May 2011 - Bluegrass Association of Southern California

May 2011
No. 4 Volume 3
This Month at BASC
The Official eNewsletter of the Bluegrass Association of Southern California
The Bluegrass
Association of
Southern California
PO Box 10885
Canoga Park CA 91309
(818) 221-4680
Board of
Directors
Harley Tarlitz
Jeffrey Fleck
Bob Cesarone
Ben Weinberg
Nanette Weinberg
Paul Kovich
Editor
Jeff Fleck
Deering Banjos
Weber
CMH Records
A Great ‘Toofer:’ BASC Brings
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
and Loafer’s Glory to the Ford
Sunday, September 25th, 2011 7:00 PM
Advance Discount Tickets on Sale Now.
"Michael is one of
the greatest
improvising violin
players in any
style; each solo is
on fire, and just
jaw-droppingly
creative.” Matt
Glaser, Berklee
College of Music.
These brave hearts
have been playing
acoustic music for
the better part of
45 years, and
found that this is
indeed the time for
another highly
skilled acoustic
band.
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Loaferʼs Glory
Ford Theatres
2850 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood CA 90068
Viva Cantina
Order Tickets
On Line: www.FordTheatres.org Phone: (323) 461-3673
And at all BASC events.
This Month at BASC
Page 2
May 2011
Jams Around Topanga Marks 50th Anniversary
-- By Larry Rosenberg
new musicians to learn and develop
Town
their skills and talent. Long
When Bill Monroe started the
BASC Jam in the Park
CTMS Center
Encino Park
16953 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316
4th Sunday, 1-5 PM
Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival in
1967, the Topanga Banjo*Fiddle
Contest and Folk Festival, Inc. was
already six years old. Even in those
first years, Topanga was well on its
way to becoming the premier
Southern California bluegrass, folk
The Soup Jam
2420 Gundry Ave.
Signal Hill CA 90755
Tuesdays 7:00 PM
The New Westside Jam
Industry&Jazz Cafe
6039 Washington Bl.
Culver City, CA
1st Monday 7:30 PM
The Altadena Jam
Coffee Gallery
2029 N. Lake
Altadena, CA
nd
2 Sunday 12:30 PM
Orange County
Archery
18792 Brookhurst St.
Fountain Valley CA
1st/3rd Thurs, 6 PM
Viva Cantina
900 Riverside Drive
Burbank CA 91506
Mondays 7-10 PM
Zoey’s Cafe
185 E. Santa Clara St.
Ventura CA 93001
2nd & 4th Tuesdays
6-10 PM
and old-time musical and social
event of the year. Sunday, May 15,
2011, marks Topanga’s 50th
anniversary as it celebrates with its
51st annual event. The 2011
festival will take place, once again, at the Paramount Ranch in Agoura
Hills, just a few miles from the
original 1961 location in Topanga
Canyon.
Over twenty musical contests
will be offered this year and
bluegrass music is represented in
almost every category. In addition,
there will be professional
entertainment, dancing, a
children's area, as well as
bluegrass, folk and old-time jamming and song circles.
Topanga Banjo*Fiddle is a
family event. One of its core
principles is to provide an
opportunity for young people and
time Topanga Board of Directors
Member, Carl Gage, observes, "The
thrill for me is to see kids start
performing at an early age and to
watch them progress year after
year. I have no doubt that the
discipline and motivation that they
learn as they
perfect their
skills molds
them into
fine adults." Board
Member Joy
Felt agrees
saying, "I’ve
watched the
youngsters
compete as
beginners
and move up
all the way
to the
advanced
category.
There is nothing better than
watching the next generation
flourish while keeping the Topanga
tradition alive!"
The festival will also include
several drawings for musical
instruments and accessories, including a few very special 50th
anniversary prizes. There will also
be crafts, vendors, great food, and
free parking. Topanga Banjo* Fiddle is an allday experience in historic
Paramount Ranch settled among a
mock western town that has been
used in countless theatrical
productions. For lovers of
bluegrass, folk or old-time music in
Southern California, there is
simply no better place to be on the
third Sunday in May.
This Month at BASC
The Gig
Watch
Border Radio
May 14th, 8:00 PM
Noble Concert House
Van Nuys CA
June 5th 7:00 PM
Roots & Twang Night
Molly Malones
Los Angeles CA
The Brombies
Mondays
Viva Cantina
Burbank CA
May 17th 8:00 PM
BASC Bluegrass Night
Viva Cantina
Burbank CA
The Get Down Boys
May 11th 9:30 PM
The Basement Tavern
Santa Monica CA
May 13th 6:00 PM
The Whale’s Tale
Oxnard CA
May 15th 2:00 PM
Topanga Banjo* Fiddle
Contest - Pavilion Stage
Agoura Hills, CA
June 4th 2:00 PM
Fisherman’s Village
Marina de Rey CA
June 5th 10:00 PM
Liquid Kitty
West Los Angeles CA
Rocky Neck
June 8th 9:00 PM
The Basement Tavern
Santa Monica CA
Page 3
May 2011
Bluegrass Night at Viva Cantina
Features the Brombies
Tuesday, May 17th, 2011 8:00 PM
Viva Cantina * 900 Riverside Drive * Burbank CA 91506
Formed in Los Angeles by Jo
Gospel categories at the Chris
Ellen and George Doering in the
Austin Songwriters Contest at
late 1980's, the Brombies, have
Merlefest in 2007, 2009 & 2010.
devoted the last five years to
They've also been honored to
traditional bluegrass. With Jo
perform in the IBMA
Ellen on
guitar,
George on
mandolin, Bill
Bryson on
bass, and
Patrick
Sauber on
banjo, the
group offers
an exciting
mix of talent
and
experience.
Each
Bill Bryson, George Doering, Patrick Sauber, and Jo Elln Doering
member of
the band has
Songwriters Showcase in
performed professionally for
Nashville in 2006 & 2010.
many years and has become
Rhonda Vincent has recorded
prominent in the Southern
"Anywhere Is Home When
California recording and
You're With Me", one of Jo Ellen
bluegrass scene. Together, they
and George's songs from their
travel all over the western
first CD
states playing at various
Our new venue at Viva
bluegrass festivals.
Cantina offers ample table
The band emphasizes vocal
seating and a full menu of
harmonies and instrumentals,
Mexican and American food,
but its primary goal is to
including margaritas and beer at
present original songs and to
reduced prices. Viva Cantina is
play music that lifts the spirits
easy to find and there is ample
of the audience.
parking at the bowling alley
Jo Ellen and George were
across the street. bluegrass. Best
winners in the Bluegrass &
of all, admission is free.
This Month at BASC
Member
Bands
2 Frets Lower
Border Radio
The Brombies
Fifth Wheel
The Get Down Boys
Grasslands
Lonesome Otis
Murphy’s Flaw
Rocky Neck Bluegrass Band
Page 4
May 2011
The Bluegrass Association of Southern California presents...
The Bluegrass Jam
in the Park
Sunday, May 22th, 2011
1:00 to 5:00 PM
Encino Park
CTMS Center for Folk Music
16953 Ventura Blvd. Encino CA 911316
Sometimes in Tune
Simon Pure
Click Here for Map
Stagerobbers
The Statmen
Whispering Palms
Wimberley Bluegrass Band
Teachers
Bill Knopf
5-String Banjo Instructor. All
styles. Over forty years
instructing. 818-891-2533 or billknopf@billknopf.com
Bill Purcell
Lessons in Banjo, all levels, in
the Riverside/Inland Empire
area. 951-353-1664
Shelah Spiegel
Fiddle lesson in her home in
Fountain Valley (Orange
County). Also available to
judge fiddle contests.
714-962-5083 or
ifiddler@yahoo.com
Pat Cloud
Fingerpicking style banjo
specialist from bluegrass to
jazz. Over 40 years
experience. Currently taking
students at Boulevard Music
in Culver City.
(310) 398-2583
The BASC Bluegrass Jam in the Park meets rain or
shine on the fourth Sunday of every month. Pickers
of all skills and experience are welcome. Got a
question? Call Jeff at 310-390-439
WE ARE BASC.
The Bluegrass Association of Southern California.
Here’s what we do.
The BASC Bluegrass Jam in the Park: On the fourth Sunday of every month, pickers from far
and wide gather at the CTMS Center for Folk Music in Encino Park for one of Southern
California’s premier bluegrass events, the BASC Bluegrass Jam in the Park. This jam is for
pickers of all skills and experience.
Bluegrass Night at Viva Cantina: On the third Tuesday of every month, we provide a
showcase for Southern California’s best bluegrass bands (and an occasional traveling band) at
this great Burbank restaurant. Admission is free and Viva Cantina serves up some of the best
American and Mexican food around, and at reasonable prices.
Bluegrass at the Ford: Since 1997, we have brought top national bluegrass bands to Los
Angeles for this annual summer concert. Past artists have included J.D. Crowe, Laurie Lewis,
and IIIrd Tyme Out. This September we are presenting the most exciting band in Bluegrass
today, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, along with the great local band, Loafer’s Glory.
BASC eNewsletter: We keep track of Southern California bluegrass jams, gigs, and festivals
with our unique eNewsletter. The eNewsletter goes out each month to all our members and
friends, via email, Facebook, and regular mail for members without computer access.
BASC Web Page: Our web page at www.socalbluegrass.org is a valuable source of information
about bluegrass going-ons in Southern California. It also has an interactive calendar where you
can list your own Bluegrass events. Check it out.
BASC Volunteers:. We help people get involved in the bluegrass scene and meet a lot of nice
folks, as well. Bring your talents, energy, and dreams, and help us make it happen.
BASC Member Bands: We list all Southern California gigs of our member bands each month in
our eNewsletter. Member bands also get a chance to show their stuff to an enthusiastic audience
at BASC Bluegrass Night.
Your membership in BASC helps keep these and other great events happening.
Yes, I would like to join BASC and Support Southern California Bluegrass
One-Year Membership
Individual $20.00 Family $25.00 Band $30.00
Name_________________________________________
Street________________________________City______________________Zip__________
Phone____________Email_____________Membership Type___ Amount Enclosed $_______
Mail this coupon and check to:
BASC c/o Ben Weinberg 16799 Schoenborn St. North Hills CA 91343
1st
15, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011 Ɖ 9:00am -­ 6:00pm
Avoid Long Lines and
Save More Money
This Year with
Even Lower Prices on
Advance Sale Tickets!
Paramount Movie Ranch
2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Mountain Locations -­ Western Streets
Food Available or Bring Your Own
Vendors -­ Kids Area -­ Free Parking
National Park Service Exhibits
6RXWKHUQ&DOLIRUQLD·V)DYRULWH%OXHJUDVV2OG-­Time & Folk Music Event
Contest Stage
Pavilion Stage
Over 100 Instrumental and Singing Contestants, PLUS: x
x
x
x
Beginner Playoffs, PLUS: x
DUSTBOWL CAVALIERS
HABERDASHERY ENSEMBLE
FRANK FAIRFIELD
SCOTT GATES & THE SALTY SUITES
x
x
Dance Barn OLD SLEDGE -­ Roots & History of String Band Music MIKE MAHANEY & FRIENDS
-­ Cowboy Songs and Poetry FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER
-­ Songs of the Open Road Band Play-­Offs, Clogging, Contra & Railroad Stage Singing Playoffs, Intermediate Square Dancing with Live Music: Fiddle Play-­Offs, PLUS: x TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT
x
OLD SLEDGE
Eucalyptus Grove
Whole Family Fun With:
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x EVIE LADIN
-­ Old-­Time Banjo and Songs
x EVAN MARSHALL
x -­ Mr. Solo Mandolin
x SUSIE GLAZE -­ Mountain Music
x ROSS ALTMAN
FOLK SONGS WITH FUR & STEVE
KIDS CRAFTS WITH ALAINA SMITH
DAN, THE FIDDLE MAN
Jamming throughout the park SOUTHWEST FIDDLERS
all day long. Be sure to bring your SCOTTISH FIDDLERS
instruments and join in on the fun! OLD-­TIME FIDDLE WORKSHOP
OLD-­TIME BANJO WORKSHOP
Schedule & Program
CELTIC SLOW SESSION
HAWAIIAN SONGS -­ UKES & GUITARS Updates online at www.TopangaBanjoFiddle.org Volunteers Needed! PARTICIPATE AS A VOLUNTEER AND ENJOY FREE ADMISSION volunteer@topangabanjofiddle.org Contest Stage -­ Lawn Seating
Bring Blankets or Low-­Back Chairs
In consideration of all participants, please leave dogs at home. Thank You! Purchase Your Tickets Online!
Age Group
Advance Online*
At the Gate
18-­64 65 & up 10-­17 Under 10 $10.00
$8.00
$8.00
Free
$15.00 $10.00 $10.00 Free *ADVANCE SALE TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE
www.TopangaBanjoFiddle.org
February 15 through May 9, 2011
Contestant Entry Fee Includes Admission (see website)
INFO HOTLINE: 818-­382-­4819 -­ info@topangabanjofiddle.org
Sponsored by 7RSDQJD%DQMR‡)LGGOH&RQWHVW)RON)HVWLYDO,QF, in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service J
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A GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY EVENT
FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND • JUNE 17, 18, 19, 2011
CAMP in a meadow • EAT lots of vittles • SHOP a crafts village • RIDE in a hot air balloon • ENJOY 3 days of music
ROY CLARK
Mark Twain Live
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Rodney Dillard & The Dillard Band
The Gibson Brothers
Sierra Hull & Highway 111
New Found Road
Bluegrass Etc.
Julie Wingfield
Grasslands
Scott Gates & Salty Suites
Leroy Troy & The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band
X-Train with Peter McLaughlin & Ross Nickerson
SWBA Bluegrass Kids
Riley’s Mountaineers
Bon Family Cloggers
Line Dancing with KC Douglas
Chapel with Wayne Rice
Sunday Gospel Sing
Music Workshops all 3 Days
The National Bluegrass Playoffs &
Southwest Bluegrass Association present
Deering Banjo Championships
Eagle II Banjo 1st Prize! • Call to enter: 1-951-780-8810
Roy Clark
Follow us!
Deering Bluegrass Jam School
Friday, Saturday & Sunday • FREE
Register at bluegrassjamschool.com
Sound
RV & Tent
Friday Night Barn Dance with Riley’s Mountaineers
Route 66 Car Show • Russell Bros. Circus
California State Arm Wrestling Championships
Camping & Tickets: huckfinn.com • 1-951-780-8810
MOJAVE NARROWS REGIONAL PARK • VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA