|
|
CARLTONE'S CORNER May 1, 2008
Welcome to the 89th edition of Carltone's Corner!
Idle Americans. Let’s face it, this is what most of us are. After working all day we sit on the couch at night in front of the idiot box watching shows like “American Idol” and “Access Hollywood,” both of which are all about other people who are out there having a good time. Instead of living vicariously through others (complete with endless commercials every ten minutes), it is way beyond time to get out of the house and experience some entertainment live and in person. True, you won’t get to vote on what you see, nor will you find out the latest wacky thing that Paula Abdul or Tom Cruise has to say. But you will feel better about yourself while also supporting artists at the same time. It’s a win/win situation no matter how you look at it. And fortunately, the interns here at Carltone World Headquarters (none of which, as far as we know, ever had an affair with Barbara Walters) (at least, not one that they are admitting to at this time) (Mindy McCready or Lindsay Lohan maybe, but not Walters) for years have been chained to their computer terminals in the basement of the compound so that they can search out and report the latest music news in and around the North Bay!
Mission (almost) accomplished. You may have noticed that the email address from which this newsletter was sent has been changed. For months now we’ve been threatening to kill off larryc@carltone.com, as we receive hundreds of pieces of garbage mail every day – for products such as Cialis, Viagra, and Rolex watches, for anatomical enhancement and free credit, and countless emails in Russian and other unreadable script – and frankly, we can’t take it any more. So from here on out the new address will be this carlin@carltone.com one, and larryc is on life support for the next couple of weeks until the plug is pulled for good. Long live larryc!
For those of you hoping to go to the Strawberry Music Festival by Yosemite over Memorial Day Weekend, start hanging out on the ticket exchange list, as the fest, as always, sold out weeks ago. Ricky Skaggs, Peter Rowan, Tim O’Brien, Emmylou Harris, Cadillac Sky and many others will be there.
Ailing musicians benefits. On the 1st at The Red Devil Lounge in SF there was a benefit for drummer Andrew Griffin. In September of 2006 Andrew was diagnosed with stage four metastatic colon cancer at the age of 36. He has since had two major surgeries as well as several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Griffin is the founder of the East Bay Drummers Studio, a rigorous teaching studio that has trained hundreds of rock and jazz drummers of all ages since 1998. He has performed, recorded, and toured as an in-demand session drummer with many influential bands and artists, including a summer 2007 tour of Europe with CAKE. Performing at the benefit were Paul Manousos, Jesse DeNatale, Paul Olguin, Duff Ferguson, Victor Krummenacher, Jeff Rolka, and The Viv All-Stars, with proceeds going to help offset Griffin's ongoing medical expenses. Go to his web site for more details. At the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley on the 6th at 8 p.m. there will be a benefit for ailing folksinger extraordinaire Utah Phillips, with performers Jody Stecher & Kate Brislin, Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, Eric & Suzy Thompson, Larry Hanks, Faith Petric, and Ray Bierl. Join them for an evening dedicated to honoring the artistry of Utah, the national treasure of wit and wisdom who is currently recovering from congestive heart failure. Proceeds from the show will go to help defray Utah's medical expenses.
Golden suds. Congratulations to the Iron Springs Pub & Brewery in Fairfax, who received a Gold Medal at the 2008 Brewers Association World Beer Cup in San Diego, a global competition that evaluates beers from around the world and recognizes the most outstanding beers being produced in the world today. Iron Springs received the medal in the Oatmeal Stout category for their Sless’ Stimulating Stout, named after pedal steel player Barry Sless. The World Beer Cup 2008 winners were selected by an international panel of 129 beer judges from 22 countries. An impressive field of 2,930 entries from 646 breweries in 58 countries made up the competition. The pub has been having free (and mostly acoustic) music on Wednesday nights for the past few years.
The Dead live on. The archives of the Grateful Dead – more than 30 years of memorabilia including the band's first recording contract, life-size skeletons of band members and artwork hand-made by its fans – are headed to UC Santa Cruz, where they will be displayed at McHenry Library. Read the story here.
Once is not enough. Irish singer/songwriter Glen Bransard, who won an Oscar last month for his song “Falling Slowly” from the wonderful film Once (hear the song there) in which he starred, also in real life has won the affections of his co-star/writer/singer Marketa Irglova. Striking while the iron is hot, they are on tour now performing together as The Swell Season. They played a show in Oakland last weekend, and there was a story about them in the SF Chronicle. And, there was a real nice interview with them on the 1st on NPR’s Fresh Air With Teri Gross show that you can listen to here. If you have not seen this film, rent it now.
News update. In the previous issue there was a segment about former longtime West Marin singer/songwriter Joe New, whose song “She Can’t Burn Me Now” was recorded a couple of years back the Del McCoury Band. Joe has another song, “40 Acres and a Fool,” which was co-written by Del and friend Ron Rogers, and it will be on the McCoury Band’s new album titled Moneyland that will hit the stores in June. What was not mentioned last time is that the title song “Moneyland” was written by the late John Herald.
Bluegrass theatre. How often do you get a chance to see/hear live bluegrass and country music played in a theatre setting? Well, now you can. The Contra Costa Civic Theatre in El Cerrito is currently staging a production of the play called Foxfire, and the house band features Bay Area pickers Chuck Ervin on bass, Polly Frizzell and Tony Phillips on fiddle and George Martin on banjo. You can read a review of the show in the Berkeley Daily Planet. The production runs through May 11th, so buy tickets now!
Fishwrap roundup. There was more Marin Music Hall of Fame stuff from Paul Liberatore in the Marin IJ. He also wrote a story about Doobie Brother daughter and singer Lara Johnston.
Get out your handkerchiefs. Former baseball pitcher (and alleged steroid user) Roger Clemens has more than his possible perjury trial to worry about now that he is retired from the game. Earlier this week there were allegations of an affair with failed-and-recently-freed-from-jail country singer Mindy McCready (a Carltone “Police Log” regular). The latter does not deny any of the allegations. Of course, she is looking for anything to now to boost her stalled career. Hey, maybe Roger can recommend something?
Police log. Fox on the run: rap singer Foxy Brown is out of prison after serving eight months of a one-year sentence stemming from an assault of two nail salon stylists over a $20 manicure...Bad country song: The father of TV comic and former Saturday Night Live alumnus Cheri Oteri was murdered in Nashville last week allegedly by a country songwriter named Richard Fagan, who also happened to be the roommate of the deceased…Something to look forward to: After being convicted a second time for child molestation in Viet Nam in 2005, Paul Francis Gadd, a.k.a. musician Gary Glitter, will be getting out of jail this August. Most people have no idea who he his, but his song “Rock and Roll Part Two,” contrary to announced bans by some sports venues, continues to be played at many athletic events every time a goal, touchdown or major score happens. Think you don’t know the song? No way you’d ever partake in singing along? Well, think again. You can listen to a snippet of the song by scrolling down here. While you are at, check out the ominous title of the second song, which is “Do You Want to Touch Me? (Oh Yeah!).” Yikes…
Life’s railway to heaven. Bluegrass musician and enthusiastic CBA member Allen Light succumbed to colon cancer on April 17th in Chico. He was in his early 60s. There are postings on the Message Board that you can read here. On the same day, legendary saw player Charlie Blacklock passed after an illness. He was in his 90s, and many in the Bay Area music community knew or at some time played with Charlie. His grandson Kenny Blacklock is a music teacher in Marin County, and he also plays fiddle in the bands Keystone Station, Dr. Elmo & Wild Blue, and Bluegrass Contraption. Keyboard player Danny Federici, who played for decades with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, died on April 17th from melanoma. He was 58. Chris Gaffney, lead singer of the Hacienda Brothers and longtime member of Dave Alvin’s band, died on April 17th in Newport Beach, CA, from liver cancer. He was 57. Jose Simon, a comedian and former musician who established the annual Comedy Day Celebration in SF’s Golden Gate Park, died of lung cancer in late April in SF. He was 63. Avant-garde composer Henry Brant died on April 30th in Santa Barbara. He was 94. Jim Hager, one of the country singing Hager Twins from the Hee Haw show a few decades back, died of an apparent heart attack on the 1st in Nashville. He was 66.
Coming attractions. Houston Jones at Rancho Nicasio on 6/8; CBA’s Father’s Day Festival 6/12-15; Dr. Elmo & Wild Blue at Sweetwater Station in late June; SF Outside Lands Festival in SF 8/22-24; Strawberry Music Festival 8/28-31;
Onward to the calendar…
Petaluma singer/songwriter Larry Potts is in Tucson for the Tucson Folk Festival competition on the 1st-4th, as he is one of the top ten finalists from around the country. His songs "The Ballad of Poker Alice" and "Home to Oregon" got him in. He has also had his songs “I'm American Too", “Since Then" and "Snake Oil" played on Thom Hartmann's Air America radio show in April.
Marin bluegrass jam. On the 1st and the 15th the jam will take place at the Marin Lutheran Church at 649 Meadowsweet in Corte Madera, from 7:30-10 p.m.
Some shows of note at Sweetwater Station, besides the open mic every Tuesday with the New Rising Sons and the Bluegrass Gold show (see below), are Firewheel on the 1st, Ben Taylor & David Saw on the 9th, Vinyl on the 10th, Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps on the 15th, Larkin Gayl, Lansdale Station and Moonlight Rodeo on the 17th, James Moseley Band R & B Dance Party on the 18th, and Heather Combs Songwriters In The Round on the 29th.
Good things are happening at Peri’s in Fairfax. Every Monday is acoustic open mic night hosted by Billy D of The Billy Boys. See Dr. Mojo on the 1st, Kehoe Nation on the 3rd, Peri's Blues Jam on the 4th, Friends of the River on the 6th, Danny Montana and Bar Association on the 9th, Jinx Jones on the 10th, Sexy Sunday on the 11th, Magrane Hill on the 13th, Jeb's TwangFest on the 14th (and 28th), Rahman's Songwriters in the Round on the 15th, Diamond Ortiz on the 21st, Pocket Party on the 22nd, Krickie's Songwriters' Night on the 25th, Kevin McCarthy on the 27th, Sacred Profanities on the 29th, Swamp Thang on the 30th, and Rusty Evans and Ring of Fire on the 31st.
The 142 Throckmorton Theatre has a variety of entertainment on the calendar. Besides Mark Pitta’s comedy night every Tuesday you can see and other fine shows. See Oregon on the 1st and 2nd, Butch Wax & The Glass Packs on the 3rd, The House Jacks on the 9th, Wavy Gravy Birthday on the 15th, Nicolas, Glover and Wray on the 16th, The Acoustic Vortex/Bread & Roses Benefit on the 23rd, DjangoFest on the 29th-June 1st, and lots more.
O brother! The legendary Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys will be playing on the 2nd and 3rd at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley.
Go the Black Rose Pub in Santa Rosa where there are Celtic jams on the second and third Wednesdays and a bluegrass/old-timey jam on the fourth Wednesdays. See Greenhouse on the 2nd, The Carrtunes on the 3rd, The Rhythm Rangers on the 10th, Amber Lee & The Anomolies on the 15th, The Farallons on the 16th, The Mitguards on the 24th, The Tonewoods on the 31st, and others.
Schoenberg Guitars. Besides being a wonderful acoustic guitar shop on Ark Row in Tiburon, Eric Schoenberg also has concerts and workshops there from time to time. See Rick Ruskin on the 2nd at 8:30 p.m., and Del Rey on the 15th at 8 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended, as space is limited. Call (415) 789-0846 for more info.
Songwriters and Film. The Bard of Marin, John Haley-Walker, will be performing on the 2nd at 7:30 p.m. along with Caren Armstrong and Michael McNevin at the The Sandlot Concert & Picture Show in Fremont. See a comedy film short and three songwriters, all for the price of one!
San Rafael singer/guitarist/songwriter Kurt Huget is out and about as usual this month. Most Tuesdays he's in the house band, The New Rising Sons, at Sweetwater Station for open mic night. The Kurt Huget Trio (with Lisa Kindred and Jesse Lee Kincaid) will be appearing on the 2nd at the "Marin Makes Music" fundraiser for the new music wing of the Marin History Museum. This event takes place at the Mill Valley Community Center. The 3rd finds Kurt performing solo in the morning at Aqus Cafe in Petaluma. That evening, The New Rising Sons will be holding court at Caffe Trieste in Sausalito. Lastly, at Sweetwater Station on the 17th, his country band Moonlight Rodeo will be headlining a triple talent lineup, along with friends Lansdale Station and Larkin Gayl.
Murphy’s Irish Pub in the town of Sonoma is the place to go for a good time in Sonoma County, and there is never a cover charge for music. Featured there this month are the Sonoma Mountain Band on the 2nd, Andrew Freeman on the 3rd, the Celtic jam on the 4th, Mike Lounibos on the 8th, Carolina Special on the 10th, The David Thom Band on the 23rd, The Moonshiners on the 30th, The Carrtunes on the 26th, and lots more good stuff.
Saylor’s Restaurant in Sausalito has live music on Fridays and Saturdays in the restaurant from 7:30-10:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 7-10 on Saturdays. On the 2nd see Tom Duarte & Diamante, Jazz Philosophy on the 3rd, Lauralee Brown & Company on the 9th, Macy Blackman on the 10th, Mindy Canter on the 16th, Wendy DeWitt on the 17th, Andoni with Neck & Neck on the 23rd, on the 24th the Songwriters Showcase with Savio Rego, Matt Lax and Lauralee Brown, Eugene Huggins on the 30th, and Lady D. & Alex Makels on the 31st.
Murphy Productions is presenting multiple shows this month at different venues. See Terry Haggerty on the 3rd at the Masonic in Mill Valley, Roy Zimmerman, Charlie King, and The Prince Myshkins on the 8th at Falkirk in San Rafael, Pamela Joy at the Club Restaurant in San Rafael on the 9th, Tamra Engle at Falkirk on the 10th, The Best Intentions at the Masonic on the 16th, Zadell - Zoe & Dave Ellis Band on the Sausalito Empress cruise on the 18th, Wendy De Witt's Blues Orgy on the 30th at the Belrose in San Rafael, and Fito Reinoso on the 31st at the Masonic.
The Ace in the Hole Pub outside of Sebastopol is the place to see Heavy Petty on the 3rd, Julia Francis & Friends on the 8th, The Pyrotones on the 9th, The Thugz on the 11th, Walter Strauss Band on the 15th, Jesse Brewster Band on the 17th, Like Mother Like Sun on the 21st, West County Jazz on the 25th, Gentry Bronson Band on the 29th, Blind Willies on the 30th, and more.
Sisters in the stairwell. And no, we aren’t talking about the Austrian kids that were kept in a basement for many years by their cretin father. We’re talking about the Bay Area’s popular old-time band The Stairwell Sisters. They are all over the place this month, as they have a new CD coming out. See them on the 3rd at Down Home Music on Fourth Street in Berkeley from noon-1p.m.; hear them also on the 3rd on the Bluegrass Signal with Peter Thompson on KALW (91.7 FM) from 6:30-8 p.m.; on the 11th hear them on the show America’s Back Forty with Mary Tilson on KPFA (94.1 FM) 1-3 p.m.; and on the 16th the CD release show will be at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley at 8 p.m.
Finnegan’s in Novato has an open mic every Monday hosted by KC Turner. On the 3rd see Petty Theft, Damir Stosic on the 7th (and 21st), Crooked Roads on the 10th, Drew Gasparini on the 14th, Snappy Dave and Dan on the 17th, Revolver on the 24th, Welcome Matt on the 28th, and Ignitor on the 31st.
Santa Rosa House Concerts proudly presents acclaimed Nashville singer-songwriter Jim Photoglo for an evening of music and dining on the 3rd. Widely recorded by others including Kenny Rogers, Faith Hill and Alabama, Jim’s music combines a broad musical background with an equally broad range of emotions, and the result is a unique artistry that transcends stylistic boundaries and appeals to a universal audience. Doors open 5:30 p.m., potluck dinner 6, show starts 7. Admission is $20.00. Reservations required. Call (707) 538-1215 for details, or e-mail HouseConcerts@monitor.net.
Festival in Windsor. On the 3rd from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. there will be the new (and free!) Foggy Mountain Bluegrass Festival in the town of Windsor, just north of Santa Rosa, with Blue & Lonesome, Kids on Bluegrass, The Mighty Chiplings, The OMG Band, A.J. Lee, and lots more.
The Alpha 2008 Acoustic Concert Series on the houseboat in Sausalito will present Deborah Winters (with special guest percussionist Owen Davis) on the 3rd at 8 p.m. Reservations strongly encouraged, call (415) 289-0490. Deborah, from Marin, is a vibrant performer who combines the elegance and sophistication of her extensive jazz background with total command of a wide variety of popular music styles. With an emotionally captivating vocal quality and exquisite songwriting skills, her music is both spellbinding and uplifting.
Mill Valley artist and musician Kimrea plays with her band Dreamdogs every Monday night at the No Name in Sausalito, and players are invited to sit in with the band. They will also be playing the People Paddle Benefit for Aids 4th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Pier 40 in San Francisco.
The Marin Country band The Shots will be playing Irish, bluegrass, old-time and originals at The Albany Spring Art & Music Festival Memorial Park on the 4th from 12:30-2 p.m. Go by and welcome their newest member, drummer Rob Ahlers, to the line-up. There’ll be food, music and flowers too.
Novato’s Doug Adamz & Trio Bravo will be playing at the Station House on the 4th and 29th; Doug will be part of the Acoustic Vortex show at the Throckmorton Theatre on the 23rd; and his full band Bravo will be at Rancho Nicasio on the 30th.
Steve Smith will be performing some original and tradition acoustic music shows around the bay on mandolin, mandola, guitar and vocals that blend his eastern Appalachian roots and his adopted southwest home New Mexico. He will be sharing the stage with longtime musical friend and banjoist extraordinaire Bill Evans at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley on the 7th, and then Steve will perform at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts on the 9th, (contact Kevin at 707-824-1858 or krussellmft@aol.com for info), conduct a mandolin workshop at Gryphon Music in Palo Alto on the 10th, and perform a house concert in the Santa Cruz area Sunday on the afternoon the 11th.
Music is brewing at the Iron Springs Pub & Brewery in Fairfax. Bands play on Wednesdays starting at 8 p.m. No cover, and great beer, food and music. See the Lorin Rowan & The Rubber Souldiers on the 7th, Brown Bag Banquet on the 14th, the Papermill Creek Rounders on the 21st, and The David Thom Band on the 28th.
Jeanie & Chuck Poling’s bluegrass and country jam at The Plough and Stars in SF will take place on the 7th. It runs from 8:30-11 p.m., but it is a bar, so you must be 21 to attend. Stop on by to pick a tune, and join the hosts for a Guinness.
On Thursday the 8th at 8 p.m. the next edition of the bluegrass series Bluegrass Gold will take place at Sweetwater Station in downtown Larkspur. Bluegrass Gold is produced by Carltone Music. Old-time meets bluegrass when The Roadoilers and The Barefoot Nellies share the stage. The Roadoilers are an old-time string band from Marin County who play square dance and contra dance music, traditional country singing, ragtime, and Irish traditional tunes. Fiddles, banjos, guitars, bass and bagpipes are the instruments. John Pedersen, Perry Fly, Chuck Wiley and Mike Drayton have played together in various combinations for over 25 years. Taken together, the band has over 160 years of experience playing old-time and bluegrass music. John is a luthier and he owns Amazing Grace Music in San Anselmo. The Bay Area's finest all-gal bluegrass band, The Barefoot Nellies, blend driving, high lonesome vocals, soaring sister duo and trio harmonies, and tasteful picking inspired by traditional bluegrass musicians like Flatt & Scruggs, Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe, and the Stanley Brothers. Although firmly rooted in the traditional sounds, the Nellies subtly bring together their diverse musical influences, from Balkan singing to Texas fiddling and hot swing to honky-tonk, bringing a drive and energy to their playing that takes them far beyond the "girl group" label. On this show they will be celebrating the release of their new CD titled Let Me Down Easy. The members are Jess Beebe on bass, Nicole Solis on mandolin, Erika Walther on guitar, Prentiss Sellers on banjo, and Betsy Maudlin on fiddle. Sweetwater Station is Marin County's premier nightclub as well as the home for bluegrass music in the North Bay. For more information call the club at (415) 924-6107.
The 10th Annual Parkfield Bluegrass Festival will be taking place down south on the 8th-11th. Some bands on the bill are The James King Band, Bean Creek, Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice, Eric Uglam & Sons, The Brombies, Wild River Ramblers, and a whole lot more.
Mill Valley’s Dore Coller wins the Busiest Player of the Month Award. On the 8th it will be the Tiki Room at 19 Broadway in Fairfax with Pat Nevins & Ragged Glory from 6-8 p.m.; the 9th McGrath's in Alameda with Savanna Blu; on the 10th The Backyard Concert at Pat Campbell’s in Novato backing up Willow Van den Hoek; on the 11th at 19 Broadway with Hot Club of Marin from 5-8 p.m.; on the 15th at the Tiki Room with the Charlie Christian Clinic from 6-8 p.m.; on the 16th at The Jupiter in Berkeley with Savanna Blu; on the 22nd at the Tiki Room with HCM 6-8 p.m.; on the 29th at the Tiki Room with BermudaGrass; and on June 1st at DjangoFest with Bo Jango, featuring David La Flamme and Dan Hicks at 7 p.m.
The San Geronimo Valley Community Center celebrates the 17th Annual Spring Art Show featuring nearly 100 San Geronimo Valley artists. A wide variety of mediums will be represented including watercolor, mixed media, photography, oil, pastels, woodblock prints, acrylics, metal, clay, metalwork and more. Art lovers are welcomed to attend the free opening reception at the Community Center on the 9th from 6:30-9pm to enjoy food and drink whilst meeting the artists.
Schaef-Abel Productions presents Adam Carroll and Michael O'Connor at Studio E, near Sebastopol on the 9th starting at 8 p.m.
Lauralee Brown is a busy singer. On Tuesdays you can find her at The Ward Street Cafe in Larkspur holding down the Acoustic Sounds with Denise Leigh and Greg Punkar from 7-9 p.m. At Saylor's Restaurant on the 9th her LLB & Company band will be playing jazz & beyond, and on the 25th at the Caledonia Street Fair see them kicking off the festivities on the main stage from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Caledonia and Bee Streets.
The Marin duo Keystone Crossing will be playing a free show on the 10th at 3 p.m. at the South San Francisco Library, 840 West Orange Avenue. Their angelic harmonies hearken back to the early days of country and bluegrass music, as they sing songs of the famous brother duos of that era – The Delmore, Louvin, and Everly Brothers – as well as songs from contemporary duos such as Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, and Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum. Sittin’ in with them on this show will be mandolin player Dave Earl.
Sebastopol guitarist Kevin Russell has three gigs with three different bands this month. On the 10th The Rhythm Rangers will play Western swing, alt-country and rockin' blues at The Black Rose in Santa Rosa at 8:30 p.m., with no cover; in the 17th Jayne Russell (a.k.a. Doug Jayne, Kevin Russell, Dean Wilson, & Dan Ransford) play great originals and cover tunes at the Toad in the Hole in Santa Rosa at 9 p.m.; and on the 22nd Kevin will be with Mark McLay & the Dustdevils when they open for Poco at The Mystic in Petaluma.
Novato bass player Pat Campbell occasionally has concerts in his back yard. On the 10th he will have his first show of the summer season with a very special guest, and there will be a limited amount of tickets available. For information send him an email at friendlylaneinfo@comcast.net.
Calistoga performers Michael and Lindalou will be playing at the Calistoga Farmer’s Market on the 10th from 9 a.m. to noon; they will play opening day of the Windsor Farmer's Market on 11th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; and on the 17th starting at 5 p.m. for “A Trail Lovers Event,” a benefit for Volunteers for Outdoor America. This is a weekend campout event to clean up one of their favorite places in Calistoga, The Oat Hill Mine Trail, at the intersection of Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. They’ll be playing during dinner and off and on throughout the evening.
Mother’s Day with Kathy Kallick. On Sunday the 11th East Bay bluegrass singer Kathy Kallick & Friends will be playing their 19th Annual Mother’s Day Celebration at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley starting at 1 p.m. The performance spotlights Kathy's wonderful original songs for children and families, including "Use a Napkin (Not Your Mom)," the title track from an album that USA Today praised for its "lively, humorous, thoughtful, historical, merry music." Accompanying Kathy will be two members of Rustler's Moon, the red-hot bluegrass band she co-leads with banjo ace Bill Evans: Bill and Tom Bekeny (mandolin, vocals). They will be joined by Bay Area stalwarts Suzy Thompson (fiddle, vocals) and Steve Pottier (bass).
Rocker Oysterfeller’s in the West Marin town of Valley Ford will present the band Hillside Fire on the 11th.
Mill Valley’s Matt Lax is at Wildplum studios all this month working on a new album with The Palm Wine Boys. On the 11th he’ll play with Three Mile Grade at the Sand Dollar in Stinson Beach; on the 24th he plays solo in the Cabo Room at Saylor's in Sausalito; on the 22nd Matt & Erik play at Soluna Restaraunt in SF for happy hour from 4:30-6:30 p.m.; and on the 31st Matt and his band Nearly Beloved are back at the Riptide in SF at 9 p.m.
Sonoma County’s rootsy bluegrass band Poor Man’s Whiskey will be at the Starry Plough in Berkeley on the 15th, Don Quixote’s in Felton on the 16th, the Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa on the 21st, and at the Sebastopol Community Center on the 31st.
North Bay guitarist Walter Strauss and his trio will be playing on the 15th from 6-9 p.m. at the Ace in the Hole Pub in Graton, and on the 17th at 7:30 p.m. Walter and special guest Mamadou Sidibe (kamal'ngoni player from Mali) will be playing a house concert in Half Moon Bay. Email Erin Tormey at beachmeeting@earthlink.net for info and reservations.
At the Mystic in Petaluma you can see the Marshall Tucker Band on the 16th, Poco on the 22nd, and Peter Rowan & The Free Mexican Air Force and The South Austin Jug Band on the 23rd.
We’re off to see the wizard! The Mountain Play on Mt. Tam this season will be a production of The Wizard of Oz, and it will run on Sundays (and one Saturday) from May 18th-June 15th. There is also music played after the show, and if you go you will see The Rowan Brothers on the 18th, June 1st and June 8th.
Renowned picker and teacher Orrin Star returns to northern California in mid-May for a workshop and concert tour. Once described as “Arlo Guthrie-meets-Doc Watson,” Star was the 1976 National Flatpicking Champion, has appeared on A Prairie Home Companion, and is the author of "Hot Licks for Bluegrass Guitar," a popular flatpicking guide. On the 20th he will be holding a flatpicking workshop from 7:30-9:45 p.m. at Steve Swan Guitars in Burlingame; on the 21st it will be a bluegrass rhythm guitar workshop at The 5th String in Berkeley from 7:30-9:45 p.m., with a mandolin workshop there on the 22nd from 6:30-8 p.m. followed by a concert at 8:30; on the 24th a bluegrass rhythm guitar workshop from noon-2:15 p.m. at Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto, and on the 24th a house concert in Corte Madera at 8 p.m. (email gassman55@yahoo.com for info).
Jammin’ in Sebastopol. The place for bluegrass pickin' on Saturdays is the Coffee Catz, 6761 Sebastopol Ave, from 2-5 p.m.
Kleptograss. Eric Thompson leads an all-star band called Kleptograss that will be playing eclectic music at the Petaluma Church Concerts Series in Petaluma on the 17th. In the band are Jody Stecher, Paul Shelasky, Paul Knight and usually Scott Nygaard, but for this show special guest David Nelson will be on guitar. The band’s expanding repertoire borrows freely from American mountain music, Puerto Rican jibaro, Western Swing, Greek rembetika, Irish reels, Southern blues, the music of Django Reinhardt, and other places. Tickets are available at Tall Toad Music in Petaluma and at The Last Record Store in Santa Rosa. For more info contact Lance Walker at eclecticstage@yahoo.com.
On the 17th at the First Street Cafe Upstairs in Benicia Jim Nunally& Judy Forrest will be joined by Tomas Enguidanos on dobro, vocals, quatro, and maybe more, from 8-11:15 p.m. No cover.
At the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa you could see Foreigner on the 23rd, and Crosby, Stills & Nash on the 31st.
There will be pickin’ of gospel, bluegrass and old-time music as usual up in Sebastopol on the fourth Sunday of this month, and the date is the 25th. It takes place from 2-5 p.m. at the Sebastopol Christian Church, 7433 Bodega Avenue, in Sebastopol. Bring acoustic instruments and your favorite gospel songs to sing.
Andrew Freeman, besides performing solo on the first Saturday of every month at Murphy’s in Sonoma, continues to play Tuesday evenings at Giordano's (Columbus and Broadway) in SF at 7 p.m.
Ed Neff and Friends are playing bluegrass every Thursday at the Willowbrook Ale House in Petaluma from 6:30-9:30 p.m. There is no cover, and you get to hear some of the finest traditional bluegrass in the North Bay. The regular pickers are Ed Neff on fiddle, Mike Wilhoyte on guitar, Jeff King on bass, Paul Shelasky on fiddle, and alternate banjoists Larry Cohea and George Goodell. The address is 3600 Petaluma Boulevard North. Call (707) 775-4232 for more info.
Moose open mic. There is an open mic every fourth Thursday of the month at the Petaluma Moose, 300 English Street. Signups are at 6:30 p.m., and the MOM runs from 7-10. The event has been running regularly now for two years.
Music Television. There is some good music stuff on TV on KQED-Channel 9, public television, in the SF Bay Area:
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT II 5/03 10 p.m.: “Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire host this inevitable sequel of MGM classic movie musical magic. This time, comedy and drama are introduced along with musical numbers – Tracy & Hepburn, Marx Brothers, etc. Most imaginative segment of all is the wonderful title sequence by Saul Bass.”
SPARK – YOSHI'S, HIJOS DEL SOL, DIAMANO COURA 5/14 7:30 p.m., 5/16 11:30 p.m., 5/18 6:30 a.m., 5/19 3 a.m.: “Spark visits Yoshi's new venue in San Francisco's historic Fillmore district, and explores efforts to reinvigorate the jazz scene with shows dubbed ‘Local Legends,’ featuring artists like Sugar Pie de Santo. Next, meet painter Jose Ortiz whose Salinas after-school program, Hijos del Sol, is turning young kids from tough neighborhoods onto art. Then join Dr. Zak Diouf and Naomi Washington Diouf and their Diamano Coura West African Dance Company in the weeks leading up to their annual repertoire concert.”
MARVIN GAYE – WHAT'S GOING ON 5/07 10 p.m., 5/11 1:30 a.m.: “One of the great, enduring figures of American music, Marvin Gaye combined gospel, rhythm and blues, soul and jazz to create his own intimate style – one that reflected his ‘path of the heart’ and, essentially, gave the world his autobiography in lyrics and melody. He was a huge, glamorous and sometime flamboyant performer, he was a Motown star who challenged and changed the face of popular music with records such as his ‘What's Going On’ in 1971 – full of honesty, vulnerability and, above all, integrity. Yet, his life was also tainted by the bizarre – full of torment, bitter-sweet success, constant battling with demons and, ultimately, death at the hand of his own father.”
HELLO, DOLLY! (1969) 5/10 8 p.m.: “This colorful treatment of the smash Broadway play stars Barbra Streisand as matchmaker Dolly Levi. She travels to New York and matches up everyone in sight, including refocusing the woman millionaire Horace Vandergelder (Walter Matthau) has been courting, since Dolly has plans of her own for him. Directed by Gene Kelly, with music and Oscar-winning score by Jerry Herman, Lennie Hayton and Lionel Newman. Based on Thornton Wilder's ‘The Matchmaker.’ The film also won Oscars for Best Sound and Best Art Direction, and was nominated in four other categories, including Best Picture.”
PAUL SIMON 5/11 12:32 a.m.: “A rare insight into one of popular music's most prolific and diverse songwriters. This special interview includes a wealth of archive footage and live, spur-of-the-moment renditions by Paul Simon.”
CAMELOT 5/11 noon: “The New York Philharmonic performs a semi-staged version of the Lerner & Loewe classic ‘Camelot.’ It's one of the most endearing musicals of all time telling the unforgettable tale of the legendary King Arthur, whose idealized kingdom meets a tragic end, as well as the wake of the disastrous affair between Sir Lancelot, the King's most trusted knight, and Guinevere, his beautiful Queen."
********************************************************************************************** April 15, 2008 Here we are halfway through the month of April, and earlier this week auditors at Carltone World Headquarters besieged the staff here after the Carltone stock took it in the shorts in the latest stock market roller coaster ride. Fortunately we got all of our taxes done by midnight on the 15th and now we can concentrate on the more important things….
Good news from Joe. Former longtime West Marin singer/songwriter Joe New relocated to the Portland, OR, two years ago, but this hasn’t kept him from working the Nashville scene. A couple of years back the Del McCoury Band recorded his song titled “She Can’t Burn Me Now.” Now comes the news that Joe’s song “40 Acres and a Fool,” which was co-written by Del and friend Ron Rogers, will be on the McCoury Band’s new album titled Moneyland that will hit the stores in June. Joe is in good company here. Other contributors to the recording are Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Marty Stuart, Mac Wiseman, Patty Loveless, Dan Tyminski, Bruce Hornsby, Tim O'Brien, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. Its theme is the state of the rural economy with a view to the current downtown in the economy, which is causing problems with the lives of ordinary people to an extent not seen since the 1930s. Joe’s song looks at the phenomenon of rich city folks buying into the "country" lifestyle.
Mill Valley singer/songwriter Jamie Clark is recording now in Toronto for three weeks with a renowned producer/songwriter. More details coming soon!
Setting the stage. There is a new workshop called Take the Stage that is a nine-week program designed to give musicians a chance to participate in a band developing a sound of its own, culminating in a live performance at the Freight and Salvage. In two-hour workshops each week, band participants will develop a set of songs for their concert, working singing, harmonizing, soloing, playing backup, band dynamics and more. Professional musicians, led by bluegrass greats such as Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum, who have been teaching bluegrass at workshops, festivals, and camps for many years, will mentor bands each week. While workshops have been centered on bluegrass in the past, other genres (country, western swing, old-time) are welcome, provided there are a sufficient number of participants to form a band. The spring session will start the week of April 21st with the concert at the Freight scheduled around in late June. Tuition is $350 per person. For more details, or to register, contact Ran Bush at (510) 525-8156.
Calling all banjers! The only room left at CBA Music Camp in June is for beginning banjo players, both old-time and bluegrass. All other classes are currently full. Some waiting lists are longer than others, and there will be cancellations, so a few opportunities may open up between now and June, but interested campers are advised to check about availability before sending in registrations.
The keyboard player just turned a whiter shade of pale. Gary Brooker, the writer and singer of the song “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by the band Procol Harum in the 60s, won an appeals court judgment over royalty rights to the song. He had previously lost the first round of the case to keyboard player Matthew Fisher, who had claimed that he was owed royalties since he played the signature organ part on the recording.
Fishwrap Roundup. Paul Liberatore in the Marin IJ wrote a story about Arne Frager, who for 20 years operated the legendary Plant Studios in Sausalito, who has been let go by the new owners. Paul recently wrote a story about the West Marin African drumming band Rhythm Village, one of whose members is Gabe Harris, none other than the son of Joan Baez and her ex-husband David Harris. And Paul also wrote again about the fledgling Marin Rock & Roll Hall of Fame idea, which you can read here.
Police log. Life in shambles: Pete Doherty, the oft-arrested lead singer of the band Babyshambles, has finally landed in jail in London for 3.5 months for violations of his probation. Look for his incarceration to do wonders for the sale of his next album, and he’ll probably win Grammys next year… Tough poison to swallow: Richard Ream, a.k.a. drummer “Rikki Rockett” from the metal band Poison, was arrested in LA in late March on a rape charge that was filed in Mississippi last fall.
Get out your handkerchiefs. Rapper Remy Ma, who recently was featured in the police log segment of this newsletter for shooting a friend of hers in a dispute over money, is not letting her new home in Rikers Island get in the way of her wedding plans. She will soon be marrying her fiancé there, rapper Papoose. She may want to seal the deal ASAP. While being held without bail, she faces up to 25 years for her conviction. If given a long sentence the odds are that old Papoose will vamoose before too long…
Life’s railway to heaven. Darian O'Toole, a one-time morning deejay on KSAN radio in SF in the late 90s, died in Oakland on April 5th after complications from a broken leg. She was only 40. Doug Pledger, a decades-long broadcaster on classical station KKHI in SF, died on April 7th. He was 89. Eugene Crabtree, banjo player with The James King Band, passed away last week from an apparent heart attack. He had reportedly told his wife he was feeling some pains in his chest but had not gone to see the doctor. This is sad news any way you look at. While it is not known whether or not Eugene had health insurance, there are way too many musicians that do not because they don’t have the income to pay for it. For a related story about musicians that can’t afford to get sick, read this one here from last weekend’s Nashville Tennessean newspaper. Coming attractions. Marshall Tucker Band at The Mystic in Petaluma on 5/16; Eric Thompson's Kleptograss with special guest David Nelson at the Petaluma Church Concerts on 5/17; Poco at The Mystic on 5/22; Strawberry Music Festivals 5/22-25, 8/28-31; Peter Rowan & The Free Mexican Air Force and The South Austin Jug Band at The Mystic on 5/23; CBA’s Father’s Day Festival 6/12-15; SF Outside Lands Festival in SF 8/22-24.
Additions
Okay, the nine-year anniversary Bluegrass Gold show on Thursday the 17th at 8 p.m. at Sweetwater Station in Larkspur. featuring Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands as the headliner and Nell Robinson & Red Level as the opener was mentioned here in detail last time. What was not mentioned, because the news just came in, is that Laurie’s brand new live CD just arrived, so this will be the first official CD release show. So you can literally be the first one on your block to have this disc.
Bluegrass in Fairfax. Gather up the herd and hoof on out to Fairfax on the 17th to see Hoarse Chorus playing up-tempo, hard driving bluegrass tunes and instrumentals starting at 6 p.m. at the Tiki Lounge at 19 Broadway. The band is Ted Silverman, Steve Kallai, Joe Kenny and Gary Kaye.
Roundup time with The Wronglers. The Atlas Cafe in San Francisco presents the best in live bluegrass and old-time music every Thursday night from 8-10 p.m. On the 17th as part of the Bluegrass Tonic Series you can see Jeannie & Chuck's Country Roundup and The Wronglers. No cover charge. That’s two bands for the price of none!
Award winning singer/songwriter Caren Armstrong skillfully combines dynamic, multi-colored vocals and a highly accomplished guitar style with intelligent, at times hysterical lyrics. On the 18th she will be featuring several songs from her latest CD, Everything, which is currently charting in the top 20 on the FolkDJ chart. See her at the Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael at 8 p.m. Playing with Caren on this show will be Josh Zucker on bass, and special guest John Haley-Walker.
On the 20th at 5 p.m. at the Presidio Yacht Club in Fort Baker (outside of Sausalito) see the Redlegs reunion show featuring the singing of Maggie Catfish.
Novato bass player Pat Campbell occasionally has concerts in his back yard. On May 10th he will have his first show of the summer season with a very special guest, and there will be a limited amount of tickets available. For information send him an email at friendlylaneinfo@comcast.net.
Reminders
Marin bluegrass jam. On the 17th the jam will take place at the Marin Lutheran Church at 649 Meadowsweet in Corte Madera, from 7:30-10 p.m.
Some shows of note at Sweetwater Station, besides the open mic every Tuesday and the Bluegrass Gold show on the 17th, are Mike Gibbons Band on the 18th, SoVoSo on the 19th, James Moseley Band on the 20th, Zoo Station on the 25th, Blues Fundraiser on the 26th, and much more.
Mill Valley artist and musician Kimrea plays with her band Dreamdogs play every Monday night at the No Name in Sausalito, and players are invited to sit in with the band. You can also see them play at Murphy’s on the 17th.
Murphy’s Irish Pub in the town of Sonoma is the place to go for good music in Sonoma County, and there is never a cover charge for music. Featured there this month are the aforementioned Kimrea on the 17th, Blue & Lonesome on the 18th, Solid Air on the 24th, The Dry Creek Drifters on the 25th, High Country on the 26th, Greenhouse on the 27th, and others.
The 142 Throckmorton Theatre has a variety of entertainment on the calendar. Besides Mark Pitta’s comedy night every Tuesday you can see A Charred Slipper Drama on the 17th, The Standup Sisters on the 18th, and much more.
At the Ace in the Hole in Graton you can see The Courtney Janes on the 17th, Nick Jaina on the 22nd, West County Outlaws on the 24th, Art Frengel’s Tribute to the Grateful Dead on the 29th, and more.
Murphy Productions as usual is presenting a host of excellent shows this month at different venues. On the 18th it is the Caren Armstrong show at Falkirk; on the 25th Lavay Smith at The Stage Dor; and on the 26th Turbodrive at The Masonic in Mill Valley.
Saylor’s Restaurant in Sausalito has live music in the restaurant from 7:30-10:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 7-10 on Saturdays. On the 18th see Chris Planas, Mike Angel on the 19th, Lisa Kindred on the 25th, and Madeline Sheron on the 26th.
At the Sweet Spot Pub in Santa Rosa enjoy Jill Cohn Trio on the 18th, singer/songwriter night on the 24th, and lots more.
The Mystic in Petaluma has David Wilcox on the 18th, Greensky and The Bluebellies on the 19th, Leon Redbone on the 20th, and The Four Bitchin’ Babes on the 26th.
See Sonoma’s Poor Man’s Whiskey on the 19th at the Fillmore in SF with Hot Buttered Rum. On the 24th PMW will be at Humboldt Brews in Arcata, and on the 27th at the Apple Blossom Festival in Sebastopol.
At the Black Rose Pub in Santa Rosa see The Farallons on the 19th, Under the Radar on the 25th, and others.
See The James Moseley Jazz Quartet on the 19th at 9 p.m. at the No Name Bar in Sausalito; see The James Moseley Band on the 20th at 5 p.m. at Sweetwater Station, and on the 25th at 9 p.m. at Servino’s Bar & Grill in Tiburon.
Finnegan’s is the happening place in Novato. See Revolver on the 19th, Damir Stosic on the 23rd (and 30th), and on the 26th Snappy Dave & Dan.
Good things are happening at Peri’s in Fairfax. Every Monday is acoustic open mic night hosted by Billy D of The Billy Boys. See Craig Caffal Band on the 19th, Jeb's TwangFest on the 23rd, Highway Robbers on the 24th, Krickie's Songwriters' Night on the 27th, The Courtney Janes on the 29th, and lots more.
Mill Valley singer/songwriter Elaine Dempsey and her trio Big Wide Grin will be singing and smiling at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marin City on the 19th at 7 p.m. Also on that bill are The St. Andrew Sisters.
Jammin’ in Sebastopol. The place to be on Saturdays is the Coffee Catz, from 2-5 p.m. On the 19th it will be swing music, and on the 26th it will be pickers’ choice.
Savannah Blu, a Marin bluegrass band featuring Gary Kaye on banjo, Dore Coller on guitar, Steve Kallai on fiddle and Dave Hanks on mandolin, will be playing at the Sand Dollar in Stinson Beach on the 20th.
Out at Rocker Oysterfeller's Kitchen & Saloon in Valley Ford you can see The Bluebellies on the 20th, and Jason Bodlovich on the 27th.
Nick's Cove in Marshall hosts Local's Night every Tuesday, with dinner and beer specials and live music. See Doug Adamz & Trio Bravo on the 22nd, and the Cathleen Riddley Trio on the 29th.
Music is brewing at the Iron Springs Pub & Brewery in Fairfax. Bands play on Wednesdays starting at 8 p.m. No cover, and great beer, food and music. See Full Soul Jackets on the 23rd, and Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys on the 30th.
At the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa you could see Ballet Folklorico on the 23rd.
Schoenberg Guitars. Besides being a wonderful acoustic guitar shop on Ark Row in Tiburon, Eric Schoenberg also has concerts and workshops there from time to time. See Duck Baker on the 24th at 8 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended, as space is limited. Call (415) 789-0846 for more info.
Mill Valley’s Dore Coller, besides playing the gig mentioned above with Savanna Blu will also on the 24th be with the Hot Club of Marin at the Tiki Room at 19 Broadway in Fairfax from 6-8 p.m.; and on the 28th the Hot Club Club will be at 142 Throckmorton from 7-9:30 p.m.
Sonoma’s Adam Traum can be seen around the bay this month on the 25th at La Barca in SF with his four-piece band, and with a trio on the 27th at Cato’s Alehouse in Oakland.
San Rafael singer/guitarist/songwriter Kurt Huget is busy this month. Most Tuesdays he's in the house band The New Rising Sons (Kurt, Jesse Kincaid, Jon Lovitt, and Jake Baker) at Sweetwater Station in Larkspur for open mic night. This band will also be appearing there on the 26th. On the 25th he’ll be at the Two Bird Cafe in San Geronimo playing jazz with Namely Us; and on the 26th he’ll solo in the morning at Aqus Cafe in Petaluma, followed by the evening show at Sweetwater Station.
Santa Rosa guitarist Kevin Russell and his band Under The Radar on the 25th will play at The Black Rose in Santa Rosa, and on the 27th his band The Rhythm Rangers will be at Sebastopol's Apple Blossom Festival in Ives Park, 2-3 p.m.
Mill Valley’s Matt Lax will play with Three Mile Grade at 9 p.m. on the 26th at Riptide in SF.
Lauralee Brown can be found on Tuesdays at The Ward Street Cafe in Larkspur holding down the Acoustic Sounds with Denise Leigh and Greg Punkar from 7-9 p.m.
Andrew Freeman, besides performing solo on the first Saturday of every month at Murphy’s in Sonoma, continues to play Tuesday evenings at Giordano's (Columbus and Broadway) in SF at 7 p.m.
Celebrating Songwriters. This is the name of Caren Armstrong’s long running singer/songwriter series that she has hosted at a number of venues over the years. The location now is Left Coast Cyclery, 2928 Domingo Avenue, in Berkeley. On the 26th at 8 p.m. you can see Joel Rafael and Gypsy Soul.
Houston Jones will be playing their high-octane America music all around the bay this month, and you can also see them headline a show at the Noe Valley Ministry in SF on the 26th. This special night of acoustic music in a warm, intimate atmosphere will benefit Music in Schools Today (MuST). Answering the crisis in music education, MuST provides programs that reach more than 10,000 Bay Area children in under served public schools and communities. Also, the band’s song “Coward’s Game” can still be heard on Neil Young's web site. The songs there are ranked by number of plays, and “Coward’s Game” is currently ranked at number 112. The band would be most grateful if you would go to Neil’s site here and click on the tune.
There will be pickin’ of gospel, bluegrass and old-time music as usual up in Sebastopol on the fourth Sunday of this month, and the date is the 27th. It takes place from 2-5 p.m. at the Sebastopol Christian Church, 7433 Bodega Avenue, in Sebastopol. Bring acoustic instruments and your favorite gospel songs to sing.
Ed Neff and Friends are playing bluegrass every Thursday at the Willowbrook Ale House in Petaluma from 6:30-9:30 p.m. There is no cover, and you get to hear some of the finest traditional bluegrass in the North Bay. The regular pickers are Ed Neff on fiddle, Mike Wilhoyte on guitar, Jeff King on bass, Paul Shelasky on fiddle, and alternate banjoists Larry Cohea and George Goodell. The address is 3600 Petaluma Boulevard North. Call (707) 775-4232 for more info.
Moose open mic. There is an open mic every fourth Thursday of the month at the Petaluma Moose, 300 English Street. Signups are at 6:30 p.m., and the MOM runs from 7-10. The event has been running regularly now for two years.
Music Television. There is some good music stuff on TV on KQED-Channel 9, public television, in the SF Bay Area:
SOUNDSTAGE – DAUGHTRY 4/17 11 p.m.: “Soundstage welcomes three-time American Music Award winner Daughtry to its stage. Formed by ‘American Idol’ contestant Chris Daughtry in 2006, this band is a recipe for success. Daughtry, the self-titled release, was listed as the fastest-selling rock debut in Soundscan history. Truly revitalizing the rock genre, Daughtry's triple-platinum album features Chris' rugged voice and the band's heavy, polished sound. On this episode, Daughtry performs fan favorites with passionate intensity.”
SF BALLET'S NEW WORKS FESTIVAL 4/18 11:30 p.m., 4/20 6:30 a.m., 4/21 7:30 p.m.: “In celebration of its 75th anniversary, the San Francisco Ballet is mounting an ambitious festival of new works, ten world premieres by ten choreographers. This show follows the creation of three of these works by some of the country's most renowned choreographers - Mark Morris, Margaret Jenkins, and Christopher Wheeldon – exploring the new directions they are taking this centuries-old art form. Morris has enlisted longtime friend Isaac Mizrahi to design the costumes and John Adams to compose the music for his ballet, both collaborators stellar figures in their own fields. Margaret Jenkins, the highly respected Bay Area choreographer, has members of the Ballet Company working in an entirely new way - within her modern dance tradition. Christopher Wheeldon, heralded as the next Balanchine, blends elements of traditional and classical ballet.”
ARTIST'S TABLE – JACQUES PEPIN AND ITZHAK PERLMAN 4/19 10 a.m.: “Acclaimed chef, author and television personality Jacques Pepin and violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman explore the nature of creativity at the intersection of the culinary and non-culinary arts. Filmed on location in Perlman's Manhattan residence and his summer home in East Hampton, the men discuss their mutual appreciation for music, food and wine. The two raconteurs delight in lively conversation while they plan, present and share a meal comprised of their favorite dishes. The program intersperses cooking and conversation about food, the arts and the common threads linking the creative processes of each, punctuated with Perlman's intelligence and wit and Pepin's warmth and graciousness.”
DANCE IN AMERICA – WOLF TRAP'S FACE OF AMERICA 4/21 10 p.m.: “‘Face of America’, an initiative of the non-profit Wolf Trap Foundation, celebrates the diversity of America's cultural and natural landscapes by commissioning new works by the country's top choreographers and musicians, with the ultimate goal of fostering a commitment to preserve our national parks. This DIA special features highlights from Wolf Trap's Face of America commissions –Project Bandaloop at Yosemite National Park, featuring the work of choreographer Amelia Rudolph and Native American composer Robert Mirabal; the work of jazz composer Steve Turre and choreographer Donald Byrd at Virgin Islands National Park, featuring members of Byrd's troupe at the site of an early sugar cane plantation; members of the US Olympic Synchronized Swim Team performing underwater in the Coral Reef National Monument; choreographer Doug Varone at Kentucky's Mammoth Cave National Park; a celebration of flight by choreographer Elizabeth Streb, set to the songs of country music singer Patti Loveless at Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk; and the dancers and musicians of Halau O Kekuhi at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.”
JOHN FOGERTY 4/24 11 p.m.: “Best known as the lead singer/songwriter and guitarist for Creedence Clearwater Revival, rock legend and Grammy winner John Fogerty has made a phenomenal contribution to American music for decades. CCR released 13 hit singles in just five years and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. On his newest solo release, Revival, Fogerty incorporates all the best elements of an unforgettable career of authentic rock and roll. Revival features Fogerty's signature southern growl and blistering guitar work. On this episode of Soundstage, Fogerty delivers the timeless essence of his music with an electrifying stage presence and resonating energy. A genuine showman, Fogerty weaves new songs ‘Don't You Wish It Was True’ and ‘River is Waiting,’ with classics ‘Born on the Bayou,’ ‘Fortunate Son,’ ‘Centerfield,’ ‘Bad Moon Rising’ and show-closer ‘Proud Mary,’ resulting in an unbelievable performance you will not want to miss.”
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (1971) 4/26 8 p.m.: “Norman Jewison's adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical received 8 Oscar nominations, winning for Best Cinematography, Best Music and Best Sound. The story is set in the Ukranian ghetto village of Anatevka. Israeli actor Topol (Best Actor nominee) reprises his London stage role as Tevye the milkman, whose equilibrium is constantly being challenged by his poverty, the prejudicial attitudes of non-Jews, and the romantic entanglements of his five daughters.”
MANON LESCAUT 4/27 noon: “Finnish phenomenon Karita Mattila ventures into the Italian repertory, incandescent in a role that fits her like a perfumed glove: tragic courtesan. Rarely has Puccini's pleasure-loving, 18th-century heroine looked or sounded more lovely than in this soprano's portrayal. The opera is conducted by Met music director James Levine and topped with Italian tenor Marcello Giordani's ardent performance as Manon's headstrong young lover, Chevalier des Grieux. American baritone Dwayne Croft is the roguish brother Lescaut; bass-baritone Dale Travis sings Manon's foppish ‘protector,’ the repugnant Geronte di Ravoir.” **************************************************************************************************** April 1, 2008 Welcome to the 88th edition of Carltone's Corner! Marching into April and spring. We made it through the winter, and save for a few rainstorms between now and May the nice weather is here to stay. And, this means outdoor festivals are about to begin. It is time for some spring-cleaning of that camping gear. With the CBA Spring Campout in Turlock next week (details below), it is high time that you aired out those tarps and tents, opened up the coolers and cooking gear, and changed the oil in your road vehicle. The outdoor fun is about to begin so don’t get caught unprepared! Speaking of the fest, if you haven’t checked it out yet, take a look at the brand spanking new CBA’s Father’s Day Festival web site. Not only does it include everything you need to know about the upcoming fest in June, you can also look at festival bands and photos from the past. Thanks to webdude David Zimmerman of Homespun Rowdy, a web geek in remission, for putting this site together. Viagragrass? If you haven’t seen it yet, there is a commercial on TV for the “erectile dysfunction” product Viagra that uses bluegrass pickers singing a song called “Viva Viagra.” You can watch the ad here. Click on the “Nashville” choice. Identifiable players in the ad are amazing singer Terry Eldridge (who, ironically, sings a bluegrass version of the song “Viva Las Vegas” in his band The Grascals but here is relegated to playing the bass) and fiddler Kenny Kossek. Thanks to Randy Pitts for this tip. Slow jam class in Berkeley. There is a new slow jam class about to begin at the 5th String music store in Berkeley. Starting on Tuesday the 8th and running eight weeks until Tuesday the 27th of May, it is open to beginning and intermediate bluegrass and old-time players, or anyone that wants experience playing and singing at a moderately slow tempo in a supportive, fun jam setting. Instructors will include Bill Evans, Evie Ladin, Keith Little, Jim Nunally, Kathy Kallick, and others each week. Megan Lynch will be back, schedule permitting. Class size will be limited to allow for individual attention, with 2-3 instructors on hand each night to join in the music and coach the players. The class will run from 7-9 p.m., and will cost $20 per player, per session. You will be encouraged to attend for at least the first four sessions, as they will be teaching as well as playing. A class syllabus will be provided, along with a song list, practice tips, and ideas on how to improve your playing and singing. Please note: the folks in the store cannot answer questions about the class. If you're interested or have questions reply directly to Ran Bush at (510) 525-8156 or via email at ranbush@gmail.com. Strawberry alarm clock. The Strawberry Music Festival up by Yosemite on Memorial Day Weekend is now sold out. If you have any intention of seeing Ricky Skaggs, Peter Rowan, Tim O’Brien, Emmylou Harris, Cadillac Sky and a whole lot more, check out the ticket exchange site, be patient, and tickets will start coming available about ten days before the festival starts. New sounds. The Barefoot Nellies recently released their first-ever CD titled Let Me Down Easy at a show at Amnesia in San Francisco. It is a live recording from a show there last May, recorded by Marin’s own Lou Judson, one of the finest acoustic soundmen around. (Lou is a recording and live sound engineer with many years of acoustic music and recording experience. He can capture anything from a quiet natural environment to a full band with exquisite accuracy on state of the art equipment, simple stereo to 24 tracks, and provide the sound for any venue large or small. Contact him at loujudson@mac.com.) The Earl Brothers also have a new CD out titled Moonshine, and while the official CD release show will not be until May 3rd at Café du Nord in SF, you can be the first one on your block to have the new disc by going here. Last month songwriter Bill Cutler released Crossing The Line on Manacarta Records, a CD that was recorded over many years. Novato bass player Pat Campbell was part of the project, along with David Nelson, Bob Weir, Jerry Garcia, Austin deLone, Barry Sless, and many more. West Marin singer/songwriter Brindl will be celebrating the release of her new CD titled Acoustic Heart at 9 p.m. on the 13th at Peri’s in Fairfax. The CD is a collection of 12 new intimate and acoustic songs that range from hopeful to heartbreaking with gently strummed guitar, layered harmonies and evocative piano solos. Techno foibles, continued. We still haven’t gotten around to officially changing our email address here at Carltone World Headquarters, but the plan is to do so real soon. The new address will eventually be carlin@carltone.com, so please add this to your safe list. Fishwrap Roundup. Can’t we all just get along? Two of the original Beach Boys settled a lawsuit about who has the rights to the group name. You figure out who won here. Marin Independent Journal music writer Paul Liberatore has been beating the drums to get a Marin Rock and Roll Hall of Fame started. While the staff here are Carltone World Headquarters thinks this a noble idea, we’re more in favor of leaving out the words “Rock and Roll” in any such venture, since longtime Marin artists such as Ramblin’ Jack, Peter Rowan, Maria Muldaur and Dr. Elmo are hardly rockers. Read Paul’s stories here and here, and then email him your opinions. Police log. Hum, baby! Richie Sambora, lead guitarist for the band Bon Jovi, was arrested for DUI in Laguna Beach on March 25th while driving his Humvee a bit too erratically…Bad rap: rapper Remy Ma was convicted of assault in a New York court last week for shooting a friend of hers last year in a dispute over money. Ma says it was an accident, the victim claims otherwise…Club men: Esequiel "Paul" Garcia and three others were arrested in San Jose this week for the murder of Mark Achilli, the former owner of the Mountain Charley’s nightclub in Los Gatos. Garcia had recently purchased the venue from the prematurely deceased Achilli, and now it looks like the place will soon be looking for another new owner… Get out your handkerchiefs. Country singer Sara Evans is engaged to marry Jay Barker, a former quarterback at the University of Alabama. According to People Magazine, “Evans, 37, filed for divorce from former political candidate Craig Schelske in 2006 while she was a contestant on the TV series, Dancing With the Stars. A bitter and widely publicized divorce was finalized in September 2007. Barker, who hosts a morning radio show on WJOX-FM in Birmingham, Ala., helped lead Alabama to a national championship in 1992.” Ailing. Reader Dirk Weiss reports that, “Chris Gaffney of The Hacienda Brothers has been diagnosed with invasive liver cancer. He's going through intensive chemotherapy the rest of this year, and though he has some health insurance, friends are trying to raise $60,000 more to cover this expensive treatment. Folks can donate at www.helpgaff.com.” Tejano singer Emilio Navaira was gravely injured while driving his band’s tour bus in late March, and has been in a coma ever since. Jazz singer Nancy Wilson, 71 years of age, is in a southern CA hospital suffering from a collapsed lung, and is expected to recover. She won Grammys for best jazz vocal album in 2007 and 2005. Life’s railway to heaven. Ola Brunkert, the drummer from the Swedish pop band ABBA, died in an accident at his home in Mallorca on March 16th. He was 62. He apparently hit his head and fell on some broken glass. Israel "Cachao" Lopez, renowned Cuban bass player credited with pioneering the mambo style of music, died on March 22nd. He was 89. Coming attractions. Strawberry Music Festivals 5/22-25, 8/28-31; Marshall Tucker Band at The Mystic in Petaluma on 5/16; Poco at The Mystic on 5/22; Peter Rowan & The Free Mexican Air Force and The South Austin Jug Band at The Mystic on 5/22; CBA’s Father’s Day Festival 6/12-15; SF Outside Lands Festival in SF 8/22-24. Onward to the calendar… The fundraiser for the 2008 Larkspur Flower and Food Festival, presented by the Larkspur Community Association, will take place on the 2nd from 6-10 p.m. at Sweetwater Station in Larkspur. There will be hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and music provided by Dr. Elmo & Wild Blue and Pierre Joseph's Quartet. Tickets cost $30. Call (415) 924-3803 for more information. Finnegan’s is the happening place in Novato. See Damir Stosic on the 2nd (and on 23rd and 30th), Jerry Hannan on the 5th, Drew Gasparini on the 9th, Whotoo on the 12th, Revolver on the 19th, and on the 26th Snappy Dave & Dan. Music is brewing at the Iron Springs Pub & Brewery in Fairfax. Bands play on Wednesdays starting at 8 p.m. No cover, and great beer, food and music. See Jenny Kerr on the 2nd, Hoarse Chorus on the 9th, Tom Finch Group on the 16th, Full Soul Jackets on the 23rd, and Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys on the 30th. Good things are happening at Peri’s in Fairfax. Every Monday is acoustic open mic night hosted by Billy D of The Billy Boys. See Diamond Ortiz on the 2nd (and 16th), Honey Dust on the 4th, Rusty Evans & Ring of Fire on the 5th, Peri's Blues Jam on the 6th, Jeb's TwangFest on the 9th (and 23rd), Rahman's Songwriters in the Round on the 10th, Bon Tempe Reunion on the 11th and 12th, Brindl on the 13th, Craig Caffal Band on the 19th, Highway Robbers on the 24th, Krickie's Songwriters' Night on the 27th, The Courtney Janes on the 29th, and lots more. Singer/songwriter Lee Rockwell will be performing at The Book Beat in Fairfax on the 2nd. Gary Bauman, guitarist for the Sons of Emperor Norton and The Jeb Brady Band, will accompany her. Mill Valley singer/songwriter Elaine Dempsey can be found singing at the No Name in Sausalito on the 2nd at 8 p.m., and then with her trio Big Wide Grin at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marin City on the 19th at 7 p.m. Also on that bill are The St. Andrew Sisters. At the Ace in the Hole in Graton you can see Brianna Lee on the 2nd, The Glass Beads on the 3rd, Jarred O’Connell on the 8th, Chris Bramble Band on the 13th, The Courtney Janes on the 17th, Nick Jaina on the 22nd, West County Outlaws on the 24th, Art Frengel’s Tribute to the Grateful Dead on the 29th, and more. San Rafael singer/guitarist/songwriter Kurt Huget crosses the country for gigs this month. Most Tuesdays he's in the house band The New Rising Sons (Kurt, Jesse Kincaid, Jon Lovitt, and Jake Baker) at Sweetwater Station in Larkspur for open mic night. This band will also be appearing on Pacifica's "Bruce Latimer TV Show" on the 2nd, at Caffe Trieste in San Rafael on the 12th at 6:30 p.m. and at Sweetwater Station on the 26th; he's off to NYC to play a gig with David Freiberg & Friends (from Jefferson Starship); on the 25th he’ll be at the Two Bird Cafe in San Geronimo playing jazz with Namely Us; and on the 26th he’ll solo in the morning at Aqus Cafe in Petaluma, followed by the evening show at Sweetwater Station. At the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa you could see Merle Haggard on the 2nd, Ani DiFranco on the 11th, Jackson Browne on the 16th, and Ballet Folklorico on the 23rd. Marin bluegrass jam. On the 3rd and the 17th the jam will take place at the Marin Lutheran Church at 649 Meadowsweet in Corte Madera, from 7:30-10 p.m. Some shows of note at Sweetwater Station, besides the open mic every Tuesday and the Bluegrass Gold show (see below), see Vicki Lee & The Pine Cones and Mars Arizona on the 3rd, Kidney Disease Benefit on the 5th with Jerry Hannan and Jesse Brewster, Queens of Boogie Woogie on the 12th, Mike Gibbons Band on the 18th, SoVoSo on the 19th, James Moseley Band on the 20th, Zoo Station on the 25th, Blues Fundraiser on the 26th, and much more. Murphy’s Irish Pub in the town of Sonoma is the place to go for good music in Sonoma County, and there is never a cover charge for music. Featured there this month are The Tonewoods on the 3rd, Sonoma Mountain Band on the 4th, Andrew Freeman on the 5th, the Celtic jam on the 6th, Adam Traum on the 10th, Savannah Blu on the 11th, The Whutknotts on the 12th, Kimrea & Joe LoCoco on the 17th, Blue & Lonesome on the 18th, Solid Air on the 24th, The Dry Creek Drifters on the 25th, High Country on the 26th, Greenhouse on the 27th, and others. On the 5th at the Presidio Yacht Club in Fort Baker (outside of Sausalito) see Michael Skinner’s Final Touch Band featuring special guest Joe Tate sittin’ in on some vocals. Murphy Productions as usual is presenting a host of excellent shows this month at different venues. On the 4th see Kat Parra at The Stage Dor in Sausalito; Jenna Mammina on the 5th at the Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael; on the 11th Calvin Keys Trio with Dima at The Club Restaurant in San Rafael; on the 18th Caren Armstrong at Falkirk; on the 25th Lavay Smith at The Stage Dor; and on the 26th Turbodrive at The Masonic in Mill Valley. At the Black Rose Pub in Santa Rosa see The Moonshiners on the 4th, Kevin Russell & Friends on the 5th, Sonoma Mountain Band on the 11th, The Tonewoods on the 12th, The Farallons on the 19th, Under the Radar on the 25th, and others. Marin guitarist James Moseley is one busy guy. See The James Moseley Band on the 4th (and 25th) at 9 p.m. at Servino’s Bar & Grill in Tiburon and on the 5th at 9 p.m. at EAT (formerly Ted's) in San Anselmo; on the 6th at 7:30 p.m. The James Moseley Jazz Trio will play at Caffe DiVino Sausalito; on the 19th see The James Moseley Jazz Quartet at 9 p.m. at the No Name Bar in Sausalito; and on the 20th at 5 p.m. the full band will be at Sweetwater Station. Saylor’s Restaurant in Sausalito has live music in the restaurant from 7:30-10:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 7-10 on Saturdays. On the 4th see Mad & Eddie Duran, Jazz Philosophy on the 5th, Lauralee Brown & Company on the 11th, Eugene Huggins on the 12th, Chris Planas on the 18th, Mike Angel on the 19th, Lisa Kindred on the 25th, and Madeline Sheron on the 26th. Mill Valley’s Dore Coller has some cool gigs. He will play with on the 4th with Ned Ripple as part of the Redwood Coast Whale & Jazz Festival in Gualala at St. Orre's Restaurant from 6:30-9 p.m.; on the 5th in Redwood City with Steve Farzan from 6-9 p.m.; on the 10th (and 24th) the Hot Club of Marin will be at the Tiki Room at 19 Broadway in Fairfax from 6-8 p.m.; he’ll play with Savanna Blu on the 11th at Murphy’s in Sonoma 8 p.m.; on the 13th see him with Bo Django at the Djangofest Benefit at 142 Throckmorton; on the 20th Savanna Blu will play at the Sand Dollar in Stinson Beach from noon to 3 p.m.; and on the 28th the Hot Club Club will be at 142 Throckmorton from 7-9:30 p.m. |
