Thursday, July 28, 2011
REMEMBERING JOEL OKIDA: HIS WORK FOR THE GUIDE...
The late Joel Okida, music journalist extraordinaire, wrote some wonderful pieces for us.
(In addition, he made many contributions with his hot tips on who to go see or what CD to find, things that never appeared in the Guide's pages.) Our readers can again savor the fine pieces he wrote for us, compiled in one place, right here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(1) “THREE GIRLS & THEIR BUDDY” with EMMYLOU HARRIS, SHAWN COLVIN, PATTY GRIFFIN, & BUDDY MILLER – review by JOEL OKIDA for the Guide of their June 24, 2009 concert tour show at the Greek Theatre in L.A.
(2) WPA (WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION) superstar band – review by JOEL OKIDA for the Guide of their October 6, 2009 show at Largo in L.A.
(3) BOULDER ACOUSTIC SOCIETY that virtuosic ensemble from the Centennial State – review by JOEL OKIDA of their October 21, 2009 show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, Altadena.
(4) VAGABOND OPERA quote from piece Joel wrote for FolkWorks and sent to us to promote the band's performance on February 23, 2010 at The Edison in L.A.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are those feature / reviews, in their entirety...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(1) “THREE GIRLS & THEIR BUDDY” with EMMYLOU HARRIS, SHAWN COLVIN, PATTY GRIFFIN, & BUDDY MILLER – review by JOEL OKIDA for the Guide of their June 24, 2009 concert tour show at the Greek Theatre in L.A.
REVIEW by Joel Okida
It was a mild summer evening with some thin cloud cover that negated any star sightings. But that was okay because we had four of them right on stage.
Voices sparkling with varying degrees of twang and quiver, three sopranos and Buddy Miller's distinct and forceful delivery provided for an evening of defining Americana prose-like singing. I found Patty Griffin to be near transcendent in her songwriting and elocution of her evening's song selection. But then I can't find much fault in any of the performances.
Admittedly, I have been a Buddy Miller fan for a long time, both in his smart and stylish guitar playing but also his singing and songwriting. Truly an underrated performer outside of the folk/country/roots genre where he is known and well-respected. His "Shelter Me" and "All My Tears" etched into the night, counterpoint to the sweet vocals of the womanly takes on tales of woe.
Hey, Emmy Lou is the grand dame of iconic folk/no wig country music so what's not to love? The "Red Dirt Girl" is still singing pretty much in the same range she did 30 years ago so it's all good.
I was not a Shawn Colvin fan before, not because I didn't like her music, but because I just never really got around to listening to a lot of her book although she enjoyed many a hit in the genre several years ago. She was spot on when her turn came around and no slouch on guitar either.
But I think the youngster in the group at 45, Griffin, would win my honors for charismatic readings of her material. "Heavenly Day" and "Mary" really stood out and I also liked that deadpan novelty tune, which for lack of not knowing the unrecorded title, must be something like, "It's a Dud" (one of the two "love" songs that she's ever written, according to her).
It was a good night for music, made better by the good music they sent into that night.
[Joel's review of that night was one of several that ran in the Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Read all of them at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/07/three-girls-their-buddy-emmylou-harris.html ]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(2) WPA (WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION) superstar band – review by JOEL OKIDA for the Guide of their October 6, 2009 show at Largo in L.A.
REVIEW by Joel Okida, for the Acoustic Americana Music Guide
WPA (WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION) SUPERSTAR BAND at Largo in L.A., Tuesday, October 6, 2009
By Joel Okida
WPA, aka Works Progress Administration, is a superb conglomerate of ace musicians who have put together a collection of songs that are all as rich as they are varied. This band can stretch out across several genres like they are the house band for all things Americana. The musicianship is solid as a rock (and roll) and they let each other shine in both songs and solos.
The core members of sibs Sara and Sean Watkins (of Nickel Creek), Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket), and Luke Bulla (Lyle Lovett) are a quartet of solid singers who can back up the vocals with some sharp instrumentals. At the Largo show, semi-regulars Greg Leisz (Bill Frisell, Joni Mitchell, Dave Alvin), massaged out some very spot-on lapsteel riffs, Benmont Tench (Tom Petty) played the hell out of the house upright piano, Sebastian Steinberg (Soul Coughing) punctuated the rhythms on bass, and local skin spanker, Don Heffington, rocked each number like this could be his old band. The interplay was tight and each song was ripe with melodies juicy and soulful.
The polished presentation of every song might be due to the many Watkins Family Hour shows (with frequent guests) transferring over from the old Largo haunts to this band, this concert and the tour, but maybe the talent pool here really is not capable of making a mistake, much less doing a less than top notch show. Yet for all this crisp and inspired playing, the band is loose and almost cozy in demeanor. That they get to share the load and make each other's songs shine even brighter makes good company for musician and listener alike.
The nearly 90 minute show inside the intimate Largo theater carried over to an "after-show" in the Little Room, the adjacent bar, where the Watkins siblings, Phillips, Bulla, Tench, and opening pop vocalist, Molly Henson returned with another 45 minutes of gems.
This was one of the best shows of the year!
[This first appeared in the Acoustic Americana Music Guide at
www.nodepression.com/profiles/blogs/review-of-wpa-works-progress and at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/10/review-of-wpa-works-progress.html]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(3) BOULDER ACOUSTIC SOCIETY that virtuosic ensemble from the Centennial State – review by JOEL OKIDA of their October 21, 2009 show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, Altadena. (From the Acoustic Americana Music Guide & NEWS, Nov 20 through 26, 2009 edition.)
REVIEW by Joel Okida, for the Acoustic Americana Music Guide
Boulder Acoustic Society at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, October 21, 2009
BOULDER ACOUSTIC SOCIETY - GETTING BOLDER BY THE MINUTE
By Joel Okida
The name Boulder Acoustic Society may sound like a monthly gathering of Colorado audio engineers, but, in fact, is the moniker of four lively musicians who come together on stages across the country to entertain many a sell-out audience.
Recently, in the intimate confines of Altadena’s Coffee Gallery Backstage, the band presented their multi-faceted music machine for an evening of spirited song and a few stories from the road.
With a sharp jab or subtle irony, they can get you grinning broadly to any number of rollicking up tempo numbers and then cut you off at the knees with a lament like accordion/keyboard player, Scott McCormick’s “Take My Hand.” From there, they take that lump out of your throat and boost you up with an inspired gospel hymn.
Drummer Scott Aller has the tough task of keeping the beat and adding the varied percussive elements on the vastly different range of tunes that the band generates. Aaron Keim juggles the guitar, uke, lap steel, banjo, alto horn and cornet when not posted behind his upright bass and singing. Few groups can cover as much ground instrumentally and material-wise, but BAS carries their own adventurous Americana songbook and gave energetic readings from that eclectic repertoire.
All songs are credited to the band as a whole on their recent recording, “Punchline,” but in concert each member gets a beam of the limelight. A song such as “Frog Pajama Waltz” allows ace fiddler Kailin Yong to show his bowing chops, while adding fire on any number of other tunes.
Not many bands can be everything to everybody, but BAS touches upon so many musical areas that if they did a show comprised of early music lullabies, bird calls of the Pacific Northwest, Paganini violin concertos and the Star Spangled Banner on ukulele, you would only be mildly surprised, but not shocked at all by how well they do it.
They are now on tour throughout the Southwest with a few shows in the eastern U.S. See them on the road if you’re traveling somewhere along their route. Learn more about this remarkable band at www.boulderacousticsociety.net
[This first appeared in the Acoustic Americana Music Guide at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/11/review-boulder-acoustic-society-getting.html]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(4) VAGABOND OPERA quote from a classic piece Joel wrote for FolkWorks and sent to us to promote the band's performance on February 23, 2010 at The Edison in L.A.
Tue, Feb 23; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm VAGABOND OPERA at The Edison, 108 W 2nd St #101, Los Angeles 90012; www.edisondowntown.com; 213-613-0000. They’ve performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and their energy and musicianship are stellar.
Here’s an excerpt from Joel Okida’s piece on the band in the [then] current FolkWorks (www.folkworks.org) ~
“As the traveling ensemble, Vagabond Opera makes its way up and down the west coast, they will soon park here and bring an entertainment to our fine, but fickle and financially-strapped city; an evening which promises to be filled with tongue-in-cheekiness, cheery chicanery, and perhaps a skosh of the scoundrel. Performing selections from the their last recording, ‘The Zeitgeist Beckons,’ as well as offerings from two previous CDs, the staunchly acoustic Vagabond Opera brings thrills and chills in their ‘opera in four acts, maybe even five.’ A tantalizing tango, a tarantella tarriance, a wandering waltz, and who knows, maybe even a triple-measured mazurka will be performed with full operatic interpretation and expert instrumental-attended accompaniment.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(5) Random Joel...
Joel tipped us to a show that we put in the Guide for March 10, 2008. He called SLIM CESSNA'S AUTO CLUB (playing that night at Safari Sam's in L.A.) “Colorado psychobilly gospel sweathogs.”
He did have a way with words.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read the Guide's tribute to Joel,
IN MEMORIUM: JOEL OKIDA, MUSIC JOURNALIST EXTRAORDINAIRE, at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/07/in-memorium-joel-okida-music-journalist.html
Read much more of Joel's work in the current memorial retrospective in FolkWorks, online at www.folkworks.org.
Return to finish reading the current edition of The Guide at www.acousticmusic.net or www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Three Girls & Their Buddy" - Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller
...at the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, June 25, 2009
EIGHT REVIEWS, exclusive to the Guide
===================================================================
By Joel Okida:
It was a mild summer evening with some thin cloud cover that negated any star sightings. But that was okay because we had four of them right on stage.
Voices sparkling with varying degrees of twang and quiver, three sopranos and Buddy Miller's distinct and forceful delivery provided for an evening of defining Americana prose-like singing. I found Patty Griffin to be near transcendent in her songwriting and elocution of her evening's song selection. But then I can't find much fault in any of the performances.
Admittedly, I have been a Buddy Miller fan for a long time, both in his smart and stylish guitar playing but also his singing and songwriting. Truly an underrated performer outside of the folk/country/roots genre where he is known and well-respected. His "Shelter Me" and "All My Tears" etched into the night, counterpoint to the sweet vocals of the womanly takes on tales of woe.
Hey, Emmy Lou is the grand dame of iconic folk/no wig country music so what's not to love? The "Red Dirt Girl" is still singing pretty much in the same range she did 30 years ago so it's all good.
I was not a Shawn Colvin fan before, not because I didn't like her music, but because I just never really got around to listening to a lot of her book although she enjoyed many a hit in the genre several years ago. She was spot on when her turn came around and no slouch on guitar either.
But I think the youngster in the group at 45, Griffin, would win my honors for charismatic readings of her material. "Heavenly Day" and "Mary" really stood out and I also liked that deadpan novelty tune, which for lack of not knowing the unrecorded title, must be something like, "It's a Dud" (one of the two "love" songs that she's ever written, according to her).
It was a good night for music, made better by the good music they sent into that night.
===================================================================
By Ray Doyle:
[Note: Ray Doyle is a professional musician, guitar player, band leader and chief arranger for Wylie & The Wild West – Wylie Gustafson’s band. Wylie is, among other things, the voice of the Yahoo! Yodel.]
Some thoughts about 3 Girls and their Buddy...
The performance-
I thought all the performances were strong...especially Buddy's! Considering what he has been through in the last six months I hardly expected his voice and energy to be so strong. I absolutely love his material and he pulled it off. I'm crazy about baritone guitar!
I've seen Emmylou many times and have never been disappointed.
I'm not familiar with Patty but thought she did a fine job. She did seem at times like the "junior partner" though.
Shawn blew me away. What a voice!
Tech-
From where I was sitting it seemed that it took longer than I expected for the soundman to get the guitars right and the volume up. The video screens were a big disappointment. I assumed there was no operator, but a long way into the concert someone finally made a few amateurish moves.
Venue-
I haven't been to the Greek in many years. I used to go frequently, especially in the late 60's and early 70's. (I remember seeing CSN&Y with Joni as their opening act two evenings in a row.) It's still my fave big-small venue.
The staff was professional and helpful. The parking can be a nightmare but I lucked out by getting there really early and nabbed a easy get-away space.
=================================================================
By Gary & Kathy Lynch:
"Three Girls & Their Buddy" (Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin and Buddy Miller) was a wonderful evening of "songwriters in the round" at the Greek. It was a nice mixture of solo and group performances. The foursome's material was a combination of edgy and classic. Each of them added to the evening in their own special way. Highlights were Emmylou's timeless and classic voice, the counterpart of Patty's edgier material, Buddy's guitar prowess and Shawn's sweet ballads. The only distractions were the overuse of instrumental reverb and the presence of Emmylou's roadie who brought her guitar to her before each of her songs. With these exceptions, it was like being a fly on the wall of four really good friends during a living room jam.
=================================================================
By Arlene & Bill Kole:
Great seats and what a show! I loved it and cried a few times. All 3 of those girls have been a major influence in my life! I was listening to Emmy Lou when I was 15 and of course Shawn is my number 1. It was great hearing Patty as I saw her at the Strawberry Festival last summer and felt she might have been having a bad day as the show was just okay...last night she was amazing! My first time with Buddy Miller and loved him as well.
I hope you had a great time and made some nice connections. I look forward to hearing all about it. I will miss the LAWIM Happy Hour Hang as I am doing a Nashville style songwriters circle at O'Briens in Santa Monica...we need to all get together yes! dinner yes! at my house yes!
I'm off to an early morning gig...I have 5 gigs in the next 2 days...busy gal!
Hugs and a big muah!
Arlene (ak@arlenekole.com)
===================================================================
By Renee Herman:
Oh my gosh, what an amazing show! Thank you so much for the chance to hear some of the greatest songwriters alive do their thang, and do it so well.
It was a gorgeous evening and the Greek Theater was the perfect setting. I'm a huge fan of all the writers, and to watch and hear them collaborate on some of my favorite songs was a treat I'll never forget. It was truly a magical evening.
There was such a breadth of talent and diversity among them, and they intertwined their unique voices and styles of songwriting with ease and beauty while providing unique glimpses into the backstage relationships that go down amongst fellow musicians. What a generous gift to have given away, I am so grateful for such a fantastic experience.
Thank you again!
Renée Herman
Vocalist ~ Songwriter
http://www.myspace.com/reneehermanmusic
================================================================
By Donna Lynn Caskey:
Had a great time last night. Stream of conscious highlights/ thoughts...
Hooray for vocal harmonies. Buddy Miller all-around rocks -- but we knew that. Glad he is on the mend.
I'll never think of Patty Griffin's "Heavenly Day" the same now that I know it is about her dog. All I could picture was panting, smiley dog & blue skies!
I appreciated the performers' wit. I appreciated how the audience was listening intently to a series of less-than-upbeat songs & songs with gospel bent -- gives a gal like me hope!
Enjoyed songwriters-in-the-round format. Liked how Emmylou & Patty just put their ages out there, matter-of-fact, owning it. Not pretending to be permanently 23.
Shawn Colvin bowling a tambourine over to Emmylou toward the end...
Yum, yum, yum
===================================================================
By Geo. McCalip:
Four great performers under the stars with weather as close to perfect as you could ask for made for an evening that everyone there enjoyed.
Unfortunately almost half of the seats were closed off and covered in camo netting.
Maybe the promoters need to adjust the prices for the economy, fill all of the seats and make more money not just on ticket sales but on the concessions as well (don't tell me there is no profit in $8 beer or an $8 burger).
More people need to get out and discover the magic of live music - real music - the kind of music that is too good to hear on the radio (at least in LA).
(geo@mccalip.com)
(Nederlander Concerts replied: Regarding the comment from George, the venue was intentionally set up for a smaller audience to create a more intimate setting when the show was originally announced. We're doing that with several shows this year. Please let him know. Thanks.)
==================================================================
By Donna Scholl:
I want to thank you again for the opportunity to see Emmylou & company at the Greek Theatre last week. I had a friend visiting LA from out of town who had never been to the Greek before, so that made it an extra treat.
It turned out to be a perfect night: the music (and the evening) was stellar!
Thanks again. I am sure I will run into you at another music event soon!
=================================================================
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Acoustic Americana Music Guide – CURRENT SECTIONS / Navigation, July 20, 2011
||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||
– Links to Current Sections / Updates –
ACOUSTIC
AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
July 20, 2011
||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||
Festivals and more are coming this weekend, plus concerts indoors and out, every night, all the time, in the region with the most live acoustic music of anyplace in the world. The editor is currently recovering from eye surgery (his fifth) but he's listening, and The Guide goes on with (drum roll, maestro...)
~~~~~~~~~~~
(a) a fresh serving of the Guide's NEWS FEATURES – at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/07/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_19.html
~~~~~~~~~~~
(b) a separate and SPECIAL major feature on the Debt Debate and its implications for artists, examining “IS THE FUTURE OF ARTS FUNDING GONE IN AMERICA? – at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/07/is-future-of-arts-funding-gone-in.html
*** UPDATE: Wow, we are getting a TON of comments from you on this one!
They're posted now at the same link and we invite you to add yours! ***
~~~~~~~~~~~
(c) the LATEST UPDATE to the Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS, with chronological, day-by-day listings and descriptions of live acoustic and Americana performances, festivals, workshops
and more – at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/07/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana_20.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Need a synopsis?
(a) THIS WEEK’S NEWS FEATURES
1) IS THE FUTURE OF ARTS FUNDING GONE IN AMERICA?
(Quotes from the Guide's major, in-depth feature, with analysis beyond Washington's
maddening politics that debunks the Debt Limit, spending cuts and budget battles – the
full piece has its own, separate address for access – click the link at “b,” below)
2) KCSN CANCELS “TWANG;” NIC HARCOURT GETS TIME SLOT FOR NEW
NON-FOLK-FRIENDLY “ECLECTIC” SHOW
3) RIDERS IN THE SKY TO PLAY “DAY OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL” FESTIVAL
AT THE AUTRY THIS SATURDAY
4) JULY 23 & 24 WEEKEND: MORE FESTIVALS, CONCERTS, TOUGH CHOICES
5) BYE BYE BORDERS – EXCEPT ONE
6) FULL EVENINGS OF QUALITY MUSIC PROGRAMS, NEW ON FRIDAYS ON L.A. TV
7) THE SYNCOPATHS PLAY A PAIR OF EVENTS AT CALTECH THIS WEEKEND
8) MOLLY’S REVENGE TO PLAY CULVER CITY'S FREE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL,
JULY 28
9) ANNUAL “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” ARRIVES JULY 30 & 31
10) INAUGURAL VENTURA FOLK FESTIVAL BRINGS STARS IN AUGUST
Read these NEWS FEATURES at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/07/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_19.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
b) IS THE FUTURE OF ARTS FUNDING GONE IN AMERICA?
In a call to action for artists, the editor debunks the current fight over the Debt Limit and
what's really at stake – whether this one, current, moment will change us and our priorities
forever. He digs into the future of public-sector support for accessible arts and arts education. He assesses whether there will be any ability to find support for the arts again, given current politics, and what we can do to change things in our favor.
It's an in-depth piece that shows how things are connected, and how we are gambling with
our aility to be an innovative player in a globally competitive marketplace. There's plenty of
context, history and perspective.
You'll find quotes from Thomas Friedman, Larry Summers, Dwight Eisenhower, Bill Maher, Goldman Sachs, Jay Carney, Bruce Bartlett, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Abraham Lincoln, David
Ignatius, Dick Cheney, Ronald Reagan, Jon Stewart, Bob Schieffer, Fareed Zakariah, George W. Bush, Robert Reich, Ezra Klein, and more.
It's quite thorough, it's about now and the future.
It's at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/07/is-future-of-arts-funding-gone-in.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(c) SPOTLIGHT EVENTS – the LATEST UPDATE to the Guide's chronological, day-by-day
listings and descriptions of live acoustic and Americana performances, festivals, workshops
and more.
It's at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/07/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana_20.html
||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||
Spotlight Events: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, UPDATED July 20, 2011
||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
from THE ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE
July 20, 2011 edition
||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
Whoo-eee, summer continues to bring FESTIVALS(!), and every weekend and night it's filled with concerts indoors and out, across and around L.A., the region with the most live acoustic music of anyplace in the world.
This is SPOTLIGHT EVENTS – the LATEST UPDATE to the Guide's chronological, day-by-
day listings and descriptions of live acoustic and Americana performances, festivals,
workshops and more. Welcome!
And remember to check-out the Guide's other current content – our fresh serving of the Guide's NEWS FEATURES and our separate and SPECIAL major feature on the Debt Debate, public funding, and its implications for artists, examining “IS THE FUTURE OF ARTS
FUNDING GONE IN AMERICA?
Find everything via the main site at
www.acousticmusic.net
or go directly to the latest post at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, let's get started...
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
July, 2011...
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Today in History - July 20:
Forty-two years ago today, on July 20, 1969, humans first walked on another world. The
milestone of Apollo 11 was followed by five additional lunar landings through December of
1972, each exponentially increasing our knowledge of the universe and our place in it. Alas,
the budgets were cut for science and exploration and inquiry and discovery, and aside from
epic space fantasy/adventure movies that make milllions and plenty of TV shows about space and aliens, we've never been anywhere since.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Wed, Jul 20:
Noon-1:30 pm PERSHING SQUARE FREE SUMMER LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES brings singer-songwriter GILLI MOON to Pershing Square 532 South Olive St. Los Angeles 90013; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare; 213-847-4970. Check out her music and broad-spectrum presence as an artist at www.gillimoon.com. This Aussie expatriate is an energetic bundle of dynamite who performs barefoot regardless of season and writes songs that cross many genres and include plenty in the realms of new folk and acoustic pop. Grab s take out lunch at Grand Central Market and check out her live performance.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Wed, Jul 20:
8 pm JOHN McEUEN (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) backed by CRAIG EASTMAN & MATT CARTSONIS, doing something extra special tonight at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236.
It's not just a night of acoustic music with great players tonight: they will involve the audience in the writing of a song, getting the chords and subject from those shouting-out. This'll be fun.
JOHN McEUEN, often called America's instrumental poet, is music royalty and a great,
funny guy. Country Weekly says, “His stellar playing brings us musical photographs from his
travels around the world..."
He brings to the Coffee Gallery his guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle to create what
Billboard Magazine acclaims as "An absolute aural feast," while the Washington Post cites his "...thouroghly wacky and enjoyable performance."
John brings his virtuoso pals Matt Cartsonis and Craig Eastman with him tonite.
He's performed in about 50 cities so far this year, and is in the middle of summer touring
with his Nitty Grtty Dirt Band, now in their 45th year. His shows here are a celebratory break for him and a joy for the audience. New songs, old favorites, new stories are all promised.
Check out bits of John's new show on syndicatednews.net - The Americana Music Show.
Although a Southern Cal native, it has been said this innovator in Country Rock and Folk
(he instigated the famous “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” album) has also created "...some of t
he most deft and impeccably tasteful music to come out of Nashville" (Chicago Tribune).
More at www.johnmceuen.com. Venue impresarion Bob Stane adds, “The stage can bear
the weight, but just barely.” Tix, $20.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Wed, Jul 20:
8 pm “GREAT GUITARS: GARY LUCAS” at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage, 800 W Olympic Bl, L.A. 90015; www.grammymuseum.org; 213-765-6803.
GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and composer Gary Lucas does an on-stage interview and performance. Regarded as a "thinking man's guitar hero,” Gary Lucas continues to catch the attention of critics everywhere, as he tours the world relentlessly, both solo and with several different ensembles. His longtime band Gods and Monsters, once included the late singer Jeff Buckley. After the interview, Lucas will take questions from the audience and perform a selection of songs. GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares Vice President Scott Goldman, himself a great guitarist, will conduct the interview as well as play a few tunes on stage with Lucas.
Doors open at 7:30 pm. Tix, $15. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum Box Office starting Wednesday, June 22 at noon. All proceeds benefit The GRAMMY Museum.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Wed, Jul 20:
8 pm AMANDA ABIZAID plays “Musique du Monde” at the M Bar & Restaurant, N Vine St (Fountain & Vine Plaza), Hollywood 90038; www.mbaronline.com. Doors at 7 pm; tix $10.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Thu, Jul 21:
MEIKO & TOM FREUND play Open Borders, 125 W Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91360; www.openborders2011.com; email openbordersmedia@gmail.com; 805-497-1018. This new venue is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible and has already booked some first-rate talent. Coming up here are two Grammy-winning bands, the PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND on Friday, July 22, and THE KLEZMATICS on Saturday, July 23.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri, Jul 22:
The Grammy-winning PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND at Open Borders, 125 W Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91360; www.openborders2011.com; email openbordersmedia@gmail.com; 805-497-1018. This new venue is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible and has already booked some first-rate talent. Coming up tomorrow here is another Grammy-winning band, THE KLEZMATICS.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri, Jul 22:
8 pm SUSAN ANDERS with TOM MANCHIE at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236.
Susan brings her smart folk-pop songs and “soulful, commanding voice” (the New Yorker)
to the Coffee Gallery Backstage for a rare Los Angeles appearance.
“She’s a wonderful singer, an amazing songwriter, and just plain all-’round fine entertainer” (East Bay Express). Anders and her husband Tom Manche lived and performed in L.A. as
Susan’s Room throughout the 1990s before decamping to Nashville, TN.
Backing herself on acoustic guitar with Manche on guitar and backing vocals, Anders will
perform selections from her “music for adults: smart, witty, and insightful." (Dirty Linen),
including songs from her recent CD, “Swimmer,” which “Digs in and won’t let you go” (Midwest Record). Tom Manche opens with a short set of his wickedly funny songs.
Susan Anders isn't afraid of dishing the dirt on herself for a good song. Anders wrote and
recorded her newest CD last year, mixing it as the flood waters rose in Nashville. These are
not puppy-love songs for kids, but wise reports from mid-life.
"Swimmer is more than a musically well-made album. This splendid singer purveys a fresh and intelligent strain of pop of her own creation, always honest in expression.” - New England critic Frank-John Hadley.
Anders performed in a cappella, rock, and jazz bands before finding her niche as a folk-pop singer-songwriter. Her songs have won awards and been recorded by many artists, including The Four Bitchin’ Babes and The Irrationals. In addition, Anders is a voice coach and
inventor. She's coached Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum and Joey Heatherton, among others. Expect some great guitar chops and some whacked out lyrics when you hear Tom Manche.
Tix are only $12.50, this week's best sit-down-concert bargain.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri, Jul 22 (& Sat, Jul 23):
8:30 pm DOLLY PARTON plays two nights at the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood 90068; 323-850-2000 213-480-3232.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 23:
10 am-6 pm Annual "MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS FESTIVAL" with LOONEY'S FORTUNE PATTI AMELOTTE, GEORGIANNA HENNESSY, MATT TONGE, WHEN PIGS FLY! JIM COPE, BEA ROMANO, JIM ROMANO, MARIANNE SCANLON, LEGACY, BARBARA GERSHMAN, PATTY MCCOLLOM, SENARA, DIANE GRADY, SANDI HUCKABY, CAROL POTTER, WAKE THE BARD, MICHAEL & STEPHANIE ADAMS, CLARE BELLEFEUILLE-RICE, PAT & SANDI HUCKABY, with workshops, concerts and jams all day long at beautiful Green Valley Lake, at a cool 7000 ft elevation in the San Bernardino Mountains. Info, www.green-valley-lake.com/MITM_info.html; or contact Sandi Huckaby, 909-867-7105 or huckaby49@yahoo.com.
Workshops include: Patti Amelotte - hammered dulcimer; Leo Kretzner - mountain dulcimer; Georgianna Hennessy – fiddle; Patty McCollom – pennywhistle; Matt Tonge – guitar; Monika White – spoons; Michael Ballard – bones; TBA – Ceili dancing.
LOONEY'S FORTUNE will be celebrating the release of their first CD.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 23:
11 am-5 pm “DAY OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL” with Grammy winners RIDERS IN THE SKY, a Square Dance with THE BEES KNEES and caller SUSAN MICHAELS and many varied western-theme activities and performances at the Autry National Center (Autry Museum) 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027.
It's in conjunction with the “National Day of the Cowboy” in the US and Canada, it's got Grammy winners performing and lots more, and it's the Autry's second year with a big event (last year's “day of” broke the Autry's attendance records).
Is there any American image that's more iconic? As Cowboy Poet Larry Maurice often observes, “What other profession gets other people dress-up to look like they do?”
RIDERS IN THE SKY did the music for Disney's “Toy Story” movies, they've starred with the L.A. Phil at the Hollywood Bowl's annual Fourth of July Fireworks Concert, and were public radio fixtures with “Riders radio Theatre.” They have legions of fans and this is a bargain ticket to see them and enjoy a daylong festival. So get there on time for a good seat.
Emcee for the day is ROB WOLFSKILL of the TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS.
The festival's all-ages activities include a Cowboy Stage Show with World Champion Gunslinger JOEY DILLON; lassoing with KANSAS CARRADINE & LANDON SPENCER; Screenings throughout the day of GENE AUTRY's original science fiction western, “The Phantom Empire;” demonstrations of roping, leather crafting, panning for gold, blacksmithing; a chuck wagon display; hands-on children's crafts and activities; and the grand opening of the museum's new “Colt Revolver and the American West” exhibition.
There's complimentary museum admission all day with your event ticket, plus Western History Gallery tours, a museum scavenger hunt, and Story Time in the galleries.
An outdoor BBQ is featured (so good it sold-out early last year). And anybody with any leftover money can enjoy a western marketplace.
Visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress western, so don't forget your hat (how else will you get your horse a drink?) No firearms, including replicas, are allowed on the premises.
The Autry National Center (Autry Museum) is at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027, across from the L.A. Zoo. Come in from the Los Feliz end or the Travel Town end to avoid the always bad traffic jam from the 134/I-5 Zoo Drive exit.
Event tickets, including complimentary museum admission, are $10 for adults; $6 for seniors and students ages 13-18; $4 for children ages 3-12; it's free for active military personnel and veterans. More info at www.TheAutry.org. Yippe-yi-yaa!
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 23:
“NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY” brings many western music and cowboy poetry celebrations throughout the US and Canada (it’s the national day in both nations). Here in L.A., we have the big event at the Autry (above). Check local event listing sources in your area.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 23:
Noon ASSOCIATION OF FINGERSTYLE GUITARISTS SEMINAR at Mo's Fullerton Music. More when we know it, or check www.afg.org
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 23:
7 pm SLIGO RAGS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236.
"As Irish-trad bands go, you’d pretty much have to journey to Sligo to find anything better"
- Orange County Weekly .
"Sligo Rags has been named Best Folk Band in Orange County for the last two years, and
there's no reason to believe the streak will be broken soon." --Long Beach Press-Telegram.
“Sligo Rags have mastered the ability to take songs from a time gone by and make them
fresh and relevant for a modern audience. Their passion for the music and their willingness to take risks combine for an outstanding live show.” – Lisa Elaine Scott, Music Connection.
“With Sligo Rags we were treated to an extremely talented band of pure musicians and
glorious singers who had fun mixing elements of great music. Along with traditional Irish tunes and bluegrass, we heard traces of classical and pop, Peer Gynt followed by Pink Floyd, a fun
reference to the appreciation of music of any era. 'No great shakes at all' was a delight, along with the merry soulful 'Raggle Taggle Gypsy' song.” - eyespyLA.
"This Group is Grand"- Celtic Beat.
Sligo Rags' sound is based on fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and bass, backing up comfortably
smooth singing, and it's the melodic and unpretentious arrangements that are this trio's
strength. Always fun. Tix, $18.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 23:
8 pm THE SYNCOPATHS, the great contra dance band, in concert at the Caltech Folk Music Society series tonight in Beckman Institute Auditorium, and performing at a contra dance the next day, at Dabney Lounge, both on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena.
THE SYNCOPATHS (www.syncopaths.com), the great contra dance band, roll into Pasadena for a Saturday concert and a Sunday dance with renowned caller SUSAN MICHAELS. Saturday, July 23 at 8 pm, the concert, presented by the Caltech Folk Music Society series, is in Beckman Institute Auditorium, and the contra dance the next day is in Dabney Lounge. Both venues are on the Caltech Campus.
Recently, their lineup has grown and added additional star power. The band is Western States Picking Champ ASHLEY BRODER on mandolin, National Scottish Fiddle Champ RYAN McKASSON on fiddle & viola, CHRISTA BURCH on vocals, bodhran, shakers, and foot percussion, and JEFFREY SPERO on keyboards. You can expect plenty of lively reels, waltzes and original tunes, and this well-rounded group showcases the fine singing of Christa Burch on ballads, traditional songs and originals.
Each member is involved in performing and recording with other folks and most of them are music instructors.
RYAN McKASSON (www.ryanmckasson.com) is an amazing and imaginative fiddler,. He was the youngest winner ever of the National Scottish Fiddle Championship in 1996. He has recorded with his sister and others as THE McKASSONS, and with ALISDAIR FRASER & NATALIE HAAS on their album, "Highlander’s Farewell. He's an accomplished composer.
JEFFREY SPERO (www.jeffandgigi.com) is one of the premiere dance pianists on the west coast. An amazing player, he doubles as an accomplished dance caller. Plus he's a composer.
CHRISTA BURCH (www.christaburch.com) was inspired early on by the music of SILLY WIZARD and has a recent solo CD, "Love of the Land," a fine collection of well-performed songs from the Irish, Scottish, Australian, Canadian and American folk traditions.
ASHLEY BRODER (www.ashleybroder.com) is a multi-instrumental Western States Picking Champion who has toured extensively, performed several times on Tied to the Tracks, is currently working on a solo album, and continues to contribute her amazing mandolin abilities to several bands.
Check out a couple of informal YouTube videos to get an idea of their range as a band: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbzSOFMPTks&feature=related, features them playing amidst a roomful of dancers, and at www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9Myzccyet8, Christa sings the beautiful traditional song, “The Blackest Crow.”
Tickets are available from the Ticket Office at 626-395-4652, or visiting the ticket office in person, or purchasing for cash at the door, if any remain. $15 for adults and $5 for Caltech students and children.
(You can also buy tickets now for LOAFER'S GLORY on August 13 and KRISTINA OLSEN on September 17. More on the series' web page at http://folkmusic.caltech.edu including info on upcoming shows.)
In addition to tonight, they're here Sunday, July 24, for an afternoon contra dance. THE SYNCOPATHS play the dance in Dabney Lounge with SUSAN MICHAELS calling, beginning at 3:30 pm. Check out http://www.contra.caltech.edu/dance_072411.shtml for details of that one.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 23:
Grammy-winning THE KLEZMATICS play Open Borders, 125 W Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91360; www.openborders2011.com; email openbordersmedia@gmail.com; 805-497-1018. This new venue is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible and has already booked some first-rate talent.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 23:
8 pm DOUG MacLEOD & JESSE MacLEOD at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. Venue’s web site has a helpful local dining guide.
Known in the blues world for his superb songwriting, powerfully rhythmic acoustic guitar wizardry, warm vocals, and wit, MacLeod does an unforgettable live performance. The stories and the inspired the songs he performs can draw an audience in like a moth to a light. Plus a unique talent in his own right singer/songwriter Jesse is quickly establishing himself as a bright new artist. More at www.doug-macleod.com and www.jessemacleod.com.
Tickets at Blvd Music or by phone with a major credit card. A $1 service charge per ticket is added on phone orders. Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats; those with advance tix get in first. Tickets $15.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 23:
8:30 pm DOLLY PARTON plays two nights (Fri & Sat) at the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood 90068; 323-850-2000 213-480-3232.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Jul 24:
11 am 5 pm Annual “SEA CHANTEY FESTIVAL” with THE JACKSTRAWS, KEN GRAYDON, RAGGLE TAGGLE, FLASH PACKET, GILMAN CARVER, TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY WALKER, JEFF PEKAREK, abpard the docked sailing vessel Star of India, 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego 92101; 619-234-9153.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Jul 24:
3:30 pm THE SYNCOPATHS play a contra dance with caller SUSAN MICHAELS at Dabney Lounge on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena. See Saturday night, July 23, 8 pm, for lots of info on this wonderful band. And, check out http://www.contra.caltech.edu/dance_072411.shtml for details of today's dance.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Jul 24:
5:30 pm GRAND OLE ECHO this week brings WELLDIGGERS BANQUET (5:30), GRANT LANGSTON & THE SUPERMODELS (6:30), and RUBY FRIEDMAN ORCHESTRA (7:30), and if you wander out back you'll catch the ROCKY NECK BLUEGRASS BAND; all at The Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park. Free, full bar, BBQ out back, all ages.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Jul 24:
7 pm FRANK FAIRFIELD, the wizard of old time banjo and delightfully appropriate vocals, plays McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Jul 24:
7:30 pm Grammy winner LORIN SKLAMBERG (Klezmatics) at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236.
Lead singer for the world-renowned Yiddish roots band the Klezmatics, he's hailed as "one of the premier American singers in any genre" by NPR music critic Robert Christgau.
Venue impresario Bob Stane tells us, “Lorin is thrilled to be returning to The Coffee Gallery Backstage again following his sold-out show here last October. Accompanying himself on
accordion and guitar, he will perform an array of songs from his unique repertoire of historic
and contemporary Yiddish folk and theater songs and Hasidic spirituals, as well as English-
language material from the Klezmatics' 2006 Grammy Award-winning CD 'Wonder Wheel'
(lyrics by Woody Guthrie).” Tix: $18.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Jul 24:
7:30 pm GUY DAVIS plays the AMSD Concert Series, 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego 92116; 619-303-8176.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Wed, Jul 27:
Noon-1:30 pm PERSHING SQUARE FREE SUMMER LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES brings THE UNDERCOVER GIRLS to Pershing Square 532 South Olive St. Los Angeles 90013; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare; 213-847-4970.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Wed, Jul 27:
1:45-2:30 pm EILEEN CAREY with PAUL MARSHALL (I See Hawks in L.A.) performs at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Thu, Jul 28:
6-9 pm: HORSEPLAY, the band of STEVE LINSKY, GORDON ROBERTS, PETER TE & TJ ZEILER, plays the world famous Ojai Deer Lodge, 2261 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai 93023; info, 805-910-7560. The band says, “Come on out for a great reasonably priced meal, a drink or two and good entertainment. Mention this Horseplay invite and order the discounted chef’s chicken special! There will be special guest appearances! or email Horseplay.band@gmail.com, more at www.horseplay.yolasite.com.”
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Thu, Jul 28:
7 pm Acoustic Celtic band MOLLY’S REVENGE with special guest vocalist CHRISTA BURCH (The Syncopaths) plays the 17th annual Culver City Summer Music Festival series (8 Thursdays, different acts) in the palm-lined courtyard of Culver City's City Hall, 9770 Culver Bl (at Duquesne Av), downtown Culver City.
Molly's Revenge is a dynamic, acoustic Celtic band with the classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, and song – set against a backdrop of guitar, bouzouki, and mandola accompaniment. Singer and bodhrán player Christa Burch possesses a singular voice that's warm, supple, expressive and intimate.
This popular series is curated by producer Gary Mandell of Culver City’s Boulevard Music (home of a fine year-round acoustic concert series.)
Parking is free underneath City Hall; additional parking is free for the first two hours in designated structures in the downtown area (parking on streets can get you ticketed, so be careful). The courtyard opens at 4:30 pm. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed. More info, call 310-253-5716. Free.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Thu, Jul 28:
7-8:30 pm I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. play the Whittier Summer Concert in the Park series in
Parnell Park, 15390 Lambert Rd, Whittier. Free outdoor concert sponsored by the City of Whittier.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri, Jul 29:
7:30 pm LOS LONELY BOYS and LOS LOBOS at the Greek Theatre, , 2700 N Vermont, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027; 213-480-3232.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri, Jul 29, festival on the Central Coast:
7:30 pm 11th Annual REDWOOD DULCIMER DAYS begins tonight with a faculty concert oat the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, 125 Canterbury Dr, Aptos. Suggested donation $15 general; $12 student/senior.
Main festival is Saturday and requires separate tickets; see that listing. Reservations and info, www.redwooddulcimerday.com
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri, Jul 29:
8 pm CONJUNTO LOS POCHOS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236. Is it possible to be unhappy when
there's an accordion in the room? While steeped in traditional Tex-Mex Conjunto music, they
are not quite your typical Tex-Mex group. Los Pochos have traversed the folk scene fusing
country and blues, serenading crowds from museums to concert halls, and providing the
mystical, musical ambience for theater productions throughout the United States and Canada.
The two co-founders of the group met at CalArts and parlayed their degrees in Visual Arts
and Jazz Piano into a lucrative career of banging out traditional Mexican music.
The group includes Grammy winner Lorenzo Martinez, and the renowned Ernesto Molina, who comes from a lineage of Mariachi royalty. With a punchy accordion and seriously catchy
tunes, Conjunto Los Pochos has brought the traditional conjunto and norteno sounds into
L.A.'s music scene - from East L.A. to the Westside, throughout Southern California and
across the country. They have performed regularly at the Grassroots Music Festivals and the
Tejano Conjunto Festival in San Antonio, Texas and have shared the stage with legendary
musicians Poncho Sanchez, Los Dos Gilbertos, and the renowned Flaco Jimenez.
Now in their 13th year of performing, Los Pochos delivers a genuine expression of traditional northern Mexican music to a steadily growing roots-music audience that also loves to dance! Los Pochos lays-down a foot-stompin' polka, dives into whimsical Cumbia, and finesses a
romantic Bolero. Whether singing in English or in Spanish, their music transcends language.
It's a rare intimate opportunity to experience the band in a cabaret-style performance space.
Tix, $18.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat & Sun, Jul 30 & 31:
Noon-10 pm Annual “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” with performances today by MARK ST. MARY LOUISIANA BLUES AND ZYDECO BAND, ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC, BLUESBOX BAYOU BAND, BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS, A.J. GIBBS - THE MYDECO KING, THE HIGH STEPPERS NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus dancing and children's activities.
+
On Sunday, Noon-10 pm, performances by STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS, LEROY THOMAS, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, ROYALE GARDEN DIXIELAND BAND, A.J. GIBBS - THE MYDECO KING, THE HIGH STEPPERS NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus dancing and children's activities, all at Rainbow Lagoon, Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 30, festival on the Central Coast:
9 am 11th Annual REDWOOD DULCIMER DAYS with performances by LEO KRETZNER, PETER TOMMERUP, NEAL HELLMAN, & RON BEARDSLEE at "Boomeria," 60 Verde Dr, Bonny Doon, CA, in the hills above Santa Cruz, approximately 20 minutes from town. It's an “enchanted outdoor setting among majestic redwood forest. Features a three story castle, catacombs, a swimming pool and a massive working pipe organ.” Reservations and info, www.redwooddulcimerday.com
In addition, there's a faculty concert on Friday, July 29, at 7:30 pm at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, 125 Canterbury Dr, Aptos. Suggested donation $15 general; $12 student/senior.
It's a full day of instruction, jam sessions, socializing and outdoor relaxation with some of most inspiring instructors available anywhere. Loaner instruments are available at no extra charge. Instruction this year covers a wide variety of styles, including Italian, Scandinavian, early music, French waltzes, Celtic, and American blues. Registration now open, $45 in advance, $55 at the door.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 30:
1-4 pm FREE COMMUNITY JAM - ALL ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS, co-sponsored by The Living Tradition and Southern California Dulcimer Heritage, at Mo's Music, 121 N Harbor (at Amerige), Fullerton; info, 714-267-4567. Organizers say “Stop by! Bring an instrument! Fretted & hammered dulcimer players welcome!”
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 30:
3 pm RUTHANN FRIEDMAN & special guest JEB LIPSON play a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236.
She wrote “Windy,” the big hit for THE ASSOCIATION, and Ruthann Friedman remains, as venue impresario Bob Stane says, “an enduring gem, a jewel in the headband of '60s culture.”
Stane adds, “She radiates a particular color in the rainbow arc and, with a serious clutch of songs, defines an exact space and time. As a determined musician – her smooth and
undulating vocal line is combined with polished stone-washed lyrical poetry. Her legend starts with 'Windy.' The Association took it on and pushed it to the top of the charts in 1967.
“For Ruthann, Windy was a guy. For The Association, it was Ruthann. Lots of guys really
got it about Ruthann. Some really got it about guys with stormy eyes.”
Other salty reviews: "Ruthann Friedman wrote the early bubble-pop anthem 'Windy' for The Association while crashed out on Crosby's couch, swung with Zappa's crew, and she almost
got that Jefferson Airplane vocalist slot before bitch goddess Grace slunk in. Ruthann's 1970
LP, 'Constant Companion,' is a recording of sublime beauty and abstract folky ruminations
which should've sent ol' Joni running to Essra Mohawk and Judee Sill for consolation (and
inspiration!) -- but sadly recognition was a long time in coming. Friedman's lone 45, 'Carry On (Glittering Dancer)' is another bit of genius, fleshed out by captivating Van Dyke Parks
arrangements a la 'Smile' or 'Song Cycle.'”
Guest artist JEB LIPSON joins her. He was “born in the suburbs surrounding a dying auto
industry and subsequently self-educated in the Arizona desert.” Jeb Lipson's style of acoustic music is unique, raw, very real and inviting. An accomplished songwriter and guitar player; Jeb Lipson has been playing on, producing and engineering records for over 20 years. He is
currently writing for and producing Solomon Burke Jr., among others. His original songs are to the point, thought-provoking and often personal. Bob Stane adds, “His solo live show seems to go by way too fast and leave you wanting more.” Tix, $15.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 30:
4 pm 9 pm “BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN TWILIGHT MUSIC FESTIVAL” with SLIGO RAGS at Big Bear Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Dr/ Hwy 38, Fawnskin 92333.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 30:
7 pm BERKLEY HART play their L.A. CD RELEASE SHOW for “Crow,” their 6th studio album, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236.
In some cultures, the crow symbolizes despair and darkness, while in others it is a harbinger of hope and light. This contrast fits the yin and yang of the songs on “Crow,” the new Berkley
Hart album, both musically and lyrically, and thus inspired the title. Among other songs,
listeners will find the playfully dark cover, “Little Boxes,” as well as the moody “Barn Sour
Horses,” which serves as a sequel of sorts to some of the characters you’ve already met in
previous Berkley Hart songs. Longtime fans acclaim Berkley Hart at their best on this album,
while new listeners understand why this incredible duo is so admired. Over their more than 10 years together, San Diego’s Berkley Hart have proven time and again they are worth the price of admission or the cost of a CD. Go to www.berkleyhart.com for more. Venue impresario Bob Stane calls them “A big winner.” Tix, $20.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 30:
7 pm KEN O'MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS play the “Concerts in the Park” series in Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 91350.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 30:
8 pm CLIFF WAGNER AND HIS OLD #7 at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. Venue’s web site has a helpful local dining guide.
Their sizzling sound that utilizes bluegrass, blues, and honky tonk combined with modern lyrics preserves the "High Lonesome Sound" of traditional music. Combine that with great harmony singing and exciting instrumentals done with electrifying fiddle, banjo, mando, guitar & bass and you have The Old #7. More at www.oldnumber7.net
Tickets at Blvd Music or by phone with a major credit card. A $1 service charge per ticket is added on phone orders. Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats; those with advance tix get in first. Tickets $15, on sale Jul 16.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 30:
8 pm THE DUO TONES, play "Acoustic Surf Duo" at The Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina; 626-339-7020; frethouse@earthlink.net; www.frethouse.com. More at www.pjmoto.com/specialty/duo_tones.php. Tix, $15.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Jul 30:
8 pm LOS LONELY BOYS and LOS LOBOS play the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio 92203.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Jul 31:
Noon-10 pm Annual “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” concludes with performances by STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS, LEROY THOMAS, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, ROYALE GARDEN DIXIELAND BAND, A.J. GIBBS - THE MYDECO KING, THE HIGH STEPPERS NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus dancing and children's activities, all at Rainbow Lagoon, Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Jul 31:
7 pm I SEE HAWKS IN L.A., plus AMILIA K SPICER share the bill at Open Borders, 125 W Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91360; www.openborders2011.com; email openbordersmedia@gmail.com; 805-497-1018. This new venue is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible and has already booked some first-rate talent. Tix, $15.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Jul 31:
7 pm LOS LONELY BOYS and LOS LOBOS play Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
August, 2011...
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Wed, Aug 3:
8 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play the “Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival” series in the Redlands Bowl, 25 Grant St, Redlands 92373.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Thu, Aug 4:
7 pm 17th annual CULVER CITY SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL brings rock and rockabilly from guitar legend ALBERT LEE, backed by the CARL VERHEYEN BAND in the palm-lined courtyard of Culver City's City Hall, 9770 Culver Bl (at Duquesne Av), downtown Culver City.
Guitar legend Albert Lee has been voted Guitar Player magazine's “Best Country Guitar Picker” five times and he is the recipient of two Grammy Awards for Best Instrumental (2002 and 2009). Lee has been a member of The Crickets and Emmylou Harris' Hot Band (and others), and he tours on a regular basis with Gerry Hogan’s Hogan’s Heroes and Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings. Backing Lee tonight is the Carl Verheyen Band. Carl became lead guitarist for the band Supertramp in 1985 and is one of L.A.’s top session guitarists and a guitar virtuoso who tours throughout the US, Germany, France, Italy and the UK. The other band members performing tonight are Carl's regulars, Dave Marotta on bass and Walfredo Reyes, Jr on percussion.
This festival is a series (8 Thursdays, different acts) curated by producer Gary Mandell of Culver City’s Boulevard Music (home of a fine year-round acoustic concert series.) More info, call 310-253-5716. Free.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri–Sun, Aug 5-7, in the Gold Rush Country:
37th Annual KINDRED GATHERING is, this year, in Fair Play, CA, near Placerville, as close as it’s likely to be in 2-3 years. Headliners are “A bunch of wonderful players! You!”
This legendary mountain dulcimer event welcomes hammered dulcimers and all other instruments with open arms. We know of a fretted / hammered / tuba jam a few years back. This is described as “a wonderful, loose, under-the-radar event, which moves to a different site up and down the west coast every year.” Google it or check www.scdh.org for info.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 6, in Ojai:
7:30 pm THE WICKED TINKERS perform at Dancing Oak Ranch, on Hwy 150, 6 miles
from Hwy 101 (4585 Casitas Pass Rd, Ventura, for GPS locating) Prepare yourself for a wild ride with WICKED TINKERS. Pioneers of the growing Tribal Celtic movement, the
Wicked Tinkers play haunting, heart-pounding bagpipes, Australian didgeridoo & bronze-age Irish horn. Sit back and be transported to an earlier time in Scotland & Ireland when battle cries filled the air and strange, unheard-of creatures roamed the night. Or better
yet, get on your feet and let your body move to ancient rhythms and forgotten sounds.
Tix are $18 in advance or $20 at the gate (under age 16, free).
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 6:
8 pm SNAP JACKSON & THE KNOCK ON WOOD PLAYERS at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. Venue’s web site has a helpful local dining guide.
An acoustic quartet hailing from Stockton blending Americana, bluegrass, soul, and Old Time music to create a unique, fresh, and energetic sound. Banjo, fiddle, guitar, upright bass, uke and even mountain dulcimer. Amazingly gifted with outstanding vocal and instrumental skills. “Energetic, talented, creative” - California Bluegrass Association.
More at knockonwoodplayers.com.
Tickets at Blvd Music or by phone with a major credit card. A $1 service charge per ticket is added on phone orders. Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats; those with advance tix get in first. Tickets $15, on sale Jul 23.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 6:
8 pm THE UNTOUCHABLES plus ZOOT SUIT REVUE play the outdoor summer concert series at Pershing Square 532 South Olive St. Los Angeles 90013; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare; 213-847-4970.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Wed, Aug 10:
Noon-1:30 pm PERSHING SQUARE FREE SUMMER LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES brings THE HODADS to Pershing Square 532 South Olive St. Los Angeles 90013; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare; 213-847-4970.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 13:
11 am THE HOLLOW TREES, an Americana Band with plenty of material for children, does a free performance sponsored by the Topanga Banjo•Fiddle Contest organization at the Pasadena Public Library, 285 E Walnut Av, Pasadena 91101.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 13:
7 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play the “Altadena Summer Concert Series” in the amphitheater at Farnsworth Park, 568 E Mount Curb Av, Altadena 91001.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 13:
7:30 pm THE CACHE VALLEY DRIFTERS play the “Song Tree Concert Series” at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 820 N Fairview Av, Goleta 93117; info & tix, SongTree@cox.net or 805-403-2639.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 13:
8 pm LOAFER'S GLORY plays the Caltech Folk Music Society series in Beckman Institute Auditorium, on the campus at California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91106; 626-395-4652.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 13:
8-11 pm STAN RIDGWAY & MICHELLE SHOCKED play the outdoor summer concert series at Pershing Square 532 South Olive St. Los Angeles 90013; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare; 213-847-4970.
MICHELLE SHOCKED received her first international exposure in Europe, with her debut album, The Texas Campfire Tapes which was recorded at the Kerrville Folk Festival on a cassette recorder. Her break into U.S. came with the release of her 1988 album, Short Sharp Shocked on college radio rotations around the country, which was met with strong acclaim from listeners. The songs of Short Sharp Shocked are mostly about what it was like to grow up in rural Texas. Every song on this album is a gem.
She signed with Mercury in 1987. Captain Swing and Arkansas Traveler were recorded in 1989 and critically acclaimed. Captain Swing's style is not exactly swing, because it's also rock and roll. Arkansas Traveler includes a little swing, a little folk, and a bit of bluegrass.
Michelle recorded and independently distributed Kind Hearted Woman in 1994 after leaving Mercury. In 1995, she contributed an original song to the soundtrack for the film Dead Man Walking called "Quality of Mercy". In 1996, she released a studio version of an underground release of Kind Hearted Woman.
Starting in 2002 with the release of Deep Natural, Shocked established her own label, Mighty Sound. On May 12, 2009 she released her newest album, Soul of My Soul, on Mighty Sound. Shocked continues to make music as an independent artist and currently lives in Downtown Los Angeles.
STAN RIDGWAY, songwriter-guitarist and original Wall Of Voodoo vocalist, has taken a long and influential road. Raised in L.A., Ridgway began his love affair with Southwestern gothic 30 years ago as front man and co-founder of vanguard electro-art punks Wall of Voodoo, who he originally formed with the intention of scoring low-budget horror films.
Ridgway sang on the band's debut EP and first two albums, Dark Continent and Call of the West (which included the accidental MTV hit "Mexican Radio"). His darkly humorous, and richly cinematic musical tales of the ironies inside the American Dream have been compared to other classic songwriting iconoclasts like Randy Newman, Tom Waits, Johnny Cash and even hard boiled mystery writers like Raymond Chandler and Jim Thompson, as well as twisted film makers like David Lynch and Quentin Tarantino.
Over the years, Ridgway has performed live on stage with The Cramps, Brian Wilson, U2, Devo, The Pixies, Van Dyke Parks, The Residents, Dave Alvin, Pere Ubu, Peter Case, Bill Frisell, Los Lobos, Ry Cooder, Colin Hay, The Stranglers, The Handsome Family, XTC, The English Beat, Psychedelic Furs, The Clash, The Go Go's, Rickie Lee Jones, Sam The Sham, Johnny Thunders, and many others. 2011 brings his tour in support of his new solo album "Neon Mirage." His stage performance will highlight songs from his deep catalog of past classic solo albums and Wall Of Voodoo favorites. Stan Ridgway’s Pershing Square show will bring song, story and spoken word.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 13:
8 pm COW BOP at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. Venue’s web site has a helpful local dining guide.
Mix swingin' grooves, thrilling riffs, sweet vocals (Pinto Pam), and tons of fun and you have only begun to describe Cow Bop. Formed in 2003 by acclaimed guitarist BRUCE FORMAN, this jazz and western swing band has toured extensively throughout the country, exciting audiences with their unique brand of American music. More at www.cowbop.com
Tickets at Blvd Music or by phone with a major credit card. A $1 service charge per ticket is added on phone orders. Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats; those with advance tix get in first. Tickets $15, on sale Jul 30.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 13:
8 pm GYPSY KINGS play the Greek Theatre, 2700 N Vermont, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027; 213-480-3232.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Aug 14:
3-5 pm “FREE SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE PETER STRAUSS RANCH” brings SABRINA & CRAIG plus TRACY NEWMAN & THE REINFORCEMENTS, two top-notch singer-songwriter-folk groups, for a free performance co-sponsored by the National Park Service and theTopanga Banjo•Fiddle Contest organization at Strauss Ranch, 30000 Mulholland Hwy (2 blks from Troutdale Rd), in Santa Monica Mtns Nat’l Rec Area, near Agoura Hills; 818-382-4819.
SABRINA & CRAIG (www.SabrinaandCraig.com) won the 2010 vocal competition at the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest. "Excellent musicanship and arrangements... solid songwriting with some of the best two-part harmonies..." - Folkworks.
their musical tastes vary dramatically, they've found a way to bring that wide array of musical tastes into harmony, creating their own original music and unique arrangements of select cover songs. Sabrina & Craig's signature sound is rooted in their heartfelt connection. They envelop audiences in luscious harmonies anchored by Craig's finely-crafted guitar voicings and award-winning finger-style playing.
"Sabrina & Craig weave thoughtful stories, people and moments into their songs, sprinkling each observation with intelligence and wit while wrapping them in the cloak of gorgeous, memorable melodies." - Wildy's World.
TRACY NEWMAN (www.TracyNewman.com) is an Emmy and a Peabody Award-winning TV writer and producer. She started as a staff writer on Cheers. In 1997, she won top awards for co-writing the ground-breaking "Coming Out" episode of . In 2001 she co-created the ABC comedy to Jim, which recently finished its 8th and final season of production. Tracy has been playing guitar and writing songs since she was 14. Her CD, Place in the Sun, enjoys global airplay after its debut on Tied to the Tracks. Her band, The Reinforcements, are Gene Lippmann, Rebecca Leigh, John Cartwright, John O'Kennedy, and Doug Knoll.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Aug 14:
7 pm INCENDIO plays the LACC Summer Music Concert series at 425 Pennisula Dr, Los Angeles 96367.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Aug 14:
8 pm GYPSY KINGS play the Greek Theatre, 2700 N Vermont, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027; 213-480-3232.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Mon, Aug 15:
7:30 pm B.B. KING plays Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego 92106; 619-523-1010.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Wed, Aug 17:
Noon-1:30 pm PERSHING SQUARE FREE SUMMER LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES brings award-winning folksinger-songwriter JAMES LEE STANLEY to Pershing Square 532 South Olive St. Los Angeles 90013; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare; 213-847-4970.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Wed, Aug 17:
7:30 pm STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS play Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego 92106; 619-523-1010.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Thu, Aug 18:
7:30 pm STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS play the Orange County Performing Arts Center's Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa; 714-556-2787.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri-Sun, Aug 19-21:
Annual “BIG BEAR LAKE COWBOY GATHERING” at Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center, 39707 Big Bear Bl, Big Bear Lake 92315.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri-Sun, Aug 19-21, festival, in Vista (N San Diego Co):
Annual SUMMERGRASS bluegrass festival at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista. Here's the basic lline-up:
> Friday Aug 19
3 pm Prairie Sky
4 pm Loafer's Glory
5 pm Windy Ridge
6 pm Dinner Break
7 pm Old Town Road
8 pm Loafer's Glory
9 pm Grascals
> Saturday Aug 20
10 am Plow
11 am Sara Petite
Noon Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa
1 pm Lunch Break
2 pm Grascals
3 pm Next Generation
4 pm Gone Tomorrow
5 pm Loafer's Glory
6 pm Dinner Break
7 pm Grascals
8 pm Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa
9 pm Bluegrass Etc.
> Sunday Aug 21
9 am Sweet Tidings
10 am BladeRunners
11 am Bluegrass Etc.
Noon Kids on Stage
12:30 pm Next Generation
1:15 pm Lunch Break
2 pm Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa
3 pm Bluegrass Etc.
4 pm Bladerunners
Tickets, etc, at www.summergrass.net. More info soon.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri, Aug 19:
6 pm SLIGO RAGS play Baily's Old Town Temecula, 28699 Old Town Front St, Temecula 92590; 951-676-9567.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat & Sun, Aug 20 & 21, in Ventura:
Inaugural VENTURA FOLK FESTIVAL "BOUND FOR GLORY" in Mission Park, 180 E Main St, Ventura 93001. Scheduled to perform (so far) are RAMBLIN JACK ELLIOTT, JOHN DOE, J.D. SOUTHER, PETER CASE, THE WHITE BUFFALO, CHRIS PIERCE, SHANE ALEXANDER, TOM CORBETT, PHIL SALAZAR, JAY NASH, TONY LUCCA, MATT DUKE, B. WILLING, JUSTINE BENNETT, DELANEY GIBSON, TED LENNON, 50 STICKS OF DYNAMITE, PHIL CODY, TALL TALES AND THE SILVER LINING, THE KINFOLK, RINCON RAMBLERS, LEE KOCH, JAMIE DRAKE, DAN WILSON, SETH PETTERSEN, & GARRISON STARR. Organizers say that tickets and info are promised soon. Check www.facebook.com/Venturafolkfestival?sk=info or www.venturarocks.com/index.htm
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 20 (Fri-Sun, Aug 19-21):
Annual “BIG BEAR LAKE COWBOY GATHERING” at Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center, 39707 Big Bear Bl, Big Bear Lake 92315.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 20 (Fri-Sun, Aug 19-21), festival, in Vista (N San Diego Co):
Annual SUMMERGRASS bluegrass festival at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista. Here's the basic lline-up:
> Friday Aug 19
3 pm Prairie Sky
4 pm Loafer's Glory
5 pm Windy Ridge
6 pm Dinner Break
7 pm Old Town Road
8 pm Loafer's Glory
9 pm Grascals
> Saturday Aug 20
10 am Plow
11 am Sara Petite
Noon Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa
1 pm Lunch Break
2 pm Grascals
3 pm Next Generation
4 pm Gone Tomorrow
5 pm Loafer's Glory
6 pm Dinner Break
7 pm Grascals
8 pm Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa
9 pm Bluegrass Etc.
> Sunday Aug 21
9 am Sweet Tidings
10 am BladeRunners
11 am Bluegrass Etc.
Noon Kids on Stage
12:30 pm Next Generation
1:15 pm Lunch Break
2 pm Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa
3 pm Bluegrass Etc.
4 pm Bladerunners
Tickets, etc, at www.summergrass.net. More info soon.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 20:
Afternoon WORKSHOP for artists by two-time Grammy winning guitarist LAURENCE JUBER at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583.
The former lead guitarist for PAUL McCARTNEY's band, WINGS (1978-81) and featured on the hit singles “Goodnight Tonight' and “Coming Up,” Juber won the first “Best Rock Instrumental” Grammy award. Voted #1 Guitarist by the readers of Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine, Juber offers superb arrangements of pop and classic songs. His playing has been featured on the scores of successful films, including “Pocahontas.”
In addition to today's workshop, he plays a concert here tonight; buy a concert ticket and get $5 off the workshop price. See the venue's website, class and workshop pages, for all info.
More at www.laurencejuber.com
Concert tix are $17.50, on sale Aug 6.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 20:
7:30 pm HOUSTON JONES plays “The Living Tradition” series at the Downtown Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim; 949-646-1964.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 20:
8 PM Two-Time Grammy Winner LAURENCE JUBER at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. Venue’s web site has a helpful local dining guide.
The former lead guitarist for PAUL McCARTNEY's band, WINGS (1978-81) and featured on the hit singles “Goodnight Tonight' and “Coming Up,” Juber won the first “Best Rock Instrumental” Grammy award. Voted #1 Guitarist by the readers of Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine, Juber offers superb arrangements of pop and classic songs. His playing has been featured on the scores of successful films, including “Pocahontas.”
In addition to tonight's concert, he does a Workshop here this afternoon; see the venue's website, class and workshop pages. (Buy a concert ticket and get $5 off the workshop price.)
More at www.laurencejuber.com
Tickets at Blvd Music or by phone with a major credit card. A $1 service charge per ticket is added on phone orders. Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats; those with advance tix get in first. Tickets $17.50, on sale Aug 6.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Aug 21 (Fri-Sun, Aug 19-21):
Annual “BIG BEAR LAKE COWBOY GATHERING” at Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center, 39707 Big Bear Bl, Big Bear Lake 92315.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Aug 21 (Fri-Sun, Aug 19-21), festival, in Vista (N San Diego Co):
Annual SUMMERGRASS bluegrass festival at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista. Here's the basic lline-up:
> Friday Aug 19
3 pm Prairie Sky
4 pm Loafer's Glory
5 pm Windy Ridge
6 pm Dinner Break
7 pm Old Town Road
8 pm Loafer's Glory
9 pm Grascals
> Saturday Aug 20
10 am Plow
11 am Sara Petite
Noon Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa
1 pm Lunch Break
2 pm Grascals
3 pm Next Generation
4 pm Gone Tomorrow
5 pm Loafer's Glory
6 pm Dinner Break
7 pm Grascals
8 pm Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa
9 pm Bluegrass Etc.
> Sunday Aug 21
9 am Sweet Tidings
10 am BladeRunners
11 am Bluegrass Etc.
Noon Kids on Stage
12:30 pm Next Generation
1:15 pm Lunch Break
2 pm Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa
3 pm Bluegrass Etc.
4 pm Bladerunners
Tickets, etc, at www.summergrass.net. More info soon.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Tue-Sat, Aug 22-26:
DAVE STAMEY'S BACK-COUNTRY PACK TRIP, led by multiple award-winning western singer-songwriter Dave Stamey, is an annual horse caravan pack trip into the High Sierra, with plenty of music around the campfire every night, Info, www.mammothpack.com
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Wed, Aug 24:
8 pm BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, the legendary Cuban group, plays the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Av, Hollywood 90068; 323-850-2000 213-480-3232.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Thu, Aug 25:
7:30 pm SLIGO RAGS plays the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malven Av, Fullerton 92833; 714-738-6706.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri, Aug 26:
8 pm DAVID GRIER at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. Venue’s web site has a helpful local dining guide.
Three time winner of the International Bluegrass Association's Guitarist of the Year, Grier has emerged as perhaps the most musically gifted and engaging young guitarist in bluegrass. Also one of the funniest, too. He has also appeared on two Grammy- winning recordings: "True Life Blues-A Tribute to Bill Monroe" and "The Great Dobro Sessions." David will play some tunes from his new CD, Evocative. One of the world痴 finest flatpickers. More at www.davidgrier.com
Tickets at Blvd Music or by phone with a major credit card. A $1 service charge per ticket is added on phone orders. Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats; those with advance tix get in first. Tickets $17.50, on sale Aug 12.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 27:
8 pm “FAR-WEST FOLK ALLIANCE BENEFIT” with BORDER RADIO, SUSIE GLAZE & HILONESOME, FUR DIXON & STEVEN WERNER, and MERLIN SNIDER & FRIENDS, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-798-6236.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 27:
10 am LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play the “Big World Fun” series at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood 90068; 323-461-3673.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Aug 27:
7:30 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play Olivas Adobe Historical Park, 4200 Olivas Park Dr, Ventura 92002.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
September, 2011...
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Thu, Sep 1:
Annual “REMEMBER THE MUSIC” benefit concert with Grammy winner SHELBY LYNNE and PATRICK PARK & BRIAN WRIGHT at the historic Yost Theater in Santa Ana.
One ticket option includes a three course seated dinner for a limited number of supporters. There are two elevated VIP sections and general admission in front of the stage. Presented by Betty's Foundation (www.bettysfoundation.org) and more info is available at their website or at 310-936-2814. All proceeds benefit Alzheimer’s research and awareness.
More info at www.rememberthemusic.org
Tickets are available now at www.yosttheater.com/calendar/2011/remember-the-music-2011-feat-shelby-lynne and at http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3791775. More info coming here, soon.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat & Sun, Sep 3 & 4:
10 am 10 pm “ORANGE INTERNATIONAL STREET FAIR” with SLIGO RAGS, and others, at Chapman Av & Glassell St, Orange 92866.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Sep 3:
3 pm ROSS ALTMAN, Legend Award-winning balladeer, does a free performance sponsored by the Topanga Banjo•Fiddle Contest organization at the West Valley Regional Library, 19036 Vanowen St, Reseda 91335.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Thu, Sep 8:
7:30 pm JOHN YORK, former BYRD, plays the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malven Av, Fullerton 92833; 714-738-6706.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Thu, Sep 8:
8 pm COLIN HAY plays Saint Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach 90254; 310-372-0035.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat & Sun, Sep 10 & 11:
“EQUINOX FOLK MUSIC, DANCE AND STORYTELLING FESTIVAL” with MICK MOLONEY, GINNY HAWKER & TRACY SCHWARZ, OLD SLEDGE, LISSA SCHNECKENBERGER BAND, and more, presented by the California Traditional Music Society at Rancho Cordillera del Norte, 9015 Wilbur Av, Northridge 91324.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Sep 10:
7 pm RICHARD SMITH & JULIE ADAMS play the Slater-Lunsford House Concert Series in Lancaster; info, www.desertsong.com.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Sep 10:
7:30 pm GREGORY PAGE plays the San Diego Folk Heritage series at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas 92024; 858-566-4040.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Sep 10:
7:30 pm BERKLEY HART plays the Song Tree Concert Series, at the Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 820 N Fairview Av, Goleta 93117; SongTree@cox.net or 805-403-2639.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sun, Sep 11:
3-5 pm BEST OF THE 2011 TOPANGA BANJO•FIDDLE CONTESTANTS do a free performance co-sponsored by the National Park Service and the Topanga Banjo•Fiddle Contest organization at Peter Strauss Ranch, 30000 Mulholland Hwy (2 blks from Troutdale Rd), in Santa Monica Mtns Nat’l Rec Area, near Agoura Hills; 818-382-4819. More info soon.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Thu, Sep 15:
7:30 pm SLAID CLEAVES plays the AMSD Concert Series, 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego 92116; 619-303-8176.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri-Sun, Sep 16-18:
Annual “MILLPOND MUSIC FESTIVAL” N of Bishop 93514; info at www.inyo.org or contact InyoArts@Inyo.org or 760-873-8014. This is, reliably, year-after-year, the best “end-of-the-summer” traditional and new acoustic music festival in California. If you can drive to Mammoth to ski, this is closer, up the same road. We recommend it even before we know this year’s line-up.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Fri, Sep 16
7:30 pm MARTIN TAYLOR plays the first of two concerts for the “Lord Of The Strings Concert Series,” this one at the Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan St, Dana Point; 949-842-2227 or 949-244-6656.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Sep 17:
7 pm MARTIN TAYLOR 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.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Sep 17:
7:30 pm TRACY GRAMMER plays “The Living Tradition” series at the Downtown Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim; 714-955-3807.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Sep 17:
7:30 pm SLAID CLEAVES plays the Folk Music Center, 220 Yale Av, Claremont 91711; 909-624-2928.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Sat, Sep 17:
8 pm BLAME SALLY plays Russ and Julie’s House Concerts in Oak Park (Agoura Hills/Westlake Village area); reservations get directions at 818-707-2179.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Tue, Sep 20:
8 pm SIMON PURE plays the monthly “BASC BLUEGRASS NIGHT” at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank; 818-845-2425. Presented by Bluegrass Association of Southern California.
Sat, Sep 24, festival:
9 am-8 pm 17th annual HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS at the Culver Palms United Methodist Church; 4464 Sepulveda Bl; Culver City; info, www.scdh.org.
||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
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
||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
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!
||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
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...)
||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||>o<||
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!
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
contents copyright © 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Acoustic Americana Music Guide NEWS FEATURES, July 19 edition
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The editor is currently recovering from eye surgery (his fifth) but he's listening, and The Guide goes on with a fresh serving of the News.
PLUS, remember to check out the full abundance of acoustic music doins' in The Guide’s SPOTLIGHT EVENTS at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/07/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana_20.html (UPDATED July 20)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Welcome to the
Tied to the Tracks
||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||
ACOUSTIC
AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
NEWS FEATURES
July 19, 2011 edition
||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||
THIS WEEK’S NEWS FEATURES
1) IS THE FUTURE OF ARTS FUNDING GONE IN AMERICA?
(a major, in-depth feature, with analysis beyond Washington's maddening politics that
debunks the Debt Limit, spending cuts and budget battles)
2) KCSN CANCELS “TWANG;” NIC HARCOURT GETS TIME SLOT FOR NEW
NON-FOLK-FRIENDLY “ECLECTIC” SHOW
3) RIDERS IN THE SKY TO PLAY “DAY OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL” FESTIVAL
AT THE AUTRY THIS SATURDAY
4) JULY 23 & 24 WEEKEND: MORE FESTIVALS, CONCERTS, TOUGH CHOICES
5) BYE BYE BORDERS – EXCEPT ONE
6) FULL EVENINGS OF QUALITY MUSIC PROGRAMS, NEW ON FRIDAYS ON L.A. TV
7) THE SYNCOPATHS PLAY A PAIR OF EVENTS AT CALTECH THIS WEEKEND
8) MOLLY’S REVENGE TO PLAY CULVER CITY'S FREE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL,
JULY 28
9) ANNUAL “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” ARRIVES JULY 30 & 31
10) INAUGURAL VENTURA FOLK FESTIVAL BRINGS STARS IN AUGUST
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are these news feature stories...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our # 1 Story
IS THE FUTURE OF ARTS FUNDING GONE IN AMERICA?
In a call to action for artists, the editor debunks the current fight over the Debt Limit and digs
into the future of public-sector support for accessible arts and arts education. He assesses
whether there will be any ability to find support for the arts again, given current politics, and
what we can do to change things in our favor. It's an in-depth piece, with plenty of context,
history and perspective with quotes from Thomas Friedman, Larry Summers, Dwight
Eisenhower, Bill Maher, Goldman Sachs, Jay Carney, Bruce Bartlett, Doris Kearns Goodwin,
Abraham Lincoln, David Ignatius, Dick Cheney, Ronald Reagan, Jon Stewart, Bob Schieffer,
Fareed Zakariah, George W. Bush, Robert Reich, Ezra Klein, and plenty of context, history and
perspective.
It's quite thorough, it's about now and the future, and it's at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/07/is-future-of-arts-funding-gone-in.html
Need some enticing samples that set-up the major discussion? Here ya go:
“The unique and vital perspective of the artist – to hold a mirror up to society to interpret
and define and challenge and dream and design and reach for things that exceed our grasp – should bring us all a seat at the table. Instead, we get musical chairs. The rich and powerful
corporations are the ones controlling the music. Our elected representatives, rather than
getting a chair for us, are complacent (or worse) running a loud and distracting room while
more chairs are removed. Do they all hope we're too beset by political Attention Deficit
Disorder to notice? ...
“Our message to them is, let's stop the noise and hyperbole and distractions and distortions
over the Debt Ceiling and stop claiming it's something that it's not...
“All the rancor is ugly, and moreover, it's childishly annoying because it's incongruent,
unprincipled and delusional. But when is it time to fight? Has politics ever been so –
CONTRARIAN, without any legitimate regard for well-reasoned principles? Is there anything
Republicans won't fight to oppose? Is there anything this president finds worth fighting for?
Does he understand Ronald Reagan's basic popularity was based on the High Noon image of
the Hollywood gunfighter facing the bad guys, the strong and decisive character whose favorite
words were, “Well, no.” Does he understand, at all, that America wants a give-em-hell Harry
Truman, not a Harry Potter who thinks he can charm the demons with magic? Assessing this –
Intransigence vs. Obsession With Compromise – where no deal is possible would be only
political handicapping, were we not in an economic crisis reaching from the kitchen table to the
international money markets ...
“No one seems to be asking the most basic questions: if government budgets are cut and no
new revenues can be collected, is there any opportunity for comprehensive arts funding or
even enough money to sustain what little we have now? And why no new revenues? If the rich
must continue to receive massive tax breaks because they are job creators, where are the jobs? And why are big issues being held hostage by politicians on both sides before the nation's
outstanding bills are paid to prevent a default and what it would bring – higher interest rates,
and billions more from taxpayers for higher interest payments? ...
“There's an immediate need and a larger context. Politicians can't seem to separate them or
address either one effectively. And just as most of us can't imagine any future society worth
having unless it strongly supports and continuously celebrates the arts, neither could many of
us have foreseen other claustrophobic aspects of our supposedly infinitely networked times.
This was supposed to be a time of expansive opportunity. It's not, and the odds are running
against us. It is, necessarily, a call to action” ...
You can read all of it and get inspired at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/07/is-future-of-arts-funding-gone-in.html
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Our # 2 Story
KCSN CANCELS “TWANG;” NIC HARCOURT GETS TIME SLOT FOR NEW
NON-FOLK-FRIENDLY “ECLECTIC” SHOW
We knew change was coming, as we reported June 24 in our feature, “Serious Threat To Americana Radio In L.A. - Are the Days Numbered?” (archived as the #2 story at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/06/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_24.html)
For KCSN, a San Fernando Valley-based non-NPR public radio station, the decision to hire Harcourt and give him a weekend show left only one question: what show would perish to make room for him.
The loss of “Twang” will be felt. Host Rowena Muldavin's show was devoted to deep roots country, the pre-Nashville-pop catalog, the rich hollers of classic country that overlap folk-Americana, and she presented it each week in a mix of the genre's classics and today's trad-sounding alt country and selections from the western music genre.
Muldavin inherited the show from its originator, Cowboy Nick Stahl, when he left for law school. He had made Twang a pledge-drive powerhouse that consistently broke donation records for the station. Sure, things changed. Stahl's theme was a John Denver recording; Muldavin wouldn't play anything by Denver under any circumstances.
But both hosts knew their genre. Though Stahl and Muldavin each brought their own tastes and left their own stamp, listeners remained devoted.
The show's cancellation leaves tiny KLRU's “Toe Tappin' Country,” also originated by Stahl, as L.A.'s only roots-country-Americana radio survivor.
Twang's Replacement
Harcourt, an MTV consultant, made his mark locally while he was Music Director at Santa Monica-based KCRW, one of two NPR stations in L.A. that buy and air the NPR “talk” package but none of the fine NPR music packages. Harcourt revolutionized KCRW's music programming, distinctively “branding” that station with a unique definition of eclectic music.
He has a following. He's credited with “discovering” the band Cold Play while doing radio in upper New York State. But his fan following is clearly not inclusive of folk-Americana listeners and musicians, who described his KCRW airplay for us with a variety of terms that include droll, monotonic, uninteresting, profoundly lacking in melodic contrast and musicality, without depth, and exhibiting little or no instrumental or vocal proficiency. One leading acoustic music venue operator called Harcourt's radio programming “dreadful.”
See it as a matter of taste if you want (Harcourt is advertised as a tastemaker) but it's more than that. It's a key issue because KCSN, where his new show will air, was recently named the Best Americana Radio Station in Los Angeles Magazine's annual Best of L.A.
On one hand, what other station could have won that title? (KPFK has only two weekly folk-Americana shows; other than talk, KPCC airs only “A Prairie Home Companion.”) On the other hand, the honor was based solely on KCSN's weekend programming, since that's the only time it offers Americana / folk-Americana music.
Harcourt's show will split and isolate KCSN's award-winning morning and late-day Saturday Americana shows. That will occasion the question, whether this is divide and conquer?
KCSN's schedule is a bit bizarre. Weekend Americana has been interrupted for the past few years by an pop-alternative show of old and new music that brings a different audience. The station's weekday/weeknight programming is one individual's idea of “triple-A,” but conforms poorly to any other station's adult-album format. We hear often that it's where management wants to take all of its programming, but financially, it's been a failure.
KCSN's old format was Americana weekends and night-by-night, mostly Americana, evenings, but orchestral classical music all day during the week. Classical was never a strong producer during the station's pledge-drives, but it did well enough, and suited the tastes of a prior management regime, so it lasted. But KCSN's nominally triple-A programming has never produced the support that it got from its lost classical listeners, who are now tuned to KUSC.
KCSN recently hired Sky Daniels, a vet of the long lost, legendary rock-and-roll station KMET, and then hired Harcourt. That came in the wake of winning the Best Americana Station honors.
If it's confusing, it goes way beyond “Twang.” Surely, Frank Hoppe, who has hosted the landmark “Bluegrass, Etc” on Sunday mornings for 20 years, and hardworking Kat Griffin, who has built her “Americana Matinee” into a key reporting show for the Americana Music Charts, and Pat Baker, who was playing electric indie Americana in L.A. before anyone else, were key reasons why KCSN won that “Best of” recognition. Rather that finally putting those longtime hosts on the payroll in some modest way, just for doing their shows and to thank them, the money went elsewhere and the emphasis is clearly on something else.
One wonders why radio, in general, never seems interested in building on its success or keeping its loyal listeners – and in this case, pledge-paying listeners. Fortunately, an L.A. TV station is picking up the opportunity that KCSN is neglecting. See our #6 story.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Our # 3 Story
RIDERS IN THE SKY TO PLAY “DAY OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL” FESTIVAL AT THE AUTRY THIS SATURDAY
It's in conjunction with the “National Day of the Cowboy” in the US and Canada, it's got Grammy winners performing and lots more, and it's the Autry's second year with a big event (last year's “day of” broke the Autry's attendance records).
Is there any American image that's more iconic? As Cowboy Poet Larry Maurice often observes, “What other profession gets other people dress-up to look like they do?”
Saturday's festival, 11 am-5 pm, brings Grammy winners RIDERS IN THE SKY, a square dance with THE BEES KNEES and caller SUSAN MICHAELS, and many varied western-theme activities and performances.
RIDERS IN THE SKY did the music for Disney's “Toy Story” movies, they've starred with the L.A. Phil at the Hollywood Bowl's annual Fourth of July Fireworks Concert, and were public radio fixtures with “Riders radio Theatre.” They have legions of fans and this is a bargain ticket to see them and enjoy a daylong festival. So get there on time for a good seat.
Emcee for the day is ROB WOLFSKILL of the TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS.
The festival's all-ages activities include a Cowboy Stage Show with World Champion Gunslinger JOEY DILLON; lassoing with KANSAS CARRADINE & LANDON SPENCER; Screenings throughout the day of GENE AUTRY's original science fiction western, “The Phantom Empire;” demonstrations of roping, leather crafting, panning for gold, blacksmithing; a chuck wagon display; hands-on children's crafts and activities; and the grand opening of the museum's new “Colt Revolver and the American West” exhibition.
There's complimentary museum admission all day with your event ticket, plus Western History Gallery tours, a museum scavenger hunt, and Story Time in the galleries.
An outdoor BBQ is featured (so good it sold-out early last year). And anybody with any leftover money can enjoy a western marketplace.
Visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress western, so don't forget your hat (how else will you get your horse a drink?) No firearms, including replicas, are allowed on the premises.
The Autry National Center (Autry Museum) is at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027, across from the L.A. Zoo. Come in from the Los Feliz end or the Travel Town end to avoid the always bad traffic jam from the 134/I-5 Zoo Drive exit.
Event tickets, including complimentary museum admission, are $10 for adults; $6 for seniors and students ages 13-18; $4 for children ages 3-12; it's free for active military personnel and veterans. More info at www.TheAutry.org. Yippe-yi-ya!
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Our # 4 Story
JULY 23 & 24 WEEKEND: MORE FESTIVALS, CONCERTS, TOUGH CHOICES
This weekend is loaded with temptations. Among them are festivals – two on Saturday and one on Sunday. On Saturday, July 23, you can chose from the National “DAY OF THE COWBOY & COWGIRL” (described above) or the annual "MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS FESTIVAL."
The annual "MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS FESTIVAL" on Saturday happens at a cool 7000-ft elevation in the San Bernardino Mountains. It brings workshops, concerts and jams all day long, with LOONEY'S FORTUNE, PATTI AMELOTTE, GEORGIANNA HENNESSY, MATT TONGE, WHEN PIGS FLY! JIM COPE, BEA ROMANO, JIM ROMANO, MARIANNE SCANLON, LEGACY, BARBARA GERSHMAN, PATTY MCCOLLOM, SENARA, DIANE GRADY, SANDI HUCKABY, CAROL POTTER, WAKE THE BARD, MICHAEL & STEPHANIE ADAMS, CLARE BELLEFEUILLE-RICE, PAT & SANDI HUCKABY,. It's at beautiful Green Valley Lake. Info, www.green-valley-lake.com/MITM_info.html; or contact Sandi Huckaby, 909-867-7105 or huckaby49@yahoo.com.
Meanwhile, there's an ASSOCIATION OF FINGERSTYLE GUITARISTS SEMINAR at noon Saturday at Mo's Fullerton Music. More at www.afg.org.
If you want to see DOLLY PARTON at the Hollywood Bowl, she plays two nights, so go see her on Friday, July 22 and keep the weekend free. (Uh, except that would keep you from seeing the Grammy-winning PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND on Friday at Open Borders, the new venue in Thousand Oaks - www.openborders2011.com. First thing you'll discover on their website is another Grammy-winning band, THE KLEZMATICS, play there on the 23rd; see our #5 story for more on the venue).
Saturday night, July 23, brings more tough choices. But the two festivals end in time to catch an evening show, so why not?
Saturday night at 8, THE SYNCOPATHS, the great contra dance band, do a concert at the Caltech Folk Music Society series in Beckman Institute Auditorium; they perform at a contra dance the next day in Dabney Lounge; all on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena. They're a delight, and there's plenty more on them in our #7 story.
Grammy-winners, THE KLEZMATICS play Saturday night at Open Borders, 125 W Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91360; www.openborders2011.com; email openbordersmedia@gmail.com; 805-497-1018. This new venue has already booked some first-rate talent (See story #5).
Or, at 8 pm, DOUG MacLEOD & JESSE MacLEOD perform dynamite acoustic blues at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. The venue’s web site has a helpful local dining guide.
Sunday, July 24, brings the annual “SEA CHANTEY FESTIVAL” aboard an historic Tall Ship in San Diego. Running 11 am 5 pm, it stars THE JACKSTRAWS, KEN GRAYDON, RAGGLE TAGGLE, FLASH PACKET, GILMAN CARVER, TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY WALKER, JEFF PEKAREK, all performing aboard the sailing vessel Star of India, docked at 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego 92101; 619-234-9153. If you go to festival, stay to catch the next listing:
At 7:30 pm, GUY DAVIS plays the AMSD Concert Series, 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego 92116; 619-303-8176.
Sunday afternoon in L.A., ZAK MORGAN performs the Skirball's only folk music shows of
the summer, at noon & 2 pm in an all-ages Family Amphitheater performance. If you go, allow
time for a 2 pm lecture ($12), “William Kalush: The Secret Life of Houdini,” which will add
greatly to your experience of the summer's special exhibition there. At the Skirball Cultural
Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Bl, L.A. 90049; www.skirball.org; 310-440-4500.
Sunday afternoon at 3:30 pm, THE SYNCOPATHS play a contra dance with caller SUSAN MICHAELS at Dabney Lounge on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena.
Sunday night at 7 pm, FRANK FAIRFIELD, the wizard of old time banjo and delightfully appropriate vocals, plays McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Our # 5 Story
BYE BYE BORDERS – EXCEPT ONE
Once a bastion of live acoustic music from coast-to-coast, plenty of singer-songwriters and other artists have performed at their nearby Borders bookstore or included gigs at distant ones while touring. Now – perhaps as early as Friday, July 22 – the entire chain of 199 Borders bookstores will close forever.
Opportunities for musicians at Borders began to dry-up a few years ago, so this is more about lamenting something fondly remembered but, for the most part, already lost.
The chain, suffering from internet competition to its core business, experienced downsizing even before the current economic hard times, bringing it below 200 stores. Tuesday brought announcement that a long hoped-for sale to new owners had collapsed, and the chain's end came immediately.
Now, 11,000 people are losing their jobs at the last remaining Borders. More unemployment will follow in the businesses that processed, packaged, shipped and supplied the bookstores.
A Sole Survivor?
There's only one bright light left, and it's quite notable. A former store survives as a concert / festival / performance venue. It's in Thousand Oaks, and named Open Borders, playing on its former name. It opened two months ago as an impressive music hall and it's already presented some substantial folk-Americana concerts.
Coming up at Open Borders this week are MEIKO & TOM FREUND on July 21; the Grammy-winning PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND on the 22nd; THE KLEZMATICS on Saturday, July 23.
Open Borders has already hosted a festival, back on June 11, the HOMAGE TO WOODY GUTHRIE with COUNTRY JOE McDONALD & RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT, ROCKY NECK, and THE GET DOWN BOYS. (We featured it in the news, and list their productions in the Guide's Spotlight Events – when we know in time.)
This new venue is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible, too. Check out their schedule and more at www.openborders2011.com; their email is openbordersmedia@gmail.com or call them at 805-497-1018. Open Borders is located at 125 W Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks 91360.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Our # 6 Story
FULL EVENINGS OF QUALITY MUSIC PROGRAMS, NEW ON FRIDAYS ON L.A. TV
This one keeps getting better. We've happily reported many times about programming on KLCS, that unique public TV / PBS affiliate that never has pledge drives and brings us delightful music performances. It's L.A.'s sole outlet for “Austin City Limits” and much more.
Recently, the station adopted a new Friday night lineup that's so good it makes us happy to stay home. Women artists are especially well represented, and it's nearly always centered on folk-Americana.
Here's KLCS-TV's new every-Friday schedule (with last week's artists in parentheses):
8-9 pm, “The Artists' Den,” from NYC (Grace Potter & The Nocturnals)
8-10 pm, “Austin City Limits,” from Texas (Rosanne Cash and Brandi Carlile)
10-10:30 pm, “Sun Studio Sessions,” from Memphis (Truth & Salvage Co., from N. Carolina)
10:30-11 pm, “Jammin' at Hippie Jacks,” from Don Aqua, Tennessee (Jonelle Mosser); this show, new in L.A., is available as on-demand webcasts at www.myhippiejack.com.
That's in addition to KLCS airing all the PBS music performance specials, like Dala in “Girls of the North Country,” and the “Celtic Woman,” “Celtic Tenors,” “Celtic Thunder” franchise, and music-bios on Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Odetta, and many others.
While all the other PBS stations offer music performance shows only as pledge-drive cash cows and hide them at all other times, KLCS offers music performance programming without chopping it to pieces for droning begging. And now they're bringing us music EVERY week, in a full and enjoyable evening, free from interruptions. Wow.
Owned and operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District, KLCS exists ostensibly to provide classroom programming and enrichment, plus continuing ed for teachers. But, to keep a place in cable operators' lineups, the station must stay on the air on weekends and weekday evenings, times when its targeted mission is not required.
The station could simply be there with the lights on and rebroadcast their daytime fare. They could stay on basic cable by broadcasting almost anything. Instead, they do things right, with watchable weekend and weeknight offerings. They are a perfect example of our tax dollars being spent to serve the purpose for which the station was established, then going beyond that, giving us a treasure trove of added value. It's a good example of the kind of thing that's at stake, as we hear demands echoing in Washington to discontinue any kind of government spending for anything, with no consideration of what it is.
Of course, we could choose what the private sector offers us. We could tune to the ill-named Arts & Entertainment channel and watch prison shows. Or to MSNBC on weekends and watch prison shows. Or to National Geographic and watch prison shows. (We're not kidding; that's the crap infesting commercial cable.) We're grateful for the fine alternative delivered by KLCS.
And because KLCS now brings us quality folk-Americana music programs every week and others do not, we have one more reason to celebrate them as a model to be emulated. Check your cable system or satellite provider to find the channel, or tune-in their HD broadcast signal.
There's more, including schedules, at www.klcs.com
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Our # 7 Story
THE SYNCOPATHS PLAY A PAIR OF EVENTS AT CALTECH THIS WEEKEND
THE SYNCOPATHS (www.syncopaths.com), the great contra dance band, roll into Pasadena for a Saturday concert and a Sunday dance with renowned caller SUSAN MICHAELS. Saturday, July 23 at 8 pm, the concert, presented by the Caltech Folk Music Society series, is in Beckman Institute Auditorium, and the contra dance the next day is in Dabney Lounge. Both venues are on the Caltech Campus.
Recently, their lineup has grown and added additional star power. The band is Western States Picking Champ ASHLEY BRODER on mandolin, National Scottish Fiddle Champ RYAN McKASSON on fiddle & viola, CHRISTA BURCH on vocals, bodhran, shakers, and foot percussion, and JEFFREY SPERO on keyboards. You can expect plenty of lively reels, waltzes and original tunes, and this well-rounded group showcases the fine singing of Christa Burch on ballads, traditional songs and originals.
Each member is involved in performing and recording with other folks and most of them are music instructors.
RYAN McKASSON (www.ryanmckasson.com) is an amazing and imaginative fiddler,. He was the youngest winner ever of the National Scottish Fiddle Championship in 1996. He has recorded with his sister and others as THE McKASSONS, and with ALISDAIR FRASER & NATALIE HAAS on their album, "Highlander’s Farewell. He's an accomplished composer.
JEFFREY SPERO (www.jeffandgigi.com) is one of the premiere dance pianists on the west coast. An amazing player, he doubles as an accomplished dance caller. Plus he's a composer.
CHRISTA BURCH (www.christaburch.com) was inspired early on by the music of SILLY WIZARD and has a recent solo CD, "Love of the Land," a fine collection of well-performed songs from the Irish, Scottish, Australian, Canadian and American folk traditions.
ASHLEY BRODER (www.ashleybroder.com) is a multi-instrumental Western States Picking Champion who has toured extensively, performed several times on Tied to the Tracks, is currently working on a solo album, and continues to contribute her amazing mandolin abilities to several bands.
Check out a couple of informal YouTube videos to get an idea of their range as a band: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbzSOFMPTks&feature=related, features them playing amidst a roomful of dancers, and at www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9Myzccyet8, Christa sings the beautiful traditional song, “The Blackest Crow.”
Tickets are available from the Ticket Office at 626-395-4652, or visiting the ticket office in person, or purchasing for cash at the door, if any remain. $15 for adults and $5 for Caltech students and children.
(You can also buy tickets now for LOAFER'S GLORY on August 13 and KRISTINA OLSEN on September 17. More on the series' web page at http://folkmusic.caltech.edu including info on upcoming shows.)
The next day, Sunday, July 24, THE SYNCOPATHS play a contra dance in Dabney Lounge with Susan Michaels calling, beginning at 3:30 pm. Check out http://www.contra.caltech.edu/dance_072411.shtml for details of that one.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Our # 8 Story
MOLLY’S REVENGE TO PLAY CULVER CITY'S FREE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL JULY 28
The acoustic Celtic band MOLLY’S REVENGE with special guest vocalist CHRISTA BURCH (The Syncopaths) will play the 17th annual Culver City Summer Music Festival series on Thursday, July 28, at 7 pm. The free series runs eight Thursdays, each with a different act, in the palm-lined courtyard of Culver City's City Hall, 9770 Culver Bl (at Duquesne Av), in downtown Culver City.
Molly's Revenge is a dynamic, acoustic Celtic band with the classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, and song, set against a backdrop of guitar, bouzouki, and mandola accompaniment. Singer and bodhrán player Christa Burch possesses a singular voice that's warm, supple, expressive and intimate.
This popular series is curated by producer Gary Mandell of Culver City’s Boulevard Music (home of its own fine year-round acoustic concert series.)
Parking in the area can be tricky, but it's free underneath City Hall; additional parking is free for the first two hours in designated structures in the downtown area (parking on streets can get you ticketed, so be careful). The courtyard opens at 4:30 pm for planting your chair or blanket and picnicking. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed. For more info, call 310-253-5716. Free.
Way to the east on the same night, I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. play the Whittier Summer Concert in the Park series, 7-8:30 pm in Parnell Park, 15390 Lambert Rd, Whittier. The free outdoor
concert is sponsored by the City of Whittier. East or West, catch a free concert that Thursday.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Our # 9 Story
ANNUAL “LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL” ARRIVES JULY 30 & 31
Yep, it was only a few weeks ago that we were at the Long Beach Bayou Fest. This one's just as much fun, and Thibodeaux and Boudreau done tell us the music's gonna be tres bonne.
There are performances Saturday by MARK ST. MARY LOUISIANA BLUES & ZYDECO BAND, ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC, BLUESBOX BAYOU BAND, BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS, A.J. GIBBS - THE MYDECO KING, THE HIGH STEPPERS NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus dancing and children's activities.
Sunday brings STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS, LEROY THOMAS, BONNE
MUSIQUE ZYDECO, ROYALE GARDEN DIXIELAND BAND, A.J. GIBBS - THE MYDECO
KING, THE HIGH STEPPERS NEW ORLEANS BOOGIE BAND, plus dancing and children's
activities. And of course, the main course at this one is crawfish, in quantities fit for gluttony.
It runs noon-10 pm both days at Rainbow Lagoon, Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach 90802.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~
Our # 10 Story
INAUGURAL VENTURA FOLK FESTIVAL BRINGS STARS IN AUGUST
Zoey's, that fine presenter of folk-Americana music and victuals in Ventura, is taking the
plunge as a festival producer, and they aren't fooling around. This one has plenty of buzz
already.
On Saturday & Sunday, August 20 & 21, the inaugural VENTURA FOLK FESTIVAL "BOUND FOR GLORY" will take over Mission Park, 180 E Main St, Ventura 93001.
Scheduled to perform (so far) are RAMBLIN JACK ELLIOTT, JOHN DOE, J.D. SOUTHER, PETER CASE, THE WHITE BUFFALO, CHRIS PIERCE, SHANE ALEXANDER, TOM CORBETT, PHIL SALAZAR, JAY NASH, TONY LUCCA, MATT DUKE, B. WILLING, JUSTINE BENNETT, DELANEY GIBSON, TED LENNON, 50 STICKS OF DYNAMITE, PHIL CODY, TALL TALES AND THE SILVER LINING, THE KINFOLK, RINCON RAMBLERS, LEE KOCH, JAMIE DRAKE, DAN WILSON, SETH PETTERSEN, & GARRISON STARR.
Organizers say that tickets and info are promised soon. Check for more at www.facebook.com/Venturafolkfestival?sk=info or www.venturarocks.com/index.htm.
We'll bring you more later, but don't let tickets sell-out before you get yours.
||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||
MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Resources, etc
Our recently updated VENUE DIRECTORY
...with OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html
||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||
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 archived and easy to find.
July 11 edition is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/07/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html
and the stories are:
1) Silent Movie Classics with Live Music, Just Five Bucks, Monday, July 11
2) Dulcimers, Anyone?
3) Texas Music Star CAROLYN MARTIN in Town for Thursday Show
4) FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER's CD Release Show is Friday at McCabe's
5) Boulevard Music Summer Festival, Free, Sunday, July 17
6) Pershing Square Summer Lunchtime Concert Series Starts Wednesday
7) Camarillo Café Concert Series Brings Fine Music to Ventura County
8) July 23 & 24 Weekend: Festivals, Concerts, Tough Choices
9) Skirball's Sunset Concert Series for 2011 – What Happened?
10) Good Music Films in Skirball's Summer Offerings
11) Artist's Suicide Brings Thoughts that May Prevent Another Tragedy
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`
June 24 edition is available at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/06/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_24.html
and the stories are:
1) It’s the Last Big Weekend of Acoustic Music-Friendly Festivals, ’til Autumn
2) Serious Threat to Americana Radio in L.A. - Are the Days Numbered?
3) Annual L.A. Guitar Festival Brings Star-Power, July 2 & 3
4) Be in Local Musician / Filmmaker’s New Movie, June 29
5) Win a DROPKICK MURPHYS Deering Banjo
6) CBS Keeps GRAMMY Awards Broadcast for Another Decade
7) MERCHANTS OF MOONSHINE Play Local Show July 1
8) BMI Artists Eligible for Multi-Genre “STAR-SPOTTING” Showcase
9) Get the Kids in a Summer Musical
10) This Couldn’t Wait for April 1st…
||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||
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 ".")
||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||>♦<||
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-outc
Plus VENUES TO HEAR MUSIC OR CONTACT TO GET GIGS, and lots more
– is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at ~
www.acousticmusic.netor 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.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Entire contents copyright (c) 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)