The Coffee Gallery Backstage - What you missed last night

Did You Miss the Debut of "For What It's Worth" the new Buffalo Springfield tribute band in March?

2011-04-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

Yep, on the same night that we hosted Daylight Again, the Crosby Stills Nash tribute, they reformulated, re-mixed and transformed themselves into the Buffalo Springfield as a tribute. Here are a couple of clips from that night in March!

Remember that there are surprises back here now from Thursday to Sunday nights, and sometimes more!

John Jorgenson came for a Matinee

2010-09-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

Yep he and his band came to little old Altadena to play for us in a matinee. For an encore, he and his band unplugged and performed this wonderful little bit. Yes, at The Coffee Gallery in Altadena. John Jorgenson comes from afar to wow this little corner of the LA basin.

Berkley Hart Came In July

2010-09-21T20:52:00.001-07:00

We are always lucky when Berkley Hart comes to perform for us. Their great songwriting and harmonious singing are always gorgeous. Here they perform the lovely "I Want To Love You To The Bone"

Boy, We have had some Fun!

2010-09-21T20:41:00.001-07:00

Just one example of an act that will also be coming again in October is Teresa Tudury. Here is a clip of one of her songs:

June Brought some great performances to The Coffee Gallery Backstage

2010-07-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

For example, on June 29th, The Swinging Armani Brothers really swang.

Here is a video of some of the fun. Pay attention to the dancing at the end. And you probably missed it.

And then, there was Joe Craven, who performed a historic candle light show, since the power went out just a little before the show began.

And just think - there was a show almost EVERY NIGHT all month long.

May Brought a number of A Capella Acts to The Coffee Gallery Backstage

2010-06-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

Well, as you might expect, The Coffee Gallery Backstage is more than any one kind of music, but this May brought a number of great A Capella Groups to the stage.

On 5/23/10, Down 4 The Count performed the theme from the Pink Panther like the following:

And They shared the bill with Pitch Please, seen here

And of course, later in the month. Grace garced us with their presence as follows:

Now just imagine what other fun things you missed.

The Pirates of the Black Swan were here on 4/30/10 and left behind their hostages

2010-05-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

Yet another great night you might have missed at The Coffee Gallery Backstage. Captain Jack and his deadly crew came and went, but left behind this video record so you can enjoy the foolishness served up in April. There may be additional episodes.

If you can't see the above window, simply click on this LINK OF PIRATES

To Visit Their Website, you can Click THIS

I Am So Behind In Posts, I Otta DO Something, So Here Is Montana Skies

2010-05-14T00:33:00.000-07:00

Recorded in April, Montana Skies is a great duo of guitar and cello, and this is the most animated cello playing I have ever heard. Just a taste here:

LINK
If you can't see the video above, you can click on this LINK

To go to their website, click HERE

Vicky Genfan came and conquered us on 3/5/10

2010-03-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

If you want to see a hint of her artistry - just take a look. She arrived, she played, she left us behind.

March 2nd, Riders of The Purple Sage did Chili dinner show

2010-03-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

This is an early example of The Coffee Gallery's new concept of dinner and a show. Select shows will come with dinner and an opening act. For this Tuesday, the dinner was Julie's fabulous chili, cornbread and salad. Opening act was Thorin, then Relaxin' Jackson did some mandolin magic before the Riders came and we were really swingin' then.

Here are some video clips of The Riders of the Purple Sage:

And here is their WEBSITE

Gordie Tentrees Band did a Yukon set with Thorin Opening 2/25/10

2010-03-06T19:14:00.000-08:00

Gordie Tentrees Band came all the way from the frozen North to entertain us with real style. Their video is here:

And their website is http://www.tentrees.ca/

Thorin entertained to open, and his video is here:

Website/myspace will happen soon

Several Weeks of Video Starting with Bev Barnett and Greg Newlon

2010-03-06T19:07:00.000-08:00

I must confess that I have been remiss in posting video of The Coffee Gallery Backstage, because I have just been overloaded with other things, and am posting several shows together right now, not necessarily in the order when they occurred.

First of all, Bev Barnett and Greg Newlon came and opened for Stephanie Bettman, and did some great self-penned, thoughtful tunes. Since I already have some of Stephanie's work posted, I decided to just put up one of Bev and Greg's songs.

Their website is at http://www.truewindmusic.com/

The Swingin' Armani Brothers did Dinner and a Show that Pulled Out All the Stops

2010-02-09T17:27:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, the 4th of February was the beginning of a new Era as The Coffee Gallery Backstage hosted the beginning of The Swingin' Armani Brothers' 2010 Pasta Tour. They will be coming back every month in 2010 to do wonderful Italian/European inspired music complete with Italian Dinner. We dressed up The Backstage. No longer is it a tropical Coffee Storehouse, it has been transformed into an Italian Bistro, complete with a seductive piano serenading the diners.

To top it off, the show began with Roksana treating us to a few Italian arias, and Evan J. Marshall the celebrated mandolin virtuoso showed us more than a few tricks he knew. Then The Swingin' Armani Brothers did a great set, and they were joined by Duanio Thorini for one song, who I think is a relative of some sort.

Here are some tastes of what happened, but you really had to be there!

And here are some pictures of how we gussied up the place!

Okay, finally an update - Riders of The Purple Sage did a great show

2010-02-07T18:01:00.000-08:00

The Riders of The Purple Sage came by again and wowed us with their great performance on February 1st and 2nd. It is hard to describe how they manage to charm us every time they stop by between roundups, rodeos and all those other western cowboy-type stuff they do here there and everywhere. Great musicianship, great songs, great harmonies, and did I mention great musicianship? Oh yeah, that needs to be underlined. Here are some tastes of the show on the 2nd:

And to find out more about The Riders of the Purple Sage, just click HERE

Almost a week without a post? What is with this?

2010-01-28T17:53:00.000-08:00

Alas, I caught the creeping crud, and therefore have not posted anything for almost a week. I did manage to catch video of Merlin Snider on the 24th and will be posting a few of those soon, but I have not been able to catch any of the other great shows, including tonight's show with Stephanie Bettman with Luke Halpin. Of course, if you look to the left of this blog (you might have to scroll down), you can see my video of one of their recent shows here. I just won't have tonight's available.

Barry McGuire with John York "Trippin' The 60's"

2010-01-22T22:47:00.000-08:00

I am actually seeing everyone leave tonight's show, and there was a lot of singin' and pickin', and singing along with the great songs of the 60's sung by the iconic Barry McGuire. He is a man who was THERE and saw that historical music scene unfold right in front of his own life. And he brought with him the wonderful musician John York who wrote "Green Green" with Barry way back in the day.

Through Barry's eyes, you can see the wonder and excitement of being propelled by the life-changing and historical changes in culture and life that were the 60's. Just to get you excited about seeing them here the next time they come around, I have two videos from last night's show. To know more, you gotta come out and join the audience. And the audience sang lovely - I mean really - they knew the harmonies and everything.

And of course, you need to visit Barry's website, which tells you all about where he will be and where he is going. Plus you can get music there too.

http://www.trippinthesixties.com

Doug Smith and Mark Hanson 01/16/10

2010-01-19T17:23:00.000-08:00

2005 Grammy winners Doug Smith and Mark Hanson are gifted acoustic guitar soloists - Doug was the 2006 national fingerpicking champion, and Mark played for the President in October - but their duets set them apart. Guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel says "Mark Hanson and Doug Smith set a new standard for duet guitar playing!"

Their engaging stage show covers a wealth of material - much of it self-composed - ranging from the tapping powerhouse "Dyerville Giant" to the beautiful Hawaiian slack key "Waimea Canyon." A drop-dead duet version of Jorma Kaukonen's "Embryonic Journey" may lead to a swinging improv on "Bye Bye Blues" from Les Paul and Mary Ford. Sparkling vocals and good humor accentuate an evening you won't want to miss!

But if you did miss it - here are a couple of video clips to just remind you that you could have seen them live. Video clips are no substitute.

Odds Bodkin Odded us Up on 1/12/10

2010-01-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

The quirkyness of this group is probably a result of all that time playing at the Rennaisance Pleasure Faires, and hanging out with Pagans of all stripes. Everything from "Mary's Not A Catholic Any More" to Klingon Drinking Songs. OY!

GONZALO BERGARA QUARTET Played 1/13/10 How can you miss with this stunning musical group!

2010-01-19T17:10:00.000-08:00

GONZALO BERGARA QUARTET...Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina Gonzalo is considered one of the best guitar players in America. You will hear a mix of Gypsy Jazz and Latin acoustic music with melodies you will not forget. Passionate, virtuoso guitar, incredible clarinet player Rob Hardt, and a pumping rhtyhm section. After having toured the world extensively next to the John Jorgenson Quintet, native argentinian Gonzalo Bergara is presenting his new CD Porteña Soledad with glowing reviews all over the world.

Gonzalo began playing professionally at age 16 in Buenos Aires. By 17 he was already fronting his own blues trio on National Television. He arrived in America in the year 2000 and since then he has performed and recorded with hundreds of artists inlcuding Tim Hausser from Manhattan Transfer, Sylvie Vartan, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, John Jorgenson, Howard Alden and more.

His new CD Porteña Soledad was editor’s Pick on Guitar Player Magazine, and Vintage Guitar Magazine called it a Masterpiece.

The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet is formed by Gonzalo Bergara on LeadAcoustic Guitar, Jeffrey Radaich on Rhythm Guitar, Rob Hardt on Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone, and David Tranchina on Upright Bass.

See the above video and you will wish you had been there.

Gonzalo Bergara Quartet's Myspace is http://www.myspace.com/gonzalobergara

Their Website is http://www.gonzalobergara.com/

David Jackson, Van Dyke Parks, & Steve Young, all giants in our musical world...

2010-01-19T16:52:00.000-08:00

This sold out show was not videoed by me - for one thing I teach a watercolor class in the Conference Room most Mondays, and while I was in the next room, I didn't get to see the wonders of this show. This assemblage comes around periodically, and I hope they come again. If so - get your reservations in early - they always sell out. Those in the know know what giants these guys really are. Look them up.

Steve Young, David P. Jackson, and Van Dyke Parks have triangulated in music for 46 years and change.

As friends, they've paralleled their universes many times since their collision in So-Cal's coffee houses of '63. That's when they met, in the afterglow of the Beat era. As “The Men behind a curtain,” they wrote songs that went to the top: Steve's Eagles' hit "Seven Bridges Road"; David Jackson’s pernicious "No No" song for Ringo (with a l'il help from pal Hoyt Axton); and Van Dyke Park’s "Heroes & Villains" for the Beach Boys.

Steve Young invented the "outlaw" C&W genre, so ably trumpetted by Waylon Jennings in his cover of "Lonesome, Orn'ry and Mean". His first album (he's done over two handsful) was "Rock Salt and Nails", it's the paradigm of "country crossover". Young splits residence 'tween Nashville and L.A. Both Jackson and Parks take this as a homecoming for Young---a time to share a stage with a man widely viewed, for his poetry and ballads, as a Living American Treasure.

Parks will ply his vocal wares from a piano, of his lengthy song-writing career, and Jackson will flaunt his unbelievable croon with his Anglo- Guitarron in hand.

Their set together will cross the borderlines, with them as portable authors, holders of a rich American musical folk legacy they all know like no other trio in town. For some straight Druid marrow and good clean fun, catch Young /Jackson /Parks in their debut Annual Coffee House Gallery Concert.

The Mark Jackson Band Came from San Diego to play on 1/10/10

2010-01-19T16:49:00.000-08:00

I am trying to get caught up with all the performances I have seen in the last week. The first one on the list is The Mark Jackson Band. They are about as far as you can get from Nashville. "And yet, MJB's newest album is more deeply steeped in country traditions than most anything coming out of Music City these days. " -Jim Trageser, North County Times (San Diego)

Mark Jackson is a singer/songwriter whose music has traveled from the hills of Oklahoma to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Mark nurtures
the heritage of storyteller and poet, creating a straight-talking Western/Americana style of music which has become his own rich, signature sound.

The Mark Jackson Band is a six time San Diego Music Award nominee, receiving "Best Americana Album of the Year" nomination for their CD, "Vigilante Road". Additional nominations in 2004 through 2009 were received for Best Americana Band. MJB has created a universal appealing style of original roots country music that is fresh, yet timeless! Their latest CD, “A Real Charmed Life”, was just released this past July with critical acclaim.

Click on the above video to see a series of videos of this show.

The Mark Jackson Band Myspace is http://www.myspace.com/markjacksonband

Crowfoot Charmed Us on Tuesday, January 5th at The Coffee Gallery Backstage

2010-01-08T21:33:00.000-08:00

This trio wove elegantly beautiful melodies all around The Coffee Backstage last Tuesday. There were so many wonderful numbers, it was hard to select the few that I am posting here.

This charming group is from the Eastern Townships of Québéc, near the Vermont border, and displayed their easy fluid playing of flute, fiddle, accordion, and guitar, including songs in English and French. Having cut their teeth on the contra dance circuit, Crowfoot has gained a reputation for their trancelike grooves, subtle interplay, and their unstoppable energy. For 5 years they have been playing for dances across the US, Canada, and the UK, drawing a youthful following and foot- stomping praise wherever they go.

Crowfoot is now turning more and more to the concert stage, where rich vocal harmonies, haunting ballads, and finely crafted instrumental arrangements compliment their infectious dance energy.

Their website is HERE.

And below is just a little tast of what the audience experienced at The Coffee Gallery Backstage.

Tim Eriksen Cancelled Due to Circumstances Out of Our Control

2010-01-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

We still aren't sure why the airplane didn't fly, but there were a lot of disappointed people here. Hope we will have him another time. Stay tuned to The Coffee Gallery Backstage for developments. If you are on Bob's email list (he sends out great info about what is coming up, you will find out. Or look at the webiste, www.coffeegallery.com to find out what acts are coming up.

Cathy Barton and Dave Para Did wonderful old time music Sunday, January 3rd

2010-01-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

A versatile duo from way out in Missouri performed a variety of traditional and original folk music with strong vocal harmonies and an old timey feel. Consummate professionals, they exhibit a powerful mastery of five-string banjo, hammered dulcimer, guitar, Autoharp and some home-made instruments just to keep your attention. Cathy and Dave are delighted to return to after having way too good of a time a year ago. Their repertoire features tunes and songs they have collected from fiddlers and singers in their home region of Missouri and the Ozarks.

It is hard to imagine a better all-around musical act for aficionados of these grass roots tunes, and they perform with such charm - this blogger is thoroughly impressed.

And of course, if you want to know more about this act, visit their website HERE

And Now For Something Completely Different - Paul T. Yoder and Catalina Cool

2010-01-04T20:07:00.000-08:00

Smooth JaZZ came to The Coffee Gallery Backstage Saturday January 2nd. Paul T. Yoder has been called "the essence of smooth jazz", but has reached across musical genres to deliver to the smooth jazz listener an eclectic collection of tunes that was designed to shake up the smooth jazz world.

His new album is called Catalina Cool, and that is what he delivered at The Coffee Gallery Backstage.

Paul T. Yoder's Website

New Years Eve Party was GREAT with GREAT Entertainment

2010-01-01T23:58:00.000-08:00

Amazing! Many of the people who have headlined at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, or entertained us at other events at The Coffee Gallery in the past came by and wowed us at The Coffee Gallery's New Years Eve Party! One of the acts is even a Grammy nominee.

I put together a video playlist at the end of this and I am providing links to each act's web presence so you can find out more about each act we saw. For some acts I am listing both their MySpace and their other website, since I am not sure which is best. So those that came can relive a small bit of their experience, and those who never showed up or were in the other rooms can see what they missed.

Here is the list of artist links:

1. Brothers Landau website myspace
2. Byron Walls website myspace
3. Dave Morrison website myspace
4. Leslie Perry blog myspace
5. Bill Burnett website SongMineBlog - Incidentally, Bill has posted his new New Years song on his SongMine. He performed it for us at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, but I had technical difficulties, so did not post it. I suggest you check out his SongMine anyway if you love quirky, heartfelt, and/or intelligent music. He is the real deal.
6. Pirates Of The Black Swan myspace
7. Gary Allegretto (Grammy nominated act!) website myspace
8. Evans and Rogers website myspace

This last act was a surprise, Evans and Rogers showed up after the show, and entertained the die-hards in the back, Really cool vaudeville duo. Man....

And here is the YouTube playlist with all of these videos - click on the main screen and then you will see a strip of videos along the bottom border. Then you can click on the video you want.

Evan J. Marshall and Billy and the Hillbillies Gave Their ALL 12/29/09

2010-01-01T16:43:00.000-08:00

Well, you can't avoid the fact that The Coffee Gallery Backstage brings you bang-up entertainment of all kinds. Last Tuesday's lineup was a case in point, and some of them are even brothers and they ain't shot each other lately.

First up was Evan J. Marshall. He has played frequently at The Coffee Gallery Backstage and has worn many hats (literally - sometimes with a cowboy hat as a member of The Riders Of The Purple Sage, or his farmer's hat with the Billies - and sometimes with a naked head for all to see, like when he hooks up with Scott Gates and friends). This guy just wows you with his innovative technique that enables him to play a mandolin duo by himself. He calls this "Solo Mandolin Performance in Dual Style". He even lets everyone know the secret of this style. The main reason why other players are not around doing this is that you REALLY have to be a virtuoso to make it not sound like chop suey.

So, here are some clips of Evan's performance. And he is funny too, in a kind of laid back, not too serious way.

Evan has a number of website presence locations - so I am just including them all - http://www.solomandolin.com/
http://www.myspace.com/solomandolin
http://www.mandolinconservatory.com/

Boy, he looks so serious on these sites, but we know better, he is silly as all get-out. Just don't let anyone know that you know.

And then came Billy And The Hillbillies

What a hoot! Billy & the Hillbillies used to perform as the 'Green Team' version of Disneyland's Billy Hill & the Hillbillies Show, and they delight in cracking up the audience as well as each other. Watch while they play tricks on each other, sometimes planned, sometimes hmmm.....twisted minds reside in this group. Good thing it is mostly family and they are consummate musicians all, or it could get NASTY! John Marshall is featured with his WILD "Slap" Bass playing, and of course Evan J. Marshall plays his brother Evan as well as the mandolin and fiddle.

Just look at these silly gents:

These guys are on Facebook Billy Link

Yet Another Performance Missed By This Blogger

2009-12-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

Well, nobody's perfect, and last Monday's performance happened at the same time I teach my watercolor class at the Coffee Gallery, so I missed the Roy Zimmerman performance, but I could hear them laughing it up in the other room. Some people have all the luck. I had to work. No video, but you can learn about Roy's biting satirical singing and original songwriting (with his wife as co-writer, mostly), at his own website HERE. He claims his website shows "Funny Songs About Ignorance, War, And Greed". I have seen him at The Coffee Gallery before, and you will laugh yourself silly.

Performances I missed, and maybe so did you

2009-12-28T15:14:00.000-08:00

Alas, I can't do everything all the time, and there were some performances I missed recently. There is no video because I wasn't there.

On December 20th, The Coffee Gallery Backstage was host to Kamaka Brown"If Can Can. If No Can. No Can." This great storyteller sold out earlier this year, and was sold out again. Sold Out means I don't see the show, and can't provide video. Sold out means you have to get your reservations in earlier the next time he comes around. If he does come around again.

On the 20th again but in the afternoon we hosted Ken O'Malley, but I was otherwise occupied, so I didn't get to see this special Christmas show. While there is no video of this show, if you need more Ken O'Malley, you can see some of the songs he did the last time at The Coffee Gallery by following this LINK. And you can visit the gentleman's own website HERE.

Jim “Kimo” West and T Dan Hofstedt performed Hawaiian Style "Slack Key" Guitar on 12/21/09

2009-12-26T20:16:00.000-08:00

We were lucky enough to enjoy this wonderful duo on the 21st. The style is laid back and relaxed, with each note played for maximum beauty by itself and within the composition. The guitars "ring" under the skilled hands of these masters. who are constantly re-tuning the guitars to provide subtle color changes to the music. A genuine treat, not to be forgotten. And if you forgot, or missed it, here are some video clips of just SOME of what we experienced:

Jim “Kimo” West is an award-winning Hawaiian "slack key" guitarist and a veteran of Hawaii's famed slack key festivals where he has performed alongside noted players such as Ledward Kaapana, Cyril Pahinui, Ozzie Kotani, Makana, George Kahumoku and many others. He is known not only for his exciting live performances but also for his many original instrumental slack key compositions as represented in his catalog of five solo CD's.

Thorin, Bill Burnett and Squeakin' Wheels

2009-12-19T18:48:00.001-08:00

This turned into a three act show, and a really exceptional one at that. All of these acts call Southern California home, so this is some of the hometown great stuff that just grows around here.

The show started out with Thorin, a local favorite that had been assembling The Bohemian Soul Rustlers, but tonight, it was just Thorin, the Sole Rustler, maybe for the forseeable future. Not too surprisingly, he was just plain wonderful. He has a way of reminding you why great songs were GREAT, and sings them accordingly. And his own songs are poignant and just plain beautiful. Or fun. Or charming. Depending. We expect great things from this guy in the future. Maybe he will remember us fondly in Altadena.

Bill Burnett, joined Thorin on stage to harmonize on Thorin's Christmas song, and then stayed for a his own set. Bill is a local favorite giant of a singer songwriter (to distinguish him from the everyday singer songwriter). The last two collaborations of Burnett and Thorin were on our well received Greenwich Village retro show in September, and the Pete Seeger 90th birthday commemoration back in August, covered in Pasadena's Star News. Quirky, engaging songs spring from Bill Burnett's mind and we get to enjoy the rides.
He has his own unique web presence at his Song Mine - and he digs up some doozies. I suggest you visit at http://www.billburnettsongmine.com/.

What a great set - take a look at his wacko take on an overblown Christmas. Shaving cows? Having an appendix out while you are in town? What season? I don't know what he was drinking, but I am not sure if it is infectious.

After a break, out came The Squeakin' Wheels. Their members are accomplished musicians who weave together intricate harmonies and impressive instrumentals. Combined, they've played with musical dignitaries as Rose Maddox, David Lindley, Chris Darrow, Mary Kay Place, Walter Egan, New Christy Minstrels and Iggy Pop!
On lead vocals are David Millard and Marguerite Millard. David and Marguerite also write the original material the band performs. They performed traditional folk material as well as some wonderful originals.

Sixth Wave and 4 Kicks Sang Their Sox off Tuesday Night

2009-12-15T23:26:00.000-08:00

But alas, there was no video because this show was SOLD OUT!

It is good to know that all of you guys are helping out by coming out to these LIVE SHOWS happening at The Coffee Gallery Backstage. Those of you who missed out by not making your reservations soon enough, well maybe they will be back in the future.

Sixth Wave...Los Angeles' own six-voice, a cappella, jazz, pop, rock group is a nationally acclaimed, award-winning 6-voice vocal collective. What is a vocal collective? It is what happens when you bring a group of singers together who all have extensive resumes ranging in everything from opera to rock and roll, from jazz clubs in NYC to recording studios in LA. All of these elements come together to form the creative soup that is Sixth Wave.

"Just 4 Kicks is an a cappella vocal jazz quartet." That's kind of like saying the Empire State Building is a skyscraper. Its true, but it doesn't begin to describe the experience of hearing this amazing wacky, virtuoso vocal jazz ensemble for the first time. Four uniquely talented and musically successful vocalists from the West Coast, each with independent careers in the music industry, were thrust together at several Northwest jazz festivals in 1993, and a quartet emerged! Kirby Shaw, from Ashland, Oregon, is one of the most well known choral and vocal jazz composer/arrangers of our time. Randy Crenshaw is among the first-call studio singers and arrangers in Los Angeles. Four Freshmen alumnus Kirk Marcy directs the internationally-acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble Soundsation at Edmonds Community College, just north of Seattle. Vijay Singh (not the golfer!), widely known for his versatility as a composer, arranger, soloist, and director of the vocal jazz program at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, rounds out the quartet. With all four singers doing scat solos, vocalese, tight harmonies and impersonations of various instruments, this is one a cappella vocal group where the listener never "misses the band!"

JANET KLEIN & The Parlor Boys Wowed them on Sunday evening 12/13/09

2009-12-14T01:59:00.000-08:00

JANET KLEIN & The Parlor Boys........

Ukulele Chanteuse Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys gave a spirited, wiggling performance tonight (yep, she sure does like to wiggle and giggle). Janet and her distinctive musician pals bring to life "Obscure, Naughty and Lovely tunes of the 1910s, 20s & 30s, delivering a bundle of spirited and inspired renditions of cleverly fun but forgotten Tin Pan Alley, early hot jazz, saucy bits and late ragtime gems. These merrymakers zestfully branch into obscure vaudeville and Vitaphone numbers, Hawaiian, Yiddish novelty tunes, French and Italian knock-out ballads.

The Parlor Boys feature Ian Whitcomb, on accordion and ukulele (A Backstage favorite) , as well as the astonishing guitar,banjo and whistling talents of John Reynolds and Tom Marion on guitar, banjo & mandolin, alumni of R. Crumb's Cheap Suit Serenaders, along with a bevy of hot musicians on violin, cornet, trombone and slap-happy bass.

Watch out for the Charming and Alarming Ms. Klein! And visit her webiste HERE.

Sligo Rags Performed 12/12/09 - I was not there but video will follow

2009-12-14T01:47:00.000-08:00

Alas, I could not make this show, but all is not lost - Sligo Rags has their own videomaker attached to their act and she will be posting soon - I will provide a link to these so you can see - you shoulda been there!

SLIGO RAGS...

Named among the top acoustic bands in LA (by Folkworks Magazine) and two-time winners of the Orange County Music Award for Best Folk Band, this dynamic ensemble presents Celtic Folk with a decidedly bluegrass attitude. Sligo Rags is taking the local and not-so-local Folk and Celtic music scenes by storm with a unique blend of eclectic musical influences. Dan Miller of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine says “These guys have it all--great vocals, lots of energy, captivating songs, well executed arrangements, and tasteful solos.” Their debut studio recording, "The Night Before the Morning After", was called "the best I've heard from a stateside band" by Celtic Beat Magazine, while their sophomore effort, “The Whiskey Never Lies,” (called “the best from the West Coast Celts in many years” by Shay Clark of the Irish-American News), was named one of the top 10 of 2007 by Folkworks. Don’t be surprised if elements of country, gypsy jazz and swing manage to sneak their way into the act as well. Award-winning flatpicking and fingerstyle guitarist David Burns (recently featured in Flatpicking Guitar Magazine), fiddler extraordinaire Michael Kelly, world-renowned bassist Gordon Rustvold, and percussion whiz-kid Andy Reilly (8 years on the road with the original Riverdance company) are guaranteed to fill the room and your lives with electricity. They may give you a good laugh or two along the way as well.

Jim Curry Christmas Favorite Tribute to John Denver Matinee was on 12/12/09

2009-12-14T01:43:00.000-08:00

I am sorry I missed Jim Curry's performance, but some of this show was videoed by another, and here is a video - more will be added in the next few days - as soon as they are available. Jim was joined by his wife, Anne. Special guest, Flautist Diane Ireland.

Husband and wife team, Jim and Anne Curry, deliver the multi-platinum hits of the great John Denver in a fun-filled evening of singing and stories. Jim plays the guitar and sings John’s songs in a crystal clear tenor that will take your breath away. Anne, his wife and musical partner, plays guitar and mandolin and sings harmony in all the right places. Diane Ireland masterfully plays the flute, truly the ‘soul’ of John’s music. Together, the trio will treat you to an afternoon of John Denver songs, including his Christmas music.

Tribute artist Jim Curry, who's voice was heard in the CBS-TV movie Take Me Home: The John Denver Story, has performed Denver's music in sold out shows throughout the country and has emerged as today's top performer of Denver's vast legacy of multi-platinum hits. Jim's uncanny ability to mirror John's voice and clean-cut look takes you back to the time when "Rocky Mountain High" "Sunshine" "Calypso" and "Annie's Song" topped the charts, and his popular music had the heartfelt message of caring for the earth and caring for each other.

PHIL LEE with SEVERIN BROWNE as the Opening act 12/11/09 Friday Night

2009-12-14T01:39:00.000-08:00

Phil Lee was a surprise to me. If you weren't there, you missed his Altadena stop on his official "I Saw Him Before He Died" Tour. I have never seen him before, and I am now officially a fan. What a fun, rocking, poignant, irreverent Americana / Roots performer.

His new CD, "So Long, It's Been Good to Know You," hit # 1 on the Euro-Americana radio chart and #4 on FAR (freeform American roots) radio chart.

You can visit his website HERE.

Associated Press describes Lee as "combining the social conscience of Woody Guthrie with the twisted fury of Jerry Lee Lewis." Singing with no apologies -- and certainly no regrets -- Lee moves seamlessly from the gut-bucket blues of "Jemima James" to the poignant Beatles-influenced "We Cannot Be Friends Anymore." And the Nashville Scene said if there were a Music City Mount Rushmore "to save the fourth head for Phil Lee," the other heads being John Prine, Guy Clark and Lucinda Williams. That's sure good company for the singer-songwriter based in Nashville.

Lee's music is "irreverent, ragged and beautiful in its simplicity." Lee crafts songs that are home to a cast of social misfits, outcasts, petty criminals and people living on the fringe. When music journalist Peter Cooper at the Nashville Tennesean wrote that Lee is the "Don Rickles of disenfranchised Nashwang," he captures somewhat the essence of Lee. Truly, Lee is a man who has lived much of the colorful life about which he writes and sings.

Plus....SEVERIN BROWNE....“When Severin Browne makes music, the room comes alive. His excellent musicianship are exciting and infectious. You will be brought to the heights of joy and back again to take an inward journey. The music delights and amazes, gratifies and surprises. His banter will keep you laughing, the music will make you soar, and by the end of their performance, you will have grown.

You can visit Severin's website HERE.

Odds Bodkin Complete with Gothic and Klingon? was on 12/08/09

2009-12-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

Boy, can you say eclectic? And fun? This trio often plays at the Renaissance Faires (all over), plus gothic festivals, and other weird venues, which informs them - they've got a wild lot of repertoire, plus are funny to boot. Bianca also performs a Klingon Drinking Song (do you notice that she wears a Star Trek Communicator at her neck?). If it's pagan, old, or just irreverant - it is their cup of fur.

Now there, that didn't hurt at all, did it. Just make sure you show up the next time they come around at The Coffee Gallery Backstage.

To see their website, go HERE and their MySpace is HERE

Hugo Duarte Eclectic Singer-Songwriter from Here and There 12/09/09

2009-12-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

HUGO DUARTE... Listen to "We've Got Dreams" a wonderful song penned by Hugo Duarte - I see this being sung at a wedding reception with no dry eyes.

Trying to define Hugo Duarte’s music is a bit like trying to define good Cuban food to someone who’s never experienced its satisfying, mouth-watering sensations. Throw in a creamy, caramel colored flan for dessert; top it all off with a shot of kick-in-the pants, revive-the-dead Café Cubano, and there you have it. A Hugo Duarte fan...”I heard a lot of people play some really good songs. The difference was, I never heard Hugo Duarte play a bad one.”

Born of Cuban, Chinese, and Scots-Irish ancestry, Hugo’s music is as diverse as his origins. Searching for a connection to his Cuban heritage, he arrived in the Florida Keys and immediately fell in love with the area. It was in those early Key West years that Hugo met and developed a professional friendship with the Calypso Poet, Jimmy Buffett.

Over the years Buffett would call or stop by when he was in town, often sitting in with Hugo and the band. They occasionally shared the stage at a locally owned bar called Del Rios where Hugo was performing, and which today is the original Margaritaville Bar and Restaurant.

HOUSTON JONES -California based high octane Americana quintet

2009-12-10T23:51:00.000-08:00

A wonderful evening was enjoyed by those wise enough to come on down to The Coffee Gallery Backstage on a Sunday evening.

Bob Says: What an incredible display of
musicianship last time. The audience left absolutely stunned
and glassy eyed. You “must” see and hear Houston Jones.

HOUSTON JONES.... is a California based high octane Americana quintet. Formed in 2001, the band performs a mostly original repertoire that ranges from bluegrass and folk to blues and gospel. The band features Glenn Houston (lead guitar), Travis Jones (lead vocal, rhythm guitar), Henry Salvia (keyboard, accordion), Chris Kee (standup bass, cello, acoustic guitar), and Peter Tucker (drums).

“A wonderful gem of a band…truly exceptional music…wonderful original tunes…some brought tears to our eyes. These guys are a rare treat!” – Billboard.com

"No one delivers the goods quite like Houston Jones....Houston Jones remains one of the West Coast's most talented and entertaining bands." - Dirty Linen Magazine

It's worth noting that Chris, Peter and Glenn are all alumni of the Waybacks. The band was voted as “best discovery” and Travis Jones voted as “best vocalist” of the Fall 2005 Strawberry Music Festival. Glenn has been given the award "Best Guitarist” for 2009 by the Northern California Bluegrass Society.

Tiki Gods brought the Tiki Bar AllStars to the Coffee Gallery Backstage Friday, 12/04/09

2009-12-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

A wonderful night was missed by most of you with The Tiki Bar Allstars - with Joe Rathburn, Jerry Gontang, Gary Seiler & Rob Mehl.

A night of 6-string Trop-rock music on a Panamanian coffee wharf. It is so handy that The Coffee Gallery Backstage has been lovingly painted to resemble such a coffee wharf by Altadena artist Gary Thomas. And there they were, as if washed up by fortuitous circumstance - 4 lush voices, 4 mellow guitars (and occasional bass guitar), complete with tropical laid back attitude. Almost a full house, and they will be back. Sign up early next time.

What would happen if you invited four very popular San Diego area trop-rock band leader/songwriter/performers, who are old friends, to put together a super-group to play your wedding? The result would be The Tiki Bar Allstars. That's exactly how they came to be. They had so much fun playing that wedding together, and were so well received, they decided to approach the San Diego Parrot Head Club to book them at their mega fundraiser anniversary event. The results were magical and they've already been invited back again in 2010.

http://www.coffeegallery.com/images/tikibar.jpg

Thursday Night brought Stephanie Bettman with Luke Halpin, 12/03/09

2009-12-03T23:57:00.001-08:00

What a great act, and I swear they get better every time I see them. I think they get more relaxed and comfortable in their own skin. This time they were joined by Brian their bass player, so they could do some occasional 3 part harmonies.

Cody Bryant and The Riders of the Purple Sage with Evan J Marshall were here Monday and Tuesday, Video from Tuesday, 12/01/09

2009-12-03T00:04:00.000-08:00

Back for two shows, THE RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE....with mandolin phenom...EVAN MARSHALL...I was there for the Tuesday show, and am including video from this great performance.

These guys are one of, if not "the" most historical Western bands in the world. The Riders Of The Purple Sage starred in films and radio from the pre-war days to today... Today's Riders, under the leadership of Cody Bryant, put on a show rich with old and new music. While keeping alive the tradition of the original Riders' sound, they continue to write and perform new material that carries on and builds upon their signature style. Adding a strong swing influence (ala Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys), their performances appeal to listeners and dancers of all ages.

Today’s Riders bring together hot swing riffs with smooth harmonies that, at the end of the show, leave the audience wanting more. Their sound and show makes you feel that all is well in the West. They are “etherial” and “Orchestral.” They exceeded musicianship. They exceeded their genre.

Okay, Berkley Hart was here 11/08/09 and this is late

2009-11-29T17:54:00.000-08:00

Yep, I was bad and didn't post this in a timely fashion. But I must confess that I had asked Berkley Hart to approve these videos before I posted them, and they are REAL Busy, so finally, they said put it up. Here they are, and mighty good they are too. These guys come back to The Coffee Gallery Backstage all the time because they are nothing short of fabulous. Great tight harmonies, top-notch songwriting, and stellar musicianship make these guys always a welcome treat. Since you had to wait a long time, there are a lot of videos.

11/28/09 Saturday Night Roger Espinoza and Fuego - World Guitar Virtuosity with Dancing by Rosal

2009-11-29T10:39:00.000-08:00

Just a little taste of last night's performance here and now. First rate and amazing guitar work plus a really magic group of upbeat music kept feet tapping and hands clapping. Plus they brought a wonderful flamenco/rumba dancer, Rosal with them.

Ever since the Gypsy Kings released their self-entitled album in 1989, they changed the global musical landscape with their pop-oriented version of traditional flamenco music called Rumba Catalana. A lively mix of gypsy rhythms, salsa and rumba that many musicians have tried to emulate but have failed to advance the genre to new horizons. The unlikely city of Los Angeles, has produced a guitarist-composer that has been able to take the Rumba guitar stylings and rhythms to new fresh territories that reflect the urban/global mix of Southern California. Nicaraguan born Roger Espinoza is a product of American music and a faithful student of the traditional music of the gypsies. A guitar virtuoso who has studied with the legendary Jorge Strunz of the ever so popular guitar duo Strunz and Farah. Mr. Espinoza studied the "Latin Rhumba" and "Gypsy Rhumba" as well as those rhythms from Latin America and the Middle East. He was perfecting and experimenting with the rhythm style of his idols the Gypsy Kings and making it his own. He studied Flamenco rhythms with good friend Paco Arroyo and Gino D'Auri. Mr. Espinoza at the present is studying at Berklee School of Music.

Po' Girl Wows them at The Coffee Gallery Backstage 11/27/09

2009-11-28T12:25:00.000-08:00

I am not exaggerating! A very energetic, dynamic group that plays EVERYTHING and sings with voices entwined with both the scent and barbs of old roses. Surprising renditions of old blues tunes plus their own compositions made for a wonderful evening.

PO’ GIRL....The beauty and mystery of Po Girl's music – a sound that has beguiled fans the world over - springs from the dynamic, improbable, mesmerizing bond shared by its two principal singers and writers – Allison Russell and Awna Teixeira. Hailing from Montreal and Toronto respectively, both women left untenable home situations at fourteen, found music instead of bad ends, and lived to sing the tales. The interplay between these two stunning performers is truly something to behold.The impossibly talented tickler/maker of all stringed things, Benny Sidelinger and dynamic drummer JJ Jones joined the band several years ago bringing a level completeness and spunk to round out this incredible band.

Po’ Girl, plays 21st Century roots music, urban roots – never derivative, not faithfully aping a beloved tradition. They don't re-hash the old forms, they reshape and reinvigorate them for new ears. The echoes of speakeasy jazz, the western lament, the accordion-strapped ghosts of European folk are all delivered with a soulful clarity and depth.

They move and move and play and sing. It's quite simple. Always restless, more often than not bone-tired, they write their flashes of sadness, their loss, their good love, their faint dreams of home into songs that matter deeply to them. Like any good art, they are little acts of self-rescue. So you should listen. You aren't much different from them, and who couldn't use a little rescuing these days?

ANDY HILL & RENEE SAFIER Played a lovely show on Monday, 11/23/09

2009-11-24T22:21:00.000-08:00

ANDY HILL & RENEE SAFIER... Lovely songs and harmonies, along with some excellent songwriting and covers. Folk too - you have to see it to believe it.

From The Coffee Gallery website:
www.andyandrenee.com
This award-winning Los Angeles-based duo has made a strong mark on the acoustic/rock scene at home as well as across the world. This duo has it all: great musicianship, outstanding voices and exceptional songs. Andy’s songwriting is original, passionate and sincere. It covers a vast lyrical landscape, bringing to mind Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Van Morrison. One reviewer said of Renee, “Safier's voice oft drips with an aching sensitivity. Andy Hill & Renee Safier’s ten CDs have garnered them awards from Los Angeles Music Awards “Americana Group of the Year" to the International Acoustic Music Awards "Best Duo or Group". Andy and Renee provide a much needed connection with live music to their audiences, whether in an intimate House Concert or at a large festival. Their music never fails to move you…your feet, your heart, or, most often, both.

They have played the music festivals from Telluride to Napa Valley, sharing the stage with John Mayer and Bruce Hornsby at Telluride, and Michelle Shocked at the Bob Dylan Festival in Italy. Their latest CD also produced by Springsteen sideman, Marty Rifkin, titled, “Hurricane Of The Heart,” is a collection of Americana, folk and rock, performing their originals and covers of such song writing stars as Patty Griffin and Mark Knopfler. For information on their CDs or their extensive performance schedule, go to www.andyandrenee.com.

Ken O'Malley had a great show 2nd Irish show in a row On Sunday, November 22nd

2009-11-23T13:21:00.000-08:00

Excellent show by Ken O'Malley was seen by the lucky crowd last night. And though he confessed that he was really tired, having just finished the mastering of his new Holiday Irish album, he was truly in fine voice. This is a man that sings with PASSION. And the capital letters are totally appropriate. Here is a video teaser:

I am falling a little behind on that partly because YouTube is acting a little strange the last few days, but I will soldier on with little tastes of what you missed.

Sligo Rags Unplugged by Candlelight on Saturday, November 21, 2009

2009-11-21T23:37:00.000-08:00

Yep, you heard that right. We had a power outage just before Sligo Rags was set to perform at The Coffee Gallery Backstage. Duane, Bob, and assorted hands did their magic and set up candles, small electric candles and MIRRORS so we could see the show, and an UNPLUGGED performance was enjoyed by a large crowd.

Sligo Rags by Candlelight

Even though Sligo Rags doesn't perform in a completely acoustic way in normal circumstances, their completely professional musicianship shone through. In a small venue like The Coffee Gallery Backstage, the vocals and instruments had no trouble being heard. In fact the performance was just super. And you can quote me.

Of course, the lights came back during the second to last number, but Bob turned them back down. And the band eschewed the microphones or any assistance even after the power was restored. Video to follow soon (yep, there WAS enough light to video, though it appears dark - not surprising).

Barry Big B Brenner Was Friday night's Show, November 19, 2009

2009-11-21T23:29:00.000-08:00

This was a rousing old-style (pre rock and roll style) acoustic blues performance. I had some problems uploading videos last night, and here is one - the rest are linked on the left of this blog:

This is what Bob Stane of The Coffee Gallery Backstage and others have to say about Barry:

Barry BIG B Brenner...Traditional and Contemporary COUNTRY BLUES & RAGTIME Music, performed SOLO on ACOUSTIC 6 String, 12 String and National Resonator Guitars with accompanying Vocals.... “...His music oozes out of the weird American night. Fine, mellow and yet exciting and invigorating, like the most distinct of distilled spirits..."

Fellow musicians refer to him as; "Mr. Blues, Rags & Stomps!", that's because Barry Big B Brenner plays the Real Country Folk Blues which originated in the Mississippi Delta, Texas Plains, Piney Woods, Piedmont Seaboard, Louisiana Bayou and of course...Chicago's South Side. Barry has performed all over the USA; from Alaska to the back woods of the Arkansas Ozarks, out to the California Foothills and many points in-between. He was Born and raised on the legendary South Side of Chicago and is a self-taught singer and acoustic guitar virtuoso. Big B has performed alongside such notables as renowned Blues Guitar Maestro Albert King and Eric Burdon of Animals fame.

Evan Marshall, Scott Gates, joined by Nathan McEuen, followed by Billy & The Hillbillies

2009-11-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

What a mouthful - last night's performance was a real humdinger. First of all, Evan Marshall- mandolin virtuoso and his star student, Scott Gates performed with Nathan McEuen filling out the bill. Nathan was not scheduled to perform, but Scott frequently plays with Nathan in the Nathan McEuen Band. In truth, last night's performance was sold out and I didn't get to see this part.

However, Scott's Dad was there and provided this video of Scott and Evan performing "Maidens Prayer", live

This is What The Official The Coffee Gallery Backstage has to say about Evan and Scott:

EVAN J. MARSHALL is widely regarded as one of the greatest mandolin virtuosos ever. He possesses an uncanny technique which the Raleigh-Durham Independent called "superhuman," the Los Angeles Times called "remarkable," the Washington Post labeled "truly dazzling," and the Fresno Bee called "mind-boggling." Besides his "obvious virtuosity" (Pasadena Star News), he also has "in color and texture . . . a stunning mastery of interpretation" (St. Paul Pioneer Press). Evan's accomplishments are legendary among other artists of the plucked string: The late Chet Atkins called him "one of the few great musicians of our time;" Don Stiernberg calls him "The Michael Jordan of the mandolin."

Then there is SCOTT GATES... has quite literally grown up on stage having spent more than half of his young life as a musician. Recognized nationally for his "Mandolin Prowess", Scott also plays guitar and sings with equal skill. Scott has performed on stage with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Blues master Rich Del Grosso, mandolinist Evan Marshall, Grammy Winner John McEuen, Banjoist/ Comic Steve Martin and a host of others. Scott brings his hard driving, innovative mandolin playing and a clear pure voice to his performances. Quite simply no one sounds like Scott, as his variety of training and playing experiences has given him a tone and a style all his own...

I did get to see Billy & The Hillbillies, a group that plays at Disneyland in the Golden Horseshoe Revue. Absolutely hillarious, hillbilly act, but the surprise is that Ethan plays with them, and his brother JOHN MARSHALL is the MOST AMAZING slap-bass player I have ever seen. Bar none. Who would have thought that this act would contain such amazing musicianship!

This video showcases great mandolin playing with Scott Gates sitting in, and you can see that unique "Slap Bass" Style of John Marshall.

This act is really, really silly but nuts are necessary in life. I am grateful to Andy Gates, Scott Gates' dad who provided the video for this show, as I was unable to film this evening. There are more videos available at the link to the left side of this blog.

Reminder to everyone - reserve early.

International Star ANA VIDOVIC wowed them on November 16th

2009-11-16T21:46:00.000-08:00

No Video Tonight - This show was sold out and I couldn't attend even if I wanted - Monday nights I teach a Watercolor Class. So I sat in the next room, wishing I was there. In the other room, a full house was watching Ana Vidovic....Classical guitarist from Croatia. Here is a video from a previous performance suggesting what kind of experience you would have missed. Of course, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, the venue is MUCH more intimate.

Ana has been exciting audiences all over the world with her extraordinary musicianship, dazzling technique and stunning stage presence. This will be a rare chance to see and hear Ana in the incredibly intimate setting of The Coffee Gallery Backstage.

Ana Vidovic is an extraordinary talent with formidable gifts taking her place amongst the elite musicians of the world today.

Ana comes from the small town of Karlovac near Zagreb, Croatia and started playing guitar at the age of 5. At the age of 11 she was performing internationally, and at 13 became the youngest student to attend the prestigious National Musical Academy in Zagreb where she studied with Professor Istvan Romer. Ana’s reputation in Europe led to an invitation to study at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, USA, with Manuel Barrueco, from where she graduated in May 2003.

At the age of only 23 Ana has won an impressive number of prizes and international competitions all over the world. These include first prizes in the Albert Augustine International Competition in Bath, England, the Fernando Sor competition in Rome, Italy and the Francisco Tarrega competition in Benicasim, Spain. Other top prizes include the Eurovision Competition for Young Artists, the Mauro Giuliani competition in Italy, the Printemps de la Guitare in Belgium and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York.

I do hope you didn't miss this show, but it is possible she will be back. The number one suggestion I have for you if you want to see her, get your reservations in as soon as it is announced. We were swamped with reservation requests long after the reservation list was full.

Last Night, November 15th, The Bohemian Soul Rustlers began the show, followed by Kimber Sparks - Australian from the Alabama Hills

2009-11-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

Great act you missed last night. First of all, the Bohemian Soul Rustlers opened the set. These two guys perform a varied repertoire, but try to select from the most exciting songs of the last century. They also had help from Tonya Smyth on one selection, and she is one of several performers that occasionally add their vocal expertise to the mix. There may be more videos to follow, but here is a teaser.

And here is a link to a few more.

The main act was Kimber Sparks, and you can see a bit of what you missed by clicking on this video.

Here is a playlist of other videos made the same night
Her life reads like a country song. It's a journey that has taken her from her small hometown in Alabama, far away to the land Down Under, where she was discovered singing in a club by Australia's top country star Lee Kernahgan. She has released a debut EP 'Go Get Em Girl' and critically aclaimed album 'It's Her Turn' which have spawned 6 singles and video clips. Her brand of traditional country music has endeared Kimber to the Australian public and radio alike...and now she's excited to bring it 'back home'.

Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys November 14th, 2009

2009-11-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, your blogger couldn't get into the show. So no video, but Janet Klein has tons of stuff on YouTube and everywhere else. It just goes to show that when there is a really popular act, you need to get your act together and MAKE A RESERVATION! EARLY!

Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin, Thursday November 12th

2009-11-12T23:21:00.000-08:00

If you weren't there last night, you missed a great show -

After you see the video tastes above, you can REALLY kick yourself - there was more to the show than this.

“That Stephanie Bettman has reached a level comparable to others like Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez and Alison Krauss so quickly it’s a bit uncanny.” –Country Jukebox, Germany

“Bettman jams it up like few others as she leads an ensemble with great imagination.” – Maverick Magazine, UK

Stephanie Bettman is a singer/songwriter/fiddler extraordinaire and has been generating a buzz in bluegrass/country circles with inevitable comparisons to Alison Krauss and Emmylou Harris. Her partner, multi-instrumentalist, Luke Halpin, is an awesome talent in his own right. Named by Folkworks Magazine as one of LA’s top ten Female Singer Songwriters, Stephanie’s songs are sometimes sad, sometimes sassy but always stunning. Together she and Luke have been winners in many local and national competitions
including:

* Grand Prize Winners in the 2008 So Cal Live Acoustic Music Competition.

* Winners in the 2007 Topanga Banjo / Fiddle contest.

* Folk Works Top Ten Los Angeles based female singer-songwriters of 2008.

* Music Connection’s Top Twenty-Five New Music Critiques of 2008.

Inspired by the likes of Sam Bush, Tony Rice, and Mark O’Conner, Luke’s perfectly blended harmonies and his instrumental expertise together with Stephanie’s artistry and performance make for a dynamic entertaining experience. One thing’s for sure, if Stephanie Bettman & Luke Halpin are on the bill, you are in for an unforgettable performance that will have you hooked from the first fiddle line to the last sweet harmony.