With Fall festival season bringing a cornucopia of delightful options, AND a huge number of concerts, club gigs, workshops, benefit shows, and much more, we had to split things into two parts. Plus, the editor is finally getting a "summer" vacation. So the two current editions are FILLED with events, and you'll find them useful for days and weeks and months to come. (Even when we're not here, we take care of your entertainment needs.) Go enjoy live music!
√ Festivals through October, November, and beyond, and some major events in 2014.
√ MUSIC CONFERENCES from now through January, 2014.
♪ Note that all the CONCERTS, club gigs, coffeehouse shows, workshops for artists, showcases, open mics, and much more, are in a SEPARATE edition at a separate click.
The Guide's 200 most recent editions (of the 1,074 editions since moving to this site) have received more than a quarter million page views here alone. Ya think maybe people DO like this kind of music?
♪ 37th Annual OLD TIME FIDDLE CONTEST, Sep 19 & 20, in Tehachapi.
♪ DESERT DUST UP FESTIVAL, Sep 20 & 21, in the desert east of L.A.
♪ RADAR L.A., Sep 24-Oct 1, in L.A.
♪ 8th Annual FROGTOWN ARTWALK, Sep 28, in L.A.
♪ SOUTH AFRICAN ARTS FESTIVAL, Oct 4-6, in downtown L.A.
♪ DARE TO BE SQUARE WEST, Nov 8-10, in L.A.
♪ BIG TOP, a big deal, Oct 17-20, in downtown L.A.
Annual "BERKELEY OLD TIME MUSIC CONVENTION" happens in a vast number of venues throughout Berkeley and features a huge number of practitioners and aficionados of old-time string band and other old-time music forms. Our write-up is brief because anyone who is into that kind of music is already there.
ArtPrize awards $560,000 in prizes. $360,000 of these are determined solely by public vote, including the single $200,000 first prize.
The Guide was there in 2012. It's amazing, and encompasses everything from abundant live music everywhere, to indoor and outdoor exhibitions of art at the Gerald Ford Presidential Library, to sculpture gardens with performance stages that take over parking lots, to indoor venues where stages and audiences are surrounded by paintings, 3-D art, huge and boldly colorful graphic arts, and truly a whole lot more. If you are in, or can route yourself through, Grand Rapids Michigan - a town with five colleges - then by all means, do it.
√ FIND ART at ARTPRIZE - Search the 1524 artist entries and create collections of art you plan to see.
√ PLAN YOUR VISIT - Voting, events, education, where to stay and how to get around.
√ GET INVOLVED - Sign up to volunteer. Volunteer training begins September 9.
√ JOIN ARTCLUB - Enjoy membership perks to help you get the most out of ArtPrize.
It takes days to explore all the venues and see and hear all the offerings at this city-wide celebration, throughout all the free indoor and outdoor venues.
Annual "AMERICANA MUSIC FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE" brings the best and brightest to the premier music education event in Nashville, and Americana music's top event.
The 2013 event includes a gala awards night in the historic Ryman Auditorium, sanctioned performances all four days, and 180 panelists doing more than 40 educational workshops addressing all facets of the music industry.
A conference spokesperson says, "Whether you're an artist, attorney, marketer, publisher, publicist, booking agent or broadcaster, the Conference portion of our event is where you connect with experts from top organizations to help you develop your music career and maximize your potential in the ever-changing music business landscape."
Registration, badge and credential pick up opens early this year on, Tuesday Sep 17, at 5 pm at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel, 7th & Church St, Nashville, TN.
The business conference includes the Keynote address from RIAA Chairman and CEO, Cary Sherman. There are interviews with artists Rosanne Cash, Dr. John, Billy Bragg, Delbert McClinton and Glen Clark, and conversations with "influential thought leaders" in today's music industry.
Americanafest includes intimate sessions with business associates from A2IM, The American Bar Association, MusiCares, BMI, SESAC, Fender, Billboard, SoundExchange, Patreon, Future of Music Coalition, Bandzoogle, Music City Networks, BBC, AC Entertainment, AEG-TMG, Paradigm, MailChimp, NoiseTrade, Record Store Day, Rockhouse Partners, Topspin Media and hundreds more from the major label and DIY world.
"Music Licensing in Today's World" – with moderator James G. Zumwalt, Esq., Shackelford Zumwalt & Hayes, with panelists Jeffrey Brabec, Esq., BMG Chrysalis, Author, Todd Brabec, Esq., Author, Elizabeth Gregory, Esq., The Law Offices of Elizabeth V. Gregory, PLLC, Dennis Lord, SESAC, Henry W. Root, Esq., Franklin & Sacharow, LLP. They will discuss streaming and download services; ASCAP, BMI and SESAC; music in apps, video games, independent films, documentaries and television episodes; multi-platform radio; digital jukeboxes, internet karaoke, e-cards and music chips in dolls and toys; direct licensing; SoundExchange; YouTube, Pandora and Spotify. These are but some of the areas and entities requiring new licensing strategies, negotiations and contracts reflecting the emergence of the online / digital world into the traditional world of music licensing.
"The International Marketplace" with moderator Rich Bengloff, American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), and panelists Lori Condon, Acony Records, Jim Selby, Naxos USA, Garry West, Compass Records, Robert Williams, 335 Records and artist producer Ed Petterson. Remember how we used to go to radio, video and press and then sold metallic metal discs? And life was easy. Now, every label and artist must promote widely and create revenues from multiple sources to achieve a flow of dollars, pennies and micro-pennies. You know this, but are you looking abroad? This savvy panel offers a deep look at revenue in the international marketplace and what you can do today to grow the music business outside of the U.S.
In "Finding the Right Balance," stakeholders discuss policy issues that will shape the future of the music business. Moderator is Linda Bloss-Baum, Creative Strategies. Panelists are Glenn Peoples, Billboard; Artist Songwriter David Lowery; David Macias, Thirty Tigers; Colin Rushing, SoundExchange; Bart Herbison, National Songwriters Association. They will address the question, "What is fairly compensated?" This panel will look at the interest from the web, terrestrial radio, label, songwriter and performer camps to put their cards on the table in search of common ground.
"Fan Funding From the Inside Out," with moderator Wayne Leeloy, Foundation Music Group, and panelists Jack Conte, Patreon; Jay Coyle, Pledge Music; artist Will Kimbrough; act Over The Rhine's Linford Detweiler; Karin Bergquist. They will address important new realities and opportunities through fan-funding and crowd-sourcing that are now in our music economy. The panel will take a candid look at the platforms currently in the marketplace and hear some of the best and worst examples of fan-funded campaigns. Representatives from a few of the main platforms will share their best practices, and attendees will get a clear sense of when, why and how to launch their own.
In "New Orleans: The First Music City," Grammy Museum Executive Director and panel moderator Bob Santelli talks with Scott Billington, Rounder Records; Greg Lambousy, The Louisiana State Museum ; Ben Sandmel, Journalist, Author, Folklorist, Drummer; John Swenson, Journalist, Author. Known mostly for its jazz tradition, the Crescent City has also played catalyst to significant developments in the blues, R&B, gospel, soul, funk, rock & roll and hip hop. Add in zydeco and cajun, not to mention second line marching bands, and you have a confluence of cultures and historic influences like no other. This expert panel of musicians, musicologists and curators will explore the many facets of New Orleans music and demonstrate how those forms helped give shape and style to the American music tradition.
And there are all those live music performances by legendary stars and awards for long-standing and brand new performers and their music.
This one has the "NATIONAL FLATPICKING CHAMPIONSHIPS" and a formidable lineup of performers on multiple stages.
If you're in Kansas and you're not there -- no excuse.
37th Annual "OLD TIME FIDDLE CONTEST" in West Park Auditorium, 410 W D St, Tehachapi 93561; 661-333-4991.
Physically not a large event, but hugely important in the fiddle player's world. The event is noted for its camaraderie and jams, as well.
80th Annual "SIMI VALLEY FAIR & MUSIC FESTIVAL," formerly the Community Carnival, includes a POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL day, a COWBOY FESTIVAL day, and features rides, music, food vendors and more at a new location, the Simi Valley Town Center, 1555 Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley.
Opens Thursday, 5-10 pm, with Karaoke Night and 50 cent rides. On Friday, from 5-11 pm, there's music by Country Gone Awry. On Saturday, it runs Noon-11 pm with 5K and 10K races (8 am), a parade (9:30 am), and a Polynesian Festival with performances by a Polynesian revue. On Sunday, it's Noon-9 pm, with a Car Show, the Cowboy Festival, plus music by Dave Janssen's Kidzapalooza.
$5 general admission per day; children age 4 and younger are free.
Annual "PASADENA GREEK FEST" with live music and a whole lot more in the beautiful infield with fountains at Santa Anita Racetrack, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91007.
Okay, so it's "world music." Greek fests are also a whole lot of fun and they have great food. And they welcome everyone to dance. Festival runs Fri, 5-10 pm, and Sat, Noon-10 pm.
This is a wonderfully delightful smaller festival that always books great acts from the big festivals. It's in a beautiful setting, with the High Sierra as the backdrop behind the stage. In short, Millpond Music Festival brings an eclectic collection of music to one of the most intimate festival surroundings imaginable.
Crossing ethnic and cultural lines in a celebration of life in all its diversity, you can immerse yourself in an exotic mix of music, surrounded by the stunning mountains at autumn's first blush.
The Workshop Tent Schedule has yet to be released.
Food is available from the rather extensive menu of the park's large snack bar, and there is always at least one pancake breakfast and a BBQ presented by local service organizations. Or bring your own food.
Festival goes on rain or shine. A nice feature is that Inyo and Mono County students through 8th grade, accompanied by a paying adult, get in free (children must be accompanied by an adult to get into the festival).
Full Weekend, 3-Day Pass for Sep 20-22: $85, purchased before Sep 1st; $90 at the gate.
Student Pass: 3-Day, $25; Student 1-Day, $15.
Camping is available at an additional charge. Buy it in advance to assure your space, especially if you have a camper vehicle or motorhome.
56th Annual "MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL" includes more than 500 artists performing nonstop on eight stages for three nights and two days in Monterey, on the Central California Coast.
There are live sets from Diana Krall, Bobby McFerrin, Wayne Shorter, Dave Douglas, and a great many more.
Roberto Fonseca and Gregory Porter.
California Honeydrops, Claire Daly, Big Sam's Funky Nation, The Relatives, Ravi Coltrane.
Joe Lovano, Along Came Betty, David Sanborn/Bob James, Tammy Hall, Davina & The Vagabonds.
Jazz is so much its own universe that the Guide's coverage is always selective and limited. Djangostyle Gypsy Swing / Gypsy Jazz is readily embraced by Folk-Americana fans, even though the genre was remade in, and reimported from, France. Dixieland and most other traditional jazz forms are intertwined with the blues, and solidly part of Folk-Americana. But many modern subdivisions of jazz went off the folk reservation a long time ago and intentionally remain outside our coverage. Still, when Diana Krall brings her vocal chops to town, we've covered her. So as Forrest Gump said, "That's all we have to say about that."
Old Californio fans particularly await this one. The band has been holed-up at 303 Studio recording a new album, and they return to the stage after a year's hiatus.
Annual "JULIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Menghini Winery, 1150 Julian Orchards Rd, Julian 92036.
"TRI ARTS FESTIVAL" is a FREE festival dedicated to the arts, showcasing dance, music, and crafts, at Ports O' Call Village (at the South End), 1199 Nagoya Way, San Pedro 90731.
It features an Outdoor stage and special events area.
"SP ♥ TRI ART" aims to bring art to people of all ages and showcase the beauty of San Pedro as a haven of the arts.
Creativity abounds in San Pedro. Children and families, young, old, or anywhere in between: everybody will find something at SP ♥ TRI ART to inspire and enchant.
Free, in a fun place, with ample free parking.
Noon "GET SHAMROCKED IRISH FESTIVAL 2013" in Town Square Park, 24701 Jefferson Av, Murietta 92562.
Runs Noon-10 pm Sat, Noon-8 pm Sun.
Annual "NANTUCKET MARITIME FESTIVAL" in Nantucket, Massachusetts, draws some fine maritime and sea chantey specialists.
"Life is Good Festival" supports a "Beautiful organization helping kids in need," in Canton, MA, with headliners JACK JOHNSON, DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES, THE ROOTS, AMOS LEE, DAWES, AMBER RUBARTH with DAVE EGGAR, and many more.
Noon "CAR FREE SUNDAY" outdoor fair includes music stages, and JENNI ALPERT, endorsed by Luna Guitars, plays a set on Laurel Cyn in Valleyheart Care. The event is along the L.A. River. Free.
"RADAR L.A." is an international festival of contemporary theatre at various venues in L.A. and nearby communities.
Altogether, 18 influential productions highlight this celebration of the vibrancy of new theater, including works from Latin America, the Pacific Rim and Los Angeles.
The action-packed "Radar L.A." Festival lights-up historic downtown theaters and stages throughout the city.
You can grab a 5-event "Flex Pass" for $75 and immerse yourself in a world of contemporary theater.
Ticket prices vary. Most tickets are $25.
Offer good through Sep 16, limit 2 tix per customer.
"H.P. LOVECRAFT FILM FESTIVAL & CTHULHUCON" (yes, that's how they spelled it), at the historic Warner Grand Theater, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; 310-833-4813; HYPERLINK "http://www.grandvision.org/"www.grandvision.org.
Event brings movies, shorts, and more, celebrating the master of gothic literary horror and weird tales through cinematic adaptations by professional and amateur filmmakers. The festival was founded in 1995 by Andrew Migliore in the hope that H.P. Lovecraft would be rightly recognized as a master of gothic horror and his work more faithfully adapted to film and television.
Tix available through Brown Paper Tickets and at the box office during the festival.
Note that they also have a special discount on tickets to the battleship USS IOWA, San Pedro's biggest attraction; those tix are good for one year after purchase.
Performers include Grammy nominees LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS on Friday night.
4-10 pm 8th Annual "FROGTOWN ARTWALK" is a free festival with plenty of music, open art galleries, indoor and outdoor art happenings, gourmet food trucks, and wandering and discovering along the L.A. River through a performance and display tent and through the adjacent neighborhood of artists' studios and bungalows. Basically, it's nestled along the river east of the junction of the I-5 and the 2 Freeways.
There's a surprising amount of Folk-Americana music, including old-time string bands, rootsy honky-tonk, and nu-folk.
The artists, artisans, and architects of Elysian Valley, otherwise known as Frogtown, present this celebration of the creativity and talent flourishing in the industrial buildings of this working class neighborhood along the L.A. River. During last year's event, thousands of visitors and locals strolled the newly-paved river bike / walking path from studio to studio, and many were treated to fleeting sights of "La Llorona" as she came out from the river to dance between the buildings.
"You feel like you're in a secret place that's very inspiring and very unique." -- Claude Esbaghian.
This year, the Artwalk features a "River Pavilion" with information on ongoing river restoration efforts and live music. A youth art show offers interpretations on the theme of "River Ecology." Artist Leo Limon, creator of the "storm drain cats", will share his knowledge of the neighborhood. An innovative series of movie projections onto the trees in the riverbed will guide visitors from studio to studio.
For the first time, the Frogtown Artwalk offers a celebration of text and the written word. "Bookshow L.A.," located in the NOMAD art complex at 1993 Blake Av, is home to a careful selection of new, used and vintage books showcased in an interactive creative retail space. You can participate there in a spontaneous poetry event by "Typewriter Poetry" and see altered books created by local artisans.
One performance not to miss is at an off-the-beaten-path venue: I See Hawks In L.A. play 6:30-8 pm at RAC Design Build, 3048 N Coolidge, Los Angeles.
Performers include Grammy nominees LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS.
10 am-4 pm "The Big Squeeze 5th Annual Accordion Festival" at the Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa 92626.
Annual "SOCIAL MEDIA WEEK ONLINE MUSIC FESTIVAL" includes a 2 pm set by JENNI ALPERT at Village Recorders as an endorsed artist representing Luna Guitars.
At the heart of the event are "Cowboy Poetry and Music, Storytelling and Folklore" sessions, and concert performances by musicians and poets.
Live music plays a part everywhere. There's a gallery reception for Navajo artist Leland Holiday with live bluegrass music by Back Up and Push. Another gallery features appearances by western painter Bonnie Conrad, sculptor Greg Kelsey, with cowboy poetry by Roger Conrad and live music by Doug Figgs. Photographers of the American West are hosted with exhibits by Christopher Marona, Tony Stromberg, and others.
"Rising Western Stars" youth session, 2-hour performance with talented Western musicians and poets ages six through 18; host Kristyn Harris (18), winner of three Western Music Association awards, introduces fellow WMA award winners Mustang Mikki (17) and Naomi Bristow (15). Also featured are Jeneve Mitchell (13), who plays nine instruments; Leah (12) and David (10) Sawyer; and poets Klace (14), Bracken (12), MacKenzie (9), and Kage (6) Lyman.
and GARY ALLEGRETTO'S "LEARN TO PLAY COWBOY HARMONICA INSTANTLY" workshop.
There's a "COWBOY POET TRAIN" on the steam-powered Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge, and a horseback "COWBOY POET TRAIL RIDE."
This is a big-deal event in the most beautiful part of Colorado. Grab yer hat and boots.
"SOUTH AFRICAN ARTS FESTIVAL" (SAAF) 2013 brings "a vibrant festival of music and film" that "saturates" downtown L.A. "for a weekend rich in cultural connections." It features a wide variety of music.
The first-ever SAAF, commissioned by the Republic of South Africa's Department of Arts and Culture, showcases some of that country's beloved musical icons and introduces Angenelos to powerful emerging voices.
Saturday's line up, held at Grand Performances at California Plaza, includes Grammy-winner Hugh Masekela's jazz grooves, the Mahotella Queens' uplifting acapella infused with Jozi's Zulu hip hop mix, the Parlotones' arena rock anthems, Simphiwe Dana's sultry Afro soul, and more.
Sunday's film offerings, FREE at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live, highlight the broad range of South African cinema from uplifting family-friendly fare to gritty dramas to documentaries that take you into Soweto's street dance subculture, and more.
• Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live screenings are free; advance reservations are required and can be made beginning Mon, Sep 16.
• Watercourt Stage, Grand Performances at California Plaza.
All events are FREE; for some, advance reservations are required.
First-ever "WAY OVER YONDER" FESTIVAL," presented by the Newport Folk Festival as its first West Coast venture, is on Santa Monica Pier.
Annual "Eagle Rock Music Festival & Art festival" is a huge street fair along Colorado Bl between Argus Dr and Eagle Rock Bl, extending into several blocks of side streets in Eagle Rock, east of Pasadena.
9 am-6 pm 4th Annual "Underwood Family Farms Folk Festival" at Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark 93021.
Music on the Main Stage runs 10:30 am-5:30 pm. If you play an instrument, join a group and jam. In addition to the music, there's their big Corn Maze, displays, fruit and produce and gifts for sale, tractor rides, displays, an Animal Show at 11:30 am & 1:30 & 3:30 pm, Pig Races at 10:30 am & 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30 pm.
$12 admission; children under age 2 are free.
1 pm-1 am Huge "40th Anniversary Gram Parsons Tribute" with I See Hawks In L.A. and many others performing, at The Joshua Tree Inn, 61259 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree 92252.
Annual "HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS" sponsored by Southern California Dulcimer Heritage at Culver-Palms United Methodist Church in Culver City.
Featuring both families of wholly dissimilar instruments that bear the name "dulcimer" (the carry-in-one-hand mountain or lap or plucked dulcimer, and the get-a-forklift hammered dulcimer), this is a low-key but very welcoming, friendly, and dependably good event.
You can buy tix for just the Saturday evening concert, featuring top players brought-in from distant places. Or let the concert conclude a full day Saturday, spent exploring hands-on instrument displays, workshops for players of various levels, and the delightful sounds made by these instruments, as massed-dulcimer jams ensue and artistry comes alive, one instrument at a time.
Sunday brings workshops (in other places) with the virtuoso players from the Saturday night concert.
Details when we get them. More on the festival and other dulcimer-based bands and dulcimer-related events are maintained throughout the year at the organization's site, www.scdh.org.
Annual "HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL" brings many of the biggest stars of acoustic Americana (and, ah, bluegrass), to multiple stages in Golden Gate Park's Hellman Hollow (formerly Speedway Meadows) and Lindley & Marx Meadows, in San Francisco.
It's become the largest free music festival in North America, eclipsing longtime record-holder, the "North West Folk Life Festival" in Seattle. And, no, you really can't roam all over the site and catch shows on stages everywhere, because the crowd and the site are THAT big.
Laurie Lewis says, "Thank you, Warren Hellman!" -- That's the late banjo-playing billionaire who paid to present the festival every year, and he left an endowment to keep it going. "He's my favorite capitalist," said Steve Earle." Hellman always overpaid all the artists – but, Earle adds, "for the right reasons. When you have a lot of money, you have choices as to what you can do with that, and Hellman did this. He also saved the pension plans of a whole bunch of the City of San Francisco workers – you don't run into that very much among investment bankers."
Yep, thank you Warren Hellman. If only your example of philanthropy for bringing acoustic Americana musicians and their performances to wider audiences would catch-on with the richer-than-Midas set.
They do something interesting to announce the lineup. You can go to their site and listen to a LOT if music which INCLUDES the acts they have secretly booked.
Annual "CROSSROADS FESTIVAL IV" at the Coushatta Pavillion, 777 Coushatta Dr, Kinder, LA 70648, brings homegrown Cajun and zydeco music, bands from outside the area, including LISA HALEY & THEZYDEKATS, blues bands, and more music of various genres.
Annual "LONE PINE FILM FESTIVAL" at the Lone Pine Film Museum and Lone Pine High School, and other venues.
Includes western music concerts by award-winning western and western swing musicians and screenings of some of the vast number of films made in the nearby High Sierra, the Alabama Hills, the Owens Valley, Inyo and White Mountains, or local deserts. People involved with the selected films present panel discussions and more.
Annual "MEOW CONFERENCE" (MEOW is Musicians for Equal Opportunities for Women) brings panels, performances, a trade show, workshops, films, showcases, and speakers to Austin, Texas.
Jenni Alpert tells us, "I will be speaking again as a panelist... on the different steps one can take to license music to film and TV, and all are welcome to attend."
"DARE TO BE SQUARE WEST" featuring master callers Larry Edelman & Tony Mates and music by Tom Sauber & Co., Chicken Liquor, Triple Chicken Foot, & more, at the American Legion Hall in Highland Park.
It's quite an event, a weekend conference of square dance calling, music and dance that includes two public dances. Save money with early bird registration until September 30th.
Earlybird registration discounts available until Sep 30, at www.daretobesquarewest.org/Dare_ to_be_Square_West/Register.html.
Annual "FAR-WEST FOLK ALLIANCE CONFERENCE" at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine.
This is the final FAR-WEST CONFERENCE for a while in California; it moves north after this year, so if you've thought of attending, do it while it's nearby.
Annual "SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES" at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, by the ocean in Ventura.
Always features two stages of Celtic music, pipe and drum band competitions and exhibitions, and massed bands performance.
Added in recent years is an officially-sanctioned Scottish Fiddle competition.
ANITA & THE YANKS will do their CD release show at the festival.
BAD HAGGIS performs, the band led by ERIC RIGLER who did music for the "Titanic" soundtrack.
And of course, there's the impressive sights and thrills if watching "large men throwing things" in the Highland Games, which also feature women athletes.
Scottish sheep herding with dogs is a popular grandstand event, too.
And you can eat haggis and bangers and pasties and other culinary delights of the British Isles and Ireland.
11 am-4 pm "ART WEEKEND" and "TASTE OF SOUTH" at the Corporate Center Pasadena, 251 S Lake Av, Pasadena (on South Lake Avenue, S of the 210 Fwy).
This event brings plenty of live music (last year, it was ALL roots-Americana music). This year, the 5th Annual "Taste of South Lake" presented by the South Lake Business Association joins with "ART WEEKEND" to present gallery exhibitions and more.
Guests can enjoy mouth-watering offerings from the restaurants of South Lake Avenue, special live cooking demos, a beer and wine garden and live music performances.
This FREE outdoor food, wine, and music festival has free parking.
"BIG TOP," a four-night, five-performance (one matinee) concert-and-more presented by EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS, brings a giant circus big top tent, live music, vaudeville-style acts, and more, to Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N Spring St, adjacent to downtown Los Angeles 90012.
If you haven't seen their theatrical exploits and appreciated the musicality of this band, you obviously missed the national train-based tour they did with OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW. Sharpe and his enormous troupe of music-makers are sort of alt-folk or post-folk, and the crowds go wild for them, dual accordions and all.
Tickets for "Big Top" go on sale Friday, Aug. 9, at 10 am; see below.
The names of other bands and extent of live music, beyond the sponsoring band, has not yet been revealed. But read on.
This festival is billed as "A modern-day circus, unlike any other, with an eclectic mix of artists, performers, a farmer's market, late night happenings & much, much more."
The event will feature a carnival theme with beer gardens and a farmers' market. There also will be performances by "an eclectic mix of musicians," vaudeville comedians, contortionists, acrobats, and puppeteers, as well as interactive performance art. Films and visual art will be part of the four-day run of Big Top. And of course, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros will perform inside the Big Top tent with its 360-degree tiered seating.
The band's Alex Ebert explains, "These days a band is a fast machine, cramming in dates, cutting fat, making the most money it can. Far gone are the ancient days of the traveling troubadours, lingering in towns, meeting the people, entertaining for days."
Ebert continued, "If you tour, or you have been to a 'professional' show, you may have had the sense that something is missing from the experience... And so, here comes the idea of Big Top - a one-off experiment in reaching for a more colorful, soulful, way to tour."
The band's statement says, "Big Top will continue the band's tradition of curating a uniquely interactive experience for fans. Continuous entertainment and activities will transform a single location into distinct yet equally captivating environments by day and night. The outdoor space surrounding the tent will offer a carnival like setting with a farmer's market, avant-garde performances, and games as well as local vendors, artisans and charities."
We're not sure how they'll handle daytime admissions, but the event features daytime activities. During the day, "selected films and visual art installations, as chosen by the band," will be highlighted.
At night the tent presents an eclectic mix of featured artists to perform, entertain, and inspire. Ultimately, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros take the stage, surrounded by fans on all sides. No doubt the crowd will love that.
This band has demonstrated a knack for theatricality. The Los Angeles Times, reporting on the band's Sunday night homecoming show at the Hollywood Bowl where the four-day 'Big Top' festival was announced, described the scene: "Concert-goers exiting the Bowl were greeted by circus performers on stilts dressed in black and white outfits looking like something out of a Tim Burton film to promote the [October] event."
The band is producing the festival in association with Live Nation.
$60 for any night; 7 pm gates, 8 pmFri show on Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun; $25 tix for the family show at noon Sunday.
This is a general admission seated event; all ticket purchasers receive a commemorative BIG TOP ticket upon entry.
WMA heads into its 25th year, and events include a 100th Birthday Party for western music / jazz icon Herb Jeffries, "The Bronze Buckaroo," last of the silver screen cowboys and last surviving member of the Duke Ellington Band. Yes, Herb says he will be there.
Coffee with the DJs - getting airplay for your new CD.
Education Workshop: Programs for Schools.
Working With Your Sound Man - by Syd Masters, an entertainer who performs more than 150 shows every year and has mixed live sound for hundreds of bands.
Yodeling Workshop - by Judy Coder, named "Patsy Montana National Yodeling Champion," Academy of Western Artists "Yodeler of the Year," and two-time WMA "International Yodeling Champion."
WMA Forum: Using Social Media & Digital Marketing.
Songwriters Speed Session - meet the songwriters.
"Crisis Fund Dinner & Founders' Show" featuring WMA's founding members Tom Chambers, Jim Robson, Liz Masterson, Joyce Woodson, Gary McMahan, Mike Mahaney and "lots of surprises."
There are Harmony & Yodeling Contests, Poet's Jam Sessions, Open Jam Sessions, Roundtable Breakfasts, WMA Youth Chapter Workshops and a main stage showcase, Poetry Workshops, a Mercantile & Vendor Area, a Pro/Am Open Stage, and more.
The "Friday Night Opry," features Mountain Saddle Band, "Buffalo Bill" Band, Christina & Sons of the Oregon Trail, Peggy Malone, Joe Herrington, James Michael, Doc & Tub, Doug Figgs, Open Range, Juni Fisher, Sons of the Rio Grande, Steve Spurgin, Glenn Moreland & Washtub Jerry, Keeter Stuart, Yampa Valley Boys, Steve Porter, Prairie Moon, Judy Coder, Mikki Daniel, Joyce Woodson, Dennis Jay, Miss Devon & The Outlaw, Many Strings & Company, LeeLee Robert, Jerry Hall & Trick Shot, Gary Allegretto & Ian Espinoza, and a few surprise appearances.
There's a Western Swing Dance with music by Syd Masters & The Swing Riders.
The "WMA Awards Show" in the historic KiMo Theatre is one of two annual nights that are very big deals because there are no GRAMMYS for western music.
Sunday includes "Cowboy Church" led by Steve Harrington, with Troy Bateson, The Carr Family Cowboy Band, Belinda Gail, Earl Gleason, Kerry Grombacher, Peggy Malone, Dave McClure, Jon Messenger, Open Range, Francine Roark Robison, The Cowboy & The Chick, Barry Ward, Doug Muchmore, Keeter Stuart, Royce Smithey, Aspen Black, Almeda Bradshaw, Mary Kaye, Doug Figgs, LeeLee Robert, GT Hurley, Steve Porter, Mountain Saddle Band, Buck "The Big Man" Helton, Mark Baker, Janice Deardorff, Christina & The Sons of the Oregon Trail, Alias Smith & Owens, Mikki Daniell, The Anslovers, Skeeter Mann, Steve Spurgin, and Trinity Seely.
Annual "MONTEREY COWBOY POETRY & MUSIC FESTIVAL" is a good one, in two nice hotels and the adjacent convention facilities on the beach in Monterey,on the California Central Coast. There are plenty of stage performances and music workshops.
Annual NAMM SHOW at the Anaheim Convention and in all the meeting and convention facilities of all the surrounding hotels, in Anaheim. More, as the date approaches.
30th Annual "NATIONAL COWBOY POETRY GATHERING" in Elko, Nevada, fills all the lodgings for a hundred miles, and brings stage performances, showcases, music and poetry, awards, western art exhibitions, and a lot of saddle pal camaraderie.
5th Annual "NEW ORLEANS TRAD JAZZ CAMP" in New Orleans, Louisiana 70175.
Click the registration button on the home page, or call 504-895-0037.
A fresh NEWS & REVIEWS edition is coming soon.
Here's a comprehensive long-range edition to bring you all you need while the editor goes on vacation.
The Guide's most recent 200 editions (of the 1,074 editions since moving to this site) have received more than a quarter million page views here alone. Ya think maybe people DO like this kind of music?
Plenty of updates are in this edition: concerts, club gigs, workshops for artists, showcases, benefit shows, and MORE. Check the separate edition for the Guide's updated CATALOG of FESTIVALS & MUSIC CONFERENCES. The Acoustic Americana Music Guide. We're on it.
Times tba "FIRE IN THE BLOOD," the new award-winning documentary about one aspect of the global work of "DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS," screens twice daily for seven days at Laemmle Music Hall 3, 9036 Wilshire Bl, Beverly Hills; 310-478-3836.
The effort to provide the best available treatments for diseases throughout the world has frequently been hampered by various industry and government obstacles, like patent laws and trade agreements that drive-up prices for medications and protocols.
Never was this more clear than in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when millions of people infected with HIV in Africa and other developing areas were denied access to drugs benefitting patients in the West. The production and availability of generic versions of these medications revolutionized the nature of HIV treatment and made it possible to treat millions of people.
The new award-winning documentary, "Fire in the Blood," provides an in-depth look at the history of that great breakthrough.
7-10 pm Monthly "DAVID HARVEY PRESENTS" brings music from JOHN STOWERS, CYNTHIA CARLE, TIM TURNER, and CLARE MEANS, plus "A Word with DYLAN BRODY," at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001. No reservations taken for this show.
This monthly showcase presents a variety, from Americana to folk, indie-rock to comedy.
$10 cover at the door (cash).
7 pm Weekly "WINE & SONG" showcase series brings recording artists and performing host BRAD COLERICK for acoustic sets at Firefly Bistro, 1009 El Centro St, South Pasadena 91030; 626-441-2443.
7:30 pm ORQUESTA BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB plays the Valley Performing Arts Center, on the CSUN campus, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge 91330; 818-677-3000.
7:30 pm DEVON SPROULE and A.J. CROCE play the "Tales from the Tavern" concert series at the Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez 93460; 805-686-4785.
8 pm HOLLYWOOD HILLBILLIES play the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
It's L.A.'s last real honky-tonk, with dancing to live music nightly on a big dance floor, friendly folks, a full bar, and free dance lessons if you go early. No cover, except on rare occasions.
8 pm DUSTBOWL REVIVAL and PATROLLED BY RADAR play The Mint. 6010 W Pico Bl, Los Angeles 90035; 323-954-9630.
8:30 pm TRIP TEASE BURLESQUE SHOW, plus MURPHY'S FLAW with their "bluegrass without pity, at the Trip, 2101 Lincoln Bl, Santa Monica 90405.
The Flaw's John Bryan says, "We're going to use the power of bluegrass to try to save the ladies of the Trip Tease Burlesque show tomorrow night. To get in the door, we've had to pose as the opening act, playing at 8:30 pm. Not to worry, though -- we're professionals. Once inside, we'll sing the old mountain ballad of 'The Stripper on the Pole':"
I tried, I tried to make her see The danger to her soul. But she did swear that she would be A Stripper on the Pole.
"Come down, come down, my love," I yelled "You'll catch your death of cold." But she could never hear my cries And froze right to the pole.
I'll never date another girl Who wears the tassels bold It's love that is the victim true With a Stripper on the Pole.
8 pm WYNONNA JUDD plays the Smothers Theatre at Pepperdine University, 24255 PCH, Malibu 90265; 310-506-4522.
8 pm JENNI ALPERT and IAN TEPPER play Zoey's, 185 E Santa Clara, Ventura 93001. Jenni is endorsed by Luna Guitars.
8 pm THE SALTY SUITES plus ALEX FINAZZO return to the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 92675; reservations, 626-798-6236.
8 pm J.D. BERNAL, known as "JUST DAVE," plays the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
Time tba "LIVE ARTS EXCHANGE (LAX)" at The Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles is a new all-local contemporary performance series produced by "Los Angeles Performance Practice" and the Bootleg Theater. It combines dance, theater, film / video, animation, punk opera, and party into one space.
"LAX 2013" features work from Lars Jan / Early Morning Opera, Show Box LA, Poor Dog Group, Chi-wang Yang, Timur & the Dime Museum, Zoe Aja Moore, and Miwa Matreyek.
Tone Clusters is written by the renowned author Joyce Carol Oates, well known in the literature world for her short stories, novels and poetry; three of her novels were nominated for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. This is one of Oates' drama pieces, and Oates will be attending the opening tonight, and leading a panel discussion after the play.
Tone Clusters is a gripping tragic drama about the parents of an alleged killer, and how they are forced to deal with the media. In the story, Frank and Emily Gulick's son Carl has been arrested for the sadistic murder of Edith Kaminsky. They are adamant that their son is innocent, and what unfolds is a clash between the worldly, condescending media and two individuals' desperate attempts to claim ownership of their own lives.
Tix: adults $25; seniors, students, veterans, AEA, $15; children ages 7-12, $10; children age 6 and under, free.
8:30 pm "AN EVENING WITH LYNDA KAY" at Three Clubs, 1123 Vine St. Hollywood 90038 (cross st Santa Monica Bl). $5 cover. Free parking. Get there early.
9:15 pm RICH McCULLEY plays the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City.
No cover at the "world's smallest honky-tonk," and barstool seating is competitive. Bring $ for the artists' tip jar.
Perfect for ukulele fans; adult amateur musicians only (18 years and older), beginner to intermediate level. Billed as "A wonderful way to get your summer strum on with mixed level group instruction in strumming, fingerpicking patterns, licks and tricks, and more."
2 pm-'til-late "MUSICAL MEMORIAL FOR JEB MELINE" at Witzend, 1717 Lincoln Bl Venice 90219, in conjunction with the "VENICE ART CRAWL."
As artist Jenni Alpert expresses, "a very special person who made a huge difference here in Los Angeles with his charisma and artistic vision creating a west side home for singer songwriters at WitzEnd in Venice. Jeb Meline, you inspire, you are missed, and you will be remembered. This... memorial at WitzEnd... held in Jeb's honor hosted by the Witz Family. Hearts to you Beth for what you are doing over there. All are welcome to attend."
Jenni Alpert, who is endorsed by Luna Guitars, is among those performing.
8th Annual "ALT CAR EXPO" is all about experiencing cars that don't burn gasoline. With speakers, panels, more.
Advance registration is $25, or $35 at the event, and includes breakfast and lunch. Limited space, so jump in it if you want to go.
Time tba "VENICE ART CRAWL" happens in performance venues, galleries, and sidewalks throughout Venice, bringing live music, art exhibitions and demonstrations, food trucks, and more.
5:30-7:30 pm HONEYSUCKLE POSSUMS play EDC, TGIF, Evironmental Defense Center, 906 Garden St, Santa Barbara.
This Santa Barbara-based folk-bluegrass-old timey all-girl ensemble is inclusive of musicians who have toured widely and recorded on plenty of records. They're fun and they're beautiful.
"The Possums have hearts full of honey. These women clearly love what they're playing. This is true Americana... and they're mighty tight as well. If you could taste the sound, it would be clear country Honeydew Vinewater. Give them a listen! " Johnny Sacko, Santa Barbara, possum friend.
6:30-9:30 pm ANDY & RENEE of HARD RAIN play their residency at On The Rocks, 239 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, 90277; 310-379-7438.
7-10 pm Weekly "FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC SHOWCASE" at Pho-King Delicious, 9350 Corbin Av, Northridge 91324.
No cover. Venue offers a variety of noodle dishes, salads, spring rolls, soups, sandwiches, and Vietnamese pho.
8 pm THE DUSTBOWL REVIVAL plus the T-SISTERS opening, at McCabe's, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-824-4497; www.mccabes.com.
Doors at 7:30 pm, music at 8 pm.
8 pm "BOLD NOSTALGIA NIGHT" hosted by Jocelyn Wright and Broken Electric Records, brings JENNI ALPERT, an artist endorsed by Luna Guitars, to Golightly Gallery, 1431 Ocean Av, Santa Monica 90401.
8 pm TERESA TUDURY and GARY STOCKDALE play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-798-6236. Tix, $18.
8 pm LILA DOWNS plays the Gibson Amphitheatre on Universal City Walk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 91602; 818-622-4440.
8 pm MADE IN MEXICO DUO, Israel Varela and Flamenco dancer Karen Lugo, featuring Otmaro Ruiz and Dave Robaire, play Alva's Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro 90732; reservations, 800-403-3447.
Israel Varela ~ drums & vocals; Karen Lugo ~ flamenco dance; Otmaro Ruiz ~ piano; Dave Robaire ~ double bass.
Two Mexican artists, two flamenco musicians, two rhythm travelers, two virtuosos "Made in Mexico" perform together for the first time. Inside the duo music of Mexican drummer-composer-singer Israel Varela and Flamenco dancer Karen Lugo is a rare mix among Mexican, Alusian and contemporary jazz colors. Ultimately, though, the surprising Mexican artists from Tijuana and Guadalajara have figured a way to integrate all three in this dynamic and creative act. Blending traditional with contemporary forms.
Complimentary coffee, tea, hot cocoa and "Alvas" bottled water are provided. Bring your own food & drinks.
8 pm BERKLEY HART, EVE SELIS, and MARC TWANG team-up at Swedenborg Hall, 1531 Tyler Av, San Diego.
You may have heard that San Diego legends Berkley Hart (the duo of multiple award-winning singer-songwriters Jeff Berkley and Calman Hart) and Eve Selis & Marc Twang have been collaborating to write some songs and do some shows, but have you actually been to a show? Now's your chance.
Make your plans to see all four on either or both nights. Drinks and snacks available.
Check out some of the songs they've written and recorded at www.eveselis.bandcamp.com/album/ep. This foursome, a "duo of duos," plans to take this show on the road to the UK next spring.
Advance tix at www.berkleyhart.com or www.eveselis.com/berkley-hart-selis-twang-concert/and use Paypal.
$25 for each night or get a $40 ticket for both nights.
8 pm JIMI NELSON plays the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
What do Emerson, Thoreau, Luisa Alcott and Hawthorne have in common? They were writers who embraced transcendental philosophy, and each has a movement named after him/her in Charles Ives' monumental musical ode to transcendentalism. Rarely performed, not to be missed.
8 pm JENNI ALPERT plays an art gallery event at Broken Electric, 1413 Ocean Av, Santa Monica. Open to all.
Adventure and redemption are at the heart of this new musical inflected with the rich musical sounds of the Appalachia region. Richard Israel directs an unforgettable coming-of-age story that follows a group of teenagers in West Virginia's coal country on their life-altering journey to "the burnt part" –the section of the coal mine that took their fathers' lives. Musical director Gregory Nabours shepherds the vocally complex score inflected with the rich acoustic sounds of rural Appalachia. Book by Mariana Elder, music by Chris Miller, lyrics by Nathan Tysen. Opens Sep 14 at Third Street Theatre.
Composer Chris Miller and lyricist Nathan Tysen started collaborating in 1999 at New York University's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. In addition to The Burnt Part Boys, they have written the scores to Fugitive Songs (2008 Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Revue) and the current Broadway-bound adaptation of the popular novel Tuck Everlasting. Other work includes a song for the revue Stars of David; commissions from Lincoln Center Theater and Playwrights Horizons/Theatreworks Silicon Valley; and an adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg's picture book, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (Boston Globe Top Ten Pick of 2008). Their television work includes songs for Sesame Street (2012 Daytime Emmy Award) and The Electric Company.
Gregory Nabours' musical director credits include The Color Purple (Ovation, LADCC and LA Weekly Awards for Best Musical Direction), Justin Love, Falsettos, Having It All, The Women of Brewster Place, Thoroughly Modern Millie, A New Brain, Spring Awakening, Into the Woods, Assassins, The Full Monty and Rent. Gregory's original song cycle, The Trouble With Words, debuted in 2011 and was awarded the Ovation Award for Best Music and Lyrics for an Original Musical, as well as Best Musical at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Gregory is the resident composer and music director for the Coeurage Theatre Company and can be seen weekly playing for Ryan Black's 88's Cabaret.
The Burnt Part Boys runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, Sep 14 through Oct 20. Tickets range from $29-$34 (reserved seating); children age 16 and under are $15 with purchase of an adult ticket – for that, use promo code KIDS.
9:15 pm THE MODERN SKIFFLE QUARTET -- the ensemble of Ben Vaughn, Dan Janisch, Kevin Jarvis, and Dafni -- celebrate "National Skiffle Month" with two shows at The Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230.
Twice this month, Sep 14th and Sep 20th, you can celebrate that British interpretation of old-time-meets-Vaudeville-meets-proto-jazz music form. This is quite a band, comprised of leaders of other respected roots-Americana bands that have all "been there, done that." Dafni says, 'I'm thrilled to be sitting in again on the bass guitar."
No cover at "the world's smallest honky-tonk," and barstool seating is competitive. Bring $ for the artists' tip jar.
6-8 am (Pacific) "ROOTS MUSIC & BEYOND" with ART PODELL & JIM MORAN, does "MASTERS OF THE BANJO: 100 YEARS OF AMERICA'S NATIVE FOLK INSTRUMENT," a special edition of their occasional show on KPFK 90.7 FM, simulcast at www.kpfk.org (also will be archived for two weeks at that site).
Guests are GREG & JANET DEERING of instrument maker Deering Banjo.
4-6 pm "WELCOME BACK STUDENTS NIGHT" brings lots of live music throughout the village of downtown Claremont 91711.
RON ELY performs trad and new folk at Colors, 248 N Harvard Av.
4:30 pm PHIL WARD plus THE DAVE MORRISON BAND play another in Dave's "Backyard INVASION" house concert series, this one at the home of Heidi and Vance Stearns in Carbon Canyon (Chino Hills).
Dave says, "I'll have the band with me. Greg Krueger on all things stringed, Scott King on bass, and the new kid, Merritt Evan Raff, on drums and percussion."
Phil Ward, who Dave calls, "one of the best comedic songwriter-performers out there." Dave adds, "A lot of you know him. So funny. And so insightful too. He'd probably deny it, but he brings a depth to his comedy that's always impressed me. And as a person? The warmest, kindest guy. I know, highly unusual for a comic. But there you have it."
Gathering is at 4:30, music starts at 5. Dinner at 6. Song-Circle follows, so bring a guitar and a song to share.
$15 suggested donation includes food and beverages.
5 pm "J.A.M. SESSIONS" bring a DRUM CIRCLE to El Cariso Regional Park, 13100 Hubbard St, Sylmar 91342.
Interactive group drumming is fun and you can take a rhythmic journey with Christopher Ramirez. Using a variety of drum and percussion instruments you'll create beats and sounds that will fill the hills with music and leave you feeling energized. Drums provided courtesy of Remo Drums Inc.
This is one of three J.A.M. Sessions taking place at El Cariso Regional Park. Info, 323-461-3673.
Joyce asks, "So are you missing those legendary evenings at the Marine Room in Laguna Beach? Do you wish you could hear more acoustic music? Well, there's going to be a terrific night of music coming up at the PEACE CAFE and you're invited. I'm the featured performer and will do a 30 minute set. There will be others performing throughout the evening, too!"
Food is available to purchase, and you can come for dinner.
Suggested donation is $15. All proceeds go to a youth camp to teach peaceful negotiation skills. Joyce adds, "Something that folks in our government should be attending!"
6:30 pm BAYOU BROTHERS play the San Diego Zoo, at the Bus Depot Stage, 2920 Zoo Dr, Balboa Park, San Diego 92101; 619-718-3000.
7-9:30 pm "WORLD PEACE DAY CONCERT" with performances by Teresa Tudury, Raspin, Jami Lula, Cadoan, Bu Notes, Malibu Teen Contingency, Kim Stanwood Terranova, and "a few surprises," at Center for Spiritual Living Westlake Village, 880 Hampshire Rd, Westlake Village; 805-495-0105.
Proceeds to benefit the programs of the Center for Spiritual Living & World as One.
7 pm THE LOCKE BROTHERS plus STEVE NOONAN share the bill at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations 626-798-6236 (10 am-10 pm); venue phone 626-398-7917; info HYPERLINK "http://www.coffeegallery.com" www.coffeegallery.com. ("The venue named by the Guide's editor, writing in FolkWorks, as L.A.'s best intimate acoustic listening room venue").
THE LOCKE BROTHERS: Russ and Bob are "The Locke Brothers," who, from an early age, remember listening to their dad rehearsing in their living room with his barbershop quartet. Is it any surprise that their style is built on strong harmonies? The Locke Brothers sing with passion and joy whether it be an original tune, an oldie but goodie, or a contemporary song. They aim to please and before you know it, you (the audience) are smiling, tapping your toe and maybe, just maybe, you will be singing along. If you like good music, brotherly banter, sweet harmonies and an enjoyable evening, come see these guys. This is an introduction party for their new CD, "River Change".
TALL MEN GROUP brings together six of the finest singer-songwriters in Los Angeles. Severin Browne, Edward Tree, Jimmy "Muffin" Yessian, Marty Axelrod, Jeff Kossack and John Stowers have been meeting once a month since 2012 to enjoy Jimmy's cooking (a lot!) and bring in songs written to a new theme each month. The very best of those songs are arranged for the band, then included in the stage show.
The Tall Men show is rich with brotherly rapport, crafted harmonies, stories and musicianship. But that's only the "icing". The "cake" is songwriting at a very high level -- accessible, fresh, original, often funny, always moving. Audiences from Oregon to San Diego rave that "every song is a gem".
Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7. Potluck drinks and snacks appreciated.
7:30 pm THE MURPHY FAMILY BAND plays "The Living Tradition" concert series at the Anaheim Downtown Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim 92805; 714-955-3807.
7:30 pm JOHN DOYLE plays the "AMSD Concerts" series at 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego 92116; 619-303-8176.
Conducted by Plácido Domingo, Carmen runs seven performances only.
No man can resist Carmen's gypsy charms, but when she's ready to move on, watch out! A riveting drama of love and jealousy filled with captivating dances and Bizet's famously alluring melodies, Carmen is one of the world's most popular operas.
Time tba LAUREN ADAMS plays a set at Bob's Espresso in NoHo. She tells us, "Finally, I'll get to meet 'Damon' from 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High.' I need those tickets to Cheap Trick!" No doubt the mysteries inherent in all that will be solved by Lauren at this show.
"LAUREN ADAMS BAND: This is an all-star outfit, from superb songwriter / band leader LAUREN ADAMS, to PHIL PARLAPIANO on keys and accordion, and MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG on bass. This is easily one of L.A.'s top ten electric Americana bands, and Lauren's originals should be hit songs. Their rendition of ERNEST TROOST'S 'Evangeline' with Lauren's vocals is powerful and compelling and very different from the classic blues ballad delivery that Ernest gives it. Lauren's song 'Thirsty,' title track to one of her albums, evokes lost country & western, from a time before Nashville lost the western part and turned it all into dysfunctional relationship, red-state-trailer-park rock. Each band member got a featured song, since all are singer-songwriters with solo albums and dozens of credits on records by big names. Be sure to catch LAUREN ADAMS when she performs in town, or at her monthly 'Americana Music Circle' showcase at Genghis Cohen in Los Angeles." -- Larry Wines, Acoustic Americana Music Guide.
"One listen and I was hooked. Superb, intelligent, thought-provoking songs. Real songs for real people wrapped in melodies that, promise to capture, inspire and pull the listener in again and again. Songwriters of Lauren Adams' level are few and far between." -- LAURIE JOULIE, Take Back Country Magazine.
"Lauren Adams has A CD here that is infectious, the lyrics and sweet melodies along with some sweet slide work make you want to keep listening, a very well done recording." -- Jim Moulton, Country Stars Online.
8 pm JIM KWESKIN (of jug band fame) with THE CROCKETT SISTERS (late of THE EVANGENITALS), at McCabe's, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-824-4497; www.mccabes.com.
8 pm DAVID ROGERS, classical / crossover guitar master, plays The Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; HYPERLINK "mailto:frethouse@earthlink.net" frethouse@earthlink.net; HYPERLINK "http://www.frethouse.com" www.frethouse.com.
"…Playing the vihuela (a guitar relative), David Rogers held everything together with a few poignant plucks, vigorous strumming and the occasional astonishingly florid solo…" -- Washington Post.
David Rogers was recently termed, 'a prominent guitarist,' by the New York Times and praised by The Washington Post for his 'astonishingly florid' improvisations, David Rogers presents an evening of solo guitar music with strong leanings towards jazz, folk, world, and classical music.
As lead guitarist with the Terra Nova Consort, David has toured North America and Europe extensively and opened the Tage Alter und Neuer Musik Regensburg 2003 Festival with the ensemble. His performances have been broadcast on American National Public Radio and Bayrische Rundfunk, including both the nationally syndicated Performance Today (live performance/interview in Washington D.C. NPR studio 4A) and Harmonia programs. David has recorded for Dorian, Callisto and Focus Recordings. He has given recitals and conducted master classes throughout North America, including performances and classes at the San Francisco Conservatory and the University of Southern California and The Interlochen National Arts Camp.
David was the guitarist for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for 18 years and taught at Southern Oregon University for 13 years. David has studied historical plucked strings with Hopkinson Smith and Eugen Dombois at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Basel, Switzerland; with Thomas Binkley at Indiana University; and with Lyle Nordstrom at Oakland University. He has studied guitar with Joseph Fava at Wayne State University.
An endorsed artist by GHS Strings, his music has been featured in major guitar magazines such as Fingerstyle Guitar in the United States and Akustic Gitarre, in Germany. His solo and ensemble performances have been broadcast on American National Public Radio and Bayrische Rundfunk.
David will play a program based around Spanish guitar favorites, original settings of Leonard Cohen's songs Hallelujah, Suzanne, Sisters of Mercy and Rolling Stones', Wild Horses and Under My Thumb. David will also play music by the Beatles, J.S. Bach and Chick Corea. On this tour, David will be premiering an original arrangement of 'More Than This' by Bryan Ferry.
8 pm DISCOVERY PROJECT, plus JOSH NELSON, at Alva's Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, San Pedro 90732; reservations, 800-403-3447.
The Discovery Project is an exciting and exploratory multimedia endeavor, featuring original music compositions and interactive visual mediums.
Originally conceived to accompany Josh Nelson's album "Discoveries", the Project continues to journey into the world of video art and live musical accompaniment. It showcases historically significant science-fiction cinema, with new music inspired by visionaries Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and Nikola Tesla. The latest addition to the Project is "The Rovers of Mars", which was conceived to celebrate the 2012 landing of the Curiosity Rover on the Red Planet.
Josh Nelson, pianist, composer, and educator has made an indelible impression on the international music scene, at only 34 years old. Josh performs with some of the most respected names in jazz, including Natalie Cole, Anthony Wilson, Tom Scott, Seamus Blake, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Matt Wilson, Jack Sheldon, Queen Latifah, and Sara Gazarek.
8 pm DIANA KRALL plays The Greek Theatre.
8 pm LILA DOWNS plays Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego 92106; 619-523-1010.
Peabody Southwell, Mark Robson and James Darrah pair up for an evening of exotic musical landscapes, composed by Arnold Schoenberg. Beginning with his seminal song cycle, "The Book of the Hanging Gardens" with metaphors of love blooming and dying as the "garden" disintegrates, Ms. Southwell guides us on a vocal tour de force of gorgeous and inspiring Schoenberg tonescapes.
Tix, $25, $20 for seniors.
Carey will perform previews from an upcoming EP.
Tix are $10 advance, $12 door ..... with !!!
• Jared Swanson -- lead singer of the alternative rock band Abbot Kinney, Jeff says, "He sings with an angst that stokes pulp-era Jarvis Cocker."
• Heather Stewart -- "inspired by a spectrum of genres, she sings with a raw, retro, yet modern sound, layering sultry vocals over soulful, acoustic grooves," days Jeff.
Reservations recommended. This series brings exceptional singer-songwriters performing in an intimate setting.
8 pm Monthly "3rd SATURDAY SQUARE DANCE" with music by TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT and caller Jesse Riley, at American Legion Hall Post 206, 227 N Ave 55, Highland Park (Los Angeles) 90042.
9 pm JIMI NELSON plays the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
Chuck is back in town for one night at Brennan's, the home of turtle racing. They're playing music from their vast repertoire of originals, covers, and the JOHN STEWART catalogue. Chuck says, "You can even dance! Come on out to Marina Del Rey and support live music." These guys are true veterans of performing.
Noon "CAR FREE SUNDAY" outdoor fair includes music stages, and JENNI ALPERT, endorsed by Luna Guitars, plays a set on Laurel Cyn in Valleyheart Care. Festival is along the L.A. River. Free.
2 pm TEDROW & VREELAND, plus SANDY ROSS, play the concert series at Adam's Pack Station in Chantry Flats, N up Santa Anita Av above Arcadia in the Angeles National Forest.
Tim & Terry (Tedrow & Vreeland, respectively) say, "one of our favorite places to play, being up in the mountains. Extra added bonus -- at 4 pm will be the rarely seen but oh so talented Sandy Ross!"
2 pm "J.A.M. SESSIONS IN LONG BEACH" bring a DRUM CIRCLE to Atlantic Av & Artesia Bl, Long Beach.
Interactive group drumming is fun, and you can take a rhythmic journey with Christopher Ramirez. Using a variety of drum and percussion instruments you'll create music and leave feeling energized. Drums provided courtesy of Remo Drums Inc.
This is one of three J.A.M. Sessions taking place in different Long Beach locations in partnership with A LOT initiative. A LOT provides opportunities for Long Beach residents to enjoy and engage in the arts in nontraditional spaces.
FREE event. More info at 323-461-3673.
2:30-5:30 pm MARK "POCKET" GOLDBERG & FRIENDS play their "CD release concert #2" for his new "OFF THE WIRE!" album, at Marc Bachrach's House Concerts, 3118 Rikkard Dr, Thousand Oaks 91362.
For decades, Mark "Pocket" Goldberg has been a respected "roots" bass player (upright & electric) who has been making music with some of the most talented artists of his day in live performances and tours, with the likes of Mick Fleetwood's Blue Whale (with Joe Walsh & John Mayall), Floyd Dixon , and many others. If you haven't heard "Pocket's" originals or his fine band, here's a chance in an intimate setting.
3-7 pm T-LOU & HIS SUPER HOT ZYDECO plays the Cajun-zydeco dance at the Golden Sails Hotel in the PCH Club, 6285 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach 90803.
Admission, $15 at the door.
CANCELLED: 4 pm LED ZEPAGAIN "Unplugged – An All-Acoustic Tribute to Led Zeppelin" at Alva's Showroom, 1417 W 8th St, Weymouth Corners, San Pedro 90732; HYPERLINK "http://www.alvasshowroom.com" www.alvasshowroom.com; 800-403-3447 or 310-519-1314. You can bring your own food and drinks into this venue and just pay the cover.
5:30-9 pm Weekly "GRAND OLE ECHO" Americana / alt country / honky-tonk showcase nears the end of its season and brings performances by The Coleman-Dixon Line The Psychedelic Cowboys, The Dave Gleason Trio, and The Easy Leaves, at The Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park 90026; 213-413-8200.
The Guide strongly recommends The Dave Gleason Trio. Dave is the guy keeping the "Bakersfield Sound" fresh and vibrant. Buck Owens would be proud.
7-9:30 pm FUR DIXON and band play a house concert in Northridge. Reservations get directions at JayMichtom@yahoo.com or call 818-368-1957.
Fur Dixon was half the headlining duo, FUR & STEVE, which is no longer together.
The concert will be performed outdoors, so bring a sweater. Contributions of pot-luck nibbles appreciated, but not required. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
$20 at the door, refreshments provided. All proceeds go to the musicians.
7-10 pm BENEFIT for "SWEET RELIEF" musicians' charity at Hotel Cafe, 1623 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood.
Some of the friendly faces performing are Jenni Alpert, Javier Dunn, Jesse Thomas, Holly Conlan, Nilu, and David & Divine.
7 pm 50th Anniversary celebration concert "LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALE" at Walt Disney Concert Hall, L.A. Music Center, 135 N Grand Av, L.A. (downtown) 90012; 213-972-7211; HYPERLINK http://www.musiccenter.org www.musiccenter.org.
For this celebration, 109 alumni singers join the Chorale's current singers to create one enormous choir for the finale. It is fitting that they will be singing the very first piece the Chorale ever sang at a rehearsal in Walt Disney Concert Hall ten years ago -- Randall Thompson's beloved Alleluia.
Following the performance, enjoy a celebratory champagne toast with the entire audience, Music Director Grant Gershon, and all of the singers.
7 pm JIMI NELSON plays the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166.
8 pm "SWEET RELIEF" benefit for the artists' charity, includes JENNI ALPERT, endorsed by Luna Guitars, plus others at Hotel Cafe, 1623 Cahuenga Bl, just S of Hollywood Bl, Hollywood 90028.
Sweet Relief provides financial aid to musicians facing crushing medical expenses.
8 pm JOHN DOYLE, the Celtic guitar virtuoso, plays McCabe's, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-824-4497; www.mccabes.com.
6-9 pm Pianist MARC BOSSERMAN plays his new weekly residency at Ford's Filling Station, 9531 Culver Bl, Culver City 90232; 310-202-1470.
Innovative music from the American catalog. Warm and unpretentious. Food and wine.
Time tba "JOHN FOGERTY: WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE" exhibit opens at the GRAMMY Museum, 800 W Olympic Bl, Suite A245, Los Angeles 90015, with the entrance on Figueroa St; 213-765-6803; HYPERLINK "http://www.grammymuseum.org" www.grammymuseum.org.
The exhibit will feature artifacts from his personal collection. JOHN FOGERTY will make an appearance for an intimate interview and audience Q&A in advance of his national concert tour that begins October 10 at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.
He's a national treasure who's sold over 100 million albums. The GRAMMY Museum's same-day unveiling of the exhibit is named after his current album "Wrote A Song For Everyone" (Vanguard Records), hailed by fans and critics alike including a rare 5-star lead review in Rolling Stone.
This reflective exhibit will offer visitors a unique look at the musical career of the singer, songwriter and guitarist, who, for more than 45 years, has been making music that continues to speak in a powerful way to generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
On the evening of the launch, Fogerty will participate in The GRAMMY Museum's popular "An Evening With" public program series. The event will be hosted by GRAMMY Museum executive director Bob Santelli, and will include a candid interview and audience Q&A in the Museum's Clive Davis Theater.
Museum admission is $12.95 for adults; $11.95 for senior citizens (65+); $11.95 for students with I.D. (ages 6 – 22); and $10.95 for youth (ages 6-17) and members of the military. GRAMMY Museum members and children 5 and under are admitted free.
8-11 pm Pianist MARC BOSSERMAN plays Left Coast Wine Bar & Art Gallery, 117 E Harvard, Glendale 91205.
Marc says, "This is a great spot for singers to come and sit in. Or other musicians. I sing. Great PA. Percussion. Classy Comfortable, cool!"
6 pm 16th Annual "SILVER SPUR AWARDS" at the Sportsmen's Lodge, 12825 Ventura Bl, Studio City; 818-769-4700.
7:45 pm LIALA BIALI, award-winning Canadian jazz pianist, plays the season's opening concert at the splendid Theatre Raymond Kabbaz, 10361 W Pico Bl, Los Angeles 90064.
Arrive early for the pre-show reception at 7 pm with wine tasting and appetizers.
Food is available from 7 pm until midnight; generous portions. Full bar. Free parking on the street or in the city lot behind Denny's. Fun place. But take earplugs. Seriously.
Online tix, $10 + $1.50 fees. At door, $15.
This is that "sleeper" show you're always seeking, the one you'll brag about to friends because you were there. MARK HUMPHREYS is a wonderful performing songwriter.
He spent the '90s criss-crossing the map of North America, playing every folk venue you've ever heard of, and many you haven't. He was a true troubadour and pioneer of the acoustic renaissance, even before he founded the multi-artist co-op label, Trough Records. But these days, a high-power job makes his live performances -- especially a full-set concert appearance -- precious and rare. Southern California-based singer-songwriter MARK HUMPHREYS has marvelous originals that should have been iconic hits, and a fine voice that delivers them. He's that good. If you've never heard him, don't miss this chance. If you have heard him, you're already making reservations.
Opening and hosting the evening is singer-songwriter-storyteller BOB MORLEY.
There is NO SET-PRICE ADMISSION for this concert, plus, it is a POTLUCK. "So," Mark tells the Guide, "all you need to bring is something to eat – it can be as fancy or as simple (or somewhere in-between) as you like – a leg of lamb or a twelve pack of soda; a casserole or a bag of potato chips – whatever you like - and everybody gets dinner and a show. And it's FAMILY FRIENDLY - so bring everybody!"
It's music, then dinner, then music. Bob Morley opens the evening at 6 pm. Then dinner is served. After dinner, MARK HUMPHREYS performs.
Voluntary donations will be accepted at the end of the evening.
6:30 pm "MOUNTAIN MUSIC FROM ULSTER TO NASHVILLE" at the Urban Homestead, 631 Cypress Av (near Lincoln & Orange Grove), Pasadena 91103; reservations, info@urbanhomestead.org or 626-844-4586.
REBECCA STOUT: Los Angeles-based Appalachian flatfoot dance instructor Rebecca Stout began clogging as a child in Cordele,Georgia, as part of the community mountain-style clogging group THE DIXIELAND CLOGGERS. She went on to spend the next three decades developing and fine-tuning her unique "Tennessee Shuffle" style of free-form flatfoot and buck dance. "There was never a question that I would sing and dance," says Rebecca. "In my family, it was about the same as breathing air or drinking water." Rebecca feels she owes a great deal of her personal flatfooting style to the abundance of African-American music and culture in the southeast. "I got into clogging at about the same time The Sugarhill Gang came out with 'Rapper's Delight'. To me, they are forever intertwined. Everybody in the fifth grade was obsessed with learning all the lyrics to 'Rapper's Delight,' me included. And it didn't take long to figure out that hip-hop and flatfoot go together like bread and butter." Rebecca's husband, June Kato, will join her on upright bass.
THE WIMBERLEY BLUEGRASS BAND includes members endorsed by major instrument makers. They are four siblings – Danielle (mandolin), twins James (banjo) and Mark (guitar) and Michael (fiddle and lead vocalist). The youthful Wimberley Bluegrass Band is based in Orange County. Inspired by the likes of Bill Monroe and Ricky Skaggs (with whom they recently shared the bill), the Wimberleys display tight, soaring harmonies with a natural vocal blend characteristic of family singing. They deliver fun and wholesome musical entertainment and strive to keep traditional sounds of bluegrass alive while taking it to new audiences.
TOM FAIR: For twenty-two years a classroom music teacher and private music instructor in the L.A. area, as well as a lifetime musical performer and producer of events, he crafts the "Musi-cational Concert Series." Tom established it in 2011 to give an overview of American music that parallels the history of the nation, and to provide an income source for his music student scholarship fund. This is the latest in that concert series.
Venue has limited seating, and reservations are in excess of expectations, so purchase seats online. If oversold, a second show will be added. Tom Fair adds, "The 6:30 show makes an ideal family activity."
7 pm BERKLEY HART, the San Diego-based duo of multiple award-winning singer-songwriters Jeff Berkley and Calman Hart, play Fiddlers Crossing, 206 East F St (at Robinson St), downtown Tehachapi.
Each song they present is a little slice of contemporary life, like a little movie. It's storytelling at its best and most succinct, whether told from the point of view of the family dog or a single father consoling his heartbroken daughter after a disastrous prom date. The ups and downs of life are explored in their six CDs, with the piercing twists of observation in their lyrics accompanied by stunning harmonies and virtuosic guitar playing. Their live show is laced with comedy and their obvious comraderie.
Hailing from San Diego, both Berkley and Hart emerged from the Southern California coffeehouse circuit, each building sizeable followings on their own before joining forces. As a duo for more than ten years now, they have become fixtures on the folk circuit, making appearances at the Kerrville Folk Festival, as well as playing some of folk's most prestigious venues.
As the venue observes, "Storytelling is still alive and well in acoustic music. Fiddlers Crossing is bringing some of the best musical storytellers to Tehachapi." A lot of prominent folk / nu-folk artists love this venue.
Tickets by credit card at 661-823-9994 (add $1 per ticket for processing with a credit card).
Tix $20 and include coffee and goodies. Doors open at 6:30 pm for the best seats.
7 pm THE GOOD INTENTIONS play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations 626-798-6236 (10 am-10 pm); venue phone 626-398-7917; info HYPERLINK "http://www.coffeegallery.com" www.coffeegallery.com. ("The venue named by the Guide's editor, writing in FolkWorks, as L.A.'s best intimate acoustic listening room venue").
Winners of the British Country Music Awards - Best Americana Act of the Year 2011. New album, now available, on Drumfire Records "Travelling Companion". "In this world of bang-crash pop records masquerading as country it is refreshing to hear an act like this – they are the real deal." Stuart Cameron - CMR Nashville Radio "If you can have such a thing as the perfect British Americana sound, they've got it". Alan Cackett -Maverick Magazine.eFormed in 2005, The Good Intentions is built around the three part vocal harmonies of song writer, R Peter Davies, Gabrielle Monk and Francesco Roskell, with stripped down instrumentation of guitar, autoharp, mandolin, banjo, and accordion.
"We have been hugely lucky to work with Rick Shea of Dave Alvins 'Guilty Men' and a great songwriter in his own right, on the production of our newest album, 'Someone else's Time'. We were also joined by musicians Brantley Kearns on fiddle who has played with Dwight Yoakam and Heather Myles, Dave Raven on percussion, and David Jackson on doghouse base and accordion, as well as Rick on pedal steel and mandolin. Country music just like it used to sound when you were young...". -- Andy Zeihli, Americana Gazette.
8 pm THE DEL-LORDS play McCabe's, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-824-4497; www.mccabes.com.
Time tba "L.A. PHIL SIMULCAST" on a giant screen in Grand Park, downtown L.A., lets you relax on the lawn with family and friends to watch the Los Angeles Philharmonic live on the screen.
Enjoy the park, the music, food trucks and more. Early arrival is strongly recommended. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
.$10 admission for the full day.
4:30 pm HARRIET SCHOCK, multi-platinum seling songwriter, plays the Ice House, on Mentor just N of Colorado Bl, Pasadena.
"For all of you who have supported IT'S JUST MY LIFE over the past three years, we are eternally grateful! We hope you will bring all of your friends out to The Ice House to support us one more time!
5:30-9 pm Weekly "GRAND OLE ECHO" Americana / alt country / honky-tonk showcase nears the end of its season and brings performances by Son Ark, Greg Felden, David Serby (playing his Record Release Party), and The Groovy Rednecks, at The Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park 90026; 213-413-8200.
DavID SERBY is very talented and entertaining. Make sure you're there for his set.
7 pm THE BILLS, that fabulous band from Vancouver Island, play Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Dr, Ojai.
Canadian roots band THE BILLS return to the US for a highly anticipated tour, suppotring their new album "Yes Please" on Red House Records.
Their first album in seven years, this highly anticipated release follows their Juno Award-nominated Red House debut "Let 'Em Run" and proves that this virtuosic roots quintet is making "the most innovative original and traditional music in recent decades" -- Christian Science Monitor.
Known the world over for their exquisite songcraft, superb arrangements and dynamic live performances, The Bills feature an all-star line-up of talent from Canada's west coast, including Chris Frye (guitar, lead vocals), Marc Atkinson (mandolin, guitar, vocals), Adrian Dolan (fiddle, accordion, piano, vocals), Richard Moody (violin, viola, vocals) and Scott White (upright bass). All busy musicians, The Bills had been working on other musical projects until they recently reunited to record this new album.
An enhanced CD with additional lyric booklet and other special content, "Yes Please" also includes a video of "Shining Face," one of the fan favorites on the album.
7 pm RAY JESSEL, the award-winning raconteur, songwriter (and Einstein doppelganger) returns for "An Irreverent and Tuneful Evening" at the Parlor Performances series at Cornerstone Music Conservatory, above Fields Pianos, 12121 W Pico Bl (one door W of Bundy); free parking; when used for "Parlor Performances" series, make reservations with HYPERLINK "mailto:Jeannine@FrankEntertainment.com" Jeannine@FrankEntertainment.com or 310-476-6735.
File under "you've gotta be kiddin' me: FIVE MONTHS in advance?"
LADY ANTEBELLUM with KIP MOORE and KACEY MUSGRAVES will perform Mar 15, 2014 at Citizens Business Bank Arena, and Mar 18, 2014 at STAPLES Center; tix for both shows go on sale Oct 4 at 10 am.
7 pm Annual "WICKED LIT" live performance season happens each year around Halloween, at the Mountain View Mausoleum & Cemetery in Altadena. Advance tix required (see below).
The shows will all sell out. Get tix promptly. Wicked Lit 2013 runs Oct 4 - Nov 2.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The New Catacomb" is adapted by Jonathan Josephson and directed by Douglas Clayton: "Two friends, and rivals, put their friendship to the ultimate test when one makes a life-altering discovery in the depths of a long-since forgotten Roman crypt."
Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," adapted by Jonathan Josephson and directed by Jeff G. Rack, is "A lyrical reimagining of the beloved tale of the good-hearted schoolmaster Ichabod Crane and his cemetery encounter with the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow."
There's H.P. Lovecraft's "The Lurking Fear," adapted by Jeff G. Rack & Jonathan Josephson and directed by Paul Millet: "Something is killing our people, and hiding amongst our dead . We need to find it, kill it – or die trying."
Beginning at 7 pm, "The Masque of the Red Death Experience," conceived and directed by Paul Millet, is inspired by the short story of the same name by Edgar Allan Poe.
Singers, dancers, improvisational actors, and a buffoon surround you in the macabre world of Wicked Lit. Designed as a gothic masquerade, "The Masque of the Red Death Experience" draws text and tone from the mind of Edgar Allan Poe and presents a theatrical framework for your immersive journey through the mausoleum and cemetery.
Chairman Barnes ~ Jennifer Novak Chun ~ Stephen Devalos ~ Eric DeLoretta ~ Bianca Gisselle ~ Jaclyn Friedlander ~ Eric Harris ~ LizAnne Keigley ~ Eric Keitel ~ Ilona Kulinska ~ Richard Large ~ Carlos Larkin ~ Brandon Massey ~ Susannah Myrvold ~ Katie Pelensky ~ Brian David Pope ~ Michael Prichard ~ Teena Pugliese ~ David Reynolds ~ Shawn Savage ~ Tory N. Thompson ~ Jonah Zimmerberg-Helms.
6-10 pm Monthly "CLAREMONT ART WALK" brings live music performances, gallery exhibitions and demonstrations, plenty of food offerings, and more, to the village in downtown Claremont 91711.
RON ELY is one performer, doing trad and new folk, at Bonita Av & Yale Av.
8 pm GEORGE WINSTON, the multi-instrumentalist and piano virtuoso, plays the Smothers Theatre at Pepperdine University Malibu, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu.
Winston will also play some Hawaiian slack key guitar, in addition to selections from his piano repertoire that will include his own style of melodic instrumental music on solo piano,called "folk piano," and R&B piano, stride piano, Vince Guaraldi's "Peanuts" pieces, and more.
He's a musician and activist who has supported many causes. The audience is invited to join in support of a local food bank by bringing a donation of canned food to the concert. There will be collection baskets at the entrances.
"The popular, unassuming pianist's songs are pastoral wonders that purposefully evoke nature and landscapes in a way that's as understated as it is beautiful." -- Ben Salmon, Bend Bulletin.
Winston's latest solo piano release is "Gulf Coast Blues & Impressions 2" -- A Louisiana Wetlands Benefit (2012). Since 1972 he has released 12 other solo piano albums.
In 2001 Winston released "Remembrance -- A Memorial Benefit," a six-song CD of piano, guitar, and harmonica solos to benefit those affected by 9/11. He also worked with the late George Levenson of "Informed Democracy" on three projects: a solo guitar soundtrack for "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" and soundtracks of piano, guitar, and harmonica solos for "Pumpkin Circle" and "Bread Comes to Life." In 1984, he did the solo piano soundtrack for the children's story "The Velveteen Rabbit" for Rabbit Ears Productions.
Winston is presently concentrating mainly on live performances, and most of the time he is touring and playing solo piano concerts, solo guitar concerts,solo harmonica concerts, and solo piano dances (with R&B and slow dance songs).
He is studying the playing of the great New Orleans pianists Henry Butler, James Booker, Professor Longhair, Dr. John, and Jon Cleary, and working on interpreting pieces on solo piano by his favorite composers, including Guaraldi, Professor Longhair, the Doors, Frank Zappa, Randy Newman, Sam Cooke, Curtis Mayfield, Laura Nyro, Al Kooper, Dr. John, Henry Butler, James Booker, Jon Cleary, Ralph Towner, Arthur Lee, Milt Jackson, John Hartford, Oliver Schroer, Taj Mahal (who performs at Pepperdine on October 6), Philip Aaberg, and others.
Additionally, Winston is working on solo guitar and recording the masters of Hawaiian slack key guitar (named for the beautiful solo finger-style guitar tradition unique to Hawaii) for an extensive series of albums for Dancing Cat Records. He is also recording his main inspirations for his harmonica playing: Sam Hinton, Rick Epping, and Curt Bouterse.
Still, he mostly known as a pianist. Winston plays Steinway pianos.
"10X THE PARTY" as Walt Disney Concert Hall is turning 10 and The Music Center is hosting "10 different ways to party, all on one day."
"Join in the fun on Grand Avenue," says the Music Center, "because nothing says fun like a party for a ten-year-old!"
Homegrown Topangan and acclaimed singer-songwriter Inara George returns to Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum for her annual tribute concert that benefits the theater's educational programs.
Sponsored by 89.9 KCRW , which, the last time we checked, did not play any if these artists' music.
The outdoor amphitheater at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum is terraced into the hillside of the rustic canyon. Audience members are advised to dress casually and warmly and bring cushions for bench seating. Snacks are available at the Hamlet Hut, and picnickers are welcome before and after the performance.
These veteran performers have been traveling separately but team-up before hitting the road again for Irvine and the Far-West Conference.
The Holts (Chappell & Dave) and John M first met at a FAR-West conference.
"I'm talking music that's bursting with heart and soul and passion and brains and guts. The kinda music that JOHN M. delivers – in spades," says Kevin Burton-Smith, the venue's music director.
KEVIN SPACEY, the Oscar winning actor, singer, director, producer, says, "I love that honest, straight from the heart sound! His lyrics hold up without the music. But the music lifts it to the truly sublime."
John will perform songs from his recently re-released album, "A Taste Of Things To Come," as well as an upcoming CD in production and scheduled for release this year.
CHAPPELL & DAVE HOLT, who bring "The Jazzy Side of Americana," says Kevin Burton-Smith.
Andrea Van Dyke, OCA Event Coordinator, Occidental Center for the Arts, said in October 2012, "Chappell and Dave Holt are seasoned performers who can move fluidly between all the musical genres - jazz, Native American, old-timey or blues - that their well-honed talents lead them to. Along with their guests, they presented a rollicking good time and a wide variety of tunes in 'A Celebration of the American Song.' What an enjoyable way to get a history lesson in song!"
No cover. One purchase (food or drink) minimum.
8 pm CHRIS PROCTOR plays the "PASADENA FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY at CALTECH" series in Beckman Institute Auditorium (aka "Little Beckman") on the Caltech campus in Pasadena; 626-395-4652.
Advance tix recommended. Park in either of two lots at the end of Michigan Av, south off Del Mar.
8 pm HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN plays the Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu.
Hot Club of Cowtown, the Austin-based band has grown to be the most globetrotting, hard-swinging Western swing trio on the planet. Hot Club of Cowtown has created an international cult following for its sizzling blend of hot jazz and Western swing inspired by its namesakes: "Hot Club" from Reinhardt and Grappelli's Quintette du Hot Club de France, and "Cowtown" from the influence of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys.
With appearances on A Prairie Home Companion and at the Grand Ole Opry, the group has both critics and audiences alike raving. The Onion's A. V. Club wrote, "Hot Club of Cowtown sounds like it's spent the last 40 years in tiny rural clubs," while The Times (London) remarked, "Unfussy and unpretentious, their blend of down-home melodies and exuberant improvisation harks back to a lost era of so-called western swing. When they plunge into 'Orange Blossom Special' your thoughts turn not so much to runaway trains as to a B-52 tearing up a runway."
The band's members are Elana James, fiddle and vocals; Whit Smith, guitar and vocals; and Jake Erwin, bass and vocals. Its latest album, Rendezvous in Rhythm, was released earlier this year on Gold Strike Records.
Elana James grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas, and began playing Suzuki violin at age four. It took her almost 20 years to decide between the violin and the fiddle, but in her mid-20s, after much soul-searching, she found her calling in American roots music and has never looked back.
In 2006,performing with the Hot Club of Cowtown, she had the honor of representing the US State Department as a musical ambassador throughout Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, playing everything from Texas hoedowns to American Songbook standards.
In 2005 she became the first dedicated female instrumentalist in Bob Dylan's touring band in more than 30 years, then toured with him in 2006 as the opening act for his US summer tour. In addition to tours and recording with Dylan, she has also recorded with Willie Nelson, Ray Price, and Merle Haggard, and more. In 2004 she was inducted, along with her Hot Club bandmates, into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame.
Whit Smith was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, and spent his earliest years in New Canaan, Connecticut, and later Wellfleet, Massachusetts. Born to musical parents, Smith was exposed right away to a life of practicing and performing.
Born in 1974,upright bassist Jake Erwin hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma, location of the legendary Cain's Ballroom, home of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. He took an interest in American roots music at an early age and decided to explore its variations through the sound of the double bass.
He has become one of the country's premier practitioners of percussive "slap bass," a style begun in early New Orleans jazz that continues through country, blues, and even rock 'n' roll today.
Erwin has been inducted into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame (one of the youngest members ever) and been a featured performer (with the Hot Club of Cowtown) on A Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage, Later...with Jools Holland on BBC television, and at World Cafe Live, the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, the Smithsonian Institution, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Midsummer Night's Swing (also at Lincoln Center),to name a few, and he has toured with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, the Mavericks, and the Squirrel Nut Zippers.
In addition to the Hot Club of Cowtown, he has had the honor of recording and playing with some of Texas' finest performers and songwriters, including Wayne Hancock, Ronnie Dawson ,the Asylum Street Spankers, Max Stalling, and Kim Lenz.
7:30 pm LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC presents "DUDAMEL and BRONFMAN" at Walt Disney Concert Hall, atop Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles.
As part of the tenth anniversary celebration of Walt Disney Concert Hall, world-renowned pianist Yefim Bronfman will perform with the dynamic Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The program includes Schubert's Fourth Symphony, Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto no. 1 and a world-premiere commission by the L.A. Phil. Get tix soon.
Who else does modern Irish folk / folk-rock with lyrics written by legendary Irish poet W.B. Yeats? In fact, they're touring the release of their first new album in five years, "An Appointment with Mr. Yeats," on Proper Records.
"Romantic Ireland may be dead and gone, but Mike Scott and the Waterboys certainly aren't, and neither is W.B. himself." -- NoDepression.com.
7 pm MARCI GELLER plays The Talking Stick, 1411-C Lincoln Bl, Venice 90291; 310-450-6052.
Named an "Editor's Choice" in 2010 as one of its favorite songwriters of the last decade by Independent Songwriter Magazine, Geller was selected earlier this year to showcase at both the annual Singer Songwriter Cape May conference and the NERFA 1-Day Capital Region Conference (NERFA stands for North East Regional Folk Alliance). She's performed on "Live with Regis," "Good Day NY" and "Fox Morning Show," and her music can be heard in soundtracks on MTV, VH-1, PBS, ABC Family, A&E, Discovery channel, USA Network and others. Geller also toured for two years as the support act and back-up vocalist for Ritchie Blackmore's band, Blackmore's Night.
Marci Geller believes that "we should all do things that terrify us as often as possible." Luckily performing is not one of them.
In recent years, Geller has been touring as a piano-based solo artist in the folk circuit. In a relatively short time she has racked up some prestigious credentials. After catching the ear of the well respected band "Buskin and Batteau," she was invited to sit in during their shows in order to introduce her and her music to their audience. David Buskin is quoted as saying Geller is "one of the finest singer/songwriters we've come across." She was honored with an opening performance for them at the famed Guthrie Center in June of 2013, which set off a sequence of events that she never could have predicted.
More at www.MarciGeller.com. Doors open 6:30 pm, show time 7 pm sharp.
7-9:30 pm JULIE CHRISTENSEN, accompanied by JOHN McDUFFIE, plays the weekly "SONGWRITER SERENADE" with performing host JC HYKE and other invited recording artists, at Matt Denny's Ale House Restaurant & Bar, 145 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006. No cover / pass the hat.
7-9 pm JULIE CHRISTENSEN, with DAN WILSON and BARNEY TOWER, plays Green Art People, 140 N Ventura Av, Ventura 93001.
No cover; donations for venue accepted.
8 pm THE AVETT BROTHERS plus musical guest NICHOLAS DAVID play the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall, 665 W Jefferson Bl, Los Angeles 90007.
You can ride the new Expo light rail line and avoid parking hassles; venue is across the street from the north side of USC.
Time tba "GRAND PARK TURNS ONE" celebration commemorates a year of events and friendships made in the heart of LA., as local and international artists join forces as part of "Daniel Pearl World Music Days," celebrating various genres of music there and throughout the nation and the world.
Annual "DANIEL PEARL WORLD MUSIC DAYS" arrives with many public performances in many genres of music, in L.A. and throughout the world.
Journalist Daniel Pearl was also a violinist / fiddle player who grew up in music circles in Southern California. He was murdered by terrorists, but those who knew him have established "Daniel Pearl World Music Days" to remember the joy of his life rather than how it ended.
Watch mainstream media for news of concerts and musical observances over the course of the week. Nearly all are free.
Folk-rock music icon Roger McGuinn teams up with country music singer-songwriter Marty Stuart and his band,the Fabulous Superlatives, to perform such classics as "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Eight Miles High," and "Turn,Turn, Turn."
McGuinn and Stuart are an unbeatable combination, but for guitar fans the show offers even more. While it may not be a Byrds reunion,it's a reunion of sorts as McGuinn's signature 12-string Rickenbacker guitar blends again with Stuart's B-Bender guitar.
Stuart's well-known B-Bender started life as a 1954 Fender Telecaster and was the main electric "axe" of legendary country-rock pioneer Clarence White of The Byrds. White and multi-instrumentalist Gene Parsons fashioned a steel-guitar-inspired mechanism that raised the B string a whole step when downward pressure was applied on the strap and the string was "bent." White used the guitar almost exclusively until his untimely end in 1973; its distinctive sound is heard blending seamlessly with McGuinn's 12-string on many Byrds recordings.
After White's passing,the "Clarence White Tele" sat unused at his home in Kentucky until his widow,Suzy,contacted Stuart. "The guitar really found me," recalls Stuart. "Roland White, Clarence's brother,got me my gig with Lester Flatt,and I was friends with the family. The guitar already had a following of its own by that time -- I was always fascinated by it, lusted after it,and I'd even had a similar bender put in another guitar to try and duplicate the effect.
"I've never considered it my guitar,really. It's his,and now it kind of has a life of its own. The spring gets dry and squeaks,so I spray WD-40 on it now and then,but I've never cleaned it. All the dirt inside and behind the strings is the original dirt. We call it 'Clarence.'"
For many who hear the name Roger McGuinn, the first thing that comes to mind is that unmistakable Rickenbacker 12-string guitar. McGuinn has been associated with the guitar since his earliest days as a member of The Byrds. McGuinn has played other electric guitars over the years and is also known as an acoustic folk artist of considerable magnitude, but he still remains the undisputed "King of the Rick 12." When he started playing it, McGuinn couldn't have known that the 12-string Rickenbacker would become his signature sound.
"We went as a group to see A Hard Day's Night multiple times and were totally taken with The Beatles," says McGuinn. "I liked George Harrison's Rickenbacker 12,but I couldn't find one that looked like his with the pointy cutaways,so I bought the blonde 360 model. I thought it was beautiful, like a golden palomino,and the checkerboard binding reminded me of Gene Autry or Roy Rogers. I loved that guitar and played it eight hours a day. It was later stolen and I discovered that it was auctioned off in England for over $100,000. Given the statute of limitations and the difficulty in dealing with laws in a foreign country,there wasn't much I could do,even though I considered myself the legal and rightful owner."
The signature sound continued,however,and a new 12-string took that guitar's place. Now --so many years later -- two men ,two guitars, and a full band are making music together again.
Tix, $55, $49, and $40; $10 for full-time Pepperdine students.
8:30 pm-midnight JULIE CHRISTENSEN with JOHN McDUFFIE, plus BLISS BOWEN and her special musical guests (and she knows everybody), play The Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328.
No cover at the "world's smallest honky-tonk." Pass the hat / tip jar for the artists.
8 pm THE DUNWELLS play the Smothers Theatre at Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu.
They're a young British band making waves on both sides of the pond. The Guide found them so heavy-duty rock-and-roll that we wondered why roots-Americana audiences have embraced them elsewhere. But they have, so we're including this show.
Tix, $35, $25, and $15; $10 for full-time Pepperdine students. Tix available now at 310-506-4522 or nline at http://arts.pepperdine.edu/.
Wait. He's a hard-core rocker, right? There's that blurry Americana line again. Remember "House of the Rising Sun"-? No Depression says, "Eric Burdon is back, bigger and better than ever. It's about time, for him and for us."
American Songwriter magazine writes, "[Eric Burdon's] voice is gruffly wizened but still unmistakably the person who mesmerized '60s youngsters singing 'House of the Rising Sun' with booming angst. With a top notch band behind him led by co-producer/drummer Tony Braunagel and a batch of pretty good rockers that reflect on a life filled with more ups and downs than most of us will ever experience,this is a well-earned victory lap. Eric Burdon's river is far from running dry."
Eric Burdon wraps-up the summer leg of his hectic and ongoing World Tour that includes the "Bumbershoot Festival" in Seattle and this one stop in L.A.
Some of music's most articulate voices, from Bruce Springsteen to Patti Smith and Iggy Pop, have cited his strong influence upon their work.
Earlier this year, Eric released "'Til Your River Runs Dry," (on ABKCO) heralded as his most personal album to date. It has been met with critical acclaim worldwide and is making an impact on AAA radio. Hailed by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time," Eric Burdon has long been a groundbreaker while maintaining a commanding presence in music with the Animals, with WAR and simply as Eric Burdon.
7-9 pm Monthly "GUITAR NIGHTS" series brings CELIA LIU on pipa and CABALACHE on son jarocho to Guitars on Hill, 130 N Hill Av, Pasadena.
Presented by Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Free.
7:30-10 pm "MOONLIGHT HIKE & BBQ" concert series brings RON ELY for a return to the "Top of the Notch" Lodge, at the top of the Mount Baldy Ski Lifts; park at the North end of Mt Baldy Rd (take Mountain Av North from the 210 Freeway, then right on Mt Baldy Rd to the end) Mount Baldy.
Ron performs trad and new folk and he has played this series several times.
The lift is an exhilarating ride up (and down) the canyon, or you can hike one or both ways in the moonlight. The food is good there, too, with huge portions, and they have a full bar.
Bring a jacket for the trip down.
7:30 pm BLUES TRAVELER plays at the El Rey Theatre in L.A.; doors at 7 pm. Tix are general admission, $32.
8 pm "DANNY ELFMAN'S MUSIC FROM THE FILMS OF TIM BURTON" with the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra and The Page L.A. Choir, conducted By John Mauceri, featuring Danny Elfman's first live US performance in 18 years; at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live. Doors at 7:15 pm. Tix, $45, $65, $75, $95, $125.
8 pm STEPHEN KELLOGG, plus special guest FORT ATLANTIC, plays McCabe's, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-824-4497; www.mccabes.com.
4 pm 5th Annual "FALL COWBOY ROUNDUP" with performances by DAVE STAMEY, JERRY "BROOKSIE" BROOKS, and FIDDLIN' PETE WATERCOTT, at Mike and Paulette Tcherkassky's Whistle Stop Ranch in Acton. (Off the 14 Fwy, in the mountains between L.A. and Palmdale).
As usual, Paulette will serve a feast of dutch oven delights.
The ranch gate opens at 4 pm for visiting and dinner, show starts promptly at 7 pm. Make reservations early. This books to capacity.
$45 per person suggested donation. Dinner is included.
Time tba Blues prodigy JONNY LANG plays the California Canyon Theater in Beverly Hills.
He has only this one local date on his current world tour.
He's touring his first new studio album in seven years, "Fight For My Soul," which comes out Sep 17 on Concord Records, and it's getting fine reviews.
Lang's songwriting on "Fight For My Soul," the follow up to his 2006 GRAMMY Award-winning "Turn Around," takes a major leap forward, as he explores the struggle for love and family with startling heart and depth.
Lang has toured non-stop since his first major label album "Lie To Me" was released in 1997 when he was 16. That won him a large and incredibly loyal audience, along with a well deserved reputation as one of the best live performers and guitarists of his generation.
Now in the midst of touring to support the new album, Jonny will make a special hometown "CD Release Day" stop in Fargo, North Dakota at The Fargo Theatre. Fargo may not be a blues town, but it will be that day.
8 pm KEN O'MALLEY and THE NE'ER DUWELLS, an L.A.-based all-star Irish band, play the "FOLKWORKS CONCERT SERIES" at the Santa Monica History Museum, 1350 7th St, Santa Monica 90401.
3 & 7 pm "SAMHAIN: THE STORY OF HALLOWEEN & TALES OF THE CELTIC SUPERNATURAL" told through song, story, music & dance, is presented by Celtic Rhythms in association with The Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles, at the Mayflower Club, 11110 Victory Bl, North Hollywood 91606.
This is the third year for "Samhain: The Story of Halloween," and it's a brand new show with tales of fairies and otherworldly creatures from Celtic mythology. It's told in the format people have come to love -- a Celtic Halloween extravaganza with high energy Irish dances, traditional Celtic tunes that will bewitch your feet and keep your toes a-tappin', ghostly love songs that will rip your heart out, and exciting dances with real swords and axe handles for a start.
$15 general seating, $18 preferred seating at the 3 pm show; at 7 pm, it's $18 general seating, $22 preferred seating. This always sells-out.
Noon-3 pm WIMBERLEY BLUEGRASS BAND plays Riley's at Los Rios Rancho, 39611 Oak Glen Road #13, Oak Glen 92399.
The band says, "Riley's for Apple Season! There will fun for the whole family with U-Pick apples, fresh cider, fresh baked pies and more!"
The Band is comprised of siblings Danielle, James, Mark, & Michael Wimberley.
5th Annual "REMEMBER THE MUSIC" benefit for Alzheimer's disease research presented by "BETTY'S FOUNDATION" at The Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Bl (half a block S of Hollywood Bl), Hollywood 90028.
Table reservations for dinner and general admission tickets are both available. A limited number of seats are available; make reservations right away. Admission is included in dinner / table reservation.
8 pm DON McLEAN, with MICHAEL ANN AZOULAI opening, at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills.
or, she adds, "I will have a link to my Amazon direct pay... for Don McLean tickets."