FREE
SAN DIEGO ROUBADOUR Alternative country, Americana, roots, Tfolk, gospel, and bluegrass music news
April 2003 OFFICIAL ROOTS FESTIVAL PROGRAM Vol. 2, No. 7
lots o’ good stuff inside
Welcome Mat………3 Mission Statement Contributors Message from AABA Mail Box
Front Porch. ………4 Lou Curtiss
Center Stage..………5 30TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE TO THE MAN WHO STARTED IT ALL Roots Festival Headliners
Performing Artists... 6 Musician Profiles Performance Times Stages Map Information
Of Note.……………15 Connie Allen/Bill Dempsey Derek Duplessie and the Desert Poets
Ramblin’...…………16 Recordially Yours Bluegrass Corner José Sinatra Paul Abbott
‘Round About ...... …18 April Music Calendar
The Local Seen……19 Photo Page
LouLou CurtissCurtiss grabs San Diego by the ROOTS… PRESENTS
a special Friday evening performance at the charming and intimate Carlsbad Village Theater
PHIL HARMONIC SEZ:
While at the Roots Festival, be sure
to stop by our booth and purchase a
TROUBADOUR tee shirt and
a CD from one of the many local
artists whose original music today is the
roots music of tomorrow. San Diego Troubadour • April 2003
welcomewelcome matmat
SAN DIEGO ROUBADOUR Alternative country, Americana, roots, Tfolk, gospel, and bluegrass music news
OUR MISSION CONTRIBUTORS To promote, encourage, and PUBLISHER to the 30th edition of the Adams Avenue provide an alternative voice for Lyle Duplessie Roots Festival. This year’s festival will mark the great local music that is elcome W the tenth year that it’s held on Adams Avenue generally overlooked by the EDITOR mass media; namely the gen- Ellen Duplessie after a long residence at San Diego State University. Then known as the San Diego Folk Festival, it was founded by San Diego music archivist and promoter Lou Curtiss, res of folk, country, roots, GRAPHIC DESIGN Americana, gospel, and blue- Liz Abbott who is currently a member on the Board of Directors of the Adams Avenue Business grass. To entertain, educate, Jayna McLeod Association, producers of the festival. and bring together players, On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Adams Avenue Business Association writers, and lovers of these PHOTOGRAPHY (AABA), I want to express our appreciation to residents and visitors to Normal Heights Bill Richardson forms; to explore their founda- for supporting the festival. tions; and to expand the audi- Mildred Moreno Ellen Duplessie I also want to thank the good people at the San Diego Troubadour for their heart-felt ence for these types of music. and hard-working collaboration on this issue of the publication, which is serving as the DISTRIBUTION To receive advertising rates program for the Roots Festival. In particular I want to thank Kent Johnson, Liz Abbott, Kent Johnson and Lyle and Ellen Duplessie for making this effort a success. and information, call Ellen Duplessie 619/298-8488 or e-mail Lyle Duplessie Kudos also go to Lou Curtiss, proprietor of Folk Arts Rare Records, who selects all [email protected]. the performers for the festival. Long before the recent revival and interest in traditional ADVERTISING music, Lou was steadfastly promoting “roots music” and educating San Diegans about it. San Diego Troubadour Kent Johnson P.O. Box 164 The Adams Avenue Business Association wants to express its gratitude to our San Ellen Duplessie La Jolla, CA 92038 Diego City Council Representative Toni Atkins for her vigorous support of the small E-mail: [email protected] WRITERS business community, and for the AABA and the Roots Festival in particular. She and her Paul Abbott staff, which includes Kim Craig, Steve Russell, George Biagi, and Cheli Mohammed, Lou Curtiss E have been central to the success of the AABA’s community revitalization efforts. Lyle Duplessie Phil Harmonic The Roots Festival is also made possible thanks to the support of our sponsors. SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR, the Bill Richardson These include KPRI radio, Samuel Adams beer, the City of San Diego Commission for local source for alternative José Sinatra country, Americana, roots, folk, Arts and Culture, Jazz 88, Inn Suites hotel, the County of San Diego, and the San Diego D. Dwight Worden gospel, and bluegrass music Troubadour. news, is published monthly and A heaping helping of gratitude goes to the Board of Directors of the Adams Avenue is free of charge. Letters to the ROOTS FESTIVAL Business Association, which heartily endorses and actively supports the Roots Festival editor must be signed and may and the Street Fair in September. be edited for content. It is not, VENDOR COORDINATOR A central goal of the Adams Avenue Roots Festival is to provide visitors and however, guaranteed that they Judy Moore will appear. residents with a standout cultural event that all San Diegans can all be proud of. We MUSIC CURATOR sincerely hope you enjoy yourselves and we look forward to your return to walk, shop, All opinions expressed in SAN Lou Curtiss and dine on Adams Avenue. DIEGO TROUBADOUR, unless otherwise stated, are solely the TALENT BUYER The Adams Avenue Business Association also wants to let you about new businesses opinion of the writer and do not Kent Johnson in the commercial district: These include: represent the opinions of the ILLUSTRATION • Country Kabob, 3375 Adams Ave. (563-6300) Greek and staff or management. All rights Roy Ruiz Clayton Middle-Eastern food reserved. • Fine Living, 3938 Adams Ave. (528-8138) Flourishes and design PRODUCTION ASSISTANT for home and garden ©2003 San Diego Troubadour. Christina Kish • Hummingbird Confections, 3311A Adams Ave. (569-6500) Pastries, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR desserts, and catering Marco Anguiano • Kadan, 4696 30th St. (640-2500) Classy neighborhood pub ADAMS AVE. BUSINESS ASSOCIATION • KYK, 3311 B Adams Ave.(255-5314) Martial arts studio BOARD OF DIRECTORS • Spill the Beans, 4677 30th St. (283-2326) Gourmet coffees, sandwiches, and a patio President NORMAL Mike Magers, Smitty’s Service HEIGHTS KIDS • Radiant Custom Lighting, 3463 Adams Ave. (542-0607) Vice President Ellen Seiter Marco Anguiano Russ Vuich, Western Commercial Rick Smith R.E. Brokers Executive Director Secretary Adams Avenue Business Association Brian Lucas, Adams Ave. Book Store Treasurer Marlene Goldstein, Pet Me, Please! Lou Curtiss, Folk Arts Rare Records Phil Linssen, Kensington Veterinary q MAIL BOX r Dave McPheeters, Zac’s Attic Doug Generoli, Pi Financial Sundi Sage, Timeless Collectibles WRITE TO US! Dear Troubadour, recently found several pieces of the Sept.-Oct. issue while I was Harold McNeil, Attorney We’d love to hear from First, let me tell you how much I enjoy your newspaper!!! moving. I’d sure like to read the Meredith Morgenroth, Road Rebel you! Send your comments, Entertainment The articles and information you Chris Hillman articles. Any feedback, and suggestions Dick Van Ransom Magana, present are priceless — a breath chance? If so, please send and Mariposa Ice Cream by email to: of fresh air! Your newspaper is I’ll reimburse you for the Michael Rammelsberg, Rosie [email protected] something I look forward to postage. Again, thanks for the O’Grady’s or by snail mail to: San each month. ... I was hoping great work and please keep up Marco Anguiano, Executive Diego Troubadour, you might have a couple of past the great job! God Bless. Director, AABA P.O. Box 164, La Jolla, CA issues I missed. I was out of Sincerely, 92038-0164. town last summer and just Robert Hale
3 San Diego Troubadour • April 2003 frontfront porchporch
TurningTurning 30:30: RootsRoots StillStill NourishedNourished byby CreatorCreator S a n by Bill Richardson would scarcely feed a family of Tuesday through Sunday — a D i four for a week, Lou Curtiss long musical dream. The follow- e g o
“Is it true that this 30th began a program that has been ing year became a bittersweet H i s t
Roots Festival is going to be the nourishing thousands of souls for nightmare, having been sched- o r i c last, and that beginning next decades. What started as the San uled, oddly enough, on the very a l
S year it’ll be showcasing hip-hop Diego Folk Festival at SDSU’s weekend the Padres decided to o c i e and rap music?” Peterson Gym has become the earn a spot in the World Series. t y It was a question that I felt joyously anticipated Roots Bittersweet? No, nothing really simply demanded to be asked. Festival, still blessing our city sweet about it upon reflection. Now, as the kind, honest eyes of from its current comfortable nest That year it was held at the Old the festival’s founding father sus- on Adams Avenue. At 30 years Globe theater. Imagine the won- piciously met my own anxious of age, it has assumed a quiet derful acoustics at the outdoor orbs, I steadied myself for the dignity, a lovely polish on its Lowell Davies Festival Stage in authoritative, final answer. beauty, its allure, its sense of fun. Balboa Park — the rich tones of What I didn’t expect was for Along with another Curtiss-led the musicians enhanced by the Lou Curtiss to answer me with a festival (September’s Adams incessant, agonized cries of the question of his own. His voice Avenue Street Fair), it unques- caged monkeys nearby, obvious- San Diego Folk Festival at SDSU, 1974 was smooth and gentle, with tionably offers its thousands of ly driven to madness by their perhaps a vague hint of surprise. attendees the biggest bang for inability to join the rest of San “Where did you hear that?” He their buck: it’s free. Diego down at the stadium. decided he didn’t like flying that boots, which he’d just gilded was smiling. Each year the festival has Over the years cultural chal- much after all and opted for a with a can of spray paint. He “I made it up,” I confessed. been a memorable one, as is evi- lenges have had to be met. bus back home. could still sing, too, thankfully. “Just a stupid joke,” I added, dent by Curtiss’ computer-like Following the 16th festival at Jimmy Murphy, an old-time The older mountain singers stupidly. recall of dates and performers SDSU (Lou having had to deal country singer from Arkansas, and the older African-American “Oh, okay.” His grin and stages. The proud father’s with essentially a different cam- surprised Lou with his sudden singers, among the kindest widened. “For a moment, I won- reminiscences of his genderless pus committee each year), a request for payment in advance, guests Curtiss has ever dealt dered if you’d gone crazy.” child can probably only be fully preening new kid in town, the a requirement Curtiss was some- with, have occasionally fallen What he doesn’t know appreciated by a handful of “rel- rock ‘n’ roll-friendly Open Air how able to satisfy. On the day prey to the good intentions of won’t hurt him. atives” — nannies and uncles Amphitheater pretty much of the festival, Murphy was a entirely mismatched local musi- What he does know is sub- like Scott Kessler and Marco grabbed the festival by its roots, no-show, having decided to stay cians. There have been unfortu- stantial. Combine his knowledge Anguiano and Curt Bouterse squeezed, and pulled it away. home and use the money to buy nate clashes of style thanks to of music with an almost evangel- who’ve force-fed it vitamins and Another head banger head- a tractor. His cheerful letter these pick-up “enhancements” ical passion, and the result is the love and diapered it if things got butted the fest out to parts explaining his absence at least and more than a few embarrass- closest thing San Diego might messy . . . which was indeed unknown from a new venue the gifted the festival with a very ments, but the pros have always have to a sort of cultural saint. rare, though its behavior has following year. expensive autograph. weathered the bumps with In the glorious spring of occasionally seemed eccentric. Landing on Adams Avenue a grace and are happy to return 1967, with a budget that today In 1983 the festival ran from decade ago as the newly chris- year after year. tened Roots Festival, an actual Lou Curtiss seems genuinely baptism seemed to occur as happy himself as he watches his some anxious clouds emptied 30-year-old baby continue to themselves in a watery attempt mature, still making marvelous to dampen the spirits of the music. crowd. Seeming to realize the At the festival this year the impossibility of the task, the occasional “boos” you may think clouds quickly split to find a new you’re hearing will actually just be people calling “Lou! Lou!” as venue themselves. They’ve Lou and Virginia Curtiss with Joe stayed away ever since. Gwaltney, early ‘70s he oversees the weekend merri- Along with quirky weather ment, always moving about, and assorted locations comes checking in at each of the stages the human factor, of course, and Then there was the time every hour (at least), while his here the gathering has always singing cowboy/one-time movie own shop right up the street — embraced a variety of sublime star Dave McHenry showed up his actual livelihood — is, by characters. determined to prove that the necessity, closed. There was Skip James, the years hadn’t tamed him. So he That’s really the only nega- Mississippi blues singer, who was tamed several audience mem- tive thing about the whole booked and eagerly awaited at bers and unsuspecting passersby happy experience, Curtiss says, the second festival. After being with his undiminished lasso his smile camouflaging any pos- laid over on a flight in techniques from the stage, sible pain within a man who Lou and Virginia Curtiss with W.B. Reid, ca. 1974 Cincinnati, Jones suddenly standing tall ‘n’ proud in his continues to suffer for our art.
4 San Diego Troubadour • April 2003 centercenter stagestage
HEADLINERS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Scottsville Squirrel Barkers Mike Seeger by Lyle Duplessie ’80s to the early ’90s, Hillman’s Desert Rose by Lou Curtiss Festivals. This one is number 10. Mike has Band revived the California country music tra- been part of so many of them both as a solo ver the last 40 years, countless dition. Hillman remains a creative, viable n 1959 I had more or less gotten away act and with groups he’s played with. Over musical trends and trend setters O force in music. Larry Murray, on dobro, would I from those old country 78s that my the years he has helped us bring many other have come, gone, and long been campaign his folk-country-rock group Hearts Dad had collected. Oh, I picked a legendary old timey musicians to town, forgotten. Not so the Scottsville Squirrel and Flowers, a band that added to the cool Johnny Cash tune on the guitar and I was including Roscoe Holcomb; Cousin Emmy; the Barkers, San Diego’s first bluegrass band. Southern California musical climate of the into the Town Hall Party rockabilly guys like Balfa Brothers; Lily Mae Ledford; John From its humble origins at the original Blue late ’60s. Banjo picker Kenny Wertz became a Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran. I even lis- Jackson; Tommy Jarrell; Martin, Bogan, and Guitar location on Midway Drive, it can rea- latter day Burrito Brother. With legendary fid- tened to some of those striped-shirt groups Armstrong; Olabelle Reed; and Elizabeth sonably be argued this band was the spring- dler Byron Berline, Wertz helped to found the that were becoming popular around that time. Cotton. board for much of the great Southern red-hot California-based bluegrass band My friend Jim decided Mike Seeger’s California-rooted music that would follow. Country Gazette. that he was going to own artistry and Though only When Wertz left drive to the East Coast knowledge have together for a to join the U.S. Air for the Newport Folk encouraged so many couple of years, Force, another Festival and he need- others to play old roughly 1961 to future R&R Hall of ed someone to talk to timey music whether ’63, this local Famer, Bernie who could pick little, for fun or for a career band has left an Leadon, was invit- so I was his chosen or, most likely, like me endearing and ed to sit in on victim. Little did I — a little of both. He indelible legacy banjo. He would go know that my musical has devoted his life to in its wake. This on to greater glo- life was about to singing and playing old year’s Adam’s ries, joining Larry experience a drastic time music, mostly Avenue Roots Murray in Hearts change, thanks to a that of the rural South, Festival will fea- and Flowers, first hearing of a band on an array of instru- ture the band’s The original Scottsville Squirrel Barkers l. to r. Kenny Wertz, becoming a Dillard called the New Lost ments, including banjo, long-awaited Chris Hillman, Larry Murray, Ed Douglas, and Jim Carr and Clark Expedition City Ramblers. fiddle, jaw harp, har- reunion. member, a Burrito Brother, and finally culmi- I first saw Mike monica, lap dulcimer, Some fortunate souls can still recall see- nating as an Eagle, the most famous of all Seeger with John mandolin, guitar, and ing the Squirrel Barkers in their heyday. California-based country-rock bands. Indeed, Cohen and Tom Paley autoharp. He remains Others, myself included, only learned about for many of us, Leadon was the essence of (the first incarnation one of our great musi- the band some years later. The first time I that band. of the New Lost City cal and cultural stumbled onto a reference about the Then there’s our Troubadour friend Ed Ramblers) at the 1959 Newport Folk Festival resources and it’s always a treat to have him Scottsville Squirrel Barkers was about 1970. I Douglas. It was Ed, the Squirrel Barkers’ bass and took an almost immediate liking to old as part of any festival. was a senior in high school and my musical player, who picked the name for the band. It timey music. I was particularly struck by the tastes and identity were taking shape via the was Ed who found and secured the old Blue autoharp and came away from that festival Byrds. The first generation of Byrds had come Guitar digs on Midway Drive. It was Ed who with a desire to get back out here to San and gone, yet I was still learning from their was the driving force behind formation of the Diego, get into my Dad’s old 78s, and learn music and that of the splinter groups, like the Squirrel Barkers. And if we take this logic to some of those old timey songs. I got to see Flying Burrito Brothers, CS&N, and Dillard and its final conclusion, isn’t it reasonable to say Mike again at revisits to Newport, at the Ash Clark. I learned that before the Byrds and all that without Ed’s key moves at key times, Grove in L.A., and finally at San Diego’s Sign that would follow, there were the Scottsville nothing that we know today as the California of the Sun bookstore where the NLCR Squirrel Barkers. Could it be that this band sound of folk, rock, or country would have appeared. Mike also did a solo weekend and was the musical missing link that would ever come to pass . ..? some of us got to play with him on stage. I evolve into California folk-rock and California If you missed the Squirrel Barkers 40 went to those great UCLA Folk Festivals in country-rock? years ago, you have another chance to see 1963, ’64, and ’65, which encouraged me to Examining the relationship close up, them LIVE! In addition to playing at this year’s want to do a festival here in San Diego that there certainly appears to be a connection. Roots Festival, you can see them perform, concentrated on the Roots aspect of the Chris Hillman, the group’s mandolin player, along with the great musical duo of Chris music. Some other folks had done a festival would later be a founding member of the Hillman and Herb Pedersen on Friday, April here in 1965 but it didn’t get off the ground. Byrds and lead the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame 25, at the charming Carlsbad Village Theater. So in 1967 we started the first festival out at group into country and country-rock. Hillman Don’t miss the band that gave rise to so San Diego State and it ran for 20 years. We also co-founded the Flying Burrito Brothers much of California’s musical heritage. took five years off and in 1994 we started with former Byrd Gram Parsons. From the late them up again as the Adams Avenue Roots
5 April 2003 • San Diego Troubadour
6 San Diego Troubadour • April 2003
performingperforming artistsartists
Appalachian banjo tunes as well as Frannie and Jeanie have continued to Mary McCaslin songs of loggers, fishermen, and lum- The Incandescent Bayou Seco play and sing together. The last time LOU REMEMBERS berjacks of the Pacific Northwest. LOU REMEMBERS was at the first Adams Avenue Roots Since moving to New England in String Trio Festival (no. 21) in 1974. I first saw Mary (Peter Feldmann, Richard Green, Jeanie McLerie when she 1981, he has fostered the preservation and Ken Keppler Mike Nadolson) opened for of traditional maritime music.This is hail from Silver Frannie Leopold Lightnin’ Hopkins Bob’s first trip back to San Diego since City, New LOU REMEMBERS at La Mesa’s old the late ’70s. Mexico, where Bifrost Bridge they play a Frannie played with her Delta Sister coffee house in Faith Petric whole lot of Jeanie McLerie at the 11th and 21st the late ’60s and music that festivals here in San Diego. She also LOU REMEMBERS at the Heritage includes cajun, Norteño, northern New played with the Balkan Café Orchestra Coffee House in Mission Beach not Faith was born Mexico dance tunes, old time chicken at Festivals 21 through 28 and with long after that. She did her first festival in a log cabin in scratch from southern Arizona, and Hank Bradley at Festival no. 20. Any for me in 1969 at the third annual fes- Idaho near the even some zydeco and pre-Hollywood festival Frannie is at with one group, tival. Mary writes very intimate songs Clearwater River LOU REMEMBERS cowboy stuff. From the Mississippi she’s likely to be part of two or three about people and things you think you in 1915. Her I first met Peter at the Ash Grove in River to the deserts of Arizona, Ken and others. For instance, while she was know about. If you know Mary and father was a L.A. back in the 1960s and heard Jeanie have been researching and here with the Balkan Café Orchestra, some of what her life is about, they Methodist min- Richard Green with Bill Monroe. I also playing the music of the Southwest for she also did sets with Mexican song- leave you in a slight daze with sparkles ister, and saw him with Jim Kweskin’s Jug Band many years. They present an exciting ster Cynthia Llanos. Making her home of insight. None of that matters, how- singing was part and I think with the Greenbriar Boys. and informative overview of these in Mendocino, Frannie stays active ever, because the songs and the way of her life at a Peter played many times at Roots musics on diatonic accordion, fiddle, playing a wide range of Latino, cajun, she sings them are just so darned very early age. Somehow that led her Festivals with various groupings and guitar, mandolin, banjo, and harmonica. jug band blues, and vintage swing good. Mary has listened to a lot of old to singing old cowboy songs, college did backup for Rose Maddox and Jeanie played at the very first San music. Expect her to do a set with W.B. time roots music from Appalachian to glee club songs; songs from the Charlie Bailey. Diego Folk Festival back in 1967 (as Reid as well as with the Delta Sisters. cowboy ballads. A lot of what she’s Spanish Civil War during the 1930s; This current group specializes in part of Sandy and Jeanie) and then heard remains in her music. and radical, union, and topical songs of music from the Golden Age of Country again in the mid-1970s with her Delta all kinds. When she retired from the 9- Music (1922-1942). You’ll hear fine and sister Frannie Leopold. Bayou Seco Kenny Hall and the 5 routine in 1970, she took up folk rare fiddle tunes, old time songs, nov- played the first Adams Ave. Roots Long Haul Band Bob Webb singing full time and she’s still at it elty songs, and ballads culled from vin- Festival (no. 21) back in 1994. LOU REMEMBERS LOU REMEMBERS today, singing traditional, contempo- tage 78 recordings of early country I first saw Kenny I met Bob some rary, topical, labor, radical, and outra- master musicians like the Leake with the old time in the early geous songs—anything with a tune or County Revelers, Wade Mainer, the The Delta Sisters Sweets Mill ’70s when he special meaning that appeals. Carter Family, and Bill Monroe. LOU REMEMBERS Mountain Boys did some con- Richard Green, one of the great For the past 30 (Ron Hughey, certs at my bluegrass fiddlers, is known for his col- Jon Adams years, Frannie Pete Everwine, store and then laboration with Bill Monroe and the Leopold and LOU REMEMBERS and Frank Hicks) when he played Bluegrass boys. He has also worked Jeanie McLerie at a cabaret solo at the San Another great with Jerry Garcia, Dave Grisman, and have been concert at the Diego Folk Central his own bands (Sea Train and the Grass singing their Berkeley Folk Festival some time in the Festival and also California musi- Is Greener). Mike Nadolson, “The special mix of mid 1960s and again shortly after that with a band of fellow L.A. compatriots cian, I first met Mystery Flatpick Wizard of Riverside mint-julep vocals at the Sweets Mill Festival (east of called the True and Trembling String Jon at Sweets County,” is a fine lead and rhythm gui- and hot-pep- Fresno in the Sierras). He brought his Band. For a time Bob toured and Mill around tarist as well as an excellent singer. He pered dance music. Frannie is a musi- unique old timey tater-bug mandolin played lead guitar with Tom Waits, who 1967. Jon is one is also founder of Tricopolis Records. cian and midwife in Mendocino, and and fiddle to the third San Diego Folk got his start at the Heritage during the of those great Peter Feldmann has been a musical Jeanie is a fiddle teacher for kids in Festival (along with Fresno compatriots time Bob was owner. song leaders mainstay in the Santa Barbara area for Albuquerque, New Mexico. Frannie Jim Ringer and Ron Tinkler) and has Bob specializes in songs and sea and finger-style guitarists who always many years and founded the Santa plays music up and down the West played at most of them since. Kenny is shanties that 19th-century sailors sang has something new to play. He hasn’t Barbara Old Time Fiddler’s Convention Coast (most notably in San Diego with a true California musical treasure. He on merchant sailing vessels. He is one played a San Diego Festival since 1987 and its legendary Bluebird Cafe Music Hank Bradley and Cathie Whitesides in must know a couple thousand songs. of the few musicians anywhere who (when it was still at SDSU). These Club in the 1970s. Interestingly the Balkan Cafe Orchestra). Jeanie I’ve seen him so many times, yet he performs on the rare and difficult musicians move around a lot and I sort enough, Peter’s group, the Scragg plays mostly in the Southwest with continues to surprise and amaze me. MacCann-system (duet) concertina. He of lost track of Jon, but when Mark Family, played at the first concert I ever husband Ken Keppler (in the Bayou As a band musician (with the Sweets also plays claw-hammer banjo and fin- Spoelstra called, he remarked that he put on in San Diego before the first Seco band) and with local traditional Mill String Band, his Long Haul Band, ger-style guitar. Bob is also an interna- sometimes played music with Jon and official Folk Festival in 1967. It’s always musicians. or any other combination), his mandolin tionally recognized presenter of did I want him too, and I certainly did. a treat to have him back. Despite all the miles between them, is always a standout and his great old timey vocals a treat. Larry Hanks LOU REMEMBERS Larry Hanks, singer, guitarist, and trumpist (Jew’s harp), sings a wide variety of tradi- tional American styles, including old time country and cowboy songs, ballads and blues, and fiddle tunes played on the Jew’s harp, plus children’s songs and topical and contemporary songs by such well- known writers as Utah Phillips, Pete Seeger, and Woody Guthrie. Since 1962 Hanks has performed up and down the West Coast and nationally folk clubs, coffeehouses, and festivals. Hanks sings goofy, ornery hoedown ditties; home-made laments; stark, lonesome ballads; and wry and angry topical songs about life, work, and politics.
7 April 2003 • San Diego Troubadour
performingperforming artistsartists
encompass ragtime blues, jug band Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture influence of his mother, and influences Tracy Schwarz and music, vintage swing, Irish music, and (“Gannan” for short), where he founded like Leadbelly and Big Bill Broonzy. The Stairwell a little bit of everything else old timey. a mission for the Tibetans, the Han and Clabe has been called “possibly the Ginny Hawker Long time San Diego-area resident, Moslem Hue Chinese. Stu was born in best unheralded blues singer of this Sisters LOU REMEMBERS W.B. has made his home in the Seattle the states and only returned after his generation.” A former teacher and pro- (Lisa Berman, Sue Sandlin, I first saw Tracy area for the past 10 years or so, where father was driven out by warlords. bation officer, Clabe has made a career Martha hawthorne, Stephanie when he he makes music with his partner In 1939 Stu, encouraged by Margot of teaching the multicultural history of Prausnitz, Evie Ladin) replaced Tom Bonnie. Together they play fine old and Pete Seeger, took up the banjo. America through music. Harpist Rick Paley in the New tunes and songs from Appalachia, Over the years he has concentrated on Smith is from New York but has been Lost City Mexico, and points in between on fid- styles he learned from such old time living in California for nearly 30 years. Ramblers. I dles, guitars, and banjos. Watch for banjo masters as Uncle Dave Macon, He is equally at home with acoustic guess the first them to join up with Mendocino’s Murphy Gribble, Cousin Emmy, Rufus and hard-driving electric blues. time was in Frannie Leopold for some vintage black Crisp, and Clarence Ashley. Originally from Texas, Jim Shirey stud- about 1964 at San Diego’s Sign of the string band music. In 1987 and again in 1992 Stu and ied violin and piano from the age of Sun bookstore or maybe at the Ash his wife, Gloria, were sent to China and seven, moving on to bass and guitar. Grove (the ’60s were so busy for me Tibet by the Durfee Foundation, where I first saw Clabe back in the ’60s The Stairwell Sisters bring together musically, it’s hard to put things in Dan Wheetman they gave dozens of concerts and either at a Claremont Folk Festival or at their love of old time country songs order). Tracy added a great fiddle, a Singer-songwriter Dan Wheetman spent weeks gathering more than 100 the Golden Ring coffee house there. and rowdy fiddle tunes from the hotbed great sense of humor, and a fabulous returns to San Diego as musical direc- hymns still in the oral tradition. Later in the ’70s, he played at the of traditional music, the hills of San mountain tenor voice to the New Lost tor and cowriter of the upcoming roots Heritage in Mission Beach and, still Francisco. Energetic musicianship and City Ramblers and just a touch of blue- musical Fire on the Mountain, premier- later during the ’80s, at a folk music tight vocal arrangements make for a grass (and, of course, cajun music) that ing May 3 at the San Diego Rep. Mimi Wright class Sam Hinton was teaching at kicking quintet that’s wonderful for they didn’t have before. He met and Wheetman, who has performed with LOU REMEMBERS Scripps. About that time he did a solo both listening and dancing. Influenced John Denver, Itzach Perlman, and Steve started to perform and tour with Ginny One of our very own song catchers shot at the Folk Festival. If you haven’t by such favorites as Hazel Dickens and Martin, is an extraordinary multi-instru- Hawker in the late ’80s. Ginny hails here in San Diego is Mimi Wright, who heard these guys, you’re in for a treat. Alice Gerrard, the Stanley Brothers, and mentalist who has composed and/or from southern Virginia where she grew sings old mountain songs mostly unac- Tommy Jarrell. The Stairwell Sisters, directed numerous musical stage pro- up in a large musical family. At family companied, sometimes with autoharp, featuring Lisa Berman on dobro, ductions. No stranger to San Diego gatherings she was exposed to early and always with spirit and a touch of John Bosley Martha Hawthorne on bass, Evie Ladin roots music fans, Wheetman has per- bluegrass, gospel songs, and the unac- wonder. It there’s an unusual variant of LOU REMEMBERS on banjo, Stephanie Prausnitz on fiddle, formed at past Roots Festivals with companied hymns of the primitive an old time song to be found, Mimi will John used to and Sue Sandlin on guitar, bring both Marley’s Ghost. Joining Wheetman at Baptist Church. I guess I first saw them find it. Always a bright moment at the play regularly at familiar and obscure songs to life. this year’s festival will be the Fire on together at a San Diego Folk Heritage Roots Festivals are her Rocking Chair the concert the Mountain band. concert some time in the early ’90s Concerts. series we held at and was struck with their vocal har- the old Folk Arts Curt Bouterse monies on the old time songs. Over the Stu and Gloria before moving to LOU REMEMBERS years Tracy has played at the Roots The Hangan Adams Avenue in I met Curt in Festival several times, but this is Jamison the early ’70s. 1963 in an Ginny’s first appearance. A special treat Brothers LOU REMEMBERS He wrote songs African history for all of us. (Clabe Hangan, Rick Smith, that sounded like old ’30s pop tunes, Stu has been a class at San Jim Shirey) with kind of a raggy guitar backing. part of San Diego State. He He’d occasionally throw in an old time Diego’s roots was carrying an W.B. Reid and tune, so it always kept us song collec- music scene off autoharp case tors wondering. John was from New Bonnie Zahnow and on since the and a shape note York and wrote poetry along with his LOU REMEMBERS first festival was hymnal and songs. As no one has an easy time looked like he might be interested in I’ve known W.B. held in 1967. I making any kind of living from music, some of the kinds of music that I was. since he first think I first saw John got a job (outside of music), got Shortly thereafter Curt and I, along with played a concert him at one of married, and had kids, but he never some other folks, founded the SDSU for me at the those Sign of the Sun concerts in the LOU REMEMBERS threw away that guitar and occasional- Organized Folksingers. Almost right Folk Arts store early ’60s. He was always full of sto- The Hangan brothers, Clabe Hangan, ly we can talk him into revisiting those away we talked about doing a festival back in August of ries about old time banjo man Rufus Rick Smith, and Jim Shirey are three raggy old songs and some newer ones there on campus. In 1967 we finally 1973. He played Crisp whom Stu had recorded for the Southern California-based musicians too. It’s always a pleasure to have him got around to it. Curt played at that his first festival in the spring of 1974 Library of Congress in the ’40s. Stu who have been around the scene since at the Roots Festivals. very first festival and he’s played at and has performed at quite a few told of his grandfather who carried his the ’60s. Clabe Hangan is from every one we’ve had since then. Old since. The scope of his musical tastes Bible and banjo from the Cumberland Arkansas and grew up with the barrel- time Appalachian folksongs with fret- and the kinds of music he plays Gap in Tennessee to the Gansu Nan house blues of his father, the gospel less banjo, hammered dulcimer, auto- harp, plucked dulcimer, and Vietnamese mouth harp (upon which he plays Southern mountain dance tunes) are his specialty.
8 San Diego Troubadour • April 2003
performingperforming artistsartists
and has been playing ever since. From members of the Page family in a spe- Mark Spoelstra the Yukon to Nashville, Bryan has been cial festival appearance. Page family Roy Ruiz Clayton New Smokey LOU REMEMBERS entertaining audiences for over 30 members include Maire Page on flute, LOU REMEMBERS Mountain Boys I first saw Mark years. One of the highlights of his David Page Jr. on percussion and Roy is a potter, career was winning a Canada-wide tal- drums, and Gregory Page on guitar and an artist (he’s (Wayne Brandon, Clark Powell, at a Broadside Bryan Pickering, Doug McKee, magazine hoot- ent search that brought him to vocals. In addition, a segment from the done the Roots enanny on one of Nashville to play at the Grand Ole Opry mythological play Aisling, written by Festival poster Ed Douglas) my Newport Folk and to meet some of the great old Patricia Page, will be performed. drawing the last LOU REMEMBERS stars like Roy Acuff. Festival trips four or five I guess I met ClarkPowell first, as he When Bryan strolls on stage, folds sometime in the years), a guitar was one of the founding members of up his white cane, sticks it in his back The New Lost early 1960s picker, a song- the San Diego State Organized pocket, and straps on his guitar, you’re (maybe it was writer, and a Folksingers back around 1963. Clark in for a real treat. Melody Boys 1965). He was singer. I first met Roy some 20 years and I even played music together (John Wright, Paul Johnson, ago when he wandered in Folk Arts an important part of the New York City Dave Allen) some. Clark plays dobro, guitar, and singer-songwriter scene. A confirmed The Budapest Rare Records to inquire about playing five-string banjo. He knew Wayne, who pacifist and a conscientious objector to LOU REMEMBERS some music for us. He’s played a is the western world’s biggest Roy military service, his songs often reflect- Brothers I’ve known all whole lot of times for us over the years Acuff fan and sings Acuff songs about ed such themes. His debut, Five And these guys for a and is one of those guys who writes as well as anyone except for Roy him- (E.Z. Mark, Lee Birch, songs with words you have to listen to. Twenty Questions, featured 12 original Chuck Borsos) lot of years and self. For a few years in the ’60s, we songs and introduced his quiet, unas- for most of the You won’t be sorry. made what we thought was some pret- suming style. Later I met Mark a cou- LOU REMEMBERS past 10 years ty good music and then ended up ple of times at the Sweets Mill Festival E.Z. and Lee they’ve been part Connie Allen and going our separate ways. Clark became in the Sierras east of Fresno. Mark was have been of the Roots a lead guitarist in a variety of country doing alternate service and living in the around the scene Festivals. John Bill Dempsey music bands, and Wayne became an Fresno area then. He came and played at various Folk Wright did old LOU REMEMBERS elementary school principal. It was only at the San Diego Folk Festival in the Festivals since time banjo workshops for me back in when we started doing the Roots Right here in our early ’70s with a band called the the very early the early ’80s. Dave Allen’s fiddle and Festivals in the mid-’90s that we got own area it’s Frontier Constabulary and then more or ’70s and Chuck’s Paul Johnson’s mandolin were part of back together somehow. For the past still possible to less dropped out of the music scene or been around for other earlier bands, too. Banging and three or four years, other old friends be taken with at least the music scene I was aware most of the sawing, from backwoods songs to fid- from those ’60s bands have come on certain musi- of. This year my friend Patty Hall told Roots Festivals. They could just as eas- dle breakdowns, the Boys play in the board, but it’s Wayne’s Roy Acuff- cians who me about his new CD (Mark’s first ily be the Zagreb Boys or the Warsaw grand tradition of such legendary old sounding vocals and Clark’s Bashful sound old timey recording in 20 years) and a renewed Guys. I’ve heard them do Greek, time groups as the Skillet Lickers, the Brother Oswald-sounding dobro steel but still refresh- interest in performing at festivals. So French, and even an old timey tune or Fruit Jar Drinkers, and the Delmore guitar that give this band its unique fla- ing and new. For here he is with 12-string guitar, a lot of two. E.Z. plays old jazz and vaudeville Brothers. As the New Lost Melody vor. If you like the sound of Roy Acuff’s the past 21 years, Connie and Bill have new tunes and quite a few old ones, novelty songs and Lee does Mexican Boys, they are perhaps San Diego’s band of the ’30s and ’40s, these guys found a common voice in traditional some duets with old Sweets Mill buddy and Cajun tunes. What we have here is premier vintage old timey string band. are worth a listen. Jon Adams, and a new outlook on play- three veteran old time music musicians music. Connie’s banjomer, a hybrid of ing music. who know a lot of good tunes, play a an Appalachian dulcimer and banjo, lot of instruments, and play them well. Tanya Rose adds a melodic accent to Bill’s Carter- Tomcat Courtney They are always good for a surprise. LOU REMEMBERS style flat picking. Connie writes songs LOU REMEMBERS Bryan Pickering with traditional roots that weave stories I’ve known Tanya and her music I was doing a Canadian born, of the past with a fresh, witty perspec- since some time in the mid ’60s when blues concert Bryan was raised tive. Bill Dempsey began his career as The Page Family we actually played in a group together series at Folk on a small farm David Page Sr., model for this year’s a trombonist but became interested in for a short time. Like so many musi- Arts Rare in Maple Ridge Roots Festival poster, formed the folk music during the early ’60s. It cians I know, Tanya continued to listen Records back in just east of Siamsa Gael Ceili Band in Ireland with soon became clear to him that singing and to learn new songs and occasion- the very early Vancouver, Tom Page in the ’30s and brought the and playing guitar was what he wanted ally play in public. Her mixture of tradi- ’70s when where he had music with him to San Diego in the to do. Over the years Bill has continued tional Mexican folk and old time coun- Tomcat walked calves for pets. ’70s. Before the elder Page passed to learn new instruments and new try songs has always been a treat. She into the shop and As a child he away in 1987, he passed down the uil- kinds of music while staying close to has been at the Roots Festival the past asked if he could get up and do a song often traveled during the summer leann pipes to John Tuohy who cur- the folk and traditional music he loves. few years as part of the Wayne or two. He did, and we’ve been good through the blue Canadian Rockies to rently performs with the Siamsa Gael This is Bill and Connie’s first appear- Brandon-Clark Powell band and also friends ever since. Tom hails from his dad’s family farm in Alberta. It’s no Ceili Band. Music in the Page family ance, and their dulcimer and guitar, recently did some solo stuff for us. Waco, Texas, and broke into the blues wonder he’s a country boy. runs deep. This year Page’s legacy will plus old time banjo, on a wide range of biz as part of a T-Bone Walker show He first picked up a guitar at age 11 be celebrated with music performed by original and traditional songs is a treat.
The Lou Curtiss Sound Library Presents a 30th Anniversary Special Roots Music Video Showcase Rare Country Music • Blues • Jazz • Cajun & Zydeco • Latin • Roots • Rare Music on Film
Featured this month are video compilations from all previous Roots and Folk Festivals april 18 • 7-10 p.m. LeStats Coffee house • 3343 Adams Avenue
The Lou Curtiss Sound Library at Folk Arts Rare Records 3611 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116-2213 • Phone: 619/282-7833
9 April 2003 • San Diego Troubadour performingperforming artistsartists
Saturday,Saturday, AprilApril 2626
PARK STAGE CHURCH CHURCH BEER 34TH & HAWLEY & DIMILLE’S SANCTUARY SOCIAL HALL GARDEN ADAMS ADAMS PARKING
11-11:45 am Chris Stuart and Jim Earp Tom Brosseau John Bosley New Lost Melody BackCountry Boys
noon- “Fire on the Los Californios Mimi Wright Steve White Curt Bouterse Stairwell Sisters Tanya Rose 12:45 pm Mountain” cast from San Diego Rep
1-1:45 pm Ginny Hawker and Faith Petric Bayou Seco 7th Day Buskers Larry Hanks Jon Adams Wayne Brandon, Clark Powell, Bryan Pickering, Tracy Schwarz Doug McKee, Ed Douglas, Tanya Rose
2-2:45 pm Scottsville Squirrel Siamsa Gael Ceili Stu and Gloria Robin Henkel Los Californios Mark Spoelstra Tomcat Courtney Barkers Band Jamison
3-3:45 pm W.B. Reid and Mary McCaslin Stairwell Sisters San Diego Cajun Delta Sisters Bob Webb New Lost Melody Bonnie Zahnow (clog dancing) Playboys Boys
4-4:45 pm Incandescent Kenny Hall and the American Folk Chris Stuart and Bryan Pickering 7th Day Buskers John Bosley String Trio Long Haul Band Singers BackCountry
5-5:45 pm Mike Seeger Bob Webb Curt Bouterse Mary McCaslin Steve White Roy Ruiz Clayton Bayou Seco
6-6:45 pm Stairwell Sisters Ginny Hawker and Connie Allen and Tomcat Courtney Jon Adams Hangan Brothers San Diego Cajun Tracy Schwarz Bill Dempsey Playboys
7-7:45 pm Larry Hanks Mike Seeger Faith Petric Siamsa Gael Ceili Mark Spoelstra Incandescent Los Californios Band String Trio
Scottsville Squirrel W.B. Reid and Page Family San Diego Cajun Chris Stuart and Budapest Brothers Kenny Hall and the 8-8:45 pm Barkers Bonnie Zahnow Playboys BackCountry Long Haul Band
LOST CHILDREN
can be taken to the nearest stage. Announcements will be made between songs.
10 San Diego Troubadour • April 2003 performingperforming artistsartists
Sunday,Sunday, AprilApril 2727
PARK STAGE CHURCH CHURCH BEER 34TH & HAWLEY & DIMILLE’S SANCTUARY SOCIAL HALL GARDEN ADAMS ADAMS PARKING
11-11:45 am New Lost Melody Sage Gentle-Wing Tom Brosseau Curt Bouterse Connie Allen and Boys Bill Dempsey
noon- Mary McCaslin Robin Henkel American Folk Los Alacranes Tanya Rose 12:45 pm Singers
1-1:45 pm Frannie Leopold Mimi Wright Hangan Brothers Incandescent John Bosley Bryan Pickering with W.B. Reid and String Trio Bonnie Zahnow
2-2:45 pm Bayou Seco Stu and Gloria Budapest Brothers Faith Petric Kenny Hall and the Roy Ruiz Clayton Jamison Long Haul Band
3-3:45 pm Delta Sisters Wayne Brandon, Clark Steve White Los Alacranes 7th Day Buskers Bob Webb W.B. Reid and Powell, Bryan Pickering, Doug McKee, Ed Douglas, Bonnie Zahnow Tanya Rose
4-4:45 pm “Fire on the Ginny Hawker and Mimi Wright Sage Gentle-Wing Jon Adams Connie Allen and Robin Henkel Mountain” cast from Tracy Schwarz Bill Dempsey San Diego Rep
Wayne Brandon, Clark 5-5:45 pm Mike Seeger Larry Hanks Page Family Los Alacranes Mark Spoelstra Powell, Bryan Pickering, Jim Earp Doug McKee, Ed Douglas, Tanya Rose
LEGEND
PORT-A-POTTIES
DISABLED X FACILITIES
x FIRST AID ä FOOD 40-YARD µ DUMPSTERS FIRST AID POLICE SECURITY are available at the 7-11 parking lot, located at Adams Ave. and Hawley Blvd.
11 April 2003 • San Diego Troubadour
performingperforming artistsartists
back in the ’40s (he was a tap dancer). talent exceeds beyond all expectations. An amazing guitarist, he has also also a guitar teacher at the legendary He first played with his old partner Los Californios Jim can be found playing anywhere played the neck harp since his early Blue Guitar, where he has been giving (Henry Ford Thompson) at the fifth San (Vykki Mende Gray, Janet Martini, from Mama’s Pies in Julian on Labor days of music. Add to that a stereo- lessons to students who are eager to Diego Folk Festival in 1971 and at Peter DuBois, David Swarens) Day to playing hymns in his church. miked percussion instruments, consist- learn from the legend himself. most of them since. Tom has been For over a Playing his guitar in the style of folk, ing of tambourine and cowbell, con- responsible for giving many young San classical, jazz, Celtic, and New Age, this decade, San tained in a mahogany wooden box, Diego musicians a chance to play in guy is really good at what he does and Siamsa Gael Ceili Diego-based which he may soon be marketing as his bands, and his style of Texas blues, Los Californios it shows. Jim’s second CD was a win- with influences ranging from Lightnin’ ner in Acoustic Guitar magazines’ the “White Stone Box.” White plays this Band has been The Siamsa Gael Ceili Band (pro- Hopkins to Muddy Waters and B.B. Homegrown CD Awards 2000, and his box with his feet, wearing his trade- researching and nounced Sheem-sha Gale Kay-lee) King to his original mentor T-Bone, Celtic and New Age-flavored solo mark wooden clogs to achieve the best interpreting the music of Spanish and presents the traditional melodies of continues to bring down the house. instrumental guitar music has been sound. All together, this rhythm-infused Mexican California, focusing on the Ireland played in the “old style.” featured in songbooks and CD compila- blues guitarist sings and blows his nineteenth century and from the days The band’s existence and main tions with such notable artists as ex- when the state was part of Spain and harp to create a sound that is uniquely source of inspiration can be attributed Tom Brosseau then Mexico. This sweet, melodic Wings guitarist Laurence Juber, Elton Steve White. The first thing to a Dublin man named Dave Page. An music was played for dancing and John band guitarist Davy Johnstone, you notice about accomplished Irish piper, he played in singing at the festive fandangos given and National Finger-style Champion Tom Brosseau is the original Siamsa Gael Ceili Band by the Spanish and Mexican settlers or Muriel Anderson. This is Jim’s first Robin Henkel that incredible during the early 1930s. He moved to the Californios, who ran cattle on the appearance at the Roots festival. Robin Henkel’s voice, which San Diego in the mid-1970s where he huge ranchos during their heyday in music ranges harks back to met current band members John Tuohy the 1830s and 1840s. Working from from primitive, the classic bal- (uilleann pipes), Ian Law (flute), and primary sources, including Californio Steve White Mississippi Delta ladeers of the Described as a Judy Lipnick (fiddle), teaching them his testimonials, travelers’ accounts, and blues and the ’30s and ’40s. one-man blues music and eventually passing his pipes the early sound recordings of Spanish- urban Chicago Matched with his wistful guitar playing, band, Steve on to John. Dave Page’s influence can speaking Californians made by Charles sound to Texas- it’s an unbeatable combination. White can do it be clearly heard in the band’s reper- Fletcher Lummis almost a century ago, style western Born on the day of America’s bicen- all. Highly toire and style. as well a secondary sources such as swing and beyond. An amazing blues tennial in Grand Forks, North Dakota, acclaimed music Bancroft’s histories, they endeavor to slide guitarist, Robin has been playing Brosseau began writing and singing at critic John recreate the sound of serenade and music since the ’60s both as a solo act a very early age. His Grandmother, who D’Agostino perhaps said it best: Sage Gentle-Wing fandango from the days before and as a contributing band member. Sage Gentle- was involved with several bluegrass “Snapping twang, sliding bottleneck California statehood. With the Robin Henkel Band he uses a Wing is one of associations, would take him to church grease, and wringing beef-jerky riffs variety of back-up musicians whom he those rare multi- basements and retirement homes and from his Taylor, singing with grit, custom picks to fit each gig. He has faceted artists old dance halls to listen. One guy groove, and grace. Chuffing on a Jim Earp opened for such top acts as Dizzie who brings to would stand up and yodel and another braced harmonica and pounding time Finger-style gui- Gillespie, Bonnie Raitt, Arlo Guthrie, and the stage a sub- would play his jew’s harp. The audi- on a barbeque boom box with clog- tarist Jim Earp is Dave Mason. Henkel has also per- tle, yet powerful, ence would clap. clad feet. I recommend him to anyone a long time North formed with Buddy Miles, John presence of Shortly thereafter, Brosseau began who loves good music.” Michael Park resident. Hammond, Sha Na Na, and Big Jay authenticity.He mixing the mediums and singing. He Kinsman in a Union-Tribune review When Jim plays McNeal. will captivate you with his unique use learned how to play a few chords on said, “This local musician brandishes the guitar he A seasoned veteran and winner of of altered acoustic guitar tunings to the guitar, then learned the harmonica. his guitar like a hoe as he digs into fer- makes it look so Best Blues Album at the 2000 San create a large, full band sound. The He knew at that age that he’d be doing tile Delta music with a classic blues comfortable and Diego Music Awards, he has participat- deep resonance of the down-tuned what he’s doing now. intensity.” easy because his ed in numerous blues festivals. He is bass often approximates the register of
12 San Diego Troubadour • April 2003
performingperforming artistsartists
an actual bass guitar. His songs reflect With the release of two CDs, Long Live and his band BackCountry released the pride of San Diego’s Mexican- going strong in Southern California with a timeless, masterful song craft that the Caboose and Born to Pick, the their first CD, titled Angels of Mineral American community. The music of a full repertoire of traditional Cajun lan- employs compelling themes, impecca- Buskers can be seen performing in Springs, which has been praised by these “musicos locos” has been guage music. bly rendered by a truly original many venues from San Diego to DJs around the country. Mike Fleischer described as sort of a cross between Along with original members Jon American artist. With his vast catalog of Seattle. at WDCB-FM in Glen Ellyn, Illinois calls the humorous style of Lalo Guerero and Grant (accordion, fiddle) and Bill Riddell great original songs, the listener is the CD “…clearly the work of a talent- the corridos and old timey norteño (guitar), the group features South treated to a broad palette of colors, ed, mature, and highly professional songs. “Chunky” Sanchez explains it as Louisiana-born Joel Breaux (accordion, including folk, jazz, blues, country, Chris Stuart and singer-songwriter-musician. The album Southwest-Chicano-Mexican-Barrio fiddle) from Loreauville (pop. 860), and country-blues, folk-rock, pop, Celtic, itself is beautifully produced, well folklore. His song about a chorizo Greg Rasberry (triangle) from Iota and and even tango. BackCountry recorded, and well mastered.” sandwich is not to be believed. Crowley, Louisiana. Chris Stuart Rick Smith, who is from New York, Founded in 1977 by Ramon plays original is a harmonica player with both coun- “Chunky” Sanchez and his brother music rooted in The 7th Day try and big city roots. Ricardo, Los Alacranes along with Don The American Folk bluegrass tradi- “Güero” Knapp and Miguel Lopez have tions but rather Singers Buskers inspired audiences for more than two than categorize Los Alacranes decades. Following the success of their his music, he critically acclaimed CD, Rising Souls, refers to it as released May 1999, Los Alacranes “just good released Picando, originally recorded in music.” An admired songwriter, his 1989. This group always puts on a songs have been recorded by Claire good show. Lynch, Suzanne Thomas, Sally Jones, the Schankman Twins, and Tine Adair. Among his other accomplishments, San Diego Cajun Chris was awarded first place in both Gregory Page and Tom Brosseau pay The 7th Day Buskers are a five-piece the bluegrass and gospel categories at Playboys tribute to traditional American music with songs, ranging from Woody acoustic roots band who have been the renowned Chris Austin Songwriting Los Alacranes are one San Diego’s The San Diego Cajun Playboys have Guthrie to various kinds of country seen by much of San Diego every Contest at Merlefest. Recently Stuart most beloved group of musicians and been keeping Cajun French music Sunday morning at the Hillcrest music and original tunes. Farmers Market. It was here that the band formed one by one after Shawn P. Rohlf opened up his banjo case and started busking (an old European word for performing on the street) several years ago. Their huge repertoire of original and traditional material covers a wide range of styles, including blue- grass, folk, country, Irish, and blues. Members of the Buskers include Robin Henkel on Dobro, Steve Peavey on mandolin and guitar, Don Hickox on fid- dle, Ken Dow on bass, and Rohlf on banjo, guitar, harmonica, and vocals.
13 April 2003 • San Diego Troubadour
C a n Son s Invade nadia gw er S rit an Diego
Juno Award Winner Juno Award Winner Bill Bourne Ray Bonneville
April 13 • 7:30pm • $15 May 18 • 7:30pm • $15
Critics have called him a national treasure, an icono- Ray Bonneville calls his music “a gumbo of clast, and a master folk musician. Great grandson of American roots stylings,” which involves laying down a Icelands’ Poet Laureate Stefan G. Stefansson, surprisingly complex guitar groove, rock-solid foot- grew up in rural Alberta listening to Bill Bourne board percussion, intricate but understated harmoni- his parents play old time music. During the 1980s, ca licks, and weathered vocals that are always cool he did a three-year stint with Scotland’s Tannahill but never aloof. He often streamlines his touring act, Weavers. Out of that grew his relationship with Alan accompanying himself on guitar, rack harmonica, Macleod that lead to the release of the and footboard. This same spare quality applies to the ground-breaking album Dance and evocative songwriting that won Bonneville a Celebrate, followed by Moonlight Dancers. 1999 Juno Award, the Canadian equivalent of a Bourne’s endless drive to write and Grammy, for his third album, Gust of Wind (Stony perform soon saw his return to familiar, and for him, Plain/Warner). fertile ground of musicical autonomy. Always a Bonneville has been in demand as a live fiercely independent artist, he continued to carve his performer for three decades, playing not only clubs own distinctive musical niche. His skills as a and concert halls, but also such prestigious festivals as writer and a seemingly tireless touring performer New Orleans Jazz and Heritage, Montreal Jazz, caught the attention of Ragged Pup records, and the Kerrville, Toronto Harbourfront, Ottawa Folk, label and the artist seemed to fit. In early 1998 he Strawberry, Winnipeg, and Edmonton. joined the label’s already strong roster of performing Dark Thirty Productions is proud to host an songwriters. evening with Ray Bonneville in May, where you can hear his music and see him play within the comfort of Jimmy Duke’s intimate house concert venue.
DARK THIRTY PRODUCTIONS wwwdarkthirty.com • Reservations: (619) 443-9622
14 San Diego Troubadour • April 2003 ¯ ofof notenote ¯¯ ¯¯
ect images of much slower times with no cell phones, cars, or TVs. Connie Allen and Times we’ll never see again. Derek Duplessie The opening song, “Midnight Bill Dempsey on the Water,” written in 1976 by and the Desert Poets Benny Thomasson and John The Waves We Croizat, says in words what the Stereo instruments imply about those days past, with Dempsey showing Left Behind by Phil Harmonic off his deep, full, and rich-toned voice. On “Oh, California,” the by Phil Harmonic Derek Duplessie and the melody of Stephen Foster’s “Oh, Desert Poets’ new CD titled Performing at this year’s Roots Susannah” is used. Foster influ- Stereo is refreshing and pure in enced the popular music scene Festival, Connie Allen and Bill heard around camp fires through- substance compared to much of Peter Bolland on the others, help more than traditional music Dempsey will sing songs from out the United States, usually at the over-produced material that to produce the full-textured although some of his songs still their new CD, The Waves We Left sing-a-longs where one person surfaces today. This veteran sound. fall into the traditional category. Behind, with a traditional folk plays an old beat-up guitar, songwriter, who hasn’t even In this self-produced CD, Connie plays the eight-string dul- sound and song selections that pumpin’ out the chord changes. experienced high school yet, has young Duplessie kept the takes cimer, banjomer, bass, and kazoo. are quite fitting for the festival. Of Both Allen and Dempsey sing well written five original songs here that allowed the essence to seep Bill plays a Guild D40 guitar, the 14-song, plus a bonus song, with ingratiating harmonies, but that are as worthy as the other out, rendering an honest and banjo, and kazoo, and adds con- CD, four are originals written by to me the most effective or mov- five by Steve Earle, Tom Petty, authentic sound. My favorite certina and trombone on “Sailor Allen and the remainder are tradi- ing pieces are the dulcimer and Neil Young, John Hiatt, and the song, “L.A. Standard Time,” has Jack.” From the 1909 “Indiana” to tional, spanning over 100 years of guitar instrumentals. Close your Byrds’ Gene Clark. Need I say hit song written all over it, and Bill Monroe’s 1957 “Cowboy roots and popular music. The eyes and the pure roots sound more? The raw sound of has all the ingredients deserving Waltz/Sitting Alone in the original songs are well-written sto- created by the instrumentals proj- Duplessie’s harmonica against of radio play. A gifted songwriter Midnight” to the bonus track’s live ries done in that familiar style the well-knit sound of his top- and multi-instrumentalist, version of Jesse Fuller’s “San notch band, the Desert Poets Duplessie also adds a 12-string Francisco Bay Blues,” Allen and contrast to create a sound that is Ricky electric guitar and a B-3 Dempsey take you back to those reminiscent of early Dylan. organ to round out his all- days when, compared to today, Duplessie, who is an excellent around talent. His time is not far time stood still. And unlike today, pedal steel player himself, has off and when you experience a there and only there would their his teacher, Kevin Ryan on that live performance, you’ll see a instrumental version of Weiss and instrument, showing off his seasoned, comfortable singer- Theile’s “What a Wonderful tasteful licks and illustrating how songwriter with a highly likeable World,” ring true. nuance transforms a feel into the personality, along with a folksy mood of the song. The rhythm wit and charisma to boot. My section of Danny Cress on drums mind starts to see Derek as a and Lyle Duplessie, Derek’s Dad, young song-writing, instead of a on bass are as solid as they story-telling, Will Rogers, whose come. Derek’s acoustic guitar genuine confidence is so real work is a driving force, and his that you’d think this young pro- solid strumming heart beat fessional must have some kind of becomes the life blood that hotline to the truth. flows through the songs. Background vocals by the elder The Desert Poets play at Dizzy’s on Duplessie on the originals, and Sunday, April 13, 7:30pm.
15 April 2003 • San Diego Troubadour
ramblin’ramblin’
full circle and vocals, Dean Knight on Recordially Yours vocals and bass, and Jeff Harvey on mandolin.
The OTHER BLUEGRASS NEWS AND TIDBITS Bluegrass The Dowden Sisters of Ashville, North Carolina, graced San Diego with two concerts last CORNER month, the first sponsored by the San Diego Bluegrass Society and the second by the North County Bluegrass and Folk Club. Their gospel harmonies and charming shows were very well by D. Dwight Worden See page 2 for details. received. The Seventh Day Buskers Chris Stuart and BackCountry his year’s Adam’s Avenue wowed the full-house monthly The Buskers are one of San Lou Curtiss Roots Festival offers up Fuddruckers-La Mesa event, T Diego’s favorite home-grown first-class bluegrass over Lou’s Anniversary Rant Walter Cronkite said at one of the sponsored by the SDBS, appear- its two day span, covering the acoustic bands, dripping with Kennedy Center award ceremonies ing as the featured band. If you weekend of April 26-27. Be sure talent and excitement, perform- his is a rant. On the 30th that “the arts outlive governments and don’t have a copy of their new to catch the following bluegrass ing straight up bluegrass and anniversary of my putting this societies that create them.” So I CD Angels performers, and don’t overlook more. Led by singer-songwriter festival together, I deserve a guess this roots music will get by of Mineral Springs, I highly T the other great musical perform- Shawn Rohlf on guitar, vocals, rant. This is the most unique musical whether our Adams Avenue Roots recommend it. and banjo, the group features event regularly held in this city. I’m not Festival is large or small. However, it ances that include folk, Irish, Robin Henkel on dobro and Summergrass Festival. Mark saying that because I put it together. sure would be nice to put together one blues, Appalachian, cowboy vocals; Steve Peavey on man- your calendars for August 22-24. I’m saying it because it’s true. Over the that has a decent budget, so we could tunes, and other great acoustic dolin, guitar, and vocals; Ken The first annual Summergrass years this festival has brought so bring everyone we wanted to. fare. And it’s all free!! Schedules San Diego Pickin’ in Paradise many performers to San Diego who Over the years this festival has can be found on pages 10-11. Dow on upright bass and vocals; Bluegrass Festival will be the first might (probably would) never have brought you Roscoe Holcomb, Jean and Don Hickox on lead fiddle The Long-Awaited “real” bluegrass festival in San had the opportunity to come out this Ritchie, Sam Hinton, John Jackson, and vocals, with Dwight Worden Reunion of the Scottsville Diego, complete with camping, way. Artists such as Bill Monroe; Wilbur Ball, Tommy Jarrell, Lily Mae providing twin fiddle accompa- Squirrel Barkers vendors, and tons of great blue- Cousin Emmy; Frankie Armstrong; the Ledford, Doye O’Dell, the Strange niment on some tunes. The This is going to be a great grass music. It will be held at the Boys of the Lough; Sam and Kirk Creek Singers, Jean Redpath, Buskers play every Sunday at the McGee; Sam Chatmon; Cliff Carlisle; Harmonica Frank Floyd, Model T. Slim, reunion show! This historically Hillcrest Farmers Market where beautiful Steam Engine Museum the Hoosier Hot Shots; Hank Penny; Johnny Bond, Glenn Ohrlin, Charlie important bluegrass band — also they have developed a loyal fol- and Park in Vista. Stay tuned for Rose Maddox; Stan Hugill; the Balfa Bailey, Olabelle Reed, U Utah Phillips, known as the Kentucky lowing, and they regularly per- more details as the festival date Brothers; Marin, Bogan, and the England Brothers, the Como Mountain Boys — was formed in form at other venues throughout approaches! Armstrong; Hank Thompson; Benny Mississippi Fife and Drum Band, the 1958 by patrons of a San Diego San Diego. The Buskers have Need Info? Want to stay up to Thomasson; Silly Wizard; Robert Pete Golden Eagles (New Orleans Indians), club, the Blue Guitar. Its propri- released two CDs, both of which date on happenings in the local Williams; Santiago Jimenez; Patsy and so many more but . . . we didn’t etor, Ed Douglas, played bass in were very well received. You Bluegrass World? Read the San Montana; D.L. Menard and his get, although we tried, E.C. and Orna the founding line-up, alongside won’t want to miss their high- Diego Troubadour! Join the San Louisiana Aces; Lydia Mendoza; Ray Ball, Ray Whitley, Wilma Lee and Larry Murray (guitar and vocals), energy shows Diego Bluegrass Society. For only and Ina Petterson; Joe and Rose Lee Stony Cooper, Don Reno and Red Kenny Wertz (guitar and banjo), $15 per year, you receive flyers Maphis; Julia Mainer; and several Smiley, the Blue Sky Boys, Buddy Chris Stuart and Gary Carr (guitar), and Chris of all SDBS local jams, concerts, hundred more. Thomas, Seamus Ennis, Furry Lewis, BackCountry Hillman (mandolin and vocals). and events, and you get regular We got a little money from an Almeda Riddle, and more than I have Great vocals and instrumenta- The Barkers were featured on copies of InTune magazine by NEA grant once in the mid-1970s to space for here. The point is that we Bluegrass Favorites, which was tion highlight this band, with pay some artists and to do some mail to keep you informed of all could have had many of these people distributed solely in local super- outstanding songwriting from research on finding artists. Since then bluegrass events in the Southern had it not been for lack of funding and, markets. The quintet broke up founder and leader Chris Stuart. it’s been a volunteer effort. Now I’m California area. Call (858) 679- like so many roots artists, most of soon after its release. Hillman Originally from Jacksonville, not griping because I don’t get paid. them are no longer with us. 1225 or surf to teamed with Rex and Vern Florida, Chris now lives in San Thirty festivals full of great music is a There are, however, still people http://members.aol.com/intune- Gosdin in the Hillmen** before Diego. In 1993 Chris won first legacy I’m proud of and fortunate to out there whom we’d like to bring and news/subsdbc.html to join SDBS rejoining Murray in the Green place in both bluegrass and have experienced. However it is should bring to San Diego. Roots or for more information. Grass Group. He later became a gospel at the Merlefest Chris depressing that we’ve applied for so music needs to be researched, col- founding member of the Byrds, Austin songwriting contest. His many grants and we’re always turned lected, and heard. A festival like the while Murray and Leadon were songs have been recorded by a **NOTE: The Hillmen were down. Other festivals with not nearly Adams Avenue Roots Festival is number of top performers, originally known as the Golden the track record we have get funding essential to our city. We need your reunited in Hearts and Flowers. including Claire Lynch (“Paul State Boys on Cal’s Corral, a in other cities. Is it because this is San encouragement and support. We need Wertz, meanwhile, resurfaced in and Peter Walked,” “God Spoke television show hosted by local Diego? I’ve never quite figured it out. each of you to tell someone else about Country Gazette and most car salesman Cal Worthington. The city of San Diego is even talking us and bring them along next time. recently in San Diego’s award- His Name,” “Thibodeau”), about cutting off our TOT funding, All you politicians and granting winning bluegrass band Down Suzanne Thomas (“Dear Friends” It was only on the LP that they which is going to make it even harder agencies, remember that as old Pappy the Road. This legendary group and “Gentle Hearts”), Sally Jones were called the Hillmen. to continue to bring you the kind of MacMichen said, “There’s ten pair of will be reunited at the Roots (“Saro”), the Schankman Twins (Lou Curtiss) festival we have in the past. Those of overalls sold for each tuxedo suit.” Festival this year and play a pre- (“Thibodeau”), and Tina Adair you who want to help might drop a That’s why I stick to roots music. festival show on Friday, April 25, (“These Tears”). The band also line to our Adams Avenue-area coun- Recordially, at the Carlsbad Village Theater. features Janet Beazley on banjo cil person, Toni Atkins, or to the mayor. Lou Curtiss Tell these people what this festival means and has meant to you over the years. I know that it means something because so many of you have told me over the years. Roots music, it seems, is always the least likely to be noticed in the grantsmanship business. At least for us it is. We must have written ten reams of grant applications and it’s always the same two or three sen- tences, turning us down if they even bother to reply. It’s depressing.
16 San Diego Troubadour • April 2003 ramblin’
Hosing Down Un-Do by Paul Abbott
I’ve been playing guitar since I by José Sinatra “Do you know who I am?” was nine years old, and by the time It is my contention that the I was 14 it had become my main “Do you know who I am?” true star need never ask the activity in life. This fact remained It is perhaps the most question. The modern demigod until I was 33. And in all the time pompous phrase in a celebri- should command recognition between, there was hardly a day ty’s vocabulary and one of the enough to make it unneces- that went by when I didn’t pick up the instrument and consider how I most insidiously potent. It is sary. could express myself through it. I one of the most frequently Admittedly, the question was, if nothing else, persistent. That used against the star-struck has its occasional value. Some The inimitable Mr. Sinatra changed fairly abruptly about 18 Paul Abbott sensibilities of the malleable years ago, after torching a months ago when I decided to jump well-known cult figure and his full-bore into my mastering business masses who continue to pray neighborhood eyesore, I was but I felt much more objective and and–almost simultaneously–commit at the alter of fame. And one about to be led away in hand- entourage shuffled in through focused. Prior to my hiatus, even myself to a serious yoga practice. cuffs. Use of the six-word the front door and claimed it though I was an accomplished whose very beauty grows from Anyone who has ever started a was okay, wasn’t it, that they instrumentalist, my perspective lim- its own audacity. question set me free; soon I business knows that it can consume ited my approach to the instrument. Now in its 50th decade, was signing autographs and just go on in. I said it wasn’t. you. Even ones that have a fairly And while consistent practice kept The figurehead chuckled and simple design (such as a mastering “Do you know who I am?” is the panties of several wives of raising the bar for me as a player, I looked at his ladies before studio) are fraught with details: just beginning to wear out its enforcement officers. The was unknowingly re-enforcing a business plans, budgets, equipment welcome. arson case remains open to beading on my nose. number of less-than-stellar habits purchasing (and its subsequent “Do you know who I am?” that I had convinced myself were Usually it’s not possible to this day, sadly, though I’ve learning/maintaining), marketing, part of my “style.” Some of these offer a negative answer to it been able to buy up the adja- I would have traded any- customer service, bills, and dead- were minor, such as finger and without a trace of embarrass- cent lot and expand my thing, of course, to have been lines. Serious students of yoga, simi- hand position. Others were more him at this moment in time but larly, will tell you that it is an all- ment — a nervously sensitive, empire. My neighbors know extreme, like associating myself first consuming path that can change silent admission of cultural who I am, and they’re not betted instead on my innocent and foremost as a guitarist. your life. So, between those two complaining. hope of a future. Over the past 18 months I illiteracy. rather seismic events, my focus on “I know who you were,” I gained an insight about music I The normal, positive It’s just better not to have guitar got a bit blurry. I still prac- doubt I would have realized if I response, however, is accom- to ask. It’s wonderful when told him. “You’ll have to buy a ticed on a regular basis, but at times hadn’t taken a step back from the ticket. Join the line outside to I felt I was maintaining a routine. panied by a form of apology. there’s no question as to your guitar to pursue other areas of life. your right, please; you’re hold- Eventually, the combination of And a sweet smile, with a identity, when crowds silently When I consider the rush with everything inched out guitar. fool’s heart swelling in joy at part and that table in front is ing this one up.” which I always wanted to accom- Recently, though, a guitar-related And suddenly I was free, plish goals on the guitar, it makes the encounter. Here the suddenly available for you and event was offered to me, so I dusted me smile. And the more I under- celebrity is immediately there’s not a trace of blood on happy that he’d always know off my instrument and started stand, the more valuable my time escorted to the front of the the napkins. A healthy tip to who I was, especially without plucking/ hammering/strumming. I away from the instrument has my ever having had to ask him. soon realized something interesting: line. And most of the others the doorman here will ensure become. present are happy to have that your future visits remain not only had my acumen remained, given way to a real live famous similarly smooth and that your person. personage remain unques- Honey, you won’t believe tioned. who I saw at Albertson’s I’ll not forget an incident in today. Don friggin’ Johnson! my pre-fame days. I was tear- We saw Tommy Lee goin’ ing tickets in the foyer of a in, so we wanted to party with movie palace, controlling an him. Not too long a wait. It was anxious line of patrons that worth it. He’s totally cool! stretched around the block. A
Local Yokels
Gus Williker is out of town squirrel hunting this month. Local Yokels will be back in May
17 April 2003 • San Diego Troubadour
‘round‘round aboutabout
APRIL MUSIC CALENDAR Taylor Street Band, Hot Monkey Lisa Sanders CD Release, Seaside Love Cafe. Call for info. Church, 1613 Lake Dr., Encinitas, tuesday • 1 8pm. saturday • 19 sunday • 27 Mike Nadolson & Friends, North sunday • 6 Great Big Sea, Belly Up Tavern, ADAMS AVE. ROOTS FESTIVAL, County Bluegrass/Folk Club meeting, sunday • 13 Solana Beach, 8pm. Normal Heights, 10am-6pm. Round Table Pizza, Escondido. Mark Jackson Band, Cowabunga’s, Angela Correa, Twiggs, 8pm. Derek Duplessie & the Desert Poets The Hank Show Cask & Cleaver, Kelly/Rob Carona, Twiggs, 8:30pm. Imperial Beach Pier, 2-5pm. CD Release, Dizzy’s, 7:30pm. Steven Cox & Across the Room, 3757 S. Mission Rd. Fallbrook, 6pm. Carolanne Matteson, Metaphor Coasters Saloon, Mission Beach, Bill Bourne, Dark Thirty Cafe, Escondido, 7-9pm. tuesday • 8 10pm. Productions, Lakeside. Call 619/443- monday • 28 Carolanne Matteson, Metaphor 9622 for reservations. wednesday • 2 Cafe, Escondido, 7-9pm. thursday • 24 Bayou Brothers, Patricks II, 9pm. Sue Palmer Trio, Bayou Bar & Grill, Bladerunners, San Diego Bluegrass tuesday • 15 Steven Cox & Across the Room, 329 Market St., 6-8pm. Society meeting, Fuddrucker’s, La Dream Street, Ocean Beach, 9:30pm. wednesday • 30 Mesa. Carolanne Matteson, Metaphor Cafe, Escondido, 7-9pm. Sue PalmerTrio, Bayou Bar & Grill, Sue Palmer/Deejha Marie, Lyceum 329 Market St., 6-8pm. thursday• 3 Theater pre-show, 6-7pm. friday • 25 Sue Palmer/Candye Kane, Calypso wednesday • 16 Roots Festival Preview, Lestats, 7- Restaurant, Leucadia, 7:30-9:30pm. 10pm. WEEKLY wednesday • 9 Lighthouse, Golden Goose Coffee Taylor Street Band, Twiggs, 8:30pm. House, 100001 Maine St., Lakeside, SCOTTSVILLE SQUIRREL BARKERS Sue Palmer Trio, Bayou Bar & Grill, 7pm. with CHRIS HILLMAN & HERB 329 Market St., 6-8pm. PEDERSEN, Carlsbad Village every sunday Chris Stuart & BackCountry, Old friday • 4 Theater, 2822 State St., Calrsbad, Shambles/Rookie Card/Derek Poway Park, 9-11am. 7th Day Buskers, Hillcrest 7:30pm. Email: [email protected]. Mark Jackson Band, Bailey’s Duplessie, M-Theory, South Park. Farmer’s Market/DMV parking Barbecue, Julian, 8-12pm. Call for info. Chuck Schiele & the Mysterious lot, 10am-1pm. friday • 18 Ways CD Release, Hard Rock Cafe, Buena Vista Social Club, CA Center Steve White, Elijah’s, La Jolla, La Jolla, 10pm. for the Arts, Escondido, 8pm. thursday• 10 Chris Stuart & BackCountry, 11:30am. Border’s Books & Music, 668 Sixth Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Sue Palmer/Candye Kane, Calypso Celtic Ensemble, Twiggs, 4pm. Ave., San Diego, 8pm. Orchestra, Croce’s Top Hat, 9pm. Restaurant, Leucadia, 7:30-9:30pm. saturday • 26 Extreme Country, hosted by Mark Erelli/Sage Gentle-Wing/Kris ADAMS AVE. ROOTS FESTIVAL, Mike Vlack, 7-10pm, KSON Delmhorst, Twiggs, 8:30pm. saturday • 5 friday •11 Normal Heights, 10am-9pm. (97.3 FM). Mark Jackson Band, Hooley’s Irish Jenn Lindsay/Taylor Street Band, Jazz Roots, hosted by Lou Celia Lawley, Exclusive Collections Peter, Paul & Mary, CA Center for Pub, 2955 Jamacha Rd., Rancho San Twiggs, 8:30pm. Curtiss, 8-10pm, KSDS (88.3 Gallery, Fashion Valley, 6:30-9pm. the Arts, Escondido, 8pm. Diego, 9pm. FM). Steven Cox & Across the Room, Peter Bolland, Twiggs, 8:30pm. Cafe Crema, Pacific Beach, 7pm. The Bluegrass Special, hosted Taylor Street Band, Cafe Alysa, by Wayne Rice, 10pm-midnight, Connie Allen/Bill Dempsey, San Carlsbad. KSON (97.3 FM). Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas, 7:30pm. Call 858/566-4040 for info. saturday • 12 every monday San Diego Songwriters Guild, Mark Jackson Band, Golden Goose Swing Dancing, Tio Leos, 5302 Lestats, 8:30pm. Coffee House, 10001 Maine St., Napa St., 6-8pm. Lakeside, 8pm. Celticana, Patrick’s, 13314 Poway Tango Dancing, Tio Leos, 5302 Rd., Poway, 8:30pm. Glenn Miller Orchestra, East County Napa St., 8pm. Performing Arts Center, El Cajon. Yonder Mountain String Band, Belly Open Mic Night, Lestats. Call Up Tavern, Solana Beach, 9:15pm. Brother, Coach House, San Juan 619/282-0437 for info. Capistrano, 8pm. Call 919/496-8930. Candye Kane/Blues Brokers, Tio Leo’s, Call for info. every tuesday Zydeco Tuesdays, Tio Leos, 5302 Napa St., 6:30pm.
every wednesday Open Mic Night, Twiggs. Sign-ups at 6:30pm. Open Mic Night, Metaphor Cafe, Escondido, 8pm. Hatchet Brothers, The Ould Sod, 9pm. Robin Henkel w/ Big Rig Deluxe, California Club, 5522 El Cajon Blvd., 9pm, Skelpin’, Dublin Square, 554 Fifth Ave., San Diego, 8:30pm.
every thursday Robin Henkel, Sassafras Bar & Grill, 3667 India St., 8pm. Hot Rod Lincoln, Tio Leos, 5302 Napa St., Call for info.
Want to be included in our monthly calendar? Email the dates, locations, and times your band is playing to: [email protected]
18 San Diego Troubadour • April 2003
thethe locallocal seenseen
Earl Thomas, Hard Rock Cafe, La Jolla Doug Pettibone at Tim Flannery show, La Costa High School
Photography by Millie Moreno e i s s e l p u d
n e l l E
Shawn Colvin at ECPAC : o t o h P
C.J. Hutchins and Gregory Page at The Field P h o t o :
E l l e n
d u p l e s s i e Peter Bolland at Claire de Lune
Mark Jackson at Claire de Lune
Angela Correa Patrick Dennis and Atom Orr at Twiggs
19 MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
ss # M # Ap gra Cou lk pa lue nt o # Country M ld Ti o lach B ry junt Blu
i M O me l F an # # on es # Mu a C # sic ion Ce ic # M # Tradit lti us c # Cowboy M M M M
M The Adams Ave. Business Association Presents M The TH M
30 ANNUAL M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M
Music • Arts • Crafts • M
M Food • Workshops • M
M Beer Garden • 7 Stages M 2003M M April 26-27 M M M
M Saturday, 10am-9pm M
M Sunday, 10am-6pm M M
Adams Ave. & Adams Park M M 34th to 35th Streets, M M
Normal Heights • San Diego, CA M M
M riday ! M F t www.GoThere.com/AdamsAve M Nigh M iew M rev M P pm featuring music by -10 M 25, 7 April ts M sta @ Le • Steve White M M
• Scottsville Squirrel Barkers • The Hangan Brothers • The Page Family • Mimi Wright M with Chris Hillman, M • Sage Gentle-Wing Bernie Leadon, Kenny • Stu & Gloria Jamison • The Budapest Brothers M • San Diego Cajun Playboys M Wertz, Ed Douglas, & • Tracy Schwarz & • Roy Ruiz Clayton Larry Murray Ginny Hawker M • Robin Henkel • Los Alacranes M • Mike Seeger • The Delta Sisters M • Tom Brosseau • Musicians from the San
M with Frannie Leopold
• Mary McCaslin Diego Rep’s production of M & Jeanie McClerie) • Los Californios “Fire on the Mountain,”
M • Faith Petric • Frannie Leopold • John Wright & the New featuring Dan Wheetman M • Bayou Seco Tony Marcus, “Mississippi” M Lost Melody Boys
• W.B. Reid & Bonnie Zahnow M with Ken Keppler & Charles Bevel, & Mollie • New Smokey Mountain Boys M Jeanie McClerie • Mark Spoelstra Andrews with Wayne Brandon, M • Bob Webb • The Stairwell Sisters
M Clark Powell, Bryan • Jon Adams • Bryan Pickering Pickering, Doug McKee, & M
M Ed Douglas • Incandescent String Trio • John Bosley The Adams Avenue Business Association M
M with Peter Feldmann, • The 7th Day Buskers is partially funded by the City of San • Curt Bouterse Diego’s Small Business Enhancement M Richard Green, & • Tanya Rose M Mike Nadolson Program.
• Connie Allen & Bill Dempsey M • The American Folk Singers Music produced by Lou Curtiss and
M • Kenny Hall & the • Tomcat Courtney Long Haul Band with Tom Brosseau & Folk Arts Rare Records. M • Jim Earp Gregory Page Music information: 619/282-7833 M
• Larry Hanks M • Siamsa Gael Ceili Band • Chris Stuart & BackCountry Booth rentals: 619/282-7329 M M M M M M
M MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM M