End o' week musings

What a week! I've been on a weird emotional rollercoaster of good things happening and bad things I need to deal with, but I'm getting through it all.

Last Saturday I went to Caltech to see the Bellydance Superstars. It was a good show with a nice mix of styles and music. And the costumes were fantastic!

On Sunday I danced at the Coffee Haven in Long Beach and if you weren't there, you missed a great show. There were five acts and each one was different. The performances ranged from tribal to traditional Egyptian and bit of everything in between. Zaynah and I offered up five choreographies over two sets, but diverged from them here and there to have fun with the crowd. It was a friendly group and we made some tips, so it was a good night. I'd like to send a shout out to Carlos Lanza and his friend who came out to see us!

The rest of the week was devoted to dancing and writing. I interviewed subjects for a bunch of stage stories, including "The Bible Experience Live" at Azusa Pacific University, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" at Theatre 360 in Pasadena and "Mask" at the Pasadena Playhouse. Watch for my stories at http://www.sgvn.com/ next week. This week you can read about my experience sampling cuisine and beer at Gord Biersch in Pasadena and my chat with the East Village Opera Company, who will be at Caltech in Pasadena.

If you want to find me this weekend, here's where I'll be:

Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles: Route 66
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Join me for a guided bus tour of Route 66 packed with history, fun facts, trivia and more.

Tickets are $55 and can be ordered online until the morning of the tour. For last minute bookings, please feel free to call 310-995-4591 after 8am on tour day, and if there are seats available, you can reserve a spot and pay with cash at the bus. http://www.esotouric.com/

Atomic Raq-It!

Belly dancing to the hits of the '50s, '60s & '70s

2:30-6 p.m. Sunday

I'll be dancing at 2:45 p.m. with swords, shimmies and smiles. $5 adults and $3 children under 10. Masonic Lodge, 131 Cajon, Redlands. http://www.mecda.org/

Photos we got 'em: Here's two photos from the Faster Pussycat show last week taken by my friend, Valerie, a photo of my friend Scott ripping on his guitar, one of Scott's bandmate just hanging and the last taken by my brother Jason- the most adorable (and smartest) dog in the world-- Atticus.

In rotation this week: Sparger, Nicole Atkins, The Buccaneers, High On Fire, Kidneys, Secondhand Serenade, Josie Cotton, HorrorPops, Beautiful Creatures and Mary Lou Lord.

Thought of the week: Sometimes it's hard to do the right thing. I've been wrestling with a situation that I know I have to face and it's tough. It hurts me to do what I have to do, but I know it's for the best-- I have to part with one of my friends. He's been going through a lot and, even though his life is looking up again, he still has a lot of anger and takes it out on everyone around him (that means me too). It's stressful to be around him and I have to watch everything I say so I don't upset him. I've decided to let this negativity out of my life. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, as I need to be strong and do this the right way.

Keep on rockin'

Mickie

News from Minarik guitars

Here's an excerpt from the latest Minarik guitars newsletter. I'm sharing this because it features two bands that I know and a shout out to my brother for his photos. Enjoy! ~M

Minarik:

Thanks to Bernard Baur, who connected us with Debra Collins who booked the Private Industry Party at the Fender Ave. Bar and Grille, we got 2 of our top artists on the stage Thursday night.

To give you some background on the venue, The place is located on Fender Avenue in Fullerton where the Legendary Fender Guitar Company first started producing the Strat way back when. While a totally industrial area, there is one hot spot on the entire block and that is the legendary Fender Ave Bar and Grille. While not the biggest club in the city, it has one of the coolest stages and sound systems around, with a totally intimate atmosphere, and more beers on draft than you could possibly imagine.

Our entourage which included Marc, Nicole, me, Rick and Dawn Drago, Alexa and Vinny Vetere Jr, Justin and Linda Emord, and Peter Lustall went up together and got seated right in front of the stage. And the action began right at 7 PM. But before we begin with the action, we almost didn't get any pix. With all the komotion at the NAMM Show, we were charging the battery on our camera and ended up leaving it at the Show. However, Alexa seems to have just about everything in her purse, and in this case it was her camera, so we have a record of the night's activities. In addition, Jason Mills also lent his camera to the cause so together we got some pretty decent shots. A Big thanks to Lexi and Jason.

JOE WALLA'S BAND

If there is one guy you would want to get the night off to a rousing start at any venue, that would be our story-teller extraodinaire, JoeWalla. And Joe and his band were at their very best with all of their hits, including the classic "Little Crack Whore". I can't remember an opener at a club where the place was so crowded from the first number. I was glad we got ours eats when we did, as it was SRO before Joe struck his first note.

SHEENA'S BEER BONG BAND

Well, Sheena's Beer Bong Band came into the venue as The Most Outrageous Band in Hollywood, and left the stage as the most outrageous band in Orange County. In fact, in a conservative area like O/C, I'm surprised they didn't raid the place. In any case, those that were expecting the unusual were not disappointed. The heptet of Sheena, Layfette Lixx, Freddi Fretz, Rikki Rokkstar, Ivana Rock Mistress Cheery Pie, and Lovitt Loud left the industry-only crowd in a daze, wondering if what they had just seen and heard was for real or something from a psychedelic trip.

Unlike their performance at the All Access Awards Show, the BB Band didn't confine their outrage to the stage, they spread it into the audience by passing out "The Beer Bong Song Book" AKA "Sing Along With Bong."

Toby Keith working on new film

Superstar Toby Keith will take breaks between tour dates this month to tackle the starring role in his second feature film, BEER FOR MY HORSES, the latest film produced jointly by CMT Films and Keith. A follow up to Keith's successful 2006 CMT Film BROKEN BRIDGES, BEER FOR MY HORSES is named after Keith's No. 1 single with the same title, and video with Willie Nelson. The film will debut theatrically this summer.
BEER FOR MY HORSES also stars comedian Rodney Carrington, Claire Forlani, (“CSI: NY”), guitar legend Ted Nugent, country icon Willie Nelson, Barry Corbin, (“No Country For Old Men,” “Dukes of Hazzard”), and Tom Skerritt (“Brothers and Sisters”). Written by Keith and Carrington, BEER FOR MY HORSES follows the exploits of small town deputies and best friends who defy the local sheriff to embark on an outrageous road trip to save one of their girlfriends from drug lord kidnappers. Filming started early this month and runs through mid-March in locations in and around New Mexico.
Keith, whose "Bridges" performance was widely praised, is deeply involved in the new film's creative process. "I'm a writer," he says. "That's a huge part of what I do. And while most of the time it's songs, I've had a lot of fun with Rodney putting together a screenplay that borrows a title from one of those songs. And now we're in the process of turning that script into a film with the help of a lot of great people and friends of mine. It's a gratifying and creative experience, and I'm excited for people to see the end result."
“Everyone here at CMT Films is thrilled about being in business again with Toby Keith and everyone at Show Dog,” says Jeff Yapp, executive vice president, Program Enterprises, MTVN. “With the success of our first partnership, BROKEN BRIDGES, Toby has proven that not only is he a gifted songwriter and performer, but he's a natural on the screen.”
BEER FOR MY HORSES is being produced by Toby Keith and Donald Zuckerman and is Executive produced by TK Kimbrell. Jeff Yapp and Leslie Belzberg will serve as Executive Producers for CMT Films. The Director of the Movie is Michael Salomon.
Keith remains one of the most successful musical entertainers of his time, with more than 31 million albums sold, scores of smash singles including the No. 1 "Love Me If You Can," and numerous peer and fan-voted awards. He was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, and his two-disc A Classic Christmas collection was one of the best-selling country albums of the holiday season.

Renee Phoenix to release debut in April

While her friends are consumed with college life, Renee Phoenix of the punk/metal band The Explicits was able to find time to close the books and record her self-titled debut, due out independently on Explicit Records on April 8, 2008. As a Junior at The University of North Florida, she somehow balances achieving her English degree with the demanding schedule that comes along with playing in an up and coming band.
"The entire process was exciting for all of us," she describes of the recording of the album. "I'm a very impatient person so I couldn't wait for this project to be completed and blast it in my car."
Equal parts 70s punk, 80s punk and 00s screamo, The Explicits blend a frothy concoction that would make the Casualties pass out, Brody Dalle order something stiffer, and make Joan Jett a drinking buddy. Nonalcoholic beverages, of course (since the band are all under 21). With fierce and heavy guitars and rhythm section, Renee matches their intensity with her gravelly, otherworldly vocals, like a battle cry on the front lines.
"During downtime in studio, we would all do these 80's metal screams as a joke," she says. "We all couldn't stop laughing."
Recorded with Florida-based buzz-worthy producer Stan Martell (A Fall to Rise, Burn Season, Down Theory), The Explicits is an album packed with feisty, metallic, adrenaline-drenched punk. From the power chord-driven epic blast of "Indestructible" to the upbeat classical punk rock distortion-filled "Static", this debut contains the sort of street credibility that seems beyond Renee's youthful 20 years.
"I write what I feel like writing at the time instead of thinking, 'Hey, we're a punk band so we need to write a punk song, or a rock song, or whatever'," she says of the songwriting process.
She describes her favorite track, the speed-metal thrash of "Hollywood", in videogame terms.
"I picked that one to be the ending track on the record because I found the final parts of the song to be epic in a way, like the end of a great battle. Either that, or I've just been playing way too much Warcraft for my own good," she pauses, and then smirks, retracing her steps. "I'm a nerd, just forget I ever said that."
The Explicits' self-titled record will be released April 8, 2008 on Explicit Records. A Spring tour is being planned.

"Good old fashioned punk three piece with some twists. Well, for starters, this extremely raspy-voiced front man isn't a man at all. This girl can belt it; on top of that, lay down some heavy licks to match. The Explicits would easily have any punk icon nodding their head in approval. So even if you're not into the punk scene, you can appreciate what The Explicits have to offer." - Substream Magazine

“The Explicits' core sound is a dark, frenzied, metallic sort of punk that might call to mind old-school acts like The Accused (guitarist Renee Phoenix's awesome, guttural lead vocals are particularly menacing and effective) or Motorhead, but shades of different styles emerge from the mix; highlight "Idiopath" showcases a little Gainesvillean flavor, while the closing "Static" borrows from The Distillers and Rancid.”- Reax Magazine

“The Explicits... rock out a punk/metal hybrid that actually works.” - ReadJunk.com

Zumiez and Bamboozle Left launch contest

Bamboozle Left proudly announces that it has teamed up with Zumiez, a leading specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment, and accessories, to create the ultimate experience for fans to take in all of the action. This year the famous Zumiez Couch will make an appearance at Bamboozle Left.

Starting March 3rd, Zumiez will hold a contest where lucky fans can enter to win the best (and plushest) seat in the house. Winners will get the chance to watch the entire festival from a special Zumiez platform equipped with the Zumiez Couch. To enter or for more information please visit thebamboozleleft.com or www.zumiez.com.

Bamboozle Left returns to Southern California for two days of music on multiple stages Saturday, April 5th and Sunday, April 6th. This marks the second west coast edition of the landmark festival, which has rocked New Jersey since 2003. This year's incarnation features My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Blaqk Audio, Jimmy Eat World, the All-American Rejects and, in their first live set in over three years, the return of So-Cal punk icons Face To Face. Many more bands will also perform, with additional artists still to be announced. Go to www.thebamboozleleft.com for a full lineup and updates.


SATURDAY – APRIL 5 SUNDAY – APRIL 6


COMING TO THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS OF

2-DAY PASSES: $75 SINGLE DAY TICKETS: $39.50


2 DAY PASSES & SINGLE-DAY TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
For Full Band Lineup & More Information Visit TheBamboozleLeft.com

Get Tickets at LiveNation.com. Tickets will also be available at all Ticketmaster outlets including all Wherehouse Music & Ritmo Latino locations, via Charge by Phone-- (213) 480-3232 • (714) 740-2000 • (805) 583-8700, and at www.ticketmaster.com. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. A service charge is added to each ticket price.

PlayRadioPlay to tour with Yellowcard

People are talking about PlayRadioPlay! because of the loyal 86,000-plus MySpace friends who have generated more than 9 million plays, over 3.3 million profile views, and about 160,000 listens every week! In advance of the TEXAS album release, a new single has dropped entitled, “Madi Don’t Leave,” which is Ovenfresh on Fuse starting this week http://fuse.tv/tv/ovenfresh/index.php
TEXAS is the long-awaited follow-up to The Frequency EP, released April 2007. The 6-song EP (with a 7th bonus track) explored the pure pop instincts of 18-year old Daniel Hunter. Hunter played all the instruments on The Frequency EP, and followed the same formula on many of the TEXAS tracks. Although the EP was self-produced, Hunter collaborated on TEXAS with mega-rock producer Jackknife Lee (U2, Snow Patrol, Kasabian). PlayRadioPlay! will continue to cement his touring fanbase when he hits the road with Yellowcard in March. He has toured with Fall Out Boy, Anberlin, Meg & Dia and the Spill Canvas, along with summer festival tours including Vans Warped Tour and Cornerstone.

PLAYRADIOPLAY! ON TOUR WITH YELLOWCARD!!!

3/7/2008
Avalon Theater
Salt Lake City, UT

3/8/2008
Gothic Theatre
Englewood, CO

3/10/2008
Station 4
St. Paul, MN

3/11/2008
Metro
Chicago, IL

3/13/2008
The Majestic
Detroit, MI

3/14/2008
House Of Blues
Cleveland, OH

3/15/2008
The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza
New York, NY

3/16/2008
Middle East
Boston, MA

3/17/2008
The Trocadero
Philadelphia, PA

3/19/2008
Recher Theatre
Baltimore, MD

3/20/2008
Greene Street Club
Greensboro, NC

3/22/2008
House Of Blues
Orlando, FL

3/24/2008
State Theatre
St. Petersburg, FL

3/28/2008
House Of Blues
New Orleans

3/29/2008
3/30/2008
Emo's
House of Blues
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX

3/31/2008
Sunshine Theater
Albuquerque, NM

4/3/2008
The Big Easy
Boise, ID

4/4/2008
El Corazon
Seattle, WA

4/5/2008
Hawthorne Theatre
Portland, OR

4/6/2008
Great American Music Hall
San Francisco, CA

4/8/2008
Majestic Theatre
Ventura, CA

4/10/2008
House Of Blues
Las Vegas, NV

4/11/2008
House Of Blues
San Diego, CA

4/12/2008
House Of Blues
Los Angeles, CA

http://www.myspace.com/playradioplay

Bun B to release solo effort and tour

Hip Hop Legend Bun B and one half of the award winning duo UGK readies for the debut of his highly anticipated sophomore solo album, II Trill, which will be released on April 29th courtesy of Rap-A-Lot/Asylum.

Upon the heals of success with UGK’s 2007 seventh album release of the 26-song, two-CD set, UGK (Underground Kingz) which claimed the #1 spot in the country and presented the duo with two Grammy nominations for the soulful smash hit “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” featuring Outkast, Bun will finally introduce the follow-up to his critically acclaimed and Gold Certified debut solo effort, Trill which was released in 2005 and peaked at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart.

II Trill will include guest features by artists that include the late great Pimp C, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Wayne, 8 Ball and MJG, David Banner, Rick Ross, Z-Ro, Mya, Mike Jones, Junior Reid, Webbie, Chamillionaire , Expensive Taste (Paul Wall, Skinhead Rob, & Travis Barker) and Slim Thug. The Houston rapper also collaborated with hitmakers Mr. Lee, Scott Storch, Jazze Pha, Bigg Tyme, Black Out Movement, Khalil, Clinton Sparks, Enigma and Chops to name a few.

Currently on a national promotional tour to promote II Trill and its first single, a JR Rotem produced track titled “That’s Gangsta” featuring Sean Kingston, Bun has partnered with Microsoft Zune on a series of promotional events and programs focused on making a more direct connection with his fans through a strong presence on the road, at retail, and on Zune digital platforms. While on the road, he will be making appearances at several Boys & Girls Clubs. Bun is also a part of Zune Social, an online music community where he is able to share his experience on the road and interact with music lovers.

Fans can connect with Bun directly by visiting www.zune.net/bunb and http://social.zune.net/member/BunBIITrill.

Bun B tour dates are as follows (subject to change):
DATE CITY VENUE
Feb. 29th Fayetteville, NC The Palace
Mar. 1st Richmond, VA High Lights
Mar. 2nd Washington DC Platinum Night Club
Mar.3rd - 4th New York, NY Press/Promo
Mar. 5th Cleveland, OH Boys & Girls Club and Metropolis
Mar. 6th Indianapolis, IN Lilly Unit Boys & Girls Club and Cloud 9
Mar. 7th Detroit, MI Zoo Bar
Mar. 8th Cincinnati, OH Club Annie’s
Mar. 9th Round Lake, IL Sharkey’s
Mar. 10th Chicago, IL Press/Promo
Miami, FL Mansion
Mar. 12th – 13th Austin, TX South by Southwest
Mar. 14th San Antonio, TX East Side Boys & Girls Club
Mar. 15th Houston, TX Club Levels
Mar. 20th Oklahoma City, OK Venue TBA
Mar. 21st Kansas City, MO Venue TBA
Mar. 22nd St. Louis, MO Venue TBA
Mar. 26th-27th Los Angeles, CA Press/Promo
March 28th Los Angeles, CA House of Blues
Mar. 29th San Francisco, CA Mezzanine
Apr. 4th Seattle, WA Nuemose

ABOUT BUN B

As one half of the duo, UGK, Bun B along with his long time friend, Pimp C put the south on the map in 1988 with their first album release The Southern Way. Two decades later, the Port Arthur, TX natives and award winning pair have maintained a presence in the music world with seven major label released albums, mixtapes, indie releases and cameos on numerous prominent artists’ tracks. In 2000, they made a high-profile appearance on Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin.” In 2005, Bun released his first solo album Trill. The gold-certified CD debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart and peaked at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart. Bun is currently gearing up for his sophomore solo album, II Trill which will be released April 29, 2008. For more information on Bun B, visit www.zune.net/bunb
or www.myspace.com/bunbofugk.

Dream Theater kicks off tour in April

N.Y. progressive metal pioneers Dream Theater will embark on its 21-date North American “Progressive Nation” tour starting May 2 at Los Angeles’ Gibson Amphitheatre and concluding June 1 in Tampa, FL, highlighted by two shows at New York’s brand-new Terminal 5 (May 21-22), which sold out in just two days.

Opening acts Opeth, Between the Buried and Me and 3 were personally picked by Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, who helped organize the tour: “I’ve wanted to do something that focuses on the more progressive, musician-oriented side of hard rock and metal for 10 years now,” he says. “I decided it was time to stop talking the talk, lace up and finally walk the walk.”

The tour will be preceded on April 1 by the release of Dream Theater’s GREATEST HIT (...and 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs) on Rhino, the album’s tongue-in-cheek title refers to “Pull Me Under,” the first and only major radio hit for the quintet; this is the band’s first-ever best-of compilation, spanning 14 years and 22 songs, featuring rare edits, B-sides and three new Kevin Shirley mixes. The two discs are divided into “The Dark Side” (the metallic) and “The Light Side” (the melodic), with songs ranging from their sophomore 1992 release, Images and Words, through 2005’s Octavarium.

The band’s 22-year career has seen them sell more than 8 million albums worldwide, with their last three DVDs each having gone platinum. The band has been on the road since June 2007, playing to growing crowds in Asia, Australia and South America, on the “Chaos in Motion” world tour in support of their most recent Roadrunner Records studio album, Systematic Chaos, one of the most successful of their career. “Forsaken,” the second video from the disc, shot in Japanese anime, recently debuted on MTV 2’s Headbangers Ball after “Constant Motion” was voted #2 Video of the Year by viewers of the show last year. They were featured as Artist of the Month on Microsoft Xbox Live in December 2007

The group continues to grow its fan base all over the world, including Central and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Dream Theater topped the bill for the 2005 Gigantour alongside Megadeth, and has also co-headlined with both Queensryche and Joe Satriani. On April 1, 2006, the band played New York’s Radio City Music Hall, a show which sold out in just three days.

Apr 29, 2008 Mexico City, Mexico National Auditorium *
May 02, 2008 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheater
May 03, 2008 Oakland, CA Paramount Theater
May 05, 2008 Seattle, WA Wamu Theater
May 06, 2008 Vancouver, BC Orpheum
May 09, 2008 Calgary, ALB Macewan Hall
May 10, 2008 Calgary, ALB Macewan Hall
May 12, 2008 Minneapolis, MN Myth
May 13, 2008 Chicago, IL Rosemont Theater
May 14, 2008 Detroit, MI The Fillmore
May 16, 2008 Columbus, OH LC Amphitheater
May 17, 2008 Cleveland, OH Time Warner Amphitheater @ Tower City
May 18, 2008 Albany, NY The Armory
May 20, 2008 Boston, MA Orpheum Theater
May 21, 2008 New York, NY Terminal 5
May 22, 2008 New York, NY Terminal 5
May 26, 2008 Washington DC DAR Constitution Hall
May 27, 2008 Richmond, VA The National
May 28, 2008 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
May 30, 2008 Miami, FL The Fillmore
May 31, 2008 Orlando, FL Hard Rock
Jun 01, 2008 Tampa, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
Jun 04, 2008 San Juan, Puerto Rico Coliseo of Puerto Rico *

* the Mexico and Puerto Rico dates will be Dream Theater with special guests Between the Buried And Me (Opeth and 3 will NOT be appearing on these 2 dates)

William Elliott Whitmore signs with Anti- Records

Anti- Records, home to such notable artists as Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Neko Case, is pleased to announce the signing of William Elliott Whitmore.

Though young in years, Whitmore seems to channel the spirit and sound of a time long gone, when music was less about flash and self-promotion, and more the lament and celebration of daily life.

Born, raised and still residing on a working farm in Iowa, Whitmore tells stories of his life and the lives of those around him. His three previous records are full of tales of loss and triumph, droughts and floods. The spare arrangements of Whitmore’s gravelly voice, accompanied by a guitar or his grandfather’s banjo, are still more than enough to convey the heart of the heartland that is contained in his songs.

Still, Whitmore’s career has not been one of just gazing backward. The contemporary influences of punk and skateboarding show up in everything from his tattoos to his D.I.Y work ethic, and lend a certain ire to his music.

“Over three albums, William Elliott Whitmore has consistently delivered music with a rare authenticity and authority…like his predecessors, Whitmore has the heart of a poet, one with a knack of chronicling the bent back and aching soul of the common man.” -No Depression

Details on William Elliot Whitmore’s Anti- debut will be available shortly.

The Mooney Suzuki to play the Roxy

THE MOONEY SUZUKI
Saturday, March 22nd @ The Roxy in LA
w/ NYC and LA's finest: Reno Bo, The Vacation, and Billy Boy On Poison!
Just a mere four days before that comes a new disc - "The Mooney Suzuki CBGB OMFUG Masters: Live June 29, 2001"
This is The Mooney Suzuki in top form! Recorded LIVE direct from CBGB's soundboard in the sweltering summer of 2001. A mere 2 months before recording Electric Sweat, the setlist includes the FIRST TIME performances of many Sweat tracks! The real deal!

Bodie House welcomes The Buccaneers

CONCERTS AT THE BODIE HOUSE
in Agoura Hills
presents

The Buccaneers
Saturday, March 15, 2008 8PM

Donation: $15 (All proceeds go to the musicians)
Dessert/Appetizer Bar (food contributions appreciated)
RSVP:818-621-8309 or BodieHouse@aol.com
(Directions given upon RSVP)
WWW.BodieHouse.com

"We are proud to be able to call The Buccaneers our friends. We love their music and their performances. However it's their love of music and their enthusiasm for what they do that sets them apart from the average vocal trio." Russ Paris, Russ & Julie's House Concerts

The Buccaneers Bio: Their disarming chemistry, strong vocal harmonies, contemporary arrangements and passionate, high energy performances are captivating audiences from sea to shining sea with their unique brand of Aggressive Canadian Folk Music.
The band consists of Rodger Leeder (vocals, mandolin, bass guitar, guitar), Seán Sabraw (vocals, guitar, bass guitar, bodhran, mandolin), and Jim Samuelson (vocals, saxophone, penny whistles, tambourine, bones). They have established a strong hometown crowd, developed a school show that has reached students at over 150 schools across Canada, recorded and released their second album, are working on a third, and continue a hectic cross-country touring schedule.
"Aggressive Canadian Folk Music?" you may ask: try envisioning a blend of traditional music drive with contemporary attitude (plus the sporadic plundering of Klezmer licks, Latin rhythms, and the occasional 80's pop song!), resulting in a diversely-influenced music. Vocals dominate the sound, with tight three-part harmony arrangements in every tune and each band member trading the lead voice from song to song. These multi-talented multi-instrumentalists switch 'axes' as often as they swap vocals, and trade the songwriting and arranging duties for each piece a pretty democratic bunch of outlaws, indeed!
Presenting an eclectic, free-spirited bilingual live performance filled with humour and get-outta-your-seat-and-dance energy, The Buccaneers remain true to their roots while demonstrating the hard work, dedication and professionalism you'd expect from a band that has survived seven years on the road and whose members are still planning for at least seven more!

4/12/08 Batdorf & Rodney 8PM
4/26/08 Jim Photoglo 8PM
5/16/08 Jonathan Edwards 4PM & 8PM
7/19/08 Kathrin Shorr & Crosby Loggins 8PM

Upcoming concerts around California from Live Nation

4th show added by overwhelming demand!

On Sale Sunday, March 2nd at 1 PM:
CHRIS ROCK
Saturday, April 26th
Gibson Amphitheatre
------------------------------

On Sale Now
ELBOW
Avalon
Friday, May 9

Support local music at Mr. T's Bowl

Mr T's Bowl
5621 1/2 N. Figueroa St
at Ave 57
in Highland Park
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thur Mar 6th
The Kris Special's WEST COAST TOUR KICKOFF -
http://www.myspace.com/thekrisspecial
with special guests
the amazing Erinn Williams,
the Mutineers (Santa Barbara, CA),
and CORREATOWN!
No cover
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fri Mar 7th
10pm: Amateurs(acoustic)
10:45pm: The Terrapin
11:30pm: The Flying Tourbillion Orchestra
12:15am: The Monolators
No cover
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sat Mar 8th
Real Boss Hoss & The Eye
The Fall Outs
Unatural Helpers
Birthday Suits
The Lamps
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun Mar 9th
Lynch at 9pm
http://www.myspace.com/lynch
Demoted
http://www.myspace.com/demoted
Gadget Car
http://www.myspace.com/gadgetcar
Big Foot on Marz
No cover
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon Mar 10th
Douglas Stewart opens on Auto-Harp,
possibly joined by John Would of
Quincy Blaque
Par Avion featuring Paul Avion
http://www.myspace.com/paulavion
High-Diving Horses
http://www.myspace.com/highdivinghorses
Quincy Blaque
http://www.myspace.com/quincyblaque
All Wrong and the Plans Change
http://www.myspace.com/allwrongandtheplanschange
No Cover
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Tue Mar 11th
T-Bowl Tuesdays with
various bands and surprises and no cover
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed Mar 12th
The Big Believers
http://www.myspace.com/thebigbelievers
The Youngs
http://www.myspace.com/theyoungs
Chewy Puma
http://www.myspace.com/chewypuma
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thur Mar 13th
9 PM-Family Tree Analog
www.myspace.com/familytreeanalog
10PM-Happy Dwarf
www.myspace.com/happydwarfband
11PM-Walk In Medical
www.myspace.com/walkinmedical
Midnight -Marvelous Toy
www.myspace.com/marveloustoy
No Cover

Party at Crash Mansion

Crash Mansion Calendar Listings
Thur. 2/28/08
ALL
Metromix Launch Party featuring DIPLO and Squeak E. Clean, Dj Scott T. Sterling, 87 Stick Up Kid
10PM
rsvp@crashmansionla.com

Fri. 2/29/08
Lounge
Soled Out: SLUM VILLAGE Sneaker Culture and Hip-Hop w/ DJ Journey special guests and live performances
9PM
$5

Sat. 3/01/08
MAIN
Art Don’t Sleep & KCRW Presents… PIED PIPERS, SPACEK SOUND SYSTEM, BLU & EXILE
9PM
$20

Mon. 3/03/08
Lounge
Monday Night Live: March resident BEATNIK JR., More TBA DJ Audio Puppet and visual art provided by VJ Fill
10PM
$3

Thur. 3/06/08
Lounge
THE START with Looner, Donny
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$5

Sat. 3.08/08
MAIN
Art Don’t Sleep & KCRW Presents… Nino Moeshella feat: Darondo, The Lions, Conie Price and the Keystones
9PM
$20

Mon. 3/10/08
Lounge
Monday Night Live: March resident BEATNIK JR., More TBA DJ Audio Puppet and visual art provided by VJ Fill
10PM
$3

Thur. 3/13/08
Lounge
THE START –Red Host, The Frequency
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$5

Fri. 3/14/08
MAIN
WINGER (All Original Members), The Cauze, Dr. Iven
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$20

Sat. 3/15/08
MAIN
Art Don’t Sleep & KCRW Presents… RAMP, THE REBIRTH, BOOGALOO ASSASINS
9PM
$20

Mon. 3/17/08
Lounge
Monday Night Live: March resident BEATNIK JR., More TBA DJ Audio Puppet and visual art provided by VJ Fill
10PM
$3

Thur. 3/20/08
MAIN
Art Don’t Sleep & KCRW Presents… X-Clan, Airto Moriera & Flora Purim, Odo Olo Ilu Ire, and more
8PM
$20

Fri. 3/21/08
MAIN
THE SPAZMATICS (80’s Tribute Band)
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$10

Thur. 3/20/08
Lounge
THE START with Solaire, Eject and Bright Light Fever
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$5

Mon. 3/24/08
Lounge
Monday Night Live: March resident BEATNIK JR., More TBA DJ Audio Puppet and visual art provided by VJ Fill
10PM
$3

Thur. 3/27/08
MAIN
THE START – Mere Mortals, Oslo
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$5

Fri. 3/28/08
MAIN
LUCIANO- QUINTO SOL and JBOOG OF KONTIKI with Mikey General backed by Jahmessenjah Band
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$20

Sun. 3/30/08
MAIN
SMITHS/MORRISSEY CONVENTION Hosted by Richard Blade w/ performance by "These Charming Men"
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$25 adv/ $30 door

Thur. 4/03/08
Lounge
AUTOMATIC LOVELETTER w/ Ivoryline
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$8adv/ $10dos

Fri. 4/04/08
MAIN
DEAD MAN’S PARTY (Tribute to Oingo Boingo) w/ Clash City Rockers, Pretentious
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$15.00

Fri. 4/11/08
MAIN
JACKIE GREENE
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$15 ADV and $17 DOS

Tues. 4/15/08
MAIN
TECH N9NE & PAUL WALL, Vicious, Chanse Whiiter
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$27 adv/$30 dos

Fri. 4/25/08
MAIN
An Evening With VICTOR WOOTEN (Wagatail Productions) 18+
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$25

Fri. 5/02/08
MAIN
BERLIN
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$10

Wed. 6/04/08
MAIN
CHERRY POPPIN DADDIES
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$15

Sat. 6/28/08
MAIN
JEFF ROSS & RALPHIE MAY: Meanest Men in Comedy Tour 18+
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$25

ABOUT CRASH MANSION:
In a space once occupied by the historic Myron Ballroom, NewYork’s Bowery Restaurant group has transformed this 1940's swing club into astate-of-the-art, three-part performance haven. A 10,000 square-foot main roomaccommodates headliners with lofted ceilings and a fully digital sound room,while two adjacent rooms--the Crash Lounge and the Foyer Gallery--cater more tolow-key performers and the local artist scene. With five bars, three distinctatmospheres, and a fully operative kitchen, this 1200-capacity industrial chicclub caters to the rich diversity of art and music in Los Angeles. CrashMansion LA is located at 1024 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90015 (at W.Olympic) and the phone number is 213-747-0999. For more information, go to www.crashmansionla.com or www.myspace.com/crashmansionlosangeles.

Rossi Morreale to host "Can You Duet"

Television personality Rossi Morreale (“Temptation,” “TBS Weekend Extra,” “Foody Call”) has been named host of CAN YOU DUET, CMT’s new weekly music competition series produced by FremantleMedia North America (FMNA), it was jointly announced today by Eugene Young, Chief Creative Officer for FMNA, and Bob Kusbit, Head of Development for CMT. Premiering on Monday, April 14 at 10:30 p.m., ET/PT, CAN YOU DUET will seek to find the best country music duet in America.
“Rossi is the real deal,” said Young and Kusbit in a joint statement. “He’s a natural talent with a charisma that makes people stand up and take notice. Whether you’re a contestant on the show or a viewer at home, Rossi connects with what’s important.”
Voted “Sexiest Man Alive” by People magazine in 2003, Morreale currently hosts the nationally-syndicated game show “Temptation,” and serves as special correspondent for "TBS Weekend Extra”. Past hosting duties have included “Foody Call” on The Style Network, where he helped turn average guys into culinary Casanovas; “Riding with Rossi,” his signature show on The Travel Channel where he celebrated the country's continuing love affair with motorized vehicles; “Sweat,” a feature-oriented sports show on the G4 Network; and TLC’s “Junkyard Mega-Wars.” He also served as a correspondent for “On-Air with Ryan Seacrest” and hosted Spike TV's “Midnight Spike”.
Unlike other talent competition shows, each contestant on “Can You Duet?” will compete as part of a duo, working with different partners week after week as the competition progresses. As a result, viewers will witness first-hand all the on and off-stage drama to be had in creating a dynamic musical duo. In addition to critiquing each performance and deciding who will advance to the next round, be sent home, and ultimately be crowned the best new duet in America, the Judges (to be announced) will also serve as mentors to guide, groom and develop the duets along the way.

Eddie Vedder shows selling out

Tickets for Eddie Vedder's West Coast April tour dates sold out within 15 minutes last Friday, and additional shows were immediately added in Vancouver, Berkeley and San Diego, which also sold out immediately. Tickets for Eddie Vedder’s Santa Barbara concert go on sale this Friday, February 29th at 10am PST.
For all sold out shows, there are now five (5) pair of second row seats available via auction on ticketmaster.com through noon PST Friday, March 7th. Ticket packages include an autographed, limited-edition tour poster.
A special auction package for the Santa Barbara concert will go up with the Santa Barbara public on sale this Friday. The package includes two pair of front row seats, two premier hotel rooms and a special after show chat with Eddie Vedder and others the night of the concert. Bidding for the Santa Barbara package begins this Friday at 10am PST and ends noon PST on Friday, March 14th.
Proceeds from all auction packages will support legal defense efforts for the West Memphis Three via the Damien Echols Legal Defense Fund. Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jesse Miskelley (the WM3) have been in prison for 12 years for a crime they didn’t commit. After years of waiting for the chance to demonstrate their innocence, the West Memphis Three will finally have hearings this Spring to introduce new DNA evidence proving they could not have committed the crimes for which they were convicted. More info at: www.wm3.org

New Zealand singer-songwriter Liam Finn will open these shows.
Eddie Vedder April Fools Tour Dates:
4/2 Vancouver The Centre SOLD OUT
4/3 Vancouver The Centre SOLD OUT
4/5 Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium SOLD OUT
4/7 Berkeley Zellerbach Theatre SOLD OUT
4/8 Berkeley Zellerbach Theatre SOLD OUT
4/10 Santa Barbara Arlington Theatre
4/12 Los Angeles The Wiltern SOLD OUT
4/13 Los Angeles The Wiltern SOLD OUT
4/15 San Diego Spreckels Theater SOLD OUT
4/16 San Diego Spreckels Theater SOLD OUT

The Felice Brothers add more tour stops

The Felice Brothers add more shows to their never ending tour
New festival dates announced including dates with DRIVE BY TRUCKERS, MAN MAN and JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING

Currently out on the road with the Drive By Truckers, the boys from upstate will make a stop at the Langerado Festival in early March only to trek across the south just in time for MANY shows at this years SXSW. Following the festival, the brothers will hit Los Angeles on March 18th a date at the Echo and back across the country for a headlining date at NY's Bowery Ballroom on 4.12.
Spring time sees will see the Felice Brothers taking to the big stages with festival dates at Bonnaroo, All Points West, Mountain Jam and the Clearwater Festival. Updated tour schedule listed below.
The Felice Brothers self titled Team Love debut will be in stores this spring Team Love will release a collection of The Felice Brothers hottest new tunes combined with some select and hard to find tracks from the tour only full length "The Adventures of the Felice Brothers Vol 1". The Felice Brothers self-titled American debut will be available at brick and mortar retailers and digital stores this spring. In April, an 180 gram double vinyl version complete with a free download card will hit stores.

Tour dates:
Wed-Feb-27 Champaign, IL Canopy Club - with DRIVE BY TRUCKERS
Thu-Feb-28 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Theatre - with DRIVE BY TRUCKERS
Fri-Feb-29 St. Louis, MO The Pageant - with DRIVE BY TRUCKERS
Sat-Mar-01 Louisville, KY Headliner's - with DRIVE BY TRUCKERS
Mon-Mar-03 Whitesburg, KY Summit City
Tue-Mar-04 Winston-Salem, NC The Garage
Wed-Mar-05 Wilmington, NC The Soapbox
Thu-Mar-06 Asheville, NC The Grey Eagle - with MAN MAN
Fri-Mar-07 Charleston, SC Village Tavern - with MAN MAN
Sun-Mar-09 Everglades Park, FL Langerado Festival
Mon-Mar-17 Pioneertown, CA Pappy and Harriets with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Tue-Mar-18 Los Angeles, CA The Echo with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING
Thu-Mar-20 San Francisco, CA Cafe Du Nord with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE &McCARTHY TRENCHING
Fri-Mar-21 Portland, OR Doug Fir with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Sat-Mar-22 Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Sun-Mar-23 Boise, ID Bouquet with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHYTRENCHING-
Mon-Mar-24 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Tue-Mar-25 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHYTRENCHING-
Thu-Mar-27 Omaha, NE Waiting Room - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE& McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Fri-Mar-28 Minneapolis, MN 400 Bar - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Sat-Mar-29 Madison, WI University of Wisconsin - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Mon-Mar-31 Grinnell, IA Grinnell College - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHYTRENCHING-
Tue-Apr-01 Chicago, IL Schubas - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Thu-Apr-03 Nashville, TN Mercy Lounge - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Fri-Apr-04 Birmingham, AL Bottletree - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Sat-Apr-05 Knoxville, TN Barley's Taproom - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Sun-Apr-06 Atlanta, GA Eddies Attic - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHYTRENCHING-
Mon-Apr-07 Raleigh, NC Berkeley Cafe - with JUSTIN TOWNESEARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Tue-Apr-08 Norfolk, VA The Boot - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Thu-Apr-10 Arlington, VA IOTA Club and Café - with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Fri-Apr-11Philadelphia, PA Chapel at First Unitarian Church (two shows ­ SOLD OUT)-with JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE & McCARTHY TRENCHING-
Sat-Apr-12 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
Sun-Jun-01 Woodstock, NY Mountain Jam
Thu-Jun-12 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Sun-Jun-22 Croton-On-Hudson, NY Clearwater Festival - Great Hudson River Revival
Sat-Aug-09 New York, NY All Points West Music and Arts Festival

http://www.myspace.com/thefelicebrothers
http://team-love.com/home/

Clazzical Notes series continues at Caltech

Clazzical Notes Presents "The Jazz Singer and the Diva" at Caltech

The Pasadena Symphony's Clazzical Notes program will present "The Jazz Singer and the Diva" on Monday, March 24, at 7 p.m. in Caltech's Ramo Auditorium. The featured artists for this event are soprano Jamie Chamberlain, jazz singer Yvette Freeman, and moderator Suzanne Guzmán.
Chamberlain is becoming one of the premiere singing actresses of her generation, most recently being granted the Special Encouragement Award at the 2007 MONC Western Regional Finals.Freeman won a second Ovation Award and NAACP Award for her performance in the play Dinah Was and has had numerous roles on stage, television, and in feature films.
Guzmán was cast in the title role of Bizet's opera Carmen, which became her signature role, and has since appeared in major opera houses and concert stages.
This event is open to the public, free of charge. Parking for Ramo Auditorium is located on Michigan Avenue south of Del Mar Boulevard in Pasadena. For information, call (626) 395-4652 or, outside the Pasadena area, 1 (888) 222-5832. Individuals with a disability should call (626) 395-4688 (voice) or (626) 395-3700 (TDD) for information and assistance.

Songsalive! critique workshop Sunday

LOS ANGELES SONG CRITIQUE WORKSHOP with GUEST SPEAKER: Cat Cohen - Sun March 2, 2008
With Song critique session first half, followed by Guest Speaker, David Cat Cohen.
Topic: Writing Songs for Your Original Act

Songsalive! holds workshops where songwriters gather to share their songs, gain feedback and develop relationships within the songwriting communities we have created around the world. The first half is solely dedicated to an in-the-round workshop where writers present one song each - either on tape, CD or live - followed by a guest speaker/industry discussion in the second half and plenty of time to talk and network. Moderated by Paul Lawrence Moyer.

Details: For more info: http://www.songsalive.org/losangeles
WHEN: SUNDAY MARCH 2, 2008 - FIRST SUNDAYS OF THE MONTH.
WHERE:
THE FINNISH CENTER
10701 Magnolia Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Just East of Vineland
TIME: Starts 12:00pm SHARP. Ends at 3pm. Please be on time.
COST: $5 for non-members, free to Songsalive! members.
You can join Songsalive! to participate in the workshops at http://www.songsalive.org go Join.
REGISTER: Pre-registrations helpful but not necessary. Call: 818-506-3850 or email paul@songsalive.org
You will be automatically registered by contacting us. Or just turn up, but get there early to be considered for song critique.

FIRST HALF SONG CRITIQUE - RULES & WHAT TO BRING:
1 song either on tape, CD or live (bring own guitar or keyboard) and 20 copies of your typed lyric sheet with contact details clearly displayed. Read the RULES at http://www.songsalive.org/workshoprules
SECOND HALF GUEST SPEAKER:
DAVID CAT COHENTOPIC: Writing Songs for Your Original Act
David "Cat" Cohen is a pro songwriter, author, and songwriting instructor. As an ASCAP songwriter he has had pop, jazz, blues and R&B songs cut by recording artists Cheryl Lynn, Syreeta, Freddie Hubbard, and Bo Diddley, and social commentary songs played on several KCET programs. He co-wrote a jazz instrumental featured in the HBO movie The Rat Pack as well as a song for Universal's feature film Undercover Brother.
Recently Cat released his own jazzy-bluesy indie CD of ten original tunes SONGS OF SURVIVAL AND SWEET SURRENDER which was rave reviewed as UNSIGNED ARTIST OF THE MONTH in Keyboard Magazine and is available at CD Baby and Itunes. His song "Blue State of Mind" was included on Songsalive Sampler 9. He also wrote and self-published his own songcraft book SONGWRITING FOR YOUR ORIGNAL ACT available at Amazon.com. As a session pianist his keyboard work is featured on the Hamster Love cut on the Rhino Records Dr. Demento's 30th Anniversary.
Cat wrote the chapter on music theory for John Braheny's recently revised book The Craft And Business Of Music. He has been a regular speaker at the TAXI ROAD RALLY for many years. Cat has written several musicals including the spiritual-rock Lightflow and The Not So Great Escape, a children's anti-drug pop-opera which Opera Pacific commissioned and performed extensively in schools throughout Southern California.
He currently teaches songcraft at Cal Poly Pomona and coaches and consults for keyboard players and songwriters in private sessions in the L.A. area. www.catcohen.com , www.myspace.com/catcohen

All speakers biographies can be read at http://www.songsalive.org/speakers
For Songsalive! information, media and membership inquiries (not Workshop inquiries, use contact above) - call head office at 801-838-5411 or Email usa@songsalive.org
Join our email list and discussion groups at www.songsalive.org/community
Be reminded of this event by joining eNotes discussion group on that link.
Songsalive!
Songsalive! is a non-profit organization dedicated to the nurturing, support and promotion of songwriters and composers worldwide.
http://www.songsalive.org
http://www.songsalive.org/losangeles

Learn about diamonds on Sunday

Bower's Museum Sunday, March 2, 1:30 PM, Norma Kershaw Auditorium
LECTURE: THE WORLD OF DIAMONDS
Fred Ward, National Geographic photographer and founder and owner of Gem Book Publishers, discusses diamonds, a beautiful gem stone costly to own, challenging to mine, and indispensable to a modern industrial society. At the museum's request, Mr. Ward will also be showing a brief retrospective montage of his amazing photographic career. Sponsored by Patricia and Bruce Blackman and Blackman Ltd. Jewelers.
Admission: Members $8, General $10

Presidents of the United States of American at HOB and the Roxy

THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are coming:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 at the HOUSE OF BLUES-ANAHEIM
&
FRIDAY, MARCH 21 at THE ROXY in LA


The Seattle trio’s upcoming release, THESE ARE THE GOOD TIMES PEOPLE--their first album in 3 years and fifth overall--is due out March 11 on Fugitive Recordings (an alignment between the band and EMI) and features the first single “Mixed Up S.O.B.”

A celebratory romp “Mixed Up S.O.B.” embraces the spirit of the band’s 4.5 million-selling eponymous debut album, the song was originally penned in 1989 and first existed as “a slow, 12-string kind of thing,” says CHRIS BALLEW, the band’s founding vocalist, basitar player and principal songwriter. “It wasn’t until I decided to Cars-ify it that it came to life.” The single will arrive at radio will arrive at radio in late February. The group teamed up with director “Weird Al” for the performance-based video creating a multi-layered, virtual world through psychedelic picture flipbooks. Look for the video to debut soon.

With the collective strengths of BALLEW, original drummer JASON FINN and guitbass player ANDREW MCKEAG--who officially joins the band with this disc--PUSA have delivered an inventive and uplifting rock & roll album. THESE ARE THE GOOD TIMES PEOPLE was recorded with Northwest legends The Fastbacks’ own Kurt Bloch (Robyn Hitchcock, Mudhoney, Les Thugs) and mixed by Martin Feveyear (Screaming Trees, Epoxies, Amber Pacific).

www.presidentsrock.com

www.myspace.com/thepresidentsoftheunitedstatesofamerica

Elisabeth Howard voice class openings

ELISABETH HOWARD - International Vocal Clinician
GROUP SINGING CLASS - $10 Discount for LAWIM members!
The Globe Theater in Topanga

Vocal Coach to THE POLICE and PAIGE O'HARA, Voice of Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Liz did a warm up with STING at the 2007 Grammy's

Eight Saturdays - 11:00AM - 12:30PM --- March 8 - April 26
Fee: $245 ($235 for LAWIM) - deposit $50 to hold your spot in class
Call 1-800-829-SONG (7664) or e mail: lizhoward@vocalpowerinc.com

Check out our web site: www.vocalpowerinc.com
Learn the Vocal Power MethodAuthor of SING! - Alfred Publishing, Distributor
Learn the techniques professionals use
All levels and all styles welcome!
Each session includes vocal technique and style
Sing your songs with CDs
Join us for eight weeks of serious fun!

David Fagin's solo debut out May 5, available now on iTunes

As founder/vocalist/songwriter/guitarist for New York City power-pop band The Rosenbergs, David Fagin has done things his way, whether it was opposing industry giants like Jimmy Iovine and Doug Morris in publicly refusing to sign an exploitative deal, or having one of the group’s tours sponsored by Napster back in its renegade days.

After an EP and two acclaimed albums with The Rosenbergs, Fagin emerges with his solo debut, For Promotional Use Only, on his own Noshpit Entertainment label. The album, currently available digitally on iTunes, will be released at retail on May 5.

“Hey, it’s either this or drive a cab,” he jokes. “It’s my own label so in four months if it doesn’t work out, I’ll drop myself.”

Fagin’s album will be spotlighted on Clear Channel Radio NEW!, its emerging artist program, and he’ll be doing a month-long residency Wednesdays, beginning April 9th, at New York’s hip Living Room.

Working with bandmate Joshua Aaron, For Promotional Use Only represents a vast departure from David’s driving pop sound with The Rosenbergs. This album showcases a collection of more personal material inspired by affairs of the heart, including the first single, “Goddess of Nothing.”

“You can only write what you know,” he says. “It’s the eternal, basic question. ‘Do you belong together or do you not belong together?’”

Fagin cites artists like Neil Finn’s work with Crowded House, Richard Ashcroft, Death Cab, and Coldplay as inspirations.

“I’ve always been a singer-songwriter,” he laughs. “It’s just in the past, I’ve been able to hide behind a wall of distorted guitars. I wanted challenge myself by breaking that wall down a bit, and presenting some more VH1-style, introspective type stuff, more lush and melodic.”

A raconteur and outspoken observer of the contemporary music industry, Fagin has been a frequent guest on CNBC’s Dennis Miller Live, as well as appearing on Air America’s The Majority Report with Janeane Garofalo and co-hosting shows on XM Satellite Radio. The band was personally invited by Fagin’s childhood idol Gene Simmons to appear with the Kiss bassist on The Howard Stern Show. David is also a frequent contributor to Billboard and TheOnion.com, as well as writing a monthly column for Salon City Magazine.

David made sure The Rosenbergs got exposure the new-fashioned way, meaning you may well have heard his songs while flying American Airlines, shopping at The Gap or watching ESPN. The band’s music has also been featured in TV teen soaps like Dawson’s Creek, Joan of Arcadia and Party of Five, as well as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and MTV’s hits The Real World and Engaged and Underaged. The group made late night TV history when they performed as the house band for five consecutive nights on NBC’s Last Call with Carson Daly. Three tracks from their 2004 album Department Store Girl, are featured, along with members of the group themselves, in Playboy’s first video game. The Rosenbergs have shared live bills with everyone from No Doubt and Stone Temple Pilots to Duncan Sheik, The Strokes and Duran Duran.

The White Tie Affair to be on No Good TV

Slightly Dangerous Records and uncensored entertainment phenomenon NO GOOD TV (www.ngtv.com) announce the world premiere of an uncensored short film from recording artists The White Tie Affair airing exclusively on all NO GOOD TV platforms throughout the month of March. Featuring the Chicago-based group and dozens of unrestrained, bikini clad revelers, the video ties together the band’s singles "Allow Me to Introduce Myself...Mr. Right” and "Candle (Sick and Tired).” The clip is available starting today at:

http://www.ngtv.com/?channelId=dmv&clipIdNum=1435493286


Led by front man Chris Wallace, The White Tie Affair is an adventure in pop. Whether it be sung, strummed, or programmed, the band thrills fans by exploring diverse styles and sounds. The White Tie Affair's debut album “Get In Where You Fit In” will be available this April. For information, tour dates, pictures, news and more about The White Tie Affair please visit www.thewhitetieaffair.com.

This new short from The White Tie Affair is the latest in an ongoing series of licensed music videos, uncensored theatrical trailers and movie clips to launch exclusively on NO GOOD TV. Home to the DMV (Dirty Music Videos) channel, featured in the current issue of SPIN magazine as the “Internet’s leading provider of (uncensored) music clips,” NO GOOD TV offers music fans unprecedented access to a diverse array of artists from all genres of music. In addition to the cover story in Spin magazine, NO GOOD TV continues to make a name for itself in the music press with features in Billboard, Rock Confidential and Rock On Request, among others.

Alley Cat Allies seeking help

The city of Cape May, N.J. is being forced to accept a federal beach management plan that will seriously endanger outdoor cats, against the wishes of many residents and local officials, according to Alley Cat Allies, the national advocates for stray and feral cats.

Alley Cat Allies is urging supporters nationwide to voice their opposition by visiting www.alleycat.org and signing its online petition.

“City officials say they have no choice but to vote on this federal plan, or lose millions of dollars in funding for sand to replenish the beach. Such a move would be devastating for the Cape May community, which relies on tourism,” said Becky Robinson, president of Alley Cat Allies. The vote is scheduled for Monday, March 4.

“It is critical we act now and show the federal government we don’t support this heavy-handed and ineffective plan,” Robinson said. “If enacted, the plan would enable the state to overrule the wishes of residents and local animal control. Feral cat caregivers will be harassed or fined.”

The city council and the mayor of Cape May have been pressured since last year by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to abolish their successful 12-year-old Trap-Neuter-Return program for outdoor cats. Under the latest version of the federal plan, it will be virtually impossible to continue Trap-Neuter-Return, and many of the cats will be trapped and killed in order to comply.

In theory, the beach management plan is intended to protect endangered shorebirds. But the cats are not the real threat to shorebirds in Cape May, according to local residents and community volunteers. Many blame human activities and other predators. Residents also note that since Trap-Neuter-Return was implemented in the mid-1990s, the stray and feral cat population has decreased 80 percent – from around 450 cats to less than 100 today. The population continues to decline.

“If the town is forced to stop Trap-Neuter-Return, unaltered cats will continue to breed prolifically all over again,” said Robinson. “This misguided beach management plan will actually lead to an increase in the number of outdoor cats.”

Cape May was one of the first municipal governments to implement Trap-Neuter-Return as official policy for outdoor cats. Local officials, including Mayor Jerome Inderwies, say they are proud of this progressive and groundbreaking program.

Robinson questioned why the federal government is forcing this vote so soon. “Even if this plan passes now, the town would never be able implement it in time for shorebird nesting season,” she said. “The federal government is bullying Cape May – virtually blackmailing the city to vote now or forfeit the sand needed for its beaches.”

# # #
About Alley Cat Allies
The mission of Alley Cat Allies is to protect the lives and promote the wellbeing of stray and feral cats. Their web site is www.alleycat.org

Esotouric tour to focus on Raymond Chandler

Follow in the Footsteps of Philip Marlowe thru Raymond Chandler's West LA

WHAT: "Raymond Chandler's Bay City" bus tour
WHEN: Saturday March 8, 1pm-5pm, departs from Museum of Jurassic Technology
COST: $55/person (15% off for KCRW members) including coffee and snacks
MORE INFO: visit http://www.esotouric.com or call 323-223-2767

In March Esotouric, the eclectic bus adventure company whose tours reveal L.A.'s secret history, launches a new tour dedicated to the city's greatest detective novelist, Raymond Chandler, and his uniquely poisonous portrayal of Santa Monica, AKA Bay City.
RAYMOND CHANDLER'S BAY CITY was crook town, run down, shabby town, gambling town. Chandler naturally gravitated to sin and debauch, so sleazy Santa Monica was a frequent stop for his anti-hero Philip Marlowe. This tour has it all, from doctors feel good to second wives with pasts to crooked cops with a loathing for a mouthy PI. Chandler's canonization of sin, wealth and sunshine on L.A.'s West Side fed the abiding myths of the American hard-boiled genre and play into the popular conceptions of the community.
Focusing on Chandler's middle period ­ "Farewell My Lovely," "Lady in the Lake" and a few short stories upon which these novels are built, "Bay City Blues" among them-- this four hour bus tour will explore Chandler's take on the Westside, the real life rackets and murders which gave Bay City its wild reputation, and the elements of the old community that have survived layer upon layer of gentrification.
The tour is hosted by Esotouric's Richard Schave with assistance from 1947project crime historians Kim Cooper and Joan Renner and Chandler scholar Loren Latker of Shamus Town online.
As the bus rolls from point to point, your guides will draw the lines between Chandler's life and his fiction, offering insight into his nomadic life with wife Cissy, the enigmatic redhead who appears in many forms in his short stories and novels.
Locations for the tour include: Casa del Mar Hotel (jumping off point for the gambling ships), the site of the former Santa Monica City Hall (4th & Broadway) immortalized in "Farewell My Lovely," the former site of Thelma Todd's sidewalk cafe and her mysterious death site (inspiration for the Lindsay Marriot House in "Farewell My Lovely"), plus Santa Monica and Brentwood residences for the Chandlers and a drive by of soon-to-close Dutton's Books, in homage to Chandler's passion for the great lost bookstores of Los Angeles.
Books & Short Stories covered in the tour: "Farewell My Lovely," "Bay City Blues," "Lady in the Lake," "Red Wind," "The Little Sister."

Upcoming Esotouric bus tour schedule (new tours starred):
*Sat Mar 1- Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles: Route 66
*Sat Mar 8- Raymond Chandler's Bay City
Sun Mar 9- Haunts of a Dirty Old Man: Charles Bukowski's Los Angeles
Sat Mar 15- Vroman's Bookstore - Pasadena Confidential
Sat Mar 29 - The Real Black Dahlia
Sat April 5 ­ Where the Action Was rock history tour
Sat April 12 - Wild Wild West Side
*Sat April 26 - Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles: The Many Downtowns
Sat April 26 - Main Street Vice (90 minute tour, $30)
Sat May 3 - Raymond Chandler's Los Angeles: In A Lonely Place
Sat May 10 - Blood & Dumplings
*Sat May 17- Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles: Route 66
Sat June 14- Vroman's - The Birth of Noir: James M. Cain's SoCal Nightmare
Sat Aug 9- Vroman's Bookstore - Charles Bukowki's LA
Sat Oct 11- Vroman's Bookstore - Raymond Chandler's LA

For more info on Esotouric, visit http://www.esotouric.com

Colin Stetson to release solo effort

Colin Stetson, the revered brass and woodwind player who has played and recorded with such greats as Arcade Fire, Tom Waits, TV on The Radio, Antibalas, Anthony Braxton, Medeski, Martin and Wood and Burning Spear has announced the forthcoming release of his latest solo full length album on Aagoo Records. Stetson’s thoughtcrafty experiments in sound on the album, titled New History Warfare: Volume 1 push the boundaries of genres and the sounds that can be expected from his vast assortment of instruments, including saxophones, clarinet, flute and French horn.

Colin Stetson was born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI, where he began to carve out his singular musical voice that channels John Coltrane’s sheets of sounds, as well as the post-modern beauty and angst of Sonic Youth and The Pixies. Studying with the likes of Roscoe Mitchell, Donald Sinta, Steve Adams and Henry Threadgill, Stetson earned a music degree from the University of Michigan in 1997. More importantly, extensive gigging with his band Transmission around Ann Arbor and Detroit earned him a reputation for being an exemplary improviser, composer and circular breather. Never one to cage himself into categories, Stetson joined forces with progressive jazz-rockers Larval, as well as DJ Recloose, which eventually led to Stetson’s appearance on the acclaimed Cardiology recording.
Along with the rest of Transmission, Stetson moved to San Francisco in 1998, befriending, playing and recording with the likes of Fred Frith, Kenny Wollesen, Beulah and the late Matthew Sperry. Stetson and his Transmission brothers anchored a musical community that garnered high praise in the Bay Area press, and eventually led to national and international attention when in 2002, Tom Waits recruited Stetson to record on the landmark albums Alice and Blood Money (which led to Stetson making an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman with Waits).
While it is true to say that Stetson makes an impression whenever he plays, his ability to become the music comes through best when he is the leader of a band, or a one-man show. Since relocating to New York City in 2004, Stetson has been able to balance high-exposure gigs with innovative solo performances in front of captivated audiences. According to the Village Voice, “Stetson’s solo work ranges from fireside-warm Hungarian folk tunes to bass squonking that jackhammers the mind.”
In 2002, Stetson recorded a solo, limited edition 3-inch CD release of a performance at the Artship in Oakland, and his full-length debut as a leader came in the summer of 2003 with the quintet recording Slow Descent. Approaching songs as narratives, a trick he learned from Waits, adds an emotional dynamic to Stetson’s playing that exceeds listeners’ expectations as to what sounds can issue forth from any of the instruments Stetson puts to his lips. No better is this virtuosic ability heard than on New History Warfare: Volume 1, Stetson’s first full-length solo recording from Aagoo Records. On this album, the vast musical experiences that Stetson has accumulated over a short period of time have been crafted into 12 songs that defy genres, establishing a sound that is Colin Stetson in full bloom.

New History Warfare: Volume 1 Tracklisting:
Release Date: March 4th, 2008
01. And It Fought To Escape
02. Stand, Walk
03. Groundswell
04. Time Is Advancng With Fitful Irre
05. Drown The Rats and Giants
06. As A Bird Or Branch
07. OHP
08. Quincy Had A Glandular Problem
09. Nobu Take
10. Tiger Tiger Crane
11. Letter To HST
12. Our Heartbreak Perfect

Colin Stetson Live:
02/28 Chicago, IL Elastic Arts
03/05 Ann Arbor, Michigan The Kerrytown Concert House
03/15 Philadelphia, PA Gershmann Y Borowsky Gallery (Bowerbird Series)
03/21 Brooklyn, NY Monkeytown CD Release Event
03/22 Brooklyn, NY Monkeytown CD Release Event

On The Web:
www.aagoo.com
www.myspace.com/aagoo
www.colinstetson.com
www.myspace.com/colinstetsonmusic

Artists should check out new online label group

With over 20 years of experience, top record veterans Edward “Eddie F” Ferrell, Dorsey M. James, Lionel Ridenour and Andre Harrell partner to launch the online label group, MusicWerks.com. Having worked with and advised top names in the business like Mary J. Blige, Usher, Robin Thicke, Diddy, Jermaine Dupri, Avril Lavigne, Russell Simmons, Swizz Beats, and many more—this team of proven masterminds now offer a unique and easy to use site that will align artists, song writers, producers, bands, and independent labels with the essential tools and interactive services needed to thrive in the music business. Visit MusicWerks.com to jumpstart your career now.
"By joining MusicWerks.com, users will gain access to high quality services that range from obtaining digital distribution deals with major online retail outlets like iTunes to receiving professional one-on-one feed back from top A&R’s and execs,” said Eddie F, President and Founder of MusicWerks.com. "MusicWerks.com offers a compelling and affordable solution to bridge the gap between the traditional music business and the new technological era of music.”
"MusicWerks.com will give our clients an exciting new platform to meet their goals, whether they are aiming to sign with a traditional music label, drive record sales, generate publicity or seek advice," said Andre Harrell, a senior executive at the company.

Complete List of MusicWerks Services include:
Digital Distribution MusicWerks offers digital distribution to all major online retail outlets such as iTunes, Zune Marketplace, Amazon MP3, and other online stores. We also offer distribution to major ringtone retailers.

A&R Review Services This service provides professional feedback on your song or album from actual industry executives and experienced A&R veterans in the field.

Artist Bootcamp Do you want to get your project or demo ready to present to a traditional major label for consideration? Do you need help in preparing your total package? Sign up for MusicWerks’ Artist Bootcamp

Marketing/Promotion MusicWerks offers marketing and promotion services to major websites including blogs, music posting, and artist reviews along with email blast marketing & servicing of digital record pools, mix-shows, and radio stations. MusicWerks also provides "traditional" radio promotion and marketing services.

Online Branding MusicWerks offers online product placement, website and MySpace page development along with artist sponsored contests, cross branding, and partnering with other key sites on the web.

Video Production/Promotion MusicWerks provides production of music videos and electronic press kits along with video promotion services.

Publicity MusicWerks has a network of top-level publicists who provide press kit formulation, media training, event management, and other publicity services.

CD Manufacturing MusicWerks provides small, medium, and mass CD Duplication and manufacturing services along with production of CD cover artwork, postcards, and flyers.

Studio Recording Services MusicWerks can connect you with an affiliate top-line recording studio in your area that has a well-established relationship with us in order to ensure a fair and competitive price for the client.

For more information please visit MusicWerks.com

ABOUT MusicWerks
MusicWerks LLC is an online music group lead by experienced music industry executives with over 20 years in the business. As a one-stop shop for music business services, MusicWerks is ran and operated by executives who have held leadership roles at major record labels, promotion departments, and A&R divisions, along with young cutting edge tastemakers who also have a wealth of knowledge to predict upcoming trends. Coupled with a vast knowledge and experience in the tech industry MusicWerks aims to be the #1 portal providing music industry related services and technology through its website, www.MusicWerks.com.

Upcoming releases from Epitaph and Hellcat Records

March 4th – Our Last Night – The Ghosts Among Us
· Hailing from a small town in New Hampshire, the prodigious newcomers Our Last Night are the fresh new face of the genre. Their explosive debut, The Ghosts Among Us, has kids around the world taking notice of their ability to craft brilliantly catchy songs while maintaining credibility with their astounding technicality and balance between the heavy and the melodic. For fans of Underoath, Saosin, and Silverstein (www.myspace.com/ourlastnight.com)
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March 18th – The Matches – A Band In Hope
· Art pop-rockers The Matches have returned with their third album, A Band In Hope - a striking mix of affective rock, poetic lyrics and rollicking indie riffs. The group's innovative take on music transcends boundaries and genres with influences ranging from rock and alternative to avant guard and indie. Called "one of 2008's most anticipated albums" by Alternative Press, A Band In Hope is a collection of unique songs and stories, such as the hypnotic single "Wake The Sun" and the whimsically rocking "Between Halloweens." (www.myspace.com/thematches)
· Check them out at SXSW and on the cover of the latest issue of Alternative Press!!!!!!!
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April 22nd – Story of the Year – The Black Swan
· Alt-rock heavyweights Story of the Year return with their hotly anticipated third studio album, The Black Swan. As the title suggests, the group’s latest effort is anything but expected. Combining the addictive choruses of their platinum selling album Page Avenue and the heaviness of In The Wake of Determination, The Black Swan transcends both as their boldest and most accessible album to date. Teaming up with producers John Feldmann (Page Avenue, The Used) and “Elvis” Baskette (Chevelle, Escape The Fate), and featuring the smash hit single “Wake Up” (mixed by Chris Lord Alge), The Black Swan is Story of the Year at their most accomplished and most inspired. (www.myspace.com/storyoftheyear)
· Check Story of the Year out at SXSW and hear their massive rock alternative single on radio stations across the country!!!!!!!!!
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May 6th – Millencolin – Machine 15
· The revered masters of skate punk are back with their anticipated seventh studio album, Machine 15. Embracing new stylistic touches while upholding the classic Millencolin sound, this well-oiled musical engine salutes its fans with fifteen knock ‘em dead tracks. Machine 15 is pop infused punk at its all-time best with driving beats, anthemic choruses and irresistible melodies. From the explosive, socio-political anthem, “Broken World,” to the distinct and irresistibly catchy “Detox,” Millencolin achieves the perfect blend of skillfull and contagious music. (www.myspace.com/millencolin)
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June & July
Bad Religion – New Maps of Hell (Deluxe Edition)
Rancid – TBD
Street Dogs – TBD
The Sounds of Animals Fighting – TBD

KissThisGuy.com is the destination for misheard lyrics

Misheard musical lyrics are a near universal experience in pop culture, as everyone has at least one, if not many, hilarious misheard lyric stories. Radio station personalities have joked about them for years, cell phone commercials have parodied them and there are TV shows dedicated to the phenomenon. And now, there is even a social web destination as KissThisGuy.com, the world’s largest interactive database of misheard lyrics with more than 100,000 submissions, goes version 2.0.
What Digg and Reddit do for news, Flickr does for pictures and Facebook and MySpace do for networking, KissThisGuy.com will do for misheard lyrics and music parody. An already popular web 1.0 destination and the top spot in Google for the phrase “misheard lyrics,” KissThisGuy.com is getting a facelift to attract new misheard lyric and music aficionados and create a tighter-knit community around the comedy and uplifting experience of misheard lyrics and music parody. It is becoming the site to go to for a side-splitting laugh and soon will be the place for so much more.
The new version of the site features a personal profile for submitters of misheard lyrics, intuitive lyric sorting options, popularity listings of misheard lyrics in many categories such as; this week’s most popular, most popular of the year; by country and many others, great new rating features and other options users have requested. Users will soon be able to showcase their personal or favorite submissions on their social network pages or blog. And this is just the beginning. Exciting new features will be rolled-out in several phases during 2008 as the company begins to expand its reach and gain the interest of millions of new visitors and members.
Purchased by entrepreneur Eric J. Barberio of West Palm Beach, Fla. under his company, HumorBox Entertainment Corp., KissThisGuy.com is aptly named after one of the world’s most commonly misheard lyrics from the Jimmy Hendrix song Purple Haze (the infamous lyric is actually “scuse me while I kiss the sky”). Barberio recently moved the Web site headquarters to West Palm Beach from El Cerrito, Calif. and has hired local programmers and content managers to keep the popular site moving forward and create the fresh redesign.
“I visited KissThisGuy.com on a weekly basis to share parodied lyrics and spoofs with family and friends,” said Barberio. “It was such a great concept as a social destination. I knew it had to be taken to the next level to give users the chance to interact with the site and the content on a deeper level. Our new vision for the site just takes the original concept one step further to give it those added features we know social Web users are demanding.”
In addition to his strategic role with HumorBox, Barberio is a burgeoning South Florida entrepreneur, and is majority shareholder and chairman of Unové LLC, poised to become the largest franchisee of Rotelli, a mid-scale Italian restaurant chain with more than 45 locations across the country. He is also a partner and practice director with the Management Consulting Division of MSi Consulting in Ft. Lauderdale FL.

Support local music with Sierra Madre Sue, Skyebox jams over

From Sierra Madre Sue:

Another cool Montrose hangout closed it's doors last week, as BRIAN the owner/bartender of the SKYEBOX hangs up his martini shaker & moves on to other endeavors. Regular customers who had become like family were on hand to say goodbye. Pictured here with Brian are Felicia & Danny of THE SUBS and BETTER THAN BLUE, who used to host the weekly jam nights there. You can see them perform this weekend at the DOCKSIDE GRILL in West Covina. As for BRIAN and the SKYEBOX, I will miss his killer mai tais, but I won't miss carrying band equipment up those stairs! GOOD LUCK BRIAN!

-------------------------------

THURS. 2/28 - L.A. JONES & THE BLUES MESSENGERS @ BAR TWIST IN ARCADIA, 9:30pm. 48 E. Huntington Dr. 626-254-1760. Full bar, NO COVER. Formerly the club Rumors, now under new ownership. NOTE: Call ahead on this one. Their schedule may have changed. http://bartwist.com/

FRI. 2/29 - DAVE OSTI @ THE MAYAN BAR (inside the Aztec Hotel) in MONROVIA, 6pm Happy Hour. 311 W. Foothill Blvd. 626-358-3231. Full bar and kitchen, no cover. Solo Acoustic, mostly originals. Reports are that Dave has doubled their Happy Hour business, and this is a happenin' scene!

FRI. 2/29 - "SWING DANCE PARTY" with FLAT TOP TOM @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 8 - 11pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. "Pizza, Martinis and dancing the night away to great swing and blues!!! God bless!!"
http://www.flattoptom.com/

FRI. 2/29 - MERCY & THE MERKETTES @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, pool table, 21 & over. R&B, Rock, Funk, Disco. Dave Osti on guitar. Sure to be a packed house!

FRI. 2/29 & SAT. 3/1 - THE SUBS (Better Than Blue's acoustic alter-ego) @ THE DOCKSIDE GRILL IN WEST COVINA, 7:30 - 11:30pm. 3057 E. Garvey North (on restaurant row, off the 10 Fwy.) 626-915-3474. In the bar area, but you can eat dinner there; all ages ok. Danny Hesse, Joe Velosa, Felicia Bright AND SPECIAL GUESTS!

SAT. 3/1 - BARRY "BIG B" BRENNER @ FIREFLY BISTRO IN SOUTH PASADENA, 11am - 2pm. 1009 El Centro. 626-441-2443 . All ages. Saturday BLUES Brunch under a big breezy tent. http://www.bigbbrenner.com/

SAT. 3/1 - DAVE OSTI @ JOE'S PLACE IN DUARTE, 6pm. 1345 E. Huntington Dr. 626-357-JOES. No cover. Soups, salads, deli sandwiches, coffee bar. Free wireless internet. I've only seen pictures, (thank you Connie) but it looks very nice & comfortable! Solo Acoustic, mostly originals.

SAT. 3/1 - Open Mic Night @ the FRETHOUSE in Covina. 309 N. Citrus Ave. (626) 339-7020. Always on the first Saturday of the month, and just one dollar for performers or audience. Sign-up starts at 7:30. If there aren't enough slots for everybody they'll make a list for the next month, and call you. Each act gets two songs or ten minutes, whichever comes first. The show starts at 8:00. They'll have desserts and coffee ready. Bring your friends and family and join the show! www.covina.com/frethouse/

SAT. 3/1 - LOGAN COATS @ BEAN TOWN IN SIERRA MADRE, 8 - 11pm. 45 N. Baldwin Ave. 626-355-1596. Coffee, pastries, sandwiches, ice cream, etc. Young singer-songwriter, who, hopefully will be doing all original songs - see note below....
Note: word on the street is that Bean Town's A.S.C.A.P. fees are due (that allow musicians to perform copyrighted material in establishments that make money) and they may not be renewing. So, depending on who you are, this could either be a good thing or a bad thing! Watch out - even "Happy Birthday" is a copyrighted song!

SAT. 3/1 – MERCY & THE MERKETTES @ CAFÉ 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 8:30pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd . 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. No cover. DANCE FLOOR!!! R&B, Rock, Funk, Disco. They packed the place last time! http://a1vocal.tripod.com/mercy/

SAT. 3/1 - THE DOGS @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, pool table, 21 & over. An eclectic mix of classic rock from the 60's to the early 90's.

SAT. 3/1 - SOMETHIN' SMOOTHE @ BAR TWIST IN ARCADIA, 9:30pm. 48 E. Huntington Dr. 626-254-1760. Full bar, NO COVER. Classy place, nice ambiance. Smooth Jazz & R&B. http://bartwist.com/

SAT. 3/1 - MARTINI DIARIES featuring JEFF STETSON & friends @ COLOMBO'S ITALIAN STEAK HOUSE IN EAGLE ROCK, 10pm - 1am. 1833 Colorado Blvd. 323-254-9138. Full kitchen & bar. Jeff sez: first set will be jazz & then evolve into "Acid-Lounge-Jazz-Rock!" Sounds interesting!

SUN. 3/2 - BARRY "BIG B" BRENNER @ FIREFLY BISTRO IN SOUTH PASADENA, 11am - 2pm. 1009 El Centro. 626-441-2443 . All ages. BLUES Brunch under a big breezy tent. http://www.bigbbrenner.com/

SUN. 3/2 - GRANT PARK SOFTBALL - ALL ARE WELCOME! NOT A LEAGUE - JUST FOR FUN & THE LOVE OF THE GAME! CORNER OF CORDOVA & MICHIGAN IN PASADENA, 3 BLOCKS WEST OF PCC. BATTING PRACTICE 12:30, GAME TIME ASAP. BRING YOUR GLOVE, BAT, CHAIR, ICE CHEST, GUITAR, UKULELE, ETC. EVERY SUNDAY...

SUN. 3/2 - THE MERCY POWELL QUARTET @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 1:30 - 4:30pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. No cover, all ages. Mercy, Josh, Marc & Peter Burke doin' some standards & jazzy stuff for your dining & listening pleasure!

SUN. 3/2 - "OPERA TO BROADWAY" VOCAL PERFORMANCES @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 7pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. Every Sunday evening. The place gets PACKED, so get there early!

SUN. 3/2 - WRECK 'N' SOW @ THE BARN BURNER IN PASADENA, 8 - 11pm. 1000 S. Fair Oaks Ave. 626-403-RIBS. BBQ, beer, wine. BLUEGRASS. The Dupuy brothers, etc.

FRI. 3/7 - ADAM MARSLAND & HIS CHAOS BAND @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Full bar, no cover, pool table, 21 & over. Indie/Powerpop/Soul is what is says on their MySpace page. And in SPIN magazine, they're described as "a high-energy cross between Brian Wilson, Paul Stanley, and Elton John." You can definitely hear the Brian Wilson influence in the songs I sampled, and there's a great video of them performing with Beach Boy Al Jardine, on his "California Saga". Howard & Squirrel - you're gonna love these guys!

SAT. 3/8 - BARRY "BIG B" BRENNER @ FIREFLY BISTRO IN SOUTH PASADENA, 11am - 2pm. 1009 El Centro. 626-441-2443 . All ages. Saturday BLUES Brunch under a big breezy tent. http://www.bigbbrenner.com/

SAT. 3/8 - SECOND WIND BLUEGRASS BAND @ BEAN TOWN IN SIERRA MADRE, 8 – 11pm. 45 N. Baldwin Ave. 626-355-1596. Coffee, pastries, sandwiches, ice cream, etc. Familiar face Donn Cunningham of Vin Fiz Flyer fame on guitar and vocals.

SAT. 3/8 - JEFF STETSON and THE B.O. TRIO PLAY A "MIXED BAG AND SOME BLUES" @ ZEPHYR COFFEE HOUSE IN PASADENA, 8:30 - 10pm. 2419 E. Colorado Blvd., just E. of Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-793-7330. Soups, sandwiches, coffee, tea, smoothies, etc.

SAT. 3/8 - HORSES ON ASTROTURF @ ROUTE 66 ROADHOUSE IN DUARTE, 9pm. 1846 E. Huntington Dr. 626-357-4210. Full bar & kitchen, pool tables, dance floor. No cover, 21 & over. Hillbilly Hippie Rock.

SAT. 3/8 - FATSO JETSON @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Full bar, no cover, pool table, 21 & over. Mario & Larry from Cafe 322's band.

SAT. 3/8 - MERCY & THE MERKETTES @ BAR TWIST IN ARCADIA, 9:30pm. 48 E. Huntington Dr. 626-254-1760. Full bar & Lupe Mendoza cookin' up some awesome food! Classy place, nice ambience, NO COVER, dance floor. R&B, Rock, Funk, Disco.

SATURDAY 3/8 - DON'T FORGET TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS BEFORE GOING TO BED - "SPRING AHEAD" ONE HOUR FOR DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME. yippee!

SUN. 3/9 - BARRY "BIG B" BRENNER @ FIREFLY BISTRO IN SOUTH PASADENA, 11am - 2pm. 1009 El Centro. 626-441-2443 . All ages. BLUES Brunch under a big breezy tent. http://www.bigbbrenner.com/

SUN. 3/9 - Have lunch with NEW ASTROTURF @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 1:30 - 4:30pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food in a comfy setting. Bring the family!

SUN. 3/9 - "OPERA TO BROADWAY" VOCAL PERFORMANCES @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 7pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. Every Sunday evening. The place gets PACKED, so get there early!

SUN. 3/9 - THE TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS @ THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE IN ALTADENA, 7pm. 2029 N. Lake Ave. 626-398-7917. $15. "WESTERN MUSIC REVUE." How can I NOT list these guys - they live in Sierra Madre!

TUES. 3/11 - WRECK 'N' SOW @ THE PIKE IN LONG BEACH, 8pm - Midnight. 1836 E. 4th St. 562-437-4453. Fun Bluegrass stuff w/great harmonies & snazzy overalls! The Dupuy brothers, etc.

Please remember to call and verify all info. before making plans. Everything is subject to change. This is show biz, after all.

Hope to see you out & about,

Sierra Madre Sue

sierramadresue@yahoo.com

FOR EVEN MORE COOL SHOWS & INFO., CHECK OUT THESE SITES:

http://cafe322.com/

http://www.myspace.com/piratedive

http://www.coffeegallery.com/home.html

http://www.myspace.com/americanarootsla

http://www.aliveandpicking.com/calendar.html http://www.covina.com/frethouse/concerts.html