Acoustic Americana Music Guide, NEWS-ONLY edition, Nov 11 to 24

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“You can see a lot just by looking.” – Yogi Berra, baseball’s legendary wordsmith
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“The earth has a context in the universe. You want to know where we fit in the universe? You don’t get the answer to that just by studying the earth.” – Neil De Grasse Tyson, astronomer
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Tied to the Tracks
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
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NOVEMBER 11 to 24, and onward into 2011…
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VETERANS DAY – originally ARMISTICE DAY to celebrate peace – is observed in the Guide. It has a fascinating history, and you can read about it in our special feature at
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/11/veterans-day-armistice-day-november-11.html
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QUICK ACCESS TO NEWS FEATURES IN THIS EDITION…
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1) Weekend “Show-of-the-Week” Picks, Friday-Sunday, Nov 12-14…
2) This Weekend’s Festival Scene: A Saturday of Fun Choices…
3) SHERYL CROW to Play Free Show in L.A., November 16
4) Mike + Ruthy (from The Mammals): CD Release Tour Hits So Cal
5) Acoustic Eidolon Returns for Three Shows this Weekend
6) Caltech Folk Music Society Announces Winter Season Shows
7) Change – and a Comment – for “L.A. County Holiday Celebration”
8) “Red Horse” – Touring Trio, and #1 CD by Top Songwriters
Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka & Lucy Kaplansky
9) NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS Are Still at it, in Various Ensembles
10) “How to Work the Media” Workshop – returning, November 20
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Here are these feature stories…
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1) Weekend “Show-of-the-Week” Picks, Friday – Sunday, Nov 12-14…
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Friday, November 12th’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:
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* 7:30 pm CHAD AND JEREMY play the “AMSD” concert series in San Diego.
* 8 pm MIKE + RUTHY (from THE MAMMALS) play their CD Release Tour for their new album, “Million To One,” at the CTMS Center for Folk Music in Encino.
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Saturday, November 13th’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:
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* 8:30 am-6:30 pm annual “L.A. STORYTELLING FESTIVAL” this year at Culver-Palms United Methodist Church Complex in Culver City.
* 7 pm WOMEN ON THE MOVE TRIO of singer-songwriters JOAN ENGUITA, LINDA GELERIS, & TRISH LESTER, play the “Contemporary Folk” series at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Studio City. The full, 17 member ensemble’s CD, “Beautiful,” was the top editors’ pick on CDBaby longer than any CD, ever (the site has 400,000+ CDs).
* 7 pm THE RON ELLINGTON SHY TRIO, is actually a quartet with the original guitarist from the COASTERS, and tonight they play the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
* 7:30 pm CHAD AND JEREMY play the splendid Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts in Whittier.
* 7:30 pm ACOUSTIC EIDOLON, the duo of JOE SCOTT & HANNAH ALKIRE, play the “Lord Of The Strings” concert series at the Dana Point Community House.
* 8 pm THE TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS, top award-winning Western group, play their CD RELEASE SHOW for their brand-new “Blaze Across the West” album, at Out West in Newhall (Santa Clarita).
* 8 pm LAWRENCE LEBO & HER LITTLE BIG BAND plus LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS in a stellar double bill at The Fret House in Covina.
* 8 pm Grammy winning guitarists MARK HANSON & DOUG SMITH at Boulevard Music in Culver City.
* 8 pm JUDE JOHNSTONE & MARK GOLDENBERG play the “Bodie House Music Series at the Thousand Oaks Library” in Thousand Oaks.
* 8 pm JANIVA MAGNESS at McCabe’s in Santa Monica.
* 8 pm monthly “SABRINA & CRAIG’S ACOUSTIC L.A.” series brings MICHAEL MONROE (award-winning folkie from Minnesota) & DEAN DOBBINS (CCMA award-winner), plus performing hosts SABRINA & CRAIG, at Cahuenga General Store (aka Hallenbeck’s) in North Hollywood.
* 8 pm MIKE + RUTHY (from THE MAMMALS) play their CD Release Tour for their new album, “Million To One,” at the San Diego Folk Heritage series at San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas (San Diego).
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Sunday, november 14th’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:
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* 7 pm “DAVID ZINK’s CDs (two of ‘em) RELEASE SHOW with performances by DAVID ZINK, TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, MARK HUMPHREYS, and others, at Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena.
* 7 pm KAYE RODDEN & SWEET LEAF play the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
* 7:30 pm ACOUSTIC EIDOLON, the duo of JOE SCOTT & HANNAH ALKIRE, play the “Lord Of The Strings” Concert Series at the Mission Viejo Civic Center.
* 8 pm MIKE + RUTHY (from THE MAMMALS) play their CD Release Tour for their new album, “Million To One,” at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club in Santa Barbara.
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For all the details, see the complete listings in the Guide’s events sections for each day.
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2) This Weekend’s Festival sCENE: a SATURDAY OF FUN CHOICES…
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Daylight Savings Time GONE? You mean we’re supposed to stay indoors after work until SPRING? Well, not ‘til after Saturday, anyway. Even if early darkness IS great encouragement for sampling the veritable cornucopia of evening shows in Southern Cal’s abundance of music hall venues. Meanwhile, the festival scene is falling like leaves from the trees. There are several fun festivals this weekend – but none begin Friday nor extend to Sunday. All are Saturday-only:
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* 8:30 am-6:30 pm annual “L.A. STORYTELLING FESTIVAL” this year at Culver-Palms United Methodist Church Complex, 4464 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230. Lineup includes DYLAN BRODY, BARBARA CLARK, SLASH COLEMAN, JOE HERRINGTON, CECELIA ANTOINETTE, BESS FANNING, ANNEKE JONG, SYLVIA VELASQUEZ-LAWRENCE, and more. Includes “Spirit of Storytelling Award” presentation. Full schedule and more details in the Guide’s Saturday listings.
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* 9 am-4 pm “MONTROSE ART WALK” in the 2300 & 2400 blocks of Honolulu Av, Montrose. Billed as, “Musicians playing, great family outing. Watch artists work while strolling along the tree-lined Honolulu Avenue.” Info, call Montrose Chamber of Commerce, 818-249-7171. Runs May 8, Jul 10, Sep 18, Nov 13.
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* 9 am-5 pm annual “TOPANGA SWAP MEET & CHILI COOKOFF (and pie contest!),” with music by acoustic folk-rockers CITY FRITTER & others, at Topanga Community House & Fair Grounds, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga 90290. Start your holiday shopping early and inexpensively – 75 vendors selling everything you can imagine, new and used. Sample several delicious chili recipes and pies, and enjoy live music all day. CITY FRITTER plays at 2 pm, featuring Christopher Hawley with Jewels & Johnny Nations. Free admission.
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* 11 am-3 pm “125th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST TRAIN TO SAN BERNARDINO” is a festival with music, historical and other displays, tours of new “ultra-low emissions” railroad locomotives, bus tours of the state-of-the-art intermodal railway yard, and more, centered from the classic Santa Fe Depot, 1170 W 3rd St, San Bernardino. It isn’t often that the railroad industry throws a party for the public, so today’s event will be ’purt near unique for just about everyone who goes. In addition to the entertainment and things to do, BNSF Railway personnel will be on-hand to answer questions. Food available, and there’s that strangely sought-after ritual of face painting for the kids. More info in the Guide’s Saturday write-ups, “Today’s Festivals” section. Free admission and activities, but sponsors request you bring a few cans of food for those in need – a donation that enters you, for free, in a raffle for prizes.
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3) SHERYL CROW TO PLAY FREE SHOW IN L.A., NOVEMBER 16
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SHERYL CROW has teamed up with Nederlander Concerts and Yoplait’s “Save Lids to Save Lives” program to present a free concert at the Pantages in Hollywood.
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Complimentary tickets are available to those who bring a Yoplait® yogurt lid to the Pantages Theatre box office, while supplies last. Each Yoplait® yogurt lid can be exchanged for one ticket (maximum four tickets per person).
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If you purchased a ticket to Sheryl’s cancelled September 10th show at the Greek Theater, you can redeem your tickets to see this show on Nov 16th at the Pantages – you’ll need to enter the password that was sent to you in an email from the Greek Theatre on Monday, Oct 18 at 11 am. There are no additional service fees.
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This performance will be filmed for an upcoming DVD release. The concert is, of course, a Guide “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick. It’s Tuesday, November 16, at 7:30 pm, at the Pantages Theater, 6233 Hollywood Bl, Hollywood 90028; www.broadwayla.org; info hotline 323-468-1770; tix 800-982-ARTS.
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4) MIKE + RUTHY (from THE MAMMALS): CD RELEASE TOUR HITS SO CAL
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You know ’em from THE MAMMALS, and as a duo, they hit Southern Cal this week, playing their coast-to-coast CD Release Tour for their new album, “Million To One.”
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Mike and Ruthy, or as they prefer “Mike + Ruthy,” are a musical couple whose love was forged in New York City amidst a swirl of rock, anti-folk, and Americana enthusiasm. They harmonized from the first night they met, bringing smiles to their friends’ faces with original songs and layering raspy fiddle over pop-strummed guitar.
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That was 1999, and their band, Rhinegold, played, they tell us, to “pre-trucker-hat hipsters in the East Village and then gathered to play more songs around the cluttered coffee table at someone’s apartment.”
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Richard Buckner played low on the small bedside stereo as these young, nocturnal band mates got some early morning sleep.
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It’s true that Mike was originally recruited by his college to play hockey and Ruth had gone to school for acting. But they began a new path together, crafting songs and recordings and touring the world. Eleven years later, Mike and Ruthy are married and living upstate with their new son, William Puck. With seven years of touring under their belts with folk band The Mammals, they have begun a new chapter, one they insist “still incorporates the best sounds and textures that old-timey and rock music can offer.”
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Mike and Ruthy love writing, recording and playing shows and music festivals, whether as a duo or four-piece band. The added joy and demands of parenthood, they say, have given them “a new appreciation for the power of good music and the fine community of people” they have “connected with across the country and the world.” Enjoying the beauty of the moment is their shared goal, and you can hear it in every song they sing.
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In addition to playing a great many famous folk venues, they were stars on the late summer 2010 festival circuit. A few festivals they played included: the 6th annual “Sugar Hill Festival” in Dalton, MA, Aug 22nd, where Mike + Ruthy performed with The Ladies Auxilary Ukulele Orchestra; then dashed off the same day to play the “Word x Word Festival” in Pittsfield, MA. Autumn brought the 1st annual “Hudson Valley Green Festival,” Sep 4th in Staatsburg, NY, then the October 10th “O+ Festival” in Kingston, NY, and the October 21st-23rd “Magnolia Festival” in Live Oak, FL.
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MIKE + RUTHY arrive for local dates, all “Show-of-the-Week” picks in the Guide:
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* Thu, Nov 11, in Tehachapi, 7:30 pm, at Fiddlers Crossing, 661-823-9994; www.events.fiddlerscrossing.com.
* Fri, Nov 12, 8 pm, at the CTMS Center for Folk Music in Encino Community Park (HQ of the California Traditional Music Society); 818-817-7756; www.ctmsfolkmusic.org.
* Sat, Nov 13, in San Diego, 8 pm, at the “San Diego Folk Heritage” series at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, Encinitas; 858-566-4040; www.sdfolkheritage.org.
* Sun, Nov 14, in Santa Barbara, 8 pm, at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club; 805-962-7776; www.sohosb.com.
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More at www.mikeandruthy.com and www.myspace.com/mikeandruthy
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5) ACOUSTIC EIDOLON RETURNS FOR THREE SHOWS THIS WEEKEND
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That most formidable duo of JOE SCOTT & HANNAH ALKIRE goes by the lyrical name of ACOUSTIC EIDOLON, and their latest tour brings them back to Southern Cal to play just three dates, November 11th in Altadena, and the 13th & 14th in Orange County.
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Acoustic Eidolon has played everywhere from the Kennedy Center in D.C. to St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and the Spandau Theatre in Berlin, Germany. They’ve headlined the festival circuit, from the “Vancouver Island MusicFest” to the “Kerrville Folk Festival.” And their previous dates in L.A. won a seriously impressed fan following. Everywhere they go, audiences have praise for the sound of Acoustic Eidolon. Their music has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” to the delight of the listening audience.
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At Denver’s best folk venue, the Swallow Hill Music Association called ACOUSTIC EIDOLON’s performance “…an evening of brilliant instrumentality.”
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Joe and Hannah combine their musical talents to create an exciting acoustic sound, and that’s true both instrumentally – they have fine original instrumental compositions – and lyrically, which shines in Hannah’s moving song written to the memory of her mother.
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Joe plays an instrument he invented – the double-neck “guitjo,” a custom acoustic guitar with two necks, built exclusively for him. This one-of-a-kind instrument (actually, he has two) has incredible range and tonal qualities, sounding at times like a piano, dulcimer or beautiful harp. Combine that with Hannah’s stunning tone, impeccable cello and fine vocals, and you have the ingredients for some very moving music.
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Their three local performances, all “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks in the Guide, are:
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* Thursday, November 11, at 8 pm, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena (“the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”); reservations 626-794-2424; info www.coffeegallery.com.
* Saturday, November 13, at 7:30 pm, at the first of two “Lord Of The Strings” OC concert series dates, this one at the Dana Point Community House; 949-842-2227 or 949-244-6656; www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.
* Sunday, November 14, at 7:30 pm, at the other “Lord Of The Strings” OC concert venue, at the Mission Viejo Civic Center; 949-842-2227 or 949-244-6656; www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.
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Your editor strongly suggests that you “take the time to watch and listen to them at www.acousticeidolon.com and you’ll surely want to come to one or more of their shows.”
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6) CALTECH FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY ANNOUNCES WINTER SEASON SHOWS
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When their current season started, we celebrated (in an August 12 edition News Feature) the autumn offerings of the long running – if unlikely – series at the California Institute of Technology – Caltech – California’s peer of M.I.T. Now that they’ve brought us that fall season with ELIZA GILKYSON, MARLEY’S GHOST, & PATRICK BALL, they’ve let us know what will follow. Series bookers Rex Mayreis and Nick Smith have just announced the winter lineup for their highly-regarded nonprofit series’ for December through February. All three winter offerings earn immediate “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks in the Guide. And all three are in Beckman Institute Auditorium (“Little Beckman”) on the campus in Pasadena, on Saturdays at 8 pm.
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Here’s the quick look, followed by info on each show.
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RONNY COX plays the series December 11. Tix, $15; $5 for Caltech students and children.
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KATY MOFFATT plays there January 29. Tix, $15; $5 for Caltech students and children.
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February 26 brings a “WOODY GUTHRIE TRIBUTE,” the signature show by COUNTRY JOE McDONALD (Country Joe & the Fish) whose pedigree famously includes his performance at the original Woodstock. Tix, $20; $5 for Caltech students and children.
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Here’s a bit on each artist.
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RONNY COX is a famous screen and TV actor who played Woody Guthrie’s sidekick in “Bound for Glory,” and he’s known to millions from his first film role, which included playing the “Dueling Banjos” guitar part in “Deliverance.” More recently, Ronny Cox played slithery corporate snakes in “RoboCop” and “Total Recall.” He’s played the President of the United States 20-some times, and had the recurring role as the Senator who kept trying to shutdown TV‘s “Stargate.” Ronny is a fine songwriter and folk singer who earned “Listener Favorite” honors on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” He charms crowds with self-teasing humor, tart progressive insight, and a lulling Southwestern folk sound. His repertoire is a smart mix of witty ditties, bluesy swing tunes, heart-on-sleeve Romances, and real-life anthems. Ronny’s newest CD, “Songs… with Repercussions” was reviewed in FolkWorks (www.folkworks.org/content/view/36151/167) by the Guide’s editor, en-route to its reaching # 1 on the Folk DJ playlist, and finishing as # 48 for the entire year. Ronny’s all-star accompanists – award-winning musicians in their own rights – join him for this performance. They are Austin-based KAREN MAL on mandolin, and RADOSLAV LORKOVIC on accordion and keyboards. More at www.ronnycox.com.
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KATY MOFFATT is a genuine folk star who plays too seldom in L.A. Though she lives in Southern Cal, she’s constantly on the festival and prestigious-venue circuit, performing all over the world. She’s been called both “America’s Queen of the West” and praised as one of the originators of country rock. Katy got her start on the road as an opener for blues legend MUDDY WATERS, and she’s been the subject of a major feature story in the Wall Street Journal (how many musicians get ink there?) She continues to be a most formidable vocal powerhouse, plus a masterful guitarist and finger-picking phenom. With over 15 albums to her credit, Katy sings classic acoustic country rock songs of fractured love, plus country blues, western classics and originals, and heartfelt ballads. She’s performed live, multiple times, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” and debuted an album there. Her newest CD, “Cowboy Girl,” on Western Jubilee/Shanachie, has received rave reviews.
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COUNTRY JOE McDONALD has been touring his “TRIBUTE TO WOODY GUTHRIE” for the past few years to strong audience acclaim. In his highly-entertaining tribute, Country Joe deftly conveys the charm, talent, and social and political consciousness of the legendary folksinger from Oklahoma. It helps to know that McDonald’s father, Worden, shared Oklahoma’s Dust Bowl roots with Guthrie in the ‘20s & ‘30s. Country Joe opens the tribute with a moving performance of Woody’s best-known tune, “This Land is Your Land,” and takes the audience through a journey of 13 Woody Guthrie songs, all in a strong clear voice that doesn’t mimic Guthrie’s style, but conveys the emotion and energy that defines Guthrie. More at www.countryjoe.com.
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The venue for each of these three shows is Beckman Institute Auditorium (“Little Beckman”), on the Caltech Campus at 322 S Michigan Av (S off Del Mar) in Pasadena.
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Caltech Folk Music series info is available at www.folkmusic.caltech.edu.
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In addition, other very notable musical performances are offered through the academic year in the “Caltech Presents” / “Caltech Public Events” series, in various venues on the campus, usually “Big Beckman,” a venue that compares favorably with many ’60s-vintage big city performing arts centers. You get $5 off each ticket for the other Caltech shows if you mention the Folk Music Society when you make your purchase. Their schedule and info is available at www.events.caltech.edu.
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The campus ticket office handles the Folk Music Society’s advance tickets, takes credit cards, and is open Noon-5 pm, Monday-Friday. Their number is 626-395-4652 or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832). Tickets for each of the three shows should be available by the time you read this. As the dates gets closer, each will likely sell-out.
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7) CHANGE – AND A COMMENT – FOR “L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION”
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For half a century, it’s been an annual big deal for indie musicians, youth performance troupes, and seasoned touring pros fresh off the road and home for the holidays. On Friday, December 24, the 51st Annual “L.A. County Holiday Celebration” brings 23 music and dance acts to the Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown L.A.
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You can attend free, or catch it on KCET TV (broadcast channel 28, or check your local cable listings or www.kcet.org); it’s live on radio on KPFK (90.7 FM, or www.kpfk.org ).
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The musicians and dancers are from across L.A. County – one of the few times each year that the local talent pool is showcased in a major media event – and the broadcast of the show has been nominated for an Emmy. For many years through this year, a condensed version of the previous year’s show airs nationally on PBS (that’ll change when KCET goes indie on January 1). The performance is produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and lighting, sound, sets and broadcast sound and visual images are first-rate, even if the hosts are always an uneven mix of seasoned mic jockeys and embarrassingly awkward anointed “celebrities.”
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But it’s what’s on stage that matters. Since 1964, the program “honors the spirit of many cultures and holiday traditions through music, song and dance.” In recent years, the lineup has included notable folk-Americana artists like Grammy-nominee Lisa Haley & the Zydecats and bluegrass and blues acts. Some years are more “folky” than others, and some feature more acoustic renaissance singer-songwriters and bands than other years. There are always acts that can be called “world folk.”
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Acts performing this year are:
(* denotes first-time participants in the show)
Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers
Antics PeRformances
Christian’s Community Center Cathedral Choir
Colburn Children’s Choir
Elliot Deutsch Big Band *
Gabriella Axelrad Education Foundation *
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles
Halau O Lilinoe *
Harmonic Bronze Handbell Ensemble
Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Academy
Loch and Key *
Los Angeles Children’s Chorus Young Men’s Ensemble *
L.A. City Elementary School Music Association Women’s Chorale *
Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez
Mr. Vallenato *
NDM Bollywood *
Pacifico Dance Company
Palmdale High School Choral Union
Philippine Chamber Singers of Los Angeles
Salvation Army Tabernacle Children’s Chorus
Santa Monica Chorus *
South Bay Children’s Chorus
Young Angels Choir
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The show runs 3-6 pm, and it’s free, but you can’t just show up and expect to get in. No, we don’t know why this year’s show is cut back from the usual six hours to just three. It’s still a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick, because this is free and the Dorothy Chandler is a wonderful place to enjoy live music – even if, unlike past years, we don’t see Grammy noms and winners in the lineup. Still, we are certain if you want to get into the Music Center to see it live, you’ll need to get there earlier than you think.
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This year, wristbands are required for entry. Limit is one wristband per person. They’re available free at the site, first-come, first-served, starting at 11:30 am. Expect a very long line early, mostly because of the sprinkling of children’s performing troupes in which parents want to see their kids on stage. Once you have your wristband, you “do not have to wait in line.” There is a second chance to get in, though it will involve uncertainty and requires waiting in a different line: producers say, “When all wristbands have been distributed, standbys will be tracked in order of arrival and admitted if seats are vacated.” Doors open at 2:30 pm.
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The Guide suggest this: get in line early to get your wristband at 11:30, then ride the Red Line subway to the ice rink in Pershing Square; rent skates (cheap) and take a few turns on the ice; then walk through the subway station and out the other end to grab a bite at Grand Central Market (a landmark since 1917); catch the subway back before the 2:30 door opening at the Music Center. You’ll escape the elbowing crowds in the suburban shopping malls and make a fun day of it downtown.
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Now, for our comment. It’s needed, because politicians are, once again, seeking to exploit the contributions of artists to the community.
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We’re supposed to tell you that the Holiday Celebration is “a gift from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors” – but we are revolted by the idea that the media is asked to help a bunch of self-aggrandizing politicians pat themselves on the back. The five-member Board of Supervisors are, after all, the same crowd who routinely names public buildings after themselves, every time a multimillion-dollar facility is constructed using taxpayers’ money. In one case, a large new five-story courthouse bears the name of a sitting County Supervisor – and contains a “family museum” to his sireage and offspring, housed in a marble-floored-and-columned space paid for by the people.
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So, we’d like to know how it is that sitting politicians are allowed to give themselves, at taxpayer expense, the daily presence – and advantage at election time – of important public facilities, individually named and dedicated to themselves?
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Shouldn’t THAT kind of thing be a genuine honor, one reserved for, like, after they’re dead, or least retired, and only IF the honoree’s career had gone unblemished? Examples abound of office-holders leaving a bad smell, so why should ANY sitting politician be given the ego trip of any tax-supported monument to him or her self?
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But this is a piece about a holiday show, so we’ll be charitable and not rant further – now that you have the picture on what the politicians wanted us to tell you about “their gift to you” – without their noting that the participating acts perform for free.
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Parking for the annual holiday show is free in the Music Center parking garage (a big deal where parking is usually $7 a half-hour). There will be free entertainment on the Music Center Plaza outside the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion before the show, starting at 12:30 pm. Beginning at 3, the Holiday Celebration will be screened live on the JumboTron in the Music Center Plaza, where folding chairs are available for those who can’t get inside. The big Christmas tree towers above the plaza, so it’s a nice setting if the weather is pleasant.
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There’s more info at www.HolidayCelebration.org or on their hotline at 213-972-3099. The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is located at 35 N Grand Av, downtown L.A. 90012.
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8) “Red Horse” – TOURING trio, AND #1 CD by TOP SONGWRITERS
Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka & Lucy Kaplansky
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Eight of the album’s songs made the Top 20 within a few weeks of its release. The “Red Horse” album and the Red Horse trio are three of Red House Record’s top songwriters – Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka & Lucy Kaplansky.
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Immediately featured when it first debuted this past summer on NPR’s “Weekend Edition,” the album quickly became the #1 Folk Album on both iTunes and Amazon. It topped the Folk Radio Charts as early as July. It debuted at #6 on the Billboard Folk Chart, outranking recordings by Natalie Merchant, Brandi CarliSle, and the Indigo Girls.
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Eliza, John and Lucy are playing select dates, nationwide, as the Red Horse trio – but none of those dates (so far) are in Southern Cal. The Guide is featuring their closest shows, all in Northern Cal, for those lucky enough to be in those areas.
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Their Northern California dates are:
* Fri, Nov 19, 8-10 pm, at Grass Valley Center for the Arts, 314 W Main St, Grass Valley, CA; 530-274-8384; www.thecenterforthearts.org.
* Sat, Nov 20, 8-10 pm, at the Sebastopal Community Center, 390 Morris St, Sebastopol CA; 707-823-1511; www.cumuluspresents.com.
* Sun, Nov 21, 8-10 pm, at the Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St, Berkeley CA; www.freightandsalvage.org; 510-664-2020.
* Mon, Nov 22, 7:30-10 pm, at the Sierra Nevada Brewery’s Big Room, in Chico CA; 530-345-2739.
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More on the #1 folk album, “Red Horse,” is at www.redhouserecords.com and there’s tour info – with additional dates as they’re added – at www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Horse/100743976643456.
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9) NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS ARE STILL AT IT, IN VARIOUS ENSEMBLES
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Randy Sparks, the founder of the uber-famous folk revival group, does from time-to-time reassemble as many of the alumni as will fit on one stage. Not that it’s always the same group. When your members have included the likes of BARRY McGUIRE (famous for his banned-on-the-radio ’60s anthem, “Eve of Destruction”), and KENNY ROGERS (pre FIRST EDITION), and an underage pre-Emmy and Peabody Award-winning TRACY NEWMAN, and so many more who graduated to lead or star in their own bands or groups or as solo folk or rock acts, you could craft an entire season of “Where Are They Now?” just tracking-down former band members.
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Randy Sparks is himself quite a character. For Randy, the presumed radicalism of the ’60s often takes the form these days of comedic ditties from a decidedly conservative perspective; some are blatant in their “politically incorrect” expressions. Perhaps some of that can be explained when you know he was the best-known protégé of the late BURL IVES, and he cared for Ives in his final declining months. Ives was the Disney-movie-favorite folksinger who famously (or infamously) cooperated with HUAC – the House Un-American Activities Committee – during the McCarthy Era.
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Randy Sparks is a complex guy. He is devoted to his music charity. He still gets ’60s folk revival-era Baby Boomers singing along with big smiles, when he plays the group’s classics instead of his own newer material. And he is possessed with the artist’s penchant for a certain measure of disorganization, telling us, “I’m generally communicating with media people at the last minute, but this time I’m early,” as, for the first time ever, he sends us info a full three to four months (gasp) in advance.
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His smaller show, is a reprise (with who-knows-who-will-sign-on-at-the-last-minute-to-perform) as “Randy Sparks & Friends” on December 5 at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena, no doubt owing to his ancient and continuing association with Bob Stane, pre-dating Bob’s years running the Ice House as a combination folk music haven / comedy shop.
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Those wanting to experience a (perhaps) larger cast, officially bearing the name of The New Christy Minstrels, can get tickets for their show at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center on January 9, 2011.
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In typically Randy Sparks fashion, he adds, “I suppose I ought to mention The McCallum Theater in Palm Desert on the 16th of January, also.”
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But what of the storied New Christy Minstrels -? Randy tells us, “My restored group is phenomenal these days. We have not been in concert anywhere that we haven’t been asked back, and that’s gratifying. I’m 77 years old and likely couldn’t get a job at Burger King, but I’m still gainfully employed, albeit we all work for a non-profit organization these days: The ‘New Christy Minstrels Foundation.’ Our goal is to give back to the schools; we NEVER charge schools for our performances.”
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He continues, “Our concert at Cerritos is a return visit. We were there on a Sunday afternoon in November of 2007, and we sold EVERY seat. We’re looking to repeat that accomplishment, and we’re already pretty far along, as all of the main floor $60 seats are gone. Half the house has already been sold, and we have [three] months to go. We are very quietly big business these days. We had 19 concerts in the month of October alone. What recession?”
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Randy Sparks & Friends is, he says, “a lesser offering, and we’ll be holding court at Bob Stane’s place on the 5th of December.”
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Lesser offering? Randy undoes that notion rather quickly. He says, “That’s the day that Jennifer Lind, our new superstar (she is one of the ladies in the NCM, but also has an ongoing career as a soloist, and has the BEST self-produced CD that I have EVER heard!)”
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Randy points out that Jennifer Lind is opening for The Sons Of San Joaquin at The Gene Autry Theater that same day, in the afternoon.
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At the December 5th show in Altadena, Randy tells us, “Becky Jo [BENSON] and I may join Jennifer onstage for a couple of songs. The ‘& Friends’ part of my smaller group consists of Becky Jo Benson, Jennifer [LIND], & Chuck Cole [plus RANDY SPARKS himself, of course]. We’re unrestricted at Bob’s [Coffee Gallery Backstage] showroom, so our program is wildly entertaining and great fun for me. I’m able to sing my best stuff: ‘Sluts With Tattoos,’ ‘The Man In The Moon Mooned Me,’ and ‘The Only Thing More Ferocious Than A Polar Bear Is A Bi-Polar Bear.’ Of course, we also perform the songs that the people come to hear.”
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We did mention Randy’s “politically incorrect” songs.
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As for the audiences Randy Sparks draws – with both his “& Friends” show and his New Christy Minstrels reunion productions – he says, “They are most kind to us wherever we work, and it’s thrilling to actually be in demand.”
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There’s more at www.thenewchristyminstrels.com.
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10) “How to Work the Media” Workshop – returnING, November 20
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This highly acclaimed workshop by award-winning journalist, editor and radio host / producer and music biz consultant LARRY WINES was presented in July at the Autry National Center (Autry Museum) and in October at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
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This workshop takes artists, step-by-step, through the techniques and processes to build their individual game plan, including materials and knowledge to effectively “work” the media.
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Larry’s workshop covers getting media attention and publicity for gigs, how to get airplay and reviews of your CDs, what to do before you release your CD, getting guest spots on radio and TV shows, how to write press releases that get attention, building and maintaining your web presence and EPK, how to build your physical press kit, how to establish a relationship with people in the media, what it takes to make your bio and one-sheet effective, and lots more. It is a very full two hours! Larry’s workshop presents much of what he teaches artists in individual consultations, and he teaches many of the techniques he uses when he is hired to prepare materials for artists, venues, festivals, and other events.
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Following the workshop’s presentation at the Autry and the Backstage, it created lots of buzz among musicians and other artists who were there. In fact, it produced so much buzz that translates to demand from those who missed it – so it’s coming back, months sooner than expected.
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Musician, concert promoter, and workshop series presenter DUANE THORIN has booked Larry for an early return engagement.
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It’s Saturday, November 20, at 11 am, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena. This time, the two-hour workshop will start promptly at 11 am and take a lunch break / intermission halfway through. It will conclude by 1:30-2 pm, following closing Q&A, depending on the length of the break.
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Advance registration gets you a copy of presentation materials on disc, at the conclusion of the workshop. Call the Backstage reservation number, 626-794-2424. (If you don’t pre-register, you may not get the take-home materials, and you run the risk that the workshop will be full, based on reservations.)
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The workshop is $30. A $5 discount is available to members of a number of songwriter and nonprofit music organizations. Ask when you call to register.
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THE LATEST FULL EDITION of the Acoustic Americana Music Guide is always available at
www.acousticmusic.net or at
www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com or by links from the News-only edition at www.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks
or by following any of MANY links on the web to get to one of those sites.
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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2010, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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