BARRY McGUIRE & JOHN YORK....TRIPPIN’ THE ‘60’S.

Customer’s comment: A group of  7 of us went to The Coffee Gallery Backstage to see Barry and John York do their Trippin' The Sixties show. WOW! Folks if you have a chance to see this show, don't miss it. They will be back in May. They may have some seats available if you check with the venue directly. Trust me you want to see this show. It is a dynamite experience. It’s a money back guarantee but you will not ask for cash back. You will say to Bob, “you didn’t charge enough.”
Ths show should be on Broadway in New York City.

BARRY McGUIRE, “Trippin’ The 60’s,” with JOHN YORK.... Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the Andy Williams Show as the gravelly voiced lead singer of the New Christy Minstrels. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar."

In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times.

Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "Hair." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. Dick Clark says, “When world events collide with “Rock&Roll” you get Barry McGuire”.Currently working with Barry McGuire in "Trippin' The Sixties," John York is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned Folk Rock/Country Rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of such musical luminaries as Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band)……and many others. The TV show “The Place Where I Am Dreaming” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." The duet "Redneck Ninja" highlights John's creative partnership with acclaimed songwriter Patrick Brayer. In 2007, John played concerts in Japan for the third time

Matinee....

YOURCHESTRA.. is an energetic, 4-piece string band that plays a variety of folk,old-time, jug-band, and blues oriented songs in their own fun, and original way. First started in Tempe Arizona in 2006, the band currently consists of: Richard Bogen (banjo), Michael Plunkett (mandolin), Steve Stutzke (guitar), and Adrian Goldenthal (upright bass).

YOURCHESTRA members sing in harmony, play adventurous solos, play kazoos, whistles, and make funny faces; all while presenting an array of rich, historic material, with an occasional silly original song thrown in the mix. Each of the members have diverse, professional backgrounds in many types of music. When they come together to form YOURCHESTRA, their exciting blend of styles inspires listeners, and spreads the joy of old-time, traditional songs of the world for people of all ages to enjoy.

Since it’s formation 2006, YOURCHESTRA has been making audiences laugh, dance, sing, and swing with old jug band blues, folk songs, and novelty numbers. They’ve made a point to bring their original take on folk music to venues where they might surprise new listeners; rock concerts, art house events, Universities, schools, bars, coffee houses, and sidewalks. Recently, the group has been wowing audiences at folk festivals in Arizona, as a fresh folk band with promise, depth, and creative energy that is fun to watch and listen to. www.yourchestrafolk.com

Bill Berry, Cynthia Carle, Gary Stockdale & Dylan Brody– Coming Together and Coming Apart.

Three (count ‘em, 3!) of Los Angeles’ most quirky, funny, and tuneful songwriters are appearing at the great Coffee Gallery in Altadena to perform their songs solo and together. There’ll be a lot of laughs, but be advised: They can just as easily spin a tale that will tear at your heartstrings. Gary is an Emmy-nominated songwriter and composer, Bill has composed for films and television, and Cynthia has earned acclaim for songwriting, screenwriting AND choreography! (Bill and Gary will not be dancing, however. Sorry, ladies!)

Cynthia Carle was nominated for an LA Weekly award for her work on the hit Re-Animator the Musical. Screenwriter of The Sixth Man and You Wish, actor on and off-Broadway and in Louis Malle’s “Alamo Bay” opposite Ed Harris, she performs her whip-smart songs all over Los Angeles.

How cool is it that Bill Berry appears as “The Transit TV Music Man” on video screens on Metro buses all over the county? Along with that, Bill produced the music for ABC’s “Sons and Daughters,” and has worked with the likes of Karen Black and Martin Mull.

Gary Stockdale is an Emmy-nominated songwriter and TV composer, most recently for Penn & Teller: BULLSHIT on Showtime. His musical Bukowsical, written with Spencer Green, won the 2007 NY Fringe Festival, and is opening at the New Line Theatre in St. Louis on May 23rd.

Dylan Brody writes and performs weekly for the David Feldman show on KPFK and is a regular contributor to John Rabe’s OFF RAMP on KPCC. His material runs on XM/Sirius Sattelite Radio’s comedy channels and as part of the Pandora comedy Catalogue. In 2011 his comedic segments ra on the CBS Interactive Network, streaming to approximately 1.5 million listeners daily. His work has also been heard on Pacifica Radio stations in NY and Texas. Winner of the 2005 Stanley Drama award for playwriting, he is a thrice-published author of fiction for the Young Adult market with one of his books, A Tale of a Hero and The Song of Her Sword finding a place in the curriculum at several public schools in the U.S., earning him a yearly influx of poorly written fan letters and e-mails to which Mr. Brody diligently replies. He has been a regular contributor to The Huffington Post,. As a radio raconteur, whose witty and profound tales of his journey through life are unique, yet utterly recognizable to everyone, he has earned a reputation as one of America’s fastest rising storytellers.

THE LATE BLOOMERS.....

Dan Ames, Gayle Bluemel, Ross Johnsen and Scott Shepherd are the LATE BLOOMERS, an acoustic folk-rock band, and have been performing together since 2006. Now two married couples, they cut their teeth on the music of Dylan, Neil Young and Paul Simon while still in high school in the sixties. They have since found their own sound by not only putting their individual stamp on favorites from that era., but by performing many new original tunes as well.

The Late Bloomers are accomplished vocalists as well as passionate singer-songwriters. Dan, a general contractor by day, writes clever lyrics for his traditionally inspired and memorable tunes, which are quickly becoming crowd favorites. He is a versatile string player as you will see when he picks up the guitar, dobro, or bass. Gayle is Dan’s wife, plays keyboards and puts together many of the group’s vocal arrangements. After a lifetime of being an arts educator and advocate, is taking up song-writing as well, and will be premiering some of her interesting new tunes. Ross plays bass and guitar and is the is the true poet of the group. Audiences consistently and enthusiasitically connect with her inspired words and melodies, as well as her charismatic, individual vocal style. Scott is a classically trained and accomplished percussionist, and through his raw vocals, mandolin and blues harmonica., lends an intense level of passion to every tune.

They have individually been part of the Pasadena and LA music scene for many years and have played with other bandssuch as Smokewood, Touch Candy, The Shakin’ Snakes, Blind Ross, RetroActive and Accelerator and are now enjoying their collaboration as the LATE BLOOMERS.

JOHN YORK is a singer, composer, guitarist, and former member of the legendary 60’s folk rock/country rock group the Byrds with Roger McGuinn, Clarence White and Gene Parsons. He also played with the Sir Douglas Quintet (with Dr. John,) The Mamas and The Papas touring band, Johnny Rivers, Lightning Hopkins, Gene Clark, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel,& Nicky Hopkins and David Carradine.

John is currently touring with Barry McGuire in “Trippin’ the Sixties,” and performing with his own Trio Band.
"John York is the last pure voice of the Silver Sixties..." (Kim Fowley)

Salty Suites Show

In 2012, THE SALTY SUITES released their first CD, self-titled. Now, 2013 will bring another CD, yet to be named, plus fresh off the Press, the studio edited live version of their celebrated concert at Castoro Cellars will be for sale at this show!!

Born and raised in Southern California, Scott began learning piano at the age of three, and mandolin at the age of seven, studying under master mandolinist Evan J. Marshall of Los Angeles for six years. By 13 Scott established his own bluegrass bands (Pacific Ocean Bluegrass; The Scott Gates Band), winning several mandolin and band competitions. Scott performs across the country at many venues and has appeared on radio and television, performing with artists as varied as Kenny Loggins, Steve Martin, Ed Helms, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and a virtual whos who of bluegrass. Chelsea Williams has been writing and performing her own music from the age of thirteen. By the age of 17, she took the stage, on her own, performing first at clubs and coffee houses. While some of her early songs are still hits with her fans, she has continued to develop as a writer penning over 100 original songs to date. Chelsea is also known for making her living by busking -- selling tens of thousands of home made demos, one by one, simply on her own, on the street. Her magnetic personality drawn in the fans; her songs set the hook. Most recently, Chelsea can be seen featured on a Chevy commercial, which made it's debut on Simon Cowell's hit television show, the X FACTOR. See the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=motVgLCCXo4

Chuck brings a background in bluegrass, original musical gems, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Music on the Upright Bass. Chuck sings and plays in a way that is uniquely his own, is in great demand as a session player, teaches the bass, and takes his expertise directly to young children in the schools, teaching FUNdamentals of Music and Movement. As close to a house band as the Coffee Gallery has, The Salty Suites play here monthly when schedules allow and are happy to bring their show to the small intimate setting of the Gallery. Come have a blast with us!

Opening for us this night will be Alex Finazzo! Alex has become a fixture in the Southern California music scene. Having been the main guitarist for bands such as the Scott Gates Band, Blue Creek, Soledad Mountain and more, Alex is seen most often these days performing solo or with the renowned mandolin player, Evan Marshall. Alex has taken the stage at the region’s largest bluegrass festivals and consistently draws audiences in with his dynamic and powerful flat-picking. With roots in bluegrass, his style has evolved into an eclectic blend of influences rich with heartfelt melodies, impressive technique and a dash of dry wit.

JAMES LEE STANLEY & JOHN BATDORF....All Wood & Stones II...

John Batdorf and James Lee Stanley returned to the studio last summer and began a new project…to wit:   All Wood and Stones II. You may recall that several years ago they did a CD entitled All Wood and Stones, acoustic guitar and vocal re-inventions of classic Rolling Stones songs. XM put it on the list of the best CD of the year.

They have filled rooms around the country with their wonderful interplay of acoustic guitars and vocals.  Well, they’ve done it again. All Wood and Stones II.

The songs: Honky Tonk Women, Miss You, Get Off My Cloud, Jumping Jack Flash, Play With Fire, Before They Make Me Run, Sympathy For the Devil, Tumbling Dice, Wild Horses and Time Is On My Side.

John and James Lee have toured the country with many of the top names in music. They do an amazing show and you cannot miss it.

BRETT HALLAM HOLLAND

Before moving to the U.S. in 2011, Brett performed in Festivals through New Zealand and Australia, as a soloist and Bandleader, backed up many iconic New Zealand artists and wrote music for documentaries and even a musical. Within his style he combines bass lines, melodies, chords, slapping, 2 handed tapping, odd times, and improvisation all in the context of songs. Stylistically think Eric Clapton meeting Tommy Emmanuel, then talking to Dave Matthews.

ANNE HILLS.......has become one of the better known voices of the contemporary folk music scene, receiving awards and recognition for her live performances (2009 Bound for Glory live radio show favorite- Ithaca, NY), her unique solo and collaborative recording projects (2001 WAMMIE for duet CD with Tom Paxton Under American Skies), and her overall artistry and benefit work (2002 Kate Wolf Award, Carole Robertson Award & Kerrville Female Vocalist of the Year 1997). Her song "Follow That Road" was the title cut of the Martha's Vineyard Songwriter Retreat and has enchanted audiences for over a decade. Whether she is singing her own song, the words of 6 year old Opal Whiteley, or the Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley; accompanied with her guitar, banjo, or simply a Tibetan bell, she puts her whole heart and soul into the moment. So, even if you haven't become familiar with her voice (featured often on XM/Sirius Folk Radio, The Midnight Special & many other folk shows) you won't want to miss a chance to hear her songs and stories in person. She's just begun touring California recently, winning over audiences with her warm, lively and humorous performances.

The AllMusic Guide says, " A stunning soprano tone has made Anne Hills one of contemporary music’s premiere vocalists. . . Her knack for writing heartfelt songs [has] brought her to the upper echelon of her craft.” and Tom Paxton says,"Anne Hills is such an exquisite singer that it’s understandable that people might be swept up in the pure beauty of her voice and thereby overlook her writing. That would be a mistake. For me, Anne’s writing, in songs like ‘Follow That Road’ and many others, is as direct, melodic and deep as any work being done today.  She is quite simply one of my absolute favorite songwriters.”

Hear more from Anne at : http://www.annehills.com or http://www.myspace.com/annehills

SOURDOUGH SLIM will be joined at the end of  May by FUR DIXON who will open the show with her spectacular stage show of music and fun. Double your pleasure.

SOURDOUGH SLIM......One of the most original and beloved Western entertainers of our time, Sourdough Slim is a hoot to say the least. The moment this award winning Western showman steps into the spotlight, it's apparent to everyone that they're in for a rollicking good time. Ten gallon funny-man Sourdough Slim, transports us to a whimsical world where vaudevillian camp and cowboy lore intermingle to produce grins galore.

Sourdough, aka Rick Crowder, is a well traveled veteran of stages ranging from The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering to The Lincoln Center's Roots of American Music Festival and the Carnegie Hall Folk Festival. His fast-paced stage show finds him crooning Western classics, playing accordion, guitar and harmonica, dancing a jig, twirling a lariat, dishing out hilarious comedic sketches and letting loose with his absolutely mind boggling yodeling. His truly astounding yippie-ti-yi style won him the Academy of Western Artists 2001 Will Rogers Award for "Yodeler of the Year" and 2009, 2010 and 2011 nomination for "Entertainer of the Year" from the Western Music Association.

As Cowboy Magazine editor Darrell Arnold puts it, "There's no one else out there like Sourdough Slim. An accordion playing, yodeling, tongue-in-cheek, cowboy-dressed entertainer deluxe. Catchy, uplifting, irresistible, jolly fun." The Allentown Morning Call proclaims him to be a "One-man Western extravaganza!" The East Bay Express calls him "The most entertaining cowboy singer-yodeler-accordionist extant!" The Newport News Review brandishes him "The W. C. Fields of Western Entertainment." and Via Magazine heralds him "Entertainer extraordinaire!"
Come on down to the Coffee Gallery Backstage tonight and join Sourdough for an evening of unforgettable good times.
www.sourdoughslim.com

FUR DIXON has a beautiful voice, distinctive and unique as Emmylou or Iris Dement. Her musical heart pumps the rhythm of American, Irish, English and Scandinavian folk music.
For the last 10 years, Fur performed with Steve Werner. They released 4 cd's together, beautiful harmonies, yodeling, and old-timey hit-the-road themes were their bag.

Did I forget to mention Fur's yonder, pink-mohawked days as bassist for underground "psychobilly" legends, the Cramps? Yep, this girl has been around, a seasoned veteran and a life dedicated to music. She pours her passion into every note she sings and plays.

Fur is preparing to record a new album, you will hear new original music as well as heart-worn favorites. She is overjoyed to be sharing the stage with her yodeling hero Sourdough Slim! It should be a memorable and exciting affair. Come one, come all!

The Tom Corbett Band....

featuring Bill Knopf on banjo and David Ferguson on guitar return to the scene of the rhyme for a little musical adventure at the Coffee Gallery Backstage.

Tom, a 2011 Kerville New Folk Songwriter Finalist and a 2012 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Troubadour will be playing songs from his three CD's as well as many of the 7,356 songs that the TC Band knows collectively. Relying on Bill's experience with the Doc Severinsen Band, David's knowledge of every chord ever written and Tom's ability to make stuff up we will be prepared to play stump the band at a moments notice.

Don't try this at home we are trained professionals.

DAVE STAMEY....

Voted Male Performer of the Year by the Western Music Association, winner of the Will Rogers Award for Male Vocalist of the Year from the Academy of Western Artists, and a five-time nominee for Songwriter Of The Year, DAVE STAMEY is one of the most popular Western Entertainers working today. His vast repertoire of classic and original Western folk music represents a link between today's Americana singer-songwriters and the old-time cowboy balladeers. He has delighted audiences in seven states, and has found that he prefers this type of work to being stomped by angry horses.

You know how hard I work to give you a novel, exciting, yet classic, experiences. Such as petting a feral a skunk. Unforgettable. But you will like all of this. Really.

TALUNA....A common thread runs from Dubrovnik to Vukovar, passing through Belgrade, touching lightly Tirana and Athens. A thread flowing underwater touching Brindisi and passing through Mediterranean, skimming the Andalusia coast. A thread moves on guitars and violins chords, rebounds on leather drums curving on the accordion keys. Knot of these connections, these are TALU.

Band formed by four musicians with different roots and backgrounds, moving their first steps in 2008 in Turin (Italy); an immigrant’s city become a meltin'pot of Central Europe and North Africa cultures. GAIA MOBILIJ Calabrian lyre and accordion, MARCO GHEZZO violin, LUCA RUSSO acoustic guitar, PEPPINO LEONE percussions and traditional Southern Italian frame drums are the means of this mental, spatial and musical voyage - between gipsy and sephardic sounds, Balcans syncopated rhythms and the obsessed tarantella. Taluna landing place is a personal sound, their show is a revised traditional repertoire of traditional Italian music arranged in a Balkan key. But the real energy comes their songs written personally, in a mix of styles and genres to which Taluna refers to.The voice is the principal element around that the percussion exprime with the beats balkanic and the violin and guitar approach different languages of improvisation.

Refined music and irresistible for the dance. Think of it as riding a wild, musical ostrich.

JOHN McEUEN....returns with friends Matt Cartsonis (the great singer and mandola/guitar player) and hot fiddler Craig Eastman for a show of familiar and new music. They will be featured at the Alaska State Fair this August so if you don't catch them here you will have to go to north to Alaska!

This is the 40th year of the release of the “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” album, and many songs from that will be featured this night. It was just rereleased on vinyl LP by Capitol/EMI and getting well deserved new attention. (The album was recently put in the Library of Congress as 'one of the most important American recordings).

Bluegrass, blues, traditional, folk, and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band songs will fill the evening with new stories from the travels of this iconic performer - recently recognized by the Folk Alliance as 'The Best in the West" performer.

McEuen is also set to receive the Charlie Poole Lifetime Achievement Award at that North Carolina festival this June.
check out this 4 minute documentary for information on John:
John McEuen - a life in music: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1655057105992

Salty Suites Show

In 2012, THE SALTY SUITES released their first CD, self-titled. Now, 2013 will bring another CD, yet to be named, plus fresh off the Press, the studio edited live version of their celebrated concert at Castoro Cellars will be for sale at this show!!

Born and raised in Southern California, Scott began learning piano at the age of three, and mandolin at the age of seven, studying under master mandolinist Evan J. Marshall of Los Angeles for six years. By 13 Scott established his own bluegrass bands (Pacific Ocean Bluegrass; The Scott Gates Band), winning several mandolin and band competitions. Scott performs across the country at many venues and has appeared on radio and television, performing with artists as varied as Kenny Loggins, Steve Martin, Ed Helms, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and a virtual whos who of bluegrass. Chelsea Williams has been writing and performing her own music from the age of thirteen. By the age of 17, she took the stage, on her own, performing first at clubs and coffee houses. While some of her early songs are still hits with her fans, she has continued to develop as a writer penning over 100 original songs to date. Chelsea is also known for making her living by busking -- selling tens of thousands of home made demos, one by one, simply on her own, on the street. Her magnetic personality drawn in the fans; her songs set the hook. Most recently, Chelsea can be seen featured on a Chevy commercial, which made it's debut on Simon Cowell's hit television show, the X FACTOR. See the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=motVgLCCXo4

Chuck brings a background in bluegrass, original musical gems, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Music on the Upright Bass. Chuck sings and plays in a way that is uniquely his own, is in great demand as a session player, teaches the bass, and takes his expertise directly to young children in the schools, teaching FUNdamentals of Music and Movement. As close to a house band as the Coffee Gallery has, The Salty Suites play here monthly when schedules allow and are happy to bring their show to the small intimate setting of the Gallery. Come have a blast with us!

Opening for us this night will be Alex Finazzo! Alex has become a fixture in the Southern California music scene. Having been the main guitarist for bands such as the Scott Gates Band, Blue Creek, Soledad Mountain and more, Alex is seen most often these days performing solo or with the renowned mandolin player, Evan Marshall. Alex has taken the stage at the region’s largest bluegrass festivals and consistently draws audiences in with his dynamic and powerful flat-picking. With roots in bluegrass, his style has evolved into an eclectic blend of influences rich with heartfelt melodies, impressive technique and a dash of dry wit.

DEANNA D’AMICO-WHITE along with AARON LOHR. ALSO Kurt “Keys” Fries.

Get ready for a fun-filled evening that only Deanna D’Amico-White can bring to life with her tireless energy and impressive vocal chops. Deanna along side her co-writer, co producer and keyboard player Kurt "Keys" Fries, don’t just sing and play, they put on a show! Add to that, the powerful stage presence and R&B styling's of Aaron Lohr, singing songs that explore relationships from a “Cold Woman” to the reflective “Bright Blue Day”.

Deanna D’Amico-White
Deanna is a dynamic, engaging singer who performs Country covers, popular hits, and her own original songs. She developed a stage presence derived from headlining for Tokyo Disney, Opryland in Nashville and venues around the world. She has also performed on the main stage at City Walk, both opening for Tiffany and as the featured artist. Deanna currently entertains as part of a duo with Kurt, or with a band of four pieces or more. She has two CD’s, “A Song For Me & You” and “When I Play My Guitar” and is now working on a children’s CD which will be out soon. Deanna brings a fresh, energetic approach to her positive, insightful songs through true stories and personal experiences.
Website: www.deannadamico-white.com
Email: Deanna@angelsongrecords.com

Aaron Lohr
Aaron Lohr is a top-notch vocalist who brings a plaintive, yet powerful, style to his R&B flavored originals and classic covers. His performances are enticing and riveting. He has appeared in many Disney films including “Newsies” and “The Mighty Ducks”. He also portrayed Steve in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Rent”. He recently guest starred in “Law and Order” and “The Mentalist”. With co-writer and producer, Mark Marino, he has just finished his first CD, “Bright Blue Day”.

7:00 PM

Open Range Band with John Bergstrom’s Western State of Mind

“Music that captures the spirit of the West”…that’s how the music of the award winning group from Montana, Open Range, has been described.  Performing together for over 15 years, Ric Steinke & Linda Hausler have won numerous awards and nominations from the Western Music Association and the Academy of Western Music. Their most recent awards include "Best ofthe Best Harmony" Award, and a top 5 nomination for “OutstandingInstrumentalist“ and "Best Western Duo".

Open Range instrumentation is made up of guitars, dobro/steel guitar, accordion, and Native American Flute. Their music includes songs from the old cowboy era, early western standards, contemporary Americana/folk and western swing, as well as their own originals. Many of their songs contain historic content, which lends itself well to many western themed events. Accompanying Ric & Linda in their trio will be fellow musician and friend Dean Anderson on accordion and harmony vocals.

Among their multi-state touring, guest ranch performances and numerous musical events, Open Range has also been featured on the PBS Kids’ program  Postcards From Buster, Buster’s Buffalo Roundup. Some of their music was used in a documentary about the early women bronc riders in Oh You Cowgirl!, and most recently they can be heard in the independent film titled Where the Yellowstone Goes. They have three CD's to their credit, Yellowstone Winds, High Country Cookout, and Swingtime in the Rockies.

When not on tour, Ric enjoys driving stagecoaches and singing for the Roosevelt cookout in Yellowstone National Park where he has performed for 17 seasons.

“Whatever it was that brought Ric & Linda together as a duo, no one can deny that it was absolutely meant to be.” American Western Magazine - Taylor Fogarty

John Bergstrom’s Western State of Mind

John Bergstrom, John Nelson, and Gency Brown make up Western State of Mind, a trio who celebrate their love of all things western by performing traditional and original songs of the west, along with some classic country. This trio came together in part as a result of their collaboration in making John Bergstrom’s latest CD, “Butterfield Stage.”

John was nominated as male performer of the year by the Academy of Western Artists in 2011 and 2012. His song, “Throw Down the Box” was nominated for song of the year by the Western Music Association in 2011. John has performed throughout the Southwest at various venues. John and Gency Brown have been regular performers at the Autry National Center, along with appearances in a variety of coffee houses in Southern California. Gency is an excellent harmony singer whose haunting voice adds just as well when she sings lead.

John Nelson has an extensive resume of performances throughout the United States. His banjo and guitar skills make a great addition to the group.

Sweet Mama Cotton .....

her name evokes the style described by her motto:  “New Texas Blues with respect for tradition.”  Though she grew up and started her musical career in the north and northwest (North Dakota, Michigan, Oregon), she is a naturalized Houstonian by now, and the Texas blues tradition is very evident in her original music. 

Sweet Mama Cotton (aka Marcy Rae) is also a veteran of the folk/Americana music scene.  She has been a frequent resident and participant at the Kerrville Folk Festival, and has performed many times at Anderson Fair, Houston’s iconic original music listening room.  Sweet Mama Cotton’s piano skills are the perfect accompaniment for her velvet voice.  Her music tells about her view of the world, and invites you to leave your worries at home and celebrate life with her “affirming blues” and heartfelt lyrics. 

Sweet Mama Cotton is on tour now to support her long-awaited (and VERY well received) new cd: SUH-WEEET. 

Award-winning Irish flute player Hanz Araki is the quintessential world music musician. After six generations, the name Araki is synonymous with the Japanese shakuhachi (an end-blown bamboo flute) which Hanz mastered making his professional debut in 1988. After four years of concert appearances and teaching at the prestigious Keio University in Tokyo, Japan, Hanz returned to his hometown of Seattle, WA and found himself drawn to the world of Celtic music. The penny-whistle and the Irish flute became his single-minded focus, and jigs and reels became a second language. His unique style and passion were soon recognized and met with high praise.

Hanz also discovered his voice was well-suited to the songs of Scotland, Ireland, and England and is highly regarded for his interpretation of folk songs in what is one of the most exciting living traditions.

After several tours across the US, Canada, and the UK (first with the Juno Award winning Paperboys, then Casey Neill) as well as a return to Japan, now as a well-respected Irish flute-player, Hanz moved to Portland, OR in 2006. This move proved to be most fortuitous as it led to the musical partnership with Kathryn Claire.

A self-taught guitarist and accomplished vocalist and fiddle-player, Kathryn has asserted herself in a new generation of traditionally-inspired musicians. Her violin-playing exhibits a technical grace which is matched only by her truly captivating voice. While she possesses the rare ability to move seamlessly across genres, her love and deep respect for traditional music has long been a driving influence, and those roots can be heard in her own original music.

Early classical training gave her a strong foundation, but naturally gave way to her own creative inclinations. Kathryn taught herself guitar at a young age in order to explore her own voice as a songwriter and accompanist and has developed a hypnotic, driving accompaniment style. She has spent years cultivating her craft as an instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter.

Kathryn and Hanz quickly discovered their shared love of harmony, and a creative process began that has produced a tremendous body of work. Their shared passion for traditional music is magnetic and they have become a favorite at music festivals and venues in the US and abroad.

MASTER FINGERSTYLE GUITARIST TOULOUSE ENGELHARDT & JOHN YORK, FORMER MEMBER OF THE “BYRDS” TO PERFORM
AT THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE on the evening of Saturday. JUNE 22TH @ 7 PM.

Toulouse Engelhardt, often called the “Segovia of Surf”, returns to the Coffee Gallery Back Stage in June. He is an award winning fingerstyle guitar “Monster”, who was the last member of the legendary “Takoma 7,” an elite group of fingerstyle guitar innovators that recorded for John Fahey’s Takoma Records from 1959-1976. John Fahey and Leo Kottke were his labelmates!
Opening the show will be John York, singer-songwriter and former member of the legendary folk-rock band, The “Byrds”. John York is currently touring with Barry McGuire, and has played with The Mamas and the Papas, Dr. John, Johnny Rivers, Rick Danko, Gene Clark, Richard Manuel, The Sir Douglas Quintet, Rolling Stones keyboardist Nicky Hopkins, and Blues legend Lightin' Hopkins.
Toulouse says; “Both John and I are really stoked about these performances. I am always honored to work with him. I have been a huge fan of his work since his days with the “Byrds”. John is a very talented singer-songwriter with a sweet, mellow voice and deep lyrical expression. John adds his thoughts: "What a pleasure to be sharing the stage once again with Toulouse Engelhardt. It's a chance for music fans to see the world's fastest guitar player with one of the world's slowest guitar players!"

For more detailed information on each of these veteran performers go to:
www.toulousemusic.com
www.johnyorkmusic.com

Click the poster for your own large sized printable one.

PATRICK BALL / CELTIC HARP & STORY...a stellar solo performance. Matinee.

http://www.patrickball.com/

Patrick Ball is one of the premier Celtic harp players in the world and a captivating spoken word artist.

In playing the ancient, legendary brass-strung harp of Ireland with its crystalline, bell-like voice, and in performing marvelous tales of wit and enchantment, he not only brings new life to two cherished traditions, but blends them in concert to create “a richly theatrical and hauntingly beautiful performance.” (St. Petersburg Times)

INCENDIO....means fire in at least two languages. They will light yours with guitar magic. Bring friends and share the talent.

INCENDIO....Some audience reactions to Incendio’s shows across their tour of the U.S. –

“Words can't describe the amazing talent of this band. But feelings can! This group plays with fire (hence "Incendio" or fuego) in their hearts. Fierce strumming and passion for "ethnic" music is both ubiquitous and intimate in their style of play. This music deeply inspires. Thanks so much for the fun Jim, JP, and Liza!” - Erik R.
“I'm so excited I will have the opportunity to see you in person… Your music is amazing! I'll be the one probably not able to sit in my seat for very long. I am a Latina, and love the Latin sound music.” – Rachel L.C.
“[What are] the possibilities to have your CDs in Italy???? do you sell them in somewhere here or on internet????? I was an exchange student in Bishop CA when I heard you the first time! I love your music!! :) “ - Alessia S.

INCENDIO in both Italian and Spanish means “fire” and this moniker is fitting for a musical group whose sound is all about energy, exploration, and passion. At the heart of  INCENDIO’s sound is the Latin or Spanish guitar which can conjure up romantic as well as powerful and bold images – they refer to their style as “Latin Guitar World Fusion”. Averaging over 150 concerts a year for the last four years, INCENDIO’s live show has become an explosive improvisatory journey, garnering tremendous audience response in such diverse venues as the Strawberry Music Fest in Yosemite, the Sundance Film Festival, Verizon Music Festival, Catalina Jazztrax, California World Festival, and many more. Their four previous CD’s have enjoyed international radio airplay and critical acclaim. Their new live DVD and CD, “Dia Y Noche”, captures a daytime show at the Strawberry Festival 2004 and a nighttime show at the Countrywide Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Center and was released internationally on December 2, 2005.

INCENDIO is Jim Stubblefield (guitar), Liza Carbe (bass and guitar), and Jean-Pierre Durand (guitar). This evening the group will be joined by percussionist Bryan Brock.

BLIND CORN LIQUOR PICKERS....

The Blind Corn Liquor Pickers, like the moonlight-brewed intoxicant for which they are named, play a variety of bluegrass whose origins are difficult to ascertain. As corn liquor flows through an old car radiator, old-time traditions mix with modern methods in ways that can be unsettling, inspiring, euphoric or blindness-inducing. It's bluegrass that burns going down, warms your gut, and then hits your head like a thunderbolt of white lightning. Banjos, mandolins and fiddles mingle with drums and electric guitars and the soaring, emotive vocals of lead singer Beth Walker harness an Appalachian blues to make the stories in their songs really sing.

The songs are highly original, revisionist takes on traditional American music themes. Genre send-ups, fiery political pieces, modern-day murder ballads, existential mood-pieces or moonshine-drenched party songs, you'll hear it all in a Blind Corn Liquor Picker performance that will in turn make you laugh, think, dance and (of course) drink.

"Plenty of songs in the genre call the listener to imagine riding trains and buses or to think back to the old homestead, but nobody travels the lost highways or dreams of the log cabin on the hill the way the BCLP do, or with rhythms akin to theirs. It can get confusing, all right, but don't worry. It's the best kind of confusing -- all surprise and delight, with the kind of shock that engenders unexpected laughter."

-- Jerome Clark, Rambles.NET

"The songs are packed so tight you couldn't get a half a bar free to sip your beer in. It's music that sounds like it's been distilled and purified through three generations. Confident, effortless and irresistible, you would have to have a heart of coal and dancing shoes of lead not to fall in love with this stuff."

--Whisperin' & Hollerin'

"These tunes are up-beat, energetic and rousingly high-spirited, the lyrics fresh, witty, intelligent, and chock-full of good-natured mischief. If the Beatles were reincarnated as 21st Century punkabilly Kentuckians, they'd probably sound a whole lot like the Blind Corn Liquor Pickers."

-- Ed McClanahan, Novelist & Merry Prankster

MATINEE....JERRY BURGAN Songs & Stories, with Debbie Burgan and Tholow Chan......

Folk music of the late 1950’s and early 60’s influenced everyone from the Beatles and the Beach Boys, to Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. As they found an audience in coffee houses, high schools and colleges, it changed the course of popular music throughout the world. Jerry Burgan was there with We Five riding the leading edge of folk-rock’s wave with You Were On My Mind and Get Together as folk music morphed into folk-rock-- and all the hyphen-rock musical forms that followed.

Today, his Songs & Stories show takes audiences on a guided tour through some of the magical and memorable moments of our common musical experience—when folk songs topped the charts and Dylan still hadn’t plugged in—but the times were indeed a changing. Whether you were there at the start, sang the songs in school, or learned them from your parents, the familiar tunes are sure to connect as synapses fire. Feet will tap in time with the music and lips spread into a broad smile as they follow along moving in synchronicity with the lyrics.

Fresh from appearing in the Clive Davis Theater at the Grammy Museum for a special program during the Woody Guthrie Centennial Celebration, Jerry the wizened sage, will be sharing fascinating tales woven from the spirit of Woody Guthrie, the Lomaxes, Leadbelly, Pete Seeger and the Weavers, to the more contemporary artists they inspired – like John Stewart. The former Kingston Trio banjo player and writer of countless classic songs in the musical form that’s now come to be called Americana, was Jerry’s mentor, so count on hearing some treasures that were learned directly from the master.

Along with the classics, some originals from his solo Global Recording Artists CD, Jerry Burgan – Reflections, Songs & Stories, are always included. He’ll be joined for this show by We Five’s singer/percussionist extraordinaire, Debbie Burgan, and it’s all tastily complimented by bassist and humorist, Tholow Chan. Their stage rapport has a seamless quality that’s been honed by time as they draw each audience into the feel-good experience--often with spontaneous laughter and comments coming from the room. When the three of them sing together, their tight arrangements bring to life the exhilarating power, harmony and charm that made folk trios so popular.

Bring your friends along. They’ll thank you.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR..... with Special Stars....THE SCARLET FURIES.

The Merry Wives of Windsor is a ten-piece all-female folk band based in Pasadena, California. Blending elements of North American, British Isles, and Contemporary Folk music, the foundation of the Merry Wives' sound is rich four- and five-part vocal harmonies, with support and ornamentation by acoustic folk instruments. A collaborative group, the Wives bring a unique sensibility to every song they perform, from traditional Irish pieces, to original compositions that range from beautiful to bawdy. With musical backgrounds in everything from Folk, to Musical Theater, and even straying to Pop and Opera, the Merry Wives present a relevant musical perspective, while still staying true to the spirit of the music they perform. These lovely and talented ladies have graced the stages of the El Rey Theater, the Grove of Anaheim, and The Galaxy Theatre, as well as Renaissance Faires across the country.

THE SCARLET FURIES...The rootsy romance of American southern gothic angels and demons, wrapped in a veil of rich harmonies and anything with strings. This 5 peice tower of folk melds complex acoustic layers with unshakable melodies and vocal arrangements behind stunning powerhouse songstress Raleigh Holmes. An alt folk/roots band

The Scarlet Furies is fronted by a beautiful young singer, songwriter Raleigh Holmes. They have been doing lots of shows and festivals for the last year with folks like Leon Russell, The Subdudes, John Waite, and Kenny Loggins, and have a new CD "Dark Clad Company", produced by Rusty Anderson of  Paul McCartney's band and mastered by Gavin Lurssen (triple Grammy winner with T Bone Burnette), and a new soundtrack for the hit game Gray Matter just released. Here's a peice of a review from The Alternate Root..

"There is a gentleness and quiet beauty to The Scarlet Furies recent release, ‘Dark Clad Company’. Raleigh Holmes vocals whisper promises (“All or Nothing”) and say goodbye (“Gone Tomorrow”) with a sweetness that leave a smile and a glass half full memory. Lyrics and story lines, like on “Young Goodman Brown”, lend an age to the songs. The dust of time works well with the instrumentation and The Scarlet Furies natural ability to add freshness. They reincarnate tradition and the resulting sound never shows age. They take a modern classic track by Nirvana (“Heart Shaped Box”) and replace the grunge of Seattle with forest freshness more in line with the folk side of Americana. "— The Alternative Root

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DAYLIGHT AGAIN (A TRIBUTE TO CROSBY, STILLS & NASH) ARE RETURNING TO THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE
FOR A SPECIAL MATINEE SHOW ! SUNDAY IN THE AFTERNOON, WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE?

We're very excited to announce the return of the stellar tribute to Crosby, Stills & Nash, DAYLIGHT AGAIN.

Crosby, Stills & Nash have remained America’s longest-running experiment in vocal harmony and social relevance. The trio brought harmony to the forefront of popular music with their unique three-part vocal blend. They emphasized singing and songwriting above all, and their example contributed to the evolution of the singer/songwriter movement in the Seventies.

Daylight Again has dedicated themselves to recreating the CSN concert experience with incredible detail. From the alternate tunings to the complex harmonies, Ori Huberman, Bob Melendrez and Jim Wootten, who have been deeply touched and impacted by this music, have painstakingly taken it upon themselves to learn this music in such a way that it pays the utmost respect to the original artist.

This show will consist of a retrospective of the music of  CSN spanning the catalog of the super group that was formed in 1968 and still, 45 years later, thrills audiences of all ages with some of the best and most recognizable songs in classic rock history. The set list will mainly focus on the greatest hits, but they have also thrown in some of the deeper cut numbers for the most ardent die hard CSN fans. We hope you can join us for this very special performance honoring one the the greatest rock groups of all time.

Join us for an evening of musical history with a rare pairing of these two Hawaiian “slack key” and steel guitar masters!

Kimo and Ken brought the house down at the recent So Cal Slack Key Festival with their rousing “kanikapila-style” set and this show promises to push the art of slack key and steel guitar duets to the limit!

JIM “KIMO” WEST.....Jim “Kimo” West is one of ki ho’alu’s most unique talents , a fact belied by his large repertoire of original slack key compositions, many in tunings of his own invention and his fluid, harp-like style. His Hawaiian “roots” are in the tiny town of Hana, Maui where he first fell in love with the enchanting sound of slack key guitar.

In addition to his catalog of five slack key CD’s, he has recently recorded a new addition with plans for a fall release. Kimo is the recipient of the Hawaii Music Award, a two-time Na Hoku Hanohano nominee and a two-time winner of the LA Treasures Award for his work toward perpetuating this valuable acoustic guitar tradition. He has also brought his slack key and composing talents to a number of films, documentaries and television commercials.

Recent performances include the Southern California Slack Key Festival (his sixth consecutive year there), the legendary Douglas Corner Cafe in Nashville and countless West Coast venues. He is also a veteran of Hawaii’s slack key festivals, having played his first one in 1999 and returns to The Slack Key Show in Napili, Maui for the fifth time on May 22.

On a side note, Kimo is also well-known as long-time electric guitarist for the world’s most successful musical comedy artist, “Weird Al” Yankovic who he will be touring with much of 2013.

“West's knowledge of slack-key guitar is vividly expressed in both his keen performances of covers as well as his own dynamite songwriting. ..... the liquid flow of West's guitar achieves that perfect balance of caressing the ears while awakening the mind to pictures of blankets of clouds hovering over a bed of blue ocean.”
All About Jazz, 12/1/2011

KEN EMERSON.....Kenton Robert Lopaka Emerson is a San Francisco bay area born/ Hawaiian island bred guitarist who covers many musical genres. He has played his special blend of Blues/Jazz Hawaiian guitar for 40 years and running..His original compositions and performances on 'Slack Key Guitar Vol 2' (Palm Records) helped bring in the first ever 2005 GRAMMY award for Hawaiian music. 'KE' most recently played on Donald Fagen's 2007 GRAMMY winning "Morph the Cat" album.

Born into a musical family, Ken grew up with his fathers' extensive record collection of jazz, swing, Hawaiian and world music styles. Turning up his large valve powered Console Grande stereo, Ken's father Jack merrily spun everything from Alan Lomax field recordings to Louis Armstrong and vintage Hawaiian '78 rpm records.

Hawaiian music runs a common thread throughout his family's roots. His mandolin playing grandfather Ray Emerson lived in the islands beginning in 1917, and his Grand Uncle Ed played jazz saxophone on the famous Matson Liner ‘Malolo' in the early to mid 1930's. His mother Alice was a featured ukulele performer along with her twin sister Agnes at the 1939 world's fair exhibition in San Francisco. The ukulele she played at that venue proved to be Ken's first ‘guitar' at age 7. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ken began playing guitar along with his older brothers and sister. He played the folk and blues songs of the early ‘60s, learning right hand fingerstyle techniques that led to his development as a fingerstyle picker. “We all played the Leadbelly, Sippie Wallace, Woody Guthrie stuff, along with Dylan, Baez.” With the explosion of the San Francisco sound of the mid- later ‘60's Ken also immersed himself into rock and electric blues styles. He was particularly drawn to bottleneck and slide guitar, and used a harmonica to duplicate the sound. In early 1968 Ken's family moved to Hawaii. Absorbing the Hawaiian culture, Ken and his brother Phil began studying Hawaiian language and music. They learned to emulate the players of the 1920's and ‘30s era by listening to vintage Hawaiian 78 rpm records, zeroing in on the jazz and blues styles of Sol Ho'opi'i and Sol K. Bright. By the mid'70's Ken and Phil were playing alongside such legendary performers as Gabby Pahinui, Genoa Keawe, Raymond Kane, Auntie Alice Namakelua, Sol K. Bright and George Ka'ainapau, and recorded and toured with Moe Keale. In between his love of traditional Hawaiian music, Ken has played and/or toured with many luminaries in the musical world beyond Hawaii including Todd Rundgren, Taj Mahal, Boz Scaggs, Jackson Browne, Donald Fagen, Dave Mason, Charlie Musselwhite, Elvin Bishop, Graham Nash, San Francisco's Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Bill Kreutzmann, Pablo Cruise Band and The Rowan Brothers. Dividing his time between Kaua'i and San Francisco, Ken plays many local venues and festivals and is a frequent visitor to the east coast of the United States as well as Europe and Asia.

"Emerson writes pieces that update the classic sounds of Hawaiian Slack Key guitar. His unaccompanied songs have an open, relaxing quality to them, moving forward in a gentle rhythm.." Jessy Terry
Rolling Stone Magazine.