End o' week musings

Boo! Did I scare you? ...Perhaps a look at my rapidly filling calendar would!

I left off last week with plans to go see "Lady with All the Answers" at the Pasadena Playhouse. It was absolutely wonderful and I recommend it to anyone who read her columns. Mimi Kennedy is fantastic and makes you feel like you're part of the play.

On Saturday I met up with my drummer and friend Ric Sarabia. We had lots of goofy fun. First we both got manicures in the spirit of the season, then we went out for shabu shabu. Ric wouldn't let me throw peas at the guy who was eyeing me, so that was kind of a bummer, but other than that the meal was very good. Then we went to Girl Talk at the Musicbox. I'm not big into DJs, but Girl Talk is quite impressive, as he had an amazingly large catalog of music from which he drew for his mashups. And boy! Did I dance!!

Sunday I danced at the Vine Bar. The place looked like a dive from the outside, but inside it was charming and very, very clean. There was a long shiny black bar, beautifully framed mirrors, chandeliers and other classic touches. Not to mention the bartender/owner John who is very easy on the eyes! Our set went well and we stayed to enjoy some of the other acts, which were all quite entertaining.

I felt really good Tuesday when I saw my special guy's smile -- he liked his birthday surprises (all sweet stuff, so wipe those evil thoughts away!). It's always great when you can make someone else happy. And my turn came on Wednesday...

Late Tuesday Ben McGinty (Gallery at the End of the World) called to invite me to Disneyland Wednesday and I didn't see how I could do it with everyone ailing at work. I came in on Wednesday and my co-workers all looked healthy again, so I commented to my boss that I had missed a good time. She said to call Ben and see if I could still go... I did and I could! I just checked my voicemail and e-mail and now I'm going to Disneyland!

There was hardly anyone there and the four of us - me, Ben, Cliff and Lynn - could just about walk on to every ride. In fact, we began joking, "What?! We have a five minute wait!" We ate at the Blue Bayou-- yummy!! What a great day!!

Tonight I'm going to be the resident vampire in a haunted house. Tomorrow I have a date with my guy for a concert and on Sunday I'm going with my BFF Angela to see Joe Walla out in Canyon Country. The rest of my week is slowly unfolding with other exciting opportunities!!

Photos we got 'em: Here's a goofy shot of the manicures Ric and I got lol! plus one of your favorite rockin' vampiress and a selection of fun Halloween pet pics. Enjoy!

In rotation this week: Beat Union, Horrorpops, Van Helsing's Curse, Dio, Godhead, Girl Talk and Tribe of Gypsies.

Thought of the week: Don't overthink, let it flow. I have decided that I'm going to make a concious effort not to overthink everything that people do and say. It's a waste of time and worry. And, excuse me, but this really applies to my relationships with men in a big way. Boys will be boys~ you can't change them, even if it's your best friend, your brother, whoever.... they will live life on their terms, so it's not worth getting all frustrated over. I'm just going to ease back and let life flow a bit and see what happens.

Have a safe and spooky Halloween!!

And keep on rockin'

Mickie

Arlington Garden to be wish tree home

Arlington Garden in Pasadena will be the new home for the 21 crape myrtle trees that have formed an integral component of the Yoko Ono Wish Trees for Pasadena art installation that has been on display at One Colorado since August 2, 2008. Visitors have been writing their wishes on pieces of paper and hanging them on the tree branches at a furious pace since August. To date, trees are covered in more than 80,000 individually written wishes by the general public.

Wishes will be "harvested" by a team of volunteers organized by the Armory Center for the Arts, the collaborator with One Colorado on this art project, Sunday, November 9 from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M.

They will then be sent to Yoko Ono, to be joined with others from around the world. Later, they will be placed in specially constructed capsules in the area surrounding Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower on Videy Island, off the coast of ReykjavÌk, Iceland.

Dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, the tower, a column of light emanating from a stone base with a radius of about 10 meters, is lit for two months each year starting on October 9, John Lennon’s birthday, and ending on December 9, the anniversary of his death.

The 21 crape myrtle trees themselves will then be relocated to Arlington Garden and planted there permanently. A formal dedication and ceremony to welcome the trees to their new home will be held on Saturday, November 15 from 10:00 to 12 noon at Arlington Garden.

"It is our hope that these trees, which have served such a useful purpose as part of this wonderful art installation, can now rest and build new life in this public garden," states Betty McKenney, co-founder of Arlington Garden with her husband Charles. "We will be dedicating these trees to Yoko Ono, and to the spirit that she has ignited in people all over the world."

The area that the trees will occupy is intended to become a contemplative place, an environment where people can commune with nature and meditate surrounded by beauty. Since opening on August 2, Wish Trees for Pasadena itself has evolved into a multifaceted snapshot into people's hearts, with wishes demonstrating an astounding range of expression. From the whimsical to the sublime, the personal to the global, they tell the story of aspirations, deepest hopes and sometimes humorous observations about the world around us.

Arlington Garden is a demonstration Mediterranean climate garden located at 275 Arlington Drive in Pasadena. Sitting on three acres, Arlington Garden has evolved from an exceptional collaboration among Betty and Charles McKenney, the City of Pasadena, Pasadena Water & Power and numerous individual supporters.

In just three-and-a-half years, the Garden has become home to 2,300 trees and Mediterranean climate plants and uncounted California Poppies and other wildflowers each spring. It has become a popular place to learn about Mediterranean climate gardening and to enjoy a bit of serenity in an ever-urbanized community.

For further information on how to volunteer or to attend the Sunday, November 9 harvesting of the wishes, please call the Armory at 626.792.5101 ext. 116. For further information on the dedication ceremony at Arlington Garden, please call District 6 field representative Takako Suzuki at (626)744-4739 or Betty and Charles McKenney at (626) 441-4478.

For general information please call 626.792.5101 ext. 116 or visit www.armoryarts.org

Shimmy Showcase Sunday

Election day is nearly here, and we’re all weary of the campaigning. Escape from all that craziness into the warm, welcoming dance environment at Coffee Haven where the amazing Saviya will be joined by gorgeous cabaret dancers Yasmin and MaraLena with troupe Blossoms of the East. With early darkness again, it’s easier to find a place for your vehicle at the park two blocks to the east, so won’t you come down to Long Beach and join us?


SEE BELOW FOR THIS SUNDAY AND OTHER UPCOMING EXCITING PERFORMANCES! We only have a couple spots left on November 9, so if you’d like to be a Shimmyshowcase star before this year flickers out PLEASE contact us at shimmyshowcase@yahoogroups.com.

Everyone is invited to come out, have a cup of Java, munch on something yummy and enjoy some really great dancing FOR FREE! Please see coupon at the bottom of this message for special Shimmyshowcase discount!

Below is our upcoming schedule for the next several Sundays at the Coffee Haven in Long Beach. If you are a dancer interested in performing at an upcoming showcase, please check out the schedule below for open dates and then email us at
shimmyshowcase@yahoogroups.com
with the dates on which you'd like to perform.

The SHIMMY SHOWCASE begins at 7 p.m. at the COFFEE HAVEN in Long Beach (1708 E. Broadway -- 562-437-3785).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPCOMING SHOWCASE CALENDAR
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November 2: Coordinator for this showcase will be Saviya and we have the lovely Yasmin and MaraLena with Blossoms of the East. returning to dazzle you with their sparkling performances.

November 9: Abraiha, coordinator for the evening, is pleased to present two dancers making their debut Shimmyshowcase performances-- Roberta Kalil and Bonbon! We’re still looking for another dancer or two who would like to perform. This is your last opportunity to dance at Shimmyshowcase this year, so please contact us at Shimmyshowcase@yahoogroups.com to be part of the fun!

November 16: Alexiis presents Raqs the Casbah with some of rock and roll’s all time favorites, interpreted by Reina, along with Annette, Bunny, Dana, Estra, Gabriel, Jewels, Lena, Mary and Tara. This long standing tradition at The Shimmy Showcase is always a surprise. Will it be Devo this year? ZZ Top? Stone Temple Pilots? Bauhaus? One never knows!

November 23: Saviya will be presenting two wonderful male dancers! Returning to our show is Richie, and, making his Shimmyshowcase debut, Mykael Devad, long time dancer from Santa Barbara. Meryem Vani, Leoma, and Musa will bring their own high energy performances, ALL to live music provided by Fernan with percussionist Craig!

November 30: DARK (Happy Thanksgiving!)

December 7: Abraiha will be coordinating our next-to-last showcase for 2008, and we have two new troupes to dazzle you with their moves. Troupe Rakasaat and Troupe Joharaat will perform with their teacher, Akire.

December 14: In a fitting finale to a great Shimmyshowcase year, founder Alexiis once again brings you a Mid Winters Dream as we celebrate the many holidays and events of the month.

December 21: DARK

December 28: DARK

January 4: Happy New Year! Shimmyshowcase begins its 2009 season. Stay tuned for more info about our exciting first show of the new year!

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Please allow time for parking to avoid missing any of the fun, so be sure to be at the coffee house well before 7:00 PM. We try not to start the show until everyone has settled with a tasty beverage.
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for additional information, please visit our website at: www.ShimmyShowcase.com

Horropops move concert date

Horrorpops have reshuffled their Los Angeles tour date. Their performance at Avalon in Hollywood has been moved from November 1st, 2008 to February 14th, 2009, Valentine’s Day!

Tickets already purchased will be honored at the new date. For ticket buyers unable to attend the new date, refunds will be available at point of purchase.

Songsalive! showcase Nov. 7, artists sought for upcoming concerts

Had a long week?

What can be better than to relax Friday night in a cool venue, great food, and great live music?

Songsalive! LA has reinvented TGIF!!

Songsalive! Los Angeles Showcase
Featuring talented songwriters from around the globe, the Songsalive! Showcases are the best industry secret, a great happening all around the world. Songsalive! Showcases are a very cozy, intimate and acoustic environment where media and music industry representatives often drop by to check out the latest talent. Showcase your music and support our Songsalive! national and international live events and showcases presenting songwriters and artists of original music. Showcases are conducted globally.

WHEN: Friday, November 7
Show starts 7:30 pm

WHERE: Hallenbeck's & Cahuenga General Store
5510 Cahuenga Blvd
North Hollywood, California 91601-2919
On Caheunga Blvd. 1/2 block north of Chandler on the right.
www.hallenbecks.net

Light meals available
DONATIONS: $8 cover at the door. Supports the venue and our non profit efforts.
As Songsalive! is a 501c)3) non profit charity, it is tax deductible. Ask for a receipt if necessary.

ABOUT THE SHOWCASE:
The Songsalive! Los Angeles Showcase features a new venue, a new date, and a new format! Songsalive returns to Hallenbeck's after a couple of years. Hallenbeck's is an well known venue for acoustic Los Angeles Songwriters and performers - they have a small stage with a great sound system, great food and drinks, it is family friendly too, with free parking on the street.

ARTISTS:
We have four performers who will be doing mini-sets in two rounds - so nice you hear them all twice! And we'll have a short intermission in the middle for food, stretching, and conversation.

Dean Dobbins
Dean Dobbins was the leader of 1990 California Country Music Ass'n Band of The Year, Songwriter of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year. Dean has released 8 CDs of original songs, some fully produced and recorded in LA or Nashville, some solo piano/vocal and guitar/vocal. Dean is represented by a music publisher in Texas. His new Sarah Palin song is featured on YouTube. www.myspace.com/deandobbins1

Gary Fuges
A rhythmic singer-songwriter, Gary applies his drumming background, insightful lyrics and clear voice to weave tightly constructed acoustic/pop songs. Gary has performed in bands that have opened for artists such as Suzanne Vega, The Beautiful South, Miracle Legion, The Silos, and Poi Dog Pondering. www.myspace.com/3minutedrill

Barbara Martin
Jazz vocalist and songwriter, Barbara Martin, has a taste of Billie Holiday, a splash of playful Ella Fitzgerald and a strong streak of smoky Bonnie Raitt. Based in the peaceful Shenandoah Valley, her skillful song crafting and solid guitar chops set her apart. Her unique blend of styles crosses genres and reflects the roots of the jazz tradition. www.barbaramartinmusic.com

Kaye Reznick
I am a contemporary folksinger/songwriter, performing primarily in L.A.'s southbay area. I am passionate about my songwriting, creating stories containing a mixture of family, a measure of protest, a pinch of love & lust, and a good portion of irreverence. www.myspace.com/kayereznick


MORE DETAILS AND CONTACT:
www.songsalive.org/losangeles for details . Also check out our Meetup group listed on the website

CALL FOR ARTISTS: - booking for Jan./Feb./Mar.
* You must be able to guarantee a min. of 5 guests.
* 6 song acoustic set
* You must be a Songsalive! member www.songsalive.org
* Showcase application at www.songsalive.org (log in and follow the link for apply for a showcase)

NOTE: Please also come out and support our Elite Member Showcase in the Round - Hosted By Songsalive! President Gilli Moon, Wed. Nov. 26 at Genghis Cohen. It will be Groovy!

Thanks for reading!

Dave Harvey
Songsalive Communications Director (also booking the LA Showcases)
Songsalive! supporting and promoting songwriters and composers worldwide www.songsalive.org

Madonna and Paul Oakenfold to play Dodger Stadium

MADONNA
WITH VERY SPECIAL GUEST
PAUL OAKENFOLD

NOVEMBER 6
DODGER STADIUM

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

After kicking off the North American leg of her Sticky & Sweet Tour to rave reviews, Madonna is performing to packed houses across the country as her highly-anticipated Los Angeles concert fast approaches. And now, world-renowned DJ, remixer and producer Paul Oakenfold will join her at Dodger Stadium on November 6th as a very special guest.

Critics are raving about the Sticky & Sweet Tour, Madonna’s latest live spectacle. The Associated Press described it as, “throbbing dance music, tight choreography, spectacular stage sets and stunning visuals,” adding that, with her latest trek, Madonna has, “reasserted her musical relevance and dominance in her 25th year in the spotlight.” The Boston Herald called it a, “show no one can touch…epic lasers, moving video screens, fast and flawless costume changes, all done with grace and energy.” The Herald also praised the evening’s set list— “Between new songs, Madonna dropped big lumps of pure pop sugar into the set with plenty of ’80s hits. ‘Vogue’ set the hyper-speed tempo early ‘Into the Groove’ punched it up a notch. And ‘Borderline’ got a power pop makeover.”

Paul Oakenfold has long been one of the most important names in modern club culture. Throughout his glittering career, it has been estimated that over 5 million fans have seen him perform over the years (including 90,000 people at Glastonbury 1995— the first time a DJ played the prestigious festival’s main stage). He has also worked with an illustrious list of top artists in the studio, including Madonna, the Happy Mondays, U2, Radiohead, Massive Attack, The Cure and more. A two-time Grammy-nominee, Oakenfold’s first solo album Bunkka was released in 2002, selling over a million copies worldwide and featuring the hits “Ready, Steady, Go”, plus, “Starry Eyed Surprise.”

Tickets for the November 6 Dodger Stadium show are available now at LiveNation.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.com plus all Ticketmaster retail outlets-- including all Macy’s, FYE stores & Ritmo Latino locations—and Charge by Phone: (213) 480-3232 • (714) 740-2000 • (805) 583-8700.

Following its U.S. and Canadian run, the Sticky & Sweet Tour The tour will then travel to Mexico City where the scheduled November 29th and 30th shows sold 100,000 tickets in just three hours. The South American leg of the Sticky & Sweet Tour has had a phenomenal response as well. With three shows and over 210,000 tickets already sold, a fourth performance was just added on December 3rd in Buenos Aires, followed by sold out performances in Santiago December 10 and 11, Rio De Janeiro on December 14 and 15 and Sao Paulo December l8, 20 and 21 due to unprecedented demand.

Madonna's current CD "HARD CANDY" debuted at No. 1 in over 33 countries.

The Sticky & Sweet Tour is being produced by Live Nation. For complete tour information, news, contests, and more, visit: http://www.madonna.com/ or http://www.livenation.com/.


MADONNA'S STICKY AND SWEET NUMBERS

100,000 Feet of electrical cable

3,500 Individual wardrobe elements

1935 Model of Auburn Spedster Car brings Madonna and dancers down
stage runway

600 Pieces of Luggage for Tour Members and production staff

350 Tons of Equipement Travel from Venue to Venue

120 Powder Puffs

100 Pairs of out-of-stock fishnet pantyhose in old-style weave purchased
for Madonna via Ebay and small local
dance shops

100 Pairs of Knee Pads

71 Guitars for Madonna and band on tour

36 Different designers contributed to onstage wardrobe of Madonna,
band and dancers

28 Performers on stage during biggest numbers

16 Caterers prepare meals for travelling party

12 Travelling trampolines used by Madonna and dancers for warm-ups

10 Large Flight Cases of Medical Supplies

9 Different hydraulic lifts used as part of the stage show

5 People change Madonna in precision timing in between songs (lucky
them)

5 Keyboards on stage for Kevin Antunes, Musical Director

4 Large freezers carry ice packs for Madonna and dancers

4 YSL Lipsticks will be used by Madonna by end of tour

4 Minutes to Save the World (we only got)

3 Romanian Gypsy Musicians perform with acoustic instruments

3 Shu Uemura eyelash curlers travel on tour

1.5 Minutes - Shortest time required to change Madonna's costume

1 Chiropractor

1 Masseuse

1 Set of Swarovski crystal ear phones for DJ

1 Playroom for Madonna's children at each venue

The Dodos to play Echo Plex

The Dodos Play Echoplex Los Angeles, CA November 8th
Visiter Out Now On Frenchkiss Records “Take Away Shows”

11/08 Echo Plex / Los Angeles, CA
www.dodosmusic.net
www.myspace.com/thedodos
www.frenchkissrecords.com

Golden Animals to tour in support of debut effort

GOLDEN ANIMALS TAKE DEBUT ALBUM 'FREE YOUR MIND AND WIN A PONY' ON THE ROAD

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
11/21 - LA @ The Redwood Bar
11/28 - Prescott, AZ @ Raven Cafe
11/30 - Oklahoma City @ The Conservatory
12/2 - Austin @ Beerland
12/3 - New Orleans @ Circle Bar
12/4 - Nashville @ The Exit In
12/5 - Atlanta @ The Star Bar
12/6 - Athens, GA @ Caledonia Lounge
12/8 - Cincinnati @ TBA
12/9 - Washington, DC @ TBA
12/10 - NYC @ Cake Shop
12/11 - Brooklyn @ Don Pedro
12/13 - Detroit @ Corktown Tavern
12/14 - Chicago @ TBA
12/15 - Minneapolis @ The Turf Club
12/16 - Kansas City @ The Record Bar
12/17 - Lawrence, KS @ Replay Lounge
12/21 - Seattle @ TBA
12/22 - Portland @ TBA

GOLDEN ANIMALS's are Tommy Eisner and Linda Beecroft, and their brand 
of West Coast indie Rock is built on austere beats, slide guitars and 
fuzzed-up California harmonies, Produced by Chris Coady (Yeah Yeah Yeah's, T.V. On The Radio, Blonde Redhead)
 mixed by Thom Monahan (Brightblack Morning Light, Devendra Banhart, The Entrance Band).

It's the sound they 
were born to make - if you believe the fortune-teller whose mysterious 
predictions were the catalyst for the formation of the band back in 
the day when their worlds collided in a cozy European Cafe, one very 
rainy evening. The band's chief inspiration is the blues,be it the 
foundation blues artists of the '20s and 30's -

"Those early blues recordings are the fountain," 
they say. "Even in 200 years, people will find completely new ways to 
create all within those rules and algorithms."

The band is currently posted up in Laurel Canyon- the
nexus of the West Coast Rock sound and counterculture - Golden Animals are carrying on the grand tradition of Love,
The Byrds, Buckingham Nicks, and The Mama's and The Papas. Make no mistake- "Free Your Mind And Win A Pony" is
 a timeless rock and roll debut. True soul, be here now.

Watch the video for 'The Steady Roller'

Golden Animals
"Free Your Mind And Win A Pony"Album released on HappyParts Recordings
1.The Steady Roller
2.Queen Mary (The Flop)
3.Ride Easy
4.Try On Me
5.My My My
6.Follow Me Down
7.Turn You Round (Don't Let Nobody)
8.My Friend Bill
9.I Want You To Come
10.Alice
11.Darkness & Light

www.myspace.com/goldenanimals

Free Your Mind And Win A Pony
OUT NOW!
HappyParts Recordings

Brazilian Nites moved from Queen Mary to Santa Monica Bar & Grill

UPDATED NEWS!!! THE EVENT AT THE QUEEN MARY HAS BEEN MOVED TO SANTA MONICA BAR & GRILL FEATURING DIOGO NOGUEIRA & FRIENDS!

SAMBAJAH'S CD RELEASE HAS BEEN PORSPONED TO A LATER DATE FOR PERSONAL REASONS - SEE BELOW FOR UPDATED INFORMATION


BRAZILIAN NITES PRODUCTIONS
presents
AUTHENTIC SAMBA, PAGODE & SAMBA ENREDO!
Latin Grammy Nominee DIOGO NOGUEIRA in his LA debut!
Directly from Rio de Janeiro in this very special and ONLY engagement!
With Cupim from Sambajah and friends!

Saturday, November 15 - 9pm
Santa Monica Bar & Grille
3321 Pico Blvd.Santa Monica, CA 91405


An authentic Samba and Pagode in a very intimate setting at the SANTA MONICA BAR & GRILLE, will transport you to the carioca nights of LAPA in Rio de Janeiro... featuring the classics of DIOGO NOGUEIRA, son of the legendary samba singer and composer JOAO NOGUEIRA. Plus Samba Dancers! Be ready to dance, participate to the beats of Samba, Pagode and Samba Enredo!

DIOGO NOGUEIRA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwVU_7SSdBI (with his dad, João Nogueira)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rp0y3k9nto (with Xande from Grupo Revelaçao)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5Co9j57vi0 (with Marcelo D2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XinrNzi9OvA (with Beth Carvalho)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOi4K0k70Ws

www.DiogoNogueira.com.br / www.myspace.com/diogonogueira

Tickets: $15 General Admission
21 & over

Tickets available by calling (818) 566-1111
www.BrazilianNites.com / www.myspace.com/braziliannites


--------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS FRIDAY, OCT. 31 HALLOWEEN
@ SANTA MONICA BAR & GRILLE




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EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT...

SAMBA & PAGODE IS BACK! With
SAMBAJAH!!!
@ Santa Monica Bar & Grill
3321 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica - CA 90405
10pm-2am
AFTER 11-GUYS $5.00, COVER CHARGEAND GIRLS GO IN FREE ALL NIGHT LONG!!!!
More Info: Arlindo Jr. (714) 356-8542
http://www.sambajah.com
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Every Thursday, THE BEST Brazilian Nights in Orange County.

SAMBA IS BACK at HARP on Thursdays!!!!You miss us? Well, WE MISS YOU, SOO MUCH! And we'll back very soon. In the meantime, SAMBAJAH is determined to keep your Thursday the best night of your week, and for this, we have arranged a great band to play while we are gone.

Playing the BEST of Axe, Reggae, Samba & Pagode, that will have you dancing the WHOLE NIGHT!

"YOU ASK, WE PLAY" - Come to us with a request of your favorite brazilian song and we will play it.

Check it out for yourself, look at pictures of the hottest nights in
The OC @ www.sambajah.com
@ The Harp Inn
130 East 17th Street
Costa Mesa - CA 92627
www.harpinn.com

Thursday, October 23th - 10pm-2am
LIVE SAMBA, PAGODE, AXE and REGGAE

DJ IZAEL - playing Brazilian music and your favorite rhythms.

COME HAVE FUN, SING, DRINK, WIN PRIZES AND DANCE ALL NIGHT WITH THE LIVE SOUNDS OF NO COVER CHARGE *DOOR PRIZES! More Info: Arlindo Jr. (714) 356-8542 www.sambajah.com sambajah2008@hotmail.com
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Save the date...A special engagement!
Lula & Afrobrasil plus
Bat Makumba
Introducing their new CD BOTECO!
Santa Monica Bar & Grille!
Friday, December 5th - 9pm
--------------------------------------
SAVE THE DATE!

BRAZIILAN CARNAVAL 2009 - Saturday, February, 21 -
The biggest Carnaval in the West Coast!

ShockHound to celebrate launch with free shows by No Age and Titus Andronicus

ShockHound (www.shockhound.com ) announced today that the site will celebrate its launch with a series of exclusive free shows in major U.S. cities starting early November. Los Angeles lo-fi duo No Age and irreverent indie rock band Titus Andronicus will tour New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Launched October 28, 2008, ShockHound is a one-stop, genre-spanning music site loaded with millions of MP3s, a vast selection of band merchandise, the latest music videos, unique programming, and exclusive and compelling editorial content.

"We're looking forward to hitting the road with Titus Andronicus and meeting the fans from ShockHound," said Randy Randall of No Age. "We love the site and are thrilled to be part of these free shows-- the fact that ShockHound is doing this for the fans shows a real commitment to music lovers."

Hailing from Los Angeles, No Age is a noise-punk outfit with a devoted following, while Titus Andronicus is an up-and-coming rock band from New Jersey known for its fierce, thrashy sound.

The two will kick off the tour in New York City on November 9, stopping in Chicago and Los Angeles before closing the tour in San Francisco on December 4th. Tickets will be available for free on ShockHound.com on a first-come, first-serve basis. Stay tuned for event details.

American Federation of Musicians speaks out about television "white spaces"

The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) opposes allowing unlicensed, Internet devices to operate in the television “white spaces,” and urges the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reconsider its upcoming proposal to open up the “white spaces” to these devices.

The FCC is currently considering allowing mobile Internet devices to operate in the “white spaces” – the frequencies between television channels. This is a very risky proposition that can have devastating effects on live concerts, Broadway productions, symphonic performances, and any event that uses wireless microphones. These Internet devices will operate on frequencies so close to those used by wireless microphones that there is a very high chance of interference, thereby ruining the audience’s experience.

In response to the FCC’s plan to vote on this issue at its upcoming meeting on November 4th, AFM, along with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, the Country Music Association, the Grand Ole Opry, The International Music Products Association and The Recording Artists Coalition, submitted a letter to the Commission outlining the group’s position and urging their reconsideration. AFM has also joined The Broadway League and other groups in running print ads that urge the FCC’s reconsideration.

AFM has long opposed allowing these devices to operate on frequencies so close to those used by wireless microphone users. The recent tests, conducted by the FCC, do not reliably prove that devices operating in the television “white spaces” can reliably detect when frequencies are in use by wireless microphones; therefore making the risk that these devices will interfere with wireless microphones too great.

ABOUT THE AFM
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape. www.afm.org

Uh Huh Her's new single now on mtvU and mtvU.com

Look for UH HUH HER's new video "Explode" which just premiered worldwide on mtvU and mtvU.com. The fully animated music clip was created by Jodie Sandler, a Canadian fan who traveled to Paris for inspiration. Collaborating with the dup, she captured the essence of "Explode"--the second single from the group's Nettwerk debut album COMMON REACTION--with this dreamy and provocative clip about an emotional encounter of two strangers on the windy streets of Paris. The video will also debut on LOGO this Sunday, November 2 and LogoOnline.com Monday, November 3.

To watch the clip on mtvU, visit:
http://www.mtvu.com/video/?id=1598079&vid=294430.

In other news, while in NYC yesterday for their show at the Fillmore at Irving Plaza, the duo taped an episode of LOGO's "New Now Next" show, which is set to air at midnight on Sunday, November 16.

The Los Angeles-based electro-rock duo--singer/producer/multi-instrumentalist CAMILA GREY (Lead Vocals/Keys/Synth/Guitars/Programmed Drums) and musician/actress LEISHA HAILEY (Vocals/Synth)-continue to garner critical acclaim for their debut album as well as their striking live shows. The duo is currently on tour across the U.S. now. See full itinerary below.

Catch UH HUH HER on tour now in select cities:
DATE CITY VENUE
UH HUH HER headlining U.S. tour:
Thu 10/30 Montreal, QC Le National
Sat 11/1 Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theatre
Sun 11/2 Ferndale, MI Magic Bag
Mon 11/3 Chicago, IL Park West
Wed 11/5 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line Music Cafe
Sat 11/8 Seattle, WA Neumo's
Sun 11/9 Vancouver, BC Richard's On Richards
Mon 11/10 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
Tue 11/11 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
Thu 11/13 Santa Barbara, CA Velvet Jones
Fri 11/14 Los Angeles, CA Avalon
Tue 11/18 London, UK Koko


www.uhhuhher.com

www.myspace.com/uhhuhhermusic

www.nettwerk.com

18th Dye on tour in support of new effort

With their groundbreaking, catchy and explosive rock 18TH DYE earned great recognition in the international music press during the ‘90s, with albums Done (1992), Crayon (1993), Tribute to a Bus (1995) and Left (B-Sides and Rarities) (1999). They toured all over the US and Europe and left a mark which inspired a vast number of bands. With their new album, ‘Amorine Queen’, they continue their intensive work, which doesn’t just thrill the fans from ten years ago, but also carries away a new audience - a fact that’s hard to miss at their recent shows.

From 1992 to 1998, the band was signed to Matador Records, and toured with Stereolab and Yo la Tengo, amongst others, also recording with legendary producer Steve Albini. They completed three BBC Peel sessions (the only Danish band to do that) and scored several Top 10 hits on the English indie charts while receiving attention on the CMJ chart in the US. After having released the album ‘Tribute to a Bus’ and after extensive touring in Europe and the US, 18TH DYE stopped playing and it was not until 2005, at VibraCrunch07 Festival, that they began playing live again.

In the last couple of years the band has made their sound heard at selected shows and small tours in Denmark and Germany, including appearances in 2007 at the legendary Rockpalast TV-show, the Berlin-based Summerize Festival, the Danish SPOT Festival, and, this year, performed at the largest Scandinavian music festival, Roskilde, in front of packed crowds.

A lot has happened in the lives of the three18TH DYE members in the time away from the band. Part Danish, part German Heike Rädeker spent time playing in several bands including Wuhling that was signed to Touch and Go/City Slang. She now lives in Berlin were she owns and runs the design furniture store STUE, made famous by the Louis Vuitton and Wallpaper guide books.

Danish Piet Breinholm has been busy in the meantime too; together with the third 18TH DYE member, Sebastian, he formed the electronic duo Test and toured with several Danish bands including Rhonda Harris, Speaker Bite Me and Varano. Piet is also a designer and runs the bag company ”Piet Breinholm - The Last Bag”, that sells its products in Berlin, Paris, London and New York. German Sebastian Büttrich has toured with Lise Westzynthius and Speaker Bite Me. Now all three are together once again: 18TH DYE!

US TOUR DATES:
25-Nov Baltimore, MD Talking Head
26-Nov Philadelphia, PA M Room
28-Nov New Haven, CT tba
29-Nov New York, NY Santos
30-Nov Boston, MA TT’s
1-Dec Montreal, PQ Lambi
2-Dec Toronto, ONT Horseshoe
3-Dec Detroit, MI Cro Foot
4-Dec Cleveland, Oh Grog Shop
5-Dec Chicago, IL Empty Bottle
6-Dec Minneapolis, MN Entry
9-Dec Seattle, WA Chop Suey
10-Dec Portland, OR Holocene
12-Dec San Francisco, CA Bottom Of The Hill
13-Dec Los Angeles, CA Spaceland

Operation Christmas Child seeks donations

‘Tis the season for kids to begin writing their Christmas wish lists, but this year 7-year-old Angela Wirth is making a different kind of wish list. It’s not for her, but for needy children in a faraway land.

Angela is joining Operation Christmas Child, a project of international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse headed by Franklin Graham, to collect and deliver some 8 million gift-filled shoe boxes to children in more than 100 countries. Operation Christmas Child starts with a simple shoe box filled with toys, necessity items, school supplies, candy and often hand-written notes of encouragement. The gifts are then hand-delivered to hurting children worldwide, including those who are suffering from natural disaster, disease, war, terrorism, poverty and famine.

“I want other kids to know that someone really does care about them - that someone loves them,” said Angela, who recently asked for packed shoe boxes instead of gifts at her October birthday party. “I’m makes me feel happy to be able to help other kids who do not have as much as I do.”

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered shoe box gifts to more than 61 million hurting children in some 130 countries. It is a year-round project, requiring months of organization and preparation to reach millions of kids around the world. Staff and volunteers use whatever means necessary - ships, trucks, buses, trains, airplanes, helicopters, boats, camels, even dog sleds - to reach suffering children.

AMAZING FACT: If all 61 million children who have received shoe box gifts since 1993 stood hand-in-hand, they would form a line stretching 42,192 miles - enough to reach around the world 1 1/2 times.

AMAZING FACT: Operation Christmas Child has generated more than 2,800 miles of smiles - enough smiles to reach from Orange County to New York City.

THIS YEAR IN CALIFORNIA, Operation Christmas Child organizers are working to collect 300,000 shoe box gifts.

AMAZING Orange County FACT: 59,000 shoe box gifts stacked on top of each other would rise more than 94 times higher than Knott's Berry Farm Supreme Scream ride.

Orange County residents can deliver their shoe box gifts to one of nine drop-off locations throughout the area during National Collection Week, Nov. 17-24. Visit www.samaritanspurse.org or call (714) 697-5509 for information on how to pack a shoe box gift and for the nearest drop-off location.

Armin van Buuren named top DJ

Last night, the official and full results of the British DJ Mag Top 100 poll were revealed at the official ‘DJ Mag Top 100 DJ’s Party 2008’ in London. Ultra Records' artist Armin van Buuren has been voted number one DJ for the second year in a row!

Armin van Buuren has been listed in the DJ Mag Top 100 since 2001, when he entered the poll at the 27th position. In 2002 he climbed up to the 5th position, and in 2003, 2004 and 2005 he was listed at the third spot. In 2006 he moved up to the second place, until eventually in 2007 he topped the Poll with a number one position. And this year he did it again.

2007 and 2008 have undoubtedly been 2 of the busiest, yet exciting years for Armin van Buuren. Next to hosting his award winning, weekly radio show ‘A State of Trance’, with an estimated 25 million listeners, Armin has released his third artist album ‘Imagine’ in North America on Ultra Records (Armada). The album made history as the first Dutch dance album to debut at number one on the Dutch album chart.

Armin also toured the world with his ‘Armin Only: Imagine’ concerts, with the sold out first edition in the Jaarbeurs venue in Utrecht, providing more than16.000 party people a stunning show and exclusive 9 hour set.

Armin’s reaction: “For me this is an incredible honor, because it’s an award from the votes of so many dance music lovers that went online to vote. I‘d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support. Thank YOU!“

Ultra Records' artists maintained a heavy showing in the illustrious UK dance publication's annual poll. Dutch phenomenon, Tiësto, who maintained the polls number one position 3 years in a row remains at number 2, and stellar trance production and DJ trio Above & Beyond take number 4. David Guetta’s Pop Life success and non-stop touring places the French native at number 5, and Dutch trance maven Ferry Corsten pulls in number 6. Sasha, who released his acclaimed ‘The emFire Collection’ on Ultra earlier this year retains his long standing amongst the Top 10 at number 7. Markus Schulz' relentless touring pushes him to the number 8 position.

Newcomer to the poll is deadmau5 – riding high on a string of incredible productions and his debut album RANDOM ALBUM TITLE already earning him the award for Producer of the Year from successful digital retailer Beatport - he debuts on the chart at number 11. Sander van Doorn, whose powerful debut album ‘Supernaturalistic’ released on Ultra Records, takes number 13. Paul Oakenfold, who has always maintained high positioning on the poll, claims 14, and house producer, Axwell hits at number 20.

Other Ultra Records' artists charting this year include Eric Prydz at 21, Fedde Le Grand at 29, Benny Benassi at 39, Roger Sanchez at 57 and Sander Kleinenberg at 60. Congrats to all Ultra Records' artists for their continued success!

www.ultrarecords.com: log on for music, news, artist info + tour dates

Enter Natural Balance's contest for your dog to be in the Rose Parade

Natural Balance, the super-premium pet food line, will be making its debut appearance in the upcoming 120th Rose Parade themed "Hats off to Entertainment." The Natural Balance Float called, "Natural Entertainers" will feature a 15-foot long sculpted skateboard and a 16-foot tall floral bulldog, which will be adorned by the legendary Natural Balance bulldogs Tyson and Tillman who will be skateboarding around the float on a specially created skateboarding track.

This is the first time Natural Balance has participated in the annual Rose Parade and they have hired prominent float designer Raul R. Rodriguez to design their float and Tim Estes from Fiesta Floats to build the float. Estes, who is president of Fiesta Floats and has over 30 years experience in building floats, has won the top float honors at the Parade the last 15 years in a row and Natural Balance is looking forward to having a top float this year.

Another unique feature is the custom made track for the dogs to skate on, which is being built by famous skate track designer Aaron Spohn. The legendary Tyson and Tillman will be accompanied on the float by Natural Balance Co-Founder Dick Van Patten and his son Jimmy Van Patten.

"We are honored to be able to bring the Natural Balance bulldogs to the Rose Parade. They are truly amazing and are going to bring great joy to all the animal lovers at the Parade," said Joey Herrick, President of Natural Balance.

In conjunction with the Natural Balance float, Natural Balance has announced a competition for the World’s Most Amazing Dog Contest. Dog owners all over the country are being asked to submit a video or photo of their dog which will be uploaded to the Natural Balance website and voted on by fans. The winner and their dog will join Tyson and Tillman on the Natural Balance float in the 2009 Rose Parade ® on January 1, 2009. Winners also receive a year's supply of Natural Balance Pet Food, and will stay at the beautiful Pasadena Hilton. The winning submission will be chosen November 30th.

Visit the Natural Balance website, www.naturalbalance.net , for more information about the contest as well as information about Natural Balance Pet Foods' first float in the 2009 Pasadena Tournament of Roses® 120th Rose Parade ®. Be sure to tune in Jan 1, 2009 at 8AM PST to watch the Parade live. The "Natural Entertainers Float" will also be on display at Post Parade: A Showcase of Floats, in Pasadena after the Parade on January 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Natural Balance
Since 1989, Dick Van Patten and his partner Joey Herrick have been supplying the public with premium quality dog and cat foods. Today Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc has grown into an international company providing pet foods throughout the United States, Canada, The Pacific Rim and Europe. The Natural Balance ultra premium line of pet foods for dog and cats, includes: Ultra Premium Dry and Canned Dog and Cat food, Dog Food Rolls in 3 varieties: Lamb, Beef and Turkey, Treats for Dogs, Gourmet Frozen Loaves for Dogs in 5 varieties, Organic Dog Food, Allergy Formulas, Eatables for dogs, gourmet canned dog foods made in a USDA approved plant that makes food for people, and Zoological Formulas made for lions, tigers, cheetahs, polar bears, snakes and carnivorous birds. Natural Balance is headquartered in Pacoima, CA and is available at PETCO and local independent pet stores.

Brother to play Fernwood Fest

Fernwood Scottish & Irish Music Festival
Angus and Didgeridrew return to Fernwood next weekend for the Scottish and Irish Music Festival. Joining them will be T Xiques.

T toured with BROTHER in 2003 and can be heard drumming, singing and playing trumpet on BROTHER album 'Urban Cave'.

Angus - "It's such a pleasure to be playing again with T for this show. He is my neighbour in the Catskill Mountains. Not only is he a great drummer, he's giving me tips on how to be a real mountain man. You'll be hearing songs you recognize at Fernwood, along with a few surprises."

Friday, November 8 & 9, 2008
Fernwood Scottish & Irish Music Festival
Fernwood Hotel & Resort, Bushkill, PA
Saturday - 1:30 & 7:00 pm
Sunday - 1:00 & 2:45 pm
www.eohebrides.com

One Day
The new album "One Day" is nearing completion and planned for a holiday release. Look out for photos, clips, comments and updated information on the website.

Angus - "This is the only album we've recorded in Australia. The music is inspired by the magical setting we were in - a friends farm deep in the bush. I've really enjoyed revisiting these tracks with Dave in the studio. Rest assured, this offering is pretty different."

Website Updates
Be sure to check www.BROTHERmusic.com regularly for road journal entries, videos, news on the new album, and 2009 tour dates.

Andy Yorke on KCRW Sunday

ANDY YORKE ON KCRW'S SOUNDS ECLECTIC,
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Be sure to tune in to Sounds Eclectic, hosted by Nic Harcourt on KCRW this Sunday at 7:00 pm (PST) to hear new tracks from Andy Yorke's solo debut, Simple. Nic will be playing cuts like "Rise and Fall". And be sure to keep up with Nic's video podcast series, Tuned In, as he will be featuring Andy on an upcoming episode in November.

Sounds Eclectic on KCRWTuned In via 60Frames

Simple comes out November 18th on CD and is available now as a digital download.

Stream: www.chocolatelabrecords.com/audio/simple.html

Download and share Andy Yorke - "Rise and Fall" (MP3)

www.andyyorke.com
www.chocolatelabrecords.com

Bernie Pearl performances

Bernie Pearl with pianist Dwayne Smith on Saturday, November 8
at Iva Lee's Restaurant, 555 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente.
6:30 until 10:30

Bernie Pearl will help judge the International Blues Competition (IBC), this year on Saturday, November 15,
at the Cellar, 201 S. Broadway, Long Beach.
Sponsored by the Southern California Blues Society, and under the auspices of the Blues Foundation, the winner will go to Memphis in February to compete against other winners from around the globe. The competition starts at 4:00 and runs for several blues-drenched hours until around midnight. Only $5 cover.
Contact: SCBluesSociety@aol.com

Neil Young's performance Oct. 30 cancelled

From Live Nation:

Neil Young’s performance at The Forum scheduled for this evening has been cancelled. Refunds are available at point of purchase.

From Tom Behrens:

Greetings Friends,

Some of you already know that my long time friend, grade school chum and legendary guitarist of the incredible Aluminum Marshmallow, Greg Pineda was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July of this year. The news was a big blow his family, friends and all those who have been touched by his music.

Some good folks are staging a benefit concert for Greg, Wed, Nov 5 at the Canyon Club in Agoura (see attachment for list of entertainers and details). All featured artists and MCs are friends of Greg and are donating their time. The owner of the club is donating the venue. Admission is by donation and all proceeds go the Greg to help with his medical expenses.

Hope you can make it.

Please forward this to any one you think may be interested.

Lastly, a big thanks to all those who sent in a donation for the Gig4Greg guitar picks.

Support local music with Sierra Madre Sue

I love Halloween. Little kids trick-or-treating, adults wearing silly costumes, glowing jack-o-lanterns, painted store-front windows, candy corn, scary sound effects, the whole bit. It's something you never outgrow, or at least I hope I never will. And when it falls on a weekend, it's even better.

Two nights of Halloween happenings and live music - what a treat! The Derby in Arcadia, Cafe 322 and the Buccaneer in Sierra Madre are all hosting costume parties on Friday night, and then there's a second night of fun to be had at the American Legion in East Pasadena on Saturday night. And don't forget to take your camera - you never know who you'll run into! See below for more details...

TONITE! 10/28 - the return of TACO TUESDAY!!! WITCH JODI & HER MINIONS - "HALLOWEEN HAUNT SHOW" @ SCARY MARY'S MARKET & CAFE IN SIERRA MADRE CANYON, 6:30 - 9pm. 561 Woodland Ave. All ages, FREE. Limited parking. CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW OWNERS, CAROLYN & JEFF DAPPER!

WED. 10/29 - aka MAX BUDA @ THE OLD TOWNE PUB IN PASADENA, 9pm. Corner of Fair Oaks & Union, behind the big, ugly Container Store that invaded the parking lot and cast a permanent shadow on the Pub's patio several years ago. Enter thru alley off of Holly Ave. 626-577-6583. No cover, beer & wine. Eclectic Jazzy Blues Rock from Chester, Jerry, Tedroy, Bruce, Pete, and Nick on noise-makers.

THURS. 10/30 - NEIL YOUNG @ THE FABULOUS FORUM. and yes - I did find a home for my 2 extra tickets!

FRI. 10/31 - The MELLOW D'z (DAVE OSTI AND DEANNA COGAN) @ THE MAYAN BAR (inside the Aztec Hotel) in MONROVIA, 6 - 8:30pm Happy Hour. 311 W. Foothill Blvd. 626-358-3231. NO COVER. Full bar, food, coldest beer in town! Acoustic Guitar, vocals. "Hot Chick, Cool Dude & Music to suit your mood!" http://www.myspace.com/themellowdeees

FRI. 10/31 - BETTER THAN BLUE @ THE WORLD-FAMOUS DERBY IN ARCADIA, 8pm - midnight. 233 W. Huntington Dr. Great food, full bar, COSTUMES, dancing, plenty of parking. Felicia Cain, Danny Hesse, Joe Velosa & Herb Quick. Rock, Soul, Blues.

FRI. 10/31 - MERCY & THE MERKETTES "HALLOWEEN COSTUME DANCE PARTY" @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar & great Italian food. Get there early and have dinner & stay for the dancing and COSTUME CONTEST with BIG CASH PRIZES!!!

FRI. 10/31 - HALLOWEEN @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE WITH MONSTER SQUAD, 3RD GRADE TEACHER, and PEACHFUZZ, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. No cover, full bar, cheap drinks. Can you say Freaky Friday?

SAT. 11/1 - 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. The Mission St. Gold Line station is just a short walk away, and makes for a nice outing. http://www.bigbbrenner.com/

SAT. 11/1 - TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND @ SIERRA CUP IN MONROVIA, 6pm. 409 S. Myrtle Ave. 626-301-4214. Traditional Folk Music. Gotta love the title of their latest CD: "Songs We Stole From Our Friends". Tim used to do the sound at the "Listening Room Concerts". These guys are great! http://www.trough.com/tedrow-vreeland/default.htm

SAT. 11/1 - CHICO'S BAIL BONDS @ 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. Semi-acoustic BLUES. http://chicosbailbondsblues.com/

SAT. 11/1 - 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. 11/1 - HORSES ON ASTROTURF @ THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 280-EAST PASADENA's "HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY", 9pm. $7 donation at the door, goes to their various charitable functions. Doors open at 7pm, cheap food at 8pm, member drink prices for everyone all night! Raffle prizes. Yee haw! 179 N. Vinedo Ave. 626-792-9938.

SAT. 11/1 - OCHO X @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, pool table. Latin influenced jazz/rock jams.

SAT. 11/1 - 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!" 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month.

SUN. 11/2 - 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. 11/2 - 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! Acoustic Folk/Rock, Classic Country. Mandolin/Fiddle player Jane will be here this week!

SUN. 11/2 - WRECK 'N' SOW @ BARN BURNER RESTAURANT IN PASADENA, 5 - 8pm. 1000 S. Fair Oaks Ave. 626-403-RIBS. BBQ, beer, wine. Fun Bluegrass stuff w/great harmonies & snazzy overalls! The Dupuy Brothers and friends. http://www.wrecknsow.com/

SUN. 11/2 - "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. Get there early - they pack 'em in! TUES. 11/4 - GET OUT AND VOTE!!!

WED. 11/5 - "GiG4GREG" @ THE CANYON CLUB IN AGOURA HILLS, doors open at 6pm. 28912 Roadside Dr. 818-879-5016. A fundraiser for Greg Pineda of Aluminum Marshmallow who is battling pancreatic cancer. Admission by donation - please give from the heart. Some pretty big names who Greg has worked with are donating their time and talent to show their appreciation and support for all he does for everyone else. REO SPEEDWAGON, AMBROSIA, CHUCK NEGRON (Three Dog Night), TIN DRUM, JOHN SOKOLOFF, CARLOS AMEZCUA, THE SHEDS, ALUMINUM MARSHMALLOW and more! And it's not too late to get your Gig4GREG guitar pick necklace or bracelet: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=416326321

FRI. 11/7 - The MELLOW D'z (DAVE OSTI AND DEANNA COGAN) @ THE MAYAN BAR (inside the Aztec Hotel) in MONROVIA, 6 - 8:30pm Happy Hour. 311 W. Foothill Blvd. 626-358-3231. NO COVER. Full bar, food, coldest beer in town! Acoustic Guitar, vocals. "Hot Chick, Cool Dude & Music to suit your mood!" http://www.myspace.com/themellowdeees

FRI. 11/7 and SAT. 11/8 - "THE SUBS" (Better Than Blue's acoustic alter ego) @ the DOCKSIDE in WEST COVINA, 7:30 - 11:30pm. 3057 E. Garvey Ave. North. In the bar area, but you can order food also. All ages ok. Joe Velosa, Danny Hesse, Felicia Bright. Acoustic rock, soul & blues. 626-915-3474.

FRI. 11/7 - BOBBY BRADFORD MOTET @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 8:30 - 11:30pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar, great Italian food. A fixture on the local jazz scene, Bobby Bradford is best known for his early 70's work with Ornette Coleman, and was one of my brother Rick's early musical influences.

FRI. 11/7 - T.C.'s LIVING ROOM and the WRECKTANGLES @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, pool table. Rock, Punk.

SAT. 11/8 - STAN WEST & PAUL DORN @ STRINGS MUSIC (aka Fretted Products) IN GLENDORA, 8 - 11am. 146 N. Glendora Ave. 626-914-4100. FREE. Blues slide guitar & bass. http://www.stan/ west.com/

SAT. 11/8 - 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. The Mission St. Gold Line station is just a short walk away, and makes for a nice outing. http://www.bigbbrenner.com/

SAT. 11/8 - the WE FIVE @ the FRETHOUSE IN COVINA, 8pm. $20 admission. 309 N. Citrus Ave. (626) 339-7020. 60's folk group best known for their hit, "You Were On My Mind". www.covina.com/frethouse/

SAT. 11/8 - GROOVY LEMON PIE @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9:30pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, cheap drinks! Classic Rock from Greg Tortell, Gary Putman, Jorge Mena, Bob Knarley & Frank Simes.

SUN. 11/9 - 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. 11/9 - the return of 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 12:00, GAME TIME ASAP. BRING YOUR GLOVE, BAT, CHAIR, ICE CHEST, GUITAR, UKULELE, ETC. EVERY SUNDAY... hopefully!

SUN. 11/9 - 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. 11/9 - "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. Get there early - they pack 'em in!

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

FYI - in case you're wondering which class had the highest attendance at the St. Rita's Harvest Festival last Saturday, it was the class of 1968 with 21 people!!! Way to go!

Hope to see you out & about,

SierraMadreSue

sierramadresue@yahoo.com

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

http://cafe322.com/

http://sierracup.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

Support local music at Mr. T's Bowl

http://www.myspace.com/mrtsbowl
Mr T's Bowl
5621 1/2 N. Figueroa St
at Ave 57 in
Highland Park 90042
******************************************************

For Private Parties, Events or Filming please contact:
Website - http://www.mrtsevents.com
e-mail - info@MrTsEvents.com
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Thur Nov 6th
call for line up
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Fri Nov 7th
IsGoodmusic.com benefit show
Seasons
Shiloe
The Transmissions
Death to Anders
Vaudeville
$5.00 Donation
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Sat Nov 8th
9:15 pm Cinderella Motel
10:00 pm Sons Of Tito
10:45 pm the Get Well Cards
11:30 pm Human Hands
12:30 am the Crystelles
$7 cover
doors open at 9pm
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Sun Nov 9th
Damien Byrne B-day party with:
1st - Surgeon Marta ( LA)
2nd - The Black Watch (LA)
3rd - Petrol (Seattle)
4th - Candy Apple Red (Dublin Ireland)
5th - Eject - (LA)
doors open at 8pm
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Closed on Mondays
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Tue Nov 11th
The Dizzys
New London
Criminal belly
Bizzart
Henry Bermudez Trio
Madhappy
no cover
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Wed Nov 12th
Decompress
The Health Club
Vital Transformation
BoxViolet
Cobra Lilies
No cover
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Thur Nov 13th
call for info

Dave Muller dance party Nov. 8

The Dave Muller Dance Party
A Special Event and Exhibition Closing Celebration at the Armory Center for the Arts Saturday November 8, 8:30 p.m. - Midnight

Los Angeles artist Dave Muller has long explored the visual potency of music, from the spines of records to Three-Day Weekends. His paintings, drawings, and events have emphasized the visual quality and strange communities that come out of music. Inspired by the Martha Rosler Library, the Armory Center for the Arts asked Dave to display legendary Musical Library: more than 6,000 records, 6,000 CDs, hundreds of books, dozens of instruments and over 168,000 mp3s that Dave has set up as a short wave radio station. For this exhibition, Muller has helped in sundry ways to make the library a place for people to gather, look, and listen. To help this along, Dave will DJ from his extensive collection for a dance party extravaganza, aptly titled The Dave Muller Dance Party. Free Vodka! generously provided by nottoopure.com

The Armory Center for the Arts is located at 145 North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, California.

Stephen Tharp to perform at San Marino organ dedication

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL CURATOR DEDICATES LOCAL CHURCH ORGAN ON NOV. 2

World-Renowned Organist Stephen Tharp Performs at Dedication

WHO: Walt Disney Concert Hall curator and builder of its pipe organ, Manuel Rosales will dedicate St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church newly restored pipe organ on November 2. St. Edmund’s contracted Manuel Rosales of Rosales Organ Builders, who designed and supervised the construction of the organ at the new Walt Disney Concert Hall and is the Curator of that organ.

St. Edmund’s pipe organ has already garnered national attention with its guest organist for the dedication recital, world-renowned Stephen Tharp, who is hailed as “the organist for the connoisseur” (Organ magazine, Germany), “the thinking person’s performer” (Het Orgel), “every bit the equal of any organist” (The American Organist magazine) and “the consummate creative artist” (Michael Barone, Pipedreams).

Tharp is recognized as one of the great concert organists of our age. Having played 32 solo intercontinental tours and over 800 North American concerts, Tharp has built one of the most well-respected international careers in the world, earning him the reputation as the most traveled concert organist of his generation. He is currently Artist-in-Residence at Grace Church (Episcopal), New York, and served as organist at St. Patrick's Cathedral from 1995-1997 and the Associate Organist at St. Bartholomew's, NYC, from 1998-2002.

WHAT: Fifty years ago, St. Edmund’s in San Marino invested in a world-class instrument known as Aeolian-Skinner Opus Number 1323, or a pipe organ. One of 1,400 instruments produced by the Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company and its predecessor, the Skinner Organ Company, in America, St. Edmund’s pipe organ is a significant historical instrument in need of restoration. The formal name of the completed instrument is “The St. Edmund’s Aeolian-Skinner Opus 1323 / Rosales Opus 37 Organ.”

WHEN: Sunday, November 2 at 4:00 p.m. Rosales will also offer a special presentation about the restoration project.

WHERE: St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church located at 1175 San Gabriel Blvd. in San Marino, CA 91108.

WHY: With over 700 new pipes, including the addition of exterior façade pipes in the chancel, renovation of the console, and a total rebuilding of all wind chests, leather pouches, electronics and expression shutters, the San Marino pipe organ is among the finest church organs in Southern California, and is attracting national attention.

Get in the spirit with Charles Phoenix's Holiday Jubilee

All New, All Spectacular this holiday season:
Charles Phoenix's
Moonlight Rollerway Holiday Jubilee
Two performances only, December 13 & 14.

WHAT: Charles Phoenix's Moonlight Rollerway Holiday Jubilee - Charles Phoenix's uniquely entertaining and hilarious Retro Holiday Slide Show, created from vintage slides found at thrift shops and estate sales, moves to the Moonlight Rollerway, Southern California's last classic roller rink - where it will be followed by a Roller Skating Revue Spectacular starring 75 champion skaters celebrating all the holidays of the year with a variety of colorfully costumed musical acts set to live organ music: New Years Eve, Valentine's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Easter, The 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Free snacks and an after-show skate party are included in the ticket price.

WHEN: Saturday, December 13 at 8 pm
Sunday, December 14 at 3 pm

WHERE: MOONLIGHT ROLLERWAY
5110 San Fernando Road
Glendale, California 91204
(corner Harvard St. & San Fernando Road, right next to Home Depot)

HOW: Tickets at www.charlesphoenix.com
TICKETS:$35.00 (includes free snacks and skate rental for the after-show skate party)

Reach out during Petco's National Adoption Weekend

In an effort to help boost pet adoptions and increase the number of animal lives saved this holiday season, PETCO will kick-off the PETCO Foundation’s Annual Tree of Hope fundraiser with National Adoption Weekend Nov. 8 and 9 and adoption events taking place in nearly 950 PETCO stores nationwide.

“There are millions of wonderful pets in shelters across the nation – in all of our communities – waiting to be found and adopted into loving homes,” said Beth Mars, director of operations and development for the PETCO Foundation. “The holiday season is a great time of year for bringing pets and people together. Combining Tree of Hope with a national adoption event in all of our stores will provide a venue and much-needed funding to local rescue organizations that give homeless animals a second chance to live and love.”

Beginning with the National Adoption weekend and running through Dec. 24, the Tree of Hope fundraiser will allow PETCO customers to make a difference for hundreds of pets by purchasing card ornaments for a $1, $5, $10 or $20 donation. Customers donating $20 or more will receive a special PETCO Foundation reusable “Seed of Hope” bag, and every new pet parent on Nov. 8 and 9 will receive the same bag stuffed with goodies. This year’s fundraising goal is 3 million dollars.

This year the PETCO Foundation is also partnering with IAMS and its annual Home 4 the Holidays adoption drive to ensure a successful fundraiser and help further promote the adoption of homeless animals throughout the holidays. With a goal to adopt out a million animals by the end of the holiday season, IAMS will donate $1 for every bag of IAMS cat or dog food sold at PETCO stores during the campaign to add to the PETCO Foundation’s efforts.

PETCO encourages customers to consider adoption before the purchase of any companion animal – even if it’s one of the birds, reptiles or small animals currently offered in PETCO stores. The company also encourages anyone looking to give a pet as a gift this holiday season to consider a gift card so that the recipient may choose their next companion animal themselves.

For more information on Tree of Hope and the PETCO Foundation visit www.petcofoundation.org or to locate a store near you, visit www.petco.com. For more information on the IAMS Home 4 the Holidays campaign, visit www.IAMS.com

Upcoming concerts around California from Live Nation

ON SALE THIS WEEK AT HOUSE OF BLUES SUNSET STRIP

On Sale NOW :

Lordi, Lizzy Borden, Stolen Babies - November 17

Tesla - December 1

Wu-Tang Clan - December 4

Cheap Trick - December 15 & 16

RATT w/ Stephen Pearcy, Warren DeMartini, Robbie Crane, Bobby Blotzer, Carlos Cavazo - December 26

Reel Big Fish, Streetlight Manifesto - January 3


ON SALE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 AT 10 am:

Back In Black and Appetite For Destruction - December 21


ON SALE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 AT 10 am:

Aretha Franklin - November 21 & 22

dada - December 29

The Marshall Tucker Band - December 30

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ON SALE THIS WEEK AT HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM

On Sale NOW:

Cheap Trick - December 17

RATT w/ Stephen Pearcy, Warren DeMartini, Robbie Crane, Bobby Blotzer, Carlos Cavazo - December 27

Tyrone Wells - January 29


ON SALE FRIDAY OCT 31 AT 10AM

Back in Black and Appetite For Destruction - December 18


ON SALE SATURDAY NOV 1 AT 10AM

Bad Brains - December 8

Mest - January 23

Dave Morrison at Kulak's Woodshed on Halloween

From Dave Morrison:

Hi Everybody,

Tomorrow night is Halloween ... Eeek! It's a terrifying prospect to be sure. I'm barely coping with my sense of impending doom.

What will we do? Who will protect us? Piper Grey ... that's who. Or hooo, if you prefer.

Yeah, David Piper and Earl Grey, the wonderful acoustic duo is playing at Kulak's Woodshed Tomorrow night. Their new record, "Apples", is one of the best things I've heard all year. Full of great songs and their terrific singing and guitar playing. But it's more than that. It's a real ALBUM: beautifully crafted and arranged. It brings to mind Crosby Stills and Nash with it's songs that flow through dfferent sections, at once surprising and completely natural. We're all really proud of their accomplishment.

Oh, and I am sharing the bill with them. Starting promptly at 8 with Lisa Turner, and Greg Krueger joining me.

So don't be scared, come and enjoy. And if you just can't get the nerve to leave home, watch the live webcast @ www.kulakswoodshed.com

Piper-GreyWith Dave Morrison & Friends
Kulak's Woodshed
5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91607

Yerz, Dave

http://www.myspace.com/davemorrisonmusic

http://www.davemorrisonmusic.com

YouTube: "Times Like These" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD-G11Eeg7s
YouTube: "Almost A Relief" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zZl-nEEEwk&feature=related
YouTube: "Standing By The Bridge" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li0VDr8cMG0
Buy The Album: http://cdbaby.com/cd/davemorrison

SkallyWagz to play Halloween

From the SkallyWagz:

Happy Halloween All!

Come join the SkallyWagz, Halloween night, Friday October 31 for our Totally Rockin' Halloween Extravaganza!! We'll be at Ricky Gene's on PCH in Lomita. Come early and wear your most frightful costume; there will be a contest around midnight with 3 cash prize winners! If you've seen the SkallyWagz, you know that this it THE Halloween Band!

Hope to see you all there!

Sleep tight and don't let the Vampires bite!

Joe and the SkallyWagz

for more info or directions visit www.skallywagz.com

Brett Dennen on tour

Brett Dennen is making a case for the grassroots story of 2008. After years of constant touring, Brett now claims a legion of fans, a phenomenal album debut, Top Ten single on the AAA radio chart, sold-out Fall tour (dates below), and plans for a larger extended run to kick-off in January 2009.

Released October 21 by Dualtone/Downtown Records, HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS debuts this week as the #4 Independent Album, #6 Digital Album, and lands high on the Billboard Top 20 Chart at #41.

The album's first single, "Make You Crazy" features Afro-beat legend Femi Kuti. The song is this week's Greatest Gainer at AAA radio and has entered the Top Ten amongst a mix of tastemaker artists like Beck, Coldplay, Ray LaMontagne, O.A.R, Sarah McLachlan and Snow Patrol.

The video debuted last week across AOL's platform of music sites and features a cameo from actress/singer Mandy Moore. The tongue-in-cheek video takes a stab at "trends" with Ms. Moore as a finicky shoe shopper who finally follows in Brett's (bare) footsteps to find happiness.

As Brett embarks on an eleven city "mini-tour" of the smaller venues where he got his start on November 3rd, he plans to visit Good Morning America's studios on Saturday, November 15 and will kick off a larger-venue headling tour in January '09 (dates to be announced).

BRETT DENNEN - With long red hair, bandana, bare feet and guitar held high on his 6' 4" frame, Brett Dennen is an unlikely frontman but the 29 year old radiates confidence and ease in his own skin. His break-through album, So Much More, was released in 2006 and over the course of two years, gained the attention of critics and fans. John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Michael Franti and Matisyahu are outspoken advocates while Rolling Stone Magazine named Dennen one of their "Artists To Watch in 2008."

He has been spotlighted by NPR, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, The Washington Post and has performed on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Last Call with Carson Daly. Raised in N. California, the fomer camp counselor only decided five years ago to pursue a career in music.

The originator of his own Love Speaks non-profit organization provides local charities with the opportunity to speak to his audiences at each show. He is also involved with the Mosaic Project, which brings together kids from different backgrounds to interact with each other and the world around them in experiences they would not likely have on their own. He created a music curriculm for the Mosaic Project that earned awards in 2003 and 2004.

Brett Dennen's 2008 "Mini Tour" Sponsored by Guayaki Yerba Mate:
11/3 Portland, OR Doug Fir
11/5 Seattle, WA Triple Door
11/6 San Francisco The Independent
11/7 Los Angeles, CA Hotel Café
11/8 Los Angeles, CA Hotel Café
11/10 Denver, CO Walnut Room
11/11 Austin,TX The Continental Club
11/13 Chicago, IL Shubas
11/14 Annapolis, MD Ramshead Onstage
11/15 Philadelphia, PA Tin Angel
11/16 Boston, MA Passim
11/18 New York, NY Canal Room

The Classic Crime adds tour dates

As Tooth & Nail recording artists THE CLASSIC CRIME prepare for their headlining slot on Atticus Clothing's Walk The Plank Tour, a handful of dates have just been announced, adding stops in California, Minnesota, Virginia and other states. Kicking off at Anaheim's Chain Reaction on November 11,the tour brings these Seattle melodic rockers together with their friends A Change of Pace and a diverse group opening acts performing on various legs of the tour including Artist vs. Poet, Lower Definition and Tyler Read (tour dates below).

With support from Alternative Press, Brian Ewing, SJC Custom Drums, and Epiphone Guitars, the Walk The Plank Tour will offer fans the chance to win some truly incredible prizes, tickets, and exclusive clothing (surf to Atticusclothing.com and Altpress.com). Grounded in the culture of music, Atticus was founded by musicians with their morals and inspirations in mind.

The Classic Crime have been enjoying the stellar reviews that their new album The Silver Cord has been generating and are excited to play the album live. After a great slot on this past Summer's Van Warped Tour 2008, the band has been gearing up to rock out even more and with a headlining slot on this tour, it will give them the opportunity to play songs from previous albums that the fans love as well as perform new favorites from The Silver Cord, including the first rock/pop powerhouse single "Abracadavers".

The Walk the Plank Tour Featuring THE CLASSIC CRIME
11/11 Anaheim, CA Chain Reaction
11/12 Los Angeles, CA Knitting Factory
11/13 Victorville, CA Karma
11/14 Bakersfield, CA Jerry's Pizza
11/15 San Jose, CA San Jose Skate
11/16 Hughson, CA The Faultline
11/18 Eugene, OR Wow Hall
11/20 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre
11/21 Seattle, WA Showbox
11/22 Spokane, WA The Blvd
11/23 Clarkston, WA The Grange
11/24 Boise, ID The Venue
11/25 Salt Lake City, UT Avalon
11/26 Denver, CO Marquis
11/29 Wichita, KS OZ Cafe
11/30 Iowa City, IA The Picador
12/1 St. Paul, MN Station 4
12/2 LaCrosse, WI The Warehouse
12/3 Chicago, IL Mojo’s Coffee House
12/5 Lansing, MI Mac’s Bar
12/6 Cleveland, OH Agora Ballroom
12/7 S. Hackensack, NJ School of Rock
12/8 Vienna, VA Jammin' Java
12/11 St. Louis, MO Fubar
12/12 Tulsa, OK The Marquee
12/13 Dallas, TX The Max

The Silver Cord was released on Tooth & Nail Records earlier this Summer and was produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette (Incubus, Story of the Year, Puddle of Mudd).

www.myspace.com/theclassiccrime

The End of the World

Leaving without saying goodbye is called a "French Exit." Suffice it to say, there has been an interesting cast of characters weaving in and out of the lives of The End of the World's Stefan Marolachakis and Benjamin Smith -- but somehow through 14 bass players and one fistfight, the two of them have been able to stick together, whether it be as best friends or as band mates. It's a rarity in a city where true friends are hard to come by.

Singing drummer Stefan first met guitarist Benjamin in Spanish class nine years ago. The two friends have been writing and recording music together ever since, now better known as the Brooklyn-based band, The End of the World. The duo performed, recorded and self-produced every song on their second full-length, French Exit, as a two-piece in both Montana and Brooklyn. The 11 songs on French Exit (on Flameshovel/Pretty Activity, distributed via Touch & Go) address the growing pains of boys becoming men and transitioning into adulthood, or at least attempting to do so.

"Most of the record is very much about our lives, our friendship and our friends in general," said Benjamin. "It's definitely a growing up, life choices type of record."

Stefan's old school crooner voice underscores an earnestness in his narrative lyrics as he sings about people who have appeared and disappeared from his life. Onstage, he is a captivating storyteller, reflecting on the ins and outs of his life, his loves and his friendships. Meanwhile, Benjamin chimes in with shimmery, yearning guitar strums. The sound is minimalist and stripped down, calling attention to each song's emotion and tone.

“When everything else is removed and it’s just the two of us, there’s a really good line of communication there,” Stefan said about writing the record. “It made it easier to make a record that felt honest and clear. ‘Say what you mean’ was one of our mottoes.”

Their friendship has developed beyond the musical partnership over the years. They're constantly scheming their next New York escapade. They publish an online literary magazine called Take the Handle, inspired by participatory journalism in the spirit of George Plimpton and Hunter S. Thompson. Just like the stories in the band's music, the magazine chronicles the lives of their extended creative circle, including the likes of novelist Nathaniel Rich and bands such as Cursive, Oxford Collapse, The Subjects and Money Mark. They also run Pretty Activity Records, a label that acts as the musical arm of this same community.

French Exit features guest contributions from many of their friends, and the cover art was designed by renowned photographer and Grammy-winner Michael Schmelling. For their charming live show, they bring along friends Sam Axelrod (ex-Narrator) on bass and Mike Incze on pedal steel and guitar.

The End of the World just released a split 7" with Pretty Activity label mates The Subjects entitled Subs & Dubs 7". It includes The End of the World's "Someone Else's Dollar" from French Exit on one side and The Subjects' "Goldenshire Boogie" on the other side. At last year’s CMJ Music Festival MTV News ran a segment on the long-standing friendship and good-natured rivalry between the two bands, who have been playing shows together for years.

The End of the World first released a 4-song self-titled EP on Pretty Activity in May 2005. The EP spawned the single, "This Little Theater," which was featured in Jonathan Demme’s remake of The Manchurian Candidate. The Village Voice declared it "the best song to come out of Brooklyn" that year. The band followed up with their debut full-length, You're Making It Come Alive, on Flameshovel/Pretty Activity in October 2006. The album was produced with Bill Skibbe and Jessica Ruffins at Key Club Recording Studios. Over the years, the End of the World has toured and performed shows with bands like Cursive, MGMT, French Kicks, Maritime, +/-, Bishop Allen, Ambulance LTD, David Vandervelde and Working For a Nuclear Free City.

US TOUR
11/2: Album Listening Party at the Ear Inn- (Free Bloody Mary's)
11/7 Bard College / SMOG Annandale-on-Hudson, New York
11/8: Release Party at the Studio @ Webster Hall
11/09: Washington, DC – DC9 w/ Shaky Hands
11/11 Skully's w/Blitzen Trapper & Horse Feathers Columbus, Ohio
11/12: WOXY Lounge Act, 4pm (Tune in http://www.woxy.com)
11/13: Louisville, KY – Cahoot’s w/ Young Widows
11/15: Chicago, IL – Hideout
11/16: Iowa City, IA – Picador w/ Heartless Bastards
11/17: Daytrotter11/18: Omaha, NE – Slowdown
11/21 Fred's Speak Easy Asheville, North Carolina
11/25 TT the Bears x/ Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, Castanets

http://www.myspace.com/theendoftheworld