Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Ad Hoc Consort to perform at Rains House holiday event Dec. 3

The Rains House
8810 Hemlock St.
Rancho Cucamonga
will host a Christmas-themed open house
from 3 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 3.

There will be hot cider and cookies offered at the Civil War-era residence.

Live music on traditional Elizabethan instruments by Ad Hoc Consort 3-6:30 p.m.

Donations are $3; $2 for children age 5 to 11.

Songkick to launch concert app

Songkick (www.songkick.com ), the home for live music on the web, is delighted to announce the availability of its Songkick Concerts app for the new Spotify Platform beta, which was unveiled today at a Spotify press conference in New York. Using the App Finder preview launched today at www.spotify.com/apps , users around the world can instantly find out if the artists in their Spotify Library are playing concerts in their area. The Songkick Concerts app, already hugely popular on the iPhone and iPod touch, will provide even more live music fans with access to 100,000 concerts and the best live music information at their fingertips.

“Songkick on Spotify has been one of the top requests from our users and we’re thrilled to make it happen,” said Songkick CEO and co-founder Ian Hogarth. “By making concert information easily accessible within Spotify, we’ll help fans discover and experience more live music and help artists sell out more shows.”

The Songkick Concerts app includes features to make concert-going easy and fun:

A personalized concert calendar- The app will scan the music and playlists in your Spotify Library to track your favorite artists, creating a calendar of when your artists are playing in your area.

Be the first to know about concerts- You’ll receive email notifications when a new concert is announced for your tracked artists, so you know in advance before tickets go on sale.

Make concert discovery easy- You can browse all concerts in your location and add multiple locations worldwide. As you find new favorites on Spotify, you can re-scan your library to include new artists. Going on vacation? Create a calendar for wherever you are headed.

Playlist of top tracks while you view the artist’s concert pages - An integrated music player plays the most popular songs by any artist while you look at their concert information.

One-stop shopping- For each concert, you’ll be able to view venue information including the full line-up, map and a link to buy tickets.

Your live music information conveniently organized in one place- The Songkick Concerts app on the Spotify Platform is fully integrated with your Songkick.com account.

The full consumer rollout of the Spotify Platform will take place later in December. For more information about the apps please visit http://www.spotify.com/apps.

User Guide and FAQ- For more information on the Songkick Concerts app, and some brief instructions on how to use it, please see out user guide at http://bit.ly/skguide.

Pasadena tree lighting ceremony Dec. 8

Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard will lead the city’s official Christmas tree-lighting ceremony and holiday celebration Thursday, Dec. 8, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the grand entrance at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave.



Wearing Santa hats, a children’s chorus from the citywide after-school recreation program will perform music of the season. Refreshments will be served.



Bogaard will flip the switch that turns on the lights of the 20-foot Washington Noble Fir tree. The colorful lights, donated by Pasadena Water and Power, are energy-saving, light-emitting diodes (LED) that use about 90 percent less energy than incandescent tree lights and produce almost no heat. The tree will also be decorated with large, colorful ornaments.



Everyone is encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys, sporting equipment or gift cards to place in the Spark of Love Toy Drive box. At the end of the ceremony, guests and firefighters will load the gifts into a waiting Pasadena Fire Department ambulance, which will transport the gifts so they can be wrapped and then opened on Christmas morning by needy children and teens.



For more information call (626) 744-4755.

Pasadena remembrance event on World AIDS Day Dec. 1

The Pasadena Public Health Department will join the world in remembrance of people battling HIV/AIDS on World AIDS Day this Thursday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 pm on the steps of Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave.



The program will raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed away and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.



Mayor Bill Bogaard will present a proclamation on behalf of the city council to commend the Public Health Department’s Andrew Escajeda Comprehensive Care Services for 20 years of service to the community.



California Assemblyman Anthony Portantino will receive the Andrew Escajeda Humanitarian Award, which pays tribute to an individual who exemplifies the courage, advocacy, leadership, perseverance, compassion and awareness it takes to stand with the community and the world as they continue to meet the challenges of finding a cure, acquiring resources and stabilizing the lives for those who have been affected by HIV/AIDS.



The event will end with a candlelight vigil to reflect on people around the world who have lost their to HIV/AIDS and allow participants to pledge their support to those who live with HIV/AIDS as we enter the fourth decade of this medical epidemic.



For more information contact Angélica Palmeros in the Pasadena Public Health Department at apalmeros@cityofpasadena.net or (626) 744-6140.

Holiday music Dec. 7 & Dickens Dec. 10 at the Huntington

Holiday Music in the Gallery
DEC 7, WED, 1:30–2 PM and 2:30–3 PM
Dressed in elaborate period costumes, the a cappella group Vox Feminae will perform medieval and Renaissance works in an informal concert in the grand hallway of the Huntington Art Gallery. The program will include Gregorian chant, rarely heard medieval carols, Renaissance motets, and traditional carols from these periods. Included with general admission.

A Christmas Carol with Charles Dickens
DEC 10, SAT, 7–9 PM
Enjoy a holiday classic as read by the author, as the Independent Shakespeare Co. recreates (with a little artistic license) a public reading of A Christmas Carol given by Charles Dickens himself. Based on the author’s own adaption of his famous story of Christmas redemption, the performance is full of the theatricality and wry humor Dickens was famous for. David Melville portrays Dickens; Mary Guilliams provides musical—and dramatic—accompaniment. Appropriate for ages 10 to adult.

www.huntington.org

Nothnegal to release new album

Melodic death metal powerhouse NOTHNEGAL is pleased to announce the January 24th, 2012 United States release of their brand new album, Decadence through Season of Mist. The album is set to release in other major international markets four days earlier on January 20th, 2012. The album is mixed by Greg Reely (Fear Factory, Machine Head, DevilDriver) and Ahti Kortelainen (Sentenced, Sonarta Arctica). Decadence marks the first official full-length release from NOTHNEGAL. You can listen to a snippet of a new song now at http://nothnegal.net.



“Decadence is our first official studio release and the first release featuring the current lineup, the first time that Fufu handling the vocals, Marco on keyboards and Kevin on drums,” states guitarist Hilarl. “We began writing Decadence in Summer 2010. The record has been quite a challenge for us as we have taken time to do a lot of experimentation on the sound, shifting more towards thrash and progressive metal with industrial elements making it entirely different from the sound we had on our 2009 four-track demo, Antidote Of Realism. With a completely new and original sound and attitude, we feel like we’re starting again from scratch as we believe we’ve finally discovered our sound with Decadence.”



Decadence is currently available for pre-order on Season of Mist's e-shop as a limited digipak edition. Each copy from the first pressing of the album will come with a unique code that can allow you to win a trip to the band’s stomping grounds… the Maldives! The 5-day journey will take place at the Fihalhohi Island Resort in Summer 2012. The winner will receive one return flight to the Maldives, an all-inclusive stay (including scuba-diving and other water sport activities) for two people and a meet and greet with the band. More details can be found in the booklet of the album.



NOTHNEGAL boasts a dark melancholic streak flowing through their modern melodic death metal sound, also weaving in very subtle touches of industrial and progressive elements. NOTHNEGAL was founded by guitarists (and cousins) Hilarl and Fufu on the capital island Malé in 2006 after leaving their previous group Mortuary. The cousins are supported by Six Feet Under, Dååth, ex-Chimaira drummer Kevin Talley and Finnish keyboard player Marco Sneck (Kalmah, Poisonblack). Decadence demonstrates a quick evolution of NOTHNEGAL from their previously released, self-produced four track EP. Mixed by Finnish producer Anssi Kippo (Children of Bodom, Norther), Antidote of Realism (2009) catapulted the Maldivians into the international scene, who successfully supported Finntroll and Samael during their 2010 European tour covering 25 cities in 12 countries.







Decadence is poised to position NOTHNEGAL above fan’s expectations for just another exotic, eclectic, foreign act, offering a melodic, yet crushing door into the minds of the men behind the helm. This may be the first time you are hearing about NOTHNEGAL, but it certainly will not be the last.





NOTHNEGAL is:

Fufu - Vocals / Guitars

Hilarl – Guitars

Hamad – Bass

Marco Sneck – Keyboards

Kevin Talley – Drums





For more information about NOTHNEGAL, please visit these websites:

http://nothnegal.net

http://facebook.com/nothnegal

http://twitter.com/nothnegal

http://myspace.com/nothnegal

Fountain Theatre responds to verdict in murder trial

November 29, 2011 – The Fountain Theatre announced today that a guilty verdict has been reached in the trial of the man accused of murdering longtime Fountain director/producer Ben Bradley.

The defendant was found guilty of second-degree felony murder on November 23 in the Los Angeles Superior Court Criminal Courts Building in downtown Los Angeles, following a three-week trial that began on November 3. Closing arguments took place on November 21, with the jury deliberating for about a day and half before reaching the verdict. Present in the courtroom when the verdict was read were Bradley's brother, Michael Hill, a resident of Virginia; Fountain Producing Director Simon Levy; and Fountain Co-Artistic Director Deborah Lawlor. The verdict carries a sentence of 16 years to life. Sentencing is scheduled for January 3.

“All of us in the Fountain family are pleased and relieved by the verdict and grateful that the trial phase of this horrific nightmare is over,” wrote Fountain Co-Artistic Director Stephen Sachs in a statement. “We thank Los Angeles District Attorney Mario Haidar and the team of detectives, led by Matthew Gares, who did such an excellent job on this case. Justice is done. But no matter the verdict or severity of the sentence, justice does not wield the power to bring Ben back to us. With that truth, comes the painful reality that justice can never be fully served in our hearts.”

Prior to his death on January 1, 2010, Ben had been with the Fountain Theatre for over seventeen years as a producer, director, and the Director of Audience Development. Ben was in rehearsal for The Ballad of Emmett Till when he was murdered. Prior to that, Ben had directed the Fountain's critically acclaimed production of August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean (LADCC Awards for Production of the Year and Best Director). He received the 2006 OVATION Award and the 2007 NAACP Award for his direction of the Fountain's critically acclaimed production of August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone. Other directorial credits at the Fountain include Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (winner of the NAACP Award for Best Actress) and Direct from Death Row: The Scottsboro Boys (winner of Best Ensemble, L.A. Weekly Award, and Best Ensemble, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award). Ben produced the Fountain's acclaimed productions of Photograph 51, Yellowman, Master Class and Central Avenue, and co-produced the Fountain's The Darker Face of the Earth, I Am A Man, and Four by Tennessee. Before joining the Fountain Theatre family, Ben worked at the Los Angeles Theatre Center as Lobby Subscription Manager. Ben was born in Wilkes County, Georgia, but his family moved to Baltimore, MD when he was very young. He was a graduate of Carroll College in Wisconsin, where he majored in theater.

The Fountain Theatre has established The Ben Bradley Memorial Fund to develop new plays at the Fountain. For more information, go to www.FountainTheatre.com or call Diana at (323) 663-1098.

Java Monster launches SXSW contest for filmmakers

The advent of the documentary film has gone from being a rare art form, reserved for a small fervor of enthusiasts, to now being a global phenomenon changing the perception of this journalistic medium. Java Monster® and SXSW (one of the most important film, music and media festivals in the world held in Austin, TX - March 9-18, 2012) are offering a rare opportunity for aspiring and seasoned filmmakers to become a part of the SXSW lore. Java Monster® is promoting an online competition to "Submit Your Video for a Chance to Create a SXSW Documentary" NOW through December 31, 2011 where entrants can upload their "pitch video" (not to exceed 60 seconds) discussing the concept for their full-length SXSW documentary to http://sxsw.monsterenergy.com.

All videos will be judged based on originality, creativity and story line in determining the Grand Prize winner. The Entrant must appear in the video and discuss who they are, their concept for a SXSW 2012 documentary (including what aspects of SXSW 2012 they would cover) and why they should win. Contest video submissions will be judged on the following "Criteria": (1) inventive storyline (25%); (2) capturing the essence of the Java Monster® brand (25%); (3) visual and audio quality and clarity (25%); and (4) relevance to the Contest theme (25%), which is the Java Monster® experience at SXSW.

The Grand Prize includes: The opportunity to create a documentary about SXSW and a trip for two (2) persons to attend SXSW 2012. The Grand Prize trip package includes two (2) platinum access passes to SXSW 2012, roundtrip airfare from closest major gateway to/from Austin, TX, four (4) nights hotel accommodations (double occupancy) and $750.00 in spending money.

For those who are more "fan" than "filmmaker", there is also a Sweepstakes portion to the contest where fans can enter to win one (1) of five (5) trips for 2 to SXSW 2012 which also includes Platinum Access passes, roundtrip airfare from the closest major gateway to Austin, TX, 4 nights hotel accommodations (double occupancy) and $750 in spending money. 100 "Second Prizes" will also be awarded which includes one (1) Monster Sweatshirt with ear buds.
For all rules, regulations, qualifications and specifications log on to: http://www.monsterenergy.com http://www.facebook.com/javamonster
or the micro-site http://sxsw.monsterenergy.com

Filipino holiday event Dec. 3 in Long Beach

PASKO SA AMING BAYAN

15th Annual ChristmasFest

Presented by Filipino American Coalition and Kappa Psi Epsilon

*** free admission **


Saturday, December 3, 2011

10:00am - 6:00pm

@ California State University, Long Beach

1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90840

All festivities will be held on the HHS1 Lawn

For directions and parking information, please go to: http://www.csulb.edu/

Kitka and marionettes peform in LA Dec. 3, free

World City at the Music Center invites you to discover the rich cultures of Eastern Europe. Audiences of all ages will enjoy this FREE performance and art-making workshop series that celebrates artistic traditions from around the globe.


WHO:
Kitka (Voice, Eastern Europe)

Using only pure unaccompanied voices, Kitka is an all women ensemble who produces songs using Eastern European vocal techniques that have been distilled over centuries. Performing Wintersongs, the repertoire is drawn from many lands with melodies, rhythms and harmonies to warm and cheer you through this wintry time of the year.

Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre (Puppetry, Czechoslovakia)

From the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre, Vít Horejs performs Winter Tales, a one-man show of Czech fairy tales with a cast of century-old marionettes. Replete with mountain wizards, clever village maidens, witches and spirits, Mr. Horejs learned these stories from his father and grandmother in his hometown of Prague.

WHEN:
Saturday, December 3, 2011
11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:
World City at the Music Center is presented at the W.M. Keck Foundation Children's Amphitheatre at the Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Avenue,

Los Angeles. Free tickets are distributed on Grand Avenue at 2nd Street, starting at 10:00 a.m. for the 11:00 a.m. performance and at 11:00 a.m. for the 12:30 p.m. performance.

WHY:
Celebrate and discover cultures from different peoples and places—or potentially even your own—all for FREE at World City at the Music Center. The post-performance visual arts workshops, designed by Music Center Teaching Artists, give children the opportunity to explore the featured culture through unique art-making projects such as calligraphy, puppets and musical instruments.

The Sunflowers benefit concert for Bienvenidos in Altadena Dec. 17

Popular Southern California kids and family music group The Sunflowers will give a special holiday performance to benefit Bienvenidos Family Services of Los Angeles. The performance will take place on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 1PM at The Coffee Gallery Backstage located in Altadena, CA. Event details and ticket information can be found by visiting www.thesunflowers.com

Group founders Michael and Terri Taylor have written and perform a rambunctious collection of music for children, families and people of all ages that features a unique and eclectic blend of Pop, Bluegrass, Dixieland Jazz, Zydeco with a dash of Caribbean flavor.

The holiday fundraiser will also feature rootin’ tootin’ rowdy ranch hand Cowboy Max (Shelby Bond) who will bedazzle all with rope tricks and repartee.

Bienvenidos was founded in 1986 to address the growing number of abused and neglected infants and toddlers in Los Angeles. For over 25 years, Bienvenidos has developed a comprehensive array of services and resources to support the mission to be a compassionate community of care dedicated to healing children and their families. Each year, Bienvenidos programs serve over 18,000 children and families throughout Greater East Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley and parts of the San Fernando and Antelope Valleys. For more information please visit www.bienvenidos.org


The Sunflowers newest CD “Porcupine Parade“ (Cow Heard Records) is available on CDBaby.com, Amazon.com and downloadable on iTunes and other digital music websites. For more information please visit www.thesunflowers.com

Starseed to release single in U.S.

The U.K. based hard-rock band, Starseed will debut their new single, “Shine” in the U.S. on December 6, 2011 through iTunes. Their soaring vocals and powerful melody will leave all hard rock and metal fans begging for more. The US release of Starseed’s album, Peace Machine, will be released early 2012. Starseed will also be in the U.S. for promotion early January.

Touring with bands such as Godsized and Senser, Starseed has also played major festivals alongside Rage Against The Machine, Rob Zombie, and Linkin Park. Most recently, they performed at the 2011 Download Festival. With these achievements, Starseed are also proud endorsees of PRS Guitars, Blackstar Amps, Tama Drums, Roland, Sabian Cymbals, Rotosound Strings, Protection Racket and TC Electronic.

Starseed, who includes Russell Spence (Vocals, Guitars), Gerald Gill (Guitar, Vocals), Peter Wicker (Guitar), Murray McClery (Bass, Vocals) and Andrew Spence (Drums, Vocals), produce some of the most satisfying melodic hard rock. Epic energy, powerful, and riff driven rock with electrifying stage shows, their music grasps many elements of the post grunge scene drawing influences from early Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains to the power and torment of Soil. More recent comparisons include the tenacity and energy of Stone Sour and intense melody of Alter Bridge.

For more information and to keep up to date on Starseed, visit:

www.myspace.com/starseedrock
www.facebook.com/starseedrock
www.planetstarseed.com
www.twitter.com/starseedrock
www.youtube.com/starseedrock

Elizaveta at Hotel Cafe Dec. 1

NYC born, Russian raised, LA based multi-linguist/instrumentalist Elizaveta released her debut EP this fall and her debut album 'Beatrix Runs' drops in early 2012 on Universal Republic in the U.S.


ELIZAVETA DECEMBER DATES

Thursday, December 1st.
Hotel Cafe - 10PM
1623 1/2 Cahuenga Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CA, 90028
www.hotelcafe.com

Monday, December 5th
Café DuNord
2170 Market Street San Francisco, CA, 94114
www.cafedunord.com

SF Ballet - 'The Little Mermaid' on PBS Dec. 16

Friday, Dec. 16, 9 p.m. – PBS Arts from San Francisco: GREAT PERFORMANCES “The Little Mermaid From San Francisco Ballet” – PREMIERE

Viewers travel to San Francisco where the San Francisco Ballet tells the love story of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.”

www.pbssocal.org

Michael Gimm & Celtic Spring in Cerritos Dec. 30

Michael Grimm and Celtic Spring
With Heatwave Youth Jazz &
Show Band,
Dana Daniels, Mickey
O*Connor,
Chuck Jones & Co., and
Bruce Block

Theater: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos

Date: Friday, December 30, 2011, 7:00 PM

Ticket Prices: $54/$44/$34
Four or more tickets to a
single performance: $45/$35/$28

Ticket Information: Tickets are available only at the Cerritos
Center for the Performing Arts* Ticket
Office, at
www.cerritoscenter.com , or by calling (562) 467-8818.

Jerry Garcia song compilation released to benefit the Rex Foundation

On Tuesday, November 29, 2011, the Rex Foundation releases for download the 11 Track Jerry Jams for Rex II. Stellar musicians, including Railroad Earth, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Widespread Panic, The String Cheese Incident and STS9 have contributed the recordings of their notable live performances of Jerry Garcia songs to support the work of the Rex Foundation, the charitable non-profit organization started by Jerry Garcia and the Grateful dead.

This new compilation, available in a variety of formats, as shown below, is the second unique Jerry Jams for Rex musical collection brought to life by Brad Serling of www.nugs.ne t to honor the musical and community legacy of Jerry Garcia. The gifted artists in the order they appear on the album are: STS9, Railroad Earth, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Widespread Panic, New Monsoon with Steve Kimock and Tim Carbone, Umphrey's McGee, Yonder Mountain String Band, The String Cheese Incident, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Dark Star Orchestra, and ALO. The ALO track is a bonus track available by download only, not on the CD. All proceeds are a contribution to Rex.

Jerry Jams for Rex II is possible because of the sterling contributions of music, resources and know-how of the participating artists and people involved in the initiative. The Rex Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the generosity of spirit and action of the people involved in creating Jerry Jams for Rex II, as well as to all the people who purchase the compilation. Together, we honor Jerry Garcia and demonstrate the positive power of music and community spirit.

The compilation is available as of November 29th in the following formats:
· MP3, FLAC, and Apple Lossless downloads via www.nugs.net
· iTunes download
· CD only available at www.nugs.net

TRACK DETAILS
1. STS9 – Shakedown Street
(6/3/2011 – Ozark, AR)

2. Railroad Earth – The Wheel
(12/31/2010 – Denver, CO)

3. Chris Robinson Brotherhood – Brown-Eyed Women
(5/26/2011 – San Francisco, CA)

4. Widespread Panic – Fire On The Mountain
(2/10/2011 – Athens, GA)

5. New Monsoon with Steve Kimock and Tim Carbone – Mission In The Rain
(5/13/2006 – San Francisco, CA)

6. Umphrey’s McGee – Crazy Fingers
(9/01/2008 – Boulder, CO)

7. Yonder Mountain String Band – Althea
(7/23/2011 – North Plains, OR)

8. The String Cheese Incident – Deal
(8/06/2004 – Terra Alta, WV)

9. Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers – Standing on the Moon>Halcyon Days
(11/09/2009 – Richmond, VA)

10. Dark Star Orchestra – St. Stephen
(5/09/2011 – Burlington, VT)

11. ALO – They Love Each Other *
(5/28/2006 - Santa Rosa, CA)

* Bonus download only track, not on the CD

ABOUT THE REX FOUNDATION
Furthering what Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead started 27 years ago, the Rex Foundation endeavors to fund grassroots programs that are often under the radar of larger funding entities, yet work in bold, innovative ways to carry out essential work toward a healthy environment, promotion of the arts, protection of indigenous cultures, assisting others less fortunate, building strong communities, and educating children and adults. The Rex Foundation has distributed just about $8.7 million in grants to over 1,000 programs across the U.S. and internationally, while also carrying out fundraising initiatives that foster creativity and positive community connections.

www.rexfoundation.org

Upcoming concerts from Goldenvoice

Scott Weiland

December 7th / El Rey Theatre / Doors: 8pm / $40 / on sale now



Bassrush, Insomniac & Goldenvoice Present

Excision with Liquid Stranger, Lucky Date

February 11th 2012 / Club Nokia / Doors: 10pm / $20, $25, $30, $35, $40 dos / on sale now



On Sale Friday!



2nd show added due to overwhelming demand

M83

January 12th 2012 / Club Nokia / Doors: 8pm / $25, $30 / on sale 12/2 @ 10am



Dr. Dog

February 10th 2012 / The Music Box / Doors: 8pm / $25 / on sale 12/2 @ 10am



Social Distortion with Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, Sharks

February 17th 2012 / Fox Theater Pomona / Doors: 7pm / $35 / on sale 12/2 @ 10am



Die Antwoord

February 24th 2012 / Club Nokia / Doors: 8pm / $23.50 adv, $26 dos / on sale 12/2 @ 10am



Punch Brothers

March 9th 2012 / El Rey Theatre / Doors: 8pm / $22 adv & $25 dos / on sale 12/2 @ 10am



NEEDTOBREATHE with Ben Rector

March 20th 2012 / Club Nokia / Doors: 7pm / $25 adv & $28 dos, $35 VIP / on sale 12/2 @ 10am



Stronger Tour 2012

Kelly Clarkson with Matt Nathanson

April 3rd / Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE / Doors: 7pm / $39.50, $59.50, $79.50 / on sale 12/2 @ 10am



On Sale NEXT Monday!



Jackie Evancho & Symphony Orchestra

February 24th 2012 / Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE / Doors: 7pm / $TBD / on sale 12/5 @ 10am



Added Support



My Kind of Christmas Tour

David Archuleta with Jeff LeBlanc

December 14th / Club Nokia / Doors: 7pm / $29.50-$39.50 adv, $35-$39.50 dos / on sale now



The Jayhawks with Abigail Washburn with Kai Welch

February 2nd / The Music Box / Doors: 8pm / $25 / on sale now

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Jim Henson tribute art exhibit opens Dec. 10 in Alhambra







'The Muppet Christmas Carol' to be screened in Pasadena Dec. 17

Kermit the Frog, Ms.Piggy, Fozzie Bear and the hilarious Muppets are coming to the Playhouse District in the Crowned City! Join our favorite fuzzy friends for a screening of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on Saturday, December 17, 10:30 am at Laemmle Playhouse 7 Theatres, 673 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

The free movie screening is part of the Playhouse District’s annual Merry Merry Movie event that features the free movie screening and holiday concert. The family-friendly event is free and all-ages are welcome.

Following the movie screening there will be a holiday concert by the St. Lucy’s Big Christmas Band at the Vroman’s courtyard. The St. Lucy’s Big Christmas Band is comprised of professional musicians, music teachers, and recording artists who come together once a year to play during the holiday season.

“The Playhouse District Association is anticipating a big crowd which will enjoy a movie, music and lots of merriment. There will be treats and a special guest appearance by Santa Claus,” says Playhouse District Association Executive Director, Erlinda Romo.

The 1992 comedy “The Muppet Christmas Carol” directed by Brian Henson. The Muppet characters make the Dickens classic holiday tale of Ebenezer Scrooge a wonderful delight for all to watch. In addition, local area children’s store Little Junebugs will be hosting a holiday craft table for children to enjoy making one-of-a kind treasures.

We hope that you will join us this holiday season at our 5th annual Merry Merry Movie.

For more information on the Merry Merry Movie visit www.playhousedistrict.org/merrymerrymovie or call 626.744.0340.

Pablo Francisco in Brea Dec. 29-Jan. 1



December 29th – January 1st, the Improv in Brea, CA welcomes back comedian Pablo Francisco. Pablo is one of the most popular touring comedians worldwide. The premiere of his highly anticipated new one hour comedy special “They Put It Out There” made its debut on Comedy Central November 5th. The new special was taped at the Margaret A. Webb Theater in Santa Ana, CA. and follows the enormous success of Pablo’s last stand-up special, “Ouch!” which continues to stay on the networks most requested list.


“They Put It Out There” has its nationwide DVD release on November 22nd. Pablo once again hits his mark, weaving together his one of a kind arsenal of characters, spontaneous outbursts, spot on impressions and clever insights to create a stand-up show that more resembles an hour-long comedic jazz riff.


“They Put It Out There” is an entertaining and off-the-wall performance that delivers the laughs and points out the hilarious absurdities in an illogical, pop-culture obsessed world.

Pablo just returned from his third tour of Australia with stops in five cities and sold out shows in Melbourne and Sydney. Previous to that, Francisco had his second visit to the South African Comedy Festival. Francisco’s amazing global appeal catapulted him to rock star status selling out the world renowned Milky Way in Amsterdam. His phenomenal performance at the Troxy in London, sold over 26,000 tickets during his third 16 city tour of Sweden. Francisco’s international profile continues to soar as his anxious European fans await his return for yet another multi-country tour slated for next year.

Those who experience Pablo’s show for the first time find themselves captivated by his hilarious dead on impressions. Gene Lavanchy of FOX – TV Boston calls Pablo “the most talented comedian in the business today”. His unbelievable ability to physically morph himself into movie stars, singers, friends, family, and a multitude of nationalities gives Pablo’s show a universal charm. His drop-dead funny spoofing often leaves his audiences struggling to catch their breath which is the driving force behind his huge success.

Pablo’s astounding popularity is not limited to the stage. His outrageously funny material and pervasive internet presence has captivated over 10 million YouTube viewers around the world and placed his MySpace comedy page in the Top 3 with 1 million plus video views. Francisco’s worldwide fan base continues to grow with over 111,655 Facebook fans and 13,893 Twitter followers to date.

In addition to his Comedy Central specials & DVD’s “They Put It Out There”, “Ouch” & “Bit and Pieces”, Pablo has appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", Comedy Central’s “The Show Biz Show w/ David Spade” and “Mind of Mencia”. He has also been a cast member on the Fox Network's sketch comedy show "Mad TV,” TBS’s “Frank TV,” and has appeared on Howard Stern’s radio show.


“They Put It Out There” trailer link…

http://postspots.com/d/j/2f0f47d2d0

Check out www.pablofrancisco.com , and http://www.youtube.com/pablofranciscocomedy

Showtimes: Thurs. 8:00PM / Fri. 8:00PM & 10:00PM / Sat. 7:30PM & 10:00PM / Sun. 7:00PM


Tickets: $25, $35, and $65


Call: 714-482-0700 Visit: www.improv.com


The Improv is located at 120 S. Brea Blvd. Brea, CA 92821

Comedy in Whittier Jan. 28



Flogging Molly in Anaheim March 9

www.nederlanderconcerts.com

CITY NATIONAL GROVE OF ANAHEIM



Flogging Molly

ON SALE Fri., Dec. 2 @ 10:00 AM

SHOW DATES Fri., March 9 @ 8:00PM

TICKET PRICES $35.00 / $37.50 (day-of-show)

The Jigsaw Seen record release party Dec. 1 in Silverlake

RECORD RELEASE PARTY: Thursday, December 1 @ Silverlake Lounge with The Jigsaw Seen

SF Weekly remarks that Winterland "encompasses the enchantment and melancholy of the season, yet maintains a nifty timelessness that allows it to be relished before and after," and Buzzbands.la calls it a "brilliant concept album that is more about the season than it is the holiday."

Buzzbands' Kevin Bronson also played a track on his KCSN radio show and the legendary Rodney On the Roq played both "Snow Angels of Pigtown" and "Woman Loves the Season".

The Early November signs with Rise Records

Rise Records is proud to announce the signing of The Early November. The influential New Jersey band is currently locked away at The Living Room Studio in Hammonton, NJ working on their first new record in six years, set to be released in the spring of 2012.



In a joint statement the band says, "We are pleased to announce that after a few years of rest and even longer since last recording, The Early November will be making another record to be released by the fine folks at Rise Records. Our very own Ace Enders will be recording and producing and even in these early stages, we are all incredibly excited and happy. Look for it and much more of The Early November in 2012. From the bottom of our collective heart, thank you all for the support all these years. It's truly overwhelming."



Lead singer and guitarist Enders also had this to say regarding the band’s decision to sign with Rise: “When we decided to make this album we thought really hard about where to release it. Since so much has changed in the music business we were afraid that we wouldn't find a place that allowed us the artistic integrity that our label did in the past. After talking with Rise we were really happy to find that support and excitement from them so we can make the record that we want to make for the long time fans.”



The band has just released a signing video which can be viewed here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7tIAT_swm8.

www.theearlynovembermusic.net

www.facebook.com/earlynovember

www.twitter.com/theearlynov


www.riserecords.com

Red Wanting Blue takes on 'Mr. Grinch'

Red Wanting Blue covers “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” from the 1966 cartoon “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JmTNJcrqIE


“Audition” is the first single from Red Wanting Blue’s upcoming album “From The Vanishing Point”

http://www.fanaticpromotion.com/projects/redwantingblue/mp3/redwantingblue-audition.mp3



Columbus, Ohio’s Red Wanting Blue has recorded a cover version of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” for the holidays. Produced by Jamie Candiloro (REM, Ryan Adams) and recorded at the band’s El Rancho Relaxo studio on November 13th and 14th, the track is a Christmas song originally written and composed for the 1966 Dr. Seuss cartoon special “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” The song was originally performed in the show by Thurl Ravenscroft, the lyrics were written by Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel and the music was composed by Albert Hague.



The “Grinch” cover is a holiday treat from the band to radio, press and its fans as Red Wanting Blue gears up for the release of a new album From The Vanishing Point. The album – the first Red Wanting Blue has recorded for a label – will initially be supported by a two-month tour (see below for dates) bookended by an upcoming appearance this Saturday in Philadelphia at World Café Live with Carbon Leaf and several appearances on the 12th annual voyage of The Rock Boat leaving New Orleans bound for Cozumel, Mexico on March 1st. Red Wanting Blue also returns to its stronghold of Cleveland, Ohio to headline the House of Blues on February 4th.



From The Vanishing Point will be released by Fanatic Records (distributed by EMI/Caroline) on January 10th, 2012. To appease its fans, Red Wanting Blue posted a Soundcloud stream of the album on October 13th which to date has netted over 100,000 track plays. The album’s first single “Audition” is at radio now and will soon be followed by an official music video shot live by eight cameras at a hometown show in Columbus, Ohio in front of nearly 1000 fans.



Red Wanting Blue
From The Vanishing Point
(Fanatic Records – Jan. 10th, 2012)
Track Listing:

01. Stay On The Bright Side

02. Audition

03. White Snow

04. Playlist

05. Love Remains

06. Cocaine

07. Walking Shoes

08. Dinosaur

09. Running of The Bulls

10 Ballad of Nobodies

11. Hope On A Rope

12. Pour It Out

13. My Name Is Death (Bonus Track)

'You and Me' in LA Dec. 5

It's gonna be a night to remember with an amazing revue of songs and theatre, mashups, and medleys all propelled by exquisite piano and sizzling guitar!



Two of Los Angeles most talented vocal performers have arranged a one-time show titled "You and Me", a special evening of fun and entertainment in an intimate setting, filled with high energy musical storytelling and comedy.



The show features Janet Krupin, who plays Kylar in "Bring It On: The Musical", (currently playing at the Ahmanson), and Doug Carpenter, who recently played the bad boy hottie Skip in La Mirada's most recent production "Life Could Be A Dream.".



Krupin and Carpenter are both known in the LA theatre scene for their incredible versatility on stage and for their show-stopping vocals.



Special guests Brett Ryback (piano) and Noah Hunt (guitar) provide accompaniment.



Where: Show At Barre 1714 N. Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90027



When: Monday December 5 Doors at 6:30pm, Show at 8:00pm.



Tickets $15 http://showatbarre.inticketing.com/events/173220

Monday, November 28, 2011

Support local music at Mr. T's Bowl in Highland Park

9pm - Tramp for the Lord

www.facebook.com/pages/Tramp-for-the-Lord/286664931351960?ref=ts



10pm - Twoversusone

www.twoversusone.com



11pm - Modern Radio

www.myspace.com/themodernradio



12 Midnight - M31

www.facebook.com/mthirtyone





Saturday, Dec. 3

9pm - DJ Ethos featuring Kiran Gandhi on Percussion

10pm - Solrising
www.reverbnation.com/solrising

11pm - We the People
www.wethepeopleband.com

12 - DJ C-Note
www.facebook.com/djcnotelive



Mr. T's Bowl

www.mrtsevents.com

http://mrtsbowl.tripod.com

http://prem.calendars.net/mrtsbowl - CALENDAR

Leonard Cohen album to be released

OLD IDEAS, an album by Leonard Cohen, will be released by Columbia Records on January 31, 2012.

The album's ten songs poetically address some of the most profound quandaries of human existence - the relationship to a transcendent being, love, sexuality, loss and death. Arguably the most overtly spiritual of the revered artist's albums, Old Ideas inspires commitment to a greater sense of compassion and decency. Old Ideas is available for preorder now at www.LeonardCohen.com where his song, “Show Me The Place” is also streaming. Fans who pre-order will receive an instant download of the new song.

While the recording of Old Ideas began in earnest in January 2011, many of the new songs and their lyrics have been in the works for years. Early versions of two album tracks, "Amen" and "Lullaby" were originally recorded in 2007, while early versions of “Lullaby” and “ The Darkness” were performed live during Cohen's recently concluded, sold-out world tour.

Fans were given another hint of what to expect when Cohen made remarks as the recipient of the Principe de Asturias Prize for literature in Spain in October.

“As I grew older, I understood that instructions came with this voice. And the instructions were these...Never to lament casually. And if one is to express the great inevitable defeat that awaits us all, it must be done within the strict confines of dignity & beauty."

The album by Leonard Cohen was produced with Patrick Leonard, Anjani Thomas, Ed Sanders and Dino Soldo. Complementing Cohen's signature baritone on Old Ideas are the exceptional vocalists Dana Glover, Sharon Robinson, The Webb Sisters (Hattie and Charley Webb) and Jennifer Warnes. The album's cover design and drawings are Cohen's own.

OLD IDEAS TRACK LISTING:
Going Home
Amen
Show Me The Place
The Darkness
Anyhow
Crazy To Love You
Come Healing
Banjo
Lullaby
Different Sides
Old Ideas will be Cohen's twelfth studio album with Columbia Records since 1967.

The Tumbling Tumbleweeds win best album at WMAs

THE TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS WIN BEST ALBUM AT THE WESTERN MUSIC ASSOCIATION AWARDS



Western Music group from Sierra Madre, CA., The Tumbling Tumbleweeds, Win Best Traditional Album by a Group Award at the Western Music Association Awards in Albuquerque, NM.



The Western Music Association announced the winners of their 2011 WMA Awards this past Saturday including one win for local Western Music stars, The Tumbling Tumbleweeds. The honor bestowed on the group was TRADITIONAL WESTERN ALBUM BY A DUO OR GROUP for their album, Blaze Across the West.



Band members, TUMBLEWEED ROB WOLFSKILL, BIG CADE PARENTI, CHRIS ACUFF, BABYFACE R.J. MILLS, DAN DUNGAN and JESSE OLEMA attended the Western Music Association Awards Show ceremony held at the historic KiMo Theater in Albuquerque, N.M. this past Saturday, November 19, 2011 in eager anticipation. The award for Best Album was presented by Colorado radio host and previous WMA Award winner, BARB RICHART.

Upon accepting their award, Band Leader ROB WOLFSKILL said, "I am so grateful to the brilliant gentlemen standing up here with me who have been my brothers for the past seven years and we would like to thank the amazing guest artists who lent their talents on this album. The brilliant Miss JEAN SUDBURY on fiddle, our good friend and equally amazing RIC STEINKE OF OPEN RANGE on Steel Guitar, the incredible GARY ALLEGRETTO on harmonica and OTONO LUJAN on accordion!"

Rob went on to say, "We worked on this album for a year. It was truly a labor of love with five of our original tunes on it so it means more than we can ever put into words to receive this incredible honor for our work. Thank you so very much!"


Blaze Across the West, released in October of 2010 hit #2 in its first appearance on the Top Twenty Cowboy / Western Music CDs' chart in The Western Way Magazine and also received glimmering reviews from music critics in publications such as American Cowboy Magazine, The Western Way Magazine, Big Sky Journal and even French music magazine, Cri Du Coyote. One of their original songs on Blaze Across the West and anthem to their home state aptly named, “California” also hit #1 on the Top Ten Western Songs chart in Rope Burns Magazine!”



This was The Tumbling Tumbleweeds' fourth nomination by the WMA and their third win. They also won top honors from the Academy of Western Artists for Western Music Group of the Year in 2008. They were nominated again last year for the 2010 Western Music Association Outstanding Entertainer-Group Award.



Blaze Across the West is available on CD at The Tumbling Tumbleweeds’ official website, www.thetumblingtumbleweeds.com , www.Amazon.com , www.CDBaby.com , and is also available via digital download on iTunes and at CDBaby.com.

PBS SoCal holiday music Dec. 4, 5 & 7

Sunday, Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m. – “Straight No Chaser- Songs of the Decades: Holiday Edition” – PREMIERE

Bask in the sounds of 10-member a capella group Straight No Chaser as they perform a myriad of holiday favorites at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City.



Sunday, Dec. 4, 9:30 p.m. – “Santana- Live at Montreux” – PREMIERE

This performance documentary features Grammy® award-winning artist Santana as he delivers a live show at the Montreux Jazz Festival.



Monday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. – “Victor Borge: Comedy in Music” – PREMIERE

Viewers reminisce in the greatest skits of the late comedian and musician Victor Borge.



Wednesday, Dec. 7, 9:30 p.m. – “Human Nature Sings Motown with Special Guest Smokey Robinson” – PREMIERE

This musical program showcases Australian pop group Human Nature, as they perform Motown classics along with the acclaimed R&B icon Smokey Robinson.


www.pbssocal.org

Fine Art Boutique in South Pasadena Dec. 3



I See Hawks in LA in Culver City Dec. 2

I See Hawks In L.A. at the Cinema Bar


Friday December 2, 10 p.m.
http://thecinemabar.com
3967 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City 902030


Opening and sitting in are good friends Richie
Lawrence and Katie Thomas.
http://www.richielawrence.com/


Free!


The Hawks release their new all acoustic "New Kind Of Lonely," in
February!

Holiday art sale in Pasadena Dec. 4-11

Offramp Gallery is pleased to announce its second annual holiday art sale, ArtZone 2011, from December 4-11, 2011. There will be an opening reception on Sunday, December 4 from 2-5pm with live music by the Julie Miwa Quartet (jazz) and a closing reception on Sunday, December 11 from 2-5pm. All work will be priced at $1000 or less.

Participating artists include:

Lisa Adams, Quinton Bemiller, Elaine Carhartt, Chuck Feesago, James Griffith, D. Jean Hester, Myron Kaufman, Bianca Kolonusz-Partee, Nicholette Kominos, Megan Madzoeff, Jayme Odgers, Francesco Siquieros, Susan Sironi, Jamie Sweetman, Theodore Svenningsen, Devon Tsuno, Megann Zwierlein

Offramp Gallery = 1702 Lincoln Avenue = Pasadena, CA 91103 = 626.298.6931

My Ticket Home to release album and tour

Columbus, OH hardcore act My Ticket Home will follow up 2010’s The Opportunity To Be EP with their debut LP, To Create A Cure. The 11 track album was produced by Caleb Shomo of Attack Attack! and will be released January 31st 2012 on Rise Records. The band will embark on the A New Breed Tour with Casino Madrid and That’s Outrageous! on December 9th in Norman, OK.



My Ticket Home - To Create A Cure

Release Date: January 31st

Rise Records



Track listing:



1. A New Breed

2. Who Is 67?

3. Atlas

4. The Truth Changes If We Both Lie

5. Beyond

6. Motion Sickness

7. A Thief Of One, A Thief Of Many

8. Awake : Create

9. The Dream Code

10. Dark Days

11. Fear Complex



My Ticket Home Upcoming Tour Dates:



12/09/2011 NORMAN, OK at The Hidden Castle

12/10/2011 TYLER, TX at The Attic

12/11/2011 TUPELO, MS at Goodtime Charlies

12/12/2011 NASHVILLE, TN at Rocketown

12/14/2011 DOUGLASVILLE, GA at The 7 Venue

12/15/2011 BRUNSWICK, GA at Port City Music Hall

12/16/2011 TAMPA, FL at Transistions

12/17/2011 TALLAHASSEE, FL at The Engine Room

12/18/2011 POMPANO BEACH, FL at Sound Studios

1/27/2012 COLUMBUS, OH at The Basement

1/28/2012 WARREN, MI at The Ritz

1/29/2012 JOLIET, IL at Mojoes of Joliet

1/31/2012 DENVER, CO at Marquis Theater

2/1/2012 OGDEN, UT at Mojos Gallery

2/2/2012 Tempe, AZ at The Underground

2/3/2012 Anaheim, CA at Chain Reaction

2/4/2012 SAN DIEGO, CA at Epicentre

2/7/2012 SAN ANTONIO, TX at The Ten Eleven

2/8/2012 HOUSTON, TX at Cain’s Ashes

2/10/2012 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK at Conservatory

2/11/2012 ST LOUIS, MO at Fubar

2/12/2012 EVANSVILLE, IN at Boney June’s

2/13/2012 NASHVILLE, TN at The Rutledge

2/14/2011 ATLANTA, GA at The Masquerade

2/16/2012 ORLANDO, FL at The Social

2/17/2012 TAMPA, FL at Transitions Art Gallery

2/18/2012 WEST PALM BEACH, FL at The Pit

2/19/2012 JACKSONVILLE, FL at The Pit

2/20/2012 GREENSBORO, NC at Greene Street

2/21/2012 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA at Shaka’s

2/22/2012 RICHMOND, VA at Kingdom

2/23/2012 PHILADELPHIA, PA at The Barbary

2/24/2012 WHITEHALL, PA at Planet Trog

2/25/2012 DANBURY, CT at Streets at Tuxedo Junction

2/26/2012 POUGHKEEPSIE, NY at The Chance Theater

2/27/2011 PROVIDENCE, RI at Firehouse 13


www.facebook.com/mytickethome

www.riserecords.com

Secrets to release album

Secrets

Launch Pre Order For

Velocity/Rise Records Debut The Ascent

Available Everywhere January 17, 2012


San Diego, CA post-hardcore five-piece SECRETS have unveiled the first single (“The Heartless Part”) off their upcoming Velocity/Rise Records debut full length, The Ascent, which was produced by Tom Denney (formerly of A Day To Remember).



The new album, The Ascent is now available for pre-order at: www.riserecords.merchnow.com

Having formed less than 1 year ago, SECRETS have already made an impact as one of the most promising up and coming acts in the scene. Armed with irresistibly catchy choruses, soaring vocals, and mercilessly dynamic breakdowns, SECRETS is preparing to tour heavily in support of the new release this fall.



The Ascent Track List:



1. Genesis

2. The Oath

3. Somewhere in Hiding

4. The Heartless Part

5. 40 Below

6. Melodies

7. The Best You Can't Be

8. Blindside

9. The Hardest Part

10. You Look Good In Plastic

11. The Ascent



SECRETS is:



Xander Bourgeois // Vocals

Richard Rogers // Vocals, Guitar

Michael Sherman // Guitar

Marc Koch // Bass

Joe English // Drums


www.secretsofficial.com



www.facebook.com/secretsofficial



www.velocityrecords.com



www.riserecords.com



For interviews, ticket requests, more information:

Upcoming concerts from Goldenvoice

On Sale Now!



Bassrush, Insomniac, Goldenvoice & LA Beatdown present

Nero

December 22nd (18+) & 23rd (21+) / The Music Box / Doors: 9pm / $30 / on sale now



Mat Kearney

February 23rd 2012 / The Music Box / Doors: 8pm / $25 / on sale now



On Sale Tuesday!



Morrissey with Kristeen Young

November 23rd / The Music Box / Doors: 6pm / $75 / on sale Tuesday at NOON from the Music Box box office ONLY



On Sale Wednesday!



Latino 96.3 FM Presents

Calibash 2012 with Wisin & Yandel

January 24th 2012 / STAPLES Center / Doors: 7pm / $12, $35, $60, $80, $95, $125 / on sale 11/23 @ 10am



Added Support



Modestep with Jam3s K3nn3dy, Dumbsteppaz

December 10th / The Music Box / Doors: 8pm / $22 adv & $25 dos / on sale now



Double Tee Concerts & Soul'd Out Productions Present

Black Star (Mos Def & Talib Kweli) with Orgone

December 15th / Club Nokia / Doors: 8pm / $38.75, $42, $50 / on sale now



Oh Land with k.flay

December 16th / El Rey Theatre / Doors: 8pm / $17 / on sale now



Meshell Ndegeocello with Jahi Sundance

January 6th / El Rey Theatre / Doors: 8pm / $25 / on sale now



Augustana with Graffiti6

January 18th / El Rey Theatre / Doors: 8pm / $20 / on sale now



Martin Sexton with Adam Gontier (solo)

February 3rd / El Rey Theatre / Doors: 7:30pm / $25 adv & $27 dos / on sale now



Rescheduled



Ra Ra Riot

February 22nd / El Rey Theatre / Doors: 7pm / $20 / on sale now & all previously purchased tickets for 11/10 show will be honored or refunds at point of purchase



Date Correction



Slightly Stoopid

January 12th 14th 2012 / Fox Theater Pomona / Doors: 7:30pm / $25 adv & $30 dos / on sale now

Gay Men's Chorus of LA holiday shows Dec. 17 & 18

Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles – “Naughty & Nice”
E. Jason Armstrong, Artistic Director
Melissa Manchester, Special Guest

DATE/TIME:
“Community Prelude” – fully staged dress rehearsal (no guest star)
Saturday, December 17, 3 pm
General Seating: $15

Fully Staged Shows with Melissa Manchester
Saturday, December 17, 2011 8 PM
and
Sunday, December 18, 2011, 3 PM
Tickets: $15 - $55

VENUE:
Alex Theatre
216 N. Brand Avenue
Glendale, CA 91206

TICKETS:
available online at www.gmcla.org

INFORMATION:
800-MEN-SING (800-636-7464)

PROGRAM
You're Home For the Holidays Scott Henderson
Melodies of Christmas arr. Michael Alfera
Cradle in Bethlehem Melissa Manchester
Various Themes on "Fa-La-La" arr. Chuck Bridwell
I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm Irving Berlin, arr. Bill Bowersock
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Fred J. Coots, arr. Richard Carpenter
Chanukah Suite Jason Robert Brown
Hanukah In Santa Monica arr. Bill Bowersock
The Sleigh (À la Russe) Richard Kountz and Ivor Tchervanow, arr. Ralph Baldwin
Whenever I Call You Friend Kenny Loggins and Melissa Manchester
Christmas This Year arr. Michael Alfera
Caroling, Caroling/Christmas Bells Alfred Shaddick Burt and Wihla Hutson, arr. Bobby Buchanan
The Bells Mykola Leontovych, arr. Benjamin Sagan
Mr. Grinch Albert Hague, arr. David Volk
Bells, Bells, Bells! arr. Kevin Robison
Chant and Morning Hymns arr. Bobby Buchanan
Malibu Monks (Messiah)
A Mother's Prayer Carole Bayer Sager and David Foster
Song For Christmas arr. Danny Ray
Joyful, Joyful Ludwig Van Beethoven, arr. Shane Sorenson (from Sister Act)
We Wish You a Merry Christmas arr. Shane Sorenson


Program/artists subject to change.

Concrete Blonde helps Rock School Scholarship Fund



Concrete Blonde made a rare, surprise appearance, billed as Johnette Napolitano, at Soundbite Studios in Los Angeles to help raise funds for the Rock School Scholarship Fund (http://www.rockschoolfund.org/ ), a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides tuition and instruments to kids seven - 17 who want to attend any rock music school in the country, but whose parents do not have the financial means.



Johnette played many of her hits including “Joey”, “Caroline”, “Ghost of a Texas Ladies’ Man” "God Is A Bullet" and "Everybody Knows." Rock school bands The Kingstons and Blacktop Saints also took to the stage for sets before and after Johnette.



Johnette also donated an original work of art that sold during a silent auction. Additional items included a drumhead from R.E.M. that was autographed in 1999 during their stay at Royaltone Studios in North Hollywood as they recorded the soundtrack for the motion picture "Man On The Moon" starring Jim Carrey (Visit eBay to bid on this item), a guitar signed by Jay Leno, Tom Morello and Ben Harper, a Danelectro Bass donated by Patrick Matera (Katy Perry) and a private guitar lesson with new music artist Erica Chase who also attended the event.



“I started the fund two years ago with Carl Restivo while we were running the School of Rock in Hollywood,” said Wendy Winks, Executive Director of the Rock School Scholarship Fund. “While we were there, we saw what a huge difference music makes in the lives of so many kids. Fundraisers like the one last night not only help the kids, but they help build a community spirit of giving among all the parents and the kids who participate. Instilling the value of collaboration and giving is one of the qualities that I love about the rock school music program.”



The scholarship fund is also planning another fundraiser for February.




About the Rock School Scholarship Fund

http://www.rockschoolfund.org/


The Rock School Scholarship Fund (RSSF) is the first 501(c)3 non-profit that provides scholarship funds and instruments for children ages 7 to 17 years of age who want to attend any rock music school in the USA. The Fund provides instruments and scholarship funding to cover tuition expenses based on a student’s financial need combined with their desire to actively and passionately participate in a rock school program. If a student wants to attend a rock school but his or her parents cannot afford full tuition, they may apply for a scholarship based on financial need.

Border Radio in Altadena Dec. 2

Southern California Americana band, Border Radio, will be in concert at Coffee Gallery Backstage on


Friday, December 2, 2011, at 8 p.m.



Border Radio has been a staple on the Los Angeles area roots folk music scene. Kelly McCune, songwriter


and lead singer for the band describes their music as "dustbowl swing and heartbreak -- it's music that will


have you up on your feet when you're not cryin' in your beer." McCune's voice has been compared to both


Patsy Cline and Iris Dement.



McCune’s songwriting earned her a spot in the highly regarded Kerrville, TX Folk Festival’s


New Folk Competition. The band has also performed in Austin, TX at the SxSW Music Festival.


They will be performing in January at the Florence Winter Folk Festival in Florence, Oregon.


They have 4 CDs, a new one in the works, and have been on Americana, bluegrass, and folk stations


across the country.



This year they have invited Almost Kin to join them for their holiday kick-off concert at the


Coffee Gallery. Michael Fleming (formerly of the well-known cowboy band, New West) and


members of the popular L.A. band Scambooty make up Almost Kin.



Border Radio is McCune on lead vocals and guitar, Mike Stromberg on guitar, dobro,

resonator, and vocals, John Lambdin on fiddle and mandolin, and Robert Staron on the

upright bass.



Border Radio plays at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, Friday, December 2 at 8 p.m., 2027 N.


Lake Ave., Altadena, CA 91001. Tickets are $18, and can be reserved in advance by calling


(626) 798-6236. The Coffee Gallery's website is http://www.coffeegallery.com and Border

Radio's website is http://www.border-radio.com.

Madeline added to Riot Act roster



I am very very very excited to announce that Riot Act has added Madeline to our roster of artists! She's releasing a truly gorgeous B-Sides album on January 3rd, which is available for order now through her label, This Will Be Our Summer.



Madeline Adams has been performing simply as Madeline for the last decade. As a teenager she relocated from her hometown of Athens, Georgia to Bloomington, Indiana to work with the punk label Plan-It-X Records (Japanther, Against Me, Defiance, Ohio). After a few years and many punk tours Madeline moved back home to work with Orange Twin Records releasing several albums in collaboration with Phosphorescent, the Athens based Elephant 6 Collective (Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control, Nana Grizol), Phil Elverum (Mt. Eerie), Karl Blau (The Microphones) and her own Black Velvet Band.

When Madeline Adams first started playing shows around Athens, Georgia, no one could ever remember her last name, so she just stuck with Madeline for the name of her band, which she refers to as a 4-piece rock band with a twist.

B-Sides, Madeline’s latest release, is a collection of favorites, rarities, and previously unreleased songs left off of her first album, Black Velvet. Heart achingly gorgeous, melodic, strong, hopeful, and yearning – B-Sides is a first aid tackle box for anything that’s ailing you or giving you the good griefs.

Paul Rodgers wins Songwriting Award

The American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP) proudly presented the 2010 Songwriting Award in recognition of the hit song "Bad Company" to Paul Rodgers. The song hit #1 on the charts this past year when Five Finger Death Punch recorded and released their version of the timeless hit. When Rodgers wrote the song he was the first to write a self-titled song, where a band's name was also the title of a composition. Other acts to follow Rodgers concept include Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Motorhead. The award was given out in London on November 2nd, and was accepted by Rodgers son, musician Steve Rodgers. The iconic Rodgers was in New York City due to a prior commitment to appear with Joe Bonamassa at the Beacon Theater back-to-back nights.

Rodgers will be the featured guest on an upcoming episode of VH1 Classic's That Metal Show, set to air on January 14, 2012 at 11PM. This is his first television appearance since appearing on the national program Canada AM the morning of September 6th prior to embarking on his first major Canadian tour in several years. Rodgers' also recently became a dual citizen of Canada and the United Kingdom, and will kick off his limited 2012 tour dates March 17 at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam, British Columbia Canada.

The Grammy nominated, multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter & self-taught instrumentalist has written, recorded, produced and released over 30 albums since 1968 and has sold over 90 million records. Rodgers formed and led three separate bands to worldwide success: Free, Bad Company & The Firm and recently fronted Queen and toured as Queen + Paul Rodgers. Always looking forward, Rodgers has begun work on a solo studio record earmarked for the new year. He shared, "In 2012, I'll be focused on writing and recording so I'll only play a few select shows, and I may well include a new song or two just to play them in before they are recorded. This is something I like to do because playing live gives me a somewhat different perspective on the dynamics of the song."

Over the years Rodgers has recorded/performed with a who's who of rock including: Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Brian May, Buddy Guy, Joe Walsh, Slash, Nils Lofgren, Charlie Watts, Bryan Adams, Motown's Sam Moore and The Four Tops to name just a select few.

http://www.paulrodgers.com/

Paul Weller to release new album

Enjoying a constant critical high and a never ending creative peak, Paul Weller continues to push the boundaries with his forthcoming new album Sonik Kicks, scheduled for release on March 27th 2012 on Yep Roc Records. The album is the follow up to the Mercury Prize Award nominated Wake Up The Nation and is also Paul’s eleventh solo album. Once again, it's his best yet.

For fans eager to hear a taste of what’s to come, RollingStone.com will be previewing the first single “Around The Lake” beginning today. The song will also be available for purchase on iTunes beginning next week.

Sonik Kicks features fourteen brand new tracks: “Green,” “The Attic,” “Kling I Klang,” “Sleep of the Serene,” “By the Waters,” “That Dangerous Age,” “Study in Blue,” “Dragonfly,” “When Your Garden’s Overgrown,” “Around The Lake,” “Twilight,” “Drifters,” “Paperchase,” and “Be Happy Children.” Both Noel Gallagher and Graham Coxon appear as special guests on the album.

Since Weller isn’t one to wait 20 years to be invited to perform his “classic” album, he has decided to do so now. Sonik Knicks will be performed in full at The Roundhouse in London, England on March 18th & 19th. Tickets go on sale 9AM on Friday Nov 25th. US shows are in the works for Weller and will be announced at a later date.

2012 will also mark two important anniversaries for Paul Weller. In 1977 (35 years ago) The Jam burst on to the music scene with their debut album In The City, which without question was one of the most important punk albums to ever be released. Since then Weller consistently changed and evolved his sound through his work with The Style Council and as a solo artist. It was 20 years ago in 1992 when Weller released his self-titled first ever solo album.

With Sonik Kicks Paul Weller once again shakes up his palate and stirs his influences anew. He mixes pop art punch with soulful communication; jazzy explorations into psychedelia and dub with razor-sharp melodies and abstract soundscapes with clear-eyed forest-folk.

Student runway show at Art Center Dec. 9

ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN

UNUSUAL “RUNWAY” SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

STUDENT CREATIVITY IN APPAREL DESIGN



INSTRUCTOR: JUSTINE LIMPUS PARISH



Friday, December 9, 2011

8 - 9 PM – Ahmanson Auditorium

Hillside Campus, Pasadena CA



PLUS

Costume Design Illustrations for “The Magic Flute”



The event is FREE and open to the public

For directions and general information, visit http://www.artcenter.edu.



The annual “Design Runway” show, on December 9, 2011 at 8 pm, highlights the many ways industrial design and visual art students express themselves through Apparel Design. “This is a runway show unlike any other,” said fashion designer, illustrator, art director, writer and associate professor Justine Parish. “Apparel Design at Art Center is less about fashion than it is an outlet for students from all departments to explore a new medium for their creativity. As a result we have Product Design students creating performance sportswear for space travel, Illustration students creating jewelry, Transportation Design students creating high fashion shoes, and everything in between.”



The Design Runway Show will take place at Art Center’s Ahmanson Auditorium,

located at the College’s Hillside Campus, 1700 Lida Street in Pasadena, California, from 8:00 to 9:00 PM.


For more information please contact Ms. Parish at justine.parish@artcenter.edu

Arboretum to offer organic fruit & veggie class Dec. 3

Mark this class on your calendar! Bring your questions! Jill M will also give you great information on how to prune your fruit trees so don’t miss this one!

Organic Fruit & Vegetable Gardening

Saturday, December 3

12noon - 4pm

in the Bamboo Room

Jill Morganelli, Instructor and Horticultural Supervisor

$25 members / $28 non-members per class

Please call 626.821.4623 to register or you may pay at the door; no entrance fee when you are registered for a class.



Learn how to grow fruits and vegetables organically in your home garden! You’ll be saving money at the grocery store while contributing to the healthy lifestyle of your family by reaping the nutritional benefits of eating fresh-grown produce. Vegetable gardens enhance the appearance of any yard and provide a fun activity for all ages. This class focuses on seasonal production and covers the following topics:



December 3: The National Organic Program, Winter Crops and Companion Planting, Winter Weeds and Insects, Winter Disease ID, Treatment and Prevention, Irrigation, Soil Building, Composting and Worm Bins, Pruning Fruit Trees, and how to Gopher-proof Your Planting Bed!


Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

301 North Baldwin Avenue

Arcadia, CA 91007-2697

Phone: 626.821.4624

www.arboretum.org

Beethoven concert Dec. 15 in Altadena

A Beethoven Birthday concert will be presented by members of the Tuesday Musicale of Pasadena on Thursday, December 15 at 7:30 pm, at Altadena Baptist Church, 791 E Calaveras St, Altadena. There is no admission charge, but a free-will offering will be accepted, and donations of canned or packaged food items for the local food bank would be greatly appreciated. For information, contact Barbara Ebert at 626-398-0658 or by e-mail at he91001@aol.com.

Grammy Hall of Fame additions named

Continuing the tradition of preserving and celebrating great recordings, The Recording Academy® announces the newest additions to its legendary GRAMMY Hall Of Fame® collection. Highlighting diversity and musical excellence, the collection acknowledges both singles and album recordings of all genres at least 25 years old that exhibit qualitative or historical significance. Through a tradition established nearly 40 years ago, recordings are reviewed annually by a special member committee comprising of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts, with final approval by The Recording Academy's National Board of Trustees. With 25 new titles, the list currently totals 906 and is displayed at the GRAMMY Museum®.



"The Recording Academy is dedicated to celebrating a wide variety of great music and sound through the decades," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "We are especially honored to welcome this year's selection of some of the most influential recordings of the last century. Marked by both cultural and historical significance, these works truly have influenced and inspired audiences for generations, and we are thrilled to induct them into our growing catalog of outstanding recordings."



Representing a great variety of tracks and albums, the 2012 GRAMMY Hall of Fame inductees range from Bruce Springsteen's Born In The U.S.A. album to civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech from his historic 1963 address at the March on Washington. Also on the highly regarded list are Cole Porter's "Anything Goes," the Rolling Stones' album Exile On Main St., Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five's single "The Message," Bill Cosby's comedy album I Started Out As A Child, the Original Broadway Cast recording of "St. Louis Woman," and Tina Turner's "What's Love Got To Do With It." Others inductees include the entire Anthology Of American Folk Music, Gene Autry, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Doris Day, the Serge Koussevitzky-conducted Boston Symphony Orchestra, Los Panchos, Santana, and Paul Simon, among others.



For more information about the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame or the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (to be broadcast live on Feb. 12, 2012, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network), please visit www.grammy.com. For updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys , and www.facebook.com/thegrammys.



For a complete list of GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inductees, please go to:

www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame


2012 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Inductees


ANTHOLOGY OF AMERICAN

FOLK MUSIC
Various Artists
Folkways (1952)
Folk (Album)



"ANYTHING GOES"
Cole Porter

(Cole Porter)
His Master's Voice (1934)
Pop (Single)



BORN IN THE U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Columbia (1984)
Rock (Album)



"DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS"
Gene Autry
(June Hershey & Don Swander)

Decca (1942)
Country (Single)



DÉJÀ VU
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Atlantic (1970)
Rock (Album)



EXILE ON MAIN ST.

The Rolling Stones

Rolling Stones/Atlantic (1972)

Rock (Album)



"FIXIN' TO DIE"

Bukka White

(Bukka White)

Okeh (1940)

Blues (Single)


FOGGY MOUNTAIN JAMBOREE

Lester Flatt And Earl Scruggs

Columbia (1957)
Bluegrass (Album)



GRACELAND

Paul Simon

Warner Bros. (1986)
Pop (Album)



HERB ALPERT PRESENTS SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL '66

Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66
A&M (1966)
Pop (Album)



"HOW LONG, HOW LONG BLUES"

Leroy Carr

(Leroy Carr)

Vocalion (1928)

Blues (Single)



"I HAVE A DREAM"

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Freedom March On Washington

20th Century Fox (1963)
Spoken Word (Track)


I STARTED OUT AS A CHILD

Bill Cosby

Warner Bros. (1964)
Comedy (Album)



"I WILL SURVIVE"

Gloria Gaynor

(Freddie Perren & Dino Fekaris)
Polydor (1978)
Disco (Single)



"KASSIE JONES"

Furry Lewis

(Walter "Furry" Lewis)
Victor (1928)
Blues (Single)



"KEY TO THE HIGHWAY"

Big Bill Broonzy
(Big Bill Broonzy & Charles Segar)

Okeh (1941)
Blues (Single)



"THE MESSAGE"

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five

Featuring Melle Mel And Duke Bootee

(Jiggs Chase, Melvin Glover, Sylvia Robinson & Edward Fletcher)
Sugar Hill (1982)

Rap (Single)



MEXICANTOS

Los Panchos

Coda (1945)
Latin (Album)



"PRECIOUS LORD, TAKE MY HAND"

Mahalia Jackson

(Thomas A. Dorsey)
Columbia (1956)
Gospel (Single)



"QUE SERA, SERA (WHATEVER WILL BE, WILL BE)"
Doris Day
(Jay Livingston & Ray Evans)

Columbia (1956)

Pop (Single)



ROY HARRIS SYMPHONY NO. 3

Serge Koussevitzky, cond.
Boston Symphony Orchestra

RCA Victor (1940)
Classical (Album)



SANTANA

Santana

Columbia (1969)
Rock (Album)



ST. LOUIS WOMAN

Original Broadway Cast

Capitol (1946)

Musical Show (Album)



"WASTED DAYS AND WASTED NIGHTS"

Freddy Fender

(Freddy Fender & Wayne Duncan)

ABC-Dot (1975)

Country (Single)



"WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT"

Tina Turner
(Terry Britten & Graham Lyle)

Capitol (1984)

Pop (Single)

The English Beat in Anaheim Dec. 2 and Malibu Dec. 3

This isn’t just any ska band, English Beat is THE ska band! They’re one of the earliest and most important ska revivalist groups. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of their debut I Just Can't Stop It. Their irresistible blend of ska, punk, and reggae has made them undeniable stars. A few of their chart-topping hits include: “Save It For Later”, “Mirror in the Bathroom”, “I Confess”, and of course General Public’s “Tenderness”.


12.02.11 - FRIDAY
House Of Blues
1530 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
714.778.2583
All Ages Doors: 8pm Admission: $17.50 ADV $13.15 4-pack $40 Res 1 $30 Res 2
Opening Bands: The Originalities, Beat Fusion



12.03.11 - SATURDAY
Malibu Inn
22969 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
310.456.6060
18+ Doors: 8pm Admission: $20 ADV $25 DOS

'Claremont Modern' exhibit open through Dec. 18

Claremont Modern: The Fiesta Artists of Padua Hills 1953-1959
One of a series of exhibitions produced by the Claremont Museum of
Art and Claremont Heritage, Claremont Modern: The Fiesta Artists of
Padua Hills 1953-1959 celebrates the artists and craftsmen of
Claremont's first art festival with historical material and work by
thirty-five artists.

Saturdays and Sundays noon-5pm through December 18
Ginger Elliot Exhibition Center, 840 N. Indian Hill Boulevard,
Claremont
The exhibition is free and open to the public

Inspired by Getty's Pacific Standard Time celebration, Claremont
Modern is a series of exhibitions that focus on the artistic vibrancy
of Claremont at mid-century. Many of the artists who studied and
lived here in the 1950-60s produced outstanding work that impacted
the Modernism movement.

First held in 1953, the Padua Hills Art Fiesta was organized by local
artists to bring art into the community. The studio art movement that
flourished here in the 1950s centered on the use of natural materials
and traditional sensibilities - watercolor, pottery, woodworking,
sculpture in stone, bronze and ceramic, mosaic, textiles as well as
painting. Visitors came from miles around to meet the artists and
watch "art in action" at the popular festival.

The exhibition will feature work by many of Claremont's well-known
artists: Karl Benjamin, Paul Darrow, Betty Davenport Ford, James
Hueter, Doug McClellan, Harrison McIntosh, James Strombotne, John
Svenson and Jack Zajac. The exhibition includes a series of recent
photographic portraits of these Fiesta artists by Sioux Bally-Maloof.
Other 1950s artists are represented such as Paul Coates, Rupert
Deese, Phil and Betty Dike, Diane Divelbess, Carl & Sue Hertel, Roger
Kuntz, Sam Maloof, Walter Mix, Hildred Reents, Millard Sheets, Albert
and Marion Stewart, Sylvia Pauloo-Taylor, Ed Traynor, Melvin Wood,
Robert E. Wood and Milford Zornes.

The exhibition is accompanied by a booklet funded by the Claremont
Community Foundation and available for $5.

'Scarlet Stone' at UCLA Dec. 10 and 11

Scarlet Stone is a new multidisciplinary and collaborative music/dance/video work told in the language of dance-theatre to be performed:

Los Angeles

Freud Playhouse, UCLA

Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 8pm

Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 7pm

presented by Persian Arts Society

Tickets $75, $55, $45



This epic piece is based on the last work of Siavash Kasrai, Moher-ye Sorkh (Scarlet Stone) which re-tells the most famous tragedy of Iranian mythology, namely Rostam and Sohrab. The production uses the modern rendition of Ferdowsi’s ancient mythology to portray the current struggle of the people of Iran, especially those of the youth and women, in their brave quest for freedom and democracy. The goal is to make this project directly relevant to the current political and social climate of Iran and the Middle East in general. Scarlet Stone emphasizes the value of wisdom over infatuation and brings to our attention the need for all Iranians to take responsibility for the cultural, social, and political development of the country in the past 60 years.

UCSD’s professor, director/composer- Shahrokh Yadegari in collaboration with French-Iranian choreographer/dancer Shahrokh Moshkin Ghalam (also starring as Sohrab) have gathered some of the best performing talents of the Iranian diaspora to include Afshin Mofid- former NY ballet star (as Rostam), Ida Saki- young rising star dancer (Gordafarid -Sohrab’s lover), Miriam Peretz- Bay Area-based acclaimed dancer (Tahmineh-Sohrab’s mother) and Fatemeh Habibizad, the first female Iranian Naqqal - (Epic Story Teller, Ferdowsi) for this production. Advanced interactive video designed by Ian Wallace, and stunning lighting by Omar Ramos and Kristin Hayes define the world of the story.



Similar to the artistic form of Kasrai’s poem, Scarlet Stone is staged with modern aesthetics and a deep commitment to the traditional and ancient values of Persian arts. Advanced interactive technology is used for production and projection/diffusion of video and sound, which will help the integration of the multiple disciplines used in this project. With a critical view, Scarlet Stone offers strength as well as hope. One can argue that much of what is addressed in Scarlet Stone, both in terms of societal problems and solutions are alive in the current social and political movements in Iran. For many years, the only option for defining a structural basis for a social or political movement was either leaning towards the left or the right. Kasrai, having come from the leftist tradition and having been the victim of the disillusionments which followed the left movement in Iran, proudly writes a hopeful poem for facing the problems which have plagued our times. We feel the current movements in Iran (and the Middle East in general), where all sections of people have come together to voice their desire for peaceful reform and freedom, are a living example of this approach.





Yadegari says: “our goal is to produce Scarlet Stone in a way for it to become a catalyst for communication among Iranians, Iranian diaspora, and all those interested and invested in the evolution of the political and social life in the region. The production employs artists of highest caliber and uses exquisite interactive design technology to tell the touching and sobering story of Siavash Kasrai, in which he praises wise and passionate commitment to global human values as a beckon of hope for the current sociopolitical climate of Iran. We believe that the recent movements in Iran and later around the world, are fundamentally new forms of peaceful approach to political dissent, where actions are not fed by partisan politics, but by grass root social necessities.” Moshkin-Ghalam believes “today's generation of the youth and women in Iran are the generation of the `Shorabs and Tahminehs’, who bravely, passionately, and peacefully have been struggling against oppression. The non-violent resistances of Iranian people after the 2009 election in Iran is an excellent example of the committed, thoughtful, and intelligent political activism which Kasrai has depicted for us.”



Scarlet Stone has been in production since the 2009 uprising in Iran and has been generously funded by prestigious grants such as the the MAP Fund, a program of Creative Capital supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, the University of California Research in the Arts Institute’s Production Grant, UCSD’s Arts and Humanities Innovation Fund, and by a grant from Chehrazad Foundation.



For more information about this production, please refer to the website at www.scarletstone.com.

Boom Kat Dance Theatre's "Stations" now playing in Santa Monia

Boom Kat Dance Theatre opens their new show "STATIONS: A Los Angeles Holiday Story," at the Miles Playhouse in Santa Monica November 26. STATIONS is a witty, tender-hearted, and engrossing, modern-day story about the shared humanity of people in crisis during the holidays.

STATIONS give new meaning to the holiday season (story scene summary provided below). Here is a remarkable performance that takes musical theatre and dance into artistic realms and creative dimensions previously unexplored.


The story is unique and original. The acting showcases some of the finest talent in Los Angeles. The dancing is high energy and dazzling. The music is exquisite and the sound design is intricate and innovative. Boom Kat Dance Theatre embraces and explores the potentials of theatre-in-the-round with engaging stories of people and the joys of the Los Angeles Public Transit System, set to dance.

STATIONS juggles the struggle of a new family with the stories of an overworked Santa, an unappreciated pastry chef, a basketball hotshot and other characters racing to keep up in the sprawling city.


Featuring numbers recorded by the a cappella group Sonos from NBC’s The Sing-Off, the original acoustic and electronic score combines dramatic scoring, sonic textures, and re-interpretations of holiday classics.


Audiences set up on four sides in a cozy, small theatre setting witness the intimately technical and artistic challenges, and the remarkably choreographed dancing and acting from nine of Los Angeles' most talented and acclaimed musical theatre performers.

The play showcases the amazing possibilities of music and movement in an original story created by Dr. Parmer Fuller, a Professor at USC who has been the Musical Director for the four summer productions of the San Diego Civic Light Opera for fourteen seasons in a row, scored over 20 movies, TV shows, and as a concert and society pianist performed for three US Presidents and numerous celebrities.


Joe Sofranko worked with Emmy award winner Kent Gibson and Parmer Fuller to create the intricate Sound Design for the show. To create the sound collages that serve as transitions between musical numbers, Joe traveled the transit system a hoodie hiding his headphones, with a recording device and hidden mike and recorded sounds all over LA, from the Grove shopping center to Venice Beach, the Farmers Market, Beverly Hills, and the downtown club scene, recording sounds and conversations. The transitions between scenes in the story are thought out and choreographed as carefully as each dance.


Joe plays the a basketball hotshot and Lakers Fan in the show. He and his two Street Dude pals have a number playing basketball and fighting to a piece based on We Three Kings. There is another piece to Masters in this Hall where Will Harris plays an irascible restaurant chef terrorizing his cooks and Lili as a Pastry Chef.


This amazing array of local talent and major entertainment experience brings it all together November 26th through December 30th at the Miles Memorial Playhouse in Santa Monica. Show starts Tuesday through Saturday are at 8 PM, Sundays at 2:30 PM. December 20-December 30: Tuesday through Friday at 8 PM. For ages 7 to 107.


Advanced tickets are recommended ($25 general, $15 children and students with valid ID) at:
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/205087 or 800-838-3006

For further information call 310-202-9229 or visit boomkatdance.org


Los Angeles Public Transit System Directions: Hop on the Big Blue Bus #3 to Lincoln and Wilshire for the Miles Playhouse, 1/2 block North of Wilshire in Christine Emerson Park.


The Miles Memorial Playhouse is located at 1130 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica.

Boss launches goody giveaway through Dec. 31

BOSS has gone berserk again with another round of The Big BOSS Giveaway. The biweekly contest gives tone freaks everywhere a chance to win BOSS pedals autographed by top guitar heroes and $1,000 in BOSS gear.

To enter, contestants should visit the BOSS Facebook Giveaway tab and fill out the entry form.

Every two weeks between November 1 and December 31, 2011, a different signed BOSS pedal from a famous guitar hero will be given away, as well as $1,000 in BOSS gear. Contestants can enter once every two-week period, giving them up to four chances to win.

The Big BOSS Giveaway prize lineup:

11/1/11–11/14/11
PH-3 pedal signed by Dave Navarro and $1,000 in BOSS gear

11/15/11-11/30/11
CH-1 pedal signed by Steve Vai and $1,000 in BOSS gear

12/1/11-12/15/11
TU-3 pedal signed by Steve Stevens and $1,000 in BOSS gear

12/16/11-12/31/11
SD-1 pedal signed by Jeff Loomis and $1,000 in BOSS gear

Contest eligibility is for U.S. residents only. http://www.BossUS.com.

New album honors Amnesty International and Bob Dylan



Two iconic forces that have impacted the past 50 years - the life-saving human rights activism of Nobel Peace Prize-winning Amnesty International and the incomparable artistry of Bob Dylan - are being saluted by 80 musicians who contributed new or previously unreleased recordings to Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International.



Chimes of Freedom is Executive Produced by legendary music executive Jeff Ayeroff and Julie Yannatta, who spearheaded Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur - a 2007 collection of John Lennon solo compositions performed by major artists including U2, Green Day, and R.E.M.



The collection is scheduled for physical (4 discs) and digital release in North America on January 24, 2012 through Fontana Distribution. It will be distributed internationally through Fontana International, a Universal Music company, on January 30.



Chimes of Freedom features a stellar and diverse group of artists across the generational and musical spectrum. The performers, including many of Amnesty International's longtime supporters, range in age from teenage pop star Miley Cyrus, 19, to folk music legend Pete Seeger, who, at 92, records Dylan's poignant "Forever Young," with a children's chorus.



The diversity of the musicians and musical genres - from rock, rap, hip-hop to pop, folk, country, jazz and blues -- attests to Amnesty's depth of support in the music community, the universal appeal of the core message of human rights, and the breadth of Dylan's impact on culture. Almost every track on the album is being released for sale for the first time* - except for the title song, Dylan's original 1964 recording of "Chimes of Freedom." Seventy songs were recorded especially for this release - with the addition of a few previously unreleased recordings.



"This album is a powerful fusion of the music community's respect for Amnesty's life-affirming work and for Bob Dylan's enduring brilliance," said Ayeroff and Yannatta. "We are proud to have worked with Amnesty to produce this remarkable project."



In 1962, Amnesty International evolved from a one-year campaign to free political prisoners into a worldwide movement fighting for justice, freedom and human dignity; today the organization has more than three million supporters in 150 countries. In March of that same year Bob Dylan's debut album was released, launching an unparalleled recording career.

"Over the half century, Dylan's art has explored and expressed the anguish and hope of the modern human condition," observed Sean Wilentz, the noted historian, in the album liner notes.



"Bob Dylan's music endures because he so brilliantly captures our heartbreak, our joy, our frailty, our confusion, our courage and our struggles," said Karen Scott Amnesty International's Manager of Music Relations. "His words convey a depth of meaning that few artists can equal, inspiring us and always moving ahead of our expectations. We at Amnesty International are deeply grateful to this legendary musician and to all of the artists who have contributed to this project."



All of the artists, session musicians, arrangers, engineers, producers and recording studios worked pro-bono to support the human rights cause. Almost 30 tracks on the album were mixed gratis by famed engineer Bob Clearmountain. Bob Ludwig and Adam Ayan of Gateway Mastering donated their mastering services. The album cover illustration is by Grammy Award winning artist Mick Haggerty. Eight tracks were produced or executive produced by Martin Lewis, who as co-creator/producer in the 1970s of Amnesty's ongoing "Secret Policeman's Ball" benefit series, instigated Amnesty's outreach to rock musicians by recruiting and producing Pete Townshend, Sting, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Bob Geldof and others. Executive Producers for Amnesty International are Helen Garrett, director of special projects, and Karen Scott, manager of music relations.



Through Chimes of Freedom, Amnesty International seeks to enlist support for its fight against censorship and attacks on free speech - whether involving artists, writers, musicians, political activists or bloggers. In this campaign, Amnesty is fighting for people such as the imprisoned Nobel Prize winner Liu Xiaobo in China, a scholar and human rights defender imprisoned since 2009 for writing about corruption and criticizing China's political system. In addition to purchasing the album at www.amnestyusa.org/chimes , supporters will find actions they can take to help individuals whose freedom of expression is under threat.







The tracklisting for Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International is as follows:



DISC 1


Raphael Saadiq
Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat

Patti Smith
Drifter's Escape

Rise Against
Ballad of Hollis Brown

Tom Morello The Nightwatchman
Blind Willie McTell

Pete Townshend
Corrina, Corrina

Bettye LaVette
Most of the Time

Charlie Winston
This Wheel's On Fire

Diana Krall
Simple Twist of Fate

Brett Dennen
You Ain't Goin' Nowhere

Mariachi El Bronx
Love Sick

Ziggy Marley
Blowin' in the Wind

The Gaslight Anthem
Changing of the Guards

Silversun Pickups
Not Dark Yet

My Morning Jacket
You're A Big Girl Now

The Airborne Toxic Event
Boots of Spanish Leather

Sting
Girl from the North Country

Mark Knopfler
Restless Farewell











DISC 2


Queens Of The Stone Age
Outlaw Blues

Lenny Kravitz
Rainy Day Woman # 12 & 35

Steve Earle & Lucia Micarelli
One More Cup of Coffee (Valley Below)

Blake Mills
Heart Of Mine

Miley Cyrus
You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go

Billy Bragg
Lay Down Your Weary Tune

Elvis Costello
License to Kill

Angelique Kidjo
Lay, Lady, Lay

Natasha Bedingfield
Ring Them Bells

Jackson Browne
Love Minus Zero/No Limit

Joan Baez
Seven Curses (Live)

The Belle Brigade
No Time To Think

Sugarland
Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You (Live)

Jack's Mannequin
Mr. Tambourine Man

Oren Lavie
4th Time Around

Sussan Deyhim
All I Really Want To Do

Adele
Make You Feel My Love (Recorded Live at WXPN)







DISC 3


K'NAAN
With God On Our Side

Ximena Sariñana
I Want You

Neil Finn with Pajama Club
She Belongs to Me

Bryan Ferry
Bob Dylan's Dream

Zee Avi
Tomorrow Is A Long Time

Carly Simon
Just Like a Woman

Flogging Molly
The Times They Are A-Changin'

Fistful Of Mercy
Buckets Of Rain

Joe Perry
Man Of Peace

Bad Religion
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue

My Chemical Romance
Desolation Row (Live)

RedOne featuring Nabil Khayat
Knockin' on Heaven's Door

Paul Rodgers & Nils Lofgren
Abandoned Love

Darren Criss featuring Chuck Criss and Freelance Whales
New Morning

Cage the Elephant
The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll

Band of Skulls
It Ain't Me, Babe

Sinéad O'Connor
Property of Jesus

Ed Roland and The Sweet Tea Project
Shelter From The Storm

Ke$ha
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

Kronos Quartet
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right







DISC 4


Maroon 5
I Shall Be Released

Carolina Chocolate Drops
Political World

Seal & Jeff Beck
Like A Rolling Stone

Taj Mahal
Bob Dylan's 115th Dream

Dierks Bentley
Senor (Tales of Yankee Power) (Live)

Mick Hucknall
One Of Us Must Know (Sooner Or Later)

Thea Gilmore
I'll Remember You

State Radio
John Brown

Dave Matthews Band
All Along the Watchtower (Live)

Michael Franti
Subterranean Homesick Blues

We Are Augustines
Mama, You Been On My Mind

Lucinda Williams
Tryin' To Get To Heaven

Kris Kristofferson
Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)

Eric Burdon
Gotta Serve Somebody

Evan Rachel Wood
I'd Have You Anytime

Marianne Faithfull
Baby Let Me Follow You Down (Live)

Pete Seeger
Forever Young

Bob Dylan
Chimes Of Freedom







DIGITAL ONLY


Outernational
When The Ship Comes In

Silverstein
Song To Woody

Daniel Bedingfield
Man In The Long Black Coat