.

(If you're impatient, click to go there right away: .

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com )

.

.

A top-notch FESTIVAL happens this weekend, as the 2nd annual UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS FOLK FESTIVAL arrives in Moorpark, with FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER, MARY McCASLIN, SUSIE GLAZE, SIMON PURE, TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT, THE HOLLOW TREES, MOIRA SMILEY (of VOCO) & ANDY TABB, CHRIS CAIRNS TRIO, & THE CATERWAILERS, all day Sat & Sun, starting at 10 am both days, different lineups. That’s after Fur & Steve play an evening with MARY McCASLIN at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena on Oct 1! And THERE’S MORE:

+

The annual SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA UKULELE FESTIVAL is in Cerritos, while Saturday evening brings the 11th annual EAGLE ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL with over 40 musical acts, including BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO. In the OC all day is the annual HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DULCIMERS with KIM McKEE, KEN WILLSON, and DAVE HAAS, in Dana Point. In the SFV is the annual GRANADA HILLS STREET FAIRE with multiple music stages, including one booked by and in front of the Blue Ridge Pickin' Parlor. And all over L.A. is the fifth annual MUSEUMS FREE-FOR-ALL weekend when more than twenty Los Angeles–area museums ands arts institutions offer free admission. Out east, this is the closing weekend for music (and everything else) at the 2009 L.A. County Fair in Pomona. And you thought you were going to spend a boring weekend with the TV.

+

And there are boatloads more festivals NEXT weekend, when Sunday, Oct 11 is especially crazy (yep, that’s in this edition, too).

+

It’s inevitable, if you’re into music, that October is Rocktober, even in the land of acoustica. Call it what you will as you adjust to the end of those extended summer outdoor concert series. BUT WAIT! There’s a WHOLE LOTTA outdoor music THIS MONTH, even after this weekend in Moorpark. There’s the annual TASTE OF ENCINO / TASTE OF FOLK MUSIC on Sun, Oct 11, the annual OLD TIME FIDDLERS event in Santa Barbara the same day, AND a new ACCORDION FESTIVAL in Orange County that same day, too, PLUS the annual LONE PINE FILM FESTIVAL with top-notch music, Oct 9-11, and MORE!

+

Of course, it’s all here in the Guide, along with sooooo much REAL music you can see and hear LIVE, without embellished studio overproduction, soulless drum machines, pitch correction software, or other treatless tricks from Big Music’s bag of nonmusical fakery.

+

The editor still can’t use the computer as his recovery continues to progress from eye surgery - but he does contribute some colorful phrases and somehow coax a coalition of the willing to keep it all going.

+

WANT TO HELP? We can send info for you to format and send back to us for inclusion in the Guide! Of course, we want to include YOUR acoustic gigs in Southern Cal or at festivals everywhere (and these days, it’s really important that we receive your events ready to go in the Guide’s format).

+

This update is made possible by the combined efforts of many, in many places. We continue to format the unbelievable amount of info that the editor already had in the Guide’s database, and combine all of it. (He’s got stuff here into late 2010 already.) We hope to post the remainder of October’s events soon, and keep this thing going without interruption.

+

The editor thanks everyone for the cards and letters and tasty edibles and homemade treats, and for whatever well-wishes await in the mountain of emails that he can't yet read. A few at a time, we are starting to read them to him (there are over 2,700 there, waiting!)

.

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.

Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE 

.

OCTOBER 1 through 12, 2009 EDITION 

.

.

Herein is an almost incomprehensible number and variety of live acoustic performances all across the L.A. region, at festivals everywhere, and on radio shows that feature live performances and/or interviews with acoustic musicians that are available on the web. So go enjoy some wonderful live acoustic music!

+

OCTOBER’s live acoustic performances happen at concert halls, coffeehouses, clubs, bars, parks, band shells, fall festivals, and theaters and amphitheaters indoors and out, and all of it awaits you at

.

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

The last of September is still available, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/09/acoustic-americana-music-guide-sep-26.html

.

(Yes, you can give your friends the url, even if it reveals they don’t need to call you anymore to learn what’s happening.)

.

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.

Yes, it’s true -

There are more ACOUSTIC AMERICANA / ACOUSTIC RENAISSANCE music performances EVERY week in the Los Angeles area than the COMBINED TOTAL of ALL OTHER KINDS OF MUSIC!

+

(And that doesn’t even take into account the dozens of electric Americana shows!) 

.

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.

PLUS, you can check out Larry Wines’ September column in FolkWorks. It’s available free online at www.folkworks.org/content/viewcategorycur/89 and it’s a time of remembrances for the late musicians MIKE SEEGER and DAVID CARRADINE, and for WOODY GUTHRIE’S guitar.

.

.

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NEWS FLASH!

+

RADIO NEWS: the return from hiatus of the syndicated TIED TO THE TRACKS radio show is delayed, due to the producer / host’s ongoing recovery from eye surgery. (At least he has time to listen to all those submitted CDs that arrive daily!) We’ll keep you posted.

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BENEFIT CONCERT FOR LARRY WINES
Sunday, October 25, 2009
1:30 - 8 pm
$20.00

I See Hawks in LA
Severin Browne
Dave Morrison
Robert Morgan Fisher
Tim Tedrow & Terry Vreeland
Stephanie Bettman & Luke Halpin

Topanga Community House
1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd

For advanced tickets send checks directly to
Larry Wines
P.O. Box 5427
Pasadena, CA 91117-5427
(This would really help Larry)

Pot Luck contributions welcome

For more information or if you would like to help cook that morning
please email   marilyn babcock@...

Benefit concert for Larry Wines, producer & host of radio's "Tied to the
Tracks".

He showcases live performances from singer songwriter's in the americana, folk,
cowboy, bluegrass, and celtic traditions.
He produces the Acoustic Americana Music Guide and writes a column in FolkWorks.

After surgery for a detached retina, without health insurance, he faces an
uncertain amount of time of healing.

The syndication of the radio show is on hold and he cannot use the computer for
that and his other work.

He temporarily  cannot make a living and needs our help.

Joy's personal note: Larry is our very own SoCal treasure supporting traditional
music in so many ways. I'll be there and hope to see you! p.s. to Larry - Shall
I bring some chicken and green grapes?

We have a very special event to share with you -
coming on Sunday, October 11th,

The Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest is proud to present some of our favorite Main
Stage Professional Performers & Legends from our own Topanga Banjo Fiddle
Contest at "A Taste of Folk Music and Dance" - a FREE all-day Traditional Folk
Music Festival.

This free concert is presented in conjunction with the California Traditional
Music Society, and is part of the 23rd Annual Taste of Encino. Our stage - The
Taste of Topanga Stage - will be in Encino Park next to the CTMS Center for Folk
Music, located at 16953 Ventura Blvd in Encino – one block west of Balboa.

Now here's our really GREAT line-up:
10am Rocky Neck Bluegrass Band
11am Fur Dixon and Steve Werner
12noon Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band
1pm The Brombies
2pm Mother's Boys (Peter Feldmann, David Jackson and Richard Greene substituting
for Rich Cuhna): Peter and Richard are past TBFC Legend Award Winners
3pm Ross Altman
And closing the show at 4 pm is Simon Pure

Enjoy an entire day, from 10AM to 5PM, of spectacular music on the Topanga Banjo
Fiddle Festival Stage, and even more music on the California Traditional Music
Society Stage, PLUS dancing, story telling and even a HANDS-ON INSTRUMENT
PETTING ZOO!

For additional information on our performing bands, visit our website at
www.Topangabanjofiddle.org and click on Free Concerts, then Taste of Topanga.

We can't wait to share the music with you!

Joy Felt
Board of Directors
Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest

50th Anniversary Coming May, 2010
Paramount Ranch, Agoura, CA
www.topangabanjofiddle.org
Hotline: 818-382-4819
Advance Discount Tickets will be available soon

.

(If you're impatient, click to go there right away: .

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com )

.

.

Read JOEL OKIDA’s review of WPA (Works Progress Administration) superstar band at Largo in L.A., Oct 6; it’s at

+

www.nodepression.com/profiles/blogs/review-of-wpa-works-progress

or

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/10/review-of-wpa-works-progress.html

.

.

We’re deep into FALL FESTIVAL season, and waaay too many fine ones happen this weekend. (We warned you in the last edition that Sunday, Oct 11 is especially crazy and we’ve added even MORE festivals and other gigs that happen on Saturday and / or Sunday).

+

An outline of festivals this weekend:

There’s the annual SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES with its multiple stages of music in Ventura;

the annual TASTE OF FOLK MUSIC / TASTE OF ENCINO centers on the free folk & bluegrass music stages in Encino Park on Sunday;

the annual BLUESAPALOOZA / THUNDERFEST has several venues Saturday in Covina, including the Fret House;

the 38th annual SANTA BARBARA OLD TIME FIDDLERS' CONVENTION is Sunday in Goleta;

AND a new ACCORDION FESTIVAL in Orange County happens, too, on Sun, Oct 11;

OC has two festivals, as THE GREAT AMERICAN RAGTIME PIANO SHOW happens Sunday in Fullerton;

the annual MONROVIA FESTIVAL happens in that charming San Gabriel Valley burg, all weekend;

CASTAIC DAYS is all day Saturday at Castaic Lake, and features only original music;

the annual UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS FALL FESTIVAL continues through the month in Moorpark;

PLUS, farther away:

the 12th annual TRAIN SONGS FESTIVAL happens Saturday down in Poway (North San Diego County);

the 4th annual JOSHUA TREE ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL is in the desert all weekend;

the annual LONE PINE FILM FESTIVAL, Oct 9-11, includes a fine concert, and more;

AND, this is as strong a week and weekend of first-rate folk-Americana shows in clubs and coffeehouses and concert halls as we’ve ever presented. Oh the tension of soooo many decisions where to go, and how to get from two or three early events to a couple of late ones, and the foregone conclusion that you’ll be taking the hammer to the piggybank.

+

Yep, obviously, October is Rocktober, even in the land of acoustica. There’s an abundance of music indoors and out throughout this month.

+

Of course, it’s all here in the Guide, along with sooooo much REAL music you can see and hear LIVE, without embellished studio overproduction, soulless drum machines, pitch correction software, or other treatless tricks from Big Music’s bag of nonmusical fakery.

.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

.

The editor still can’t use the computer as his recovery continues to progress from eye surgery - but he does contribute some colorful phrases and somehow coax a coalition of the willing to keep it all going.

+

WANT TO HELP? We can send info for you to format and send back to us for inclusion in the Guide! Of course, we want to include YOUR acoustic gigs in Southern Cal or at festivals everywhere (and these days, it’s really important that we receive your events ready to go in the Guide’s format).

+

This update is made possible by the combined efforts of many, in many places. We continue to format the unbelievable amount of info that the editor already had in the Guide’s database, and combine all of it. (He’s got stuff here into late 2010 already.) We hope to post the remainder of October’s events soon, and keep this thing going without interruption.

+

The editor thanks everyone for the cards and letters and tasty edibles and homemade treats, and for whatever well-wishes await in the mountain of emails that he can't yet read. A few at a time, we are starting to read them to him (there are over 2,700 there, waiting!)

.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

.

Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE 

.

OCTOBER 8 through 15, 2009 EDITION 

.

.

Herein is an almost incomprehensible number and variety of live acoustic performances all across the L.A. region, at festivals everywhere, and on radio shows that feature live performances and/or interviews with acoustic musicians that are available on the web. So go enjoy some wonderful live acoustic music!

+

OCTOBER’s live acoustic performances happen at concert halls, coffeehouses, clubs, bars, parks, band shells, fall festivals, and theaters and amphitheaters indoors and out, and all of it awaits you at

.

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

(Yes, you can give your friends the url, even if it reveals they don’t need to call you anymore to learn what’s happening.)

.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

.

Yes, it’s true -

There are more ACOUSTIC AMERICANA / ACOUSTIC RENAISSANCE music performances EVERY week in the Los Angeles area than the COMBINED TOTAL of ALL OTHER KINDS OF MUSIC!

+

(And that doesn’t even take into account the dozens of electric Americana shows!) 

.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

.

PLUS, you can check out Larry Wines’ September column in FolkWorks. It’s available free online at www.folkworks.org/content/viewcategorycur/89 and it’s a time of remembrances for the late musicians MIKE SEEGER and DAVID CARRADINE, and for WOODY GUTHRIE’S guitar.

.

.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

.

RADIO NEWS: the return from hiatus of the syndicated TIED TO THE TRACKS radio show is delayed, due to the producer / host’s ongoing recovery from eye surgery. (At least he has time to listen to all those submitted CDs that arrive daily!) We’ll keep you posted.

.

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.

.

The current issue of the Acoustic Americana Music Guide is available at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/10/acoustic-americana-music-guide-oct-13.html

Here’s some big news from the Guide:

GRAMMY AWARDS ADD AMERICAN ROOTS CATEGORY

At last. Music’s biggest award is now inclusive of much that it had too long ignored. Encompassing a wide spectrum, the GRAMMY Awards have added FIELD 13 – the American Roots Music Category – and the following will see nominations and award Grammys:
. Americana Album
. Bluegrass Album
. Traditional Blues Album
. Contemporary Blues Album
. Traditional Folk Album
. Contemporary Folk Album
. Hawaiian Music Album
. Native American Music Album
. Zydeco or Cajun Music Album

The Roots Music Group (www.rootsmusicreport.com) observes, “It has been several years of hard work promoting Roots Music as a musical format and it’s great to see the artists, labels, promotion folks and radio stations that support Roots Music getting additional truly deserved acknowledgment.”

"The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" — a live one-hour television special — debuted last year and returns to set the stage for the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast. The special will be broadcast from L.A.’s Club Nokia Dec 2 from 8-9 pm ET/PT, on the CBS Television Network, and will announce nominations in several categories as well as feature performances by past GRAMMY winners and/or nominees. Announcement of presenters, performers and additional information is due soon.
 
Last year’s nominations concert was the first time in GRAMMY history that nominees for music's top award were announced on a live, nationally televised primetime special. Its success means it’s already a fixture that “Music's Biggest Night” two months before the live telecast of the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at L.A.’s Staples Center on Jan 31, 2010, and airing at 8 pm ET/PT on CBS (meaning, as usual, the West Coast sees it three hours after it happened).

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

.

Many events and festivals this weekend are in the new edition, but first…

+

TWO BENEFIT CONCERTS for Larry Wines (editor of the Guide, music journalist and radio host) who is recovering from eye surgery (without medical insurance). Those benefit concerts are coming up on Fri, Oct 23 at 8 pm, and the BIG show with an extravaganza of artists is on Sun, Oct 25, from 1 to 8 pm. BOTH CONCERTS are described in detail AFTER the current event listings, with the other “Ticket Alerts” for upcoming events, so you can GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY SELL-OUT!

+

Meantime, send your friends to the Guide; just tell them to go this url ~

.

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com 

.

~ you don’t even need to tell them why. They will be amazed and they will thank you.

+

If it’s escaped your notice, there’s a great show at the Autry Museum Sunday afternoon at 3:30, with top award-winning cowboy singer-songwriter DAVE STAMEY; and Canadian singer-songwriter (and winner of every kind of music award) JOHN WORT HANNAM has several local dates; and the amazing BOULDER ACOUSTIC SOCIETY is in town from Colorado, playing the Coffee Gallery Backstage Tuesday night at 8 pm.

+

If you’re trapped and all you have is web access, use it Sunday at 11 am to watch FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER as they perform live for prime-time European audiences.

+

There are oh-so-many events this weekend (including FIVE festivals Saturday) and shows into next week, and all are in this issue!

+

SO, DON YOUR SAFARI SHIRT (the one with all those pockets) and put the leather helmet and goggles on, so you can brave the freeways in that open-top tin lizzy. There is sooooo much REAL music waiting for you, right here in the Guide!

.

.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

.

Our recent news feature, “Grammy Awards Add American Roots Category,” is at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/10/grammy-awards-add-american-roots.html

.

You can check out Larry Wines’ most recent column in FolkWorks. It’s available free online at www.folkworks.org/content/viewcategorycur/89. It’s a time of remembrances for the late musicians MIKE SEEGER and DAVID CARRADINE, and for WOODY GUTHRIE’S guitar.

+

Read JOEL OKIDA’s review for the Guide of the WPA (Works Progress Administration) superstar band at Largo in L.A., Oct 6; it’s at www.nodepression.com/profiles/blogs/review-of-wpa-works-progress  or at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/10/review-of-wpa-works-progress.html

.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

.

The editor still can’t use the computer as his recovery continues to progress from eye surgery - but he does contribute some colorful phrases and somehow coax a coalition of the willing to keep it all going.

+

WANT TO HELP? Write to us at tiedtothetracks@...

+

The editor thanks everyone for the cards and letters and tasty edibles and homemade treats, and for whatever well-wishes await in the mountain of emails that he can't yet read. A few at a time, we are starting to read them to him (there are over 3,900 there, waiting!)

.

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

.

.

A TRUE MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA (Oct 25) is one of TWO BENEFIT CONCERTS for Larry Wines (editor of the Guide, music journalist and radio host) who is recovering from eye surgery (without medical insurance). They are Friday night, Oct 23rd at 8 pm (a wonderful show!), and a veritable music festival on Sunday, Oct 25th from 1 to 8 pm. These include many of L.A.’s top award-winning artists and best acoustic bands. BOTH CONCERTS are described in detail in our listings!

+

The KNITTING FACTORY in Hollywood calls it quits after their multi-stage show Sunday night, Oct 25; though they’ve brought us some fine acoustic acts, like the AVETT BROTHERS, they’re going out with a big lineup of loud rock and ska. Maybe they shoulda brought in more Americana music…

+

Following our extensive current event descriptions of HUNDREDS of shows in and around Los Angeles, and radio shows available on-air or on the web, we bring you Ticket Alerts for upcoming events, so you can GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY SELL-OUT.

+

Meantime, send your friends to the Guide! Just tell them to go this url ~

.

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com 

.

~ you don’t even need to tell them why. They will be amazed and they will thank you.

+

Last edition, we said, “DON YOUR SAFARI SHIRT (the one with all those pockets) and put the leather helmet and goggles on, so you can brave the freeways in that open-top tin Lizzy. There is sooooo much REAL music waiting for you, right here in the Guide!” ~ well, guess what? At BOULDER ACOUSTIC SOCIETY’s fine show on Oct 20, they showed the audience their new CD ~ and how the package transforms into a stereopticon viewer, which is a little leather helmet, and goggles you look through to view each of the four stereo pictures they include. Is that serendipitously congruous, or what?

.

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NEWS:

.

In Memoriam…

I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. pay tribute to the late AMY FARRIS this week on their blog with some MP3s of the Hawks and Amy from Cole's basement. The guys add, “We miss you sister.” As do we. Find their tribute at www.iseehawks.com/hawkslog/#000394

.

FEATURE STORY: ‘Grammy Awards Add American Roots Category,’ our recent news feature, is at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/10/grammy-awards-add-american-roots.html

.

FOLKWORKS: you can check out Larry Wines’ most recent column, available free online at www.folkworks.org/content/viewcategorycur/89. It’s a time of remembrances for the late musicians MIKE SEEGER and DAVID CARRADINE, and for WOODY GUTHRIE’S guitar.

+

REVIEW: WPA (Works Progress Administration) superstar band – you can read JOEL OKIDA’s review for the Guide of their Oct 6 show at Largo in L.A.; it’s at www.nodepression.com/profiles/blogs/review-of-wpa-works-progress  or at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/10/review-of-wpa-works-progress.html

.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

.

The editor still can’t use the computer as his recovery continues to progress from eye surgery - but he does contribute some colorful phrases and somehow coax a coalition of the willing to keep it all going.

+

WANT TO HELP? Write to us at tiedtothetracks@...

+

The editor thanks everyone for the cards and letters and tasty edibles and homemade treats, and for whatever well-wishes await in the mountain of emails that he can't yet read. A few at a time, we are starting to read them to him (there are over 3,900 there, waiting!)

.

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

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

.

.

The Guide’s extensive event listings and descriptions follow just TWO items:

.

1) NEWS QUICKIE, WITH A BIT OF CAJOLING TO GO AND ENJOY YOURSELF…

+

Bob Stane, renowned show biz impresario, was just honored by the Folk Alliance Region West (FAR West) as recipient of their annual Ambassador Award. He was just featured on the news broadcasts on FOUR L.A. television stations, and with a full page story in the Pasadena Star News and a similar amount of space in the L.A. Times. He was just in the Chicago Tribune.

+

Bob is, of course, the proprietor of the Coffee Gallery Backstage, in Altadena. That’s the venue that wins, every year, in FolkWorks, the recognition as the “Best Intimate Venue for Live Acoustic Music.”

+

But none of it is enough to keep his cozy little venue safe in the current economy, despite the fact that Bob books more “name” acoustic acts than any place else in the L.A. region. So, as he is wont to do, Bob is reverting to his comedic roots. He is circulating an appeal that reads, “Folks, now is the time to work The Coffee Gallery Backstage into your Entertainment Budget. The economy is hitting us all hard and, despite excellent shows we are having trouble filling our paltry 49 seats. I am not being an alarmist but we have to ask for your cooperation. We need to have you attend. Entertainment venues are dropping off the map. My previous business was begging on the street. I have this fine scruffy cat costume and I stand by the freeway with a sandbox in my paws and a sign on it that says, ‘Can't land on all fours.’ It's not dignified for a guy of my age. Don't make me go there again.”

+

Singer-songwriter and fiddle champ Stephanie Bettman replies, “No! We mustn't make Bob go back there again.” Having just come off the road, she adds, “Support your local independent music venues. They are struggling all over the country.” See you at the Coffee Gallery Backstage and some of the other delightful venues that work so hard to provide quality live music for all of us.

+

Supporting your local venue, your local artists, and your favorite touring artists won’t put you in the poor house. Because, ya know what? It’s CHEAPER to go out to an evening of live music than to go to a 90 minute movie in a multiplex shoebox theatre and buy popcorn and a soda. And music venues don’t subject you to 20 minutes of blaring ads and annoying images before the show. (Really and truly, live music is cheaper!)

.

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

.

.

2) FRED STARNER MEMORIAL SERVICE is Sat, Nov 14, 3-6 pm, and open to his friends and fans and admiring public, at the Studio City Unitarian Church, 12355 Moorpark Av, Studio City 91604. Celebrate the life and music of “BANJO FRED” STARNER, Grand Duke of Hobo Minstrels, retired economics professor, singer-songwriter, past guest (multiple times) on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and well-known peace activist.

+

There will be music, stories, and the L.A. premiere screening of Fred's documentary film, "The Hobo’s Song: That's The Ticket, Roadhog," a fascinating look at today's hobos in America, still riding the rails, carrying on a way of life dating back to the 1930s and holding hobo gatherings and even music festivals. Fred did the film’s music, too. The film’s director, Bill McIntyre, will lead a post-screening discussion of the film.

+

For those who knew and appreciated Fred's gentle wisdom, wit, dedication to peace and his unique performance style - there was nobody who could play a folk song on a twelve string guitar or a banjo quite like Fred - his presence will be sorely missed.  A good man is gone. Come celebrate Fred's life. Note the time change from that indicated previously. Co-Sponsored by Neighbors for Peace & Justice and the Santa Monica Traditional Folk Music Club. More info, 323-931-9321 or Greygoosemusic@...

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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2009, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.

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Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE

.

NOVEMBER 10 through 17, 2009 EVENT LISTINGS

.

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As for alllllll those event listings? Concerts, club gigs, coffeehouse shows, acoustic open mics, workshops, and RADIO SHOWS with performance-interviews with acoustic musicians, yep, the whole enchilada, is all available at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

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Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE & NEWS

.

NOVEMBER 28-30, 2009

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You’ll find the last of November’s events, highlighted by the fact that the editor is once again making his “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks(!) for those who have asked (and those who haven’t). PLUS, some before-the-listings NEWS, and our popular “Heads-Up for advance tickets” listings.

+

It’s all here for you, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

.

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.

FIRST, a bit of NEWS:

.

===

.

ENJOY LIVE MUSIC WHILE YOU BUY ALL YOUR HOLIDAY JUNK (ER, GIFTS)

+

It’s the age-pld dilemma. They’re a couple. She’s addicted to recreational shopping, and he’d rather have a root canal than be dragged along. The Guide offers a solution. Beginning this weekend, there are events where merchants offer music and other pleasant amenities to lure shoppers. Check out the events in Old Pasadena this weekend, beginning at noon Saturday (see the Guide’s listing). He can oogle the Rose Parade Queen and Princesses, she can spend herself into credit card hell, and both can enjoy music and various treats. More of the same happens in Santa Monica on Dec 4, and no doubt elsewhere. As we learn of more events with live acoustic music, we’ll let you know.

.

===

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LEFTOVER TURKEY RECIPE FROM MURPHY’S FLAW

+

They’ve won in the top three more than once at the prestigious Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest, and you’ve heard their music on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” They’re musically exciting with plenty of entertaining banter, delivering a fun mix of bluegrass / newgrass and whatever else emerges from their bag of tricks. As you read the following, keep in mind that they are know for their forays into the realm of comedy. Now, they tell us, “During these last-minute, frenetic days of not practicing for the big gig Saturday at Vincenzo's Pizza in Chatsworth, we thought we'd take a breather and offer you some ways to get creative with all those Thanksgiving day leftovers.

+

“The Flaw is indebted to Chef Francois Alles-Zirconia of the prestigious nausées Académie de la cuisine in Paris who came up with this quick recipe for braised turkey almondine gumbo:

salt

1 lb fresh lard, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths

1 cup artificial sweetener

8 oz bacon, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

2 tbsp chopped turkey skin

3 cups grenedine syrup

1 cup stuffing

water to taste

3 lbs lemon zest

4 vanilla beans (or substitute with a large can of pork and beans)

Artificial whipped topping -- just a dab'll do ya.

Combine ingredients in blender on high for three minutes. Pour into lightly floured plastic container and place in 375-degree oven for 12 hours.

+

“Don't skimp on the time -- it's the slow cooking that brings together the flavors of the turkey skin, grenadine and plastic.”

+

“While all that's in the oven, you may as well take-in the Flaw's performance at Vincenzo's Pizza in Chatsworth on Saturday night:” [See the Guide’s 7 pm listing. And if you actually cooked the foregoing, bring your stomach pump.]

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===

.

REVIEW…

If you missed our recent review of BOULDER ACOUSTIC SOCIETY by Joel Okida, it’s available at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/11/review-boulder-acoustic-society-getting.html)

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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2009, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.

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Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE & NEWS

.

DECEMBER 1 through 4, 2009

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Egads, it’s December. We still haven’t mailed our cards for Ground Hog Day. At least your holiday dashing about is simplified, because the editor is once again making his “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks to humbly assist you. Plus, you’ll find a bit o’ news, the info on radio shows that feature live performance-interviews with acoustic musicians (mostly on-line, simulcast from radio stations elsewhere, of course). And you’ll find our popular “Heads-Up for advance tickets” listings.

+

It’s all here for you, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.

FIRST, a bit of NEWS:

.

===

.

VICTORIA VOX IS ON THE JAY LENO SHOW, WED NIGHT

+

Wed, on TV, at 10 pm, VICTORIA VOX performs on the JAY LENO SHOW on NBC (broadcast ch 4 in L.A.) ~ she’s charming and a fine musician, a two-time guest on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”

.

.

===

.

.

COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE ~ FORK NEWS

+

You’re safe. We said “Fork News,” NOT “Faux News.” Remember that 18-foot-tall fork that mysteriously appeared at the “fork in the road” in Pasadena, as a surprise 75th birthday present for Bob Stane, the impresario of the world-famous Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena?

+

Well, there’s more. Bob announced during the intermission at Sunday night’s show and quipped with the audience about the cult that’s formed around the fork. (For example, over two tons of food were brought and donated there for needy folks, in just two days, the weekend before Thanksgiving.) Now, Bob says he’s “starting a new religion around the fork,” and its adherents are known as “the Forkians.” At the break, your editor told Bob he had omitted the obvious Forkian Salute, as a counterpart to Mr. Spock’s famous hand gesture on Star Trek. Seeing it, Bob immediately declared it to be the official greeting and recognition signal.

+

In fact, it caused Bob to do the nearly unprecedented, and take to his own stage. When intermission concluded, he demonstrated the salute: thumb tucked-in, four fingers equally spaced and parallel. The entire room immediately returned his salute through a wave of laughter. Not long after that, Guide staffer Sally Seymour gave the salute to your editor and proclaimed, “May the Fork be with you.”

+

Yes, Bob has now added that to the Forkian liturgy, as the official accompaniment to the hand salute. So, next time you attend a show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, be prepared to return the salute in four-quarter tine. (See? It is contagious, isn’t it?) You can find more at www.coffeegallery.com

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.

===

.

.

Part 2 of ENJOY LIVE MUSIC WHILE YOU BUY YOUR HOLIDAY JUNK (ER, GIFTS)

+

Back to solving The Age-Old Dilemma. They’re a couple. She’s addicted to recreational shopping, and he’d rather have a root canal than be dragged along. The Guide offers a solution. Beginning this weekend, there are events where merchants offer music and other pleasant amenities to lure shoppers. We told you last ish about the Thanksgiving weekend events in Old Pasadena and now, more of the same happens for one night in Santa Monica, with similar one-night events the same day in Claremont and in Venice. See the times and dates in the Guide for complete listings, and here’s what to look for.

+

Friday, Dec 4, is the annual “MONTANA AVENUE HOLIDAY WALK” from 7th-17th St, along Montana Av, in Santa Monica, 5-9 pm; it’s a big deal on the West side.

+

On Friday, Dec 4, there’s more:

 “FREE FRIDAYS” (every Fri) at the LONG BEACH MUSEUM OF ART in Long Beach, 11 am-5 pm, gives you a chance to shop at the museum store and enjoy the exhibits;

+

and, the “MONROVIA FAMILY FESTIVAL” offers a four-block street fair in old downtown Monrovia, every Fri, 5:30-10 pm, always with live acoustic music in several places ~ free parking, free event.

+

and, on Fri, Dec 4 (first Fri, every month) is the “ART WALK” in Claremont, with live music, 5:30-9 pm.

+

and, on Fri, Dec 4 (first Fri, every month) is the  “FIRST FRIDAYS ON ABBOT KINNEY ART WALK” with art and music all the boulevard in Venice, 7 pm.

+

Other recurring events that offer similar possibilities are

+

Every Wednesday, there’s the weekly “WINE & SONG” series hosted by award-winning songwriter BRAD COLERICK always with great musical guests, at WineStyles in South Pasadena, 7-9 pm; you can buy bottles of wine there while you hear the music. A bit earlier and farther east, every Wed is the “CLAREMONT WEDNESDAY GREEN MARKET” featuring live acoustic music inside and outside the Packing House in Claremont, from 5-8 pm. There are these and, no doubt, similar events elsewhere for the next few weeks. As we learn of more shopping-with-escape-hatch events with live acoustic music, we’ll let you know.

+

Thursday, Dec 3, is “SAN PEDRO’S FIRST THURSDAY ARTWALK,” this month with a holiday theme, 6-9 pm. A bit later on Thu, Dec 3, is the “PRE HOLIDAY WINE TASTING” at Café Cordiale in Sherman Oaks, beginning at 8 pm.

+

Beyond that? Well, there’s that always-wonderful holiday gift idea: give a fine CD to your music loving friends!

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===

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Entire contents copyright (c) © 2009, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

It’s DECEMBER,

.

…and WINTER arrives on the 21st. (As if you can tell the difference in Southern California.)

.

The name of the last month of the year comes from the Latin word, decem, which means tenth. December was the tenth month of the ancient Roman calendar.

.

Christmas is celebrated in most of the Christian world on December 25, though there is no credible evidence that Jesus was born then, or even born in the winter. December 25th was designated as Christmas Day by the Roman Emperor Constantine, to rob the thunder from the largest competing “new” religion, Mithraism, and its holiday, the Day of the Feast of Mithra. That tactic would become for the next thousand years, as the Catholic Church spread Christianity throughout Europe by co-opting various pagan holidays and re-designating them as the special days of various Catholic Saints. While all the history is fascinating, there’s no reason not to share and enjoy the central message of Christmas ~ peace on earth, good will to all people.

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===

.

December’s Poem-of-the-month:

.

Merry Christmas

We was whistlin', we was singin' on a winter afternoon;
The hobble chains and fryin' pans was jinglin' to the tune.
Fer we knew the day was Christmas and the line camp was in sight,
No, it wasn't much to look at but it suited us all right.
 
We onpacked and we onsaddled, then we turned our hosses out;
We cooked lots of beef and biscuits and we made the coffee stout.
We et all we could swaller, then we set and took a smoke,
And we shore did work our memory out to find a bran new joke.
 
No, it wasn't like the Christmas like the folks have nowadays—
They are livin' more in comfort, and they've sorter changed their ways—
But I sorter wish, old pardner, we could brush the years away,
And be jest as young and happy, as we was that Christmas Day.
 
- Bruce Kiskaddon, 1933

(and if you enjoyed that, get acquainted with www.cowboypoetry.com)

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

Now, on to the ACOUSTIC MUSIC LISTINGS in the Guide…

at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

.

.

The Weekend Update originally posted early Friday, but we didn't get around to telling you about it, in case you didn't think to go check. So we trimmed it to start with Saturday's events... 

.

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Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE & NEWS

.

DECEMBER 5 through 7, 2009 ~ WEEKEND UPDATE

.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

.

This weekend is plumb full.

+

Your editor is honored, once again, to be the emcee of the annual CHRISTMAS CONCERT at the Autry Museum, Sunday afternoon, 2-5 pm. It features TOP stars of the Western music world and it’s always a fine show with a superb line-up. It would be a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick even if your editor was not participating in it. (See the Guide’s listing.)

+

If you’re in a hurry, it’s all here for you, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

Of course, there’s a whole lot more happening, and our NEW FORMAT helps you find it!

EACH DAY’s listings now use the following sequence, to make it easier to find what you want:

.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.

NEW FORMAT for the Guide:

+

NEWS ITEMS may or may not precede everything else…

And, the first week of the month always has the history of how that month got its name, perhaps a comment or two about that month, and the Poem-of-the-Month.

+

Then, here’s what to expect:

+

(1)  “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks are at the BEGINNING of EACH DAY’s listings to humbly assist you through the maze of amazing live music offerings each day. These are in a “bare-bones” list ~ find full write-up in the Guide, by the event’s starting time.

+

(1a)  “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK-FOR-ARTISTS” picks are next (when they occur) and these include workshops, seminars, conferences, etc, that help musicians navigate their careers. (These, too, are in a “bare-bones” list ~ find the full write-up in the Guide.)

+

(2)  RADIO & TV SHOWS that feature live performance-interviews with acoustic musicians (mostly on-line, simulcast from radio stations elsewhere) now have their OWN SECTION. No more need to sort-through the day’s listings to find them!

+

(3)  “BEST OUT-OF-TOWN EVENTS” ~ beyond the region covered by the Guide’s usual listings ~ now come next. These events may be anywhere in the world, or just a few hours’ drive from the Guide’s geographic area of regular coverage.

+

(4)  “LOCAL FESTIVALS” come next, listed each day that one or more happens in the Guide’s coverage area.

+

(5)  “LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events ~ the heart of the Guide ~ is found here each day, with dozens and dozens of live acoustic music shows in the Guide’s primary coverage area, from Los Angeles to San Fernando Valley to Antelope Valley to Pasadena to San Gabriel Valley to Ventura and Santa Barbara to South Orange County to Inland Empire Valleys.

+

(6)  “EARLY ANNOUNCEMENTS / UPCOMING EVENTS / BUY TIX NOW” listings always follow the Guide’s current comprehensive coverage. We include this section to help you make plans, because things happen too fast for us to stretch the complete Guide too far into the future (and any time we try, we get a BUNCH of late notices of even MORE shows, that arrive after deadline…)

+

(7)  “MORE STUFF >>>>>>> Other News, Resources, etc…” is at the end of each edition. There, you’ll find links for FAQs, how to submit your gigs to the Guide, and ways to help.

+

It’s all here for you, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.

Here’s a bit of EVENT NEWS

.

===

.

On Sunday, Dec 6, from 4-9:30 pm is the 28th Annual “LOS ANGELES HOLIDAY CAROLING FESTIVITIES” with a vast array of celebrity and other musical participants (including YOU, if you’d like). Details are in the Guide’s special News Feature at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2009/12/sun-dec-6-take-part-in-28th-annual-los.html , or go to www.ReachfortheStars.com/Caroling. For further info or to RSVP your participation, contact Vincent J. Leinen at 818-342-9336, e-mail BD754@... . Your editor cannot take part this year because he’s emcee at the annual CHRISTMAS CONCERT at the Autry Museum; see the 2 pm Sunday listing for that info).

.

///\\\///\\\

.

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

.

Part 3 of “ENJOY LIVE MUSIC WHILE YOU BUY YOUR HOLIDAY JUNK (ER, GIFTS)”

+

(…reduced to what’s still happening, from the original BIG list in the Dec 1 edition):

+

Back to solving The Age-Old Dilemma. They’re a couple. She’s addicted to recreational shopping, and he’d rather have a root canal than be dragged along. The Guide offers a solution. There are events where merchants offer live music, often with other pleasant amenities, to lure shoppers. We reported in recent editions about the music-filled Thanksgiving weekend in Old Pasadena, and the special one-night annual events in Santa Monica, Claremont, and Venice. But it isn’t over: there are still the recurring events that take-on a Holiday character.

+

See the times and dates in the Guide for complete listings, and here’s what to look for.

+

Every Wednesday:

5-8 pm The “CLAREMONT WEDNESDAY GREEN MARKET” features live acoustic music inside and outside the Packing House in Claremont.

+

Every Wednesday:

7-9 pm The weekly “WINE & SONG” series hosted by award-winning songwriter BRAD COLERICK always brings talented musical guests, at WineStyles in South Pasadena, and you can buy bottles of wine there while you hear the music.

+

Every Friday:

11 am-5 pm “FREE FRIDAYS” at the LONG BEACH MUSEUM OF ART in Long Beach, gives you a chance to shop at the museum store and enjoy the exhibits.

+

Every Friday:

5:30-10 pm The “MONROVIA FAMILY FESTIVAL” offers a four-block street fair in old downtown Monrovia, always with live acoustic music in several places ~ free parking, free event.

+

No doubt there are similar events elsewhere, combining live acoustic music performances with shopping opportunities  for the next few weeks. As we learn of more shopping-melee-with-escape-hatch-to-live-acoustic-music events, we’ll let you know.

+

AT EVERY PERFORMANCE VENUE:

There’s that always-wonderful holiday gift idea: give your music-loving friends a CD of the act you just heard!

.

.

===

.

.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Entire contents copyright (c) © 2009, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.

.

Now, on to the ACOUSTIC MUSIC LISTINGS in the Guide…

at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

.

.

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.

Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE & NEWS

.

DECEMBER 8 through 10, 2009

.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

.

…A rainy and chilly start to this week, in a place that we take for granted is always sunny. There’s more rain and cold on the way. So, you probably want to be indoors. That means there’s TV (boring, and overloaded with insipid crap that is apparently some cretin’s “reality”), or going to the movies (waaaay too expensive for an hour-and-a-half of movie, plus the preceding half an hour of being blasted with annoying big screen commercials), or shopping (spending money you don’t have on junk the recipients don’t want), OR, you can treat yourself and a lucky companion to some LIVE MUSIC!

+

It’s all right here for you! And you can send the url to your friends, so they can lavish gratitude upon you; as always, it’s http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.

First, here’s a bit of EVENT NEWS

.

===

.

The big JOHN GORKA show, with DAVE MORRISON opening, is in our “Heads-up for advance Tix” section, and you should jump right on that one. It marks the return of a folk series to the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena, the longtime home of the legendary series produced by the late Ron Stockfleth.

+

It’s an appropriate return. No less than Rolling Stone Magazine calls JOHN GORKA “The preeminent male singer-songwriter of the New Folk Movement.”

+

And opening act DAVE MORRISON is named as one of the “Top Ten / Best of 2008” male singer-songwriters in Los Angeles, in FolkWorks, and you’ve heard him perform live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”

+

You can read the Guide’s whole write-up in our “Upcoming / Heads-Up” section, or get your tix right away at asalvatierra@... or via Paypal, at www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=gBv9Ow-o6w6jnpNx5fb7lTvai3cuXgzBbio3RGEC4KvsZrQPQlwu8ZTnemG&dispatch=50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9b833248354cf50881e4ea372b2a42d76305e03018dc2a2bc7. Tix, $20.

.

===

.

GENEVIEVE GOING TO CUBA WITH A HUMANITARIAN / ARTS CAUSE

You’ve heard her music on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and no doubt seen her perform around town (when she’s not touring all over the map). Now, the very kinetic Genevieve tells us, “I will be traveling to Cuba over the winter with a humanitarian-based arts organization to lend a hand and providing aid to underprivileged musicians. I'm working with a non-profit, so all donations are tax-deductible.

+

“While there, I will be interviewing people in the music community about how we can foster more open relationships between the artistic communities in the US and Cuba. The information will also be used to create an educational curriculum for American exchange students from my alma mater who want to learn about the culture hands-on. Additionally, I will be working on several journalism projects focusing on music advocacy and helping artists (particularly young ones) to expand their opportunities and find a voice outside of Cuba. Think Buena Vista Social Club, but for children and young adults.

+

“The money raised here will be used to help with the educational and advocacy costs-providing guitar strings and reeds for instruments, and music instruction books, for example. It's a little tricky, because due to the nature of Cuban-American ties, people cannot directly contribute to Cuba (the US government considers that giving the money directly to the regime, which is really not far off), so you have to contribute through other channels (like donating money to volunteer organizations who purchase the goods and literally hand-deliver them). It's a little confusing, but I'm happy to send more details on the situation. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

+

“The website is www.kickstarter.com/projects/genevievemusic/the-future-of-cuban-music

+

We are happy to report that Genevieve reached her fund-raising goal that allows her to make the trip, so for all of you who donated based on our initial notice about her trip, we thank you. “But Hopefully I can start doing more of these things. I figure if people are going to donate, they might as well donate to something where they actually know where the money is going. Or, if they want to volunteer but don't have the time to do so, they can send someone else on a volunteer trip. either way, they're helping.”

+

Meanwhile, Genevieve acknowledges, “It's a little confusing jumping through the hoops to donate, and you will need to set up a free account with Kickstarter (so you can log in and add comments to my page), and the donations go through Amazon.com, which also confuses people.” And she thanks everyone who navigates all that to support her as an arts ambassador.

.

===

.

NEW CD, LOOKS INTERESTING…

We haven’t heard it, but… the EARTHWORM ENSEMBLE CD, with members of I SEE HAWKS IN L.A., MIKE STINSON, THE CHAPIN SISTERS, CHRISTINA ORTEGA, and ZACHARIAH is now available (in time for Christmas); official release is in February. Info, www.earthwormensemble.com

.

===

.

Part 4 of “ENJOY LIVE MUSIC WHILE YOU BUY YOUR HOLIDAY JUNK
(ER, GIFTS)”

+

(…reduced to what’s still happening, from the original BIG list in the Dec 1 edition):

+

Back to solving The Age-Old Dilemma. They’re a couple. She’s addicted to recreational shopping, and he’d rather have a root canal than be dragged along. The Guide offers a solution. There are events where merchants offer live music, often with other pleasant amenities, to lure shoppers. We reported in recent editions about the music-filled Thanksgiving weekend in Old Pasadena, and the special one-night annual events in Santa Monica, Claremont, and Venice. But it isn’t over: there are still the recurring events that take-on a Holiday character.

+

See the times and dates in the Guide for complete listings, and here’s what to look for.

+

Every Wednesday:

5-8 pm The “CLAREMONT WEDNESDAY GREEN MARKET” features live acoustic music inside and outside the Packing House in Claremont.

+

Every Wednesday:

7-9 pm The weekly “WINE & SONG” series hosted by award-winning songwriter BRAD COLERICK always brings talented musical guests, at WineStyles in South Pasadena, and you can buy bottles of wine there while you hear the music.

+

Every Friday:

11 am-5 pm “FREE FRIDAYS” at the LONG BEACH MUSEUM OF ART in Long Beach, gives you a chance to shop at the museum store and enjoy the exhibits.

+

Every Friday:

5:30-10 pm The “MONROVIA FAMILY FESTIVAL” offers a four-block street fair in old downtown Monrovia, always with live acoustic music in several places ~ free parking, free event.

+

No doubt there are similar events elsewhere, combining live acoustic music performances with shopping opportunities  for the next few weeks. As we learn of more shopping-melee-with-escape-hatch-to-live-acoustic-music events, we’ll let you know.

+

AT EVERY PERFORMANCE VENUE:

There’s that always-wonderful holiday gift idea: give your music-loving friends a CD of the act you just heard!

.

.

===

.

.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Entire contents copyright (c) © 2009, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.

.

Now, on to the ACOUSTIC MUSIC LISTINGS in the Guide…

at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

.

.

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.

Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE & NEWS

.

JANUARY 12 through 18, 2010

.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

.

Check out who is performing live, and where, in the Guide. You’ll find our newly-formatted, easy-to-use RADIO / WEB RADIO / WEB TV listings each day, plus festival and “Best Out-of-Town” listings, plus all the Los Angeles-region acoustic club gigs and coffeehouse shows and big venue concerts and musical forays and escapades and outbursts and demonstrations and idyllic sojourns, all in their almost unbelievable abundance, with generous descriptions ~

 WAITING FOR YOU 

in the CURRENT edition, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.

Plus, the new edition has

.

Fresh NEWS FEATURES (headlines here, full stories in the Guide…

.

1)  WATCH A DREAM SHOW, WITH AN ORCHESTRA BACKING SIMON LYNGE 

+

2)  TACO TRUCKS, NEW L.A. PHENOM, COOPERATING WITH MUSIC VENUE

+

3)  MUSICIAN SAM WEISER, YOUNG PHILANTHROPIST, DONATES DEBUT CD PROCEEDS TO DANIEL PEARL FOUNDATION… 

+

4)  FREE FOLK MUSIC FOR YOUR LIBRARY OR SCHOOL

+

5)  YOU CAN GET ANYTHING YOU WANT AT THE GUTHRIE CENTER (EXCEPTING ALICE)… 

+

6)  L.A. OUTDOOR ICE SKATING / MUSIC VENUE ENDS SEASON ON JAN 18 

+

7)  DESIGNS SOUGHT FOR TOPANGA BANJO FIDDLE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY 

+

8)  CHE ZURO’s INDIE RADIO NEWS

+

9) A THOUGHT TO REMEMBER AS WE BEGIN THE NEW YEAR

.

.

It’s all there for you, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.

"Art is about PASSION.  And passion is beyond reason."  -- Donna Barnes-Roberts

.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Entire contents copyright (c) © 2010, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.

.

.

“HAITI EARTHQUAKE FUNDRAISER” CONCERTS

We have FOUR (so far) to report to you.

+

First is the show Sunday, Jan 17, at 2 pm – it was just announced Friday night (at 3 am Saturday), and it’s the reason for this second edition. It’s the “HAITI EARTHQUAKE BENEFIT” with “SOUTH PARK’S” fiddle-playing actress ELIZA JANE SCHNEIDER - performing her award-winning one-woman play, “FREEDOM OF SPEECH” at The Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena. Full info is in the Guide, and that listing is copied here, in full (the other three benefits follow it):

+

MORE MUSIC BENEFITS COMING:

+

Second, on Sun, Jan 24, at 7 pm, there’s a benefit show at (and from) Kulak's Woodshed, artists tba; the Woodshed is located at 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info and live webcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. Check venue’s website for details of lineup, as they develop, and how you can contribute to a charity working the relief effort for victims.

+

The third is a multi-artist benefit sponsored by the ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE, on Sunday afternoon, Jan 31, at 2 pm. We’ll let you know the details in the Guide as they develop. You can contact us with offers to help, at tiedtothetracks@...

+

Fourth, Jeannine Frank and her “Parlor Performances” series is working on a benefit for Haitian Earthquake victims. More when we know it, or check with Jeannine at 310-476-6735 or Jeannine@....

.

.

More about benefit concerts for Haiti, and all the live acoustic performances in the L.A. region, and WEB RADIO shows with performance-interviews with acoustic musicians, and more, is at

.

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

.

.

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

.

.

This is a re-post that includes additional Haiti benefit shows and a few more things…

.

BENEFIT shows for Haitian earthquake relief include an enormous one with Grammy and top music award winners, sponsored by the ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE on Sunday, Jan 31, at 2 pm (it’s the current Front Page at FolkWorks online, at www.folkworks.org). Others are Jan 23, Jan 24, Jan 28, Feb 12, and one is still pending. Full info is in the Guide’s listings.

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Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE & NEWS

“Weekend Update”

.

JANUARY 22 through 25, 2010

(re-published Jan 23 with additional info, events, and updates)

.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

.

We go WAAAY beyond the weekend listings in our “upcoming events” section, so be sure you check it out. That way, you’ll get your tickets to shows you want to see before they’re sold-out.

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Fresh NEWS FEATURES: 

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1) UPDATE TO THE BIGGEST MUSIC NEWS - “HAITI EARTHQUAKE FUNDRAISER” CONCERTS 

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We have more to report to you.

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Sun, Jan 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-YEAR” pick:

2-8 pm “CONCERT FOR HAITI” is an enormous multi-artist benefit with Grammy and top music award winners, sponsored by the Acoustic Americana Music Guide, at Culver-Palms United Methodist Church, 4464 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City 90230. Rev. Rich Bolin has generously donated the use of his beautiful church.

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This will be among the best acoustic concerts of 2010, anywhere. CONFIRMED TO PERFORM are:

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LAURENCE JUBER (Grammy winning guitarist form Paul McCartney’s Wings), AMILIA K. SPICER, BRAD COLERICK, ROBBY LONGLEY, FREEBO (Bonnie Raitt Band), LISA TURNER, ROBERT MORGAN FISHER, DAVE MORRISON BAND, Blues legend BERNIE PEARL with MIKE BARRY, SUSIE GLAZE & HILONESOME (award-winning bluegrass band), SEVERIN BROWNE, DUANE THORIN, MICHAEL RICHARDS & DOCTOR FUN from blues band WUMBLOOZO, JAMES LEE STANLEY, DALE LaDUKE, KARA GRAINGER, TRACY NEWMAN, DAFNI, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO (Cajun festival favorites), SAGE (duo of Dan Brown & Kathy Jarel-Girgis), TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, MATT CARTSONIS (famous film composer), RENAISSANCE (top doo-wop vocal group), STEPHANIE BETTMAN & LUKE HALPIN (a top fiddle-playing vocalist on folk music charts).

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The “house band” includes Grammy-winning guitarist LAURENCE JUBER (Paul McCartney) and bassist PAUL MARSHALL (I See Hawks in L.A.) The schedule of who-performs-when is not yet established. Check the Guide frequently for complete info, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

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In lieu of tickets, donation checks (we’ll soon specify a minimum amount) will be accepted, to any one (or more) of a number of disaster relief organizations working on the ground in Haiti.

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The event needs volunteers! You can contact us with offers to help, at tiedtothetracks@...

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2)  MORE MUSIC BENEFITS FOR HAITI ARE COMING 

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Sat, Jan 23, at 7, MERLIN SNIDER & THE PRETTY GOOD ACQUAINTANCES were already a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick. Now, Merlin is making it a BENEFIT SHOW for Haitian earthquake relief at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917.

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ON TV, Sun, Jan 24, 8-10 am is “PRIVATE SESSIONS: SONGS FOR HAITI” - A&E presents a special two-hour edition of “Private Sessions,” produced to raise funds for relief efforts. The show includes some of the cable network's favorite performances from the “Private Sessions” library, featuring Ringo Starr, Mary J. Blige, Hall & Oates, Daughtry, Boyz II Men, Brooks & Dunn, Lionel Richie and many others. In addition, host Lynn Hoffman is joined by “top guests from the music world” to make personal appeals to viewers, asking them to donate via www.aetv.com/haiti to charities involved in the relief work. A&E bills this as, “Great music for a great cause. We can help.”

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Sun, Jan 24, at 7 pm is a “HAITI EARTHQUAKE BENEFIT SHOW” at (and from) Kulak's Woodshed, artists tba; the Woodshed is located at 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info and live webcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. Check venue’s website for details of lineup, as they develop, and how you can contribute to a charity working the relief effort for victims.

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Thu, Jan 28, 7-11 pm, is the “HAITI ORPHANAGE CHARITY EVENT” with musician AMANDA ABIZAID performing at The Annex of Hollywood and Highland (where the Oscars are awarded), in Hollywood. Amanda tells us, “100% of the money will be wired to the orphanage.” What’s the orphanage? She explains, “My good friend Marc Porterfield and his colleague, Corey Taylor, at Wolfgang Puck Catering, are putting together a fundraiser to help out their dear friend Herve, who's father's orphanage, located outside Port-Au-Prince, was leveled by the earthquake. We are all volunteering to host an evening of fun and cheer for a good cause. Wolfgang Puck is donating food, Ultimat Vodka is donating, well, vodka, and Her Energy is donating their energy drink, and we have other sponsors pouring in. The DJ, band, (tbd) and myself are also donating our time for the cause. Please email Marc Porterfield at porterfield.marc@... if you can assist in any capacity with the event.”

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Amanda encourages other donations to assist the relief and recovery efforts in Haiti, as well. Tix are $20 at the door.

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Fri, Feb 12, 7-10 pm; at the venue and with a web simulcast, is “LOVE FOR HAITI” with THE CONLONS, MELISSA TRINCHERE, AUBREY BOUSKILL, KATHLEEN BLACKWELL, and THE PATCHWORK QUILT FALLACY, is a benefit for the American Red Cross Relief Efforts in Haiti sponsored by NetteRadio, at (and webcast live from) The Talking Stick, 1411 C Lincoln Bl, Venice 90291; 310-450-6052; www.thetalkingstick.net. Event includes an auction, drawing, and more, all to raise money for earthquake relief in Haiti. Annette Conlon’s “NetteRadio” is webcast globally, and you can not only hear, but watch, this event live online at www.netteradio.com or www.ustream.tv/channel/netteradio. If you are not present at the venue, you can donate from anywhere. Text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross Relief Efforts in Haiti – anytime, including now. More on the American Red Cross at 800-HELP-NOW or info@.... Annette tells us, “The American Red Cross name is used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, individual, or political position.” Venue is all ages. $5 cover plus one beverage minimum.

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Finally, Jeannine Frank and her “Parlor Performances” series is working on a benefit for Haitian earthquake victims. More when we know it, or check with Jeannine at 310-476-6735 or Jeannine@....

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Things got started when the first local Haiti benefit concert was held Sunday, Jan 17. That happened on just 36 hours notice, after being announced Friday night (at 3 am Saturday), and causing us to publish a special edition of the Guide. That “HAITI EARTHQUAKE BENEFIT” with “SOUTH PARK’S” fiddle-playing actress ELIZA JANE SCHNEIDER performing her award-winning one-woman play, “FREEDOM OF SPEECH” at The Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena, brought-in over $850. And it was a marvelous show.

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3)  CD BABY TO DONATE $1 TO HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FROM EVERY CD OR ALBUM DOWNLOAD…  

Brian Felsen, President of CD Baby, has sent a message to the artists who sell their music through the massive online music store, CD Baby dot com. Brian wrote, “The earthquake and its aftermath in Haiti have touched all of our lives. Many in the CD Baby family have already contributed as individuals, but we wanted to do more to help the victims of the horrible earthquake tragedy. By selling [or buying] your music on CD Baby, you can help raise funds towards those affected by the disaster. Starting on Monday, January 25th and continuing for two weeks, we will donate $1 of our cut from every CD sale through our website, and $1 from every download sale over $8.99 on our site, to the American Red Cross and to Mercy Corps, a Portland-based relief organization with a large presence in Haiti. With your help, we hope to raise tens of thousands of dollars. Since the donation will be taken out of OUR cut of sales, [artists] will still earn the normal amount per CD and download sale.” Brian adds, to the artists, “If you’d like to help out as well, consider letting your fan base know that a portion of your sales will go to these fine organizations.”

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In addition, CD Baby (and the Guide) encourage you to please donate directly to a relief organization that is working effectively in Haiti.

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In addition, THE GUIDE wants you to know that Congress just passed a bill that allows you to deduct your donation on your 2009 Federal Income Tax Return, through the end of February, 2010. (Careful, though, as only donations to US-based charities can be deducted.)

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If you can make it to the CONCERT FOR HAITI on January 31 in Culver City, you’ll have your choice of which organization gets your money, in lieu of an admission ticket. And you’ll see an AMAZING show of Grammy and other top music award winners! Whether or not you can get to the concert, you can make your own direct donation to any of many fine and effective organizations. CNN, MSNBC, and other sites have all the info.

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As Brian says, “Together, we can make a difference.”

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More about benefit concerts for Haiti, and all the live acoustic performances in the L.A. region, and the WEB RADIO shows with performance-interviews with acoustic musicians, and more, is right here in this edition of the Guide. Tell your friends they can find it at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

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Recent NEWS FEATURES from the Jan 15 to 18 edition, are available at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/01/acoustic-americana-music-guide-haiti.html

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“The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.” – Anaïs Nin.

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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2010, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.

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Calling ALL CONTESTANTS, VOLUNTEERS and GRAPHIC ARTISTS!

50th TOPANGA BANJO-FIDDLE CONTEST

Paramount Movie Ranch, Agoura Hills, California

MAY 16, 2010

www.topangabanjofiddle.org

Hotline: (818) 382-4819

WE'RE GOING TO CELEBRATE OUR 50TH YEAR!! Imagine it and be part of the celebration.

 You know the drill. Go to our website and be amazed by all the wonderful performers scheduled for 2010! And note that the clock is going tick-tock, tick-tock getting closer to the opening of Contestant Registration on February 22nd.

CONTESTANT REGISTRATION forms will be available on our website for you to download and print beginning 2-15-10. Do NOT mail your entry in advance of February 22nd as it will be returned. Mail-in registrations will be accepted from 2-22-10 through 4-02-10. Do not delay as categories are certain to fill up very quickly, especially the Band Category.   Should a category become full, entries are accepted based on the postmark.  Note: Contestant Registration is only via U.S. Mail.

There have been changes with regard to Bands, Intermediate Fiddle and Traditional Singing, ALL of which will be on playoff stages. Five of the top scorers in each of these three (3) categories will advance to the Main Stage for 1st 2nd and 3rd place.  Timing rules have changed with regard to Bands, which are now allowed up to 6 minutes.  Any band or individual contestant going over their allotted time will automatically incur a 10 point deduction with the sound being terminated. Visit our website and read the rules under Contestants – FAQ's.

It would be great if you would become a VOLUNTEER and enjoy a spectacular day of bluegrass, old-time and folk music and non-stop jamming (The 15.00 Contestant Registration fee still applies). The Volunteer Coordinator and Contestant Registrar will be pleased to coordinate your volunteer and competition times accordingly by noting that you are volunteering on your Contestant Entry form.

ATTENTION GRAPHIC ARTISTS: The Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest is soliciting the submission of graphic designs for our 2010 event.  Accepted entries may be used on T-shirts, posters, souvenir items or for advertising.

Creators of winning designs will receive free contest admissions, T-shirts, be honored in the program and on the main stage, and be eligible for a nominal cash award.

Designs should contain a banjo, fiddle or both, the year or date ("2010" or "May 16th, 2010"),  "50th Annual," "Topanga Banjo(bullet)Fiddle Contest" and  "Paramount Ranch." 

Optionally, other instruments, other original musical graphics, "Agoura Hills, CA," "www.TopangaBanjoFiddle.org" or other items or text of your choosing. Remember, the simpler the design the better it will screen print. Resolution of entries should be at least 300dpi.

Submit your entries as graphics files, preferably Adobe PSD, to graphics@... and be sure to include your contact information. Entries must be received by Feb. 28th, 2010 – Questions to: graphics@...

The CONTESTANT REGISTRAR of the Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest (me), is looking for someone with a good pair of shoes to assist me (not take my job as I absolutely love it w-a-y too much, the day of the Contest so I can have time to visit the vendors and spend lots of money.

Contact registrar@... or call (818) 382-4819 and leave a message. Perks? You bet! Your name in lights once we get our electronic billboard donated, T-shirt and special badge signifying authority, a bright red ribbon to wear, free eats from our goodies table all day long starting with breakfast, complimentary tickets for those who help you with things like dinner and laundry while you learn your craft and most importantly - satisfaction for a job well done and lots of smiling faces. Did I mention that I have 17 years of experience and will be with you every step of the way? Please flood my mailboxes with a resounding YES.

YEAY I'M ALMOST DONE - and FINALLY, this year we are pleased to offer you the option of PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE at a SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT. To purchase advance tickets visit http://www.topangabanjofiddle.org/purchase_tix.html.

Contestants may also PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS WITH THEIR MAIL-IN REGISTRATION by sending a separate check and return stamped-envelope indicating the number and category of tickets desired.

If you cannot find the answer to your specific question on our website, please use the email addresses under the category of your question (ie: info, registrar, volunteer) or call the Hotline at (818) 382-4819 and leave a message.

Visit http://www.topangabanjofiddle.org for information on our fine line-up of performers and activities, the Contestant Registration Form and Volunteer Questionnaire. Looking forward to having you enjoy the day with us!

Joy Felt
Board of Directors
Contestant Registrar
Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest
Email: registrar@...
www.topangabanjofiddle.org
Hotline: (818) 382-4819

50th TOPANGA BANJO-FIDDLE CONTEST
Paramount Movie Ranch, Agoura Hills, California
MAY 16, 2010
www.topangabanjofiddle.org

WE'RE GOING TO CELEBRATE OUR 50TH YEAR!! Imagine it -  and be part of the celebration.

You know the drill. Go to our website and be amazed by all the wonderful performers scheduled for 2010! And note that the clock is going tick-tock, tick-tock! The Contestant Registration form will be widely available at selected music stores and on our website on in seven days on 2/15/10.

Rather then reinvent the wheel, I'm resending the email I recently sent you but with a few changes which will follow right now! This will be the last email you receive from me until just before the close of Registration. Remember: enter early – some spaces are limited.

How will the MORNING COMPETITIONS conflict with my being a back-up player?

IMPORTANT- Please read! ALL Bands, Intermediate Fiddle and Traditional Singing Contestants will compete in preliminary competitions in the morning. The five (5) finalists from each category will compete on the Main Stage in the AFTERNOON with new contestant numbers being assigned at On-site Registration. These (new) numbers have been pre-assigned as open slots for the Finalists. Therefore, NO provisions can or will be made to coordinate with your back-up commitments whose number as already been assigned. I'm certain that you can understand the difficulties in doing so on Contest Day. Playing out of an assigned contestant number will be reserved for teachers. You know that over the years I've managed to accommodate all of your scheduling needs. This year it will be a real challenge with 4 separate stages competing simultaneously.  THEREFORE, PLEASE make your commitments to being a Back-up VERY, VERY CAREFULLY. Remember, you cannot be in two places at the same time.

INDEX of Important stuff follows below in the following order:
More Contestant Information
Be a Volunteer
Submit a T-shirt Design and Win Recognition, Money and T-shirts
Contestant Registrar Looking for Permanent Assistant
Advance On-Line Tickets at Incredibly Low Prices
I'm Done – See you on May 16^th

CONTESTANT REGISTRATION forms will be available on our website for you to download and print in seven days on 2-15-10. Do NOT mail your entry in advance of February 22nd as it will be returned. Mail-in registrations will be accepted: 2-22-10 through 4-02-10

Do not delay as categories are certain to fill up very quickly, especially the Band Category.   Should a category become full, entries are accepted based on the postmark.  Note: Contestant Registration is only via U.S. Mail.

There have been changes with regard to Bands, Intermediate Fiddle and Traditional Singing, ALL of which will be on playoff stages. Five of the top scorers in each of these three (3) categories will advance to the Main Stage for 1st 2nd and 3rd place.  Timing rules have changed with regard to Bands, which are now allowed up to 6 minutes.  Any band or individual contestant going over their allotted time will automatically incur a 10 point deduction with the sound being terminated. Visit our website and read the rules under Contestants – FAQ's.

It would be great if you would become a VOLUNTEER and enjoy a spectacular day of bluegrass, old-time and folk music and non-stop jamming (The 15.00 Contestant Registration fee still applies). The Volunteer Coordinator and Contestant Registrar will be pleased to coordinate your volunteer and competition times accordingly by noting that you are volunteering on your Contestant Entry form.

ATTENTION GRAPHIC ARTISTS: The Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest is soliciting the submission of graphic designs for our 2010 event.  Accepted entries may be used on T-shirts, posters, souvenir items or for advertising.

Creators of winning designs will receive free contest admissions, T-shirts, be honored in the program and on the main stage, and be eligible for a nominal cash award.

Designs should contain a banjo, fiddle or both, the year or date ("2010" or "May 16th, 2010"),  "50th Annual," "Topanga Banjo(bullet) Fiddle Contest" and  "Paramount Ranch." 

Optionally, other instruments, other original musical graphics, "Agoura Hills, CA," "www.TopangaBanjoFiddle.org" or other items or text of your choosing. Remember, the simpler the design the better it will screen print. Resolution of entries should be at least 300dpi.

Submit your entries as graphics files, preferably Adobe PSD, to graphics@... and be sure to include your contact information. Graphic Design entries must be received by Feb. 28, 2010 – Questions to: graphics@...

ASSISTANT CONTESTANT REGISTRAR: The Contestant Registrar of the Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest (me), is looking for someone with a good pair of shoes to assist me (not take my job as I absolutely love it w-a-y too much), the day of the Contest so I can have time to visit the vendors and spend lots of money.

Contact registrar@... or call (818) 382-4819 and leave a message. Perks? You bet! Your name in lights once we get our electronic billboard donated, T-shirt and special badge signifying authority, a bright red ribbon to wear, free eats from our goodies table all day long starting with breakfast, complimentary tickets for those who help you with things like dinner and laundry while you learn your craft and most importantly - satisfaction for a job well done and lots of smiling faces. Did I mention that I have 17 years of experience and will be with you every step of the way? Please flood my mailboxes with a resounding YES.

YEAY I'M ALMOST DONE - and FINALLY, this year we are pleased to offer you the option of PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE at a SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT. To purchase advance tickets visit http://www.topangabanjofiddle.org/purchase_tix.html.

Contestants may also PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS WITH THEIR MAIL-IN REGISTRATION by sending a separate check and return stamped-envelope indicating the number and category of tickets desired.

If you cannot find the answer to your specific question on our website, please use the email addresses under the category of your question (ie: info, registrar, volunteer) or call the Hotline at (818) 382-4819 and leave a message.

Visit http://www.topangabanjofiddle.org for information on our fine line-up of performers and activities, the Contestant Registration Form and Volunteer Questionnaire. Looking forward to having you enjoy the day with us!

Joy Felt
Board of Directors
Contestant Registrar
Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest
Email: registrar@...
www.topangabanjofiddle.org
Hotline (818) 382-4819

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Your editor’s next eye surgery is on hold. So, follow the link to find a BIG edition with LOTS of events for your concert-going pleasure, into the beginning of March.

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Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE & NEWS

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FEBRUARY 23 to MARCH 1 events (and highlights waaaay beyond), 2010

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NEWS FEATURES:

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1)  ANOTHER “HAITI EARTHQUAKE FUNDRAISER” CONCERT, Feb 23… 

tonight, Tuesday, Feb 23, 8 pm, is a late addition to our “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:

BOB MALONE plus KAREN NASH, and CHECKPOINT CHARLIE, play a Benefit Concert for “Free Wheelchair Mission” at The Mint, 6010 West Pico Bl, Los Angeles 90035; 323-954-9400; www.themintla.com.

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BOB MALONE won Best Album in the international Just Plain Folks awards, with 70,000 people voting, worldwide, and he earned a “:istener Favorite” on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Beyond that, “The man contains multitudes. Multitudes of rhythm, soul, jazz, blues, smoke and magic. He’s an astounding piano man, a deeply soulful singer and a tremendously gifted songwriter whose music merges strains of honky-tonk New Orleans, Memphis soul, Chicago blues, East Coast… “

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KAREN NASH has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” and her originals have debuted in the L.A. Music Center. “Born in Texas and raised in Southern California, Karen Nash plays alt-country roots music with the skillfully crafted turn of phrase and topical content of a great folksinger. Known for her impassioned songs of social injustice and troubled love…”

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CHECKPOINT CHARLIE (who we do not know) rounds-out the night at 11:30 pm.

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ABOUT TONIGHT’S BENEFIT SHOW: Bob Malone tells us, “It's a benefit concert for ‘Free Wheelchair Mission’ who are supplying free wheelchairs to people in impoverished countries, most of them going to Haiti right now. Karen Nash opens the show, and I'll be rocking with a 10-piece band - you don't want to miss this! Buy your tickets online and it's five bucks cheaper than if you buy at the door - either way, it’s going for a great cause! The direct link to make reservations [and hear music samples] is www.themintla.com/show/detail/26726”

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Interesting aside: Bob Malone performed on “THE PRICE IS RIGHT” – yep, seems it’s all annoying bells and buzzers on TV game shows, at least not this edition. Bob says, “My first appearance playing piano on The Price is Right aired this week - it was pretty cool - lots of shout-outs from Drew Carey. If you missed it, you can see it here - just find the Feb 15 episode and look for me at 22:17 [elapsed time into the show]. We'll have the clip up on youtube soon!”

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Doors at 7:30 pm; venue is 21+. Tix $20 online in advance; $25 at door.

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2)  50th ANNUAL TOPANGA BANJO-FIDDLE CONTEST SEEKS GRAPHIC DESIGN

The 2010 event marks a half-century of the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival, so this time around, the competiton for the event’s logo is especially prestigious. Accepted entries may be used on T-shirts, posters, souvenir items or for advertising. Creators of winning designs will receive free contest admissions, T-shirts, be honored in the program and on the main stage, and be eligible for a nominal cash award. 

+

Designs should contain a banjo, fiddle or both, the year or date ("2010" or “May 16th, 2010”), “50th Annual,” “Topanga Banjo(bullet)Fiddle Contest” and “Paramount Ranch.”

+

Optionally, your design might include other instruments, other original musical graphics, “Agoura Hills, CA,“ “www.TopangaBanjoFiddle.org” or other items or text of your choosing.

+

Contest judges say, :Remember, the simpler the design the better it will screen print.”

+

Submit your entries as graphics files, preferably Adobe PSD, at least 300 dpi, to graphics@... and be sure to include your contact information.

+

Entries must be received by Mar. 15, 2010; if you have questions, send them to the same address. All entries become the property of The Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest.

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3)  ERNEST TROOST ON THE RADIO / IN WEB ARCHIVE 

He’s a celebrated movie and TV theme composer in his day job, and Kerrville (Texas) Folk Festival 2009 New Folk Award-winning songwriter winner, and he’s performed multiple times on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” On Feb 13, the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter visited “Back Roads,” a roots music radio show on KVMR, Nevada City (CA), hosted by Larry Hillberg. Ernest sang his winning songs and chatted about his songwriting and how he does what he does. Listen to the show, in the station’s archive, at www.kvmr.org/programs/br/index.html

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4)  BANJO CHAMP TAKES A NEW DIRECTION 

After the big and very gratifying surprise Grammy win by Steve Martin for his John McEuen-produced CD, “The Crow,” you may have thought that all the surprises for strummin’ on the ol’ banjo were done for 2010. Not quite.

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MARY Z. COX is a Florida-based banjo champ with national and state titles and contest championships several times over, and several albums to her credit. She did a live performance-interview for “Tied to the Tracks” that brought her more West Coast fans. And she just wrote to tell us about her very innovative new CD.

+

Mary says, “ It's very old and new at the same time - we believe it's our best CD yet. [It’s] Afro/Caribbean drumming with Celtic claw hammer frailing fusion banjo. Entirely acoustic with fresh blends of banjos, cello banjo, djembe, congas, mountain dulcimer, dulcimette, guitar, bass, pots and pans, and featuring George Clinton singing ‘John Bowlin's Groundhog Strut.’” It's available now on her website, www.maryzcox.com

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More fresh news coming soon.

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RECENT NEWS FEATURES:

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The Feb 19 edition’s News Features are available at

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/02/acoustic-americana-music-guide-feb-19.html

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The features in that edition are:

1)  6th annual “ALL TRAIN-RAILROAD SONGS SHOW” … [Feb 19]

2)  LATEST “HAITI EARTHQUAKE FUNDRAISER” CONCERT… [Feb 19 & Feb 21]

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The Feb 10 edition’s News Features are available at

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/02/acoustic-americana-music-guide-feb-15.html

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The features in that edition are:

1) GUEST EDITORIAL: award-winning musician FREEBO’s essay on climate change.

2) MORE “HAITI EARTHQUAKE FUNDRAISER” CONCERTS YET TO COME… 

3)  PATTY LARKIN CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN MUSIC WITH AN ALL-STAR CD

4) UNIQUE VALENTINE FOR THE ONE WHO HAS EVERYTHING… 

5) I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. GETS MORE MEDIA ATTENTION

6) VIOLINIST MAKES TOP “40 UNDER 40” LIST 

7) FILM SOUNDTRACK NEWS… 

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NEWS POSTSCRIPT…

The CONCERT FOR HAITI on Sunday, Jan 31, sponsored by the ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE, was a PHENOMENAL success…

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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2010, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.

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See the Guide for acoustic music performances in the L.A. region, acoustic music radio shows (broadcast & web) and much more, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

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There are more ACOUSTIC AMERICANA / ACOUSTIC RENAISSANCE music performances EVERY week in the Los Angeles area than the COMBINED TOTAL of ALL OTHER KINDS OF MUSIC! 

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Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE & NEWS

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FEBRUARY 26 to MARCH 5 events (and key events waaaay beyond), 2010

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NEWS FEATURES:

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ALL the events are in the new edition. As for the News, the editor is moving this weekend and will be incommunicado for a while. So, more fresh news coming soon.

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RECENT NEWS FEATURES:

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The Feb 23 edition’s News Features are available at

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/02/acoustic-americana-music-guide-feb-23.html

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The Feb 19 edition’s News Features are available at

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/02/acoustic-americana-music-guide-feb-19.html

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NEWS POSTSCRIPT…

The CONCERT FOR HAITI on Sunday, Jan 31, sponsored by the ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE, was a PHENOMENAL success…

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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2010, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.

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See the Guide for acoustic music performances in the L.A. region, acoustic music radio shows (broadcast & web) and much more, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

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If you possess the talent for neat handwriting and know some calligraphy, please
let me know.
We could use a couple of calligraphers for the upcoming 50th Annual Topanga
Banjo-Fiddle Contest. There is a 5:00 to ~7:00 shift and and 10:00 to 12:00PM
shift available.
You will be compensated with free admission and the joy of participating in the
best-ever 50th Annual Event.
Thanks,
Bob Peltzman
CoVolunteer Coordinator

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Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE & NEWS

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MARCH 12 through 21 events (and much more, through 2010)

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A Salute to the “Recurring Event”…

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We’re taking this opportunity to celebrate the wonderfully vast offerings of “recurring events” on the acoustic music scene. Whether recently-launched or long-running, remember that all of them need your support to continue. Any good venue is continuously tempted to dislodge a recurring event in favor of something else that may attract more clientele or revenue for the night (or the morning or afternoon). Your support is what makes the difference.

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In the Los Angeles region this weekend – in addition to the rich offerings of one-night-only concerts – the recurring monthly and weekly events include “Sabrina & Craig’s Acoustic L.A.,” Mark Islam’s “Grassroots Acoustica,” and Lawrence Lebo’s new “Sunday Nite Live,” each of these a multi-artist showcase. Plus there are numerous scheduled jam sessions that welcome musicians and listeners alike.

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Other recurring highlights each month are the “Bluegrass at the Braemar” series in the hills above the San Fernando Valley, “The Living Tradition” series in Anaheim, the “Ojai Concert Series” above Ventura, Severin Browne’s “First Fridays” and Lauren Adams’ “Americana Music Circle,” Mark “Pocket” Goldberg’s showcase, The L.A. Women in Music Showcase (formerly the “Soiree”), and of course, there are many, many more.

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On any given night of the week, there are a fine variety of artist residencies and a bunch of open mics. And there’s Americana / alt-country music and dancing seven nights a week at the Cowboy Palace in Chatsworth – L.A.’s last real honky-tonk, and live music every night – mostly Americana – at the world’s smallest honky-tonk, the Cinema Bar in Culver City. And the Coffee Gallery now has an active “Front Stage” most nights with free (usually interactive) entertainment most nights, in addition to the professional shows in the Backstage.

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When you can afford concerts and club shows with the best acoustic acts, both touring and local, you’ll find no better options than the vast possibilities in Southern California. But remember the recurring events, residencies, and series, as well. They warrant your interest and deserve your support.

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NEWS FEATURES:

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1) ST. PATRICK’S DAY IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17…

We know, Chicago and Boston are the American cities most renowned for St. Paddy’s Day celebrations. But L.A. has a parade and plenty of revelry.

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So, Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Think you know all about it? Some of the facts are quite surprising! Here they are, along with a list of likely places to find very musical celebrations in the Los Angeles region.

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March 17 is a national holiday in Ireland, and it has been celebrated in America since 1737, when a group of Irish Protestants (yep, Protestants, not Catholics) met in Boston to honor St. Patrick and found the Charitable Irish Society.

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Ready for another surprise? Saint Patrick, who is something of a legend, was born in Wales or perhaps Western England in the early fourth century A.D. (England? Blimey!) But no one knows exactly when or where he was born.

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At age 16, he was captured by Irish raiders who carried him to slavery in Ireland. After six years, he escaped. He then entered an English monastery and eventually became a bishop. Patrick returned to Ireland as a missionary, dedicated to converting the Irish to Christianity.

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St. Patrick’s Day’s celebrations and parades mark the date of his death in 492 A.D. Hence, it’s an annual Irish wake. Learn more in “Shamrocks, Harps, and Shellelaghs: The Story of Saint Patrick’s Day Symbols” by Ursula Arndt (Clarion, 1977).

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Here in Southern California, you’ll be able to find the makings of your own celebration in any Irish-friendly establishment. Accordingly, we expect music and good times at  ~

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~ Auld Dubliner, 71 Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com.

~ Brennan’s Irish Pub, 4089 Lincoln Bl, Marina Del Rey; www.brennanspub-la.com; 310-821-6622.

~ Casey's Irish Bar, 613 S Grand Av, downtown L.A., 90017; 213-629-2353; www.bigcaseys.com.

~ Celtic Arts Center, shared location, Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood 91602; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com.

~ Clancy's, in East Arts Village, 803 E Broadway, Long Beach 90802; 562-437-1836; www.clancyslb.com.

~ Finn McCool, 2702 Main St, Santa Monica; 310-452-1734.

~ Fitzgerald's, 19171 Magnolia St, Huntington Beach; 714-968-4523.

~ Ireland's 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; 818-785-4031; www.irelands32pub.com.

~ Killian's Pub & Grill, 3944 Sepulveda Bl, Torrance; 310-373-1218.

~ Maeve’s Residuals, 11042 Ventura Bl, Studio City 91604; 818-761-8301; www.residualsbar.com; venue is 21+.

~ McGs Irish Pub & Grill, 21356 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-734-7056.

~ McMurphy's, 72 N Fair Oaks Av, Pasadena; 626-666-1445.

~ The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A.; 323-954-9630; www.themintla.com.

~ Molly Malone's, 575 S Fairfax Av, L.A. 90036; www.mollymalonesla.com; 323-935-1577.

~ Muldoon’s, 202 Newport Ctr Dr, Newport Beach; 949-640-4110.

~ Nadine’s Irish Mist, 16655 Pacific Coast Hwy, Sunset Beach; www.nadinesirishmist.com.

~ O'Brien's Irish Pub, 2941 Main St, Santa Monica; www.obriensonmain.com; 310-396-4725.

~ O’Malley’s on Main, 140 Main St, Seal Beach 90740; 562-430-0631; www.omalleyssealbeach.com. (Jim McDonough of the “Irish News” says, “best pub in the South Bay… a multi-year winner of the Guinness Perfect Pint Award.”)

~ Shamrock Social Club, 9026 W Sunset Bl, West Hollywood; 310-271-9664.

~ Tam O'Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, L.A.; 323-664-0228.

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Erin Go Braugh, wear your green, and drink responsibly!

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2) AZTEC CALENDAR’S NEW YEAR: A TIME OF MUSIC, CONTEMPLATION, MORE

We’ve all heard the hoopla over the movie “2012,” and it’s ominous assertion that the ancient Aztec calendar has already doomed us with some kind of proclamation of the end of time. Turns out the observance of the “Mexica New Year,” which arrives Friday, March 12 at 6 am, according to that ancient calendar, is a very spiritual and reflective time, and a musical one. It all begins on March 12 with five days of reflection, food, and contemplation, and then March 12 and the weekend that follows are given to celebration.

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On Sunday, March 21, 5-7 pm, MEXICA presents "Sounds of Ancient Mexico" at Alva's Showroom, organized by Martin Espino. Martin says, “MEXIKA will perform a set of healing, energizing music with ancestral instruments like clay multiple flutes, conch shells, drums, water drums, log drums, indigenous songs and actual shamanic chants (we will teach you these so you can sing along with us). We even invite the audience to join in with us on a vast array of native percussion that we'll bring! Alva’s is a state of the art venue, with excellent sound and lighting as well as a very professional looking yet relaxed environment. Come celebrate the coming of Spring with MEXIKA.” Details at www.discoversound.com/events/event/show?id=2819290%3AEvent%3A8345&xgi=0hXpSOOsREGOUL&xg_source=msg_invite_event. Refreshments provided. Tix, $20.

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L.A.-based musician and expert on the subject MICHAEL HERALDA has performed excerpts from his compelling “Aztec Stories” presentation on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” including music on original and traditional Native American instruments. On Saturday, March 13, at 10:30 am, Michael is a guest on a weekly 30-minute radio show on KTEP 88.5 FM from El Paso, Texas, simulcast worldwide at www.ktep.org. It’s “STATE OF THE ARTS” hosted by Monica Gomez. The next day is the big annual celebration of the event in El Paso, with Michael among the performers.

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Michael always presents a compelling and informative performance, and his written piece on the Mexica New Year is fascinating, spiritual, and a must-read for cultural literacy. It’s our guest editorial, by Michael, at www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com

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Here are a couple of excerpts:

“…coming together as a group (Tloke Nahuake - Together and United) to honor something is very important. As a group we create a very powerful energy field that affects things around you. In addition, honoring something on a singular and personal level is also powerful medicine. However you decide to honor and celebrate this very important event do it with your heart.”

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And, “Do you have personal items (things) that have lived past their usefulness? If so, make some time to sit down (with them) and recall what they represent to you, how were they used and what memories, fond or sad, are associated with them. Did you learn things from them? Did they advance your life in a positive or negative way? It is not as important to recall only the good memories, but also those that became markers in your life – good or bad. It is because of these associations that we learn and advance. If your personal belongings have served their purpose and usefulness, then these may be good candidates to discard or break (it is not necessary to discard more than one object, only those or a item that needs replacing). Remember, our ancestors understood that by giving away something important it made room for something else (maybe more important) to take its place.”

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You can find more at www.flickr.com/photos/familyheralda/4363793892/sizes/l and www.aztecstories.com in addition to Michael’s full guest editorial piece at its own URL in the Guide.

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3) TIME, AND THE WHYS AND WHEREFORES OF IT…  

It isn’t just that Saturday night brings the return to Daylight Savings Time. Sure, it’ll cost you an hour’s sleep when you “spring forward,” and in return, you’ll get an extra hour of daylight at the end of each day until well into the autumn. (Yeaaaaah!)

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It’s downright ironic that Standard Time ends almost as Saturday ends, because March 13 is the anniversary of the day that Standard Time was first established in 1884, bringing us our familiar time zones (Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, etc). Before that, every town reckoned its own time from local noon, when the sun reached its zenith over that town. Why the standardization in 1884, long before TV and radio? It was a matter of safety, with trains running in opposite directions on single tracks. Accurate time was the only way to keep schedules that prevented “cornfield meets” – the railroader’s term for head-on collisions.  Yep, the railroads brought us our time zones, on their own initiative.

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As for Daylight Savings Time? That was an idea born in World War I, to save energy on the home front. During World War II, England operated on Double Daylight Savings Time.  Won’t be long that you can play tennis and barbecue after work, or write a song at 7 pm under your favorite tree…

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4) MUSIC SHOWS ON PBS? MUST BE PLEDGE-DRIVE TIME… 

It’s an Andy Rooney moment: “Ever notice how the only time they have music shows on public television is during pledge drives? Why is that?”

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The obvious answer to part of it is that music programs are pledge-drive cash cows for L.A.’s PBS affiliates. The past week, both KCET and KOCE have aired a bunch of live music performance specials, sometimes in head-to-head competition at the same times. We’ve gotten splendid shows starring the late Chet Atkins with Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Mark Knopfler, and we got the late Roy Orbison with Bruce Springsteen and a slew of music stars, and the new shows with the Celtic Tenors and the ever-popular Celtic Women. And, as is the case with every pledge drive, and only during every pledge drive, we got to see even more music. Of course, all of it was constantly interrupted by the phone-jangling begging of pledge-drive breaks.

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If you’re in L.A. and good music is on TV, the impending pledge break is imminent.

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As for the rest of the story, it seems to us that KCET and KOCE using music to raise money is tantamount to false advertising, since neither of those TV stations airs any music programming on a regular basis. They limit their offerings of music shows to pledge drive time, when they trot-out everything in the PBS music stable, and interrupt the hell out of it to beg for money.

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So, our question for the local PBS affiliates is simple: if music shows are so popular that you depend on them for pledge-drive revenues, then why aren’t music shows popular enough to deliver during your regular seasons? Taking just one example, where is “Austin City Limits” on your schedules? Of course the answer is, it isn’t there, on either of those PBS stations. But thankfully, it is available on the Los Angeles City School District’s public TV station – KLCS – albeit a half-season behind the current episodes seen by the rest of the country.

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Sadly, it’s all quite consistent in L.A. The center of the filmmaking and episodic television world, with its population of 14 million, continues to lag far behind every medium-sized city in the country when it comes to diversity of music programming available on radio and television. In L.A., there simply isn’t any – except during pledge-drives. And all that is so out-of-touch with the astonishing number and variety of live music performances each week in venues large and small across the Los Angeles region.

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5) ANOTHER HAITI RELIEF BENEFIT SHOW, MARCH 19

It’s a benefit and a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick on Fri, March 19, at 8 pm, when The CALIFORNIA COWBOY BAND plus CHRIS & THOMAS opening, perform at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917.

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Steve Deming of the CALIFORNIA COWBOY BAND tells us, “We have made arrangements with the owner, Bob Stane, to contribute half of our fee for the evening to the Haiti Relief Fund. If you don't have our new CD yet, now is the time to purchase one through CD Baby.com, as we, and they have agreed to send a dollar of each purchase to the Haiti relief as well.”

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CALIFORNIA COWBOY BAND’s new CD, “Riding Catalina Again,” is somethin’ special, and in the Top 20 in the Western Music Chart. (Your editor heard the the final mixes when the band first heard them, and immediately predicted success.) The band recently recorded a performance for “The Heart of Western Music” for airing on nationwide cable TV on April 1.

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CHRIS & THOMAS are favorites at McCabe’s who have played the CGB before, and they impress audiences everywhere. Tix, $18.

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6) OTHER NEWS?

Egads. The editor is neck-deep in emails, many of them telling us about gigs and upcoming events. Meanwhile, all of us are following the news from DC about health care reform, and the teabaggers vs. everyone else. For now, our news here covers the special days coming up soon, then our focus is all about our newly-updated listings and descriptions of the concerts, shows and showcases, club gigs, radio shows, rapidly-approaching festivals, and other places that musicians are making acoustic music. And that is QUITE a lot. Enjoy.

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RECENT NEWS FEATURES:

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Did you see our GUEST EDITORIAL in February 2010 by award-winning musician FREEBO? He wrote an essay on climate change that’s worth a read, and we presented it in the Guide. It’s entertaining and thoughtful, and takes it to the “deniers” in right-wing media. It’s at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/02/climate-change-by-freebo-special-to.html

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The Feb 23 edition’s News Features are available at

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/02/acoustic-americana-music-guide-feb-23.html

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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2010, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.

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Recurring events are included through Sunday, March 21, with updated listings of all kinds o’ things happening through the rest of 2010.

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Where, oh where can find all that information, you ask (no doubt with breathless anticipation)? Our electrons will lead your electrons by their little subatomic hands to the Guide, and its abundance of acoustic music performances in the L.A. region, plus acoustic music radio shows (broadcast & web) and much more, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com

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50th TOPANGA BANJO-FIDDLE CONTEST
Paramount Movie Ranch, Agoura Hills, California
MAY 16, 2010
www.topangabanjofiddle.org

So then…Contestant Registration is half over and half of the Competition slots have been filled. Curious to know why you are waiting to send in your registration until the end. I know, you want me to have more grey hairs than I have already. Take pity on me and take pen in hand and…..and, oh yes, practice, practice, practice!
WE'RE GOING TO CELEBRATE OUR 50TH YEAR!! Imagine it - and be part of the celebration.

The Contestant Registration form is available at selected music stores and on our website at www.topangabanjofiddle.org. 

 Remember VOLUNTEERS get in Free.

This year we are pleased to offer you the option of PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE at a SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT. To purchase advance tickets visit http://www.topangabanjofiddle.org/purchase_tix.html. Contestants may also PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS WITH THEIR MAIL-IN REGISTRATION by sending a separate check and return stamped-envelope indicating the number and category of tickets desired.

Note: Advance tickets are significantly reduced for greater savings.

There have been some changes so please read the Contestant FAQ's carefully, especially with regard to Cand, Intermediate Fiddle and Traditional Singing categories. If you cannot find the answer to your specific question on our website, please use the email addresses under the category of your question (ie: info, registrar, volunteer) or call the Hotline at (818) 382-4819 and leave a message.

Visit http://www.topangabanjofiddle.org for information on our fine line-up of performers and activities, the Contestant Registration Form and Volunteer Questionnaire. Looking forward to having you enjoy the day with us!

Joy Felt
Board of Directors
Contestant Registrar
Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest
Email: registrar@...
www.topangabanjofiddle.org
Hotline 818) 382-4819

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Tied to the Tracks

ACOUSTIC AMERICANA

MUSIC GUIDE & NEWS

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MARCH 19 through 31 events (and beyond, through 2010)

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NEWS FEATURES:

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1) SPRING MUSIC FESTIVALS START ON FIRST DAY OF SPRING

The annual TEMECULA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, with nationally-touring acts Bluegrass Etc, and Silverado, and plenty more first-class musicians, including Sligo Rags, is this weekend in Old Town Temecula. Most of it is FREE. There are two official stages with continuous free entertainment and lots of smaller indoor and outdoor venues. First shows both days are at 11 am, there’s a Saturday night concert ($15) and a Sunday afternoon matinee ($5) in the Temecula Theater, a fine venue for music. See the listings in the Guide, both days, for more.

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2)  GUIDE’S RADIO & TV LISTINGS NOW IN SEPARATE PAGES 

It’s a mark of success when you get too big to be included with something else – unless you’re dieting, that is. The Guide has continuously expanded our listings of acoustic music radio / web radio and TV shows that feature performance-interviews with musicians, and other select acoustic music shows on radio and TV. And that expansion was requiring waaay too much scrolling to get past, before you reached each day’s write-ups for the live music performances in concert venues and wherever else.

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So, starting with this edition, each day’s listings feature a link to get to all the radio and TV shows that are available that day – and it lets us use the main edition of the Guide to get right to that day’s live concerts, club gigs, festivals, and more. We aren’t bringing you less, just dividing each day to continue to offer more.

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3)  REGISTER TO COMPETE IN THE 50th TOPANGA BANJO-FIDDLE CONTEST
The annual event, at the Paramount Movie Ranch, Agoura Hills, California (this year on May 16) has been called the finest one-day traditional music festival anywhere, with great acts in addition to its top-notch competitions in a number of categories, including instruments, bands, and vocals. Registrar Joy Felt tells us, “Contestant Registration is half over and half of the competition slots have been filled. We're going to celebrate our 50th year! Imagine it - and be part of the celebration. The Contestant Registration form is available at selected music stores and on our website at www.topangabanjofiddle.org.”

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She adds, “Remember VOLUNTEERS get in free.”

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Plus, this year brings the option to purchase your tickets in advance at a significant discount, at www.topangabanjofiddle.org/purchase_tix.html. Contestants can purchase discount advance tickets with their mail-in registration by sending a separate check and self-addressed stamped-envelope indicating the number and category of tickets desired.

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If you are thinking of competing, don’t dawdle. Categories fill-up, plus, there have been some changes, so you’ll need time to read the “Contestant FAQ's” carefully.

Joy adds, “If you cannot find the answer to your specific question on our website, please use the email addresses under the category of your question (ie: info, registrar, volunteer) or call the Hotline at 818-382-4819 and leave a message. [The web site has]
 information on our fine line-up of performers and activities, the Contestant Registration Form and Volunteer Questionnaire. [We’re] looking forward to having you enjoy the day with us!”

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4)  ANOTHER HAITI RELIEF BENEFIT SHOW, MARCH 19

It’s a benefit and a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick on Fri, March 19, at 8 pm, when The CALIFORNIA COWBOY BAND plus CHRIS & THOMAS opening, perform at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917.

+

Steve Deming of the CALIFORNIA COWBOY BAND tells us, “We have made arrangements with the owner, Bob Stane, to contribute half of our fee for the evening to the Haiti Relief Fund. If you don't have our new CD yet, now is the time to purchase one through CD Baby.com, as we, and they have agreed to send a dollar of each purchase to the Haiti relief as well.”

+

CALIFORNIA COWBOY BAND’s new CD, “Riding Catalina Again,” is somethin’ special, and in the Top 20 in the Western Music Chart. (Your editor heard the the final mixes when the band first heard them, and immediately predicted success.) The band recently recorded a performance for “The Heart of Western Music” for airing on nationwide cable TV on April 1.

+

CHRIS & THOMAS are favorites at McCabe’s who have played the CGB before, and they impress audiences everywhere. Tix, $18.

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5)  MICHELE VREELAND RADIO INTERVIEW 

L.A.-based singer-songwriter Michele Vreeland is building a good fan base, and recently, she did an interview on “Women’s Radio.” Topics include working the maze of the music industry as an indie. Michele says, “I think it turned out pretty good..hehe.” Check it out at www.womensradio.com/articles/Michele-Vreeland's-Indie-Approach-to-Making-Big-Waves-in-LA-%2B-SXSW-2010/4619.html

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6)  A THOUGHT FOR ALL THOSE TEA-BAGGERS…

“America has been called a melting pot, but it seems better to call it a mosaic, for in it each nation, people or race which has come to its shores has been privileged to keep its individuality, contributing at the same time its share to the unified pattern of a new nation.” - King Baudouin of Belgium (1930-1993)

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RECENT NEWS FEATURES:

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The March 13 News Features are available at

http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/acoustic-americana-music-guide-march-13.html

The topics are:

1) ST. PATRICK’S DAY IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17…

2) AZTEC CALENDAR’S NEW YEAR: A TIME OF MUSIC, CONTEMPLATION, MORE

3) TIME, AND WHYS AND WHEREFORES OF IT…  

4) MUSIC SHOWS ON PBS? MUST BE PLEDGE-DRIVE TIME… 

5) ANOTHER HAITI RELIEF BENEFIT SHOW, MARCH 19

6) OTHER NEWS?

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RECENT GUEST EDITORIALS:

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L.A.-based musician and expert on the subject MICHAEL HERALDA always presents a compelling and informative performance, and his written piece on the Mexica New Year is fascinating, spiritual, and a must-read for cultural literacy. It’s our guest editorial, by Michael, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/aztec-calendars-new-year-time-of-music.html. Michael has done musical and spoken word excerpts from his compelling “Aztec Stories” presentation on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” including music on original and traditional Native American instruments.

.

===

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Did you see our GUEST EDITORIAL in February 2010 by award-winning musician FREEBO? He wrote an essay on climate change that’s worth a read, and we presented it in the Guide. It’s entertaining and thoughtful, and takes it to the “deniers” in right-wing media. It’s at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/02/climate-change-by-freebo-special-to.html

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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2010, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.

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Updated March 19, 2010; recurring events included through Wednesday, March 31, with updated listings of many upcoming events through the rest of 2010.

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FIND ALL the acoustic gigs, concerts, festivals, radio shows, and more, in the GUIDE, at www.acousticamericana.blogspot.com

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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2010, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.

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