Twilight Dance Series, The Slackers, Starpool: July 28, 2011

Week 4: Reggae/Ska

The Slackers JULY 28th, 2011

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About this publication

The Slackers

Twilight Dance Series Table of Contents Pgs. 6-7

Sounds of the islands The Slackers and Starpool a mix of reggae and ska

Pg. 14

Walkabout Pg. 8

Explore the area around the pier

TDS rules The low-down on getting around

This Twilight Dance Series guide has been created as a partnership between the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation and the Santa Monica Daily Press. It is intended to help concert-goers navigate the popular summer concert series.

The Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation is a non-profit created in 1983 by the Santa Monica City Council to preserve and enhance the pleasure pier experience for people of all ages and for future generations.

Publisher: Ross Furukawa Editor: Daniel Archuleta Designer: Darren Ouellette Special thanks: Martin Fleischmann, Steve Gibson, Craig Hoffman, Dennis Lin, Anne Railsback, Rob Schwenker, Brittney Seeliger, Steven Stuart, Taylor Van Arsdale

Pgs. 15-17

Upcoming TDS schedule Pgs. 10-11

Next week’s show is for the environment

TDS map Get the lay of the land

Pg. 18

Return to last week Pg. 12

Missy Higgins and the Aussie invasion

Cheers on the pier Sonoma Wine Garden on the deck

For more information, visit santamonicapier.org, or call (310) 458-8901.

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The Slackers

The Slackers are motivated Twilight Dance Series has an island feel with an American twist on’t be fooled by the name. Twenty years, nearly a dozen studio albums and thousands of live performances after their start, the Slackers have built a career quite unlike any other, as prolific as they are unique.

What started in 1991 as a New York City two-tone trio has since grown into a sextet of experts in blending Jamaican roots with American garage rock and British ska. Not only have vocalist/organist Vic Ruggiero, bassist Marcus Geard, saxophonist Dave Hillyard, trombonist Glen Pine, guitarist Jay Nugent and drummer Ara Babajian mastered a combination of reggae, rocksteady, dub and ska, along the way they’ve incorporated blues, country, ‘60s soul, rock and R&B. How to make sense of what can be described as “Jamaican rock ‘n’ roll” but clearly goes much deeper than a tidy label?

“We bring the other influences in, not necessarily all in one song, but we Americanize stuff,” says Hillyard, who joined the band in 1994. “We play with an American accent.”

Indeed, while the Slackers count Jamaican ska/reggae pioneers like the Skatalites and the Upsetters among their biggest influences, they also draw heavily on such groups as he Rolling Stones and the Beatles. Admittedly, putting it all together presents a challenge.

“It’s trying to make it coherent,” Hillyard says. “I think one of the things about other ska bands is, when they try to mix influences, it’s like, OK, we’re gonna have a fast section and then we’ll have the metal section and then we’ll have the reggae

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section and it’ll all be in one song.

“We tend to have a song that’s a country reggae song all the way through. It doesn’t have these radical shifts in tempo and style all over the place.”

After a few years of playing around New York, the Slackers released their first album, the appropriately-named “Better Late Than Never,” in 1996. With its fusion of Jamaican, American and British music, the debut LP gave shape to what had previously been largely experimentation.

An almost unbroken stream of studio albums, EPs, live albums and collections followed over the next two decades, with the most recent release — “Stash Box,” introduced earlier this year — offering a retrospective of 19 fan favorites chosen online.

The songs included in this 20th anniversary celebration have inspired a fierce following both in the United States and around the world. The Slackers have played their aggressive, oftentimes politically-driven music in front of crowds in more than 30 countries, from Brazil to Japan to the Netherlands. And while their relentless recording and touring over the years haven’t made them radio superstars, the Slackers seem just fine with their relative anonymity.

“We keep on drawing people, we get people to come to our shows and people keep supporting us,” Hillyard says. “We may not have the biggest fan base, but we’ve got a really good fan base. They’re really good people so we’re really lucky that way.”

The band has also been fortunate to

outlast many more commercially prominent groups, though that may have more to do with its tireless commitment to churning out new songs and albums than with luck. That commitment can pose a problem, as well.

“The fact that you all know each other so well, you have to deal with that,” laughs Hillyard, who credits having multiple songwriters in the band for the Slackers’ nearly unparalleled output. “Fortunately, we’ve managed to keep maturing. It’s funny, we argue less than we used to.”

In all seriousness, the Slackers have a lot more to celebrate. Twenty years have come and gone, and here they are, still together and still producing some of the most original music in the genre.

“We want to make something that lasts,” Hillyard says. “I want to be a band you come back to and you’re like, oh, that’s something cool, you know?” www.theslackers.com SEE WEEK 4 PAGE 7

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Starpool Starpool is a new musical group made up by seven friends who play a twisted blend of rock, reggae, funk with the occasional twist of ska and world beat to the delight of everyone who has the chance to see them perform live. Fronted by one of the most endearing and entertaining vocalists to have performed in years, and backed by an all-star cast of musicians, it’s no wonder that Starpool is one of the most celebrated new bands of the past few years.

Starpool

www.starpoolmusic.com

Rusty’s Surf Ranch’s Emerging Artist Series After three months of competition on the stage at Rusty’s Surf Ranch, the three finalists from Rusty’s 10th Annual Emerging Artist Series will compete on the Santa Monica Pier stage in a special early edition of the TDS, starting at 6:45 p.m.. The Bad Bad Things, a young group from Culver City with a bluesy/punk rock edge, will open the show, followed by Olio, an all-male trio with a rock, pop and funk groove, and the Venice band, Down Home, whose

five-piece core works hard to create a feeling of positivity with their sets.

Judging the final performances will be TDS co-producer Martin Fleischmann of Rum & Humble, leading talent agent John Pantle of APA, and rock guitar legend Jeff Jourard formerly with both Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and the Motels. He is currently in two bands around town — The Dance Hall Pimps, and The Roosters. The winning band from Thursday’s finals will open the TDS “New Americana” night Sept.1, while the first runner-up will perform at the Rusty’s after party that night.

2011 TDS lineup twilightdance.org • July 28, Reggae/Ska: The Slackers and Starpool (plus the finalists of Rusty’s Surf Ranch emerging artist competition)

• Aug. 4, Cirque Du Soleil Presents Rock of the Bay: In Support of a Cleaner Ocean Nelson Marquez & the Moderators, and Tutu Sweeney & The Brothers Band The Twilight Dance Series partners with Heal the Bay

• Aug. 11, La Monica Ballroom Then & Now: Royal Crown Revue, Orgone, plus Ameera featuring Antonio ‘Big Daddy’ Fargas (featuring a dance floor) • Aug. 18, Making Waves: A Night of Surf Guitar The Duo-Tones, Slacktone, and The Eliminators • Aug. 25, Tango on the Timbers: Milongatron (tango lessons start at 6 p.m.)

• Sept. 1, New Americana: Dawes and Sonny & the Sunsets (plus the winner of Rusty’s Surf Ranch emerging artist competition)

• Sept. 8, A Night In Treme: (presented by Bloomingdale’s): Jon Cleary’s Philthy Phew,

Donald Harrison Electric Band, and Wanda Rouzan

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TDS survival guide Use these tips to help navigate this year’s concert series Tickets, cost

Food and drinks

No ticket or reservation is necessary for the concerts. And all of the concerts are free.

However, should you find yourself wanting to express your appreciation for the concerts you are welcome to make a tax deductible contribution to the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation either by donating online at santamonicapier.org or in person at one of the concerts by visiting the pier booth.

Alcohol consumption is not permitted in public spaces in Santa Monica. However, there are several full-service bars on the pier.

Food is permitted.

What time do the concerts begin and end?

7 p.m. — 10 p.m.

Parking Parking is available in the 1550 Pacific Coast Highway Lot, on a first-come, firstserved basis. There is no parking permitted on the Pier Parking Deck.

There are also a number of city structures located in nearby Downtown Santa Monica.

For more information, visit the City of Santa Monica’s parking site for directions and pricing at parking.smgov.net/overview.html.

For directions to the Santa Monica Pier, visit santamonicapier.org/location.

Bike valet There is a free bike valet located next to the beach bike path just south of the Santa Monica Pier. It’s the reward for being kind to the environment.

First aid/lost and found If you require first aid or assistance, please visit the pier booth/tent and we will contact the proper authority. If it is an emergency, please call 911. The lost and found will also be located at that location.

Time for wine “Sonoma on the Deck” will be located on the pier overlooking the sand, where guests can enjoy a selection of specialty wine and beer, see the concerts in a relaxed environment, all while taking in the sunset overlooking the Santa Monica Bay. “Sonoma on the Deck” will feature locallyowned, award-winning Solsticio Wines from Argentina, California labels, specialty beer and more! Beer and wine will be offered for $5 and $8 respectively. Must be 21 years of age and present an I.D. “Sonoma on the Deck” is a perfect place to enjoy a summer’s night with great wine, friends and entertainment!

Volunteer The pier is always looking for a little help with the dance series.

Volunteers are needed to help with raising funds, assisting the crew and providing hospitality for artists.

If you are interested in assisting at the concerts, please contact us at (310) 4588901, or e-mail Anne Railsback at Anne@santamonicapier.org. Please provide the following information: • • • • •

E-mail address Phone Numbers: Cell/home General availability Special skills/interests Fundraising ideas

Social media Pets Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Weather It never gets really cold, but after the sun goes down it can sometimes get a bit chilly requiring only a sweater or light jacket. It’s always a good idea to have something to throw on just in case.

Seating Seating is not provided. You are welcome to bring beach chairs and blankets and sit on the pier deck or the beach. We ask that you bring low beach chairs. Many people do sit on the sand at the beach below the pier deck.

Tell us what you think about this year’s Twilight Dance Series. Post your photos, tell us a funny story or even rate the artists.

• twitter.com/SantaMonicaPier • facebook.com/SantaMonicaPier

Santa Monica Pier contact info Telephone: (310) 458-8901

Internet: santamonicapier.org

Mail: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A Santa Monica, CA. 90401

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Cheers on the pier Sonoma Wine Garden and Solsticio Wines partner with the Santa Monica Pier usic lovers will have a reason to toast at this year’s Twilight Dance Series.

Sonoma Wine Garden, located in the newly-renovated Santa Monica Place, partners with Solsticio Wines and the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation for this year’s series of concerts.

Located on the pier overlooking the sand, where guests can enjoy a selection of specialty wine and beer, see the concerts in a relaxed environment, all while taking in the sunset overlooking the Santa Monica Bay. Sonoma on the Deck will feature locallyowned, award-winning Solsticio Wines from Argentina, California labels, specialty beer and more! Beer and wine will be offered for $5 and $8, respectively. Sonoma on the Deck is a perfect place to enjoy a summer’s night with great wine, friends and entertainment.

“We are very excited to be partnering with SMPRC and Solsticio Wines; it’s an honor to be a part of the summer concert series,” said Aaron Chaum, General Manager of Sonoma Wine Garden. “We feel this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase great wines in such an energetic setting. Being part of the community is important to us and we look forward to meeting our neighbors.”

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5 DAY BUYING EVENT! 10AM-6PM THURSDAY 7/28, FRIDAY 7/29, SATURDAY 7/30, SUNDAY 7/31, MONDAY 8/1

About Sonoma Wine Garden Sonoma Wine Garden has something to offer every type of diner. Guests can lounge and enjoy appetizers and small plates in its casual garden setting or have a full four-course meal in the elegant white tablecloth dining room. Its cuisine features classics from the Mediterranean with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients from the gardens of Southern California. Its chefs visit local farmers’ markets to ensure that the menu reflects only the freshest ingredients available. As wine’s birthplace, the cuisine of the Mediterranean pairs effortlessly with its expansive wine list, and transports the diner to an outdoor veranda

in the heart of wine country. Whether looking for a relaxed outdoor area to enjoy a respite from a long day of shopping, an elegant dinner for a special occasion, or a happening nightlife ... Sonoma Wine Garden is the perfect destination.

About Solsticio Wines The summer and winter solstices have long been marked with celebrations, festivals and rituals to recognize the change of seasons and the Earth’s rebirth. Solsticio Wines invite you to share in this ancient celebration and enjoy one of nature’s finest gifts — a lovingly handcrafted wine. Solsticio is the fruition of their life-long passion for great wines, and began on the owners’ very first trip to Argentina’s Mendoza province. Since then, Solsticio Wines have focused its time and attention on bringing the very best of Argentina’s fine wines to you.

Solsticio is introducing two key varietals — a deep, rich Malbec and a light, refreshing Torrontes — that truly exemplify the tastes and textures of two very different seasons.

Online: Sonoma Wine Garden www.sonomawinegarden.com Solsticio Wines www.solsticio.com

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Walking about Plenty to do just steps from the pier hile there’s plenty to see and do on the Santa Monica Pier itself, the surrounding area offers dozens of other enticing activities and attractions. Whether you want to take a dip in the ocean, go for a ride along the beach, grab a bite or simply soak up the sun, there’s something for everyone. And the best part about it all is that you don’t need to stray far from the boardwalk. Here are some of the most popular things to do within walking distance of the pier:

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Muscle Beach Not to be confused with Muscle Beach Venice, the original Muscle Beach is located just south of the pier, next to the beach volleyball courts. Known as “The Birthplace of the Physical Fitness Boom of the 20th Century,” Muscle Beach became a popular workout location for famous fitness guru Jack LaLanne and celebrities such as Kirk Douglas and Mae West.

While Santa Monica’s Muscle Beach no longer houses the barbell, weightlifting and bodybuilding equipment that has since been moved to its Venice counterpart, the fullyrestored and refurbished outdoor facility is home to a worldfamous gymnastic training area, complete with swings, rings and ropes. Other features include chinning bars, parallel bars, a jungle gym for children and a padded gymnastics area.

Whether you’re a novice or an expert, Muscle Beach provides a one-of-a-kind workout setting. Or, you can simply stand by and watch — the facility is known to attract elite athletes.

Its beginnings are a bit murky but it is believed that, after the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, inspired by the game’s featured sport of gymnastics, local gymnasts and acrobats began to work out in the sand just south of the Santa Monica Pier. In 1933, the Long Beach Earthquake damaged Santa Monica High School and made the school, including the gym, uninhabitable for months. This forced students to walk the four blocks to the beach and join others on the sand for their workouts. During this time the area was reportedly to have gotten its first name, “High School Beach,” for being located so close to the school.

For more information about Muscle Beach, please visit www.santamonica.com.

Volleyball and basketball courts California beach volleyball began right next to the pier in the 1920s, when some of the first permanent nets in the country were erected on Santa Monica State Beach. Soon, the area was hosting California’s first-ever beach volleyball tournaments. Today, Santa Monica’s courts remain a hotbed for beach volleyball; the California Beach Volleyball Association puts on tournaments on these courts, the same courts where Olympic competitors have trained.

You can get in on the action, open to the public and free of charge, just a stone’s throw to the south of the pier. Join a pickup match or grab a seat on the bleachers to observe the competition. Additional courts run along Ocean Front Walk and the South Bay Bicycle Trail in both directions from the

Photo courtesy Santa Monica History Museum

pier. If you’d prefer, you can also lace ‘em up for a pickup basketball game at Ocean View Park, just a short distance south of the pier.

For more information about the locations of all the nearby volleyball and basketball courts, please visit www.smgov.net.

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Orgone

Upcoming TDS schedule Week 5 Aug. 4, Cirque du Soleil Presents Rock of the Bay: In Support of a Cleaner Ocean Nelson Marquez & the Moderators, and Tutu Sweeney & The Brothers Band The Twilight Dance Series partners with Heal the Bay

Nelson Marquez & the Moderators Nelson Garcia Marquez appeared on three Grammy award-winning recording projects and has performed at such legendary places as the Hollywood Bowl (Playboy Jazz festival), supporting one of his musical mentors, Israel Lopez “Cachao.”

He has produced for Virgin recording artist Crystal Sierra and has licensed many of his own original compositions to numerous film and television projects. He has performed throughout the world, appeared on many television broadcasts including “The Late Show” and “Fiesta Broadway” for the Telemundo network. For many years, Nelson was bandleader of the Venice Beach-based latin/soul/funk band, “Mango Bang” and released their projects on his own label.

Tutu Sweeney & The Brothers Band Born and raised on the sunny beaches of Venice, Calif., most of Tutu Sweeney’s toys happened to be musical instruments.

Descending from Ethiopian and Irish artistic parents, his living room was consistently full of musical instruments from around the world.

Tutu began playing trumpet at the age of 11 at Marina del Rey Performing Arts Magnet Middle School. Being a committed artist, he could often be heard practicing his trumpet at 4 a.m. in his garage.

This past year, Tutu put The Brothers Band together with the help of his older brother Te’Amir Yohannes Sweeney, who is also the drummer for Aloe Blacc.

Tutu Sweeney & The Brothers Band just rocked a U.S. tour opening for soul singer Aloe Blacc. At only 20 years old, he is passionate about the music he makes, and is driven to share it with the world. Tutu will soon be releasing his debut album.

Week 6 Aug. 11, La Monica Ballroom Then & Now: Royal Crown Revue, Orgone, plus Ameera featuring Antonio ‘Big Daddy’ Fargas

(featuring a dance floor)

Royal Crown Revue Formed in 1989 in Los Angeles, Royal Crown Revue was conceived by Eddie Nichols and saxophonist Mando Dorame.

The band’s hybrid sound emerged out of their mutual admiration and love for rhythm & blues, jazz, punk, rockabilly soul, and swing, among other styles of American roots music.

RCR is often credited with starting the retro-swing revival movement of the 1990s. In 1993, they began playing regularly at The Derby, a landmark club in Los Angeles. It was there that RCR began to gain worldwide recognition from such films as “The Mask.” The underground scene they created at The Derby became the basis for the hit film, “Swingers.” www.rcr.com

Orgone Los Angeles-based Orgone is many souls with a cosmic connection, a natural creative force of musicians who have played together for years. They are self-schooled and continue to shape their musical voice as a solid unit of guys who hang, spin records and jam out their shared inspirations. With a rooted sense of funk, soul, afrobeat, deep rhythms and an intimate understanding of DJ culture as well as each others’ individual talents, Orgone seamlessly slides through multiple styles and dynamic performances. orgonespace.com

Ameera featuring Antonio ‘Big Daddy’ Fargas Ameera has a vocal quality that you don’t hear in today’s young singers. While most artists want to emulate the latest pop, R&B or hip-hop trends, Ameera sounds like she’s from a different time in history reminiscent of the jazz clubs of the 1940s.

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ARTISTS FROM PAGE 15

Week 7 Aug. 18, Making Waves: A Night of Surf Guitar: The Duo-Tones, Slacktone, and The Eliminators

The Duo-Tones Paul Johnson pioneered surf-instro music in the 1960s with the Belairs; his tune, “Mr. Moto,” is a genre classic. Now, after a lifetime of prolific creativity in a style that epitomizes the form, he’s regarded as one of the genre’s leading lights.

Gil Orr was a child prodigy in the1950s playing country music on TV and radio. He took to rock ‘n’ roll in the ‘60s and joined the Chantays (with whom he still plays to this day). Gil is extremely versatile and eclectic, bringing a brilliant creativity to a wide variety of styles.

These two masters of the surf guitar have joined forces to create a unique variation on the original theme: by leaving out the drums and bass, they put the focus on their delightful dual-guitar interplay, bringing fresh appeal to the surf-instro genre. www.pjmoto.com

twilightdance.org the Bud-Light “Left coast right beer” commercials, guest appearances on “Beverly Hills 90210", bumper music and record reviews on the 95.5 KLOS “Mark and Brian” show, a guest band appearance on the popular talk show “The View” and from background music for the hit TV drama “Providence". The Eliminators have had great national exposure by performing on a 25-city tour sponsored by Bud-Light and opening for superstar Jimmy Buffett. The Eliminators are five California longboarders who live the lifestyle of the music they play. www.theeliminators.com

Slacktone Slacktone is widely recognized as America’s best surf instrumental band.

Their sound is a hyper-kinetic mix of melody, speed and jaw dropping technical skill. Formed in Los Angeles in 1995 from a group of surf band veterans, they have since released four albums and toured Europe eight times. Slacktone’s music is featured in TV shows and they were the house band for the MTV’s “Rock ‘N’ Jock Super Bowl Party.” www.slacktone.com

The Eliminators

Tutu Sweeney & The Brothers Band

The Eliminators have led the way in the resurgence of instrumental surf music that was popular during the early 1960s by staying true to the sound while giving the music and their show a modern twist. Their fast rising popularity is due to their incredible live performances and their TV and radio sound waves. You know their sounds from

Week 8 Aug. 25, Tango on the Timbers: Milongatron,

(tango lessons start at 6 p.m.)

Schwee Miguel and Milongatron Lead vocalist, musical director, and multiinstrumentalist Schwee Miguel is back from Buenos Aires for another extended residency in Los Angeles, teaching dance and performing live Argentine tango music at milongas and festivals around North America.

Schwee Miguel’s Milongatron features a phalanx of Argentine virtuosi including violinist Pablo Hopenhayn, polymorphous omniphone Pablo Goldstein, and bassist Oscar Lomuto, torch-bearer of the goldenage orchestra that bore his family name.

Rounding out the roster are powerhouse Dominican violinist Mishkar Nunez-Mejia, New York pianist extraordinaire Evan

Ameera SEE ARTISTS PAGE 17

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RECYCLE NOW!

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ARTISTS FROM PAGE 16

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Griffiths, Angeleno multi-instrumentalist Mike Bolger, a constellation of internationally renowned bandoneon specialists, and a half-dozen legendary local recording artists. www.myspace.com/schwee

Aluminum Plastic Glass Bi-Metal Newspaper CardboardWhite/Color/Computer Paper Copper & Brass

Santa Monica Recycling Center 2411 Delaware Avenue in Santa Monica

(310) 453-9677

Dawes “The best rock ‘n’ roll is never preconceived,” said Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith. “It’s almost a country mentality: ‘This is what we do. We write songs.’ That’s how it is for Dawes.”

A self-described “American rock ‘n’ roll band,” Dawes represent everything pure and true about that fundamental delineation, four talented friends making music together, fueled by a shared belief in the power of their songs. www.dawestheband.com

Sonny & the Sunsets Sonny Smith began singing while a patient at Warm Springs Foundation Hospital in Texas to amuse the other patients.

Quasi-mystical with a tendency to write about new-agey subjects such as hypnotherapy, extrasensory perception, fortune tellers, palm readers and channelers Smith has been given his own genre by the press as “pop supernaturalism.” www.sonnysmith.com

Week 10 Sept. 8, A Night In Treme (presented by Bloomingdale’s): Jon Cleary’s Philthy Phew, Donald Harrison Electric Band, and Wanda Rouzan

Jon Cleary’s Philthy Phew In the hallowed ranks of New Orleans “piano professors,” Jon Cleary is on the tenure track. Born in England and bred in New Orleans, Cleary is a triple threat combining soulful vocals, masterful piano skills, and a knack for composing infectious grooves with melodic hooks and sharp lyrics. He balances performing on solo piano, with noted funk band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen and his new trio Piano, Bass & Drums alongside a career as a notorious hired gun with the likes of Bonnie Raitt and John Scofield. www.joncleary.com

Donald Harrison Electric Band Donald Harrison is called one of the most important musicians of the new millennium by CBS Sunday Morning. A list of his accomplishments shows that he has developed into a musical category unto himself. In the classic jazz genre, he is the originator of the nouveau swing style which merges acoustic swing with modern R&B, second-line, hip-hop, (New Orleans African American roots culture), and reggae rhythms. www.donaldharrison.com

Wanda Rouzan Critical acclaim says that Wanda Rouzan is not just a “taste of New Orleans”but, a “whole meal.”

Wanda, the sweetheart of New Orleans and one of the Crescent City’s premier musical ambassadors, leads her own band “A Taste of New Orleans” which performs all over the world. She can, also, be seen regularly with Norbert Susemihl’s New Orleans All-Stars featuring Louis Ford and Jason Marsalis. Singer, actress, choreographer, grand marshal and educator, Wanda is the quintessential Big Easy performing artist. www.wandarouzan.com

Tom Bradley Family Source Center 5213 W Pico Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90019

(323) 692-0669

South Valley Family Source Center 6931 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 201 Van Nuys, CA 91406

(818) 786-4098

Canoga Park Family Source Center Dennis P. Zine Community Center 21400 Saticoy St., 2nd Floor Canoga Park, CA 91304

(818) 887-3872

MICHIGAN 24TH

Sept. 1, New Americana: Dawes, Sonny & the Sunsets (plus the winner of Rusty’s Surf Ranch emerging artist competition. Begins at 6:45 p.m.)

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They came from ‘Down Under’ The third week of this year’s Twilight Dance Series was a showcase for the latest Aussie pop.

Missy Higgins and her cool pop sensibilities headlined a night that included the eccentric Andy Clockwise and Kim Churchill’s easygoing strumming on the guitar.

Missy Higgins

Andy Clockwise

Kim Churchill

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