; 714-977-5360.
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Sun, Oct 9, in Santa Barbara:
3 pm RIDERS IN THE SKY, the only multiple Grammy-winning Western group, play UCSB's Campbell Hall, on the campus on Mesa Rd, Santa Barbara; 805-893-3535.
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Sun, Oct 9:
3 pm KEN O'MALLEY brings his solo show of authentic and original Irish music to Viva Fresh Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank; 818-845-2425. Ken's announcement says, “Support live Irish music at this all-ages venue that is becoming well known for featuring the best in live entertainment as well as excellent Mexican food. The $15 cover gets you 20% off your entire food purchase” if you mention or show a printout of this writeup or Ken's e-newsletter.
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Sun, Oct 9:
3 pm LaCHE CERCEL & THE ROMA SWING ENSEMBLE play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations, 626-798-6236.
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Sun, Oct 9:
4 pm the ongoing “WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC” today brings LESA TERRY to the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 W Washington Bl, Los Angeles 90016; 323-964-9768.
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Sun, Oct 9:
4:30 pm the ongoing “WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC” today brings the CHOIR OF ST. JAMES and ALAN MORRISON to St. James-in-the-City, 3903 Wilshire Bl, Los Angeles 90010; 213-388-3417.
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Sun, Oct 9:
5 pm DIKKI DU & HIS ZYDECO KREWE play the Cajun-zydeco dance at the Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club, 6285 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach 90803; 562-596-1631.
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Sun, Oct 9, in Temecula:
7 pm MERLE HAGGARD and KRIS KRISTOFFERSON play a second night at Pechanga Resort and Casino, 45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula 92592; 877-711-2946.
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Sun, Oct 9:
7 pm JONATHAN McEUEN AND NATHAN McEUEN (musical sons of Nitty Gritty Dirt and founding member JOHN McEUEN) play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; 626-798-6236.
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Sun, Oct 9:
7 pm MEGAFAUN and DOUG PAISLEY play McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sun, Oct 9:
2 pm monthly “SONGWRITER SANCTUM,” this time with blues from MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG, country from J.C. HYKE, classically-flavored singer-songwriter music from KAREN HART, and folk-rock from NICOLE GORDON, at the Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St, Santa Monica 90405; 310-399-1631.
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Monday, October 10
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Ongoing, through Oct 31, FESTIVAL:
“HALLOWEEN HARVEST FESTIVAL” has live music and lots more, at the Pierce College Farm Center, corner of Victory and Desoto in Woodland Hills. Organizers proclaim it as “the largest Harvest Festival in all of Southern California.” There's lots to do there. See the Guide's full write-up in the Oct 1 listings. Opens daily at 10 am, closes at 10 pm, Fri & Sat at midnight. More at www.halloweenharvestfestival.com – www.FrightFair.com – www.PierceFarmCenter.com – or call them at 818-999-6300.
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Mon, Oct 10, in Ventura:
6 pm twice-monthly “VENTURA BLUEGRASS JAM” at Zoey's Cafe, 451 E Main St, Ventura 93001; www.zoeyscafe.com; 805-652-0091.
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Mon, Oct 10:
8 pm weekly “IRISH CéILí DANCE & IRISH MUSIC SESSION” at the Celtic Arts Center / Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood 91602; www.celticartscenter.com; 818-760-8322. Dance at 8, music jam seisun (session) at 9 pm.
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Tuesday, October 11
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Tue, Oct 11:
7 pm weekly “J.C. HYKE'S SONGWRITERS SERENADE” showcase at Matt Denny's Ale House Restaurant & Bar, 145 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006. Different recording artists take part in an invitational showcase.
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Tue, Oct 11:
8 pm weekly “TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION” at Timmy Nolan's Tavern and Grill, 10111 Riverside Dr, Toluca Lake 91602; 818-985-3359.
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Tue, Oct 11:
8 pm weekly “BOURBON AND BLUEGRASS” at South Santa Monica Sports Bar and Grill, 3001 Wilshire Bl, Santa Monica, 90403; 310- 828-9988.
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Tue, Oct 11:
8 pm weekly “BLUEGRASS JAM” at Viva Fresh Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank 91506; 818-515-4444.
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Wednesday, October 12
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Wed, Oct 12:
7 pm weekly OPEN MIC at the Talking Stick, 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091. Signups at 6:45 pm.
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Wed, Oct 12, in Ventura County:
7:30 pm Songmakers weekly “SIMI VALLEY HOOT at a private residence in Simi Valley; contact Songmakers for location, at www.songmakers.org
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Wed, Oct 12:
8 pm “GUITAROLOGY” weekly showcase and open mic, at Bar Melody and Grill, 9132 S Sepulveda Bl, Los Angeles 90045; 310-670-1994.
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Wed, Oct 12:
8 pm weekly “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” at O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant, 2226 Wilshire Bl, Santa Monica 90403; 310-829-5303.
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Wed, Oct 12:
9 pm weekly “ACOUSTIC CORDIALE” showcase, with different recording artists each week, playing acoustic, at Café Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks 91423; 818-789-1985.
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Saturday, October 15
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Sat, Oct 15:
3-5 pm Workshop: “COUNTRY BLUES WITH ALICE STUART & PAT TENNIS” at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. Learn some of the fingerpicking techniques blues great Alice Stuart uses with her superb fingerstyle blues. Plus, Pat Tennis will teach you tips on how to bach up and support the lead player. Alice has played with Van Morrison, Zappa, and Bloomfield, and toured the national and international circuits. She blends blues and good country music (not the Nashville pop junk) and she performs with style, finesse, and great humor. Alice also does an 8 pm concert tonight at the venue; see listing. Workshop fee, $35.
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Sat, Oct 15:
8 pm ALICE STUART plays Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. She's played with Van Morrison, Zappa, and Bloomfield, and toured the national and international circuits. She blends blues and good country music (not the Nashville pop junk) and she performs with style, finesse, and great humor. She also does a 3-5 pm workshop today at the venue; see listing. Concert tix, $15.
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Sat, Oct 15, in OC:
“LORD OF THE RINGS IN CONCERT” is a big-deal, full symphonic production at the Honda Center, 2695 E Katella Av, Anaheim 92806; www.hondacenter.com; tix 714-704-2500. (Note: Parking here is $15-$40.) In the manner of the “Stars Wars in Concert” tour, this one performs the music of the “Rings” trilogy. While the films were silly, the soundtracks were quite good, so this should make for a fine evening – if you can take the fanatics dressed like characters from the stories.
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Sat, Oct 15:
OPERAWORKS brings “THE NEWEST RECITAL IN THE WORLD,” at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; tix and info, including discount and bonus packages, are available at www.bostoncourt.com or 626-683-6883. The OperaWorks ensemble will invent a custom recital right in front of your eyes, with made-to-order music, at your request. It's entirely improvised, with arias, duets, trios, and scenes with improvised accompaniment, all performed without any prepared or printed music.
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Sunday, October 16
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Sun, Oct 16:
11 am PETER ALSOP plays a Kids Matinee concert at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497;
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Sun, Oct 16:
3 pm TISHTONES & SYLVIA COTTON SINGERS perform as part of the “WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC,” with this show at Beth Shir Shalom, 1827 California Av, Santa Monica 90403; 310-453-3361.
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Sun, Oct 16:
7 pm KAYE RODDEN plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations, 626-798-6236.
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Sun, Oct 16:
SOLD OUT: 7 pm JENNY LEWIS at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Sun, Oct 16, in Lakeside:
7:30 pm TERRY HOLDER, the Alaska-based singer-songwriter, plays the Dark Thirty House Concert Series in Lakeside 92040; reservations get directions at 619-443-9622.
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Sun, Oct 16:
“TRACKING FILM AND TELEVISION MUSIC: AN AFTERNOON WITH LEE HOLDRIDGE & JON BURLINGAME,” at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; tix and info, including discount and bonus packages, are available at www.bostoncourt.com or 626-683-6883. World renowned author and lecturer JON BURLINGAME helps to see and hear this astonishing and precise world when he and Emmy and Grammy award winning composer LEE HOLDRIDGE (the late JOHN DENVER's orchestra leader and collaborator) discuss, from the composers perspective, music composed for the big and little screens. Live musical performances and selected clips from Mr. Holdridge’s extensive catalogue of his film and television scores are interspersed throughout this fascinating, behind the scenes look at the music behind the magic.
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Sun, Oct 16:
8 pm monthly “VARIETY NIGHT” with featured artists SABRINA & CRAIG and the sign-up-in-advance OPEN MIC, at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. SABRINA & CRAIG won the 2010 Topanga Banjo Fiddle Singing competition. Open Mic signups limited to the first eight, and are now being taken at the venue. Tix, $4.
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Sun, Oct 16, in San Marcos:
8 pm SARAH McQUAID plays the Frogstop House Concert series in San Marcos 92078.
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Tuesday, October 18
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Tue, Oct 18:
8 pm SUSAN WERNER plays the Smothers Theatre at Pepperdine Univ., Malibu, 24255 P.C.H., Malibu 90265; 310-506-4522.
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Tue, Oct 18:
8 pm “WATER IS RISING: MUSIC AND DANCE AMID CLIMATE CHANGE” performed by artists from the Pacific atolls of Kiribati, Tokelau, & Tuvalu, at University Theatre, UC Riverside, 400 Humanities, Riverside 92521. With 36 artists from these Pacific atols presenting song and dance, it's safe to say, If you enjoy Hawaiian music, you'll love this. And it will bring you face-to-face with the reality of climate change and rising sea levels. This show may sell-out. Info, www.waterisrising.com
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Wednesday, October 19
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Wed, Oct 19:
7:15 pm PAUL SIMON and THE SECRET SISTERS play the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 91602; 818-622-4440.
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Wed, Oct 19:
8 pm TIM GRIMM and THE SWEET POTATOES play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations, 626-798-6236.
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Thursday, October 20
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Thu, Oct 20, in Riverside:
TOM RUSSELL plays All Saints' Episcopal Church, 3847 Terracina Dr, Riverside 92506. Info and reservations, FrConrad@gmail.com
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Friday, October 21
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Fri, Oct 21, in San Diego:
7:30 pm TOM RUSSELL plays the AMSD Concert Series, 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego 92116; 619-303-8176.
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Fri, Oct 21:
“THE NEW SOUND OF SILENT FILM: CLASSIC SILENT FILM 'NOSFERATU' WITH LIVE SCORE BY BASSIST TOM PETERS,” at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; tix and info, including discount and bonus packages, are available at www.bostoncourt.com or 626-683-6883. Peters provides a newly conceived, live musical score for the classic silent film “Nosferatu.” Director F.W. Murnau’s “Nosferatu” (1922) stands as one of the most important films to come out of pre-World War II Germany. After almost 90 years, it still delivers chills.
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Fri, Oct 21:
8 pm CATIE CURTIS and MELISSA FERRICK at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Saturday, October 22
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Sat & Sun, Oct 22 & 23:
Annual “WESTERN HERITAGE” weekend, part of the month-long “UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL” runs weekends, Oct 1-31 in Ventura County, at Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark. More later, or check www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com, or call them at 805-529-3690.
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Sat, Oct 22:
8 pm WILL RYAN & THE CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583.
Whoa up there, pardner. If you're thinking “sounds like another cowboy crooner outfit,” you're taking the wrong fork. This band dazzled a sophisticated industry audience at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (Oscars) Theatre, performing live their original soundtrack for the first classic western movie, 1925's “Covered Wagon.” (It was that year's Best Picture, pre-Oscar by two years, chosen by the film-addicted readers of Photoplay as all definitive Best Pictures / Best Actors were at that time.) The film was reassembled from archives around the world; its old soundtrack was lost long ago, and the band's new one included lots of memorable string instrument leads plus plenty of piano themes and signature motifs, and oh yes, horns.
It's representative of their concerts, a smooth interdisciplinary blend, a sound that's unified with just the right amount of spotlight solos for each player, rather than the product of a superbly talented ensemble – which it is – with '30s-style originals you'll be humming and choruses you'll be singing for days. WILL RYAN'S lyrical songwriting is catchy and delightful, with depth that connects great melodies to our own contemporary sensibilities. Instrumentally, they're adept, more Bob Wills-ish, more bebop jazz and '40s pop than anything from recent country-western. You get virtuoso performances by session and tour string wizard JOHN “PRESTO” REYNOLDS on banjo, guitar, and resophonic; “WESTY” WESTENHOFER on upright bass and tuba; wunderkind CHLOE FEORNAZANO, their young sax / clarinet / mandolin player; lovely big band jazz vet KATIE CAVERA on fiddle and Betty Boopish commentary, and Will's songwriting, guitar and smooth lead vocals. Tix, $15 (on sale Oct 8).
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Sat, Oct 22:
CALIFORNIA E.A.R. UNIT presents “Sonic Revolution,” at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; tix and info, including discount and bonus packages, are available at www.bostoncourt.com or 626-683-6883. Don't panic. They are a chamber ensemble that performs music where the ink is still wet. The core of highly acclaimed players include Vicky Ray, Eric Clark and Amy Knoles who strive to reflect Southern California’s unique cultural diversity by acting as L.A.'s new music ambassadors to the world. The evening features works penned especially for the group by Macedonian composer Darija Andovska, Portuguese composer Miguel Azguime, Berlin's Michael Maierhof, New York's Lisa Coons, Rhode Island's Todd Winkler, as well as an offering from Alan Schockley, who is currently residing in Los Angeles.
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Wednesday, October 26
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Wed, Oct 26:
7:30 pm CELTIC THUNDER at the Greek Theatre, 2700 N Vermont, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027; 213-480-3232.
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Friday, October 28
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Fri, Oct 28, in San Diego:
7:30 pm “MASTERS OF THE CELTIC HARP: WILLIAM JACKSON & GRÁINNE HAMBLY” play the AMSD Concert Series, 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego 92116; 619-303-8176.
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Fri, Oct 28:
8 pm JENNIFER WARNES at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
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Fri, Oct 28:
8 pm SUSIE GLAZE & THE HILONESOME BAND plus FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations, 626-798-6236.
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Fri, Oct 28:
8 pm NATHAN McEUEN & MATT CARTSONIS at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. More details in the near future. This'll be a fine show. Tix on sale Oct 14; $15.
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Saturday, October 29
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Sat, Oct 29:
8 pm DAN NAVARRO & LAWRENCE LEBO at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. More details in the near future. This'll be a fine show, with LOWEN & NAVARRO vet Dan Navarro and Bluesy-Americana-Classic Jazzwoman Lawrence “Don't Call Her Larry” Lebo. Tix on sale Oct 15; $15.
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Sat, Oct 29:
“THE WHITE HOUSE CONCERT WITH STEVE ERDODY & FRIENDS,” at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; tix and info, including discount and bonus packages, are available at www.bostoncourt.com or 626-683-6883. This is an interesting concept that relives a musical moment that was, by all accounts, magical. On November 24, 1961, President Kennedy revolutionized arts performances at the White House by presenting the famous but reclusive 84-year-old cellist PABLO CASALS in a recital for 150 of the world’s most famous and influential classical composers, conductors and musicians. To commemorate the anniversary of the historic occasion, Music at the Court is presenting local cello virtuoso STEPHEN ERDODY with an all star ensemble of chamber musicians in a recital replicating the original program from 50 years ago.
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Sat, Oct 29:
8 pm WILLIAM JACKSON and GRÁINNE HAMBLY bring their "TWO SIDES OF CELTIC" show just in time for Samhain (the original Celtic Halloween) at the Caltech Folk Music Society series in Beckman Institute Auditorium, on the campus in Pasadena 91106; 626-395-4652. Park in one of the two lots on Michigan Av, S off Del Mar.
WILLIAM JACKSON , a founding member of the Scottish group OSSIAN, has performed “a couple of outstanding shows” at the series before. This time, he is joined by GRÁINNE HAMBLY, who is from Ireland.
Tickets can be ordered in advance by calling the Ticket Office at 626-395-4652, visiting the Ticket Officeon campus, or purchased for cash at the door. $15 for adults, $5 for Caltech students and children.
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Sunday, October 30
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Sun, Oct 30:
3 & 7 pm “SAMHAIN” Irish Song, Dance & Story, with optional traditional Samhain dinner, brings the story of Halloween and a celebration of the Celtic New Year, with SLUGGER O'TOOLE, BARRY LYNCH, ACS DANCERS, ADAM KIRK, CHRIS LOKEN, AEDAN MacDONNELL, STEVE PRIBYL, & LINEA SOLEDAD, sponsored by the Celtic Arts Center at the Burbank Moose Lodge, 1901 W Burbank Bl, Burbank 91506. Two shows, 3 pm or 7 pm, tix for either are $18; 5 pm dinner tix are $15; show + dinner, $30. Tix will sell-out early; info & advance tix, www.CelticArtsCenter.com/Samhain.
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BEYOND OCTOBER...
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Fri, Nov 4:
8 pm MARLEY'S GHOST at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. More details in the near future. Tix on sale Oct 21; $17.50.
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Fri, Nov 4:
“OH COSMONAUT!” presented by the Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; tix and info, including discount and bonus packages, are available at www.bostoncourt.com or 626-683-6883.
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Sat, Nov 5:
8 pm DREAM STREET at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. More details in the near future. Tix on sale Oct 22; $17.50.
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Sat, Nov 5:
VOX FEMINA presents “AND JUSTICE FOR ALL,” at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; tix and info, including discount and bonus packages, are available at www.bostoncourt.com or 626-683-6883. Expect an inspiring evening about love and equality, as the mighty voices of Vox Femina explore the issues of equality and immigration, and their passion for fairness, proving that all men and women are created equal. The highlight of the concert will be Mark Koval’s work “We the People,” the story of the fight for marriage equality in narration and song.
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Fri, Nov 11:
ILIANA ROSE BAND: “HOT NIGHTS IN HAVANA!” at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; tix and info, including discount and bonus packages, are available at www.bostoncourt.com or 626-683-6883. Romantic melodies, voluptuous poetry, and pulsing rhythms of Cuban Salsa abound. Hailed as a spirited and vibrant presence on and off stage, Iliana's voice is pure, warm, sensual and beautiful, captivating audiences in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
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Sat, Nov 12:
8 pm THREE MUSCKETEERS (Three mUSCketeers) at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. More details in the near future. Tix on sale Oct 29; $15.
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Sat, Nov 12:
RICHARD PEARSON THOMAS: “SONGS FROM NEW YORK,” at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; tix and info, including discount and bonus packages, are available at www.bostoncourt.com or 626-683-6883. With “the heart and soul of the quintessential New York musician,” Thomas has received praise from the likes of Audra McDonald, Sanford Sylvan, Lauren Flanagan and Kurt Ollmann. Richard will perform an eclectic selection of his music with his brilliant TRILLIUM ENSEMBLE collaborators, California based soprano PATRICIA PRUNTY and New York based baritone BRUCE RAMEKER.
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Fri, Nov 18:
8 pm “A FAMOUS BRITISH TRIBUTE BAND” at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. More details in the near future. Even the venue won't tell you who yet, citing their “Don't strum, don't tell” policy.” Big reveal is Oct 22. Tix on sale Nov 4; $17.50.
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Sat, Nov 19:
“ORPHEUS AND EURIDICE” at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; tix and info, including discount and bonus packages, are available at www.bostoncourt.com or 626-683-6883. This artful production explores what happens when Orpheus gives up his mythic lyre for a clarinet. Find out in an innovative staging of award-winning American composer RICKY IAN GORDON’s reimagining of the classic love story. Graceful and dramatic is the beloved Euridice as created by up-and-coming soprano superstar ALEXANDRA LOUTSION. World renowned pianist ALAN SMITH provides the vibrant keyboard landscape that supports the longing voice of masterful clarinetist JAMES SULLIVAN’s poignant Orpheus.
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Sun, Nov 20:
8 pm monthly “VARIETY NIGHT” with featured artists CALI ROSE & CRAIG BRANDAU and the sign-up-in-advance OPEN MIC, at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. Open Mic signups limited to the first eight, and are taken beginning Nov 6 at 1 pm at the venue. Tix, $4.
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Fri, Dec 2:
8 pm ROB ICKES & JIM HURST at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. More details in the near future. Tix on sale Nov 18; $17.50.
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Sat, Dec 3:
8 pm LOAFER'S GLORY at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. More details in the near future. Tix on sale Nov 19; $20.
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Sat, Dec 10:
8 pm JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. More details in the near future. Tix on sale Nov 26; $17.50.
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Sat, Dec 17:
8 pm THE WITCHER BROTHERS bring dynamite bluegrass to Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. More details in the near future. Tix on sale Dec 4; $15.
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Sun, Dec 18:
7 pm Annual “FREE HOLIDAY SHOW” at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. An established tradition here, with entertainment provided by the teachers (recording stars / session players all) at the venue / music store. Cookies and baked confections are always anticipated at this event, too. More details in the near future. Free.
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MUCH MORE COMING SOON!
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc
"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. Always available at www.acousticmusic.net.
"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.
UPDATES are made every few months – the current edition of our VENUE DIRECTORY is at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html
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The Guide’s weekly News Features and Spotlight Events UPDATED EDITIONS bring more (always more -- as we have time to organize all of it).
We do all we can to bring you news and notices of all the many, many, MANY acoustic music events in and around the Los Angeles region, from the North border of Santa Barbara County to the South border of Orange County, and inland through San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
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.)
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 and format it when you type it – we’re trying to reduce spam – you know...)
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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
www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
- or by following any of many links on the web to get to one of those sites.
The Guide’s weekly NEWS FEATURES are published in 16 websites / webgroups!
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