Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Eileen Carey in Venice Jan. 9


Southern California-based country-pop vocalist/singer-songwriter EILEEN CAREY, "Best Female Vocalist" winner at the 2007 Los Angeles South Bay Music Awards, releases her long-anticipated new album, MOVIN ON (My RecordLabel.net). The nine-song disc features five Carey-penned country-pop originals as well as "That Was Her, This Is Now," written by country music stalwart Keith Urban (and) Vernon Rust, and currently ascending the Country Music charts.


Carey performs

as part of "Rockin’ Moms Showcase" at

The Talking Stick,

1411 C Lincoln Blvd.,

Venice,

Friday, January 9,

7-10 p.m.

No cover; all ages.

Info: (310) 450-6052 or log onto http://www.netteradio.com/.


Carey briefly describes each of the songs on MOVIN’ ON. "That Was Her This Is Now" is "about being the new woman in a man’s life;’ "What Goes Around" opines that "what you put out (in the Universe) comes back to you;" "Moving On" (the title track) talks about "when relationships, passion, and communication have run their course, it’s time to move on;" "Stand" is about "never giving up on your dreams;" "Do I Dare" discusses "taking the next step in life;" "He’s Not Mr. Right, He’s Mr. Right Now" is "just having fun in your present relationship…with no ties."


"Out With The Girls" finds Carey singing that "girls – poor, young, rich, and old – all need a night out on the town!;’ "Faith" details "being in the wrong relationship and you don’t know it…you’ve gotta have a little faith in yourself." "Newsflash" ends the disc on a positive note: "when you think things are bad, life can turn on a dime…don’t ever give up!"


A prolific songwriter, Carey’s "Hollywood" (from her most recent album, HEARTS OF TIME) was nominated in the "Country Single Of The Year" category for the 2008 L.A. Music Awards. Carey is nominated in the "Best Country Artist" category for the 2008 Los Angeles South Bay Music Awards, happening February 21, 2009 at the L.A. Sports Arena in downtown Los Angeles, Calif.


Carey is a dynamic live performer that crosses musical genres. "Carey’s music is reminiscent of the Stones tapping into country with a female Jagger," wrote Doug Deringer in respected national trade magazine, MUSIC CONNECTION, during a review of Carey’s August 2008 show at The Derby in Hollywood. "Her vocal style is a bit Reba McIntire with a touch of Bonnie Raitt thrown in…Carey delivers very solid vocals; she and her band play well together," the review continues, "and have a tight, cohesive feel that can only come from experienced and well-rehearsed players…Carey’s material is strong enough to find a wide audience in the country/pop market…could take her music to the next level."


Brian Lush, Producer and Host of American Radio Network program ROCKWIRED, says, "I am personally very excited to see this album hit the shelves…!" Christi Broekemeier of the Hollywood-based publication ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE writes, "on Eileen Carey’s new single "That Was Her This Is Now," the country singer from Southern California uses her Nashville native, seemingly easy-flowing twang to tell the universal country-themed song of being the new woman in a man’s life, to great effect…it is the poetry of the lyrics that country fans and non-fans can relate to. Eileen’s voice is warm, welcoming and full of heart....you may find yourself falling for the redhead with the catchy tunes and endearing voice."



Carol Bach-y-Rita & Sambalicious performance Friday

Carol Bach-y-Rita & Samablicious

The Downtown Jazz Lounge
Friday January 2
6pm-9pm

“She sings Jazz, Bossa and Salsa with a voice that is warm and enveloping. It is hard not to be utterly charmed!” “Magnificent singer…absolutely sizzling – she’s burning up stages” Carol has worked with some of the top jazz musicians in the country including Joshua Redman, Bill Cunliffe, Michael Tilson Thomas and many others. Don’t miss this great band! What a way to start the New Year!

No Cover. Full bar selection.
50% off all Bar Snacks.
20% off dinner in The Grill

711 South Hope . Los Angeles . CA . 90017. tel: 213 4883500

Autry to offer January film series

Saturdays in January 2009 • 2–4:30 pm
Bold Caballeros y Noble Bandidas Film Festival
In the Wells Fargo Theater, Autry National Center, Griffith Park
All films free with museum admission.

Saturday January 10
The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982)
A stolen horse and a deputy’s poor command of the Spanish language lead to a case of mistaken identity, the death of an innocent man, and the destruction of a family in this retelling of an incident that took place in Gonzalez, Texas, in 1901.

Saturday, January 17
Viva Zapata! (1952)
Emiliano Zapata (Marlon Brando), a Mexican Indian from Morelos, joins forces with Pancho Villa (Alan Reed) to overthrow the corrupt Mexican government. However, when the new regime is shown to be no less self-serving than the one it replaced, Zapata has a crisis of faith and tries to return to his roots.

Saturday, January 24
And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself (2003)
When Mexican Revolutionary Pancho Villa (Antonio Banderas) is unable to fund his war against the government, he enlists the help of Hollywood, sending emissaries to producers in hopes that one will pay to film his battles. D. W. Griffith (Colm Feore) obliges, sending filmmaker Frank Thayer (Eion Bailey), who forms a close relationship with the enigmatic Villa and goes on to produce the first feature-length movie based on his exploits.

Saturday, January 31
Like Water for Chocolate (1993; Spanish with English subtitles)
Two young lovers, Tita (Lumi Cavazos) and Pedro (Marco Leonardi), are forbidden to marry by Tita’s aging mother, Elena (Regina TornĂ©). As the younger of two sisters, Tita is bound by tradition to care for Elena in her final years, so Elena offers her older daughter to Pedro instead, an offer that he accepts only to be closer to Tita.

Autry National Center of the American West
4700 Western Heritage Way Los Angeles, CA 90027
323.667.2000 www.autrynationalcenter.org

Darren Butler to offer eco workshops Jan. 17 and 18

A New Year's Weekend With Darren Butler
Saturday (9:00 AM - 9:30 PM) and Sunday (9:00 AM - 6:30 PM), Jan 17-18, 2009
Culver City

FREE evening activities may be available, including the launch of a new activist group, The 7th Congress of Southern California (see below).
See below for full announcement. Enrollment, payment, and refund policy appears below course announcement.
Attendance at this event is limited to approximately 40 and may fill up rapidly. Please enroll early to avoid disappointment.
To contact Darren Butler:
allnet@pobox.com
(818) 271-0963
www.EcoWorkshops.com

To sign up, mail payment to:
Darren Butler
PO Box 589
Topanga CA 90290-0589

After Jan 9, 2009, please inquire to confirm that enrollment is still available prior to sending payment.

A 2009 New Year's Weekend With Darren Butler

How do solar cookers and other direct-gain solar devices actually work? Who was the ancient Greek Goddess Peitho and how can ancient Greek approaches to speaking make us more persuasive as moderns? Is is it possible to make 20 friends one-at-a-time in 45 minutes? And what are the best practices for pruning, grafting, and winter/spring gardening in Southern California?

Join Darren Butler in celebration of the new year with an intensive weekend of education; fun; community; hope; new and ancient ideas and perspectives; and new and old (and maybe a few ancient) friends. Enrollment cost is discounted for anyone who has hosted or attended a paid workshop or course with Darren Butler since Jan, 2007 (see below).

Daytime workshops will be held at an office in Culver City, with the evening party on Sat, Jan 17 and the launch of a new activist group, The 7th Congress of Southern California, on Sun, Jan 18, to be held at the Culver City home of Traci Reitz, Community Sustainability Liaison for the City of Santa Monica.

Volunteers needed:
One or more volunteers are needed to help prepare for and coordinate the event, and help with logistics during the weekend. Volunteers receive free attendance. Contact Darren Butler if interested in volunteering (see email/phone number above).

Schedule Summary (note that a half-hour break is provided between sessions):

SAT, JAN 17:

9:00 AM Arrival recommended

9:15 Welcome and announcements

9:30 - 11:00 Direct-Gain Solar Energy and How to Make a Solar Water Still

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM The Enneagram as Permaculture for Personality Analysis

1:00 - 2:00 Lunch

2:00 - 3:30 Pruning and Grafting

4:00 - 5:00 Winter/Spring Gardening and Edible Landscaping in So Calif

5:00 - 6:00 Walk (ten minutes) or carpool to Reitz residence, specify dinner orders

6:00 - 6:15 Beyond Trends in Sustainability

6:15 - 6:30 Upcoming Courses

6:30 - 7:15 Speed Acquaintanceship

7:15 - 8:15 Potluck Dinner and Party

8:15 - 9:30 Rediscovering Fun: Games for Grownups

SUN, JAN 18:

9:00 AM Arrival recommended

9:15 Welcome and announcements

9:30 - 11:00 Small-Space Food Gardening

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Kairos, Logos, Ethos, Peithos: Ancient Greek Rhetorical Approaches for Modern Persuasion and Activism

1:00 - 2:00 Lunch

2:00 - 3:30 Introduction to Greywater Use and System Design

3:30 - 4:00 Walk (ten minutes) or carpool to Reitz residence

4:00 - 4:15 Upcoming Courses

4:15 - 4:30 Introducing The 7th Congress of Southern California

4:30 - 5:00 7th Congress discussion, brainstorming, ideas, possibilities

5:00 - 6:30 7th Congress Inaugural Session: Imagining the FutureEnrollment

Cost:
$80 for Saturday only, $55 for Sunday only, $120 for both

For people who have taken a paid workshop or course from Darren Butler since Jan, 2007:
$70 for Saturday only, $45 for Sunday only, $95 for both

Enrollment fee covers snackfood but no meals (see below).

If space permits, there will be free attendance for the evening activities. Free attendance to the Saturday evening party will be offered first to spouses, family members, and significant others of attendees, and to the Sunday evening launch of 7th Congress to those who are interested in being a part of the group.

Paid enrollment is required to ensure attendance to evening events, and availability of free attendance may be uncertain until the week prior to the event. Contact Darren Butler if interested in free attendance to either evening activity.

Food and Meals:
Attendees are on their own for breakfasts prior to arrival, and for lunches on both days (lunchtime is an hour each day). Bring sack lunches that don't require refridgeration or that will keep for four hours during the morning, or plan to go out to eat locally, or if living nearby, return home. Snackfood is included in the cost of enrollment and will be provided both days. Attendees are welcome to bring potluck snacks to share. Menus for delivery or group pickup from local restaurants will be on hand for Saturday's dinner, including for at least one nearby vegan restaurant. Cost of Saturday's dinner is not included in the enrollment fee and will be paid directly by attendees to restaurants.

Lecture and Event Descriptions:
Note: Each lecture introduces the basics of a topic that will be offered as a longer course during 2009.

SAT, JAN 17:

9:30 - 11:00 AM Direct-Gain Solar Energy and How to Make a Solar Water Still:
Covers the basics of direct-gain solar energy devices such as solar cookers and solar food dehydrators. Where would your drinking water come from in a local disaster such as an earthquake or severe weather event? Will cover simple methods for building a solar water still to produce pure, distilled, drinkable water from plant materials, polluted water, and waste liquids.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM The Enneagram as Permaculture for Personality Analysis:
The Enneagram is a system for understanding human personality. Because it provides predictability, treats healthy as well as unhealthy behavior, and considers personality traits not to be necessarily good or bad but rather in or out of balance, overexpressed or underexpressed as a response to deep fears, I consider it to be the permaculture for personality analysis. Lecture will cover the nine personality types based upon the nine core personality fears, how some of these personalities tend to act when healthy and unhealthy, and what needs to be done for example personalities to find wholeness and balance.

2:00 - 3:30 PM Pruning and Grafting:
Will cover basics of pruning and grafting, with an emphasis on fruit trees and pruning young trees for structure, form, and to maximize yields.

4:00 - 5:00 PM Winter/Spring Gardening and Edible Landscaping in So Calif:
Will begin with a short review of best practices for gardening during winter and spring in Southern California, and then will open for audience questions related to these topics. Bring your concerns, confusion, and plant/tree problems for discussion.

6:00 - 6:15 PM Beyond Trends in Sustainability:
Is it possible that even if millions or billions of people around the world do everything "right" by the environment according to current sustainability trends that we might still lose our biosphere? What is realistically needed to save what remains of the natural systems that support human civilization and Earth's biosphere? How can such massive changes possibly occur?

6:30 - 7:15 PM Speed Acquaintanceship:
Two groups of twenty (or half event attendance). One minute per person (two minutes per pair) to expose your hopes, dreams, fears, greatest accomplishments, character quirks, or at least to share your profession, shoe size, favorite food, or whatever you choose to tell about yourself. Two minutes per pair for twenty pairs rotates through completely in 40 minutes. Can such a logistical marvel actually be accomplished? Will the one minute you present about yourself evolve or get more wild with each new presentation? Will it change depending upon whom you're paired with? Can a two-minute speed-acquaintanceship deepen into a lifetime friendship? You may learn as much about yourself as you do about other people in the Speed Acquaintanceship event. This is an experimental prototype event based upon speed dating, and is intended to break up the cliques that normally develop at parties based upon who already knows whom, which of my classes people have attended, or whatever other criterion prevails at the moment.

8:15 - 9:30 PM Rediscovering Fun: Games for Grownups:
When was the last time you actually PLAYED with a group of grownups? Some of us still play with other grownups, such as through church or community sports teams, but even in those cases the fun is usually secondary to seeking exercise or accomplishment, and for most of us, such play is long lost under the weight of work, schooling, childraising (my grandma used to tell me that you rear children and you raise cattle, but I believe now we do generally raise children in the US), stress, projects, paying bills, activism, and preparing for the end of civilization. To be human is to need play. To be willing to play with others is to trust, and to trust is to have community. I will endeavor to provide the safe space, the alcohol availability during dinner, and the ideas and rules for games to encourage (drum roll, please) lighthearted grownup play. The rest is up to you.

SUN, JAN 18:

9:30 - 11:00 AM Small-Space Food Gardening:
Learn basics of growing veggies, herbs, berries, and fruit in small urban spaces, along stairways, on windowsills, balconies, and patios, in pots or other containers, or in vertical spaces. Will begin with lecture on best practices for small-space food gardening and then open for audience questions and discussion.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Kairos, Logos, Ethos, Peithos:
Ancient Greek Rhetorical Approaches for Modern Persuasion and Activism: The two main methods humans have for resolving conflicts are speaking and violence. The ancient Greeks attempted to perfect methods for speaking so that they wouldn't have to kill each other. In the modern world, the skills of persuasion, meaning speaking so that violence and killing won't be necessary, are largely lost, and we constantly resort to violence and killing to obtain what we believe we need or to resolve conflicts. As moderns, in my opinion we understand logos best, and still have a sense for ethos, but generally do not understand kairos, at least as it pertains to communication and conflict resolution, and as with so many of the ancient divinities and what they represent, we have almost entirely abandoned the goddess Peitho, and I believe we pay a high price in human blood for having done so. This lecture will introduce basics of ancient Greek rhetoric for modern persuasion, and is taught with gratitude for and acknowledgement to my father, Professor Emeritus Terrell M. Butler, who introduced me to ancient Greek rhetoric many years ago, whose ideas will inform the lecture, and whose love of rhetoric sparked my interest in learning more about it.

2:00 - 3:30 PM Introduction to Greywater Use and System Design:
With water rationing likely in Los Angeles and other Southern California cities during 2009, greywater use is increasingly important and popular. Intelligent systems remain illegal throughout California (although state laws are apparently not being enforced), but are nevertheless increasingly common. Lecture will include a discussion of greywater basics, possibilities, and options, with time for audience questions.

4:15 - 4:30 Introducing The 7th Congress of Southern California:
The name "7th Congress" is taken from the famous saying in the Great Law of the Iriquois: "In every deliberation we must consider the impact on the seventh generation, even if it requires having skin as thick as the bark of a pine." 7th Congress is a community group begun in order to deliberate, solve problems, "pass" resolutions or recommendations, build a body of knowledge, network and link to existing resources, share ideas and best practices, and develop approaches for all aspects of life during transition to global sustainability, during probable energy descent and possible "collapse," defined here as steady or abrupt simplification of human social systems and culture locally or globally.

I foresee the 7th Congress of Southern California as an activist group based in educational activities, thinking/feeling/intuiting to solve problems, networking, and resource-gathering. It might study and make recommendations for how to challenge and change California greywater laws, produce plans for building composting toilets or solar ovens out of simple materials, or begin a nationwide campaign to boycott ALL products sold in noncompostable external packaging beginning, say, Jan 1, 2012 (to give manufacturers three years to redesign), or produce advice and "pass" resolutions on any number of other topics. It would pursue direct activism for carefully selected projects but more generally stay current on what is being done in key areas, sort ideas and information, track resources, and provide advice to policymakers; municipal, community, nonprofit, profit, and other groups; as well as individuals.

5:00 - 6:30 7th Congress Inaugural Session: Imagining the Future:
How do we see the near future (ten to thirty years) and the far future (thirty to thousands of years)? What are some of the most frightening and hopeful possibilities? How are we as individuals making choices today, in the now, based upon how we perceive the future? Are these choices resulting in surprises, positive results, increased or decreased fear? Has the future we imagined for ourselves when we were younger actually materialized? How have our lives changed over the past few years based in how we perceive the future? What are the opportunities for us as individuals and as a possible new activist group within the current economic crisis? Bring your visions, ideas, hopes, and fears about the future for open discussion.

Darren Butler is a Consulting Arborist, Ecological Designer, and Sustainable Landscaping Specialist. His recent projects include designing food forests in residential landscapes, which are forest-like systems that produce food with minimal maintenance once established, and developing ecoliteracy and permaculture courses for children. He has appeared on several episodes of "Weekend Gardening" for a large international television audience as an expert horticulturist and landscaper, on NPR radio, in newspapers, and other media. He has taught Sustainable Landscape Design and Diagnosing Plant Problems for the University of California Master Gardener Program in Los Angeles since 2006, Small-Space Food Gardening and Drought-Tolerant Landscaping at Descanso Botanic Gardens, and worked with the Getty Villa to develop a gardening-related workshop. He holds many landscape- and plant-related certifications and licenses.

In 2007 and 2008 he developed curriculum for and taught certification programs in Sustainable Biointensive Gardening and in Edible Landscaping. He currently serves on the statewide Steering Committee for all University of California Master Gardener programs, and is a frequent speaker throughout California, including the recent 2008 University of California Master Gardener Conference. He works as a consultant and designer for a broad variety of clients from celebrities to nonprofit organizations, volunteers hundreds of hours per year mostly to help low-income people grow and eat more nutritious food, and has recently acted as horticultural consultant for the Edible Walls project through urbanfarming.org for the homeless in downtown Los Angeles.

He has been gardening since childhood, and developing expertise in Southern California gardening since 1996.

Enrollment, payment, and refund policy:
For this weekend event, full enrollment fee must be paid to reserve enrollment. Full refunds less $20 will be available until seven days before the event. No refunds thereafter except for cancellation by the instructor. Substitute attendance for late cancellations is welcome. If details change after enrollment has been paid, full refund is available until three days before the first class if cancellation is based upon the change(s).

Payment is by check, cash, or money order and should be sent to Darren Butler, PO Box 589, Topanga, CA 90290. Contact me if you prefer to pay with a credit card via the internet.

IndieFlix to screen "Inside Iraq: The Untold Stories"

Guerilla journalist and award winning filmmaker, Mike Shiley will speak and screen his film Inside Iraq: The Untold Stories as part of the IndieFlix Red Carpet Screening Series at ACT Theatre January 6th and 7th.

Mike Shiley, with no media or military experience:
*Made a fake ABC News press pass at Kinko's
*Rented a bullet-proof vest
*Flew to Iraq on frequent flier miles
*Traveled unarmed through Iraq for two months reporting what the media ignores
*Awarded a civilian combat medal

Shiley's 84-minute documentary, Inside Iraq: The Untold Stories is not your typical film on the Iraq war.

IndieFlix will run the Red Carpet Screening Series with new original films featuring acclaimed directors and producers throughout the year.

For ticket information go to
https://www.acttheatre.org/TicketsPlays/Play.aspx?prod=2159

January 6, 2009
6:00 pm 8:30 pm

January 7, 2009
7:00 pm

IndieFlix, connecting people through movies
http://www.indieflix.com
http://www.indieflix.com/insideiraqthemovie

Save $2 on Repo! Road Tour tickets

REPO! Road Tour 3 attendees, prepare for a surprise…In the spirit of the holidays, Lionsgate is gifting REPO! Road Tour attendees with great savings! Upon arrival to the theater the night of your local REPO! Road Tour engagement, a coupon giving fans $2 off their purchase of REPO! The Genetic Opera on DVD and Blu-Ray will be available. Pick up your coupon and pick up your copy of REPO: The Genetic Opera in stores nationwide January 20.

For further information and links to buy tickets, check out www.reporoadtour.com.

Tickets now available for final leg of Repo! Road Tour

Step Right Up! Step Right Up! And buy your tickets for the third and FINAL leg of the REPO! Road Tour.

Kicking off on January 13, 2009 at the Tower Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah; this eleven city tour is hitting even more locations than ever before. Director Darren Bousman and actor/writer Terrance Zdunich trek the nation to promote their film, REPO! The Genetic Opera. January 20th marks the highly anticipated dual release of the extended Soundtrack CD and the DVD.

Bousman and Zdunich are bound for independent theaters coast to coast where the duo will be screening the film for fans in-person. The REPO! Road Tour has proven so successful that the original tour spawned RRT2 and in conclusion RRT3. REPO! Road Tour is for fans to come out and be a part of the event together. Every city brings its own spirit to the event, masses arrive costumed as characters large and small inciting theater-wide sing-a-longs, and more!

Terrance explains, “Every stop on Repo Road Tours 1 & 2 surprised me; each night I saw new and elaborate fan-made REPO! costumes—and not just of the main characters! Each night I witnessed different and hysterical audience stunts. Each night I met and bonded with unique and eccentric individuals. With the momentum we’ve gained from the first 2 tours, I know that Repo Road Tour 3 will be even more outrageous. It really is like a party every night. I can’t wait!”

Tickets are $15 available for the individual show stops Tuesday, December 30, at www.reporoadtour.com and through the respective theatres. Gauging the last two SOLD OUT tours it is proof that the events WILL sell-out, so make sure to buy your tickets early!
Several cast members have made special appearances on the tours in select cities including Paul Sorvino, Alexa Vega and Bill Moseley, as well as co-writer and band leader Darren Smith, so to all REPO! Fans; be prepared for special guests! Information on cast members appearances will be announced prior to the City the members will be attending.


For the fans: REPO! Road Tour includes an introduction to the film by Bousman and Zdunich, a screening of REPO! The Genetic Opera, as well as a post-film Q&A session and autograph session with the filmmakers and Actors, and a chance to purchase exclusive REPO! Road Tour merchandise.

Follow links on www.reporoadtour.com to buy tix for these REPO ROAD TOUR dates:

1/13 -TUESDAY -SALT LAKE CITY UTAH -The Tower Theatre
1/14 -WEDNESDAY- INDIANAPOLIS, IN -Indy Keystone
1/15 -THURSDAY- FOXBORO, MA -The Orpheum
1/16 -FRIDAY - NJ – The Williams Center For The Arts
1/17 -SATURDAY -GREENBELT, MD -The Greenbelt Theatre
1/18 -SUNDAY -CINCINNATI, OH -The Esquire Theatre
1/20 -TUESDAY- ST.LOUIS, MO- The Landmark Tivoli
1/21 -WEDNESDAY- DENVER, CO- The Landmark Mayan
1/22 -THURSDAY- JACKSON, MI- The Michigan Theatre
1/23 -FRIDAY – PHOENIX, AZ- The Chandler Cinema
1/24 -SATURDAY - LOS ANGELES, CA- Laemmle’s Royal Theatre

REPO! The Genetic Opera: In the no-so-distant future, a worldwide epidemic of organ failures devastates the planet. Out of the tragedy, a savior emerges: GENECO, a biotech company that offers organ transplants...for a price. Those who miss their payments are scheduled for repossession and hunted by THE REPO MAN.

By fusing ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and BLADE RUNNER, this futuristic tale of horror modernizes the “rock opera” genre with original music and rich, dark production design.

This rock opera boasts an entirely original soundtrack that blends equal parts goth and punk rock to form an eerie and powerful musical narrative and features vocal performances by an amazing cast; Paris Hilton, Bill Moseley, Sarah Brightman, Anthony Stewart Head, Alexa Vega, Paul Sorvino, Ohgr and more. Instrumentals and score provided by an all-star lineup that features performances from Joan Jett( who cameos in the film), Richard Patrick (Filter), Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction), Clown (Slipknot), Ray Luzier (Army of Anyone), Brian Young (David Lee Roth's band), Sonny Moore (From First to Last), Richard Fortus (Guns & Roses), David J (Bauhaus/Love & Rockets), Daniel Ash (Love & Rockets), Blasko (Ozzy Osbourne), Tommy Clefetus (Rob Zombie's band), Melora Creager (Rasputina). Also lending her voice to the soundtrack is the edgy pop star Poe.


For further info including a full list of confirmed dates and show times, visit
www.reporoadtour.com

For behind the scenes footage and more visit the film’s main page
www.repo-opera.com.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Support local music with Sierra Madre Sue


If you're looking for a place to see some live music while toasting the New Year, there's three good suggestions here: from solo Blues guitar in South Pasadena, to acoustic Rock in West Covina, to full-on Dance music in Sierra Madre, complete with back-up singers and choreographed dance moves. The food and music are guaranteed to be great at all three places, so take your pick!
Mario from Cafe 322, pictured here with me, looks forward to serving you on New Year's Eve, or any other night. Check out the website for hours, menu and entertainment calender. http://cafe322.com/

***********************************************************
tonite!!! 12/30 - "TAPAS TUESDAY" @ MARY'S MARKET & CAFE IN SIERRA MADRE CANYON with FAITHANNE, 6:30 - 9pm. 561 Woodland Ave. Limited parking in the lot, but plenty more towards the entrance to the Canyon. Yummy new menu items each week! Acoustic guitar & vocals. Faithanne is the gal who books the music here, so anyone interested in getting a gig should come and see her play!

tonite!!! TUES. 12/30 - THE EVANGENITALS and HELLO FROM RENO @ MR. T's BOWL IN HIGHLAND PARK, 9:00pm. 5621 1/2 Figueroa. 323-256-7561. Full bar, FREE! Alternative Rock, Power Pop. 2 great bands.

WED. 12/31 - NEW YEAR'S EVE with THE SUBS @ THE DOCKSIDE in WEST COVINA, 7:30pm (I believe.) 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.

WED. 12/31 - NEW YEAR'S EVE BLUES with BARRY "BIG B" BRENNER @ FIREFLY BISTRO IN SOUTH PASADENA, 8pm. 1009 El Centro. Reservations: 626-441-2443. http://www.bigbbrenner.com/

WED. 12/31 - NEW YEAR'S ROCKIN' EVE @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE WITH MERCY & THE MERKETTES, 9:30pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Reservations for early and late dinner seatings: 3 course dinner and champagne. R&B, Disco, Funk, Rock, Motown, etc. mercyandthemerkettes.com

JANUARY 1, 2009 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! and Happy Birthday Jane!

FRI. 1/2 - The MELLOW D'z (DAVE OSTI AND DEANNA COGAN) @ THE MAYAN BAR (inside the Aztec Hotel) in MONROVIA, 6 - 9pm 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. 1/2 & SAT. 1/3 - "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. HAPPY BIRTHDAY FELICIA!

FRI. 1/2 - SCIVALLY QUARTET @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 8 - 11pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar & great Italian food. No cover. This JAZZ quartet consists of David Sills (sax and flute), Riner Scivally (guitar), Zac Matthews (bass) and Dean Koba (drums). Highly recommended by Riner's good friend Donn Cunningham of Vin Fiz Flyer fame!

FRI. 1/2 - HELLO FROM RENO @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9:30pm? 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. No cover, full bar, cheap drinks! Power Pop originals.

SAT. 1/3 - 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. 1/3 - THE CROWN CITY BAND and DAVID NIGEL LLOYD @ THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE IN ALTADENA, 7pm. $15 admission. 2029 N. Lake Ave. Call for reservations: 626-398-7917. Country Rock, Blues, Folk. I met Crown City's harp player, Dalton Perry, several years ago at Andy's Coffee Shop in Pasadena and invited him to play at the Wistaria Festival. Glad to see him on the local music scene!

SAT. 1/3 - RICK SHEA (solo acoustic) and also with TREMOLOCO @ THE FOLK MUSIC CENTER IN CLAREMONT, 7pm. 220 Yale Ave. 909-624-2928. Honkytonk Blues, TexMex Americana. $10. http://www.folkmusiccenter.com/

SAT. 1/3 - 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. 1/3 - NEW ASTROTURF @ ROUTE 66 ROADHOUSE IN DUARTE, 9pm. 1846 E. Huntington Dr. 626-357-4210. Full bar & kitchen, pool tables, dance floor. No cover. Country Rock. The line-up for this live recording session: Steve, Jane, Deanna, Paul, Mark and Tom on drums. Hope to see all you "easterners" there!

SAT. 1/3 - HELLO FROM RENO @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9:30pm? Better call ahead to confirm - I found conflicting info. on this one. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. No cover, full bar, cheap drinks! Power Pop originals.

SAT. 1/3 - 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. 1/4 - 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. 1/4 - 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. MOST SUNDAYS.

SUN. 1/4 - 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. 1/4 - "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!

FRI. 1/9 - The MELLOW D'z (DAVE OSTI AND DEANNA COGAN) @ THE MAYAN BAR (inside the Aztec Hotel) in MONROVIA, 6 - 9pm 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. 1/9 - the BLACK WATCH (featuring members of Velouria) @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, 21 & over. Alternative Rock. Confirmation/more info. next week or call ahead if you plan to go. There will probably be another band or two.

SAT. 1/10 - 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. 1/10 - THE B.O. TRIO PLUS ONE, featuring JEFF STETSON, 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. 1/10 - ACID ANDREW'S BIRTHDAY BASH @ THE OLD TOWNE PUB IN PASADENA, 8:30pm. With Andrew's Bad Stuff, Old But Not Dead and the Pasadena Scots, as well as appearances by former Doo Dah Queens Naughty Mickie, Mercy, Tequila Mockingbird and Kavita Sharma, plus a trivia contest. $2 admission - goes to the Tree People. Corner of Fair Oaks & Union - enter thru alley off of Holly Ave. 626-577-6583. Beer & Wine, 21 & over.

SAT. 1/10 - THE DOGS @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, friendly service! Old, loveable dogs doing Classic Rock songs that sound "just like the record!"

SUN. 1/11 - 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. 1/11 - 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.

SUN. 1/11 - "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!

Mark your calendar for the Pasadena DOO DAH PARADE: Sunday, January 18th, 11:30am. More info. next week.

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

Paddy's Pig and Nellie Bly shows

PADDY'S PIG Shows On New Years's Eve!
During the day, Come Celebrate British New Years with PADDY'S PIG! (4PM is Midnight in the UK!)
Black Watch Pub 3-7PM
497 N Central Ave # B
Upland, CA 91786
Free Champagne & appetizers!
909-981-6069

Then at night, join PADDY'S PIG for a New Year's Eve bash!
Wed. Dec 31 9:30-12:30AM
At: Casey's Irish Bar (downtown LA)
613 S. Grand Ave.
LA, CA 90017
(213) 629-2353
www.bigcaseys.com

Oh & come celebrate All Kings Night with us ( & Missy's Dad's birthday):
NELLIE BLY Trio
Tues. Jan 6 9PM
At: Room 5 (Above Amalfi)
143 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 938-2504
stripped down acoustic show! If you're nice, Mike might even play some piano!
www.amalfiristorante.com

Thanx!

Breech/Paddy's Pig/Nellie Bly

www.breech.net
www.myspace.com/paddyspigla
www.myspace.com/nelliebly
www.myspace.com/breech

Comedian Mark Seaton performances in January

Mark Seaton
The Ice House Annex Room
24 N. Mentor Ave.
Pasadena
January 7th
8:00pm
--------------------------------

Mark Seaton
The Ice House Annex Room
24 N. Mentor
Pasadena, CA
January 18th
7:30pm
Admission $8.50 plus a 2 drink minimum

7th Sun to be interviewed live on London Garcia Show Jan. 3

FROM THE BEGINNING is the exciting new CD from the Los Angeles-based band 7th Sun. "A rockin’ disc," writes ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE. "(the track) ‘New Generation’ comes alive with honky-tonk piano and gritty slide guitar leads…(lead vocalist/guitarist) JT Curtis has one of the more sincere voices around, and what he has to say is well worth listening to."

7TH Sun are interviewed live on the London Garcia Show, Saturday, Jan. 3 at 5 p.m. (www.latalkradio.com ).

The band received two nominations – "Best Independent CD" and "Best Male Vocalist" (JT Curtis) – for the 5th Annual L.A. South Bay Music Awards, Saturday, February 21 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.

In October 7th Sun recently performed to a capacity house at the Palmer Room in Los Angeles for their CD Release Party. The band describe their music as "Supernova Rock’ - a fusion of sound that runs the gamut from classic rock, progressive rock, funk rock, to alternative rock/jam band.

FROM THE BEGINNING is a high-energy concept album; the band’s instrumental firepower - with lyrics that juxtapose the uplifting idealism and the unknown darkness of modern-day culture - is driving this album into the subterranean rock market of the music industry.

The group is fronted by 22-year-old musical wunderkind, JT Curtis (lead vocals, lead guitar, main songwriter). Curtis’ musical beginnings started at an early age; his burning desire to play music has taken him from California to Austin, Texas; to New York City, where 7th Sun performed recently at renowned music spot, Kenny’s Castaways, on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village. Curtis has also written production music for CBS television, and other music houses in L.A. and in NYC.

Adam Kury (bass/co-lead vocals) provides the melodic influences and intense rhythms that drive the band. Kury also performs with the grunge band, Candlebox. Stephen Quadros (drums/backing vocals) provides intensity, precision, and originality. Quadros is also known throughout the world as "The Fight Professor," a title he procured as a broadcaster for EliteXC mixed martial art shows seen on Showtime. Michael Russeck is the band’s very talented young keyboardist, playing organ, piano and lending a hand with vocals. Russeck is also an accomplished painter and aspiring actor.

"With its timely, provocative lyrics and timeless gut-grabbing music, "From the Beginning" should launch 7th Sun into the big time. The debut album by this California band led by JT Curtis is brimming with gritty vocals, stinging guitars and heady, heartfelt harmonies. "From the Beginning" is a fresh new take on the classic roots rock sound of legendary acts like the Allman Brothers Band and Derek and the Dominos." - Steve Isreal (Syndicated Music Critic)

7th Sun – Upcoming Live Shows And Special Events Itinerary

January 3 (Sat.) LONDON GARCIA SHOW Studio City, CA
February 21 (Sat.) L.A. SOUTH BAY MUSIC AWARDS Los Angeles, CA

http://7thsunband.com
http://MySpace.com/7thsun

Jay Gordon & the "New" Penetrators to perform for Indie 104's New Year's Bash in Covina


NEWS ABOUT…AWARD-WINNING BLUES/ROCK BAND….
Jay Gordon & The "New" Penetrators (left to right): Jay Gordon, lead
Guitar and lead vocals; Sharon Butcher, bass and vocals; Mike Elliot, drums.

*Performing Locally: Indie 104’s New Year’s Bash – Wednesday, December 31*

Nominated For "Blues Group/Artist of the Year," "Guitarist of the Year," "Best Live Performance" for 5th Annual Los Angeles South Bay Mussic Awards, Feb. 21

Fiery Southern California-based blues-rock guitarist-vocalist, Jay Gordon, is back. After a brief hiatus, Gordon has emerged with a smokin’ hot new band.

Gordon and band perform locally at Indie 104’s New Year’s Bash, at Tutto’s, 1459 N. Citrus Ave., Covina, Wednesday, December 31.
Doors: 7 p.m.
Tickets $10. In advance, (buy online at www.grooovetickets.com )
$15. door (includes all-you-can-eat salad bar and pizza).
Info: (877) 714-7668.
Also performing: The McGrath Project.

The Chicago-Blues style axe slinger took home the "Best Blues Group/Artist" plaque at the 2007 South Bay (Calif) Music Awards and performed live at the event, which took place at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The longtime purveyor of blues-rock n’ boogie recently headlined Los Banos Rally 2008 and will have a new CD being released by legendary independent label, Kent Records, in the Fall of this year. Gordon’s signature song "Fire & Brimstone Boogie" as well as "Driving Me Wild" are both being used in the Fall season by A&E reality show, "Parking Wars." "No list of great modern blues/rock guitarists can be complete without including the name of the California-based monster guitarist Jay Gordon," writes BLUESROCKERS Editor, Tom Branson.

Gordon – whose 2007 CD, GOLD RINGS, SILVER BULLETS was released to critical acclaim -- was also selected a "Top 100 Unsigned Artist" for 2007 and 2008 by respected national publication, MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE, and was voted "Best Blues/Rock Guitarist" of 2006 by Canada’s REAL BLUES magazine.

"GOLD RINGS, SILVER BULLETS may be his best effort yet, no small task considering the quality of his past work. Gordon is a FEROCIOUS guitarist." GUITAR 9 opines, "Aggressive slide guitar - and then some! Really, it doesn't begin to describe what Jay Gordon brings to the blues party…for proof, check out the amazing slide guitar, vocals, and overall energy found on GOLD RINGS, SILVER BULLETS…"
"Jay Gordon and the Penetrators are one of our favorite ways to rock the Blues!," raves host Dave Johnson of the BLUES DELUXE radio program, heard weekly on over 100 stations across the U.S. with a two million-plus listener ship.

Gordon is renowned throughout both Europe and the U.S. for his over-the-top, sizzling live performances, recorded a series of albums for Blue Ace that have inspired comparisons to such legendary guitarists as Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Beginning with BLUES INFESTED (1994), Gordon won much praise from the blues community. Each successive album became increasingly successful — BROADCASTING THE BLUES LIVE (1996), ELECTRIC REDEMPTION (1998), and so on — and the guitarist soon found himself being compared to some of the most legendary guitarists to ever play electric blues.
In 2000, Gordon collaborated with blues guitar legend, Phillip Walker, on the JAYWALKIN album for Blue Ace, yet another accomplishment for the celebrated guitarist.

"(Gordon is) an amazing musician," writes Neil Flowers matter-of-factly in VALLEY SCENE MAGAZINE. "Jay must be L.A.’s best-kept musical secret."
Here’s what ROCKONTOUR.COM wrote about Gordon’s performance at the 2004 Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas, Texas, where he played alongside some of the biggest names in the business including Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Jeff Beck and Carlos Santana: "On Day #2 of the Crossroads Guitar Festival, Jay Gordon ignited the day with an opening performance at 10 a.m. Those who were ready to rock were treated to an awesome show! As soon as Jay and his band mates began with "Big Boss Man," the stage was set for rockin.’ Their interpretations of these blues standard coaxed more festival goers to the Ernie Ball Stage. Attired in black leather and suede, Jay and his Fender Strat created metallic blues. Their third song, "Blacktop Alley," is an original work off Gordon's ELECTRIC ZYDECO album with awesome guitar highlights. His first album, BLUES INFESTED, produced the fourth and sixth songs for the concert. By the time Gordon belted out "Can't Shake This Feeling," the audience wasn't leaving. Another original from Gordon's SIX-STRING OUTLAW album, "Fire and Brimstone Boogie" lived up to its title's reputation. It was unique and exhilarating at the same time! All the while, (bassist) riffs and double bass drum thunder support. This is definitely a power trio!!! The audience felt as if they were at an outdoor evening fiery blues concert and here it was not even noontime yet. Gordon literally slid into his fourth original of the performance with "Voodoo Boogie," using slide guitar with glistening leads. The band next covered "Stranger Blues," which they rejuvenated. Their last song was the best rendition of "Mustang Sally" I've heard in a long time! Jay's vocals are vibrant and intense."

GOLD RINGS, SILVER BULLETS is available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/jaygordon6

JAY GORDON & THE PENETRATORS – UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS/SPECIAL EVENTS

Dec. 2 (Tues.) KUCR 88.3 FM – PERFORMANCE Riverside, CA
Dec. 5 (Fri.) MILL CREEK CATTLE COMPANY Mentone, CA
Dec. 6 (Sat.) MISSION TOBACCO LOUNGE Riverside, CA
Dec. 31 (Wed.) INDIE 104 NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH Covina, CA
Feb. 21 (Sat.) L.A. SOUTH BAY MUSIC AWARDS Los Angeles, CA

David Nigel Lloyd to perform Saturday in Altadena


From David Nigel Lloyd

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION:
Hello Friends:
On January 3rd (this Saturday) at 7:00PM, I'll be providing the ballads portion of a double bill evening of BALLADS AND BLUES at the Coffee Gallery Backstage (2029 N. Lake, Altadena).


I'll play for about an hour.

Pasadena blues heroes, The Crown City Band, will finish the evening.
Admission: $15.00 [CGB is an intimate listening room. They recommend reservations be made: 626/398.7917.
For directions etc: http://www.coffeegallery.com/

I hope you can come. I look forward to seeing you.

A LOOK BACK AT 2008:

What a year! Personally, no greater event than the death of my father —Gerry Lloyd— comes to mind. Also, I should say I have been battling severe depression these last few years and through meds and music, I have been free from these awful debilitating episodes for 18 months. But this last autumn has been a test for us all, has it not? My family and I are OK, however, and things look good for 2009 even though the arts are not the most stable career sector.

On May 21st, the day (ironically enough) after my father died, I released my fifth album, Rivers, Kings and Curses. Reactions have been very encouraging. Celtic Connections, a radio show that broadcasts out of the University of Southern Illinois on over 150 US stations has named it one of 2008’s top 15 Celtic CDs. If you go to http://www.celticconnectionsradio.org/ you can find a playlist of the Best-Of show and links to stations who be playing the show this week.

Help animals and get a tax break with the ASPCA

It's Not Too Late! Give Animals a Life-Saving Gift. Please give today!
This is a last-minute tax break that helps to save lives. Give a Gift!

http://www.aspca.org/site/R?i=kOK8jHhgUJroW_9RrMi2pg..

Every single day, the ASPCA is there fighting for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are their voice! Because of generous supporters like you, we can continue to provide lifesaving programs, medical care and protection that abused, abandoned, lost and homeless pets desperately deserve. You can still help make a difference in the fight to end animal cruelty and get a last minute tax deduction.

Your gift today will help us continue our fight to put an end to all acts of cruelty and neglect. Animal lovers like you, who care passionately about protecting animals give us hope. Your commitment brings us one step closer each year to ending all forms of animal cruelty and finding permanent, loving homes for America's adoptable animals. Please help the ASPCA continue to fight cruelty with this last minute year end gift today!

Make a donation today! - http://www.aspca.org/site/R?i=ASLPxEV7rLwd7DzMPI5ZPg..

Thank you for your support and happy holidays from the ASPCA!

Tell a Friend! - http://www.aspca.org/site/R?i=SNaWQcE7B6SHv_o0bLihKA..

Always remember to Make Pet Adoption Your First Option®!
ASPCA 424 E. 92nd St New York, NY 10128

Visit our website - http://www.aspca.org

Bigg Jigg releases new single and readying album

Midwest Rapper And 106 & Park Champion Bigg Jigg Drops Hit Single "Streetz On Lock" And Prepares New Album "The Go 2 Man" For Release In 2009

The combination of Chi-Town winds and Miami sun mixed with a lethal stay fly swagg, the gift of lyricism, and a well deserved 05' run on 106 & Park's Freestyle Friday not only created a monster, but it fueled a born hustla and business man who goes by the name of Bigg Jigg aka The Go 2 Man. Oh so vicious and violent in the vocal booth, Bigg Jigg got that product to keep the streets on lock and everything it takes to hit that Billboard spot!

Below you can check out Jigg's video for "Fly As A Plane" featuring VH1's Jessica aka "Rabbit" from Real Chance At Love and Bizzy Bone from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

VIDEO: Bigg Jigg - Fly As A Plane
http://sg.video.yahoo.com/watch/3733022/10257623

Bigg Jigg's video for his second single "Streetz On Lock" will be out first quarter of 2009. His anticipated official album "The Go 2 Man" will be released sometime in 2009. In the meantime buy Bigg Jigg's latest mixtape release "Midwest Muscle" on Amazon.

BUY LINK: Bigg Jigg - Midwest Muscle
www.amazon.com/Bigg-Jigg/dp/B001DDNYA6


Official Website: http://www.biggjigg.com/
MySpace: www.myspace.com/biggjiggthebreadwinner
Street Team: www.myspace.com/biggjiggstreetteam

iDrink.com offers recipes and tips for New Year's libations

If you are planning to host a New Years party this year you might be looking for some help to make it extra special or at the very least more unique. A part of most New Years Eve parties is various alcoholic drinks. Instead of just providing (or having guests bring their own) the regular beer, wine, rum, vodka and rye, why not create a theme around the drinks available.

There are various cocktails and shooters that have a Holiday theme to their names or appearance. A quick visit to http://www.idrink.com/newyears.html shows more than 25 different recipe ideas with a Holiday theme.

One idea is to setup a table with the various ingredients for the drinks with small recipe cards and the appropriate glasses so everyone can be their own bartender.

After the party is over and you have lots of leftovers you can head on over to www.idrink.com again and enter the ingredients you have to find all the other drinks you can make with them.

iDRINK has over 32000 cocktail recipes to experiment with.

Have a happy holiday season, don't over indulge and please drink responsibly.

Keshet for Life coming to Thousand Oaks

"KESHET FOR LIFE: 25 Years and Counting"

WHAT: KESHET FOR LIFE: 25 Years and Counting - Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble, the premier American-Israeli contemporary dance troupe in the U.S., celebrates its 25th anniversary with an evening combining the public premiere of five new dances by Israeli choreographer Kobi Rozenfeld and a retrospective of company favorites from its original repertoire.

From adventurous choreography reflecting the contemporary Israeli dance scene to exhilarating folk dances inspired by Jewish life in many lands, Keshet Chaim offers up an evening rich with Israeli culture punctuated by the exciting beats of Middle Eastern drum sounds performed by Naked Rhythm (percussionists Alex Spurkel and Avi Sills). In addition to the choreography of Rozenfeld, the evening will showcase works by Eytan Avisar, Tsion Marciano, Ilana Cohen (from Israel's seminal Inbal Dance Theatre) and Erica Goldman.

WHO: Presented by Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble, Eytan Avisar, Artistic Director; Genie Benson, Executive Director

Choreography by Eytan Avisar, Kobi Rozenfeld, Tsion Marciano, Erica Goldman, Ilana Cohen

Original music by Uri Ophir, Sharon Farber, Nomai Concept's Alon Danin and Itzik Levy

Live percussion by Naked Rhythm (Alex Spurkel and Avi Sills)

Costumes created by Nili Glazer

WHEN: Sunday, February 1 at 7 pm

WHERE: Fred Kavli Theater Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

HOW: (818) 986-7332 or www.kcdancers.org

TICKETS: $35.00 - $75.00

WEBSITE: www.kcdancers.org

Monday, December 29, 2008

Pre Doo Dah Party at the Pub Jan. 10

H.R.H. Prince Andrew's Pre Doo Dah Party
8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10
Old Towne Pub
66 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena
(enter Pub via Electric Alley off of Holly Street or Haynes Passageway off of Union Street)
$2, to be donated to Tree People
(626) 577-6583

Meet many of the participants in the upcoming 32nd Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade. There will be performances by Andrew's Bad Stuff, Old But Not Dead and the Pasadena Scots, as well as appearances by former Doo Dah Queens Naughty Mickie, Mercy, Tequila Mockingbird and Kavita Sharma, plus a trivia contest. Ages 21 and over.

Support local music with Sin City Social Club

LOS ANGELES
Tuesday, December 30th
The SIN CITY ALL STARS ride again...to honor the life and legend of GAUCHO GIL!

Yes, it's true ...every few months Bryson, Dusty and the boys decide to keep you on your toes... consider yourselves warned! They'll be back at our old Stompin' grounds of Molly Malones (6th & Fairfax) it'll be a Sweetheart of a good time!

Stay tuned...2009 will bring more great music and shows from the artists we love including a January Austin SIN CITY SOCIAL CLUB shows the LAST SATURDAY of EVERY MONTH at THE SCOOT INN, a TON of shows from the newly relocated SHURMAN at The SAXON PUB, JESSE DAYTON, and many more. West Coast Tour from Easton Stagger Phillips, The Knitters along with DEAD ROCK WEST and you guessed it...many more!

Thanks for your love and support of great artistry...

We can't do this without each other and I for one appreciate this incredible community that we have here with the Sin City Social Club.

Today and always I wish you a life that's abundant with LOVE, PEACE and CREATIVITY!
Shilah & Your friends at SIN CITY

Shilah Morrow
Sin City Social Club
LA * Austin * Nashville
7800 Indian Ridge Dr.
Austin, TX 78737
213.840.3865

For more info. on events & projects please visit:
www.sincitysocialclub.com
www.myspace.com/sincityshilah
www.glencampbellshow.com
www.jessedayton.com
www.justicerecords.com
www.americanamusic.org

The Sin City Social Club is a renegade collective of musicians, fans, artists and industry executives brought together by shared appreciation of the art and culture that blur the lines between classic, outlaw & alt. country, punk rock, americana and indie singer songwriters. We turn fans around the globe onto the music and art we love thru our Sin City Social Club cd Samplers, live events, In flight audio programming and thru our home away from home on the internet.

** Wherever you are, Sin City is a state of mind! **

David Pritchard guitar quartet to perform Jan. 11

David Pritchard's guitar quartet
(Ken Rosser, Kevin Tiernan, John Storie, and Pritchard)
along with vocalist Meaghan Boeing
(singing vocals from the "Unassigned Territory" CD)
will be performing on

Sunday Jan. 11 at 4:00 PM
at
Alva's Showroom,
1417 W. 8th St.,
San Pedro, CA 90732.
Phone 310-519-1314 for reservations.

www.morphicresonancemusic.com
www.myspace.com/davidpritchardguitar

Barry Big B Brenner performances this week

Barry Big B Brenner
::::: Performing this Week :::::
************************************************

MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW FOR
WEDNESDAY EVENING
DECEMBER 31st
with Live Music “BLUES, RAGS & STOMPS!”
by Barry Big B Brenner
Check out Chef Paul’s Special NYE Dinner Menu!
http://www.eatatfirefly.com/newyears08.html
************************************************

Wedding Party (Private)
New Years Day
January 1st, 4-8pm
Culver City
************************************************

Firefly Bistro
SATURDAY & SUNDAY BLUES BRUNCH
JANUARY 3rd & 4th - 11am to 2pm
1009 El Centro Street
SOUTH PASADENA, 91030
(626) 441-2443
http://www.eatatfirefly.com
************************************************

For a Complete List of Big B’s Upcoming Shows,
Go to...
http://www.myspace.com/barrybigbbrenner

New Year's Eve event at Kool Club Lounge


YOU'RE INVITED
Save money on cover.
Celebrate our historic economic recession 90's style!

Your New Years Eve will include:

The BEST 90's HIP HOP & KPOP MUSIC STARTING AT 11PM.
YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE IT
- Gents on Guestlist $20
$25 at the door.

For VIP Booths & Table reservations
call john @ 213 840 3690 or email guestlist@ktown213.com.


Additional Event Info:
- Club attire strictly enforced!
- No Hats, T-shirts, baggy pants, jerseys.
- ARRIVE EARLY. Doors Open at 9pm.

411:

Sweet announces new tour and CD in the works

Popular rock band Sweet led by bassist/vocalist Steve Priest will begin their “Are You Ready Steve?” 2009 tour and will continue recording their first new CD in decades, it was announced today. The original Sweet was formed by Priest along with vocalist Brian Connolly, drummer Mick Tucker and guitarist Frank Torpey (later replaced by Andy Scott) in the UK and rose to fame with such hits as Ballroom Blitz, Fox on the Run, Love is Like Oxygen, Little Willy, Hellraiser, Teenage Rampage, Blockbuster, Action and many others. The 2009 Sweet tour will be a tribute to Connolly and Tucker whose tragic deaths were terribly pre-mature.

Sweet will be presenters at the 20th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards emanating from Los Angeles’ Club Nokia from 8 – 10 p.m. on Friday, January 30th.

According to Edna Gundersen’s recent story on the cover of the Life section in USA Today:
“A blitz may be coming to your local ballroom. Bassist Steve Priest, a founding member of Sweet, has reconstituted the glittery fuzz-rock band that ignited U.K. and U.S. charts with such ‘70s hits as Ballroom Blitz, Little Willy, Fox on the Run and Love Is Like Oxygen. The Are you Ready Steve? Tour kicks off June 12 at The Whisky in Hollywood, with guitarist Stuart Smith, singer Joe Retta, drummer Richie Onori and keyboardist Stevie Stewart…Priest’s reconfiguration plans to revisit all the historic Sweet spots, including Blockbuster, Action, Hellraiser and Teenage Rampage.”

In additional to drawing big crowds at shows during their 2008 tour, a new generation of fans of all ages are learning about Sweet’s music through various outlets. “So Your Think You Can Dance?” used Ballroom Blitz in its promos and “Life on Mars” used Little Willy in their season premiere. Sweet songs have been featured in numerous movies including: Mike Meyer’s “Wayne’s World” (Blitz), “Dazed and Confused” (Fox on the Run), Adrian Grenier’s “Drive Me Crazy” (Little Willy), Joan Collins’ “The Stud” (Love Is Like Oxygen), “Curse Of the Crimson Altar (Fox) and “Hot Fuzz” (Blitz). Mitsubishi recently used Blitz for a car commercial and the many players of the mass appeal video game franchises “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” are becoming Sweet fans due their classic songs being featured in these games.

SHOW DATES INCLUDE:
1/29/09 The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA www.thecoachhouse.com
1/30/09 20TH Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards, Los Angeles, CA
1/31/09 The Brixton, Redondo, CA www.brixtonsouthbay.com
2/26/09 Mae West Theater, Moose Jaw, Canada www.moosejawculture.com
2/27/09 Casino Regina, Regina, Canada www.casinoregina.com
3/13/09 The Canyon Club, Agoura Hills, CA www.canyonclub.net
7/17/09 Nakusp Music Festival, Nakusp, Canada www.nakuspmusicfest.ca

More concert dates will be announced shortly. Stay tuned to www.thesweetband.com and www.myspace.com/thesweetband.com for updates.

Friday, December 26, 2008

End o' week musings

I'm sitting here in my office with a Post-It Note on my desk boasting one word: tuna -- underlined three times. No it's not some weird obsession, it's to remind me to pick up a can of tuna tonight on my way to Valerie's.... but I'm getting ahead of myself...

Last Friday I hadn't made up my mind to go out or stay in. I ended up taking a short putt down the street to the Dockside in West Covina to listen to The Subs. I stayed for two sets and then headed home to snuggle in for the night. I had a big day ahead of me...




On Saturday, I got up early, did my workout and headed off to Tri-Community Adult Education Welding School, where I spent the day. This was for another one of my Fun 101 columns and you will be able to read about my adventure soon at http://www.sgvn.com/ I learned to do five different types of welding, including stick, mig, flux cored and heliarc. It was actually quite fun, although a good challenge. I may have found my backup plan should my writing gig ever disappear...




Sunday I took my mother to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pasadena for the annual brass quintet winter concert. The program consisted of a lot of Christmas songs, along with some Hannukah and winter waltz number, plus sing-alongs. There were brass instruments, as well as handbells and the church's huge pipe organ. The concert was very nice and if you didn't care for a particular tune, you could spend your time looking at the venue's amazing architecture. I was told that it was designed by a French man who may have been influenced by England's Westminster Abbey. I'm not sure if this is so, but it's a believable story by the looks of things. Great acoustics, nice music and beautiful surroundings.

Christmas Eve was fun, even at work. Everyone was in a good mood and laughing, but we were getting our work done and were able to leave early. My guy came by in the evening and we drank egg nog and exchanged gifts. When he gave me my present, I shook the box gently and asked him if it was from my favorite store (Hot Topic). He said, no, he couldn't go there because the kids hanging outside looked like they could beat him up! lol! I opened my gift to reveal a beautiful watch! Something I definitely needed.

"It's feminine and professional," I said.

"Uh-huh," he responded knowingly.

Hmmm... OK, what did he know?? He mumbled something about not being able to find a watch with bats, but I think he's giving me the hint that I should look a little more professional and girly. Either way, I'm totally charmed by his gift.

On Christmas I slept in a little and then got up to make pasta salad and spinach dip. After a nice hot shower, it was time to change, pack the car and hit the road. Mom and I went to my friends Carin and Tom's in Bellflower for the day. After some chit-chat it was time to get down to what we came for-- the CROQUET GRUDGE MATCH !!! And waddaya know?! Mom won again! That's it, mom, no more do-overs for you and we're not buying the "what am I supposed to aim for" question again either. Sure, act dumb, but we're on to you now, Ms. Fast Eddie....

After our spirited (and in spirited, I mean mimosa-toasted) croquet game, we enjoyed a picnic-styled dinner of barbecued steaks, pasta salad and warm bread. And more champagne... Later we dined on coconut and banana cream pie and sipped egg nog by a roaring fire. We ended the evening soaking in the hot tub, smoking cigars and watching the stars with our assorted adult beverages. And yes, I made sure I was sober before I even touched my car door.




Tonight I am going to Valerie's for our annual Christmas gift exchange and mini-party. Oh, and the tuna? No, it's not for her, it's for her cats, Squeaks and Purd. Every year I bring them a can of tuna, so if I forget, I'll get those evil, disgusted cat eyes. But shhh... don't tell them I'm bringing tuna~ it's a surprise!




Saturday I will be going to the Doo Dah float planning meeting at McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World. We're calling our entry Queen of Arts. Ben and Dave from the gallery have some idea of creating a throne for me facing backward so I will be waving good bye as the outgoing Queen. Pretty smart, huh?!

I'm trolling around for New Year's Eve ideas. The Subs will be at the Dockside, Joe Walla is going to be in Pinon Hills, Carin and Tom's hot tub will be open, there's always the Rose Parade.... Not sure where I'll end up, but I know I'll have fun.

Before I give you the last bits of My World, I was sent this link by my friend and I just had to share it! It's Steve Ouimette playing "We Three Kings" and it rocks. It starts out sounding like a sitar and works its way into metal and some really amazing guitar work. Check it out:



Photos we got 'em: Just a couple of cute pet pics from the usual places.
In rotation this week: George Strait's holiday fun, "Wilderness Christmas," Doctor Dream's "Santa or Satan," "A Very Metal Christmas and a Headbanging New Year," Barry Manilow and a bunch of other assorted tunes.

My thoughts this week: The joy is in the giving. I've become very aware this holiday season of how unmaterialistic I am and it's a good thing. Of course I appreciate the gifts I have received and am thrilled with the watch, but it's more the meaning behind them. My biggest joy this year, as it is every time I give someone something, is in seeing them happy. I love watching someone open their gift and seeing them pleased. I take a lot of time in selecting presents, even the tiniest things, and try to think about what my friends need or what would make them feel special. I hope that I have made a few hearts lighter this year and have inspired others to pass it forward.

Keep on rockin'
Mickie

Entries now being accepted for 3nd Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade

Doo Dah Parade Back on Heels of Rose Parade!

WHAT: The 32nd “OCASSIONAL” PASADENA DOO DAH PARADE celebrates the post-holiday season in its typically loud, irreverent style on SUNDAY, JANUARY 18th, stepping off at 11:30 am.

The boisterous,twisted sister to Pasadena’s prim and proper Rose Parade is expected to draw an estimated 45,000 fun-lovers from all over Southern California and parts unknown. Since 1978, Doo Dah has received national attention and has been named “Best Parade in America” by Readers’ Digest, and is included in the book 50 Places To See Before You Die.

WHERE: The OLD PASADENA historic retail and entertainment district.

Convenient parking is located in structures adjacent to the parade route. Metro Gold Line stops nearest to the Parade are Del Mar and Memorial Park stations. Lawn chairs are encouraged!

WHO: Over 1,500 revelers will be led by 2009 Grand Marshal Charles Phoenix, loved by fans for his live, hilarious Retro Slide Show performances, fun-filled School Bus Field Trip Tours, crazy kitchen experiments and colorful coffee table books. Charles will be perched atop a bright red fire marshal’s station wagon towing a classic trailer followed by a troupe of colorfully coutured roller skaters.

This year’s Doo Dah features more new entries than ever before, joined by Her Royal Majesty, Queen Skittles, Howdy Krishna, Stupidiotic Evolution, Mystik Krewe d’ Dieux Dah, Electric Squirrels, Benzedrine Monks, Clown Doctors from Outer Space, A Polygamous Family, BBQ & Hibachi Marching Grill Team, Zombies of Debt, Big Flying Carpet, LA Derby Dolls, Dead Robert Palmer Girls, Drunk in the Garage, Queen of Arts, Humboldt State Marching Lumberjacks, Soy Sisters, Raelian Religion, Roobie Breastnut, Warhol & Pal, Photo Ops & Broken Promises, Wicked Tinkers, Disco Drill Team, South Pasadena Sperm Donors, Radial Active Phlegm, Bastard Sons of Lee Marvin, Let’s Paint TV, The Tina’s, Boo Boo Kitty Art Car, Boat Yota, Caeser’s Circus, High Crimes & Misdemeanors, The Beanpole, ZORG, Dr. Johnson, Spawn of Captain James Kirk, Advocating AAAAAAAA, Tequila Mockingbird, The Shirley’s, Fabulous Sons of Ed Wood, OC NORML, Horses on Astroturf, legendary Doo Dah House Band, Snotty Scotty & the Hankies AND MANY, MANY MORE!!!

WHEN: SUNDAY, JANUARY 18th, stepping off at 11:30am.

COST: Absolutely free!!

For public information or to sign up for the parade, call (626)205-4029 or visit our event website at www.pasadenadoodahparade.info

Deke Dickerson's 6th annual Guitar Geek Festival in Anaheim Jan. 17



THE BEST GUITAR FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD!


Deke Dickerson's 6th annual GUITAR GEEK FESTIVAL!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

At the Anaheim Plaza Hotel

(upstairs ballroom)

1700 S. Harbor Blvd.,

Anaheim, California

(one block from the old Jolly Roger and the Convention Center / NAMM show)


featuring your host and emcee, Deke Dickerson, and STARRING:


BUDDY HOLLY'S ORIGINAL CRICKETS!

Honoring the 50th anniversary of Buddy Holly's plane crash 1959-2009! With original members Sonny Curtis on guitar, Joe B. Mauldin on bass, and Jerry Allison on drums. Sonny Curtis of course played on all the classic early 1955-56 Buddy Holly recordings, including "Blue Days, Black Nights," "Love Me," and the early version of "That'll Be the Day." Sonny Curtis is also the man who wrote the hit song "I Fought the Law!" The rhythm section of Joe B. Mauldin and Jerry Allison was famous as Buddy Holly's Crickets, but also backed up Eddie Cochran and the Everly Brothers! This is as close to royalty as we have in this country: THE ORIGINAL CRICKETS! Plus many special surprise GUESTS we can not announce here . . .


DEKE DICKERSON: LOST ART OF "GILLIGAN GUITAR!"

A special set by Deke presenting one of his favorite "lost" guitar styles, the go-go-instrumental style best described as "the music that would come out of the radio on Gilligan's Island." Something different and once-in-a-lifetime from your host with the most: Deke Dickerson!


THE ALL-MOSRITE BAND featuring BRIAN LONBECK, VENTURESMANIA, and others!

A special tribute to Semie Moseley and the wild and wonderful "Mosrite" guitars he created. Last year's "All-Bigsby Band" was such a hit, we decided to take the idea a step further and have an "All-Mosrite band" with a stage full of vintage Mosrite guitars played by the masters of twang and surf. Bakersfield Barn Burner Brian Lonbeck is back to lead the pack, with Ventures tribute band Venturesmania and many other surprise guests!


THE GHASTLY ONES: ALL "ELIKI" SET!

SoCal surf favorites pay tribute to the Japanese "group sound" guitar instrumental music of the 1960s, played on original rare Japanese guitars and basses! Our guitar museum will also feature a special Japanese "Eliki" display courtesy of the Ghastly Ones Garrett Immel!


JENNIFER BATTEN: GUITAR PLAYER COVER STAR!

This guitar heroine with insane skill toured with Michael Jackson and Jeff Beck, among many others. This is the first Geekfest to feature a Guitar Player magazine cover star, and we are pleased to have her!


"GUITAR ZACK" WIESINGER!

This is the first act we've signed for the Geekfest solely based on YouTube videos! This guy struck us as the greatest thing we've seen since Crazy Joe. He's funny and he plays his ass off. . . . You've got to trust us, this cat is incredible!


RICKENBACKER BAKELITE BAND!

Another set for vintage gear Geeks! We've assembled an all-star cast of hot jazz , western swing, and blues players to perform an entire set on Rickenbacker bakelite instruments from the 1930s and 1940s: the world's first solid-body electric guitar! We have D. B. Berzansky and Pat Quilter on bakelite lap steels, T. K. Smith and Deke on bakelite Spanish electric guitars, Trent Ruane and John Reynolds on bakelite Tenor electric guitars, Wally Hersom on his 1930s Rickenbacker aluminum electric bass, and 84-year-old ukelele legend Travis Harrelson on his electric Rickenbacker uke. Many more special guests! This will be a once-in-a-lifetime event, never before attempted!


SLACKTONE!

An early set from Southern California surf favorites . . . by popular demand! Featuring much-respected surf guitarist Dave Wronski, bassist Sam Bolle from Dick Dale's band, and powerhouse drummer Dusty Watson from Agent Orange, Dick Dale, and the Supersuckers!


DEL CASHER: FROM GENE AUTRY TO FRANK ZAPPA!

Featuring our favorite resident guitar genius and show-biz casualty with stories about Elvis, Lawrence Welk, Gene Autry, and Frank Zappa! This time Del and Deke will replicate sections of the Ecco-Fonic Demonstration Record and the Vox Wah-Wah pedal radio commercial . . . Not to mention guitar jokes banned in the Catskills long ago!


BREAKOUT TALENT SHOWCASE!

Featuring two great acts, plus surprises: Joao Erbetta from Brazil, "Guitar Bizarre," and Jay Hartke from El Paso, "Pradabilly!" Opening the show with a bang!


DEKE'S AMAZING GUITAR MUSEUM!

This year the museum will be twice as big as last year with a special Mosrite exhibit, a special Japanese "Eliki" guitar exhibit, and more new crazy guitars and amps to feast your eyes on than ever before!


This show is all ages! Full bar available! Booths from Hallmark, TNM Custom, and more. DJ Dan Moses! Guitar raffle courtesy Fender/Gretsch guitars!


This is an EARLY SHOW: Doors at 3 p.m., show at 4 p.m. sharp!


Tickets are $35 advance / $40 day of show / $35 with NAMM pass.


Buy your tickets NOW!

This show will sell out!

Donna Barnes to offer water coloring class at the Coffee Gallery

From Bob Stane of the Coffee Gallery Backstage:

Just to be a good guy, and since I am not bleating about any upcoming shows (see the web page: www.coffeegallery.com)

I want to pass on some info per Donna Barnes and her water coloring class at The Coffee Gallery. Neat art. Go and learn:

Yes, it is that time of the year. Amongst all the fal der all of the season, it is time to decide if you want to start the new year off right, or want to go down in just another ho-hum year. Now what, you might ask could make the new year of 2009 be a watershed year, broaden your horizons, and change the way you look at life? I'll tell you right now! Learn how to paint watercolors from me - a local watercolor painter and teacher, Donna Barnes-Roberts.

And you're in luck! Right at home at the Coffee Gallery (in the conference room), I have some openings in my upcoming watercolor classes. They begin January 19th - Monday evenings (7:30PM to 10PM) or January 14th - Wednesday afternoons (1:30PM to 4PM). But you should sign up soon since there are only a few spaces left - each class can only hold 6 students.

If you want to see what kind of watercolor painting I teach - and you can possibly master - see my website at www.barnesroberts.com.

If you want further details about the classes, you can call me at 626-791-0851, or email me at donna@barnesroberts.com
--

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

And if you would like to learn how to control (sometimes) watercolor yourself, I teach classes in Altadena. Contact me to learn how! New Classes begin the week of January 12th, so you can sign up now. However, if you want to be notified about future classes, just email me and I can add you to my list and you will be notified when openings occur. Classes are VERY small.

Go to my web site: www.barnesroberts.com for information about art and art clubs in the Pasadena, CA area. Plus a little arty humor, and of course information about that wonderful, nationally known watercolor artist, Donna Barnes-Roberts (me, okay). Click on my blog to see newer paintings!

I have paintings at Tirage Fine Art in Pasadena (www.tirageart.com).

Midnight in Chicago releases new Elyse Bruce music video, album to benefit autism and myasthenia gravis

Midnight In Chicago is pleased to announce the world premier of "The Matter Hatter" video off their "Countdown to Midnight" CD.

The video was produced by singer/songwriter/composer Elyse Bruce and can be viewed on YouTube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8fm46b3Z68

And on the Midnight In Chicago blog...

http://midnightinchicago.wordpress.com/

Midnight in Chicago seeks to raise funds and awareness for autism and myasthenia gravis. Sales of the "Countdown to Midnight" CD go in part to produce the FREE Midnight In Chicago Autism Spectrum Podcasts which have been linked to by hundreds of organizations worldwide.

The podcasts can be found at http://www.mic.mypodcast.com/

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Mickie's holiday message







Tis the season... yeah, yeah, I know already... but I do have a warm heart and some sweet thoughts for all of you who take the time to check out my blog.







I wish you the best of everything throughout the holiday season and in the coming year!!



May you find understanding, peace and love and continue to seek out the adventure in life.








Don't miss a thing so you will never have any regrets.








Spread good karma and positive energy wherever you go, as it will come back to you in abundance.


Lastly, take time to wish on stars because dreams do come true.


Keep on rockin'
Mickie

Esotouric to present Route 66 bus tour

Staycation, Route 66 Style: Bus tour reveals the retro jewels in L.A.'s own backyard

WHAT: Esotouric presents Route 66, a San Gabriel Valley bus tour in the "Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles" architecture and urbanism series

WHEN: Saturday January 17, 11am-4pm

COST: $58, or save $25 on four tours with a Season Pass

WHERE: Tours departs from Philippe the Original, two blocks from Union Station

Savvy travelers know that the most incredible adventures are often found close to home. This January, join Esotouric, the offbeat bus adventure company whose tours reveal the secret heart of Los Angeles, as they host an excursion deep into the San Gabriel Valley, along America's most historic highway.

Because if you think the best of Route 66 is hundreds of miles from L.A., you'd best think again. When Esotouric's Route 66 bus tour departs from Philippe's French Dip in downtown on January 17, passengers are in for a five-hour tour packed with stunning retro jewels plucked from L.A.'s own backyard.

On the ROUTE 66 tour, hosted by Richard Schave, several dozen intrepid urban explorers will board a luxury coach class bus and head due East along the old Mother Road (an affectionate nickname for historic Route 66) to explore how Southern California welcomed newcomers for much of the 20th Century.

Route 66 only exists today in small fragments, but many of the unique attractions that dotted its length survive and flourish today.

The ROUTE 66 tour explores California's original mass transit corridor and the building of its dream, from climate to citrus industry, TB hospitals to candyflake car culture.

Highlights in the January 2009 edition (the tour features different stops each time it's offered) include a tour of E. Wald Ward Farm (the oldest surviving commercial citrus facility in LA, where passengers can buy scrumptious preserves and almond-filled olives to take home), a visit to the Durrell Historical Museum of Azusa, a stop at Duarte's Rancho Inn (a rare survivor of the motor court era), a stroll through the halls and private rooms of Robert Stacy Judd's 1924 masterpiece The Aztec Motel (and yes, it's haunted), a visit to the astonishing Egypto-manic Covina Bowl bowling alley (once the 24-hour hub of community entertainment and still a popular destination), and tucked among vast cleared fields awaiting new developmen a stop at the homes of the feuding Slauson Sisters (hidden gems of Azusa lore and family dynamics, and a reminder of how fragile ecologies fall tothe incessant crush of progress). Passengers will also view the evocative bungalows of old Monrovia accompanied by host Richard Schave's lively rendition of a vintage bungalow booster tune.

The Reyner Banham Loves LA series of Esotouric bus adventures provides fresh ways of seeing the Southland and mingling with fascinating fellow travelers, and are a must for urban explorers, architecture buffs, San Gabriel Valley residents and anyone who enjoys turning over rocks to reveal the secrets beneath. Come ride and see for yourself.

Upcoming Esotouric bus tour schedule:
Thurs Jan 8- The Hippodrome & Hazard's Pavilion (Downtown Art Walk Shuttles, free)
Sat Jan 10 - The Real Black Dahlia
Sat Jan 17 - Reyner Banham Loves LA: Route 66
Sat Jan 24 - Weird West Adams
Sun Feb 1 - Reyner Banham Loves LA: South LA architecture tour
Thurs Feb 12 - The Hippodrome & Hazard's Pavilion (Downtown Art Walk Shuttles, free)
Sat Feb 14- Blood & Dumplings
Sat Feb 21- Raymond Chandler's LA
Sat Feb 28 - Crawling Down Cahuenga: Tom Waits' LA
Sat March 7 - The Lowdown on Downtown: The Secret History of LA
Thurs March 12 - The Hippodrome & Hazard's Pavilion (Downtown Art Walk Shuttles, free)
Sat March 14 ­ Haunts of a Dirty Old Man: Charles Bukowski's LA
Sat March 21 ­ Hotel Horrors & Main Street Vice
Sat March 28 ­ Pasadena Confidential

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

For more on Reyner Banham, see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reyner_Banham

And the BBC documentary "Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles"
http://reyner.notlong.com