NEWS FEATURES, Acoustic Americana Music Guide, September 23 edition

    
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TONIGHT, Wednesday, the 28th, there are two fine events: The BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA plus SARA & SEAN WATKINS (FROM NICKEL CREEK) do a performance-interview session at the Grammy Museum in downtown L.A.; and JESSICA RIVERA performs “SONGS FROM MY SOUL” at Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena.

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Yikes! We missed one! The ABBOT KINNEY FESTIVAL, subtitled “A Community in Concert,” is Sunday, September 25, from 10 am-6 pm in Venice (the California one, not the Italian one). Music includes Cajun-zydeco Grammy nominees LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS (3:30 pm, Kidsquad Stage) and a hodge-podge of world music and alt rock all day. The event website omits a LOT of the music, but seems to include the armada of food trucks – www.abbotkinney.org.
   PARKING TIP: Park at Venice High (13000 Venice Blvd)- $5 donation to the school’s booster club is suggested & take free shuttle.
    
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    Welcome to the latest edition of The Guide's NEWS section.
    
If you're looking for the section with all the EVENTS – concerts, club gigs, workshops, festivals, etc., you'll find that in The Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS section – it's a click away at
    
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana_23.html   
   
   
Here's the latest NEWS, so let's get started!
   
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        Welcome to the  
      
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          ACOUSTIC
                    AMERICANA
                              MUSIC GUIDE
                                        NEWS FEATURES
                                         
                                                       September 23, 2011 edition
    
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THIS WEEK’S NEWS FEATURES    
    
  1) 17th annual “HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS” this Saturday in Culver City  
  2) All-Star Lineup for “BLUEGRASS CONCERT AT THE FORD,” September 25  
  3) This Weekend's Festival Scene Brings a Hodge-Podge of Music – Catch
    THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, DAVID LINDLEY, FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, more  
  4) Cajun Music from Grammy Nominee Headlines “CASTAIC DAYS FESTIVAL,” Saturday  
  5) “AMERICANAFEST,” Oct 12-15, is "Nashville's Best Music Festival" says Southern Living
    Magazine
  6) Arts Commission Workshops Start September 26
  7) Pasadena's Boston Court Announces Fall Music Series  
  8) SEPTEMBER's Best Remnants – A Quick Roundup – Newly Updated 
  9) OCTOBER - First Look at an Acoustic Rocktober's Impending Events
    
    
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       Here are this week's news feature stories, listed above...    
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Our # 1 Story
    
17th ANNUAL “HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS” THIS SATURDAY IN CULVER CITY
    
    There are two wholly unrelated instruments both called “dulcimer.” One is easier to carry than a guitar, has only three or four strings, and is played with a pick or fingerstyle. The other is as portable as a baby grand piano, has more strings than we can count, and is played with bent sticks called hammers. Both will be gathered in profusion at Saturday's all-day festival, which runs 9 am-8 pm.
    
    Now, because this is at a church, don't think that it's just a big concert in one space. Not so. It makes use of the church's entire campus, with lots of well-lighted indoor and shady outdoor spaces.
    
    Better than that, this festival is lots of things. It includes workshops, teaching, a chance to get your hands on instruments, concerts by top players, and jamming – and they'll let you jam with them on your acoustic string instrument of whatever kind, so bring it.
    
    Fiddles and guitars just sound better when they're combined with dulcimers. Both kinds of dulcimers, in fact. If you don't know that, go and listen. Or go and jam and see how much fun it is to put your stringed thing in the mix. You'll probably take home a beginner dulcimer – the instrument, not the player (don't get your hopes up), and the instrument being one of the three-or-four-string “lap” or “mountain” fretted kind, not the brobdignagian you-need-a-U-Haul kind.
    
    Sponsors tell us, “We even have a couple of loaner instruments if you want to try before investing in an instrument. And there will be other instrument workshops as well, including: *Ukulele* *Tin Whistle* *Guitar* *Irish Piano* and *Bodhran*     
    
    Okay, so not all hammered dulcimers are like Hannibal and the elephants crossing the Alps. Some are no bigger than a large autoharp. But they all sound sooo resonantly sweet and melodious. We still remember the first time we heard a hammered dulcimer, at a Renaissance Faire, accompanied by a lute, playing “Wee MacGregor's Highland Patrol.” First time we'd ever heard that splendid tune, too. Memorable enough that, during a flirtation with big band music a few years later, we found an old recording of the tune by the Benny Goodman Orchestra and dropped everything to listen to it. Grand as that was, the memory of it on that hammered dulcimer is still the one that plays in the listening room of the mind.
    
    Dulcimer people would understand. Go. You'll find they're a friendly bunch. They gon't have any strange complexes. They've never been banished like the accordion and banjo people, so they won't be suspicious of you and your six-string or your shamisen.
    
    Hard to believe this annual gathering has persisted for so many years. This is the 17th annual festival, though only the third or so at this site. It's a good one. Go. It's at Culver Palms United Methodist Church; 4464 Sepulveda Bl; Culver City; info, www.scdh.org.    
    
    While the festival is only on Saturday, there is more on Sunday, September 25. Special classes will be offered in hammered dulcimer by festival headliner JODY MARSHALL at the Island Bazaar store in Huntington Beach, 11 am-3 pm; and in fretted dulcimer by fellow festival headliner BING FUTCH at a private home in Garden Grove. After those workshops, they'll gather at Island Bazaar for another concert, 4:30-6:30 pm, by these wonderful artists and teachers, and Jody will be joined on stage by local roots band LOONEY'S FORTUNE (PATTI AMELOTTE, GEORGIANA HENNESSY & MATT TONGE). That's at Island Bazaar, 16582 Gothard St, Suite R (East side of st, between Warner & Heil), Huntington Beach 92647; info and tix, www.ukuleleparadise.com     
    
    
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Our # 2 Story
    
ALL-STAR LINEUP FOR “BLUEGRASS CONCERT AT THE FORD,” SEPTEMBER 25
    
    After taking a year off, the Bluegrass Association of Southern California is back with their annual outdoor extravaganza at the lovely Ford Amphitheatre. The double-bill headlines MICHAEL CLEVELAND & FLAMEKEEPER, a great bluegrass band from Back East, plus local stars LOAFER'S GLORY, on Sunday, September 25, at 7 pm.
    
    TOM SAUBER, virtuoso mandolin and fiddle player with Southern California's own all-star LOAFER'S GLORY observes, “The Ford is a great place to see and hear music.” He keeps company with a group that's anything but loafers. His band mates are HERB PEDERSEN on guitar, BILL BRYSON on bass, and PATRICK SAUBER on banjo & mandolin.
    
    MICHAEL CLEVELAND is “one of the greatest improvising violin players in any style,” observes Matt Glaser, Berklee College of Music. It's a treat to have him and his band on the left coast.
    
    As for LOAFER'S GLORY? Caltech Folk Music Society series producers Rex Meyreis and Nick Smith say, “You really owe it to yourself to hear the harmony singing of this quartet. You'll find that you certainly don't have to be from Kentucky or Tennessee to capture the soul of bluegrass.”
    
    The Pasadena Star News' ran a fine story on them before their August show at Caltech. It's available at www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_18619005.    
    
    Our Americana readers will especially appreciate one aspect of the Star News article. Band member BILL BRYSON points out that there is little in common between bluegrass and modern day country music.
    
    Catch one of LOAFER'S GLORY's gospel numbers, “If I Be Lifted Up” on Youtube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9CAntPq9fg. For another take, try “Lazy John” at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rrwv8nkkSN4.     
    
    LOAFER'S GLORY's website is part of the site of one of their illustrious band members, at www.herbpedersen.com/loafersglory.    
    
    Now, a note on the very special venue. It's our favorite of the many outdoor music venues in Los Angeles. Box dinner orders are available for some shows at 310-652-3797. Or come early and bring your own picnic and beverage of your choice (wine and beer are welcome). Either way, you can feast at the Ford's tables and chairs in the “leafy entryway” by the waterfalls (the grounds open two hours before showtime, for picnicking). Snack bar food & drink are available on-site, though they always run out of hot cocoa when it’s chilly, and they prepare limited quantities of the high-end offerings.
    
    The venue is the Ford Amphitheatre (aka John Anson Ford Amphitheatre), 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood 90068; 323-GO1-FORD (323-461-3673); www.FordTheatres.org. Tix are available at the venue's site, or at any BASC event before the big show.     
    
    
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Our # 3 Story
    
THIS WEEKEND'S FESTIVAL SCENE BRINGS A HODGE-PODGE OF MUSIC – CATCH THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, DAVID LINDLEY, FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, MORE
    
    In addition to Saturday's Dulcimer Festival, there's plenty more happening outdoors. This weekend's annual “CASTAIC DAYS” includes lots of music of all kinds, with a 7 pm Saturday headliner set by Grammy nominees LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS (see separate feature story); at Castaic Lake.    
    
    Otherwise, go north. Ventura County has THREE music festivals this weekend...
    
    On Saturday, there's the annual “CAMARILLO ART & JAZZ FESTIVAL” (eclectic enough to attract people beyond the hardcore jazz types) – it's a free daytime and ticketed mid-afternoon-to-evening event, free during the day (beginning at 10 am) in Old Town Camarillo (along Ventura Bl). Nearby, with tickets required (beginning at 2 pm), it's also at Pleasant Valley Outdoor Performance Center, 2222 E Ventura Bl, Camarillo. Info, www.camarilloartandjazz.com    
    Despite the “Jazz” title, this will interest a broader audience. There's entertainment on three stages during the day – Dizdar Park Stage, Palm Street Stage, and Fir Street Stage. That includes a battle of the bands (Dizdar Park Stage). The ticketed evening show features jazz, plus BLUE MOON SWAMP BAND (CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL tribute band). Evening tix, $25, daytime free.
     
    Saturday – and especially Sunday – is the “SIMI VALLEY FAIR & MUSIC FESTIVAL” at Rancho Simi Park, 1765 Royal Av (at Eminger), Simi Valley. Event info, www.simivalleydays.org or call 805-338-5582.
    Live music here really is a hodge-podge – until SUNDAY – which brings the event's “COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL” with THE SIDESHOW PREACHERS at 2 pm, VON COTTON at 3:35, LARRY BAGBY BAND OF BROTHERS at 5:10, and JUST DAVE BAND at 6:45 pm. It's all part of a big end-of-summer country fair that includes a car show, a parade on the 24th, a 5 & 10 K run, and girls' softball tournament. It began Wednesday and ends Sunday, and it's all a benefit for local nonprofits (Simi is good at that, as we know from their annual Simi Cajun Creole Festival, every spring).
    
    Ventura County's third music festival is Sunday-only, and starts at 1 pm. The “VENTURA HILLSIDES MUSIC FESTIVAL” brings THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, DAVID LINDLEY, FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, & CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD, at Arroyo Verde Park, Ventura. It's a benefit for the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy. Info and tix, www.venturahillsides.org.     
    
    If you'll be in Northern Cal this weekend, there's a September 24 & 25 festival in Sacramento that looks like fun: the annual “SEAFARER'S MARKETPLACE & PIRATE FESTIVAL” brings Cajun-zydeco music and dance, and seafaring and pirate music. (See our Spotlight Events section.)
    
    
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Our # 4 Story
    
CAJUN MUSIC FROM GRAMMY NOMINEE HEADLINES “CASTAIC DAYS” FESTIVAL, SATURDAY
    
    This weekend's annual “CASTAIC DAYS” includes lots of music of all kinds, but a “must-see” is the 7 pm Saturday headliner set by Grammy nominees LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS. They are marvelous, and fiddle wizard / vocalist Lisa is a world-class talent with a splendid and powerfully joyous voice. They've recently returned from a world tour that included the South Pacific Music Festival on Borneo (no kidding!), and a bunch of dates in Europe.
    
    In addition to live performances and recordings, they have collaborated on major motion pictures, including "Where the Red Fern Grows," “The Muppet Movie,” “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” and "Man in the Moon." They play authentic, high-energy Americana / Louisiana / Cajun / Folk music that is fun to sing along. It's an infectious repertoire, ranging from contemporary Louisiana music (one of the few genres of pop that's still good) to 120-year-old traditional Cajun and zydeco songs, and they blend education with rollicking entertainment, teaching all ages about the rich history of Louisiana/Americana migration.
    
    The band brings the talents of three women and two guys, with “Accordion Diva” GIGI RABE, CHUCK ALVAREZ on guitars, ANDY ANDERS on bass, fine drummer MARIA MARTINEZ, and band leader / fiddler / vocalist LISA HALEY. Catch Lisa talking about / playing Cajun & zydeco music at www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbYuHlI2xxA.    
    
The festival is outdoors at Castaic Lake, the big recreation-friendly reservoir just a short ways up I-5 north of Santa Clarita. It's at 32132 Castaic Lake Dr, Castaic 91384; or just look for the off ramp; event info, 661-257-4050 or www.castaicdays.com    
    
    
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Our # 5 Story
    
AMERICANAFEST, OCT 12-15, IS "NASHVILLE'S BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL" SAYS SOUTHERN LIVING MAGAZINE
    
    One can hope it's a harbinger of things to come when the iconic “Southern Living” magazine picks the key Americana music festival as “Nashville's Best.” Given Nashville's exclusive devotion to “red-state-trailer-park-rock / dysfunctional-relationship / pop-country,” the magazine's recognition feels a bit like being named the best Italian restaurant in Beijing.
    
    Nevertheless, registrations, tickets and wristbands are said to be “going fast” for Americanafest, where the headliners include LUCINDA WILLIAMS, PETER ROWAN, NANCI GRIFFITH, JAMES MCMURTRY, and the BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA.
    
    You may still be able to capture tickets for something at www.americanamusic.org .    
    
    Otherwise, we'll try to give you the picture here. Lost Highway Recording Artist and Americana trailblazer LUCINDA WILLIAMS will take part in the Americana Music Association's (AMA) Honors & Awards show at the Ryman Auditorium, Thursday, October 13, 2011. She joins a star-studded lineup that will feature legends and the next generation of Americana stars – a group that would have been called rock stars less than a decade ago, but whose music now includes mandolins, banjos, even accordions and dulcimers, and includes the likes of ROBERT PLANT and GREGG ALLMAN, along with folk-Americana artists like ELIZABETH COOK and newbies like the CIVIL WARS.
    
    With late additions of twenty more artists to the Americanafest lineup, this year will showcase the depth and diversity of the growing Americana genre. As the AMA proclaims, “Americana Music has quietly become the fastest growing genre of music today.”
    
    Artists who will perform during the four day event include Amanda Shires ~ Ben Sollee ~ Blind Boys of Alabama ~ Brian Wright ~ Brigitte DeMeyer ~ Chris Altmann ~ Deadman ~ Muscle Shoals Tribute ~The Deep Dark Woods ~ Eric Brace & Peter Cooper ~ Farewell Milwaukee ~ Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen ~ Hayes Carll ~ Henry Wagons ~ James McMurtry ~ Meg Hutchinson ~ Mollie O'Brien & Rich Moore ~ Nanci Griffith ~ Orbo & The Longshots ~ Packway Handle Band ~ Peter Rowan~ Romantica~ Ryan Tanner ~ Sam Llanas ~ Scott Miller & Mic Harrison of the V-roys ~ Sierra Hull & Highway 111 ~ Tara Nevins ~ The Milk Carton Kids ~ The 1861 Project ~ Tom T Hall Tribute ~ The Wilders~ The Wiyos ~ The Wronglers with Jimmie Dale Gilmore ~ Amy LaVere ~ Black Lillies ~ Blackie and the Rodeo Kings ~ The Bottle Rockets ~ Carrie Rodriguez ~ Catherine Britt ~ The Civil Wars ~ Connie Smith ~ The David Mayfield Parade ~ David Wax Museum ~ The Dirt Daubers ~Elephant Revival ~ Elizabeth Cook ~ The Farewell Drifters ~ Foster & Lloyd~ The Gourds ~ Grayson Capps ~ The Greencards ~ Gurf Morlix ~ Hymn for Her ~ Ian McLagan ~ The Jayhawks ~ JD Souther ~ John Oates ~ Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison ~ Kenny Vaughan ~ Lake Street Dive ~ Lera Lynn~ Malcolm Holcombe~ Marshall Chapman ~ Marty Stuart ~ Matraca Berg ~ New Country Rehab ~North Mississippi Allstars ~ Patrick Sweany ~ Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three ~ Tim Easton ~ Tommy Womack & the Rush to Judgment ~ The Vespers ~ Will Hoge~ Will Kimbrough ~ and more are being announced.
    
    Festival wristbands are good for all four nights at five of “Nashville's hippest venues” where the showcases happen. Wristbands are $50.
    
    That's a great deal. Still, it's all starting to feel very “music business-y” and a whole less homegrown indie. Not that we're complaining. We can't wait for the day when you have your choice of L.A. radio stations playing folk-Americana programming. But what leads us to thinking it's becoming big business is two things: one, the fact that an iconic Southern magazine calls this event “Nashville's Best Music Festival,” and two, the quote from Americanafest's sponsors: “If you are interested in the business of music, the Americana Conference is a must attend event!” Yep, Conference, not just festival, and “Full Festival and Conference Registrations get you in to all day and night time events including a ticket to our critically acclaimed Honors & Awards show Thursday October 13th at the historically cool Ryman Auditorium.”
    
    Whatever works, for fans and artists and recordings and live shows and festival bookings and doin' the Lord's work for folk-Americana music. We've gotta say, more money in the hands of the artists is good all around. It's not just the obvious, that the recordings are far better and the tours better planned with the artists on time for sound checks and interviews. It's also a lot easier working with experienced publicists who know what to do, than to try to work with talented but fumbling, clueless artists who waste opportunities trying to get media attention.
    
    More on the event and the sponsoring organization, the Americana Music Association (which is headquartered in Nashville) at www.americanamusic.org or 615-386-6936.    
    
    
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Our # 6 Story
    
ARTS COMMISSION WORKSHOPS START SEPTEMBER 26
    
    The Los Angeles County Arts Commission offers a number of grants and structures workshops for artists, arts professionals and organizations to help applicants apply and succeed. This time, they present a round of workshops on how to apply for funding through their Organizational Grant Program (OGP). But stick around. This may be worth your time.
    
    With Laura Zucker, Executive Director, at the helm, the Arts Commission provides leadership in cultural services of all disciplines for the largest county in the United States, encompassing 88 municipalities. In addition to its grants program, the Arts Commission provides leadership and staffing to support the regional collaboration for arts education, “Arts for All” (which we've covered in the Guide's News Features); oversees the County’s Civic Art Program for capital projects; programs the John Anson Ford Theatres; funds the largest arts internship program in the country in conjunction with the Getty Foundation; and supports the Los Angeles County Cultural Calendar on ExperienceLA.com. The Commission also produces free community programs, including the L.A. Holiday Celebration and a year-round music program that funds more than 70 free concerts each year in public sites.
    
    It's worth your time to learn about the Commission and how you can interact with them. You may learn how to qualify for events they book or grants they award or administer. In the current round of workshops, you can learn about the Commission's new electronic application system, how to improve your artistic samples, and how to craft more flexible guidelines for proposals. (More flexible means you can use the core product of your presentation for multiple applications in a variety of places. - Editor)
    
    Arts organizations considering applying to the Los Angeles County Arts Commission’s Organizational Grant Program (OGP) can learn valuable skills for producing grant proposals as well as the details of the new electronic application system at eight workshops throughout Los Angeles County between September 26 and November 9. The workshops, which are free, do NOT all have the same content! They will be held at various locations on dates extending from Downtown Los Angeles on September 26, to Pasadena on October 20, to Long Beach on November 1, to Pomona on November 5. There are additional dates and places, as well. You'll need to check the Commission's website to learn the unique content features of each date.
    
    A new section of the workshop, “Improving Artistic Samples,” will be offered for the first time October 20 in Pasadena. Taught by marketing specialist Nancy Hytone Leb, the session will focus on high-quality artistic samples and how to connect them to your application narrative.
    
    Other specialized sessions taught by experienced consultants include “Simple Steps to Building a Program Budget” (Boyle Heights, October 12); “Arts Education: Addressing the Visual & Performing Arts Standards in Proposals” (Watts, October 26); “Program Evaluation” (North Hollywood, October 22); and “So you want to get funded?” (Long Beach, November 1).
    
    You can view complete details and register for a workshop at www.lacountyarts.org - click on “Grants,” then “Workshop Schedule.”
    
    New applicants and applicants that did not receive funding the last time they applied to the Organizational Grant Program are required to attend a workshop. This series of workshops are designed to benefit L.A. County-based non-profit arts organizations of all sizes. To access the OGP guidelines and application go to www.lacountyarts.org and click on “Grants.” For more info, email grants@arts.lacounty.gov    
    
    
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Our # 7 Story
    
PASADENA'S BOSTON COURT ANNOUNCES FALL MUSIC SERIES
    
    Fortunately for everyone, they offer music seasons in addition to their award-winning theatrical productions. The Boston Court Performing Arts Center is one of our favorite state-of-the-art performance spaces. It features two theaters, one a 99-seat equity theater with the best tech production balcony we've seen this side of a giant theater, the other a room with a reconfigurable floor and acoustics so good that no amplification is required.
    
    They've just announced their Fall “MUSIC AT THE COURT” Season, and they're calling it their “largest and most diverse music series ever,” with fifteen music, dance, film and lecture presentations, from September 27 through November 19. We are especially happy to see JESSICA RIVERA booked for September 28; LEE HOLDRIDGE – orchestra leader for the late JOHN DENVER – in a musical event on October 16; the screening with new live score of the 1922 silent classic “Nosferatu,” on October 21; and the October 29 reenactment of the 1961 PABLO CASALS White House Concert with STEVE ERDODY & FRIENDS, as originally played for President Kennedy and an incredibly esteemed audience of arts giants of the time. It's worth looking over the whole season, because they offer specials when you buy tickets to multiple shows.
    
     The Series Opens with “A Week of Heaven – Five Spiritual Performances,” September 27 through October 1, then continues October 15 and runs through November 19 with the kind of offerings that should always constitute anything that wants to be called eclectic and still taken seriously.
    
    In many ways, this venue, and its guiding philosophy, are a model worth emulating. Boston Court Performing Arts Center say they are “dedicated to presenting works that are creative, bold and daring. We strive to challenge the audiences of Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley with diverse programs in an intimate setting.” They are a 501c(3) nonprofit / charitable organization.
    
    September 27, they present SOULAVIV: “JEWISH GOSPEL AND SOUL.” SoulAviv's unique and original repertoire is infused with the sounds of Motown, gospel, Memphis soul, and a particularly affinity with the great harmony groups of the '60s and '70s. “Socially conscious lyrics mix with deep spirituality; combined with jubilant celebration,” and “a little California sunshine” is “thrown in for fun.”
    
    September 28 is JESSICA RIVERA: “SONGS FROM MY SOUL.” We've seen her perform. She's wonderful. The venue says, “With her uncommonly beautiful vocal luster and exceptional musical intelligence, the ravishing Los Angeles-based soprano has established herself as one of the premiere interpreters of 20th and 21st century music. Her deeply spiritual connection and religious convictions, along with an innate ability to communicate intense emotional expression in her voice, make her singing truly the extension of her soul.”
    
    September 29 brings ADAAWE: “SEVEN WOMEN STRONG.” They are seven diverse women artists creating rich, organic music for the voice and drum. Boston Court says, “Through constant improvisation, they breathe new life into ancient music. An international fusion of African music and rhythms, R & B pop vocals, arresting gospel harmonies, and funky original creations.”
    
    September 30 is THE AROHI ENSEMBLE: “SOULS ASCENDING.” The group features PAUL LIVINGSTONE on sitar, PEDRO EUSTACHE on “world winds,” ABHIJIT BANERJEE on tabla, PETER JACOBSON on cello, and DAVE LEWIS on drums, with guest vocalist from India, MAHESH KALE.
    
    October 1 brings WAH!: “SACRED SPIRITUAL CHANTING.” They're a music legend in the yoga world, known for creating Eastern-tinged, hip music for yoga and meditation centers. Concerts include Sanskrit chanting and storytelling and songs in English, where the “atmosphere is festive and jubilant.”
    
    October 15, OPERAWORKS brings “THE NEWEST RECITAL IN THE WORLD.” The OperaWorks ensemble will invent a custom recital right in front of your eyes, with made-to-order music, at your request. It's entirely improvised, with arias, duets, trios, and scenes with improvised accompaniment, all performed without any prepared or printed music.
    
    October 16 is “TRACKING FILM AND TELEVISION MUSIC: AN AFTERNOON WITH LEE HOLDRIDGE & JON BURLINGAME.” World renowned author and lecturer JON BURLINGAME helps to see and hear this astonishing and precise world when he and Emmy and Grammy award winning composer LEE HOLDRIDGE (the late JOHN DENVER's orchestra leader and collaborator) discuss, from the composers perspective, music composed for the big and little screens. Live musical performances and selected clips from Mr. Holdridge’s extensive catalogue of his film and television scores are interspersed throughout this fascinating, behind the scenes look at the music behind the magic.
    
    October 21 is “THE NEW SOUND OF SILENT FILM: CLASSIC SILENT FILM 'NOSFERATU' WITH LIVE SCORE BY BASSIST TOM PETERS.” Peters provides a newly conceived, live musical score for the classic silent film “Nosferatu.” Director F.W. Murnau’s “Nosferatu” (1922) stands as one of the most important films to come out of pre-World War II Germany. After almost 90 years, it still delivers chills.
    
    October 22, the CALIFORNIA E.A.R. UNIT presents “Sonic Revolution.” Don't panic. They are a chamber ensemble that performs music where the ink is still wet. The core of highly acclaimed players include Vicky Ray, Eric Clark and Amy Knoles who strive to reflect Southern California’s unique cultural diversity by acting as L.A.'s new music ambassadors to the world. The evening features works penned especially for the group by Macedonian composer Darija Andovska, Portuguese composer Miguel Azguime, Berlin's Michael Maierhof, New York's Lisa Coons, Rhode Island's Todd Winkler, as well as an offering from Alan Schockley, who is currently residing in Los Angeles.
    
    October 29, it's “THE WHITE HOUSE CONCERT WITH STEVE ERDODY & FRIENDS.” On November 24, 1961, President Kennedy revolutionized arts performances at the White House by presenting the famous but reclusive 84-year-old cellist PABLO CASALS in a recital for 150 of the world’s most famous and influential classical composers, conductors and musicians. To commemorate the anniversary of the historic occasion, Music at the Court is presenting local cello virtuoso STEPHEN ERDODY with an all star ensemble of chamber musicians in a recital replicating the original program from 50 years ago.
    
    November 4, “OH COSMONAUT!” is presented by the Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre.
    
    November 5, VOX FEMINA presents “AND JUSTICE FOR ALL,” an inspiring evening about love and equality, as the mighty voices of Vox Femina explore the issues of equality and immigration, and their passion for fairness, proving that all men and women are created equal. The highlight of the concert will be Mark Koval’s work “We the People,” the story of the fight for marriage equality in narration and song.
    
    November 11 is the ILIANA ROSE BAND: “HOT NIGHTS IN HAVANA!” Romantic melodies, voluptuous poetry, and pulsing rhythms of Cuban Salsa abound. Hailed as a spirited and vibrant presence on and off stage, Iliana's voice is pure, warm, sensual and beautiful, captivating audiences in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
    
    November 12 is RICHARD PEARSON THOMAS: “SONGS FROM NEW YORK.” With “the heart and soul of the quintessential New York musician,” Thomas has received praise from the likes of Audra McDonald, Sanford Sylvan, Lauren Flanagan and Kurt Ollmann. Richard will perform an eclectic selection of his music with his brilliant TRILLIUM ENSEMBLE collaborators, California based soprano PATRICIA PRUNTY and New York based baritone BRUCE RAMEKER.
    
    November 19, “ORPHEUS AND EURIDICE” explores what happens when Orpheus gives up his mythic lyre for a clarinet. Find out in an innovative staging of award-winning American composer RICKY IAN GORDON’s reimagining of the classic love story. Graceful and dramatic is the beloved Euridice as created by up-and-coming soprano superstar ALEXANDRA LOUTSION. World renowned pianist ALAN SMITH provides the vibrant keyboard landscape that supports the longing voice of masterful clarinetist JAMES SULLIVAN’s poignant Orpheus.
    
    Boston Court Performing Arts Center is located at 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106. Tickets and info, including discount and bonus packages, are available at www.bostoncourt.com or 626-683-6883.
    
    
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Our # 8 Story
    
SEPTEMBER'S BEST REMNANTS – A QUICK ROUNDUP – NEWLY UPDATED 
    
    Sure, there's a veritable cornucopia of detailed, chronological listings and write-ups in our current Spotlight Events Section, at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana_23.html   
    
    But, in quick form, here are our “Show-of-the-Week” highlights, through the end of the month...
    
    FESTIVALS: They ARE happening this weekend, despite the demise of summer...
    
    See the separate features in this edition on Saturday's 17th annual “HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS” in Culver City; this weekend's annual “CASTAIC DAYS” at the big reservoir just a little ways up I-5; and our feature on the rest of this weekend's festival scene with its “Hodge-Podge of Music,” including Ventura County's THREE music festivals – on Saturday, there's the annual “CAMARILLO ART & JAZZ FESTIVAL,” a free daytime and ticketed mid-afternoon-to-evening event; through the weekend is the “SIMI VALLEY FAIR & MUSIC FESTIVAL” in Simi Valley; Sunday-only is the “VENTURA HILLSIDES MUSIC FESTIVAL,” a benefit with BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, DAVID LINDLEY, FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, & CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD, at Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura.
    
    CONCERTS: You'll find marvelous acoustic concerts, indoors and out.
    
    OUTDOORS, there's the big annual “BLUEGRASS CONCERT AT THE FORD” (see our separate feature story) brings MICHAEL CLEVELAND & FLAMEKEEPER plus LOAFER'S GLORY to the wonderful outdoor Ford Amphitheatre. Saturday in Ventura County at 7:30 pm, the CHUMASH INTER-TRIBAL SINGERS present an evening cultural program, representing and sharing many local regional Native American Indian cultures, at Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa Site in Newbury Park. (Our Spotlight Events section has directions.) In Pomona, the LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR – the nation's largest – has music performances of various kinds on a multiplicity of stages and various performance spaces each day, through October 2.
    
    INDOORS, plenty is happening through the end of the month...
    
    Tonight, FRIDAY the 23rd, brings THE BRACKEN BAND with Irish music to the Grand Annex in san Pedro, while BORDER RADIO with TOM CORBETT play the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena. Up in Ventura, ROD PIAZZA & THE MIGHTY FLYERS BLUES QUARTET play Yolies.
    
    This SATURDAY brings the roughly annual offering of “POETRY GETS THE BLUES” with L.A. blues legend BERNIE PEARL at the Rumor Mill Cafe, on the border of L.A. and Culver City (spend the day at the Dulcimer Festival then go a few blocks to catch this evening event). Saturday at 3 pm, KEN O'MALLEY brings a matinee of authentic and original Irish music to the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena, and JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS are there in the evening. Plus, other evening choices on the 24th include TONY BENNETT, STEVIE WONDER, & CARRIE UNDERWOOD doing a benefit concert for “Drive to End Hunger” at Staples Center in downtown L.A. You can choose “A FAMILY EVENING OF IRISH MUSIC & DANCE” in Burbank with top local Irish artists and competitive dancers. There's a pair of Saturday house concerts, with WOMEN ON THE MOVE doing a dinner show in Sherman Oaks and “FOLK ROOTS OF AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC” in South Pasadena. Or choose FRANCISCO GONZALEZ's “Mexican Harp” show at the Folk Music Center in Claremont, or JENNIFER WARNES at McCabe's.
    
    This SUNDAY brings NEREA, Canadian Folk Music Award Winner for “Young Performer of the Year,” for a matinee show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena and SIMPLY PUT for an evening show there. You can catch JIM LAUDERDALE plus PIETA BROWN at McCabe's. And the same evening at the Echo is the very last GRAND OLE ECHO for 2011, with SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS (see our separate feature story). And remember the outdoor “Bluegrass Concert at the Ford,” too (see the separate feature on that one).
    
    In short – don't overlook the FESTIVALS and OUTDOOR EVENTS this weekend, 'cause the weather is here and we hope you are beautiful.
    
DURING THE WEEK:
    
    On the 27th, EMMYLOU HARRIS with her RED DIRT BOYS, plus PATTY GRIFFIN & BUDDY MILLER, play the Greek Theatre.
    
    Wednesday, the 28th, there are two fine events: The BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA plus SARA & SEAN WATKINS (FROM NICKEL CREEK) do a performance-interview session at the Grammy Museum in downtown L.A.; and JESSICA RIVERA performs “SONGS FROM MY SOUL” at Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena.
    
    Thursday the 29th at 8 pm, “THE BYRDS & BEYOND” brings former BYRDS JOHN YORK & BILLY DARNELL, and L.A. fave CHAD WATSON, to the Coffee Gallery Backstage.
    
    Friday the 30th, B. B. KING plus SHAWN JONES play the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, bluesman / actor HUGH LAURIE performs with RASPIN STUWART at the Mint in L.A., while OLLABELLE is at McCabe's in Santa Monica, the HOLLYWOOD BLUE FLAMES are at Yolies in Ventura, and THE AROHI ENSEMBLE presents “SOULS ASCENDING” at Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena. (We did a feature story on HUGH LAURIE, “Blues in House: HUGH LAURIE the Musician,” in our Sep 9 edition, Feature #5, that you can still read at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html)    
    
    “OOH LA L.A.,” aka the 3rd Annual “FRENCH MUSIC FESTIVAL IN LOS ANGELES,” runs September 29 through October 1 at the El Rey Theater and features an eclectic lineup of NOUVELLE VAGUE, TINARIWEN, HINDI ZAHRA, HUGH COLTMAN, DJ CAM, BIRDY NAM NAM and others. Amoeba Hollywood will present a special in-store showcase with acclaimed Touareg band TINARIWEN, performing live in the store on September 29 at 6 pm (caution – this one is an electric show).
    
    The annual “WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL” in Ojai brings “music from all over the world” to Libbey Bowl and the Ojai Art Center, Friday-Sunday, September 30-October 2. Info, 805-646-8907.
     
And of course, a whole LOT more Southern Cal events are described in Spotlight Events, too!
    
    
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Our # 9 Story
    
OCTOBER - FIRST LOOK AT AN ACOUSTIC ROCKTOBER'S IMPENDING EVENTS
    
    Egads, before we know it, hordes of miniature humans bedecked as creatures of all persuasions will be infesting our doorsteps, begging for treats rendered poisonous by BigFood's ubiquitous infatuation with High Fructose Corn Syrup. (THAT is a scarey Halloween story. Stick to the Jack-o-Lanterns and we'll help you eat the homemade pumpkin pie.)
    
    Fortunately, plenty of days and evenings precede Ghoulo-fructo-popalypse, and all of 'em offer chances to hear or perform acoustic music.
    
While we anticipate some artists' workshops that have yet to be announced, here's a quick look at some EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS in the month to come.
    
    “UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL” runs weekends, Oct 1-31 in Ventura County, and includes the annual “FOLK FESTIVAL”weekend Oct 8 & 9, and the Oct 22 & 23 “WESTERN HERITAGE” weekend, all at Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark. More later, or check www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com, or call them at 805-529-3690.
    
    “BILL TAPIA, LIVE AT THE WARNER GRAND THEATRE - THE 100th BIRTHDAY CONCERT” CD Release Party is Saturday, October 1. Yep, the world's oldest professional musician, the only one living who played with JOHN PHILLIP SOUZA and with most of the Big Band legends, and who is STILL AT IT making music, is indeed releasing a new CD, recorded three years ago at his 100th Birthday concert. And, yep, he IS amazing! "If there was a Mount Rushmore for ukulele players, Bill Tapia would be on it." Reservations get directions at info@panioloproductions.com.    
    
    “MOORPARK COUNTRY DAYS” is Sat, Oct 1, 9 am-4 pm, and includes a street fair, parade, and live music. This year's theme is “Celebrate American History.” Info, 805-529-3690.
    
    “OXNARD MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL” is Sat, Oct 1, 10 am-6 pm, with live music and vendors at Plaza Park in downtown Oxnard. Info, 805-385-7434.
    
MARINA V plays Sat, Oct 1, at the Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood. She says, “My bday show with Russian chocolates! $5 suggested donation at the door goes to Cancer Research foundation.”
    
    CATHY BARTON & DAVE PARRA do a 3 pm matinee, then there's an evening show by SIMON LYNGE at 7 pm, both on Sun, Oct 2, both HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, both at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
    
    BUTCH HANCOCK plays an 8 pm Monday night show, Oct 3, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
    
    The annual “SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES” are Sat & Sun, Oct 8 & 9 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura. This is a wonderful event. We ran a News Feature in the Sep 15 edition that you can read (Feature # 10) at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/news-features-acoustic-americana-music.html  
    
    Annual “FOLK FESTIVAL”weekend, Oct 8 & 9, part of the month-long “UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL” runs weekends, Oct 1-31 in Ventura County; also includes the Oct 22 & 23 “WESTERN HERITAGE” weekend, all at Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark. More later, or check www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com, or call them at 805-529-3690.
    
    TOM CORBETT, RICK SHEA and the fabulous AUDREY AULD-MEZERA, play Oct 8, 8 pm at The Fret House in Covina.
    
    40th Annual “OLD TIME FIDDLER'S CONVENTION & FESTIVAL” is Sunday, October 9, a one-day event, 10 am-5 pm, at Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Road, in Goleta 93117. It's a landmark year for a fine event that's always under-promoted. We ran a News Feature in the Sep 15 edition that you can read (Feature # 11) at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/news-features-acoustic-americana-music.html  
    
    Annual “WESTERN HERITAGE” weekend, Oct 22 & 23, part of the month-long “UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL” runs weekends, Oct 1-31 in Ventura County, at Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark. More later, or check www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com, or call them at 805-529-3690.
    
    “SAMHAIN” Irish Song, Dance & Story, with optional traditional Samhain dinner, brings the story of Halloween and a celebration of the Celtic New Year, with SLUGGER O'TOOLE, BARRY LYNCH, ACS DANCERS, ADAM KIRK, CHRIS LOKEN, AEDAN MacDONNELL, STEVE PRIBYL, & LINEA SOLEDAD, sponsored by the Celtic Arts Center at the Burbank Moose Lodge, 1901 W Burbank Bl, Burbank 91506. Two shows, 3 pm or 7 pm, tix for either are $18; 5 pm dinner tix are $15; show + dinner, $30. Tix will sell-out early; info & advance tix, www.CelticArtsCenter.com/Samhain.    
    
    MUCH more coming soon!
    
    
    
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Resources, etc
    
Our recently updated VENUE DIRECTORY    
  
...with OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, is available at   
  
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html   
  
  
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RECENT EDITIONS of The Guide's NEWS FEATURES are still available!  
  
    Just check our archive! Read the contents bar on the left side of the page at www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com and click the appropriate month.   
    
    
The MOST RECENT past editions (last 30 days) are easy to find HERE:
    
September 15 edition is available at
    
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/news-features-acoustic-americana-music.html  
                       and the stories are:
  
  1) Musician ALEX BEATON Paralyzed from Accident  
  2) Innovative Ways to Sell Your CDs
  3) Stuff that Works: Musicians' Comedic Press Release of the Month  
  4) “MILLPOND MUSIC FESTIVAL” Brings Finale to Summer Fests, this Weekend  
  5) 8th Annual “CELTIC CONCERT” at the Ford Brings the Craic, this Sunday  
  6) Grand Ole Echo Brings “GRAMATHON” this Sunday
  7) FUR & STEVE Invite You to Recording Sesh for their Live CD, this Sunday
  8) All-Star Lineup for “BLUEGRASS CONCERT AT THE FORD,” September 25  
  9) Of Autoharps, Jobs Bills, and a Vision for Our Future (or the Lack of it)  
 10) “SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES” Coming October 8 & 9 in Ventura  
 11) 40th annual “OLD TIME FIDDLER'S CONVENTION & FESTIVAL” is Sunday, October 9
 12) KEN GRAYDON Memorial Concert Brings Fitting Adios  
 13) SEPTEMBER MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS – The Guide's Quick Roundup  
    
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September 9 edition is available at
    
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html
                       and the stories are:
  
  1) Frightful Heat Comes and Goes, but Upcoming Music is Delightful  
  2) Performance Workshop: Learn from Successful Indies, Saturday at the Autry  
  3) And Now for Something Completely Different: PHIL WARD, this Friday Night  
  4) “Equinox Folk Music, Dance & Storytelling Festival” is this Weekend  
  5) Blues in House: HUGH LAURIE the Musician  
  6) “Songwriter Sanctum,” Local Recurring Event, Gets Media Attention  
  7) “Millpond Music Festival” Brings Fine Lineup, September 16-18  
  8) 9-11's Legacy: The Part Played by Artists, and What's Still to be Done  
    
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August 26 edition is available at
    
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/08/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_26.html    
                       and the stories are:
  
  1) “Americana” Music Added to Webster's Dictionary  
  2) 9/11 Commemorative Project from Red House Label
  3) Blues Musicians Team-Up to Play Cancer Benefit on Sunday, August 28;
    Proceeds Support The City of Hope
  4) “Remember The Music” Benefit will Bring Grammy Winner SHELBY LYNNE, plus
    PATRICK PARK & BRIAN WRIGHT, to Fight Alzheimers, September 1
  5) Saturday's “FAR-West Folk Alliance Benefit” Promises Fine Americana Artists
  6) DON McLEAN & Broadway Stars Headline Saturday's “BELIEVE Only in Love”
  7) Guitar Goddess VICKI GENFAN Plays Altadena, August 26
  8) DAVID GRIER, IBMA Guitarist of the Year, Plays Culver City, August 26
  9) “The Drop: JOHN DOE” At The Grammy Museum, August 31
10) JONATHAN McEUEN & NATHAN McEUEN Together for Two Rare Shows
11) LAUREN ADAMS Plays a Birthday Show, September 2
12) Acoustic ALARM 30th Anniversary Tour Hits L.A. September 4
13) Musical Memorial Service For KEN GRAYDON is September 4
    
    
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at   
  
                          tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com  
  
(We're trying to cut-down spam. Please help – just remove all the spaces and type the "@" and the ".")  
  
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The LATEST EDITION of THE GUIDE, the NEWS FEATURES, THE SCENE, SPOTLIGHTED EVENTS, & THE VENUE DIRECTORY– what it takes to bring you the world of current acoustic music happenings, including "heads up" notices to buy advance tickets for shows likely to sell-out.   
  
Plus VENUES TO HEAR MUSIC OR CONTACT TO GET GIGS, and lots more   
  
    – is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at ~  
  
             www.acousticmusic.net or at   
             www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com    
  
- or follow any of the links in the fifteen web sites and web groups that carry the Guide’s weekly News Features.  
  
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 Entire contents copyright (c) 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.  
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“It'll never sell...too many notes!” - Gene Autry
                                                (passed along to us by Bruce Forman of COW BOP.)
  
  

Spotlight Events: Acoustic Americana Music Guide, September 23, 2011 edition

    
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               SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
     
                         from THE ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE
     
                                                                                          September 23, 2011 edition
     
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    Southern California – the region of our core coverage – continues to have THE MOST live acoustic music performances of anyplace in the world! (Not a brag, just a FACT.)
    
That's amply demonstrated in THIS SECTION of the Guide, our SPOTLIGHT EVENTS.
    
     
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PLUS, remember to check THIS WEEK’S NEWS FEATURES, September 23 edition, in its own section of the Guide!    
    
That's just a li'l ol' click away, at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/news-features-acoustic-americana-music_23.html  
    
    
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        SPOTLIGHT EVENTS brings you the Guide's chronological, day-by-day listings and descriptions of live acoustic and Americana performances, festivals, workshops for artists, and more. We cover music indoors and out, across and around the vast L.A. region, from the north border of Santa Barbara County to the south border of Orange County, inland to the deserts, plus some key events in San Diego and beyond. And, we include FESTIVALS anywhere we think you're interested in finding them.
     
    
    
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                        THIS is
                                        SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
    
                                          for September 23, 2011
    
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Friday, September 23
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Fri, Sep 23; Wed-Sun, Sep 21-25, in Ventura County:
“SIMI VALLEY FAIR & MUSIC FESTIVAL” at Rancho Simi Park, 1765 Royal Av (at E minger), Simi Valley. Event info, www.simivalleydays.org or call 805-338-5582.
    Live music here is a hodge-podge, but SUNDAY is a “Country Music Festival” that includes THE SIDESHOW PREACHERS at 2 pm, VON COTTON at 3:35, LARRY BAGBY BAND OF BROTHERS at 5:10, and JUST DAVE BAND at 6:45 pm.
    Event looks like a big end-of-summer country fair that includes a car show, a parade on Sep 24, a 5 & 10 K run, and girls' softball tournament. The event benefits local nonprofits.
     
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Fri, Sep 23:
8 pm BOBBY LONG at McCabe's, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
     
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Fri, Sep 23; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
8 pm THE BRACKEN BAND brings Irish music to the Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro; 310-833-4813; www.grandvision.org. With influences from The Chieftains to the Cranberries, THE BRACKEN BAND, featuring MARIAN TOMAS GRIFFIN, delivers high energy Irish jigs, reels and contemporary Irish tunes, too. Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats.
    Tix, $15 adv, $20 door; $10 student tix.
     
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Fri, Sep 23; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
8 pm TOM CORBETT with BORDER RADIO at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations, 626-798-6236; info, www.coffeegallery.com. Tom is opening the evening and then playing with Border Radio. This'll be fun! Tix, $18.
     
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Fri, Sep 23, in Ventura:
8 pm ROD PIAZZA & THE MIGHTY FLYERS BLUES QUARTET at Yolies, 138 W Main, Ventura; 805-816-0663; tix, www.HiHatEntertainment.com. Tix, $18.     
     
     
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Saturday, September 24
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Sat, Sep 24, festival; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
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.    
     
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Sat & Sun, Sep 24 & 25, festival; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
Annual “CASTAIC DAYS” includes a 7 pm Saturday set by Grammy nominees LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS; venue is Castaic Lake, 32132 Castaic Lake Dr, Castaic 91384; event info, 661-257-4050 or www.castaicdays.com    
    Lisa talks about and plays Cajun & zydeco music at www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbYuHlI2xxA.    
    Michael Lucas of the Los Angeles Times calls Lisa Hayley and the Zydekats’ music "a pop approach to Louisiana's sound...one-of-a-kind cornbread voice."
    We find her marvelous, a world-class talent with a splendid and powerfully joyous voice. With her band, just back from a world tour that included the South Pacific Music Festival on Borneo (no kidding!), they play authentic, high-energy Americana / Louisiana / Pop / Folk music that is fun to sing along. It's an infectious repertoire, ranging from contemporary Louisiana music to 120-year-old traditional Cajun and zydeco songs, and they blend education with rollicking entertainment, teaching all ages about the rich history of Louisiana/Americana migration.
    Lisa Haley & the Zydekats include the talents of Gigi Rabe “Accordion Diva”, Chuck Alvarez, Andy Anders, and fine drummer Maria Martinez. In addition to live performance and recordings, they have collaborated on major motion pictures, including "Where the Red Fern Grows," “The Muppet Movie,” “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” and "Man in the Moon."
     
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Sat, Sep 24, in Ventura County:
10 am-evening Annual “CAMARILLO ART & JAZZ FESTIVAL” is both a free daytime and ticketed mid-afternoon-to-evening event, free during the day in Old Town Camarillo (along Ventura Bl) and tickets required (beginning at 2 pm) at Pleasant Valley Outdoor Performance Center, 2222 E Ventura Bl, Camarillo. Info, www.camarilloartandjazz.com    
    Despite the “Jazz” title, this is eclectic enough to interest a broader audience. There's entertainment on three stages during the day – Dizdar Park Stage, Palm Street Stage, and Fir Street Stage. That includes a battle of the bands (Dizdar Park Stage). Evening show features jazz, plus BLUE MOON SWAMP BAND (CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL tribute band). Evening tix, $25, daytime free.
     
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Sat, Sep 24; Wed-Sun, Sep 21-25, in Ventura County:
“SIMI VALLEY FAIR & MUSIC FESTIVAL” at Rancho Simi Park, 1765 Royal Av (at Eminger), Simi Valley. Event info, www.simivalleydays.org or call 805-338-5582.
    Live music here is a hodge-podge, but SUNDAY is a “Country Music Festival” that includes THE SIDESHOW PREACHERS at 2 pm, VON COTTON at 3:35, LARRY BAGBY BAND OF BROTHERS at 5:10, and JUST DAVE BAND at 6:45 pm.
    Event looks like a big end-of-summer country fair that includes a car show, a parade on Sep 24, a 5 & 10 K run, and girls' softball tournament. The event benefits local nonprofits.
     
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Sat & Sun, Sep 24 & 25, festival, in Sacramento:
Annual “SEAFARER'S MARKETPLACE & PIRATE FESTIVAL” brings Cajun-zydeco music and dance, and seafaring and pirate music. Free admission with donations of canned food or cash. Live music, Pirate encampments, cannon fights, food and treasures from around the globe, and more. Characters welcome, so rummage through the costume trunk. Info, directions, etc at www.louisianasue.com or call 916-962-6415.
     
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Sat, Sep 24; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
3 pm KEN O'MALLEY brings a matinee of authentic and original Irish music to the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW, May 2011) is 626-798-6236. (“The venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”). Tix, $18.
     
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Sat, Sep 24; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
5 pm WOMEN ON THE MOVE Trio (JOAN ENGUITA, LINDA GELERIS & TRISH LESTER) plus folksinger-songwriter DAVE MORRISON play a house concert that includes a home-cooked dinner and a “bring-your-instruments” song circle in Sherman Oaks. Reservations get directions at 213-219-2449. $15 suggested donation includes dinner & beverages.
     
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Sat, Sep 24:
5-7 pm Monthly ACOUSTIC JAM sponsored by The Living Tradition at Anaheim Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim. All acoustic instruments welcome. Info, 714-267-4567. Free.
     
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Sat, Sep 24; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
7 pm “FOLK ROOTS OF AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC” is “A Musi-Cational* House Concert in South Pasadena, benefiting the music student scholarship fund administered by music teacher TOM FAIR. Reservations get directions at dynamic_events@hotmail.com or 626-319-9289.
     The program “trace[s] the music of the American people from the British Isles through Southern slave songs to modern-time troubadours such as Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan and [others].” It's intended for an audience of teens and adults. Entry by a minimum donation of $10 to the music student scholarship fund. TOM FAIR is the featured performer, with guest musicians and guest vocalists.
     
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Sat, Sep 24; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
7 pm JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW, May 2011) is 626-798-6236. (“The venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”). It's hotsy-totsy, with the charming Ms. Klein and the delightful – and sometimes rather “naughty” - tunes of the nineteen-teens through the twenties. Tix, $20.
     
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Sat, Sep 24:
7 pm “A FAMILY EVENING OF IRISH MUSIC & DANCE” with KEN O'MALLEY other top local Irish musicians and lots of Irish dancers, at the Burbank Airport Marriott, 2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank. It's part of the “ST. AMBROSE FEIS” with “some of the finest competitive Irish dancers and Irish musicians.” The event is free(!) Info, www.clearyirish.com    
     
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Sat, Sep 24; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
7:30 -10 pm “POETRY GETS THE BLUES” with music by renowned bluesman BERNIE PEARL and poetry by his poet brother SHERMAN PEARL, at the Rumor Mill Cafe, 11739 W. Washington Bl, L.A. (next to Culver City). Bernie says, “We recite poems and play the blues, in a program of spoken word and music featuring several artists.” This is a popular and anticipated annual event. Free admission. Info, 310-397-5400.
     
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Sat, Sep 24; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
7:30 pm FRANCISCO GONZALEZ "Mexican Harp" at the Folk Music Center & Museum, 220 Yale Av, Claremont 91711; 909-624-2928; www.folkmusiccenter.com. info@folkmusiccenter.com
Tix, $12. Listen to samples at www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbAYg1ra6kE
     
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Sat, Sep 24, in Ventura County:
7:30 pm CHUMASH INTER-TRIBAL SINGERS present an evening cultural program, representing and sharing many local regional Native American Indian cultures, at Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa Site; take 101 Fwy to Lynn Road Exit in Newbury Park, S on Lynn Rd 5.25 miles to Via Goleta; park entrance is on the left. Event includes song and dance. Co-sponsored by the National Park Service. Info, 805-370-2301. Free.
     
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Sat, Sep 24; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick: (Late addition)
TONY BENNETT, STEVIE WONDER, & CARRIE UNDERWOOD do a benefit concert for “Drive to End Hunger” at Staples Center in downtown L.A.
     
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Sat, Sep 24; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
8 pm JENNIFER WARNES at McCabe's, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4497. Tix, $38.50.
     
     
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Sunday, September 25
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Yikes! We missed one! The ABBOT KINNEY FESTIVAL, subtitled “A Community in Concert,” is Sunday only, 10 am-6 pm, in Venice (the California one, not the Italian one). Music includes Cajun-zydeco Grammy nominees LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS (3:30 pm, Kidsquad Stage) and a hodge-podge of world music and alt rock all day. The event website omits a LOT of the music, but seems to include the armada of food trucks – www.abbotkinney.org.
   PARKING TIP: Park at Venice High (13000 Venice Blvd)- $5 donation to the school’s booster club is suggested & take free shuttle.

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Sun, Sep 25:
11 am RANDY KAPLAN – “COUNTRY BLUES & STORIES” at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga; 310-455-3723; www.theatricum.com.
     
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Sun, Sep 25; Sat & Sun, Sep 24 & 25, festival:
Annual “CASTAIC DAYS” includes lots of music, with a 7 pm Saturday set by Grammy nominees LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS; venue is Castaic Lake, 32132 Castaic Lake Dr, Castaic 91384; event info, 661-257-4050 or www.castaicdays.com    
     
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Sun, Sep 25, in Ventura:
1 pm “VENTURA HILLSIDES MUSIC FESTIVAL” is a benefit event for the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, with BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, DAVID LINDLEY, FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, & CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD, at Arroyo Verde Park, Ventura. Info and tix, www.venturahillsides.org.     
     
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Sun, Sep 25; Wed-Sun, Sep 21-25, in Simi Valley:
“SIMI VALLEY FAIR & MUSIC FESTIVAL” at Rancho Simi Park, 1765 Royal Av (at E minger), Simi Valley. Event info, www.simivalleydays.org or call 805-338-5582.
    Live music here is a hodge-podge, but SUNDAY is a “Country Music Festival” that includes THE SIDESHOW PREACHERS at 2 pm, VON COTTON at 3:35, LARRY BAGBY BAND OF BROTHERS at 5:10, and JUST DAVE BAND at 6:45 pm.
    Event looks like a big end-of-summer country fair that includes a car show, a parade on Sep 24, a 5 & 10 K run, and girls' softball tournament. The event benefits local nonprofits.
     
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Sun, Sep 25; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
3 pm NEREA, Canadian Folk Music Award Winner for “Young Performer of the Year,” does a matinee show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW, May 2011) is 626-798-6236. (“The venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).
    Nerea is “Highly recommended,” says Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow, Scotland, and she is a “Virtuoso of the fiddle,” says Le Telegramme newspaper (France).
    Tix, $15.
     
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Sun, Sep 25:
5:30-9 pm The very last “GRAND OLE ECHO” for 2011, with SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS, at the Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Bl, Echo Park 90026. Unlike the previous shows all season, this one is 18+ and requires tickets. Advance tix at www.attheecho.com/2011/09/25. Tix are $12 advance, $14 doors.
     
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Sun, Sep 25; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
7 pm Annual “BLUEGRASS CONCERT AT THE FORD” with MICHAEL CLEVELAND & FLAMEKEEPER plus LOAFER'S GLORY, at the Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood 90068; 323-GO1-FORD (323-461-3673); www.FordTheatres.org.
    MICHAEL CLEVELAND & FLAMEKEEPER are a great bluegrass band from Back East, and as TOM SAUBER of the all-star LOAFER'S GLORY observes, “The Ford is a great place to see and hear music.“
    Box dinner orders available for some shows at 310-652-3797. [aka John Anson Ford Amphitheatre.] Come early and bring your picnic at tables & chair in the “leafy entryway” by the waterfalls (you can bring your own wine or other beverage, and grounds open 2 hours before show time for picnicking). Food & drink are available on-site, though they always run out of hot cocoa when it’s chilly.
     
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Sun, Sep 25; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
7 pm JIM LAUDERDALE plus PIETA BROWN at McCabe's, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
     
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Sun, Sep 25; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
7 pm SIMPLY PUT at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW, May 2011) is 626-798-6236. (“The venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).
    This is an Ovation Award-winning a cappela group that has played Staples Center and Disney Concert Hall in L.A., Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in NYC, and the Kennedy Center in D.C. Tix, $15.
     
     
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Tuesday, September 27
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Tue, Sep 27; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
7:30 pm EMMYLOU HARRIS & her RED DIRT BOYS plus PATTY GRIFFIN & BUDDY MILLER at the Greek Theatre, 2700 N Vermont Ave in Griffith Park, L.A.; Greek Theatre hotline, 323-665-1927; tix, 213-480-3232; www.greektheatrela.com. The Guide gave you a shot at advance tickets in mid-August at a special url; public sale is now ongoing.
     
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Tue, Sep 27:
SOULAVIV - JEWISH GOSPEL AND SOUL, at Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; 626-683-6883; www.bostoncourt.com.     
    SoulAviv's unique and original repertoire is infused with the sounds of Motown, gospel, Memphis soul, and a particular affinity with the great harmony groups of the '60s and '70s. Socially conscious lyrics mix with deep spirituality; combined with jubilant celebration, and a little California sunshine thrown in for fun.
     
     
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Wednesday, September 28
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Wed, Sep 28:
THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA plus SARA & SEAN WATKINS (from NICKEL CREEK) do a performance-interview at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Sound Stage, 800 W Olympic Bl, L.A. 90015; 213-765-6803; www.grammymuseum.org.

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Wed, Sep 28:
JESSICA RIVERA: “SONGS FROM MY SOUL,” at Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; 626-683-6883; www.bostoncourt.com.     
    We've seen her perform. She's wonderful. The venue says, “With her uncommonly beautiful vocal luster and exceptional musical intelligence, the ravishing Los Angeles-based soprano has established herself as one of the premiere interpreters of 20th and 21st century music. Her deeply spiritual connection and religious convictions, along with an innate ability to communicate intense emotional expression in her voice, make her singing truly the extension of her soul.”
     
     
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Thursday, September 29
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Thu, Sep 29-Sat, Oct 1, festival:
OOH LA L.A.,” aka the 3rd Annual “FRENCH MUSIC FESTIVAL IN LOS ANGELES,” runs September 29 through October 1 at the El Rey Theater and features an eclectic lineup of NOUVELLE VAGUE, TINARIWEN, HINDI ZAHRA, HUGH COLTMAN, DJ CAM, BIRDY NAM NAM and others.
    Amoeba Hollywood will present a special in-store showcase with acclaimed Touareg band TINARIWEN, performing live in the store on September 29 at 6 pm (caution – this one is an electric show).
     
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Thu, Sep 29; a “Show-of-the-Week” pick:
8 pm “THE BYRDS & BEYOND” with former BYRDS JOHN YORK & BILLY DARNELL, and L.A. fave CHAD WATSON, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations number (NEW, May 2011) is 626-798-6236. (“The venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).
    Tix, $20.
     
     
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Friday, September 30
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Fri-Sun, Sep 30-Oct 2, in Ojai:
“WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL” brings “music from all over the world” to Libbey Bowl and the Ojai Art Center, both in Ojai. Info, 805-646-8907.
     
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Fri, Sep 30:
B. B. KING plus SHAWN JONES at the Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Dr, Agoura Hills; tix, www.canyonclub.net; 818-879-5016.
     
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Fri, Sep 30:
8 pm OLLABELLE at McCabe's, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4497. Tix, $20.
     
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Fri, Sep 30, in Ventura:
8 pm HOLLYWOOD BLUE FLAMES at Yolies, 138 W Main, Ventura; 805-816-0663; tix, www.HiHatEntertainment.com. Tix, $18.     
     
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Fri, Sep 30:
THE AROHI ENSEMBLE - “SOULS ASCENDING,” at Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; 626-683-6883; www.bostoncourt.com.
    The Arohi Ensemble features Paul Livingstone on sitar, Pedro Eustache on world winds, Abhijit Banerjee on tabla, Peter Jacobson on cello, and Dave Lewis on drums, with guest vocalist from India, Mahesh Kale.
     
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Fri, Sep 30:
Bluesman / actor HUGH LAURIE performs with RASPIN STUWART at the Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, Los Angeles 90035; www.TheMintLA.com; 323-954-9400. $15.
     
     
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COMING IN OCTOBER:
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“UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL” runs weekends, Oct 1-31 in Ventura County, and includes the annual “FOLK FESTIVAL”weekend Oct 8 & 9, and the Oct 22 & 23 “WESTERN HERITAGE” weekend, all at Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark. More later, or check www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com, or call them at 805-529-3690.
     
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“MOORPARK COUNTRY DAYS” is Sat, Oct 1, 9 am-4 pm, and includes a street fair, parade, and live music. This year's theme is “Celebrate American History.” Info, 805-529-3690.
     
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“OXNARD MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL” is Sat, Oct 1, 10 am-6 pm, with live music and vendors at Plaza Park in downtown Oxnard. Info, 805-385-7434.
     
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“BILL TAPIA, LIVE AT THE WARNER GRAND THEATRE - THE 100th BIRTHDAY CONCERT” CD Release Party is Sat, Oct 1. Yep, the world's oldest professional musician, the only one living who played with JOHN PHILLIP SOUZA and with most of the Big Band legends, and who is STILL AT IT making music, is indeed releasing a new CD, recorded three years ago at his 100th Birthday concert. And, yep, he IS amazing! "If there was a Mount Rushmore for ukulele players, Bill Tapia would be on it." Reservations get directions at info@panioloproductions.com.    
     
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MARINA V plays Sat, Oct 1, at the Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood. She says, “My bday show with Russian chocolates! $5 suggested donation at the door goes to Cancer Research foundation.”
     
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CATHY BARTON & DAVE PARRA do a 3 pm matinee, then there's an evening show by SIMON LYNGE at 7 pm, both on Sun, Oct 2, both HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, both at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
     
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BUTCH HANCOCK plays an 8 pm Monday night show, Oct 3, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
     
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Annual “SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES” are Sat & Sun, Oct 8 & 9 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura.
    This is always one of the best fall music events in the Southern half of the Golden State, with Celtic music that includes both traditional music and dance and Celtic rock. There are pipe and drum corps competitions and performances and massed band pageantry – and “pipe” means bagpipes, for the uninitiated – with the best kilt-and-kit wearing groups for 400 miles.
    While there is enough music on multiple stages to make tough choices a certainty, plus the state's only Scottish fiddle championship, this is a convening of Highland games, as well. As their promo said a few years ago, that means “Large men throwing things,” and some powerful women letting loose with potentially lethal objects, as well.
    The Caber Toss involves throwing telephone poles end-over-end. One person throwing one pole. Amazing. And they do the Hammer Throw. Think of a scene from Thor. You'll either be intimidated or inspired by the sheer physical strength and control of these athletes. See this, and you'll be far less tolerant of TV's silly junk sports with floaties and Styrofoam bats. These sports and their athletes are serious, and they're fun to watch. And don't worry about the kids. There's nothing gladiatorial here and you watch from a safe place.
    Featured musicians are SLIGO RAGS, THE BROWNE SISTERS & GEORGE CAVANAUGH, ANITA & THE YANKS, CELTIC SPRING, and ERIC RIGLER & BAD HAGGIS, plenty of bagpipes and drums, dancing by the CLADDAGH DANCE COMPANY, plus more musicians to be announced.
    ERIC RIGLER did the haunting Irish flute and whistle for the soundtrack of “Titanic.” These days, his band, BAD HAGGIS, is one of the top Celtic rock outfits. (Festival food vendors have good haggis, in case you're wondering.)
     SLIGO RAGS has been named by the Guide's editor, writing the annual “Top Ten/Best of” for FolkWorks magazine, as one of the Top Ten acoustic bands in Southern California. Their musicality gets them booked every year as the only Celtic band at bluegrass festivals, too.
    Tragically absent this year is longtime headliner ALEX BEATON, who suffered a paralyzing accident (see News Feature # 1 at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/news-features-acoustic-americana-music.html).  
    In addition to the Saturday and Sunday festival that uses the entire Ventura County Fairgrounds complex, there's a Friday “Scottish Evening” event, October 7, and a Saturday night concert / country dance with PEAT-FIRE FLAME. These require separate tickets. A Celtic rock concert is included with festival admission on Saturday, 5 to 8 pm.
    A two-day festival pass is $19 advance, $22 gate (seniors $18 and $20, children $3/day, age 5 and under free). One-day tickets are $12 advance, $14 gate (seniors $10 and $12, children $3, age 5 and under free). The festival site is the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W Harbor Bl, Ventura 93001. Amtrak stops at the festival's front gate.
    We'll bring you more in next week's Spotlight Events section. Meantime, check www.seaside-games.com or call 818-886-4968.
    NOTE: if you're attending the 40th annual OLD TIME FIDDLER'S CONVENTION & FESTIVAL (feature # 11) in Goleta on Sunday, October 9, it makes a great weekend to spend Saturday at the SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES.
     
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Annual “FOLK FESTIVAL”weekend, Oct 8 & 9, part of the month-long “UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL” runs weekends, Oct 1-31 in Ventura County; also includes the Oct 22 & 23 “WESTERN HERITAGE” weekend, all at Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark. More later, or check www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com, or call them at 805-529-3690.
     
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TOM CORBETT, RICK SHEA and the fabulous AUDREY AULD-MEZERA, play Oct 8, 8 pm at The Fret House in Covina.
     
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40th Annual “OLD TIME FIDDLER'S CONVENTION & FESTIVAL” is Sunday, October 9, a one-day event, 10 am-5 pm, at Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Road, in Goleta 93117.
    It's a landmark year for a fine event that's always under-promoted. This year, the lineup is appropriate for the convention / festival's four-decade anniversary, with LAURIE LEWIS & TOM ROZUM, HOT BUTTERED RUM, ERIC & SUZY THOMPSON, PETER FELDMANN & THE VERY LONESOME BOYS, MOLLY'S REVENGE, and the OLD TIME FIDDLERS.
    If you're going, make it a full weekend by spending Saturday at the SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES.
     
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OPERAWORKS brings “THE NEWEST RECITAL IN THE WORLD,” October 15 at Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena. The OperaWorks ensemble will invent a custom recital right in front of your eyes, with made-to-order music, at your request. It's entirely improvised, with arias, duets, trios, and scenes with improvised accompaniment, all performed without any prepared or printed music.
     
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“TRACKING FILM AND TELEVISION MUSIC: AN AFTERNOON WITH LEE HOLDRIDGE & JON BURLINGAME,” October 16 at Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena. World renowned author and lecturer JON BURLINGAME helps to see and hear this astonishing and precise world when he and Emmy and Grammy award winning composer LEE HOLDRIDGE (the late JOHN DENVER's orchestra leader and collaborator) discuss, from the composers perspective, music composed for the big and little screens. Live musical performances and selected clips from Mr. Holdridge’s extensive catalogue of his film and television scores are interspersed throughout this fascinating, behind the scenes look at the music behind the magic.
     
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“THE NEW SOUND OF SILENT FILM: CLASSIC SILENT FILM 'NOSFERATU' WITH LIVE SCORE BY BASSIST TOM PETERS,” October 21 at Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena. Peters provides a newly conceived, live musical score for the classic silent film “Nosferatu.” Director F.W. Murnau’s “Nosferatu” (1922) stands as one of the most important films to come out of pre-World War II Germany. After almost 90 years, it still delivers chills.
     
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Annual “WESTERN HERITAGE” weekend, Oct 22 & 23, part of the month-long “UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS HARVEST FESTIVAL” runs weekends, Oct 1-31 in Ventura County, at Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark. More later, or check www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com, or call them at 805-529-3690.
     
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THE CALIFORNIA E.A.R. UNIT presents “Sonic Revolution,” October 22, at Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena. Don't panic. They are a chamber ensemble that performs music where the ink is still wet. The core of highly acclaimed players include Vicky Ray, Eric Clark and Amy Knoles who strive to reflect Southern California’s unique cultural diversity by acting as L.A.'s new music ambassadors to the world. The evening features works penned especially for the group by Macedonian composer Darija Andovska, Portuguese composer Miguel Azguime, Berlin's Michael Maierhof, New York's Lisa Coons, Rhode Island's Todd Winkler, as well as an offering from Alan Schockley, who is currently residing in Los Angeles.
     
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“THE WHITE HOUSE CONCERT WITH STEVE ERDODY & FRIENDS,” October 29, at Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena. This is a most interesting concept for a musical re-enactment from a happy time long ago when everything seemed bright and fresh and challenging and possible. On November 24, 1961, President Kennedy revolutionized arts performances at the White House by presenting the famous but reclusive 84-year-old cellist PABLO CASALS in a recital for 150 of the world’s most famous and influential classical composers, conductors and musicians. To commemorate the anniversary of the historic occasion, Music at the Court is presenting local cello virtuoso STEPHEN ERDODY with an all star ensemble of chamber musicians in a recital replicating the original program from 50 years ago.
     
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“SAMHAIN” Irish Song, Dance & Story, with optional traditional Samhain dinner, brings the story of Halloween and a celebration of the Celtic New Year, with SLUGGER O'TOOLE, BARRY LYNCH, ACS DANCERS, ADAM KIRK, CHRIS LOKEN, AEDAN MacDONNELL, STEVE PRIBYL, & LINEA SOLEDAD, sponsored by the Celtic Arts Center at the Burbank Moose Lodge, 1901 W Burbank Bl, Burbank 91506. Two shows, 3 pm or 7 pm, tix for either are $18; 5 pm dinner tix are $15; show + dinner, $30. Tix will sell-out early; info & advance tix, www.CelticArtsCenter.com/Samhain.    
     
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MUCH MORE COMING SOON!
     
     
     
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc
     
"NEWS FEATURES” is a fresh edition each week, with news and reviews from the acoustic music universe, with features on folk-Americana, the “acoustic renaissance,” latest releases, reviews of CDs and live shows, industry news, news for artists, and more. Always available at www.acousticmusic.net.      
     
"VENUE DIRECTORY" - The Guide's extensive locator – has location and contact info for OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, from Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, plus a few for San Diego, the deserts, and the Central Coast.
     
UPDATES are made every few months – the current edition of our VENUE DIRECTORY is at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html      
     
     
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The Guide’s weekly News Features and Spotlight Events UPDATED EDITIONS bring more (always more -- as we have time to organize all of it).
     
We do all we can to bring you news and notices of all the many, many, MANY acoustic music events in and around the Los Angeles region, from the North border of Santa Barbara County to the South border of Orange County, and inland through San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
     
Plus, we tell you about RADIO SHOWS with acoustic music, focusing on those with live acoustic performances. (They're available mostly on the web, of course, since we are in acoustic-music-radio-deprived Los Angeles.)
     
And, we bring news and reviews of the many acoustic music FESTIVALS near and far, hither and yon, here, there and everywhere! With your help, we'll keep doing it!
     
     
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at tied to the tracks (at) Hotmail dot com (remove all the spaces and format it when you type it – we’re trying to reduce spam – you know...)
     
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LATEST EDITION of the Guide, the NEWS FEATURES, THE SCENE, and SPOTLIGHTED EVENTS, covering the world of current acoustic music happenings, including "heads up" notices to buy advance tix for shows likely to sell-out – and lots more – is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at
     
               www.acousticmusic.net or at
               www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
     
               - or by following any of many links on the web to get to one of those sites.
     
The Guide’s weekly NEWS FEATURES are published in 16 websites / webgroups!
     
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NEWS FEATURES, Acoustic Americana Music Guide, September 15 edition

    
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    Welcome to the latest edition of The Guide's NEWS section.
    
If you're looking for the section with all the EVENTS – concerts, club gigs, workshops, festivals, etc., you'll find that in The Guide's SPOTLIGHT EVENTS – the big ol' huge catalog and full abundance of the acoustic music spectrum – it's a click away at
    
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/spotlight-events-acoustic-americana_15.html   
   
(additional events added there, September 17...)
   
Here's the latest NEWS, so let's get started!
   
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        Welcome to the  
      
    Tied to the Tracks  
    
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          ACOUSTIC
                    AMERICANA
                              MUSIC GUIDE
                                        NEWS FEATURES
                                         
                                                       September 15, 2011 edition
    
                                                                            (additions made September 17...)
    
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THIS WEEK’S NEWS FEATURES    
    
  1) Musician ALEX BEATON Paralyzed from Accident  
  2) Innovative Ways to Sell Your CDs
  3) Stuff that Works: Musicians' Comedic Press Release of the Month  
  4) “MILLPOND MUSIC FESTIVAL” Brings Finale to Summer Fests, this Weekend  
  5) 8th Annual “CELTIC CONCERT” at the Ford Brings the Craic, this Sunday  
  6) Grand Ole Echo Brings “GRAMATHON” this Sunday
  7) FUR & STEVE Invite You to Recording Sesh for their Live CD, this Sunday
  8) All-Star Lineup for “BLUEGRASS CONCERT AT THE FORD,” September 25  
  9) Of Autoharps, Jobs Bills, and a Vision for Our Future (or the Lack of it)  
 10) “SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES” Coming October 8 & 9 in Ventura  
 11) 40th annual “OLD TIME FIDDLER'S CONVENTION & FESTIVAL” is Sunday, October 9
 12) KEN GRAYDON Memorial Concert Brings Fitting Adios  
 13) SEPTEMBER MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS – The Guide's Quick Roundup  
    
    
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       Here are this week's news feature stories, listed above...    
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Our # 1 Story
    
MUSICIAN ALEX BEATON PARALYZED FROM ACCIDENT
    
    A familiar sight on the main stage at Celtic festivals across North America, the kilt-clad ALEX BEATON has long been renowned for his resonant singing voice, Scottish brogue, mastery of the guitar, and ability to keep a crowd engaged as a solo musician. But Alex is off the circuit, and the news is not good.
    
    In a freak household accident, he fell, shattering a vertebrae in his neck. Surgery removed the broken bone fragments and substituted prosthetic parts, but the broken bones had already exerted pressure on his spinal column. He was paralyzed from the neck down, and has regained only minor movement of one hand. We do not know the medical prognosis for what kind of recovery he might achieve.
    
    Alex has headlined the SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES (feature # 10 in this edition) for many consecutive years, in addition to the L.A. IRISH FAIR, ORANGE COUNTY SCOTSFEST, and other local events.
    
    On stage, Alex has always combined his performance with something else that others don't dare: it's been his trademark to elicit chuckles through some shameless self-promotion. Alex has always (well, usually) known how far he can push the envelope, hawking his CDs. Every time he gets especially good applause (which is often), he tells the crowd the name of the song and the CD on which it's found – along with a rapid-fire recitation of the track number and the CD's alphanumeric catalog number and the url for the label website. That, combined with a bit of banter about the thrifty Scotsman, some history behind some of his songs, and he's always delivered a distinctive live performance that's gotten him re-booked and brought the crowds back, year after year.
    
    While we will keep you posted on his condition, there's plenty about Alex, his background, original songs, career, and recordings, all on his website, www.alexbeaton.com    
    
Our hopes for the best of all good things join the blessings and thoughts and prayers sent to Alex by a great many artists and fans throughout the world.
    
    If you'd like to send wishes to Alex for his recovery, write him at glenfinnan@earthlink.net  
    
    Or you can send a card. His mailing address at hospital is:
Alex Beaton
c/o The Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtree Road NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
    
    Or you can write him at his Post Office Box:
Alex Beaton
c/o Glenfinnan Music
P.O. Box 681707
Franklin, Tennessee 37068
    
    
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Our # 2 Story
    
INNOVATIVE WAYS TO SELL YOUR CDs
    
    We know a lot of our readers seldom indulge in Music Connection magazine, since its emphasis is neither acoustic nor roots-Americana music. But don't be quick to dismiss one of the industry's best West Coast resources. Their September issue is loaded with information to help the DIY (“do-it-yourself”) artist.
    
    Included is a feature story detailing innovative techniques some artists have created to sell their recorded music. Titled, “Make Your Music Collectible,” it looks at things others have done with great success. It'll make you think outside the box, recounting things others have done, like releasing EPs on a thumb drive inside a candy skull, or turning an album case into a musical instrument. It's online at http://musicconnection.com/digital/index.php?page=40.   
    
    As MC says, you can “learn a thing or two about how to survive in this dire time.”
    
    
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Our # 3 Story
    
STUFF THAT WORKS: MUSICIANS' COMEDIC PRESS RELEASE OF THE MONTH
    
    Though they were founded without anyone named Murphy, and they are once again Murphy-less, they lack neither musical aplomb nor humor. MURPHY'S FLAW is a Southern California-based bluegrass band with some fine talent. That includes founder JOHN BRYAN whose email address is banjomensch, and that offers the first clue to the guy's creativity.
    
    John writes the press releases and gig promos for the group. Around here, his emails are guaranteed to get opened. Laced with laughs, they always inspire us to write more in the same vein when we tell you about their gigs.
    
    Last Saturday, our Spotlight Events section carried the following:
    
Sat, Sep 10:
3-5 pm MURPHY'S FLAW brings “Bluegrass without Pity” to Jones Coffee Roasters, 693 S Raymond Av, Pasadena; 626-564-9291. You'll get ample warning: “The Flaw” banner will be hanging over the door. John Bryan, the closest thing they have to a leader, says, “We wanted to give your our most exciting show, so we canceled practice,” adding, “that means you're assured of the absolutely undiluted Flaw experience. We didn't want the usual, mind-numbing repetition of our set list to come between you, the audience, and us, the Flaw.” They really are quite good, despite their own banter to the contrary. More at www.murphysflawband.com. No cover, but buy something to support the music there.
    
    Here's some of what you didn't see, culled from John's press release:
    
    “Don't you feel kind of let down when we start and end tunes at the same time? Well, Saturday you won't.
    
    Explaining the lack of pre-gig practice, he wrote, “One of our members, a teacher, had parent-teacher conferences on our practice night. So there's that, too.
    
    “If you're a parent, you should feel guilty. If you're a teacher, you should feel exhausted. But you guilty parents can make it all right again by buying a cup (a cup; nay, five POUNDS) of Jones Coffee, and then depositing all your remaining cash in our tip jar.
    
    “You'll feel better for it and we know we will.”
    
    Point is, lots of things work, and that can include self-deprecating humor – as long as it's clear that you really DO think you will deliver a high-caliber performance.
    
    And always, always, ALWAYS remember to include the vitals in your press release, like the date and time of the gig, your band name and personnel and websites, who else is in the lineup and at what time(s), and the complete info on the venue – address, cross-street, phone, venue's website, info for advance or discount tix, whether there's a cover charge or minimum, whether they serve food, have a full bar, drink specials, if fans will need to make table reservations and eat so they can sit down, etc.
    
    
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Our # 4 Story
    
“MILLPOND MUSIC FESTIVAL” BRINGS FINE LINEUP, SEPTEMBER 16-18
    
    The Annual “Millpond Music Festival” is, reliably, year-after-year, the best “end-of-the-summer” traditional and new acoustic music festival in California. This year, you'll see headliners DAVID LINDLEY, LOS LOBOS, RAY BONNEVILLE, THE BILLS, MARC ATKINSON TRIO, and INCENDIO, plus plenty more. It's a superb lineup.
    
    RAY BONNEVILLE is a Red House Records folk-Americana star.
    
    THE BILLS are that wonderful band from Canada, and they were doing what Old Crow Medicine Show does before OCMS arrived in the scene – plus THE BILLS have fine instrumental proficiency and a delightful mix of old time classics and originals. They earened “Listener Favorite” status on radio's “Tied to the Tracks” a few years ago.
    
    LOS LOBOS are the L.A. garage band that went on to become international stars with their much-emulated East L.A. folk-rock style. This is a fine chance to catch them on an intimate outdoor stage.
    
    DAVID LINDLEY is one of the world's favorite guitarists; he can play anything with strings.
    
    MARC ATKINSON TRIO brings Djangostyle gypsy jazz, and INCENDIO combines a bit of that with fiery flamenco and more.
    
    This year's festival is this weekend, Friday-through-Sunday, September 16-18, at Millpond County Park / Campground, six miles northeast of Bishop (zip 93514).
    
    If you can drive to Mammoth to ski, this is closer, up the same Hwy 395. (The 14 Fwy from L.A. or the Valley is a good cutoff to reach 395.)
    
    Here's the lineup, day-by-day:
    
    Friday Night - Main Stage
6:30 pm Fiddlin' Pete & Friends     
7:35 pm David Lindley     
9:10 pm Mumbo Gumbo     
    
    Saturday - Main Stage
1 pm Buster Blue     
2:10 pm Marc Atkinson Trio     
3:30 pm Joe Craven Trio     
4:50 pm The Bills     
7 pm Poor Man's Whiskey     
8:45 pm Incendio     
    
    Saturday - Workshop Tent
There are seven time slots, with various festival artists leading sessions.
    
    Sunday - Main Stage
9 am Xitlahuac Estrellas de Mexico Latin Dancers
10 am Sage Romero
11:05 am Eddy Evans Band
12:10 pm Ray Bonneville     
1:20 pm Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan
2:35 pm Cafe Musique     
4:05 pm Masanga Marimba Ensemble     
6 pm Los Lobos     
    
    Sunday - Workshop Tent
There are seven time slots, with various festival artists leading sessions.
    
    This festival isn't overcrowded and you won't wait interminably long at the snack bar (which offers good food.) You can take your own chow, ice chest, whatever you like. Tent camping is around one side of the picturesque mill pond, and early birds can get spots shaded by big cottonwood trees. Car parking is close enough to access easily all weekend (but you can't sleep in your car in the regular parking lot). Jamming in the RV campground is always good, and the campground has token-operated showers for all festival participants.
    
    There's more info at www.inyo.org or you can contact InyoArts@Inyo.org or call 760-873-8014. For Bishop area lodging, restaurants & more, go to www.bishopVisitor.com.
    
    Indulge yourself in one, last, summer festival fling. You'll be happy you did.    
    
    
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Our # 5 Story
    
8th ANNUAL “CELTIC CONCERT” AT THE FORD BRINGS THE CRAIC, THIS SUNDAY
    
    First, “the craic” is not a band. It's Gaelic for a rousing good time. It happens at this annual end-of summer / early fall fete, and this year brings THE BROWNE SISTERS & GEORGE CAVANAUGH, the LOS ANGELES POLICE EMERALD SOCIETY PIPES & DRUMS, THE PLOUGHBOYS, and SKELPIN, plus IRISH DANCERS, all at the Ford Amphitheatre (aka John Anson Ford Amphitheatre), 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood 90068; 323-GO1-FORD (323-461-3673); www.FordTheatres.org.     
    
    The show, this Sunday, September 18, begins at 7 pm. It's sponsored, as it is every year, by the Celtic Arts Center. Each band in the lineup headlines at various festivals, but officially headlining tonight are THE BROWNE SISTERS & GEORGE CAVANAUGH. They bring their practiced and beautiful harmonies to traditional Scottish and Irish music. They're rarely seen outside the festival circuit (they'll play their annual sets at the Seaside Highland Games next month, in Ventura), so seeing them on the Ford's concert stage with great sound and lighting is a treat.
    
    Opening the show is the LOS ANGELES POLICE EMERALD SOCIETY PIPES & DRUMS, followed by performances by local favorites THE PLOUGHBOYS and San Diego-based SKELPIN', always popular performers at the LA County Irish Fair in Pomona.
    
    Of course, there will be IRISH DANCERS. Organizers say, “This event is not just a concert, but a genuine gathering of the extended Celtic family here in Los Angeles.”
    
    Renowned Irish musician KEN O'MALLEY is co-producing this year's Celtic Arts Center signature annual event. He has a limited number of discount tickets at the rates of $31, $26 and $22. These tickets will be $39, $34 and $29 at the door. (The $31 seats are in a special reserved section in the front of the house.) Call Chris at 818-389-8512 if you are interested in these discount tickets with no service charge. More at www.celticconcert.com.    
    
    Box dinner orders are available for some shows at 310-652-3797. Or come early and bring your own picnic and beverage of your choice (wine and beer are welcome). Either way, you can feast at the Ford's tables and chairs in the “leafy entryway” by the waterfalls (the grounds open two hours before showtime, for picnicking). Snack bar food & drink are available on-site, though they always run out of hot cocoa when it’s chilly. The Ford must be experienced. It's our favorite of the many outdoor music venues in Los Angeles.
    
    In addition, fans of Celtic music can make this a memorable weekend, bu starting Saturday night at Caltech. MOYA BRENNAN and CORMAC DE BARRA, masters of the Irish harp, play there Saturday at 8 pm. There's a complete description in our Spotlight Events section, and more at www.folkmusic.caltech.edu.    
    
    
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Our # 6 Story
    
GRAND OLE ECHO BRINGS “GRAMATHON” THIS SUNDAY
    
    With only one more week to go in this season's GRAND OLE ECHO series, they've pulled out all the stops for “GRAMATHON,” wherein roots artists will celebrate the works of the late GRAM PARSONS.
    
    You'll hear the THE PALAMINO RIDERS, JESSE HARRIS, GREG HARRIS, JAY DEE MANESS, MIKE BAKER, & DON HEFFINGTON backing guest artists BRENNEN LEIGH, SUSAN JAMES, BRIAN WHELAN, LESLIE STEVENS, DAN JANISCH, & DAVID SERBY. It's Sunday, September 18, 5:30-9 pm, at The Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park; 213-413-8200; www.attheecho.com.    
    
    The traditions of California Country music, including the Bakersfield Sound, are as vital in developing the Americana genre as anything that came from Austin. And those traditions run through the veins of guitarist and singer songwriter JESSE JAY HARRIS. Jesse's father GREG HARRIS fronted the FLYING BURRITO BROTHERS for years after GRAM PARSON's untimely death. Greg worked with many influential musicians during those years, including GARTH HUDSON & RICK DANKO of THE BAND, ROGER McGUINN of THE BYRDS, SNEAKY PETE KLEINOW of THE BURRITOS, and many others.
    
    The influence of “hanging around at these shows as a kid” is still with Jesse and provides a strong foundation. That's why his first solo release is titled “Solid Ground.” The traditions of bluegrass, country, rock, blues, soul, and jazz are all part of Jesse's years of composing, playing, and producing. These days, he is focused on writing and producing his own brand of Telecaster driven country rock. Currently residing in Los Angeles after a stint in San Francisco, California is Jesse's playground, driving up and down the state to play shows, between tours in Europe and elsewhere. More at www.jessejayharris.com and www.gregharrismusic.net    
    
    JAYDEE MANESS played on Gram Parson's records, was in the ISB band, was a BUCKAROO, and was VINCE GILL's steel player for years. A member of the “Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame,” a living legend, and as series producer KIM GRANT observes, an “all around great guy.” Check out his website, www.jaydeemaness.com   
    
    There's a full bar and a burger n' hot dog barbecue out back. No cover, and it's all ages.
    
    
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Our # 7 Story
    
FUR & STEVE INVITE YOU TO RECORDING SESH FOR THEIR LIVE CD, THIS SUNDAY
    
    They're at the top of everyone's list as L.A.'s favorite folk duo, performing originals that sound like classics from the Great Depression. But there's nothing depressing about the songs of these two, who write separately and perform together. They'll take you out on the open road, where the scenery expands forever and you remember good times you've spent in the great expanse and forget the bad ones.
    
    This Sunday, September 18, at 2 pm, FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER are recording a show for a live CD. It's at Alva's Showroom, 1417 W Eighth St, San Pedro 90732; www.alvasshowroom.com. Reservation and info line, 800-403-3447. Doors open at 1:30 pm.
    
    They tell us, “We need you to be there and raise a ruckus, so you'll be on our CD with us!”
    
    The delightful duo will serve-up selections from their 3 previous CDs, “The Pearl and the Swine,” “Travelers,” and “Songs of the Open Road,” plus “a couple of other special choices.” (We've heard some of their new originals, and it makes us wonder – again – why these two are not yet the big stars they deserve to be.)
    
    Alva's audience capacity is only 60. To guarantee your spot, call the venue and make a reservation. Your tickets will be at Will Call on the day of the show. Tix, $20, and your admission includes a signed copy of their new live CD, scheduled to arrive the first week of December.
    
    More at www.furandsteve.com and www.reverbnation.com/furdixonandstevewerner.    
    
    
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Our # 8 Story
    
ALL-STAR LINEUP FOR “BLUEGRASS CONCERT AT THE FORD,” SEPTEMBER 25
    
    After taking a year off, the Bluegrass Association of Southern California is back with their annual outdoor extravaganza at the lovely Ford Amphitheatre. The double-bill headlines MICHAEL CLEVELAND & FLAMEKEEPER, a great bluegrass band from Back East, plus local stars LOAFER'S GLORY, on Sunday, September 25, at 7 pm.
    
    TOM SAUBER, virtuoso mandolin and fiddle player with Southern California's own all-star LOAFER'S GLORY observes, “The Ford is a great place to see and hear music.” He keeps company with a group that's anything but loafers. His band mates are HERB PEDERSEN on guitar, BILL BRYSON on bass, and PATRICK SAUBER on banjo & mandolin.
    
    MICHAEL CLEVELAND is “one of the greatest improvising violin players in any style,” observes Matt Glaser, Berklee College of Music. It's a treat to have him and his band on the left coast.
    
    As for LOAFER'S GLORY? Caltech Folk Music Society series producers Rex Meyreis and Nick Smith say, “You really owe it to yourself to hear the harmony singing of this quartet. You'll find that you certainly don't have to be from Kentucky or Tennessee to capture the soul of bluegrass.”
    
    The Pasadena Star News' ran a fine story on them before their August show at Caltech. It's available at www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_18619005.    
    
    Our Americana readers will especially appreciate one aspect of the Star News article. Band member BILL BRYSON points out that there is little in common between bluegrass and modern day country music.
    
    Catch one of LOAFER'S GLORY's gospel numbers, “If I Be Lifted Up” on Youtube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9CAntPq9fg. For another take, try “Lazy John” at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rrwv8nkkSN4.     
    
    The band's website is part of one of their illustrious band member's sites, at www.herbpedersen.com/loafersglory.    
    
    Now, a note on the very special venue. It's our favorite of the many outdoor music venues in Los Angeles. Box dinner orders are available for some shows at 310-652-3797. Or come early and bring your own picnic and beverage of your choice (wine and beer are welcome). Either way, you can feast at the Ford's tables and chairs in the “leafy entryway” by the waterfalls (the grounds open two hours before showtime, for picnicking). Snack bar food & drink are available on-site, though they always run out of hot cocoa when it’s chilly.
    
    The venue is the Ford Amphitheatre (aka John Anson Ford Amphitheatre), 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood 90068; 323-GO1-FORD (323-461-3673); www.FordTheatres.org. Tix are available at the venue's site, or at any BASC event before the big show.     
    
    
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Our # 9 Story
    
OF AUTOHARPS, JOBS BILLS, AND A VISION FOR OUR FUTURE (OR THE LACK OF IT)
    
Here are a few quotes from this piece, to help you decide to read it:
    
    President Obama related a quick story during a speech on Tuesday. He said, “Yesterday, [Education Secretary] Arnie Duncan introduced me to a young man who teaches music in Philly. His budget is something like a hundred dollars a year and he goes to a bunch of schools. They use buckets as drums because there's no money for actual musical instruments.”
    
    Well, Mr. President, at least they have someone there who is a dedicated music teacher, and they have a school district with SOME kind of commitment to music education. Sad as that teacher's circumstances are, they're better than other places.
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“...we are the ones who will dumpster-dive for battered instruments that schools throw away when they cancel music education, and put them into the hands of those who make music that can yet inspire young people and others.
    
    “Whether we are 'alternative' musicians or ones devoted to 'traditional' music, artists function as innovators, purveyors and curators of alternative possibilities, with dreams brighter and more expansive, with visions more consistent with traditions of community, with images of barn raisings, well diggings, cattle round-ups, quilting or sewing bees for troops in the field or those in need, helping each other with harvests, lending plows and oxen or saws and axes, gathering with fiddles and banjos and mandolins and guitars to help someone celebrate. Historians help us remember; artists guide us in finding meanings, old and new, relevant now and for our future.”
    
    Read the entire piece at
    
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/of-autoharps-jobs-bills-and-vision-for.html    
    
    
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Our # 10 Story
    
“SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES” COMING OCTOBER 8 & 9 IN VENTURA
    
    This is always one of the best fall music events in the Southern half of the Golden State, with Celtic music that includes both traditional music and dance and Celtic rock. There are pipe and drum corps competitions and performances and massed band pageantry – and “pipe” means bagpipes, for the uninitiated – with the best kilt-and-kit wearing groups for 400 miles.
    
    While there is enough music on multiple stages to make tough choices a certainty, plus the state's only Scottish fiddle championship, this is a convening of Highland games, as well. As their promo said a few years ago, that means “Large men throwing things,” and some powerful women letting loose with potentially lethal objects, as well.
    
    The Caber Toss involves throwing telephone poles end-over-end. One person throwing one pole. Amazing. And they do the Hammer Throw. Think of a scene from Thor. You'll either be intimidated or inspired by the sheer physical strength and control of these athletes. See this, and you'll be far less tolerant of TV's silly junk sports with floaties and Styrofoam bats. These sports and their athletes are serious, and they're fun to watch. And don't worry about the kids. There's nothing gladiatorial here and you watch from a safe place.
    
    Featured musicians are SLIGO RAGS, THE BROWNE SISTERS & GEORGE CAVANAUGH, ANITA & THE YANKS, CELTIC SPRING, and ERIC RIGLER & BAD HAGGIS, plenty of bagpipes and drums, dancing by the CLADDAGH DANCE COMPANY, plus more musicians to be announced.
    
    ERIC RIGLER did the haunting Irish flute and whistle for the soundtrack of “Titanic.” These days, his band, BAD HAGGIS, is one of the top Celtic rock outfits. (Festival food vendors have good haggis, in case you're wondering.)
    
     SLIGO RAGS has been named by the Guide's editor, writing the annual “Top Ten/Best of” for FolkWorks magazine, as one of the Top Ten acoustic bands in Southern California. Their musicality gets them booked every year as the only Celtic band at bluegrass festivals, too.
    
    Tragically absent this year is longtime headliner ALEX BEATON, who suffered a paralyzing accident (see feature # 1 in this edition).
    
    In addition to the Saturday and Sunday festival that uses the entire Ventura County Fairgrounds complex, there's a Friday “Scottish Evening” event, October 7, and a Saturday night concert / country dance with PEAT-FIRE FLAME. These require separate tickets. A Celtic rock concert is included with festival admission on Saturday, 5 to 8 pm.
    
    A two-day festival pass is $19 advance, $22 gate (seniors $18 and $20, children $3/day, age 5 and under free). One-day tickets are $12 advance, $14 gate (seniors $10 and $12, children $3, age 5 and under free). The festival site is the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W Harbor Bl, Ventura 93001. Amtrak stops at the festival's front gate.
    
    We'll bring you more in next week's Spotlight Events section. Meantime, check www.seaside-games.com or call 818-886-4968.
    
    Finally, if you're attending the 40th annual OLD TIME FIDDLER'S CONVENTION & FESTIVAL (feature # 11) in Goleta on Sunday, October 9, it makes a great weekend to spend Saturday at the SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES.
    
    
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Our # 11 Story
    
40th ANNUAL “OLD TIME FIDDLER'S CONVENTION & FESTIVAL” IS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9
    
    It's a landmark year for a fine event that's always under-promoted. This year, the lineup is appropriate for the convention / festival's four-decade anniversary, with LAURIE LEWIS & TOM ROZUM, HOT BUTTERED RUM, ERIC & SUZY THOMPSON, PETER FELDMANN & THE VERY LONESOME BOYS, MOLLY'S REVENGE, and the OLD TIME FIDDLERS.
    
It's a one-day event, Sunday only, 10 am-5 pm, at Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Road, in Goleta 93117. If you're going, why not make it a full weekend by spending Saturday at the SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES? (See News Feature # 10 to learn about that one).
    
    We'll have more on the Fiddler's fete in an upcoming edition.
    
    
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Our # 12 Story
    
KEN GRAYDON MEMORIAL CONCERT BRINGS FITTING ADIOS
    
Here are a few quotes from this piece, to help you decide to read it:
    
    “KEN GRAYDON influenced so many people that both the L.A. Times and the L.A. Daily News ran front-page tributes to note his passing.
    
    “On Sunday, September 4, musicians whose home bases span the nation gathered to lead a cross section of the many communities, in and out of the arts, touched by the late performing songwriter Ken Graydon. The man was a true American original, and the old expression, “his like will not pass this way again,” could have been written for Ken Graydon.
    
    “The music was amazing, performed by top award-winning western artists, and most of it was Ken's originals. The poetry and poetic prose was marvelous and memorable.
    
    “Everyone knew him as a splendid human being with a richly resonant baritone voice who played a big twelve string and was the best history-based songwriter anywhere. One listen and you knew his songs were not limited to the events they illustrated. They illuminated the humanity inherent in times and places, past or present.”
    
    Read the entire piece at
    
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/ken-graydon-memorial-concert-brings.html    
    
    
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Our # 13 Story
    
SEPTEMBER MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS – THE GUIDE'S QUICK ROUNDUP
    
    In addition to the wealth of detailed, chronological listings and write-ups in our current Spotlight Events Section, here are a few “Show-of-the-Week” highlights...
    
LATE ADDITION: on TV, Saturday the 17th, 7-8 pm “CALIFORNIA'S GOLD” brings the "SINGING COWBOYS," ROY ROGERS, DALE EVANS, and HERB JEFFRIES. And the "UKULELE MAN" episode featuring 103-year-old musician BILL TAPIA, on KCET, broadcast channel 28. (Check cable listings.)
    
    Briefly, here's a look at September's key LIVE events, starting with the FESTIVALS...
    
    This coming weekend brings the always wonderful “MILLPOND MUSIC FESTIVAL” near Bishop. It's Friday the 16th through Sunday the18th, in the beautiful Eastern Sierra country. (See the separate feature story, #4.)
    
    The “INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY WEEKEND” arrives September 17, with maritime music in San Pedro and a celebration for the kids at the L.A. County Fair in Pomona.
    
    September 24, there's the 17th annual “HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS” Plus, the same day brings the annual “CASTAIC DAYS” at the big reservoir just a little ways up I-5, with a 7 pm happy-feet Cajun set by Grammy nominees LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS.
    
    CONCERTS are BIG this month, both weekends and weeknights. Though things are beginning to move indoors, you'll still find marvelous acoustic concerts indoors and out.
    
    OUTDOORS in September, the Ford Amphitheatre's annual Celtic extravaganza arrives the 18th (see feature story # 5), and the big bluegrass show happens there on the 25th (that's feature story # 8); yep, we have separate features on each, in this edition. DON HENLEY (EAGLES) plus LUCINDA WILLIAMS play the Greek Theatre on the 17th.
    
    THIS WEEK & WEEKEND – INDOORS:
    
    Thursday the 15th, SALTY SUITES, the acoustic ensemble of SCOTT GATES, CHUCK HAILES, & CHELSEA WILLIAMS, returns to the Coffee Gallery Backstage in a double bill with THE WIMBERLEY BLUEGRASS BAND. This'll be umm-doggies-GOOD!
    
    This weekend, if you're not at Millpond, don't sit home:
    
    Friday, September 16 brings entirely too many choices, with SLAID CLEAVES at McCabe's, MICHAEL CHAPDELAINE at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, and CHRIS STUART & JANET BEAZLEY (both of BACKCOUNTRY) plus RACHEL SEDACCA at the “Camarillo Café Concert Series” in Ventura County.
    
    The next night, Saturday, the 17th, TRACY GRAMMER plays “The Living Tradition” series in Anaheim, SLAID CLEAVES plays the Folk Music Center in Claremont, MOYA BRENNAN and CORMAC DE BARRA (masters of the Irish harp) play the Caltech Folk Music Society in Pasadena, MARY GAUTHIER & LORI McKENNA are at McCabe's, BLAME SALLY plays Russ and Julie’s House Concert series, and there's a long awaited ELDERLOCKE reunion show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage.
    
    Sunday the 18th brings a pair of afternoon special events, as FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER record a show for a live CD at Alva's Showroom (feature # 7), and “THE BERNIE PEARL L.A. BLUES REVUE” with BARBARA MORRISON, plus SHERRY PRUITT and BIG JAMIE POWELL, is the latest “Ash Grove Concert Series” offering at Tropico de Nopal Gallery in L.A. THE GRAND OLE ECHO nears the end of its season and September 18th brings “Gramathon” (feature story # 6) with roots artists celebrating the works of the late GRAM PARSONS; performing are the THE PALAMINO RIDERS, JESSE HARRIS, GREG HARRIS, JAY DEE MANESS, MIKE BAKER, & DON HEFFINGTON, and guest artists BRENNEN LEIGH, SUSAN JAMES, BRIAN WHELAN, LESLIE STEVENS, DAN JANISCH, & DAVID SERBY, at the Echo. TRACY GRAMMER with JIM HENRY are at the Coffee Gallery Backstage that evening. And don't overlook the outdoor shows or forget about the road trip option to the Millpond Festival this weekend.
    
    Tuesday, September 20, WILLIE NELSON's 16-year-old fiddle virtuoso RUBY JANE plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage with her band.
    
    Friday the 23rd brings THE BRACKEN BAND with Irish music to the Grand Annex, while TOM CORBETT with BORDER RADIO plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage.
    
    Check our list of Saturday's festivals, plus choices on the 24th include a pair of house concerts, with WOMEN ON THE MOVE in Sherman Oaks and “FOLK ROOTS OF AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC” in South Pasadena, or choose “POETRY GETS THE BLUES” with bluesman BERNIE PEARL in L.A. or FRANCISCO GONZALEZ, “Mexican Harp,” at the Folk Music Center in Claremont, or JENNIFER WARNES at McCabe's.
    
    Sunday the 25th brings the annual “BLUEGRASS CONCERT AT THE FORD” (feature story # 8) with MICHAEL CLEVELAND & FLAMEKEEPER plus LOAFER'S GLORY, at the Ford Amphitheatre. Or, there's JIM LAUDERDALE plus PIETA BROWN at McCabe's. The same evening at the Echo is the very last GRAND OLE ECHO for 2011, with SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS, and it may sell-out; unlike the season so far, you need tix for this one; they're $12 advance, $14 doors, and it's 18+.
    
    On the 27th, EMMYLOU HARRIS with her RED DIRT BOYS, plus PATTY GRIFFIN & BUDDY MILLER, play the Greek Theatre.
    
    Elsewhere along the left coast, there's still the annual “Cascade Zydeco Dance Camp” (September 16-18, in Oregon), and the annual “Seafarer's Marketplace & Pirate Festival” (September 24 & 25, in Sacramento). Both are described in our Spotlight Events section to help anyone planning a road trip.
    
And of course, a whole LOT more Southern Cal events are described in Spotlight Events, too!
    
    
    
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MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Resources, etc
    
Our recently updated VENUE DIRECTORY    
  
...with OVER 500 acoustic-music-friendly venues in Southern California, is available at   
  
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/02/venue-directory-from-guide-updated.html   
  
  
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RECENT EDITIONS of The Guide's NEWS FEATURES are still available!  
  
    Just check our archive! Read the contents bar on the left side of the page at www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com and click the appropriate month.   
    
    
The MOST RECENT past editions (last 30 days) are easy to find HERE:
    
September 9 edition is available at
    
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/09/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news.html
                       and the stories are:
  
  1) Frightful Heat Comes and Goes, but Upcoming Music is Delightful  
  2) Performance Workshop: Learn from Successful Indies, Saturday at the Autry  
  3) And Now for Something Completely Different: PHIL WARD, this Friday Night  
  4) “Equinox Folk Music, Dance & Storytelling Festival” is this Weekend  
  5) Blues in House: HUGH LAURIE the Musician  
  6) “Songwriter Sanctum,” Local Recurring Event, Gets Media Attention  
  7) “Millpond Music Festival” Brings Fine Lineup, September 16-18  
  8) 9-11's Legacy: The Part Played by Artists, and What's Still to be Done  
    
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August 26 edition is available at
    
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/08/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_26.html    
                       and the stories are:
  
  1) “Americana” Music Added to Webster's Dictionary  
  2) 9/11 Commemorative Project from Red House Label
  3) Blues Musicians Team-Up to Play Cancer Benefit on Sunday, August 28;
    Proceeds Support The City of Hope
  4) “Remember The Music” Benefit will Bring Grammy Winner SHELBY LYNNE, plus
    PATRICK PARK & BRIAN WRIGHT, to Fight Alzheimers, September 1
  5) Saturday's “FAR-West Folk Alliance Benefit” Promises Fine Americana Artists
  6) DON McLEAN & Broadway Stars Headline Saturday's “BELIEVE Only in Love”
  7) Guitar Goddess VICKI GENFAN Plays Altadena, August 26
  8) DAVID GRIER, IBMA Guitarist of the Year, Plays Culver City, August 26
  9) “The Drop: JOHN DOE” At The Grammy Museum, August 31
10) JONATHAN McEUEN & NATHAN McEUEN Together for Two Rare Shows
11) LAUREN ADAMS Plays a Birthday Show, September 2
12) Acoustic ALARM 30th Anniversary Tour Hits L.A. September 4
13) Musical Memorial Service For KEN GRAYDON is September 4
    
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August 17 edition is available at
    
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2011/08/acoustic-americana-music-guide-news_17.html    
                       and the stories are:
  
  1) Massive Loss: London Rioters Burn Indie CDs in Sony Warehouse  
  2) Inaugural VENTURA FOLK FESTIVAL "Bound For Glory" is POSTPONED
  2a) Airshow has Musical Dimension, is an Option in Ventura County this Weekend
  3) Musical Celebration for Zoey's 5th Anniversary this Weekend
  4) Tix Alert: EMMYLOU HARRIS, VINCE GILL, SHERYL CROW & ZAC BROWN
  5) Tix Alert: DON HENLEY (Eagles) & LUCINDA WILLIAMS
  6) Free Download: New Music Business Handbook from BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC
  7) Uhh, the Music Biz is “Exactly Like a Silent Movie?” – Really?
  8) “FOUR FRIENDS ACOUSTIC MUSIC SERIES” Announces 6 Month Schedule
  9) Opportunity is Where You Find it: L.A. Pianist Accepted to Atlanta Horror Film Festival
10) “THE 1861 PROJECT:” Civil War Sesquicentennial Americana, Folk, Acoustic, Bluegrass
11) STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS Here for a Pair of Shows
12) NASA Research Confirms “It's a Small World, After All”
    
    
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at   
  
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The LATEST EDITION of THE GUIDE, the NEWS FEATURES, THE SCENE, SPOTLIGHTED EVENTS, & THE VENUE DIRECTORY– what it takes to bring you the world of current acoustic music happenings, including "heads up" notices to buy advance tickets for shows likely to sell-out.   
  
Plus VENUES TO HEAR MUSIC OR CONTACT TO GET GIGS, and lots more   
  
    – is available 24/7 (& frequently updated!) at ~  
  
             www.acousticmusic.net or at   
             www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com    
  
- or follow any of the links in the fifteen web sites and web groups that carry the Guide’s weekly News Features.  
  
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 Entire contents copyright (c) 2011, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.  
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“It'll never sell...too many notes!” - Gene Autry
                                                (passed along to us by Bruce Forman of COW BOP.)