My friends and I have been frequenting the AMERICAN LEGION - POST 280 IN EAST PASADENA for the last 2-3 years, since our pal Chief started taking us there after Sunday softball. As a Veteran of the Vietnam War, he joined many years ago, and can take guests in anytime. You may also join the Legion for a small annual fee if your parent or spouse served in the military.
I used to think we were a nuisance to their mostly senior citizen crowd of regulars, but realized they need new, younger members to keep their doors open. And when they discovered our ties to the Doo Dah Parade and some of Pasadena's most popular bands, they saw the potential for successful fundraisers that would reach a whole new audience.
The Ladies Auxiliary is having such an event this SATURDAY, MAY 2nd, featuring live music from HORSES ON ASTROTURF. A fabulous Hawaiian chicken dinner will be served from 6 to 8pm, and the band starts at 8:30. You can enjoy all of the above for just $8, or skip the dinner and pay only $5. 100% of the profits go to "Operation Mend" who provide reconstructive surgery to maimed soldiers; a very worthy cause.
Pictured with me here is Doug Monroe, Legion Post Commander and newest member of our motley softball crew!
**********************************************************
APRIL 29th - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LENMICHAEL!
WED. 4/29 - aka MAX BUDA @ THE OLD TOWNE PUB IN PASADENA, 9pm. Corner of Fair Oaks & Union. 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. After a couple months of double-booking, I think they finally got this one right - the Pub I mean.
WED. 4/29 - 3 FAT GUYS & A PUNK @ KATIE JAKE'S IN COVINA, 9pm. Corner of Citrus & Workman. 626-967-2765. Full bar, no cover. Blues, Rock from Jimmy McGrew, Drake, Mike Leasure, Jamie Hunting and Gratz Arias. Every Wed. until further notice. http://www.myspace.com/thefatguysandpunks
"WEDNESDAY NIGHT PLATTER PARTY" @ THE BUCCANEER, 9pm. Bring your favorite LP records and Dan Besocke will play entire sides on his turntable, commercial free! 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045.
FRI. 5/1 - 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, coldest beer in town! Acoustic Guitar, vocals. "Hot Chick, Cool Dude & Music to suit your mood!" http://www.myspace.com/themellowdeees
FRI. 5/1 - "THE SUBS" (Better Than Blue's acoustic alter ego) @ the DOCKSIDE in WEST COVINA, 8pm - Midnight. 3057 E. Garvey Ave. North. 626-915-3474. Danny Hesse, Felicia Bright, and newest sub, Robert Gonzalez. Acoustic Rock, Soul & Blues.
FRI. 5/1 - BOBBY BRADFORD MOTET @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 8:30pm. 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.
SAT. 5/2 - 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. 5/2 - 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. 5/2 - THE SIN TWINS RHYTHM & BLUES REVUE @ THE COVINA PLAYHOUSE. 104 N. Citrus Ave. Call box office for tickets & info: (626)331-8133. Box office hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11am-2pm and Wed. 5-7pm. Band includes: Danny Hesse, Joe Velosa, Buggs Manocchio, Keith Neal, Mercy Powell, Felicia Bright, Deanna Cogan, and a kick-ass horn section with too many names to list!
SAT. 5/2 - LISA FINNIE & FRIENDS @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 8 - 11pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. No cover, all ages. Country/Western/Jazz torch singer and guitar player.
SAT. 5/2 - HORSES ON ASTROTURF @ THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 280 IN EAST PASADENA, 8:30pm - Midnight. $5 admission for music only. Hawaiian chicken dinner available for an additional $3 from 6 - 8pm. 179 N. Vinedo Ave. 626-792-9938. My hot, single sis-in-law Mary will be there with her dancin' shoes on!
SAT. 5/2 - DIRTY DAVE OSTI BAND @ THE DOCKSIDE GRILL IN WEST COVINA, 9pm - 1am. 3057 E. Garvey Ave. North. 626-915-3474. No cover, full bar & kitchen. With Marc Doten on Bass & Moyes Lucas on Drums.
SAT. 5/2 - 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. 5/3 - SUNDAY BRUNCH MUSIC @ MARY'S MARKET & CANYON CAFE IN SIERRA MADRE - MICHAEL ZUBIA, Classical Guitar and RAY HILL, Piano - 10:30am. 561 Woodland Ave. 626-355-4534. Cozy venue, YUMMY FOOD!
SUN. 5/3 - 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. 5/3 - 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 - mine will be there! Acoustic Folk/Rock, Classic Country. Jane will be on Mandolin, Fiddle & vocals this week, and Tom B. will be standing in on Bass.
SUN. 5/3 - "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!
SUN. 5/3 - THE CROWN CITY BAND @ THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE IN ALTADENA, 7pm. 2029 N. Lake Ave. 626-398-7917. $15. Pasadena-based band that plays blues, country rock, oldies from the 60s and 70s, originals, and more. Ken Marcus (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Dalton Perry (harmonica, vocals), Steve Sattler (lead guitar), Jeff Kinsey (bass), and Don Vena (drums). Opening act Randy Rivera on guitat & vocals.
5/5 - "TAPAS TUESDAY" @ MARY'S MARKET & CANYON CAFE IN SIERRA MADRE CANYON with RAY HILL on piano, 6 - 7pm and STEVE VARGAS on guitar & vocals, 7 - 9pm. 561 Woodland Ave. 626-355-4534. Cozy venue, YUMMY FOOD!
"TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA" @ CAFE 322 with QUIZMASTER MIDGE, 8pm. $2 per person to play, CASH or gift certificates to the top 3 teams. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414.
WED. 5/6 - 3 FAT GUYS & A PUNK @ KATIE JAKE'S IN COVINA, 9pm. Corner of Citrus & Workman. 626-967-2765. Full bar, no cover. Blues, Rock from Jimmy McGrew, Drake, Mike Leasure, Jamie Hunting and Gratz Arias. Every Wed. until further notice. http://www.myspace.com/thefatguysandpunks
"WEDNESDAY NIGHT PLATTER PARTY" @ THE BUCCANEER, 9pm. Bring your favorite LP records and Dan Besocke will play entire sides on his turntable, commercial free! 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045.
FRI. 5/8 - 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, coldest beer in town! Acoustic Guitar, vocals. "Hot Chick, Cool Dude & Music to suit your mood!" http://www.myspace.com/themellowdeees
FRI. 5/8 - "THE SUBS" (Better Than Blue's acoustic alter ego) @ the DOCKSIDE in WEST COVINA, 8pm - Midnight. 3057 E. Garvey Ave. North. 626-915-3474. Danny Hesse, Felicia Bright, and newest sub, Robert Gonzalez. Acoustic Rock, Soul & Blues.
FRI. 5/8 - ANDREW'S BAD STUFF @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, pool table. Rock covers from Acid Andy & friends.
SAT. 5/9 - 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. 5/9 - CHICO'S BAIL BONDS @ THE DOCKSIDE BAR & GRILL, 9pm - 1am. 3057 E. Garvey Ave. North. 626-915-3474. No cover, full bar & kitchen. Semi-acoustic BLUES.
SUN. 5/10 - 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. 5/10 - GRANT PARK SOFTBALL - ALL ARE WELCOME! NOT A LEAGUE - JUST FOR FUN & THE LOVE OF THE GAME! CORNER OF CORDOVA & MICHIGAN IN PASADENA, 3 BLOCKS WEST OF PCC. BATTING PRACTICE 12:30, GAME TIME ASAP. BRING YOUR GLOVE, BAT, CHAIR, ICE CHEST, GUITAR, UKULELE, ETC.
SUN. 5/10 - 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. 5/10 - "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!
**********************************************************
APRIL 29th - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LENMICHAEL!
WED. 4/29 - aka MAX BUDA @ THE OLD TOWNE PUB IN PASADENA, 9pm. Corner of Fair Oaks & Union. 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. After a couple months of double-booking, I think they finally got this one right - the Pub I mean.
WED. 4/29 - 3 FAT GUYS & A PUNK @ KATIE JAKE'S IN COVINA, 9pm. Corner of Citrus & Workman. 626-967-2765. Full bar, no cover. Blues, Rock from Jimmy McGrew, Drake, Mike Leasure, Jamie Hunting and Gratz Arias. Every Wed. until further notice. http://www.myspace.com/thefatguysandpunks
"WEDNESDAY NIGHT PLATTER PARTY" @ THE BUCCANEER, 9pm. Bring your favorite LP records and Dan Besocke will play entire sides on his turntable, commercial free! 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045.
FRI. 5/1 - 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, coldest beer in town! Acoustic Guitar, vocals. "Hot Chick, Cool Dude & Music to suit your mood!" http://www.myspace.com/themellowdeees
FRI. 5/1 - "THE SUBS" (Better Than Blue's acoustic alter ego) @ the DOCKSIDE in WEST COVINA, 8pm - Midnight. 3057 E. Garvey Ave. North. 626-915-3474. Danny Hesse, Felicia Bright, and newest sub, Robert Gonzalez. Acoustic Rock, Soul & Blues.
FRI. 5/1 - BOBBY BRADFORD MOTET @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 8:30pm. 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.
SAT. 5/2 - 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. 5/2 - 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. 5/2 - THE SIN TWINS RHYTHM & BLUES REVUE @ THE COVINA PLAYHOUSE. 104 N. Citrus Ave. Call box office for tickets & info: (626)331-8133. Box office hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11am-2pm and Wed. 5-7pm. Band includes: Danny Hesse, Joe Velosa, Buggs Manocchio, Keith Neal, Mercy Powell, Felicia Bright, Deanna Cogan, and a kick-ass horn section with too many names to list!
SAT. 5/2 - LISA FINNIE & FRIENDS @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 8 - 11pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. No cover, all ages. Country/Western/Jazz torch singer and guitar player.
SAT. 5/2 - HORSES ON ASTROTURF @ THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 280 IN EAST PASADENA, 8:30pm - Midnight. $5 admission for music only. Hawaiian chicken dinner available for an additional $3 from 6 - 8pm. 179 N. Vinedo Ave. 626-792-9938. My hot, single sis-in-law Mary will be there with her dancin' shoes on!
SAT. 5/2 - DIRTY DAVE OSTI BAND @ THE DOCKSIDE GRILL IN WEST COVINA, 9pm - 1am. 3057 E. Garvey Ave. North. 626-915-3474. No cover, full bar & kitchen. With Marc Doten on Bass & Moyes Lucas on Drums.
SAT. 5/2 - 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. 5/3 - SUNDAY BRUNCH MUSIC @ MARY'S MARKET & CANYON CAFE IN SIERRA MADRE - MICHAEL ZUBIA, Classical Guitar and RAY HILL, Piano - 10:30am. 561 Woodland Ave. 626-355-4534. Cozy venue, YUMMY FOOD!
SUN. 5/3 - 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. 5/3 - 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 - mine will be there! Acoustic Folk/Rock, Classic Country. Jane will be on Mandolin, Fiddle & vocals this week, and Tom B. will be standing in on Bass.
SUN. 5/3 - "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!
SUN. 5/3 - THE CROWN CITY BAND @ THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE IN ALTADENA, 7pm. 2029 N. Lake Ave. 626-398-7917. $15. Pasadena-based band that plays blues, country rock, oldies from the 60s and 70s, originals, and more. Ken Marcus (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Dalton Perry (harmonica, vocals), Steve Sattler (lead guitar), Jeff Kinsey (bass), and Don Vena (drums). Opening act Randy Rivera on guitat & vocals.
5/5 - "TAPAS TUESDAY" @ MARY'S MARKET & CANYON CAFE IN SIERRA MADRE CANYON with RAY HILL on piano, 6 - 7pm and STEVE VARGAS on guitar & vocals, 7 - 9pm. 561 Woodland Ave. 626-355-4534. Cozy venue, YUMMY FOOD!
"TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA" @ CAFE 322 with QUIZMASTER MIDGE, 8pm. $2 per person to play, CASH or gift certificates to the top 3 teams. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414.
WED. 5/6 - 3 FAT GUYS & A PUNK @ KATIE JAKE'S IN COVINA, 9pm. Corner of Citrus & Workman. 626-967-2765. Full bar, no cover. Blues, Rock from Jimmy McGrew, Drake, Mike Leasure, Jamie Hunting and Gratz Arias. Every Wed. until further notice. http://www.myspace.com/thefatguysandpunks
"WEDNESDAY NIGHT PLATTER PARTY" @ THE BUCCANEER, 9pm. Bring your favorite LP records and Dan Besocke will play entire sides on his turntable, commercial free! 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045.
FRI. 5/8 - 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, coldest beer in town! Acoustic Guitar, vocals. "Hot Chick, Cool Dude & Music to suit your mood!" http://www.myspace.com/themellowdeees
FRI. 5/8 - "THE SUBS" (Better Than Blue's acoustic alter ego) @ the DOCKSIDE in WEST COVINA, 8pm - Midnight. 3057 E. Garvey Ave. North. 626-915-3474. Danny Hesse, Felicia Bright, and newest sub, Robert Gonzalez. Acoustic Rock, Soul & Blues.
FRI. 5/8 - ANDREW'S BAD STUFF @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, pool table. Rock covers from Acid Andy & friends.
SAT. 5/9 - 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. 5/9 - CHICO'S BAIL BONDS @ THE DOCKSIDE BAR & GRILL, 9pm - 1am. 3057 E. Garvey Ave. North. 626-915-3474. No cover, full bar & kitchen. Semi-acoustic BLUES.
SUN. 5/10 - 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. 5/10 - GRANT PARK SOFTBALL - ALL ARE WELCOME! NOT A LEAGUE - JUST FOR FUN & THE LOVE OF THE GAME! CORNER OF CORDOVA & MICHIGAN IN PASADENA, 3 BLOCKS WEST OF PCC. BATTING PRACTICE 12:30, GAME TIME ASAP. BRING YOUR GLOVE, BAT, CHAIR, ICE CHEST, GUITAR, UKULELE, ETC.
SUN. 5/10 - 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. 5/10 - "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...
Hope to see you out & about,
SierraMadreSue
sierramadresue@yahoo.com
P.S. PLEASE HELP MY FRIENDS the SHEDS WIN A SPOT ON THE VANS WARPED TOUR '09! Go to: warped.battleofthebands.com/thesheds and register first. Then you can VOTE once every day, to have them play in L.A., San Diego and Ventura. They deserve it! THANK YOU!
FOR EVEN MORE COOL SHOWS & INFO., CHECK OUT THESE SITES:
P.S. PLEASE HELP MY FRIENDS the SHEDS WIN A SPOT ON THE VANS WARPED TOUR '09! Go to: warped.battleofthebands.com/thesheds and register first. Then you can VOTE once every day, to have them play in L.A., San Diego and Ventura. They deserve it! THANK YOU!
FOR EVEN MORE COOL SHOWS & INFO., CHECK OUT THESE SITES: