♪ ST. PATRICK’S DAY in Southern California, MUSIC NEWS, Ticket Alerts, other events...

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Late addition, with this extra item right up front..

IRISH MUSIC ON WEB RADIO

Sláinte mhaith from FOLK ALLEY, as they present am Irish Music Stream to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Fact is, they've assembled over 12 hours of uninterrupted music by many of their favorite Irish musicians.

You'll hear a great mix of familiar and new artists, including Eileen Ivers, The Alt, Karan Casey, Glen Hansard, Altan, I Draw Slow, Beoga, Sharon Shannon, Dervish, Solas, The Henry Girls, Danu, John Doyle, Lisa Hannigan, Heidi Talbot, Andy Irvine, Colin Farrell, The Chieftains (of course!) and many more.

AND, you can take it “on the road,” streaming via their free mobile app. Both are available at:

www.folkalley.com

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Now, here's the full edition as originally published...

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(GUIDE BlogSpot edition no. 1,527.)
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Thursday, March 17, 2016:
♪ HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY !

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What's in this edition:

1) SO, YE THINK YE KNOWS ALL A'BOOT ST. PATRICK'S DAY, DOES YE? HA, SAYS TH' HISTORIANS

2) MORE ST. PATRICK'S DAY TRADITIONS, EXPLAINED (WITH SURPRISES-!)

3) BEST THINGS TO DO FOR YOUR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ST. PATRICK'S DAY

4) NOT IRISH, BUT GOOD STUFF OUT THERE...

5) MORE TICKET ALERTS... Wednesday's edition has lots of great ones. Here are more.

6) BANJO WORKSHOP & BARN CONCERT WITH BILL EVANS & ALAN MUNDE, APRIL 3

7) NORTHWEST FOLK LIFE FESTIVAL

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Keep in mind there was PLENTY of news in yesterday's edition, too, so you may need to catch up.

And here's everything for TODAY!
(Wear your green!)

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# 1 news feature...


SO, YE THINK YE KNOWS ALL A'BOOT ST. PATRICK'S DAY, DOES YE? HA, SAYS TH' HISTORIANS


Here's a great story from today's New York Times:

By LIAM STACK
MARCH 17, 2016

Many staples of St. Patrick’s Day in the United States have little or nothing to do with Ireland,such as green beer and green bagels. But some Irish Americans might be surprised by another entry on that list of suspect foods: corned beef and cabbage.

Experts say the meal originated on American soil in the late 19th century as Irish immigrants substituted corned beef for bacon, which was meat of choice in the homeland.

“When they came here they found bacon was expensive,” said Niall O’Dowd,the publisher of Irish America magazine and The Irish Voice,an Irish newspaper in New York.

Mr. O’Dowd suggested another plot twist in the meal’s back story. Like Leopold Bloom,the protagonist of the Irish classic “Ulysses,” the dish of boiled brisket and root vegetables may actually be of Irish-Jewish extraction.

“The theory I’ve always heard is when the immigrants came to New York City it was actually Jewish brisket that they ate because it was cheaper than beef,” he said.

Jay P. Dolan,the author of “The Irish Americans: A History,” said corned beef and cabbage is a relatively uncommon dish back in the old country.

“I never saw corned beef on the menu,” said Mr. Dolan, who is American-born but lived in Ireland for a time. “If you ordered it,the waiter would not know what you were talking about.”

Mr. O’Dowd said the Irish “take offense at the idea that corned beef is the same as what they had in the old days back in Ireland.”

Pork products,particularly salted bacon,have historically played a much larger role in Ireland’s economy and gastronomy than beef has,said Marion Casey,a professor of Irish history at N.Y.U.

In fact,in the 18th century Ireland exported large quantities of salted meat to North America and other parts of the British Empire, said Kevin O’Neill,a professor of Irish Studies at Boston College. “Cabbage,of course,was an Irish mainstay,” he said.

But the United States was a different matter. As famine ravaged Ireland in the middle of the 19th century, large numbers of immigrants came to the United States,where prejudice against Irish and other Catholic newcomers was common.

When St. Patrick’s Day began to evolve into a commercial American holiday in the early 20th century,retailers and greeting card manufacturers used images of pigs as a visual shorthand for Irishness,Professor Casey said,much to the horror of the Irish themselves.

“Irish-Americans vigorously protested such an alignment of their ethnicity with an animal that carried all sorts of popular connotations about dirt and disease,” Professor Casey wrote in a book manuscript based on her dissertation.

From there,the shift from salted pork to corned beef, which was popular among working class Americans of all ethnicities in the 19th century,was a natural move,she said. By the 1950s and ’60s it had become associated with Ireland, appearing in recipe columns and restaurant menus each March.

“Arguments about authenticity are pointless,” Professor Casey said. St. Patrick’s Day did not become a major commercial holiday in Ireland until the 1980s,she noted,and traditions there developed without the dislocations of immigration and assimilation.

“The Irish in Ireland did not have to protest,as Irish America did,pig jokes in early radio and cinema through the 1940s,” she said. “Corned beef was an all-American dish and,in that respect,it has served Irish America well.”

So is it cultural heresy to eat corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day?Not at all, Mr. O’Dowd said.

In fact,he said,it is probably harmless if you even have some green beer.

Reflecting on some of the more over-the-top aspects of the celebration in the United States,such as the annual green-dying of the Chicago River,he said there is a tendency to romanticize homelands after millions of people move to another country.

“It’s a typical immigrant experience to overemphasize some of the things you want to remember,” he said,“and underemphasize some of the things you want to forget.”

( story ran in NY Times as "Corned Beef and Cabbage? Not So Irish, Historians Say" — at:

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/03/18/dining/corned-beef-and-cabbage-not-so-irish-historians-say.html?referer=http://news.google.com )



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# 2 news feature...


MORE ST. PATRICK'S DAY TRADITIONS, EXPLAINED (WITH SURPRISES-!)


(From "7 St. Patrick's Day traditions explained")

By Jolie Lee, for USA TODAY NETWORK

Get out your green! It's St. Patrick's Day. USA TODAY Network explains the origins of some of the Irish holiday's traditions.

1. WHO WAS ST. PATRICK?

St. Patrick — brace yourself — was not actually Irish. Patrick was a nobleman born in about 400 A.D. in Britain and kidnapped by Irish pirates at the age of 16, said Philip Freeman, author of "St. Patrick of Ireland: A Biography."

Patrick was born into a religious family, but was an atheist early in his life. However, he rediscovered his faith while enslaved in Ireland, Freeman told USA TODAY Network.

After 17 years as a slave, St. Patrick escaped Ireland and found his way home, but returned to Ireland as a missionary.

"He said he was ready to die in Ireland in order to make his mission successful," Freeman said.

It's unclear if St. Patrick did in fact die in Ireland, but March 17 is widely believed to be the day of his death, according to Freeman.

2. GREEN RIVER IN CHICAGO IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

Another unique tradition that has grown in popularity every year is the annual dyeing of the Chicago River for St. Patrick's Day.

The Butler and Rowan family clans are responsible for turning the murky water bright green, and they've done it for more than 50 years.

The only way to become part of the six-person boat crew is to be related by blood or marriage to either Mike Butler or Tom Rowan,according to The Chicago Tribune. Each year, the crew shakes an orange powder — a top secret recipe — into the Chicago River from a sifter and it stays green for about five hours.

3. PARADES

St. Patrick's Day began as a religious holiday in Ireland but became a celebratory affair because of Irish Americans, according to Timothy Meagher, a history professor at Catholic University in D.C.

In the United States, St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated with banquets at elite clubs in Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, GA., Meagher said.

New York City hosted the first St. Patrick's Day parade in 1762, and by the mid-19th century parades were common, he said.

"The parades are a statement of showing our colors, showing our numbers, showing that we are powerful and important," Meagher said of the role of parades in celebrating Irish-American identity.

4. SHAMROCKS

Legend has it that St. Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Christian Holy Trinity.

But Freeman said, "There's no evidence St. Patrick ever did that."

Traditions as early as the 17th century incorporated the plant, said Mike Cronin, author of "Wearing the Green: A History of St. Patrick's Day."

People wore shamrocks on their coats and closed the day by "drowning the shamrock" — placing it in a glass of whiskey before drinking, Cronin said.

5. GOBS AND GOBS OF GUINNESS

The Irish stout is the drink of choice on St. Patrick's Day.

On a typical day, Americans drink about 600,000 pints of the Dublin-based beer. But on St. Patrick's Day, about 3 million pints of Guinness are downed, according to Guinness in an email to USA TODAY Network.

Planning on drinking a pint on Monday? Tips from Guinness on the perfect pour: Tilt the glass at 45 degrees when pouring until it is three-quarters full, then let the beer settle before filling the glass completely to the top.

Analysts are predicting that 13 million pints of Guinness will be consumed worldwide, during this year's holiday.

6. LEPRECHAUNS

Today's leprechauns, usually rosy-cheeked, boozy little men in green attire, come from Irish folklore.

The first recorded mention of a leprechaun goes back to the 8th century, coming from the word luchorpán, meaning "little body" to describe water spirits, according to John and Caitlin Matthews in The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures.

Another possible origin is the Irish god Lugh, whose Welch variant is known as one of the "Three Golden Shoemakers."

There's also the Irish fairy Cluricaune," a cunning spirit who haunts cellars, drinks,smokes and plays tricks," the Matthewses write. Cluricaune was popularized in a 1825 publication called "Fairy Legends."

7. CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE

Although a classic St. Patrick's Day meal, corned beef and cabbage is more American than Irish.

Irish Americans in the 19th century were mostly poor. The most affordable meat available was corned beef, according to Cronin.

And cabbage? "It's a spring vegetable and it's cheap," Cronin said.
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There's more on St. Patrick's Day at the USA TODAY link below:

• Throwing a party? Tips for a St. Patrick's party.

• You can watch a timelapse of the Chicago River dyed green.

• There's a PLAYLIST: 6 St. Patrick's Day Videos.

Those links follow the original story, "7 St. Patrick's Day traditions explained," by Jolie Lee, for USA TODAY NETWORK, at:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/03/17/st-patricks-day-traditions-green-holiday/81868808/


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# 3 news feature...

BEST THINGS TO DO FOR YOUR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ST. PATRICK'S DAY


Organized, by start times, like we usually do? Weeeell, not for all that's happening today and tonight. Too much info from too many sources. and we figured you wanted it sooner, rather than fully chronological. So here ya go. Enjoy!

Mar 17, in SFV:
1 pm "CANOGA PARK'S ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY COMMUNITY MARCH & CELEBRATION" featuring live Irish music in story and song with OWEN DARA, and participatory festivities that start at 1 pm with a march from 21622 to 21825 Sherman Way, led by special guest True Thomas the Storyteller.

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Mar 17, in the IE:
10 am–11:55 pm "SAINT PATRICK’S DAY AT THE SHAMROCK" with The Dublin Rogues, Pipes & Drums, Irish Party DJ set, & more, at the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta; 951-696-5252. (Age 21+ starting at 2 pm.) The Dublin Rogues play a marathon special on fiddle and piano, and "You are not going to party LIKE the Irish, you are going to party WITH the Irish" as they bring the magic of Dublin to Murrieta. Bagipes & drums, Irish dancing, and a "full-on Irish party DJ set in between the bands." For estimated stage timings see "more information" at:
http://theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com

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Mar 17, in downtown L.A.:
6 am-2 am 42nd FREE Annual "L.A. ST. PATRICK'S DAY STREET PARTY" happens on the pedestrian-only (for the day) stagger zone of the blocks between 6th & 7th Streets and Wilshire Bl., centered on its sponsor-of-record, Casey's Irish Pub, 613 S Grand Av, L.A. 90017.

This is Los Angeles’ most famous celebration. With Casey's in the lead, nine downtown L.A. bars take part in the block party. 20,000 revelers are anticipated, who will consume more than 300 kegs of beer and 100 cases of whiskey.

The outdoor scene is huge, but can be musically incongruous, depending on when you're there. Inside the jam-packed 10,000 square feet of Casey's, there's Irish music all day and night. And you can find Irish music or Celtic rock in some of the other nearby watering holes.

As the Huffington Post says, "For Casey's Irish Pub in Downtown, simply opening just as they would any other night isn't enough. So for St. Patrick's Day, Casey's is opening its doors at 6 am and not closing them down until the city forces them to at 2 am." And that's not all, the blocks between 6th-7th Street and Wilshire will be shut down to make room for 500 kegs of beer and the 15,000 guests that are expected to show up and celebrate with them. To say that the attendees of this all-out block party are going to rage would be an understatement."

Ride the subway -- the Metro Red or Purple Lines to the 7th St/Metro Center Station, and walk. You can return to that station to catch the Blue Line to Chick Hearn Station for the L.A. Live! festivities in the plaza by Staples Center.

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Mar 17, in Oak Park (West 101, W of T.O.):
6:30 pm JON PICKOW plus SUSIE GLAZE TRIO and JOELLEN LAPIDUS [play a special edition of "Russ and Julie’s House Concerts" in Oak Park (Agoura Hills/Westlake Village area). Reservations get dirsections at 818-707-2179 or rsvp@houseconcerts.us


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Mar 17, in Los Feliz (L.A.):
7 pm WHISKEY SUNDAY plays the Tam O’Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Feliz 90039; 323-664-0228.

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Mar 17, in N San Diego Co (Poway):
7:30 pm ACOUSTIC EIDOLON celebrates St. Patrick's Day with the "San Diego Folk Heritage concertb series" at Templars Hall in Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd, Poway 92064; 858-566-4040.

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Mar 17, in OC (Fullerton):
7:30 pm WHEN PIGS FLY plays the St. Patrick’s Day festivities featuring the Painter Larson Academy of Irish Dance, at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malven Av, Fullerton 92833; 714-738-6706.

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Mar 17, in Altadena:
8 pm SALTY SUITES have some Irish music in their lively acoustic repertoire as they play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations, 626-798-6236. bstane@earthlink.net

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Mar 17, in Long Beach:
5 -8 pm KEN O'MALLEY plays his fine authentic and original Irish music residency at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach 90802; 562-437-8300.

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Mar 17, in L.A.:
6 am-2 am TOM BERGIN’S, one of L.A.’s oldest Irish pubs, hosts a St. Patricks Day celebration with four outdoor bars, a beer truck and food, plus flowing beer, whiskey, their famous Irish coffee, and more, at 840 S. Fairfax Av, L.A.; 323-936-7151; www.tombergins.com
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Free; no tickets or cover.

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Mar 17, in Santa Monica:
6 am-2 am LIVE IRISH MUSIC following an “Irish Breakfast Soda Bread Contest,” then Irish music all day and night at O'Brien's Irish Pub, 2226 Wilshire Bl, Santa Monica; 310-829-5303; www.obriensla.com

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Mar 17, in Murrieta:
11 am-2 am LIVE IRISH MUSIC all day and night at the Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery, 39252 Winchester Rd #145, Murrieta 92563; 951-696-5252; www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com

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Mar 17, in WeHo:
Noon-10 pm “ROCK ‘n REILLY’S ST. PATROCK’S FESTIVAL” at Rock & Reilly’s, 8911 W Sunset Bl, West Hollywood 90069; 310-360-1400; http://rnrpub.com
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The West Hollywood Irish pub hosts a huge festival that boasts 12 bars, 100+ kegs, music from DJs, carnival games, and a free photo booth. If you work up an appetite, fill-up on food from Dough Pizzeria, the Grilled Cheese Truck, and Germany’s Famous Bratwurst.
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Tickets cost $20.

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Mar 17, in Hollywood:
2 pm-2 am “HOLLYWOOD ST PATRICK’S DAY PUB CRAWL” is centered at the Outpost, 1624 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood 90028. There are numerous participating bars and nightclubs, and some have live Irish music.

Check-in is 2-10 pm. Presented by CaliforniaNightlife.com, which bills this as “The Official Saint Patrick's Day PubCrawl in Hollywood.” Here is how it works: 1) Buy your ticket; 2) You MUST Check-in at the Outpost between 2 & 10 pm. You may register anytime between those times, but don't miss the final cutoff time. Keep in mind some locations will start and stop participating in the drink specials at different times throughout the night, but new ones will begin; 3) At Registration, you will be given a map with the bar locations and when they're participating in the drink specials.

Registration is at two locations:
√ Outpost Hollywood 1624 N Cahuenga Bl 90028
√ Pig N Whistle 6714 Hollywood Bl 90028

They caution: “Wear Green or get Booed!” Must be 21+ to participate – “Do Not Drive- Take a cab, limo, walk, or arrange a designated driver.”

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Mar 17, in SFV (Reseda):
2-10 pm “MEXICAN ST. PATRICK’S DAY” at El Patron Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, 5545 Reseda Bl, Los Angeles 91356.

Shura begorrah and ola, jefe. It’s St Patrick's Day at El Patron, wher they’re playing “St. Patricks Day tunes” and featuring food and drink specials, including a green margarita.

Walk-ins are welcome, reservations can be made by calling 818-643-3033. More at www.elpatronla.com

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Mar 17, in L.A.:
3-8 pm FREE Annual "ST. PATRICK'S DAY FESTIVAL" brings live Irish music, an L.A. Kings Fan Fest, Irish Dancers, a Beer Garden, and that nebulous unspecified "more," at the L.A. LIVE complex, where festivities fill the plaza by Staples Center, 800 W Olympic Bl, Los Angeles 90015.

Parking at L.A. Live ranges from about $10 to $30 depending on the lot selected. Sooo... Catch the Blue Line light rail (L.A.-Long Beach line) to Chick Hearn Station; connect with Red & Purple & Expo lines at 7th Street/Metro Center, or just walk down Figueroa to Olympic, past the GRAMMY Museum, from that station.

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Mar 17, in Los Feliz (L.A.):
All day-2 am “ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY” with lots of live Irish music and revelry at the Tam O’Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Feliz; www.lawrysonline.com/tam-oshanter; 323-664-0228.
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“Irish or not, Tam O’Shanter is the place to be this St. Patrick’s Day. Technically a Scottish pub, Tam O’Shanter goes all out with live music,bag pipers and a tented parking lot for other festivities. The full menu is available with an added special Irish menu for the day. Reservations will be required for dining room seating.” -- Review by Kristine G. Bottone.

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Mar 17, in Long Beach:
All day & evening “SHAMROCK & ROLL” at the Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach,CA 90802.

Spend St. Paddy’s Day on the high seas – well, sort of. When you consider how many Irish immigrants arrived in America aboard steamships, this is quite the appropriate place to celebrate, aboard the legendary ocean liner. More at 877-342-0738 or www.queenmary.com

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Mar 17, in OC (Newport Beach):
All day & night “ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION” with live Irish music following “special breakfasts and Pub Favorites,” with bands day 'n night at Muldoon's Irish Pub, 202 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach; 949-640-4110; www.muldoonspub.com

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Mar 17, in Santa Monica:
All day & evening “SPECIAL IRISH MENU” at Ye Olde King’s Head, celebrating with a special Irish menu that includes leek and potato soup, corned beef and cabbage, Irish smoked salmon with Irish brown bread, Irish beef stew and more, including green beer, Guinness, Harp, Magners, and other libations, at 116 Santa Monica Bl, Santa Monica; 310-451-1402; www.yeoldekingshead.com

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Mar 17, in L.A.:
All day-2 am “THE OAKS ST. PATRICK’S” at the Oaks Tavern in L.A. The Oaks celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with $5 green beer, Guinness, Smithwick’s, Harp and more, and plenty of corned beef and hash to help you keep up your Irish cheer.

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Mar 17, in NoHo:
4-11:30 pm “ST. PATRICK’S DAY STOUT TASTING” at Bar One Beer & Wine Parlour, 12518 Burbank Bl, North Hollywood 91607.

Okay, so it WAS an Irish Catholic holiday. THESE people bill it as “The high-holiday of beer drinkers.” They add, “Make sure to wear plenty of green and bring your hankering for some good stouts and Irish reds. We’ll be blasting Irish ditties on the sound system, and airing plenty of exciting Irish themed films on the tellies. Prepare to swing to and fro with comrades in arms and pint in hand, as we’re all Irish on this grand day. If you are fond of craft stouts, we’ll be featuring a tasting flight of several top notch and small production dark delicacies.”

BEERS INCLUDE:
√ Anderson Valley Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout
√ Cismontame Brewing Black's Dawn Imperial Stout
√ Shipyard Smash Blueberry

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Mar 17, in L.A.:
4 pm “ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY” at Angel City Brewery, where you can celebrate downtown with plenty of green beer (Berliner Weisse in this case), live Irish music and food from the Reuben Truck; doors at 4 pm, official party begins at 7 pm; at 216 S Alameda St, downtown L.A.; 213-622-1261; www.angelcitybrewery.com

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Mar 17, in Long Beach:
Time tba LIVE IRISH MUSIC at the Auld Dubliner, 71 South Pine Street Long Beach; 562 437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com

This place is a center for Irish music year-round. So, even after KEN O'MALLEY plays early, it still oughta be good.

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Mar 17, in Los Feliz:
All day “MESSHALL’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY” offers an on-the-way dining alternative to the crowded Tam O’Shanter; it’s at the Messhall Kitchen, 4500 Los Feliz Bl, L.A.; 323-660-6377; www.messhallkitchen.com

Celebrate with a variety of Irish-themed cocktail specials while you dine on Irish classics like corn beef and cabbage, corned beef hash with home fries and a fried egg and more.

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Mar 17, in Burbank:
Time tba “IRISH ROCK OUT” and “Sing & Dance the night away” at Joe's Great American Bar & Grill, 4311 W. Magnolia Bl, Burbank 91505; 818-729-0805; www.joesgreatbar.com

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Mar 17, in L.A.:
Time tba “THE PIKEY’S ST. PATRICK’S” as, oddly enough, Hollywood’s English Pub celebrates the holiday with chef Ralph Johnson’s Irish-inspired menu creations, at The Pikey, 7617 W Sunset Bl, L.A.; 323-850-5400; www.thepikeyla.com

Dine on Irish stew with dumplings, colcannon with pork sausage, Guiness ice cream with Irish whiskey and cooking, and more, including Guinness floats, Irish coffees, and “Irish whiskey flight.”

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Mar 17, in WeHo:
All day “THE CHURCHILL’S ST. PATRICK’S” at The Churchill, 8384 W 3rd St, West Hollywood; 323-655-8384; www.the-churchill.com

Celebrate with a special Gold & Greens cocktail (Clover green juice with Kettle One Citron and agave) and discount glasses of Guinness and Tullamore Dew shots.

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Mar 17, in WeHo:
All day “THE HUDSON’S ST. PATRICK’S” at The Hudson, 1114 N Crescent Heights Bl, West Hollywood; 323-654-6686; www.thehudsonla.com

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Mar 17, in Westlake Village:
All day & evening “FOUR SEASONS ST. PATRICK’S” at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, 2 Dole Drive, Westlake Village. fourseasons.com/westlakevillage

Get in the Irish spirit at the Bar and Lookout outdoor lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. Executive Chef Alex La Motte offers-up a “Get Lucky” menu of Irish pub favorites including the “Lucky” jalapeño buffalo wings and cheddar Guinness poutine. Additionally, enjoy Four Seasons’ bottled green beer, $4 Guinness, and “Dublin Donkey” cocktail, a variation of the classic mule made with Bushmill’s Irish Whiskey, ginger beer, lime, and Angostura Bitters. You can take your chances in the “Luck o’ the Draw” drawing to win an overnight stay at the hotel.

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Mar 17, in L.A.:
All day “ST. PATRICK’S AT CAFÉ ROCKENWAGNER” includes 3 Square Café & Bakery and Rockenwagner Bakery locations. Chef Hans Rockenwagner celebrates the holiday by offering a variety of St. Patrick’s Day specials at his three outposts. Dine on seasonal specials like one pot slow cooked corn beef and cabbage with red potatoes, roasted beet soup with avocado creme fraiche, Rueben sandwich with fennel slaw and green beer on tap at Cafe Rockenwagner. Three locations; see their website: www.rockenwagner.com

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Mar 17, in L.A.:
All day “FRANKLIN’S ST. PATRICK’S” at Franklin & Company, 5923 Franklin Av, L.A.; 323-463-1552; www.franklinandcotavern.com

Kick off your holiday over Bloody Maureens (Guinness and Bloody Mary mix), shots of Jameson with pickle backs, corned beef hash sliders, onion rings with Guiness ketchup and discount Guinness drafts.

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Mar 17, various locations:
All day “IRISH NACHOS” and other oddball offerings prevail all this month at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar locations. Celebrate the holiday all month with fried potatoes covered in homemade chili, jack & cheddar cheeses, sour cream, onions, tomatoes, and homemade pickled jalapenos. They offer Half & Halfs (Harp Lager topped with Guinness) or a James and Ginger cocktail with Jameson Irish Whiskey & Gosling Ginger beer with fresh lime. See their website for locations; www.lazydogrestaurants.com

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Mar 17, in Valley Center:
6 pm “ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION” with live music at Valley View Casino & Hotel, 16300 Nyemii Pass Rd, Valley Center 92082.

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Mar 17, in Hollywood:
(Evening) Annual "LOS ANGELES ST. PATTY'S FEST" at the Arena Nightclub, 6655 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038.

This one features live entertainment -- past featured performers at the St. Patty’s Fest include the Pasadena Pipes and Drums Band and the World Champion Irish Dancers -- and tix options include dinner and plenty of drinks.

Tix cost about $35 per person and include food and drinks at the event.

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Mar 17, includes two FREE
“SINGLES MIXERS”
for St. Patrick‘s Day:
(1) in Santa Monica:
7-9 pm “BAY PIG ST. PATRICK’S FREE SOCIAL MIXER” at the Charleston, 2460 Wilshire Bl, Santa Monica 94403.
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BayPay Members and non-members are all invited, and it’s free. Just pay for what you drink.

AND...

2) 7-10 pm “ST. PATTY’S EYE SPY SINGLES MIXER AGES 20s AND 30s,” at the Steingarten L.A., 10543 W Pico Bl, Los Angeles 90064.
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Sponsors tell us, “What to Expect at this St. Patty’s Eye Spy Singles Mixer: 1. Great for people tired of the bar scene 2. 80% of the people co alone so come by yourself and make some new friends 3. Meet singles in one night from the local area 4. Our event is to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we want you to come out to ge lucky and meet some new faces. We will have an icebreaker g calledEYE SPY to help you meet cool people over playing a fun game. Don’t miss out on this fun opportunity. We will expl everything at the event, but here are the basic's, you get a card asks you to find someone in the room that fits that criteria. W you arrive or pay for your ticket, we will ask you for some fun f about yourself. When you reply, the funny facts or clues will be used in the game. If not, we have some fun scavenger clues for you, too. Every time you get a match, you get a ticket that enters you into the drawing to win cheesy prizes that are not worth taking home, but are about fun.”
+
It’s FREE if you wear green. If you don’t and you prepay, you get a steep discount on the ticket. Of course, you can wear something that isn’t green, and you’ll pay. Either way, reserve. With no green attire, you’ll pay $25 at the door with the discount if you text in advance to Jessie @ 619-602-9758. That gets your name on the list, green or not.

__________

Mar 17, in Burbank:
7:30-10:30 pm ST. PATRICK'S DAY with live music at Cody's Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr (next to L.A. Equestrian Center), Burbank; 818-845-2425 or 818-515-4444; www.vivacantina.com.

All shows on both stages are no cover. Venue is known for its Mexican food and full bar. Park across the street at Pickwick Bowl (free, nearly unlimited parking for Viva patrons).

__________

Mar 17, in downtown L.A.:
9:30 pm-1 am Live music at the Irish Times, 3267 Motor Av, Los Angeles 90034.

__________

Mar 17, in SFV (Van Nuys):
9:30 pm “ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION” at Ireland's 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys 91401; www.irelands32. com


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# 4 news feature...

NOT IRISH, BUT GOOD STUFF OUT THERE...


√ Mar 17, in L.A.:
"Once," the musical, at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, now through Sun, Mar 20.

√ Mar 17, in L.A.:
8 -11 pm Weekly " HONKY TONK HACIENDA" at El Cid, 4212 W Sunset Bl, Los Angeles 90029; 323-668-0318.

√ Mar 17, in WeHo:
8 pm Live music at the Whisky A Go Go, 8901 Sunset Bl, West Hollywood 90069.

√ Mar 17, in Silverlake (L.A.):
9 pm Live music at the Satellite, 1717 Silverlake Bl, Silverlake (L.A.)


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# 5 news feature...

MORE TICKET ALERTS...

Wednesday's edition has lots of great ones. Here are more...

√ PAUL SIMON at the Hollywood Bowl: show is Wed, Jun 1, at 7:30 pm. Tix now available ONLY with an Amex card; us peasants can get whatever tix are left-over, sometime later.

√ ZAC BROWN BAND, "Black Out The Sun Tour," at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre (formerly Verizon Wireless Amph): show is Sat, Jun 4. Tix on Live Nation.

√ ZAC BROWN BAND, "Black Out The Sun Tour," at The Forum: show is Sun, Jun 5.

√ JOE WALSH, "One Hell of a Night with Joe Walsh & Bad Company," at The Forum: show is Fri, May 20.

√ ANDREA BOCELLI at the Hollywood Bowl: show is Sun, Jun 5.

√ "COSI FAN TUTTE," fully staged by Center Stage Opera and the company's full orchestra, with English supertitles; Dylan F. Thomas directs this new production, bringing a delightful new dimension to Mozart's timeless comedic classic, in SFV (Reseda): two performances - Apr 9 at 7:30 pm, Apr 10 at 3 pm. Tix, $30-$55, at: www.centerstageopera.org

√ Annual "PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL" at the Hollywood Bowl: event is Sat, Jun 11, plus additional related events for several days before and after at other venues (you'll need to track those down, because we don't really cover jazz as party of "Folk Americana").

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# 6 news feature...

BANJO WORKSHOP & BARN CONCERT WITH BILL EVANS AND ALAN MUNDE, APRIL 3

Roger Siminoff says, "On Sunday, April 3rd, Rosemary and I are happy to announce a great workshop opportunity and barn concert featuring two highly respected bluegrass banjo players, Bill Evans and Alan Munde. Bill and Alan will be performing bluegrass, original compositions, fiddle tunes on banjo, beautiful slow songs, and more. The mixed voice of two banjos promises to deliver a rich and lively concert."

Wow. Two top players. Bill Evans wrote "Banjo for Dummies."

Info, tickets, workshop registration, contact Roger at: siminoff@siminoff.net



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# 7 news feature...


NORTHWEST FOLK LIFE FESTIVAL

Seattle isn't exactly close, but we've been telling you something for years: you MUST, at least once, attend an annual "Northwest Folklife Festival." It's "The Largest Community-Powered Festival in the Country," four days over Memorial Day Weekend, when the weather is about perfect. It has on the order of 26 (or so) stages, dozens of workshops, registration for your own area to play unscheduled or to jam where you won't sonically crowd others, and it's all FREE. Yes, they will ask you for donations to make the whole thing happen, but you're not strong-armed. And it is an amazing environment and experience. Oh, and by the way: they do musical and music education things all year.

NWFL just told us about "The Lullaby Project: Making Music at Mary's Place." It's an intensive Community Connections project from Seattle Symphony, in which mothers in challenging circumstances come together with specialized Symphony teaching artists and musicians to write, record, and perform lullabies for their children. This year, those involved will perform their works at the Northwest Folklife Festival on May 29, in the Center Theater venue (one of the nice indoor performance spaces) as part of the 2016 festival's Cultural Focus Program, "The Power of the Human Voice through Song."

For those in Seattle? This year's Northwest Folklife Folklife PreFest Party is April 21, featuring THE WARREN G. HARDINGS, plus Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons, Naomi Wachira, Jacob Miller, and the Bridge City Crooners.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS are NOW OPEN. If you know you're going, volunteer and get to know people. Northwest Folklife Festival relies on over 700 volunteers to make this community-powered Festival happen. Volunteers receive access to hospitality, a 2016 festival button, an invitation to the Saturday Night Party, and more. Check out the Festival volunteer page on the NWFL site to fill out a volunteer application, review volunteer benefits, FAQ’s, and more.

Get all the details or get on their mailing list at: www.nwfolklife.org

The full 2016 Northwest Folklife Festival schedule — with more bands on more stages anywhere this side o' SXSW, all of 'em folky — is set to be publicly announced on May 2, at www.NWFolklife.org/Festival


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The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
More soon, as always.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

Direct to the current editions /

MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY

editions load quickly at
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www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to: . Tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Contents copyright © 2016, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
♪ The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS and views of interest to artists everywhere, more specifically to musicians and the creative community and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music, both traditional and innovative forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
.
The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.

Wednesday special with a WONDERFULLY cheap deal!

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.
(GUIDE Blogspot edition no. 1,525.)
.
.
Contents / in this edition:

1) WEDNESDAY'S TOP RECOMMENDATION (THROUGH SUNDAY, BUT ESPC. TONIGHT): THEATRE IN PASADENA

2) THREE MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TONIGHT

3) TICKET ALERTS: ON SALE FRIDAY & SATURDAY

4) TV: "THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE" EXAMINES "HOW CAN A PARTY UNITE?"

5) CATCH A WEB SHOW ST. PADDY'S DAY MORNING

Here are those features.

++++++++++

# 1 news feature...

WEDNESDAY'S TOP RECOMMENDATION (THROUGH SUNDAY, BUT ESPC. TONIGHT): THEATRE IN PASADENA

Boston Court Theatre's production of "Colony Collapse" comes to an end on Sunday. There are only 5 performances remaining. You should go.

TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16th is the special "$5 Night," which means every available ticket is only $5.

Thursday through Sunday tix are $35 and $39. Running time is 2 hours, 50 minutes.

No advance sales for the Wed. evening special. All the tickets are first come, first served at the door, beginning at 7 pm.

Theatre management tells us, "We've grown quite fond of this cast and crew, and if you've seen the production you have had a glimpse into why. How could you not love these awesome people?"

The L.A. Times review by Darryl H. Miller describes the premise:

"The widespread devastation of honeybees, as dutiful workers abandon their hives and leave their dependents to implode, is a key metaphor in the new play 'Colony Collapse.'

"That sort of symbolism can quickly turn heavy, but playwright Stefanie Zadravec keeps it buoyant as she tells a tale of lost souls."

Read the complete review at:

http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-86005289/

Watch a video preview of "Colony Collapse" at:

www.bostoncourt.org

Read all of the reviews in their entirety, at:

https://weplaydifferent.wordpress.com/2016/03/03/review-rundown-colony-collapse/

Boston Court Theater, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena. Curtain at 8 pm, Thu-Sat; 2 pm for the closing show this Sunday. Ends March 20.

Info & advance tix (except for the Wed. special), 626-683-6883; www.bostoncourt.org


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# 2 news feature...

THREE MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TONIGHT

Yep, TOMORROW is St. Patrick's Day, and we'll bring you recommendations in the morning for how to get your shamrock on. But there IS good music tonight...

√ Taylor John Williams plays his "stylistic blending of folk and soul" Wednesday night at the Hotel Café in Hollywood. There aren’t a whole lot of bells and whistles attached to the music crafted and performed by the 24 year old musician from Oregon. He’s not what you’d call a working developer of sonic experimentation. He’s not interested in making an audience wonder “what that sound was.” Instead his allure comes from a certain visceral desperation to make a lasting living as a storyteller. Williams combines the spiritual cadence of a Glen Hansard, or Jeff Buckley, with his own unique impression; one that clearly displays his deep-rooted kinship to the pain of the earth. While he may be most well known for his unique reimagining of popular hits such as Lorde’s “Royals,” and Tears For Fears’ “Mad World” on season 7 of NBC’s “The Voice,” his original works showcase truly distinct perspectives that feel both universal, and strangely foreign at the same time. His independently-released debut EP, “Song of a Dead Man,” contains a barrage of thoughtful, forthright lyricism delivered through a stylistic blending of folk and soul. The music speaks to the impermanence of everything, the importance of constant appreciation, and the idea that love and ownership have no business together. The EP garnered immediate attention, breaking into the iTunes top 100 albums chart and acting as a very promising first statement for the young musician. Ride the Red Line subway to Hollywood & Vine Station, walk a block to Cajuenga, then half a block S to the venue. Advance tix at: www.hotelcafe.com
______

√ Pre-St. Patrick's "Irish Wednesday,"
in Altadena:
8 pm PATRICK BALL brings his "Celtic Harp & Story" concert to the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena. It's sold-out, but you can try for the waiting list, at: 626-798-6236.
______

√ Pre-St. Patrick's "Irish Wednesday,"
in South Pas:
8:30-11:30 pm Weekly "IRISH SESSION" is a structured jam with Michael Kelly (Sligo Rags) presiding, at Griffins Of Kinsale, 1007 Mission St, South Pasadena; 626-799-0926. Free.


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# 3 news feature...

TICKET ALERTS: ON SALE FRIDAY & SATURDAY

On Sale Friday...

√ Brett Dennen with Firekid: show is May 27 at the El Rey Theatre in L.A. (use your browser, and start with the venue to save big corporate extortion charges.)

√ "An Intimate Evening with Good Old War (Acoustic)": show is June 24 at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. Keith Goodwin is a singer /songwriter / multi-instrumentalist who owns a cat named King and a dog named Jet. He’s a middle child with two children of his own. Keith writes, at the very least, an idea for a song each day and is known for unique stage dancing. Dan Schwartz is a music-obsessed Sagittarius with a bike riding habit the size of Philadelphia. He is also a coffee enthusiast and an avid reader who doesn't need a movie to be "good" to like it. He enjoys a game of dominos and a shot of whiskey with friends. Most of all, Dan is a guitar player, songwriter, and harmony singer. "Broken Into Better Shape" (2015) finds Good Old War pushing their musical boundaries to the limit. Road-weary from two years at sea, the trio set out to write an album full of songs that were not limited to sounding perfect in a live experience. The result is the band’s proudest moment, an album of lush, well-crafted songs with no filler, ten songs whittled down from a pool of over forty. Tix on sale Fri, Mar 18, 10 am, at: www.hotelcafe.com

__________


On Sale Saturday...

√ ★★★ Lyle Lovett & His Large Band, plus Emmylou Harris: show is July 8 at the Santa Barbara Bowl (the Guide will have details, soon.)

√ ★★★ Steve Martin and Martin Short with The All Male Bluegrass Boys: show is August 14 at Santa Barbara Bowl (the Guide will have details, soon.)

__________

On Sale Now:

√ ★★★ Midori and "The Planets," with Pacific Symphony: multiple concerts, Thu-Sat, April 28-30, at 8 pm, in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa; go early for the talk with the maestro at 7 pm. This'll be a classical music show of the year; here are 4 reasons why: (1) Mesmerizing virtuoso, former child prodigy,  and so famous that she goes by one name — Midori — joins Pacific Symphony to perform Erich Korngold’s achingly beautiful "Violin Concerto," which the composer reimagined from four of his acclaimed film scores. (2) The exquisite program is led by Grammy and Juno award-winning music director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Bramwell Tovey, whom Musical America called: “One of the most versatile and charismatic musicians in the world.” (3) Plus, Tovey leads the orchestra in grand, thrilling, wholly iconic music inspired by the galaxy — Gustav Holst’s dramatic interpretation of the cosmos, “The Planets,” enhanced by the voices of the women of Pacific Chorale (John Alexander, artistic director); (4) and, Debussy’s luminous piano piece, “Clair de Lune,”  orchestrated by the legendary Leopold Stokowski. A preview talk with Alan Chapman begins at 7 pm. Advance  tix ($25-$110, and it'll sell-out), are now available at: 714-755-5799, or www.PacificSymphony.org
__________

√ Jeffrey Foucault: show is May 10 at the Hotel Café in Hollywood. Jeffrey Foucault hits the road last fall with a full band release tour, bringing the backing band from the album — and that's noteworthy. The lineup features legendary electric guitar player Bo Ramsey (Lucinda Williams, Greg Brown), bassist Jeremy Moses Curtis (Booker T, Cold Satellite) and longtime drummer and tour partner Billy Conway (Morphine). Caitlin Canty, whose breakout 2015 release, "Reckless Skyline" was one Jeffrey Foucault produced and played on, joins the band on backing vocals. It's a hand-picked lineup whose natural affinity — featuring Ramsey's economy of phrase and raw simplicity — are the perfect compliment to Foucault's elegant lines and weather-beaten drawl. It's evident from first moment, with the whole ensemble notable for an instinctive restraint and use of negative space. These aren't kids copping riffs: these are grown men drawing from the deep, strange well of real American music, and they have nothing to prove. With "Salt As Wolves" — his 10th studio album and fifth collection of original songs — Foucault gives us a tough, spare collection of darkly rendered blues and ballads, like a field recording of a place that never existed. In a series of letters to lovers, friends, heroes, and family, Foucault deftly weaves together disparate strands of sound and experience, raw love, and hard wisdom. Tix on sale now at: www.hotelcafe.com
__________

√ Ruby Friedman Orchestra plays April 5 at the Hotel Café in Hollywood. The Ruby Friedman Orchestra is releasing its long-awaited album "Gem." The L.A.-based band is fronted by vocalist-songwriter Ruby Friedman,dubbed “L.A.’s own dynamic diva” by LA Weekly; The Los Angeles Times boiled its reaction down to four stars and one word: “POWERHOUSE.” Friedman’s stops-out vocal performances — drawing on such diverse sources as Bessie Smith, PJ Harvey, Aretha Franklin, and Patsy Cline — and affecting original songs, have enraptured audiences at such L.A. venues as House of Blues, the Troubadour, the Roxy, the Satellite, the Echo, and the Hotel Café (where the band played a weekly residency). She has also appeared with legendary pianist Tom McDermott at "Jazz Fest" in New Orleans and as guest vocalist with the top-flight big band of Grammy winners / "Boardwalk Empire" cast members Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks in NYC. Her solo single, “The End of the World,” captured airplay on KROQ, KCSN, and KCRW. Her music has been keenly featured on both FX series "Justified" and "Sons of Anarchy," as well as FoxSports and NBC promos, and her vocal version of Sly and The Family Stone’s “Family Affair” was featured on the 2nd season trailer for Emmy Award-winning "Transparent." Ruby Friedman is the featured vocalist on the Clio Award-winning 2015 multimedia and TV campaign blitz for Sony PS4's "Bloodborne." Tix on sale now at: www.hotelcafe.com
__________

√ The Shadowboxers play Hotel Café in Hollywood on April 28. The Shadowboxers have a passion for captivating lyrics, tight harmonies, and soulful vocals. Founding members Scott Schwartz, Matt Lipkins, and Adam Hoffman experienced an almost-instantaneous musical compatibility when they first started writing together. They’ve forged a cohesive sound based on a shared reverence for the strong,taut harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel, D’Angelo, and The Beatles. This young band’s unified sound has an R&B-soaked, smart perspective replete with an abundance of vocal talent and songwriting skill. In the short time they’ve been playing together, The Shadowboxers have found a collective voice that is intelligent, soulful, and catchy. Check out their cover of "Pusher Love Girl" Live in Atlanta on the venue's site. Tix on sale now at: www.hotelcafe.com


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# 4 news feature...

TV: "THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE" EXAMINES "HOW CAN A PARTY UNITE?"

The record field of presidential candidates continues (mercifully) to narrow during the excruciatingly long primary and caucus process. Next comes the questions of solidarity behind the eventual party nominees.

Speculation of whether current front-runners can yet be defeated, and even breakaway parties, are running rampant.

There are numerous times in our history when there were divisions within political parties, existential questions of whom to stand behind, and which two-person ticket would represent the best chance at winning the White House. "THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE," the long-running PBS series, produced its own miniseries, "The Presidents," a few seasons back. It has fresh relevancy in this improbable year. Their online offerings, featuring clips and resources from the series' library of presidential biographies and full episodes, remind us that presidential nominees are not always decided before a convention starts.

You can watch video features on this topic, or entire, in-depth, award-winning bios of individual presidents, free and on-demand, at:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/presidents/
__________

Plus...

This Week in Presidential History...

On March 12, 1947, in response to Great Britain's withdrawal of military and financial support to the Greek government for its civil war against the Greek Communist Party, President Harry Truman addressed a joint session of Congress to request $400 million in aid for Greece and Turkey. ($400 million was a breathtaking sum in postwar 1947.)

In what is now known as "The Truman Doctrine," the President outlined a shift in American foreign policy wherein the U.S. would offer assistance (financial, military, political) to democratic nations challenged by communist forces. He said:

"I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation." — Pres. Harry S Truman.

And therein is the basis of a lot of the Cold War.

The Guide's editor, who is something of an historian, adds:

By the way, did you notice there is no "period" after the "S" in Truman's name? That's because it isn't an initial that abbreviates a word. Truman's middle name was just "S" — thus, not "S."


++++++++++


# 5 news feature...

CATCH A WEB SHOW ST. PADDY'S DAY MORNING

Tune-in to hear The Harmony People, Shane Alexander, and Holly Ann Lewis, which airs on The Krush 92.5 FM on the Central Coast, and streams free at www.krush925.com.

It's a 9 am web & radio repeats of a performance that happened Tuesday night. One of many in the astonishingly abundant productions by Steve Key.

Details of more at http://songwritersatplay.com/calendar


+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
More soon, as always.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

Direct to the current editions /

MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY

editions load quickly at
.
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to: . Tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Contents copyright © 2016, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
♪ The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS and views of interest to artists everywhere, more specifically to musicians and the creative community and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music, both traditional and innovative forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
.
The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.

The Amazing Legacy of GEORGE MARTIN. And other news, serious & whimsical...

.
.
(Guide Blogspot edition no. 1,524.)
.
.
Bernie stuns Hillary in Michigan. Trump's mouth is beyond stunning anybody, anywhere. In the music world, you can't say you're stunned when someone dies who is 90 years old. But you can be stunned when you consider the legacy of contributions he leaves after that long life. And we do, in this edition.

++++++

CONTENTS:

1) GEORGE MARTIN: THE MAN WHO LIBERATED MODERN MUSIC - by Larry Wines

2) MUSIC RECOMMENDATION TONIGHT

3) "DIGITAL GENERATION" MUSICIANS FIND LOVE WITH ANALOG AUDIO - by Terry Edelman

4) AN AVIAN STORY FOR YOU. COME FLY WITH ME - by Bob Stane

++++++

# 1 news feature...

GEORGE MARTIN: THE MAN WHO LIBERATED MODERN MUSIC

By Larry Wines

His influence is freshly renewed every day. He died last night at the age of 90.

It's easy to lose sight of something fundamental: that the way things came to be is usually the result of something quite specific.

All those classic albums that happily include free associations of tracks ranging from crisp acoustic to wailing electric? Albums by the Eagles, Heart, America, Bread, Eric Clapton, Crosby Stills & Nash, Neil Young, Jackson Browne, Muriel Anderson, and so many others...

Individual songs that begin quietly with acoustic instruments, then build and build into anthems driven by electric guitars — "Stairway to Heaven" must come to mind...

Iconic acoustic recordings embraced in the pantheon of rock, like "American Pie"...

Thoroughly plugged-in bands doing all-acoustic performances and records, like the Five Man Electrical Band doing the landmark album, "Five Man Acoustical Jam"...

And the subsequent, long running MTV series, "Unplugged," which began with Clapton — and has featured a procession of electric guitarists and bands anxious to demonstrate their acoustic chops and revel in sharing that with their fans...

All were ostensibly rock acts making rock albums for their time, and all yielded both rock and Americana classics. But it wasn't always possible for a record to be inclusive like that, or a stage act to perform outside a narrowly defined identity. You couldn't be "ostensibly" anything. You had to be one thing.

Remember, Pete Seeger wanted to take a fire ax to Bob Dylan's electric guitar cord at the Newport Folk Festival. Play any early rock record: it's electric guitar, electric bass, vocal, and drums, with no room for so much as a harmonica.

The moment that freed music from the tyranny of narrow paradigms and singular identities? It was when the Beatles hired George Martin. Period.

Even when we cite the success of an "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" as blowing the doors open for the popular embrace of an Old Crow Medicine Show and a Mumford & Sons, and a general roots music revival? A cognitive framework had to be in place in popular culture to provide a place for its acceptance — a readiness for things outside the soundalike convention of the singular and mundane.

And that brings us right back to George Martin.

The Beatles' catalog mixes acoustic recordings in some classic tracks with electric instruments in others. It features complex studio magic that changes tempo and creates auditory landscapes. And when George Martin did those things, they weren't simply new, they were unthinkable. One act? Not doing one thing?

For the first time in the history of rock, all of it was driven by the artists themselves and made real by the genius of a producer who enabled their visions to be realized.

Suddenly, a signature thing wasn't the same singular thing, ad infinitum and ad nauseum. It was the unique expression of depth and breadth of all you could do, presented thematically. Rock became a session with a storyteller around an ancient campfire. The need in the human brain to explore variety was fulfilled, derailing the rutted road of rock's beginnings.

You can read any of many books about that, or you can read the feature story by Hillel Italie, AP National Writer, dated today, March 9, 2016.

It is not an obituary for George Martin: it is a celebration of his role in the legacy of recorded music, as established with the music of the Beatles. And we highly recommend it.

Here are a few excerpts:

"Besides the Beatles, Martin worked with Jeff Beck, Elton John, Celine Dion and on several solo albums by Paul McCartney.

"But his legacy was defined by the Beatles, for the contributions he made, and for those he didn't.

"Before the Beatles, producers such as Phil Spector and Berry Gordy controlled the recording process, choosing the arrangements and musicians; picking, and sometimes writing the songs (or claiming credit for them). The Beatles, led by the songwriting team of McCartney and John Lennon, became their own bosses and were among the first rock groups to compose their own material. Inspired by native genius, a world's tour of musical influences and all the latest stimulants, they were seekers of magic who demanded new sounds.

"Martin was endlessly called on to perform the impossible, and often succeeded, splicing recordings at different speeds for 'Strawberry Fields Forever,' or, for 'Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite,' simulating a calliope with keyboards, harmonica and a harmonium that the producer himself played with such intensity he passed out on the floor. Martin would have several good turns on the keyboards, performing a lively music hall solo on McCartney's 'Lovely Rita' and a Baroque reverie (at studio-heightened speed) on Lennon's 'In My Life.'

"The Beatles were a miracle not only of talent, but of chemistry. No producer was better suited for them than the resourceful and open-minded Sir George Martin, who dedicated himself to serving their vision instead of imposing his own."

And therein is everything.

"If anyone earned the title of the fifth Beatle it was George," Paul McCartney said Wednesday following the announcement of Martin's death at age 90.

We've explored some of the significance and lasting legacy of George Martin's professional life. We strongly suggest you read Hillel Italie's fine story that offers a chronology and fascinating details of his critical role in the success of the four lads from Liverpool. It includes a video link from an ABC News interview with George Martin.

( http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/george-martin-perfect-catalyst-beatles-success-37514768 )


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#  2 news feature...

MUSIC RECOMMENDATION TONIGHT

One of our favorite venues has a fine show.

At the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001. Reservations, 626-798-6236.

√ Wed, Mar 9; 8 pm; Tix, $15:
LAURIE McLAIN plus DAVE MORRISON.

"Laurie has got to be from another planet. I've never met anyone - except maybe Richie Havens - who is so open-hearted and full of love for humanity, yet who appears to experience life on a different plane than everybody else. Her music is as innocent as it is informed by experience, as playful as it is rooted, and as detail-oriented as it is grand in scope. Lucky for the rest of us, she's translated her Earthly experience onto record, and called it 'Ascend.'" -Devon Sproule.

"Laurie is a true artist. She opens hearts and sings from a place of depth and love. She held my tough NYC audience with her masterful storytelling, strong lyrics and vulnerable voice, moving them to tears and laughter. If she is performing anywhere near you, run to see her. You will not be disappointed; you will be transformed." — Kathryn, Kathryn's House Concert Series, NYC.

"Laurie's voice has a raw, genuine classic folk resonance that pulls you into every song.” — Singer Magazine.

“Laurie turns each venue into her own living room, and each listener into a new friend with her disarming humor and passionate performance. Laurie's songs explore the themes of identity, growth, friendship and love in a way that always honors the fundamental mysteries of the human journey. In this Mecca of songwriters, she is a gem of uniqueness and authenticity." — JM Kearns.

Plus the talents of DAVE MORRISON. www.davemorrisonmusic.com . People have been saying nice things about Dave Morrison. Legendary Philadelphia Folk DJ Gene Shay played a couple of Dave's tunes on his radio show during the last "Philadelphia Folk Festival," which Gene founded and hosts. He compared Dave Morrison's music to Steve Goodman's. Acclaimed Chicago duo, Small Potatoes, has recorded two of Dave's songs and calls him, "Our second-favorite songwriter." (Who's their number one? Michael Smith, who wrote "The Dutchman." Not too shabby.)

√ The CGB show tomorrow, Thursday, March 10, "A Tribute to P.F. Sloan" is SOLD OUT.


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# 3 news feature...

"DIGITAL GENERATION" MUSICIANS FIND LOVE WITH ANALOG AUDIO

By Terry Edelman

(Terry's story, fresh today, seems an unlikely tale, until you realize the tactile nature of old systems with knobs is being rediscovered everywhere. It's coming back at a furious pace because multiple screens of virtual controls can't possibly have the "feel." Enjoy.)

(Hollywood, Calif., March 9, 2016) – “Today’s student is very much an entrepreneur,” says Jonathan Newkirk, Chair of MI’s audio engineering department.

He continues, “They want to be able to wear all of the hats, whether it’s learning how to play the guitar, self-branding, or familiarizing themselves with various aspects of production.”

The Musicians Institute was formed in the late '70s under the guidance of members of the Wrecking Crew, a collection of crack Los Angeles session musicians who played on countless hit records. Initially designed to train the next generation of session musicians, it focused exclusively on music performance until the mid '90s. But as the industry evolved into the digital age, the Musicians Institute added course offerings in audio engineering and other disciplines. Now, most of their students seek to acquire a diverse range of skills to achieve success in a rapidly evolving industry.

After visiting the BAE Audio booth at the Audio Engineering Society convention in 2013, Newkirk reached out to BAE’s Colin Liebich to present a unique seminar at the school on analog signal processing featuring BAE Audio products.

The Musicians Institute supplements its course offerings with seminars led by industry-recognized producers, engineers, and manufacturers, so it wasn't a unique contact. But it turned out to be a significant one.

Finding the Right Tool for the Job

For Newkirk and the Musicians Institute, BAE Audio’s range of preamplifiers and signal processors make for an ideal teaching tool.

“BAE is the most authentic recreation of the classic console channels available,” Newkirk says, adding, “Their history and reputation for quality make them exactly the right fit for the classroom.”

Liebich, who does technical seminars — as many as a dozen times a year — designs his presentations to demonstrate the versatility, sound quality, and workflow of vintage-designed hardware.

“Colin brought in a wide range of BAE mic pres and we ran everything through the console so students could go up and hear a live mic through the different signal paths,” Newkirk says. “Colin is really engaging and the students loved the sound of the gear right away.”

A Feel for Analog

For Liebich, it’s part history lesson and part studio tips-and-tricks session. He says, “There’s so much tradecraft to bring to them, such as to how a recording was originally made through an analog desk, and how they can recreate that with a few simple pieces of gear. We talk about everything that would be done in the recording studio in 1970 and how it still applies today.”

For some students, Liebich’s seminars are their first extensive hands-on with analog gear.

“Many of these students have grown-up in a completely digital world where everything relating to music production is done on their laptop,” Newkirk says. “We have to educate them on where audio came from and how these techniques and this gear remain important to creating great recordings.”

Newkirk observes that the students react strongly to the sound of the BAE gear as well as the tactile nature of manipulating the knobs.

“The whole thing really sinks-in for them when they’ve got their hand on the EQ and they’re clicking through and hearing the results,” he says.

Musicians Institute has BAE gear installed in the racks of several of its on-campus recording studios, so students have the opportunity to apply their new knowledge to their next recording project.

“I always encourage the students to drain the brain of the clinician and take it back to our rooms and start using it right away,” says Newkirk.

Liebich encourages students to experiment with making decisions on input. “I’m often asked if I commit to an EQ setting when recording a vocal or something,” Liebich says.

“'Absolutely,' I tell them! It gets them thinking in a more analog way than they’re used to when they’re working completely in the box,” he asserts.

The Best of Both Worlds

Newkirk says his best students intuit how important analog gear is in the modern studio, explaining, “The students that really get it know they need a blend of analog and digital. They want high quality hardware to create a great signal chain combined with the flexibility of fine tuning in the box.”

Liebich relishes his role in spreading the good word about analog and gear from his employer, BAE Audio.

“It’s really important to educate young people about analog,” says Liebich. “These are the future hit makers, and its crucial to teach them about how much they can benefit from having access to an awesome analog signal path in the studio.”

Newkirk says that after his seminar, many students mention they would like to own BAE Audio hardware in their future studios. 

Liebich adds another fact that makes it obvious the students love both his BAE gear and his workshops: he can’t get rid of them.

“They always stay after,” he says.


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# 4 news feature...

AN AVIAN STORY FOR YOU. COME FLY WITH ME

By Bob Stane

(Bob is the impresario of the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena, often named the best intimate acoustic music venue in Southern California. His long history in show biz includes founding the world-famous Ice House — as a combined music and comedy haven — and before that, running the Playboy Clubs. He often shares brilliantly funny tales with the subscribers of his CGB newsletter. Sign-up for that, free, by emailing him at: bstane@earthlink.net )

Here's Bob's latest tale...

Did I ever tell you the story of when I won a baby duck at The Orange Show in San Bernardino? We can never have too many yellow duckie stories.

Yes, many decades ago in a place called San Bernardino there is a yearly event in the Spring called The National Orange Show. It is a fair where long gone agriculture is celebrated with weasel racing and carnival frauds. These are not those crude weasel races, where a monkey sits on the back of a rodent, but a real trotting event with little carts driven by a whipping monkey pulled by a thoroughbred weasel.

The Sport of Rubes and The Easily Deceived.

Last year was the 100th birthday of The National Orange Show. One-hundred weasels and a hundred monkeys duked it out for the big trifecta of simian speedsters.

A banana went to the winner. The weasels ate the losers.

Enough of that. I, as a preteen, had too much time on my hands and an urge to see the bright lights of the midway and smell the stench of the unwashed carnival barkers.

Show business is my life.

So, with my four shiny quarters, I ventured into the sinfulness of the midway destined to never be without poultry for a long time.

My first game of chance was some sort of ring toss and luck smiled. I won a yellow baby duck.

The barker stuffed the mini-quacker into a Chinese take-home box and I, not to press my luck when good fortune stretched out her hand, immediately hoofed out of the show grounds to show my prize to my parents (one of whom is now, also, over 100 years old).

It peeped all the way on the bus ride home.

This was the most fortunate of ducks. It was won by a former farm boy who knew how to take care of it, with parents who just did not mind as long as the messy guy lived outdoors. Ducks have poor toilet manners. They need a big yard and we had the perfect amount of land.

We named him "Duck Rogers."

So I dug a pit for him in the back yard and filled it with a garden hose. Guess what? He took to his pond like a duck to water.

Time quickly passed and "peeps" turned into quacks and our back yard became Mr. Roger's neighborhood. And he prospered and ate lots of mash and grew to be large and white with a fine curly butt tail feather and became as much a part of the family as the law allowed. And he was never eaten nor had a tragedy of any kind.

Eventually, we had to leave San Bernardino as do so many, many, many people. And we had to part with Duck Rogers. So one afternoon I took him aside and told him that...

1. There was no Santa Claus and that I bought the mash that he had been eating all these months. and

2. He was a duck.

He took the Santa thing like a good soldier, but was uncomfortable in his own feathers per the duck expose. He had always wanted to be a real boy and own a bicycle. Of course he wanted Santa to bring the bicycle, but I had a plausible lie every Christmas which he always "bought."

After all, he was a duck, and not a rocket scientist. You can fool them. But you must be smarter than a duck. I was but, let's face it... I talked to ducks, so I barely got over the bar.

The time of parting finally came. One morning I took him to the big lake in the park and pointed him to a gaggle of orange billed, web footed guys wearing feathers. I said to him, "This is Pleasure Island and you can live here forever and swim until you are water logged, do as you wish and eat pollywogs and worms and smoke cigars and do Groucho Marx imitations for the rest of your life. And you do not have to wash behind your ears."

And he waddled to the big gang of waterfowl, who welcomed him with open wings, and he never looked back.

Good bye, Duck Rogers, bird of my youth. This might not be a great story, but it had a happy ending for us all. And that's the most any of us can hope for.

Tell me your animal story. Go to: http://www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm for more non-duck features.

(Thanks, Bob. Being birds of a feather, we'll send you the "bill." But that would be quackery.)



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The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.

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Direct to the current editions /

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CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to: . Tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
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♪ The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS and views of interest to artists everywhere, more specifically to musicians and the creative community and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music, both traditional and innovative forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
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It's March 4th. So MARCH FORTH already!

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(GUIDE Blogspot edition no. 1,520.)
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We're working on a big new edition. But here's a story that deserves solo billing. Enjoy.
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"OC Can You Play With Us?"

We just read an article that invites you to come out and play with OC's Pacific Symphony. We'll tell you how to register (you need to hurry), but first, we need to share the article's story of a musician who faced a life-and-death struggle, and the central role of music.

Guinevere Morones was sitting in the hospital undergoing treatment for breast cancer when she saw an advertisement for "OC Can You Play With Us?" — an annual program that invites community musicians to play alongside Pacific Symphony's professional musicians.

No stranger to performing, Guinevere, an elementary school vocal music teacher, had been playing the oboe for 30 years. She had happy memories of playing in her high-school orchestra's woodwind section, while her mother, a violinist, would assist the string section.

After eight months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, she was left weakened and, she thought, unable to play. But could the power of music prevail?

“All I could think was, ‘That looks like fun — if I only had the energy,” says Guinevere, who decided to make it a goal to build up her strength over the next year to be able to participate in the next “OC Can You Play With Us?”

It proved to be a great source of motivation.

Guinevere polished-up her oboe and began practicing, slowly strengthening her lungs and confidence to play among others. One year later, she felt well enough to sign up — and the experience turned out to be more special than she’d imagined.

“I had absolutely no idea that they were going to pick ‘Swan Lake,’ which starts with an oboe solo,” she explains. “Then to be assigned first oboe was incredible — and to get to play that solo — it was just an amazing experience!”

That included sitting next to Pacific Symphony principal oboist Jessica Pearlman Fields.

Another treat was that one of her fellow performers turned out to be her mom, who was sitting in the violin section. Sharing the stage together again for the evening was as good as it gets.

She says: “It was just neat to be back together, playing music again. It was an amazing experience after everything I’d gone through.”

Like Guinevere, community musicians come from all over Orange County to participate in the special night, now entering its sixth season. By getting the chance to sit and play next to Pacific Symphony musicians, participants are able to soak up the expertise of the professionals and Music Director Carl St.Clair.

Guinevere joins many who have noted that playing on the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall stage is a dream come true. In her case, especially true.
__________

Wanna play with the symphony? Register promptly! It always fills-up. It's at:

https://www.pacificsymphony.org/about_us/sound_wave/sound_wave_2016/soundwave-march-2016/&article7

“OC Can You Play With Us?” is a unique opportunity for adults ages 22 and older, made possible by The James Irvine Foundation. Registration for the 2016 session began on March 4 at 10 am, and participants are placed on a first-come, first-served basis. No audition is required. This year, participants are playing the final movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4.

The public performance takes place on May 25.


+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
More soon, as always.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

Direct to the current editions /

MOBILE-DEVICE-FRIENDLY

editions load quickly at
.
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
CONTACT US at / send Questions / Comments to: . Tiedtothetracks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
Contents copyright © 2016, Lawrence Wines & Tied to the Tracks. All rights reserved.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.
♪ The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS and views of interest to artists everywhere, more specifically to musicians and the creative community and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music, both traditional and innovative forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
.
The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. Thanks for sittin' a spell.
.
<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>-<^>
.

Music and the OSCARS: Performances & Awards for Music & Sound...

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(GUIDE Blogspot edition no. 1,519. This story also appears in the "Hollywood Progressive" for Feb. 29, 2016.)
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The Sound of OSCARS: Live Performances, Music and Sound Awards, and Some Larger Lasting Impressions

By Larry Wines

Coming in, the 88th annual Academy Awards was characterized, more than any of its predecessors, by plenty of justified criticism of the lack of diversity in nominations. Certainly, we have registered ours.

When the night finally arrived, Hollywood's production of its grand spectacle delivered an unexpectedly impressive show of diversity and talent. The night's musical dimensions featured surprises that were especially memorable.

We'll start with a few overall impressions.

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QUICK OVERVIEW OF OSCAR NIGHT...

Whooo, boy. Black celebrities boycotting OSCAR's big night used the occasion to hold a rally for the lead-poisoned residents of Flint, Michigan. Fans of the late ABE VIGODA are crying foul that he was left-out of OSCAR's "In Memoriam" segment. Too much attention again went into the stupidly annoying red carpet and the insanely expensive attire. Dustin Lance Black (whoever he is) is calling-out SAM SMITH for wrongly asserting himself as the first openly-gay winner of an OSCAR. And on MSNBC — interrupting its 24/7 Trumpathon — there's a feature story on "Oscar's Most Political Aspects."

This must be the day after. Where's Jimmy Durante when we need him, with his trademark, "EVERYBODY wants ta get inta the act!" -?

Let's get to it.

"SPOTLIGHT" was the surprise BEST PICTURE OSCAR winner. It's the best movie about newspaper journalism since "All the President's Men," so we were glad to see it honored. It tells the true story of the central role of the Boston Globe in researching and exposing the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests, how widespread it was, and how many church authorities went to huge lengths to protect perpetrators and cover-up scandal. (The win is also being seen as a game-changer for its production company, Open Road Films.)

LEONARDO DiCAPRIO finally won a BEST ACTOR OSCAR for his role in "The Revenant." A survival story loosely based on truth, set as a controversial portrayal of early 19th century North American fur trapper / explorers and their interactions with Native Americans. We still have mixed reactions to the film. We found it beautifully made, but over-the-top in its unsurvivable g-forces and its ersatz simplifications of Indian spirituality, juxtaposed with a revenge chase sequence like "Bullitt" on horseback. Kudos to DiCaprio for using his acceptance speech to explain how hard it was for the filmmakers to find suitably cold places to make the movie, and sounding a clarion call about climate change.

BRIE LARSON won the BEST ACTRESS OSCAR, and we have more on her in a role she played off-camera.

JACOB TREMBLAY, the kid who costarred with Larson in "Room," has won big awards elsewhere for his role. He won at the OSCARs because you expect precocious, and you get genuinely intelligent capability. And, yeah, irresistible cuteness.

Lurking at the door...

Any overview must address the "Oscars So White" controversy. We were among those mystified that neither "Concussion" nor its star, WILL SMITH, received nominations, when both should have. Perhaps that can be explained as the clout of the NFL and its rich team owners. Perhaps. But if the Catholic Church couldn't keep "Spotlight" out? The Academy still has some 'splainin' to do.

L.A. Times reporter Todd Martens leads his Monday morning page-one feature with, "'Is Hollywood racist?' asked Chris Rock in his opening monologue at the 88th Academy Awards. He quickly answered his own question. 'You damn right Hollywood’s racist.'"

Martens goes on to pursue the theme, and how Rock mixed the humorous and serious to quite effectively leave exactly the right impression.

Read it at: http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-86055599/

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OSCAR'S BEST MOMENT WAS MUSICAL...

The most powerful moment all night was, in fact, a musical one. LADY GAGA's live performance of “Til It Happens To You,” from the film, "The Hunting Ground," a co-write by her and legendary songwriter DIANE WARREN, left no dry eyes in the house.

That single scheduled performance was a moment in three successive acts, each powerfully effective:

• an introduction by the Vice President of the United States
• a memorably powerful performance
• an epilog not seen on tv

The conclusion brought a stage full of Gaga and Warren's fellow victims of sexual assault — both female and male, and not all young. That was after Vice President JOE BIDEN introduced Lady Gaga, and included his challenge to everyone at or viewing the event. Biden asked all to take the pledge "to intervene, if ever you see someone who has not or cannot give consent." The screen displayed the web address for the pledge and the info.

It's at: http://www.ItsOnUs.org

LADY GAGA's powerful vocal performance at the grand piano was accompanied by a line of violin players, the house orchestra, and finally, on-stage choirlike terraces of assault survivors, each silent, holding hands for support and in solidarity, spaced just right for the messages marked on their forearms to be visible, with their simple, appropriate messages for the audience: "I did nothing wrong," "Survivor," and the like.

Warren's interview with CNN spoke to how "Gaga's performance started off vulnerable, then got more and more pissed, then ended triumphant."

Yes. And wow.

The tv audience didn't see the rest of what made the OSCAR tears flow. Following the song, DIANE WARREN awaited the survivors as they descended the stairs from the stage, so she could hug them. Actress BRIE LARSON rushed to join her, and both hugged each survivor.

That unbroadcast very human moment is explored in detail in a Washington Post story, at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/02/29/watch-brie-larson-hug-assault-survivors-after-lady-gagas-oscar-performance/

The off-camera hugs were especially meaningful. Warren, like Gaga, is their fellow survivor. And Larson won Best Actress for "Room," in which she played a young woman abducted and kept for years as a sex slave — something that has really happened in our society.

Journalist Chris Gardner of the "Hollywood Reporter" captured his own video of that heartfelt unbroadcast scene. Though not on tv, there's a link in the Washington Post story, above.

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THE OSCARS for MUSIC & SOUND...

Since the earliest feature films, music has played a key role in what we generally regard as a visual medium. In fact, since it broke free of nickelodeon boxes with eyepieces, film has always been a multi-sensory experience.

The only thing that kept those early movies from being true "silent pictures" were the musicians who performed live in the orchestra pit below the screen. Sometimes, typically in small towns, the musician was a pianist, equipped with, perhaps, a kick drum, cymbal, and rubber-ball horn.

Even when the theatre was a movie palace with a giant theatre organ with a full bank of audio effects, films through the nineteen-teens and twenties were accompanied, indeed interpreted, by talented theatre musicians. Performing not with pages and pages of full scores, but with mere lead sheets, most film studios left it to them to take a few themes and match their music-making to the action or mood on the screen, and to time everything appropriately.

It was more rare to get an orchestra in a movie theatre with sheet music worked-out — or improvised — for each instrumentalist, but it did happen in grand movie palaces in big cities.

Music is, and always has been, inseparable from the movies.

In the modern era, each year's OSCARS specifically recognizes music with two statuettes, and awards two more, one each for the closely related roles of sound mixing and sound editing.

Like the other categories, many films get overlooked for their music, perhaps through cultural biases. For example, we had to settle for a snippet of the excellent traditional Irish music in a quick trailer for Best Picture nominee "Brooklyn," because it was not included in the "Best Original Score" or "Best Original Song" categories.

It seems a bit crazy that only two OSCARs go for music, when so much of the industry and its annual celebration are married to music, musicians and composers. But they do sneak-in things.

Take the fine musical note at the show's midpoint. The trio of "Star Wars" 'droid stars — C3PO, R2D2, and the new BB8 — bumbled onto the stage so '3PO could admire how much OSCAR looks like him. Or really, so they could do a much-deserved shout-out (beep-out?) to composer extraordinaire JOHN WILLIAMS, the most prolific film score composer of all time.

Eventually, the makers of music and wizards of sound received their official due. Here are the nominees and winners for the music and sound categories, with a comment or two.

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MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE) OSCAR...

• "The Hateful Eight" — WINNER— ENNIO MORRICONE

Other Nominees:
• "Bridge of Spies"
• "Carol"
• "Sicario"
• "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"

We're commenting here. It was satisfying that the great film composer ENNIO MORRICONE finally won the OSCAR. After all, those early Clint Eastwood "spaghetti westerns" all notably featured his music. The five-note whistled intro to "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" is one of the world's most recognizable themes.

We will join any standing ovation for Morricone's lifetime achievement.

But we know nothing about the work for which Morricone won this award, nor are we likely to. Not being voting members of the Academy has its advantages — like not being obligated to see everything.

We avoid any film made by Quentin Tarrantino. After experiencing enough of them to know he employs a signature penchant for smartassed brutality, an inhuman outlook, and always with snide quips about "the mess" of his contrived murder and mayhem which are supposed to be a kind of inside joke among his characters and the audience? We find it a singularly appalling pornography, and we just won't go.

=============

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG) OSCAR...

Presented by last year's winners, JOHN LEGEND & COMMON

• “Writing’s On The Wall,” from the film, "Spectre" — WINNER

Other Nominees:
• “Earned It,” from "Fifty Shades of Grey"
• “Manta Ray,” from "Racing Extinction"
• “Simple Song #3,” from "Youth"
• “Til It Happens To You,” from "The Hunting Ground"

=============

SOUND EDITING OSCAR...

• "Mad Max: Fury Road" - WINNER - Mark Mangini & David White

Other Nominees:
• "The Martian"
• "The Revenant"
• "Sicario"
• "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"

While we congratulate achievement by sound wizards? We just don't do post-apocalyptic visions of rich oligarchs being opposed by rebels who are mysteriously capable of racing about a fried Earth, shooting people. We didn't see it when Mel Gibson did it, and we're unlikely to see the remake.

=============

SOUND MIXING OSCAR...

• "Mad Max: Fury Road" - WINNER - Chris Jenkins, Gregg Rudoff & Ben Osmo

Other Nominees:
• "Bridge of Spies"
• "The Martian"
• "The Revenant"
• "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"

=============

MORE LIVE MUSIC...

Performances at the 2016 Oscars included:

√ SAM SMITH sang "Writing's on the Wall" from "Spectre."

√ DAVE GROHL sang the Beatles' "Blackbird," playing acoustic guitar and accompanied by the house orchestra, for the "In Memorium" tribute to (almost) all the film industry people who died since the last OSCARs presentation. Simple, dignified, effective, and a model for future observances.

=============

OSCAR'S OTHER "GOTTA TALK ABOUT IT" MOMENT...

Finally, the most meaningful non-musical moment came with the acceptance of the OSCAR for "DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT)." In her acceptance, the filmmaker of the WINNER, "A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness," left meaningful impact.

The film is a true story of "honor killings." Those are murders of women that happen in places like Afghanistan and Pakistan. Typically, when a girl or woman has been raped, her family kills her because it happened. Or, as in the film, because a young woman defies her family's orders to accept an arranged marriage (for economic gain for the family members), and she instead marries someone of her choice, for love.

The young woman in the film was shot in the face, multiple times, by her family members, then thrown in a river. Thanks to being found and receiving prompt, then recurring, surgeries, she lived. Most "honor killing" victims do not live.

The filmmaker, who risked death to make her documentary, told the global OSCARs audience that, after seeing her film about the horrifically barbaric and widespread practice in his country, the Prime Minister of Pakistan vowed to change the laws. Presumably that will finally proscribe penalties so harsh it will end these rampant murders and aid those fleeing the threat.

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ALL THE OSCAR WINNERS & NOMINEES...

There's no shortage of angles and tangles in OSCAR coverage, anyplace you turn today. For the basic news of every OSCAR nod in each category, the Academy's own site provides a quick read.
[ http://oscar.go.com/#!/news/winners/oscar-winners-2016-see-the-complete-list ]

With a rancorous election year still to be resolved, the movies, as always, will offer welcome respites. Then it's next year's OSCARs, and the to-be-answered questions of whether the Academy's changes are sufficient to avoid a sequel to Oscars So White.


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The Guide brings you frequent editions covering MUSIC NEWS and ticket alerts, published separately, and always available right here on the Guide's Blogspot site.

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♪ The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS and views of interest to artists everywhere, more specifically to musicians and the creative community and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music, both traditional and innovative forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues, and schedules and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues monumentally large and intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the roots of the blues and where the music is headed now.
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