Acoustic Americana Music Guide, Oct 22-31 – and waaay beyond
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The current COMPLETE edition is at ~
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/10/acoustic-americana-music-guide-oct-22.html
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Here’s the “News-Only” edition…
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“music can change the world.” – Ludwig van Beethoven
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Tied to the Tracks
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
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OCTOBER 22 through 31 (plus much more, into 2011)
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THIS WEEK’S QUICKIE “TIME SAVERS” ~
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** THIS WEEKEND’S WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS (News Feature #1, just below)
** FAST LIST to THIS WEEKEND’S “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks (the #2 News Feature, just below) – the best concerts, festivals, club gigs, free shows, and more!
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** FAST LIST of FESTIVALS THIS WEEKEND (#2 News Feature)
PLUS, a whole buncha fresh wunnerful News Features, the Guide’s FIRE SONG CONTEST, upcoming stuff to jump on NOW, and a whole lot more!
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NEWS FEATURES in this edition…
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1) “HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS,” ON SATURDAY
2) WEEKEND-AT-A-GLANCE: “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” PICKS, FRIDAY-SUNDAY
3) THIS WEEKEND’S FESTIVALS, OCTOBER 22-24…
4) AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT: OCT 23 & 30
5) BOOKSIGNING IS A TRIUMPH OF COMMUNITY, COMING NOVEMBER 7…
6) DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 27: SONGWRITERS, ENTER YOUR “FIRE SONGS”
7) TOP WESTERN GROUP IS SO CAL-BASED, & RELEASING NEW CD
8) SIGN-UP NOW TO JOIN CELEBRITIES IN HOLIDAY CAROLING FOR SHUT-INS
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Here are those feature stories…
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1) “HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS,” ON SATURDAY
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Seats are STILL AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME! Discounts available to members of several music organizations! Reservations & info, 323-627-0662…
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It’s highly-acclaimed by past participants, chockfull of vital “MUST-KNOW” information for artists to effectively “work” the media to get your gig notices published, airplay for your music, reviews of your CDs, stories and profiles of you and your music in newspapers, magazines, and ezines – and plenty more things that will GET RESULTS (including more PAYING gigs) and save you a lot of time, money and frustration!
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On Saturday, October 23, from 11 am-1 pm, it’s “HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS” by LARRY WINES, one in a series of artists workshops at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations 626-794-2424; venue phone 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. (“the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).
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This is the same workshop presented at the AUTRY NATIONAL CENTER (Autry Museum) on July 10, to the acclaim of participants.
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Larry Wines is a master of effective press/media materials for artists, including one-sheets, bios, and tools that work. He knows promo materials and serves on expert panels at music conferences, providing knowledge and skills that artists can use.
Larry teaches “how to work the media” to get ~
* airplay for your music
* press for your gigs (print & electronic)
* radio & television guest spots
* reviews of your CD
* paid bookings
* signed to a label – he’s gotten clients signed!
THE WORKSHOP ~
* teaches techniques that WORK
* covers both print and EPK materials
* includes PowerPoint slides
* provides step-by-step “how-to” examples
* illustrates and explains each key element
* includes a Q&A session
* gives you useful take-home materials
LARRY WINES – music journalist, artist consultant, event producer & radio personality, is uniquely on both sides of the media – seeking and obtaining media attention for clients, and providing it for musicians and venues who seek it on an ongoing basis.
As a consultant to musicians, venues, songwriters, festivals, and the industry, he teaches what works. And he knows. He’s produced and booked music festivals and benefits for charity and he’s a longtime and award-winning journalist and editor.
Producer / host of the award-winning “Tied to the Tracks” Acoustic Americana radio program – included among Los Angeles Magazine’s “Best of L.A. 2006”– he’s interviewed and coaxed memorable live performances from hundreds of guests, from talented up-and-comers to established icons with Grammy, Juno, Emmy, Music Oscar and Peabody Awards.
He edits the massive weekly “Acoustic Americana Music Guide” (www.acousticmusic.net), writes a column and the annual “Best of / Top Ten” for FolkWorks magazine, and is a regular contributor to music forums.
Larry works with artists in many genres, including pop and rock, while maintaining his focus on developing talented musicians in today’s innovative “acoustic renaissance” and folk-Americana. In addition to his acclaimed one-on-one consultations, he directs workshops, serves on panels, and emcees at conferences and festivals.
TESTIMONIALS
* This is an update of the workshop presented by Larry Wines at the Autry National Center (Autry Museum) on July 10, to the acclaim of participants. Some examples:
* “I wish we’d know these things before we released our CD!” – Rob Wolfskill, The Tumbling Tumbleweeds, top Western Music Group of 2008
* “The best workshop for artists they’ve ever had there! I should know, I’ve been to all of them, and to many music and acting workshops throughout my career. Larry’s workshop is first-rate!” – Debbie Berry, musician and marketing professional.
* “Larry’s workshop was excellent and filled with useful information, and we need to get Larry to [our National Conference in] Albuquerque to present this workshop!” – Lindalee Green, National Board of Directors, Western Music Association.
THIS WORKSHOP is one in a series presented by the Coffee Gallery Backstage, Duane Thorin Productions, & Bob Stane. The series includes workshops on instrument and vocal techniques, songwriting, arranging and more. Each is presented by a top musician or recognized expert in the music industry.
Larry uses a PowerPoint presentation and includes step-by-step “how-to” examples with print and EPK pages, a Q&A session, and much more that will teach you how to do things that are EFFECTIVE, things that WORK. Workshop participants who register in advance receive take-home materials.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION at 323-627-0662
Arrive early – STARTS PROMPTLY, runs 2 full hours!
Fee, $25, includes take-home materials for all who pre-register.
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2) WEEKEND-AT-A-GLANCE: “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” PICKS, FRIDAY-SUNDAY
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Full write-ups are in the Guide’s complete events section for each day; Festivals are in their OWN News Feature (#3). Of course, the complete new edition of the Guide has all the deets about these shows and MANY more. For the harried and those with short attention spans, here’s our quickie run-down of this weekend’s best club gigs & concerts:
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:
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* SOLD OUT: 7 pm JOE FRANK at McCabe’s in Santa Monica.
* 7 pm “T.G.I. ALINA & FRIENDS” brings MARINA V plus ALINA SMITH & ALISSA MORENO for a “songwriter-in-the-round” session at Pi in West Hollywood.
* 8 pm TAJ MAHAL plus special guest VIEUX FARKA TOURÉ at UCLA Live in Royce Hall, on the UCLA campus in Westwood.
* 8 pm The truly all-star LIT BY FIREFLIES featuring JAMES RAYMOND (fresh off a major tour with CROSBY STILLS & NASH) at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
* 8-10 pm “FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHT FLICKS” presents ROGER CORMAN’S “HOUSE OF USHER,” from the short story by EDGAR ALLEN POE, at Pershing Square, in downtown L.A. Not music, but cool.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:
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* 1-7 pm annual “THUNDERFEST – BLUESAPALOOZA” with LES JOHNSON BLUES BAND, BARRY BIG B BRENNER, & STAN WEST. at The Fret House in Covina.
* 2:30-5 pm “SINGING OUT FOR JUSTICE” honors GUY CARAWAN in a “concert of celebration and support for Highlander Research and Education Center, in a house concert in Santa Monica.
* 7 pm SLIGO RAGS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
* 7:30 pm JOHN YORK (The BYRDS) plays the “Gelencser House Concert” series in Claremont.
* SOLD OUT: 7:30 pm JOHN SEBASTIAN at the “AMSD Concert” series in San Diego.
* 8 pm JUDY COLLINS plus AMY SPEACE at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.
* 8 pm BILL BURNETTE & THE BACKBONERS, featuring SUZY WILLIAMS, at Boulevard Music in Culver City.
* 8 pm WAYNE “THE TRAIN” HANCOCK, plus THE BLASTERS at Brixton South Bay in Redondo Beach.
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Plus, Saturday’s “EVENTS-OF-THE-WEEK” for Artists:
* 11 am-1 pm “HOW TO WORK THE MEDIA: A WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS” last presented at the Autry Museum, is an acclaimed workshop by LARRY WINES, one in a series of artists workshops at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
* (out of town…) annual “FOLK ALLIANCE REGION WEST (FAR-West) MUSIC CONFERENCE” this year in San Jose, CA. Runs Thu-Sun, Oct 21-24.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:
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* 7 pm KEN O’MALLEY brings his wonderful baritone voice, fine guitar, and authentic and original Irish music to the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.
* SOLD OUT: 7:30 pm JOHN SEBASTIAN at the “AMSD Concert” series in San Diego.
* 8 pm DAVID BROMBERG plays The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.
* 8 pm JUDY COLLINS plays 4th and B in San Diego.
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See the Guide’s complete EVENTS listings for all the details.
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3) THIS WEEKEND’S FESTIVALS, OCTOBER 22-24…
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Of the Saturday-only offerings, one is free and one is a benefit, so that might be the decision-maker for some. Both are “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks. Read-on, ‘cause the one that’s a benefit is something reeaaallly special, and the freebie festival has a very notable player. And, the BLUE RIDGE PICKIN’ PARLOR makes a comeback of sorts Saturday, presenting the music stage at the annual “SANTA CLARITA PUMPKIN FESTIVAL.” (Plus other ongoing festivals either continue or conclude this weekend.)
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FRIDAY’S FESTIVALS…
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* Runs daily, mid-Oct to Nov 2, “DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 2010” festival, on Olvera Street and in the adjacent plaza & bandstand, across from Union Station in downtown L.A. There’s a scope of events that vary by day, with major events and music Oct 30 through Nov 2. Many evenings feature live music, some with Native North American dancers in regalia, performing on ancient indigenous instruments. Info, call Mike Mariscal at 213-625-7074.
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* Runs daily, Oct 12 to 24, down the coast: 9th annual “OCEANSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL” throughout Oceanside, at various venues. Google it, as info comes and goes daily as it progresses.
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SATURDAY’S FESTIVALS…
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* Saturday-only, Oct 23, 2:30-5 pm “SINGING OUT FOR JUSTICE” is a musical reunion of key musicians of the Civil Rights Movement, as people who braved the dangers to make the freedom marches gather with folk historians and those who just want to be there to hear and witness now. It honors GUY CARAWAN with performances by GUY & CANDIE CARAWAN, LEN CHANDLER, ROSS ALTMAN, THE GET LIT PLAYERS, BETTY MAE FIKES (of the FREEDOM SINGERS), BERNIE PEARL, poet / emcee S. PEARL SHARP, and special surprise guests, in a “concert of celebration and support for the Highlander Center,” in a house and garden concert at the home of Jan Goodman & Jerry Manpearl in Santa Monica. Reservations get directions at 865-933-3443, x 226. Info, www.highlandcenter.org.
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This is easily a major “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” and “SHOW-OF-THE-YEAR” pick.
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GUY CARAWAN is a legend of folk music – not the safe and cozy kumbaya stuff, but the music of the trenches where social change was won against often brutal odds. This event raises funds while honoring Guy for “his 50-plus years of tireless service as a cultural worker with the Highlander Research and Education Center” of Knoxville, Tennessee. In 1961, Guy, as Music Director of the Highlander Center, helped arrange and spread a gospel and union song into “We Shall Overcome.” It became the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. It was first sung as we know it today at meetings, churches and rallies in the deep South, in those very dangerous times. Now, it is sung all over the world by people working towards social justice.
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Did ROSA PARKS just get on that bus on a whim? No, she studied nonviolent protest and civil disobedience at the Highlander Center.
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Since 1966, Highlander has administered the “We Shall Overcome Fund,” which receives royalties for the commercial use of the song from which it derives its name – the song that remains a worldwide anthem for freedom and justice. Musician Guy Carawan was one of the people who established that fund.
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This event’s musical lineup is impressive by any standards, and most appropriate for this commemoration. LEN CHANDLER, who performs today, was among the small and elite group of writers that included Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, & Malvina Reynolds – the group whose members first wrote notable songs of protest against the Vietnam War, as well as the key songs for the Civil Rights Movement. BETTIE MAY FIKES, from Selma, Alabama, is a vintage voice of the Movement, who performed often with the SNCC FREEDOM SINGERS as a soloist. Folk “singer-songfighter” ROSS ALTMAN, a veteran of many social justice causes, is the 2010 Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest’s “Music Legend Award” winner. BERNIE PEARL is acclaimed as “one of the great ambassadors of blues music and history;” he just might have played with more of the legendary late blues masters than anyone living today. The GET LIT PLAYERS are teenagers who “are tackling the darkness of illiteracy and lighting the way for our youth.”
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The event is presented by Ash Grove Music and the Highlander Center, with assistance from REV. JAMES M. LAWSON, colleague of both Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Guy Carawan.
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More info at www.ashgrovemusic.com and www.ashgrovefilm.com. Plus, after we wote our story, we learned that the Huffington Post has one, too, at www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-dreier/honoring-guy-carawan_b_761223.html. Gen’l tix are available in advance for $35, with larger donations encouraged.
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* Saturday-only, Oct 23, 1-7 pm, brings the annual “THUNDERFEST – BLUESAPALOOZA” at The Fret House and the downtown area surrounding it, centered on 309 N Citrus Av, Covina; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com.
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BLUESAPALOOZA is a tradition here, a once-a-year FREE day of the blues.
Here’s the lineup:
* 1 pm – LES JOHNSON BLUES BAND
* 3 pm – BARRY BIG B BRENNER
* 5 pm – STAN WEST
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Bluesman STAN WEST is the subject of last week’s “We’d Like You to Meet” feature – it’s News Feature #6, available in our archive, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/10/acoustic-americana-music-guide-oct-14.html.
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As for the “THUNDERFEST” part of the festival? That’s not heavy metal music, but heavy metal two-wheelers – the annual companion motorcycle show and meet.
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* Saturday-only, Oct 23, the BLUE RIDGE PICKIN’ PARLOR makes a comeback of sorts today, presenting the music stage at the annual “SANTA CLARITA PUMPKIN FESTIVAL.” Info, www.pickinparlor.com
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* Runs daily, Oct 12 to 24, down the coast: 9th annual “OCEANSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL” throughout Oceanside, at various venues. See “Friday’s Festivals,” just above, for details.
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* Runs daily, mid-Oct to Nov 2, “DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 2010” festival, on Olvera Street and in the adjacent plaza & bandstand, across from Union Station in downtown L.A. See “Friday’s Festivals,” just above, for details
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* Runs Sat & Sun, Oct 1-31, 10 am-5:30 pm: 13th annual “FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL” at Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark 93021; 805-529-3690; www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com. Festival runs all month, and each weekend has a different theme, including the Folk Festival, a Bluegrass Festival, and Cowboy/Western Music Festival. Admission is $12, though you can get discount coupons online and in various local newspapers.
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* Runs Sat & Sun, Oct 1-31, 9 am-5 pm: annual “HARVEST FESTIVAL” in the SFV at Forneris Farms, 15200 Rinaldi St, Mission Hills 91345; 818-361-0714 Farm Market; www.fornerisfarms.com; 818-730-7709. Live music on weekends; weekdays, the festival runs 2-5 pm. Features a refreshment stand on weekends with fresh roasted corn and more; a Farm Market with fall decorations and farm grown produce; a farm grown Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze Adventure (the editor can tell you that getting lost in one of these corn “maizes” is a distinct possibility); Tractor-pulled Train Ride – take a narrated ride around the farm; Farm Frolic Area for Kids – mini maze, giant hay pyramid, the Great Pumpkin jumper. Attractions have a fee, cash only (prices on their website). No pets. Free parking, free admission.
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SUNDAY’S FESTIVALS…
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* (Sunday only) 11th annual “OLD-FASHIONED FAMILY FAIR” Festival at Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Bl, Woodland Hills. Includes a 2 pm performance by MARINA V and LOVERS&POETS. Details www.marinav.com/events.php. One of three chances to catch Marina in L.A. before she crosses the pond to perform in Russia. (She’s still feeling good about the benefit show she played for the American Cancer Society on her birthday.) Marina justifiably gets great press (including here). Other media has written: “hauntingly beautiful” — L.A.Times; “Melodic and passionate music” — The Washington Post; “The voice of an angel” — The Prague Post.
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Some other festivals continue all weekend. Check the Saturday listings, above.
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4) AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT: OCT 23 & 30
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When we saw their picture in the L.A. Downtown News, we knew we had to spread the word to our readers. They’re a band called THE MORMONS, and they perform wearing matching black pants, short-sleeve white shirts with collars, narrow black neckties, and the piêcé de resistancé, bike helmets and little book-bag backpacks. Not exactly BILL MONROE’s “Monroe Doctrine” Sunday-go-to-meetin’ suits, nor do we expect, is the music. The DN’s story calls the lead singer “quasi-bananas, falling all over the place.” (Wonder how he rides a bicycle?) Their influences are said to be Devo, Minor Threat, Bad Brains and Talking Heads. It’s so over-the-top we had to tell you about ‘em. They finish their October residency the next two Saturdays, the 23rd & 30th, at Casey’s Irish Pub, 613 S Grand Av, downtown L.A., 90017; 213-629-2353; www.bigcaseys.com.
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5) BOOKSIGNING IS A TRIUMPH OF COMMUNITY, COMING NOVEMBER 7…
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LESLIE PERRY is a well-known and long-regarded figure throughout the Los Angles arts and storytelling communities. When he was diagnosed with ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease, his enduring inner strength and smiling presence began to endear him even more to those who knew him and those who came to know him.
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During one of Leslie’s visits to Altadena’s formidable little arts mecca, the Coffee Gallery (which includes the world-famous Coffee Gallery Backstage), Leslie let slip a revelation. He told Coffee Gallery coffeehouse and Front Stage proprietor / part-time standup comic JULIE SANDOVAL that he wished he “had gotten around to publishing that book” of his stories and plays that, over the years, he had crafted, polished, and never quite assembled for placement between covers.
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Say something like that to Julie, and stand back and watch. More likely, find you’ve been drafted to help, before you know what happened. Leslie found himself the guest of honor at an evening of performance art in a local church, chosen as the venue because it held more people than the Coffee Gallery. Musicians, poets, storytellers, pundits, painters and a growing legion of admirers came to the event to pay homage to Leslie, the man, and to Leslie, the artist.
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But that wasn’t all. When Julie wears her “event producer” hat, expect substantially more than an opportunity to bask in the light of a deserving honoree. Sure, there was the company of others who shared the sense of the honoree’s gifts, a gathering of those who “get it” when it comes to a sense of community with artists and others. But there was more, of a tangible variety.
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The irrepressible Julie does a long-running monthly “Cans for Comedy” show in the Backstage to help the local food bank. Beyond that, she was a key member of the triumvirate that brought-in more food donations than any weekend event in Pasadena history with last year’s “Food Drive at the Fork in the Road.” Plus, she produces the annual “Relay for Life” event in Farnsworth Park – including a live music stage – to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
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Julie’s event to honor Leslie Perry allowed an entire community to honor him and the legacy of his artistic body of work. It raised the money needed to publish that book he’d always dreamed he’d “gotten around to publishing.”
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That book is now a reality. “The Story Man – the Stories and Plays of Leslie Perry,” will make its debut with readings and Leslie in attendance, at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena, 91001. Info (for this event only, NOT for Backstage shows) is available by calling the venue phone at 626-398-7917.
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Come for Leslie, and come for yourself, to restore, reinforce or recharge your sense of community. You’ll laugh and you’ll be touched. The event is Sunday, November 7, at 2 pm.
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6) DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 27: SONGWRITERS, ENTER YOUR “FIRE SONGS”
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The deadline to enter your original songs in the Guide’s “Fire Song” contest is WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27.
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OUR CHALLENGE FOR ALL YOU SONGWRITERS is designed to get your original songs exposure right away, and bring you a chance to win RECOGNITION AND PRIZES in a vote by Guide readers.
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YOU CAN ENTER AS MANY SONGS AS YOU LIKE, FOR FREE! Each song must deal with “fire” or firefighters” in some way. To enter, send us the url of a place that everyone can see (or simply hear) your “fire song(s)” someplace on the web. Yep, either a music video, or audio-only, both forms are accepted. Send the info to
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tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
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and title your email FIRE SONGS.
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Get complete info on the contest at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/10/fire-songs-contest-ino.html
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7) TOP WESTERN GROUP IS SO CAL-BASED, & RELEASING NEW CD
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We’ve previously observed that the “Bakersfield Sound” safely moved to L.A. a few years ago, and that L.A.’s alt-country bands like I SEE HAWKS IN L.A., and groups led by DAVID SERBY and GRANT LANGSTON are better, more listenable, and certainly deliver more intelligent and substantial material than the Nashville Establishment’s endless gaggle of dysfunctional relationship wallows, foist on the public on payola-driven “country” radio.
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Similarly, we’ve explored the clear fact that “Country & Western” has become, as DON EDWARDS says, “neither of either,” since the two genres split two decades ago. And, we’ve celebrated the vitality of the resurgence of western music, the brilliant performing songwriters like DAVE STAMEY, BELINDA GAIL, KATY MOFFATT, R.W. HAMPTON, (the late) CURLY MUSGRAVE, and groups like COW BOP, and their songs, from honky-tonk to history-based and often humorous ballads and waltzes and polkas and lullabies, and the musicianship of the artists and the bands.
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If the real west is a state of mind, it should surprise no one that not a herd of Texans, but rather a Southern-California-based outfit, THE TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS, are the current holders of the top awards bestowed by both entities who recognize the best in Western music. The group’s growing fan base will be happy to know the Tumbleweed’s sophomore CD is ready to go for their CD release show on Saturday, November 13.
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The group won top honors from both the Academy of Western Artists and the Western Music Association following release of their debut album in 2008. Even before arrival of the new CD, the group is currently nominated for the 2010 Western Music Association “Outstanding Entertainer-Group Award” of 2010. With no Grammy specifically for western music, those are the top honors in the genre.
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They’ve been performing the material from their brand-new “Blaze Across the West” album for the past few months, including their new originals when they headlined the “National Day of the Cowboy & Cowgirl” this summer, which set attendance records at the Autry Museum in L.A.’s Griffith Park.
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To simply call this group a charming throwback to the SONS OF THE PIONEERS (complete with matching outfits) denies the originality the Tumbleweeds inject. Sure, they began as a tribute to that classic cowboy group. But they’ve grown their own identity. Among those who celebrate their music and performance? “Great Harmony, creative arrangements, keeping the tradition alive!” raves “RANGER DOUG” (aka DOUGLAS B. GREEN), of the Grammy-winning RIDERS IN THE SKY.
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Band members “TUMBLEWEED ROB” WOLFSKILL, “BIG CADE” PARENTI, CHRIS ACUFF and “BABYFACE” R.J. MILLS, are accompanied on the new CD by featured players JEAN SUDBURY on fiddle and “SMOKIN’ DAN” DUNGAN on bass.
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The group’s second album is being released both as a CD and digital download. The physical CD is available at www.thetumblingtumbleweeds.com, and on www.CDBaby.com, and digital download is available on iTunes and CDBaby.
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The new album includes five of their original tunes, “The Mighty Santa Fe,” ”Lazin’ Down the Trail,” “Sleepin’ on a Mountain,” “California,” and “So Now You’ve Gone,” each co-written and arranged by the group. As with their debut album, The quartet of Tumbling Tumbleweeds vocalists (and practitioners of fancy footwork) are accompanied on the recorded tracks by Sudbury on fiddle and Dungan on bass. In addition, the album features some notable musical guests.
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TUMBLEWEED ROB says, “We… wanted to go for a more lavish sound on this album and we are thrilled to have some of our friends in the western music world join us on this recording to add to our sound.”
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The result of these collaborations has produced the swing tune, “The Mighty Santa Fe,” featuring the group’s western music pal RIC STEINKE of OPEN RANGE on steel guitar; “Sleepin’ on a Mountain,” featuring “Harmonicowboy” GARY ALLEGRETTO on harmonica (he’s up for a “Grammy consideration”); “California,” a rollicking ranchera-styled homage to the group’s home state, featuring “conjunto norteno” style accordion master OTONO LUJAN of LOS POCHOS. And there’s a medley of swing classics, “You’re Getting Tired of Me” and “You Waited Too Long,” connected with an original Tumbleweeds tune, “So Now You’ve Gone,” making up the album’s “Lost Love Medley” and featuring Steinke once more on steel guitar.
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“We feel strongly about continuing to present the classic songs of the West that folks have come to expect from us,” asserts TUMBLEWEED ROB. He says the group wants to, “share our own thoughts and feelings about what the West means to us. That’s why we included a selection of both classic and original songs on this album.”
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The CD release show is Saturday, November 13, and it’s a Guide “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick. It’s at Out West, 24265 Main St, midway along the “Western Walk of Stars” in old town Newhall (Santa Clarita) 91321. The show is at 8 pm.
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The evening includes a copy of the new “Blaze Across the West” CD for each concert seat holder, the live performance by The Tumbling Tumbleweeds, light refreshments and “surprises.” Reservations are required at 661-255-7087 or toll free, 800-340-9378. Rather than tickets, admission is a “suggested donation” of $20.
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(This feature takes the place, this week, of our regular feature, “WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET…” which usually profiles an individual artist.)
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8) SIGN-UP NOW TO JOIN CELEBRITIES IN HOLIDAY CAROLING FOR SHUT-INS
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The 29th annual “LOS ANGELES HOLIDAY CAROLING” for shut-ins has just been announced. It happens at four senior care centers and a restaurant, all in the West San Fernando Valley. This year’s event is Sunday, December 5, beginning promptly at 4 pm and operating on an amazingly precise schedule. It’s an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK” for artists, and if you take part, you’ll banish any “bah humbugs” you might be carrying.
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Each year, this event brings-out many top award winning musicians and stars of film, TV, and stage. All are there, in the words of event founder VINCENT LEINEN, “to bring happiness and/or enlightenment to the elderly, to care-givers, and to participants in the event itself during the holiday season. He adds, Together we have the power to make a difference and to make the world a better place!”
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Vincent says, “The tradition of caroling for the elderly began for me in high school while singing at local senior care centers with the St. Mary Catholic Youth Association in Dow City, Iowa (pop. 498). It then continued while attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Now, as a resident of Los Angeles, the tradition has since evolved, grown, and expanded into a series of festivities celebrated across the country. This includes the large-scale, must-attend holiday event (est. 200 participants) in Los Angeles. This enjoyable and rewarding community service project is open to entertainers, singers and musicians of all talent levels and ages.”
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Vincent continues, “It is a very fulfilling opportunity to give and to receive joy, happiness, and holiday spirit to and from the elderly residents, care-givers, and participants, while enhancing one’s own perspective or appreciation of life, health, and family. Bottom line: Everyone greatly benefits from the festivities.”
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A full media blitz promoting this event will be launched to many major Los Angeles Metro radio, television, and newspaper outlets, local church bulletins etc., to promote the festivities and overall theme during the holiday season.
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Vincent’s invitation to the arts community contains an element of urgency: “All effort given to support, promote and participate in this heart-warming activity would be especially appreciated, since your contribution and presence would greatly enhance the festivities for all involved. Please RSVP ASAP!”
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So many artists take part that an early RSVP is indeed needed, so you CAN take part. You can get more details at www.ReachfortheStars.com/caroling and you can reach Vincent at 818-342-9336.
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THE LATEST FULL EDITION of the Acoustic Americana Music Guide is always available at
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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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