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SAN DIEGO ROUBADOUR Alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, Tblues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass music news

February 2005 www.sandiegotroubadour.com Vol. 4, No. 5

special tribute issue

Lyle what’s &Ellen Duplessie inside A Love Story

Welcome Mat ………3 Mission Statement Contributors Full Circle.. …………4 Recordially, Lou Curtiss Parlor Showcase... 3, 5, 6-9, 12 Remembering Lyle and Ellen Duplessie Ramblin’... …………10 Bluegrass Corner Zen of Recording Hosing Down Radio Daze Of Note. ……………13 David Page Morris Palter Jocelyn Yard Kirsten Dehaan The Coyote Problem ‘Round About ...... …14 February Music Calendar The Local Seen ……15 Photo Page Phil Harmonic Sez:

“Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.”

— Antoine de Saint Exupéry comin g to AcouStic muSic SAn Diego Slaid Cleaves

Eliza G&ilkyson

Saturday, Feb. 12, 7:30pm Normal Heights Methodist Church 4650 Mansfield St. Tickets: $18/$22 www.acousticmusicsandiego.com Info: 619/303-8176 San Diego Troubadour • February 2005 wweellccoommee mmaatt

Remembering Lyle and Ellen Duplessie SAN DIEGO ROUBADOUR Alternative country, Americana, roots, folk, t has been a year since the passing of Ellen Duplessie (February 24, 2004), one of the founders of this publication Tblues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass music news and, really, the one who conceived of the idea. The breast cancer, which had been diagnosed years before, finally claimed her life. Four months after her death (June 17, 2004), her husband, Lyle, died of a heart attack unexpectedly MISSION CONTRIBUTORS while enjoying a day at the beach with his children. As publishers of the San Diego Troubadour, we have dedicated this To promote, encourage, and provide an FOUNDERS I alternative voice for the great local music Ellen and Lyle Duplessie issue, one year later, to the Duplessies by inviting those who knew them to write a few words. It is but a small gesture for that is generally overlooked by the mass Liz Abbott media; namely the genres of alternative Kent Johnson the kind of people they were, people who gave so much to their family, friends, and the community. (KJ and EA) country, Americana, roots, folk, blues, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass. To entertain, PUBLISHERS educate, and bring together players, writ - Liz Abbott ers, and lovers of these forms; to explore Kent Johnson their foundations; and to expand the audi - EDITORIAL/GRAPHICS ence for these types of music. Liz Abbott 8 For advertising rates, call 619/298- Chuck Schiele 8488 or e-mail [email protected]. ADVERTISING and, frankly, we still are. To say we San Diego Troubadour Kent Johnson Kent Johnson miss Ellen and Lyle terribly is an under - P.O. Box 164 DISTRIBUTION Friend, Troubadour Co-Founder statement. Words cannot express the La Jolla, CA 92038 Kent Johnson sadness we feel. We joked when Lyle E-mail: [email protected]. Troubadour Beginnings Brenda Villegas would call himself “keeper of the SAN DIEGO TROUBADOUR, the local PHOTOGRAPHY t was a very special time for music vision.” He was also a wonderful writer source for alternative country, John Baldi during the three-year period when and was especially knowledgeable Americana, roots, folk, blues, gospel, jazz, Steve Covault about local music history — a thor - and bluegrass music news, is published Java Joe’s was located on the corner WEB MASTER Iof Bacon and Santa Monica in Ocean ough researcher and incredibly astute monthly and is free of charge. Letters to Will Edwards the editor must be signed and may be Beach. Many of the finest local singer- with his facts and details. During the edited for content. It is not, however, WRITERS songwriters converged there, bringing few months following Ellen’s death guaranteed that they will appear. Liz Abbott inspiration and aspiration that infected when I would go up to La Jolla to check All opinions expressed in SAN DIEGO Sherrie Ackerman any and all who would hang out after the Troubadour p.o. box, I’d drop in to Russell Bauder Ellen and Lyle Duplessie TROUBADOUR, unless otherwise stated, hours, playing music or pool or just see Lyle and we’d go on long walks, Ed Burns are solely the opinion of the writer and do practicing interpersonal communica - sometimes for two hours or more. We’d not represent the opinions of the staff or Jeff Berkley that it was really a special time for all Peter Bolland tion. I became acquainted with Derek talk and talk and discuss about every management. All rights reserved. of us to be able to play our favorite Danny Cress Duplessie and his mother, Ellen, then. subject you could think of. He really ©2005 San Diego Troubadour. songs from our youth. Lou Curtiss Ellen and I drew to one another imme - wanted to remain positive and move Call it fate, but a few nights after Jenna Duplessie diately. on to another stage in his life. As a Megan Duplessie DeLeon the day Lyle and I first jammed togeth - WRITE TO US! On December 30, 2001, Derek and I friend, business partner, and band Phil Harmonic er, I was at Java Joe’s when Ellen men - sat in the back room while Steve Poltz member, I loved him dearly. He was a We’d love to hear from you! Send your Mark Jackson tioned to me that she wanted to start a comments, feedback, and suggestions graced the stage. It so happened that special guy. Kent Johnson music publication called the San Diego by email to: [email protected] Frederick Leonard Derek turned 12 years old at midnight I still see and hear Lyle and Ellen in Troubadour but didn’t actually know or by snail mail to: San Diego Jim McInnes that night. As I congratulated him, I my mind and also in their three very Troubadour, P.O. Box 164, how she was going to go about making Bart Mendoza said, “Now I have to give you 10 bucks. special children: Megan, Jenna, and La Jolla, CA 92038-0164. it a reality. I said, “Well, you’re in luck. Millie Moreno It was a special moment that continued Derek. The next genera - Brad Owens My wife, Liz, is a graphic designer and for the next three New Year’s eves, tion, Ellen and Lyle’s ga DeLeo Sven-Erik Seaholm knows all about publication layout. Ve n increasing 10 bucks more each year, a grandchild, Vega José Sinatra She is also an experienced editor. I am Jim Wakefield small gesture for such a good kid. As DeLeon, daughter

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c To the Megan and her a u b t e t ter, I mentioned that my wife, Liz s San Diego Troubadour The San Diego Troubadour is past 20 years.” Her eyes lit up. husband, Ben, just dedicated to the memory of Abbott, had a duo that specialized in Ellen and Lyle Duplessie , whose Byrds’ music. Ellen said, “Oh, my Lyle had her first birthday. Already an obvi - vision inspired the creation of this loves the Byrds. You should call him ous music lover, she is undeniably a newspaper. and get together at our house and Duplessie. Lyle and Ellen would be play.” Well, Liz and I started singing proud. together when (Byrds founding mem - ber) Gene Clark died. We both loved Megan Duplessie DeLeon his original songs and were obsessed Daughter about learning more about him. He became a catalyst for forming our The Upper Room singing duo, Hanna’s Parents, a clever name we came up with, or so we rying to write something about thought. my parents is a difficult task. The first time Lyle and I got togeth - There is so much to say, too Lyle and Ellen at the home of Liz Abbott Tmuch actually, which in some weird er and jammed on Byrds’ songs, I relat - and Kent Johnson celebrating the first issue way makes me almost unable to say ed how much I loved Gene Clark’s of the San Diego Troubadour. music and Lyle told me how he met anything at all. Which story do I pick? After introducing Lyle and Ellen to Gene out in front of his house on Where do I even begin? Liz, we talked about forming a partner - Nautilus Street. Well, it turns out that At the heart of our family were our ship, and the San Diego Troubadour Lyle got together with him a few times parents. Like any great couple (i.e., become a reality. The four of us devel - and got know him. He even had a stack Ricky and Lucy, Homer and Marge oped a very special relationship over of photographs a foot high to prove it. Simpson) they were best of friends, the next three years and the newspa - That was the beginning, although totally in love, and always up for an per we started evolved into a valid we didn’t know it at the time, of a adventure. My dad was full of truth, respectable publication. Byrds’ tribute band that included for - faith, and righteousness. He was level One year ago this month, Ellen mer King Biscuit Blues Band virtuoso headed, very intense, and completely developed severe respiratory problems guitarist Gene Rochambeau and drum - content. My mom was all of these from the chemotherapy she was under - mer-percussionist extraordinaire Randy things as well but, at the same time, going to treat her breast cancer and Hoffman. Lyle played bass, Liz played she always seemed to have one or two died of cardiac arrest. Four months tambourine, I played rhythm guitar, wild ideas rattling around in her head. later, while surfing at Mission Beach and we all sang a lot. We named the Anybody who knew her will attest to with his children, Lyle suffered a heart band, aptly, Fowl Play. We had all been attack. He came out of the water, sat such avid Byrds fans since the ’60s, Continued on page 5. down, and died. We were stunned then www.sandiegotroubadour.com 3 February 2005 • San Diego Troubadour ffuullll cciirrccllee

Recordially, Lou Curtiss P h o t o :

B i l l

R i c h a r d s o n

Lou Curtiss

Adams Ave. Roots Festival: The stuff. Bessie Beginnings Diego festival. Jones and the Georgia Sea Island There was music that time), or took a bus Singers returned and we had or the first 20 years the Adams around the possibly at one of those Folksong home. Louisiana bluesman Robert Pete Avenue Roots Festival was called clock. The concerts ran until midnight Society meetings at SDSU. Along the However, Hank Bradley made it down Williams, Houston Texas bluesman the San Diego Folk Festival and followed by song swaps until 3 a.m. I way I approached Gary Solbue (SDSU for his first appearance and even then F Weldon “Juke Boy” Bonner, Hollendale for 17 of those years it was held on the took it all in and stayed ‘til the last Associated Student Advisor) about showed promise toward being the Mississippi bluesman Sam Chatmon, campus of San Diego State University. note. Later, during the run of San money, and he came up with an organ - finest Arthur Smith-style country fid - and Texas by way of San Diego blues - Things started, for me at least, when I Diego Folk Festivals, I would get into ization that had to sponsor something dler alive, along with all the other man Thomas E. Shaw. Mayne Smith arrived at SDSU as a student in the fall trouble with the sound and light peo - to keep its charter. things he plays as a member of the and Mitch Greenhill had teamed up of 1962. The previous summer a ple, trying to emulate the atmosphere That group was the SDS Associated Balkan Kafe Orchestra today. Also with Mark Spoelstra into a band called Folksong Society was organized by and particularly the late hour of the Men’s Students. They came up with appearing for the first time were fold- the Frontier Constabulary, and Kenny Michael Cooney so he could bring Sam UCLA concerts. I guess I was more $350 to pay performers and another country songsters Larry Hanks and Hall, Ron Tinkler, and Jim Ringer now Hinton out to the campus for a con - energetic in those days. It seems easier $100 or so for posters and publicity. Mayne Smith, who dueted with Ray played together and called themselves cert, and I was talking to Curtis Carlisle today to stick to a schedule and shut We spent $250 on Bill Monroe and the Bierl. Scottish singer Jean Redpath the Sweets Mill String Band. The festi - Bouterse, who I’d just met in an down at 10 p.m. Bluegrass Boys and the rest on the made it down, as did folk-blues singer val audience was growing and our African history class, about the sad D.K. Wilgus and Ed Pearl, owners of Possum Hunters String Band (Dave guitarist Mitch Greenhill. Stud budget was starting to reflect that state of folk music in San Diego and the Ash Grove in L.A. and organizers of Polacheck and Graham, Ginnie, and Jamieson brought down Bill growth. I was beginning to find out how almost none of the really tradi - the UCLA festivals, were my greatest Gurden Wickham), Sam Hinton, Stu Cunningham and Tom Luke for some that you could book unknown per - tional and old-timey artists ever came inspiration. The artists I saw there Jamieson, Gil Turner, Sandy and Jeanie fine old-timey string band stuff. formers or unknown kinds of music at our way. included Clarence Ashley, Bill Monroe, Darlington, and Kathy Larisch and Returning from year one were Kathy a folk festival and still guarantee them We called a meeting of Michael’s the Stoneman Family, Maybelle Carter, Carol McComb. Bill Monroe played on and Carol, the Possum Hunters, Sam a crowd of appreciative listeners. group, the Campus Organized Doc and Arnold Watson, the Moving Thursday night, and since the bus his Hinton, and Ray Bierl. Also appearing People were starting to trust my taste Folksingers and Folksong Society, and Star Hall Singers, Son House, Carl T. regular band was riding in broke down for the first time was long-time San in music. were pleasantly surprised when some Sprague, Doc Hopkins, the Blue Sky in El Centro, Doug Dillard, Dean Francisco Bay area folk-country song - 50 or 60 people showed up. For the Boys, A.L. Lloyd, Gaither Carlton, Webb, and Mitch Jayne (of The ster Merritt Herring. We moved out of Fifth Annual San Diego Folk Festival next few years the Campus Folksong Bukka White, Almeda Riddle, Clint Dillards) came down to back Bill and the gym and into the campus little the - Festival number five was the first Society sponsored Tuesday meetings Howard and Fred Price, Lightnin’ his regular guitar player on Friday ater and lab school auditorium. The that showed the results of quite a bit of and Thursday hoots in the Rose Arbor Hopkins, Pete Seeger, Mance Lipscomb, night. Friday night’s concert also fea - second festival had a flavor all its own. field work. That year we reunited Cliff behind Scripps cottage. We also assist - tured Curt Bouterse, Wayne Stromberg, Carlisle and Wilbur Ball, who had last Elizabeth Cotton, Jesse Fuller, and so Third Annual San Diego Folk Festival ed and encouraged a college-area book the Eddystone Singers (Walt Richards, played together in a recording session many more. This was an inspiration, a By the third festival things were store (the Sign of the Sun on College Pat Rusconi, and Leslie Kapp), Ray for blues yodeler Jimmie Rodgers on model to build on, a dream. going in several different directions. Ave. near El Cajon Blvd.) to start a con - Bierl, Cave Campbell, and Pam June 15, 1931. The tune was “Lookin’ By late 1965, folk music was on a Some of the committee wanted to turn cert series of old time and traditional Ostergren. That first festival took place for a New Mama.,” We also featured bit of a downturn in San Diego. The it into a pop folk festival; others want - music. Among those the Sign brought on May 11, 12, and 13 in SDSU’s blues harmonica player and one-man- UCLA festivals were no more, the num - ed you name it: bluegrass, internation - to San Diego were Mississippi John Peterson Gymnasium. band Model T. Slim (Elmon Mickle) at ber of area coffee houses had dropped al, blues, etc. We wound up with a bit Hurt, Jean Redpath, Sonny Terry and After we got the first festival under the only music festival he ever worked. to three or four, and the Sign of the of all of the above. The guy doing our Brownie McGhee, Skip James, Ramblin’ our belt, a group of us were looking for Jean Redpath was back with us and we Sun had moved to La Jolla to become festival tapes took off with them, never Jack Elliott, the New Lost City a project that was more year round. featured a band called the Fat City the Unicorn Theater and discontinued to be heard from again. Booking by Ramblers, Jean Ritchie, Rosalie Sorrels, The result came in the form of Folk String Band (Mac Benford, Walt Koken, its live music concerts. A folk festival at committee brought us first-time Bessie Jones, Hedy West, Fred Arts Rare Records, which opened at its and Bob Potts) who would shortly Cal Western University in Point Loma appearances by Mississippi bluesman McDowell, Rev. Gary Davis, Slim first location on July 31, 1967. Four change their name to the Highwoods that year drew a modest crowd who Sam Chatmon, Fresno old-timey man - Critchlow, the Kentucky Colonels, Guy partners had ideas for a shop that String Band. Also making his first came to hear Sam Hinton, Stu dolin man Kenny Hall, singer-song - Carawan, and a host of others. would sell records, traditional crafts, appearance at the fifth festival was Jamieson, Hedy West, Bess Howes and writer Mary McCaslin, Dr. Humbeads Some of the music at the bookstore and sponsor concerts throughout the Tom “Tomcat” Courtney who played the Kentucky Colonels bluegrass group, New Tranquility String Band (with Mae began to spill over into the area coffee year between festivals. Along with that, with his long-time partner Henry Ford but for the most part you had to go up Benford, Sue Draheim, and Will houses. This was the period of time our first non-profit group, the San Thompson and also did a set with to L.A. to a club like the Ash Grove or Spires), and country songsters Jim Utah Phillips called “the great folk Diego Folk Music foundation was bluesman Phillip Walker, who brought back East where they still had tradi - Ringer and Ron Tinkler. The festival, scare” and we were starting even then formed to sponsor the concerts. In that his city blues band to the festival. It tional music festivals. the first held in SDSU’s brand new to talk about a folk festival. first year we brought Peter Feldman was the first festival to feature Virginia Aztec Center, also featured bluegrass First Annual San Diego Folk Festival and the Scragg Family as well as blues bluesman John Jackson who would UCLA Folk Festival I don’t exactly remember where talk band Aunt Dinah’s Quilting Party, artists Mance Lipscomb and Bukka come, fortunately for us all, many In 1963, UCLA started a series of of the first San Diego Folk Festival international group Chonguri, and White and held “old wine in new bot - times more throughout his life and traditional folk festivals and our SDSU began. It was probably in a conversa - returnees Larry Hanks, Ray Bierl, Hank tles” concerts with Kathy Larisch and career. group went to them en masse. I guess tion with Curt bouterse and Carol Bradley, Pam Ostergren (who appeared Carol McComb, the Blue String Grass And that’s the first five of what was those festivals more than anything McComb at the Blue Guitar (or in in duet with Mary McCaslin), Stu Boys and some others. However, the to become 20 and then 32 and hope - else, which ran for the next three Carol’s living room behind the Blue Jamieson with Bill Cunningham and original festival and shop by commit - fully a lot more. We’ll write more years, led to my involvement in a San Guitar (located on Midway Drive at Tom Luke, Bessie Jones and the tee was starting to break up. about the earlier festivals and who was Georgia Sea Island Singers, and, as there next time around., Second Annual San Diego Folk Festival always, Sam Hinton. Although we just got through a In 1968 I took full ownership of rough year (2004) with the loss of Folk Arts Rare Records. That spring Fourth Annual San Diego Folk Festival Festival number four was the first Ellen, then Lyle Duplessie, a lot of brought the second festival and some one I booked solo. Before then I had good music has gotten us through the problems too. Merle Travis showed up always had to answer to a committee. sad and hard times. And hopefully it for a series of workshops on Saturday Now Gary Solbue decided that one per - will continue to do just that. Ellen and and then disappeared. We found out son should be responsible and I was Lyle got us off the ground as a voice 10 years later from Smokey Rogers that that person. This festival was the first for the kinds of music they loved and he had met Merle and they had gone to feature old-timey duo Ray and Ina we all continue to love. It’s up to us to down to Mexico to do some clubbing. Patterson from Woodland Park, do what we can. Be good to each other. We also booked bluesman Skip James Colorado, and U. Utah Phillips, the who, as it turned out, didn’t like air - Recordially, Golden Voice of the Great Southwest, a planes and got off halfway to San Lou Curtiss rumor in his own time and all that Diego at a stopover in Kansas City and

4 www.sandiegotroubadour.com San Diego Troubadour • February 2005 ppaarrlloorr sshhoowwccaassee

Remembering Lyle and Ellen Duplessie it all. But we did have our moments reviews, advertisements, songs, and contnued from page 3. an outlet to express everything that town. We were next door neighbors, so and I have some tapes that are fun to lyrics ... and to basically starve. But I was bottled up inside, which, at times, it was quite easy and casual. We later hear 20 years later. Occasionally Lyle had no regrets. I’d do it again in a Megan Duplessie DeLeon, cont. seemed more than I could bear. The added others. Then, we started a band would say, “Let me give you shum con - minute. “Blowin’ down the highway like vision my parents had for the Upper called the Ravens, We weren’t the shructive critishism ....” and I would a dixie cup” works for me. But I wish I the fact that even if you thought her Room was to create a place were peo - coolest Byrds band going, just like always laugh. had been free to partake in that idea was absurd she would persist and ple could belong. A spot to come and ravens aren’t the coolest birds, but the We grew. Lyle continued playing as impractical indulgence when I was could somehow persuade and convince rest regardless of who you were or Eagles had already been did I along with our young. Somehow I was burdened to do you to go along (whether you wanted what you had to steel guitar what seemed practical in the same way to or not ). give. Much too buddy George, Lyle taught in the schools for decades. I’m a person who likes a good come - often the gifts who loved to But to me, he was a musician first and dy whereas those tear jerking chick- people possess call Lyle foremost, and it is the only way I have flick dramas are the last thing ever to go unspoken or Monterey Jack, ever thought of him over a span of enter my mind as so called enjoyment unheard. We alluding to his more than 20 years. or entertainment. I could write some - have gifts that cheesy sound. As next door neighbors, we had thing about my soft-hearted amazing never make it And we all got many parallel interests. We went biking father that would bring you tears but out of our better. Almost around, fished the surf, brought our instead I chose to center this piece homes but as a corollary, catch home for Ellen to fry for our around my mom a bit more because remain locked we began to age Friday night garage band practices, and she was a serious character, with a per - inside our jour - out of the time had many a good time. He liked sports sonality unlike any other. nals, our guitar frame when it is cars, too. We would talk cars and music My mom was a bit obsessive com - cases, and our reasonable to and music and cars. One time he said pulsive, a trait she passed down to all hearts. My par - think something he was going to get this new car com - of us kids as my sister Jenna’s husband ents knew this. could happen in ing out called a Miata. He got one of and my husband can attest to. They had an the realm of pop the first ones. We had to go to Indio to Whatever she invested her time in or uncanny way of music of any pick it up and he had me drive it home was interested in at one time or the making people feel Lyle Duplessie, age 20 Ellen Owens, age 17 genre. But I do feel so he could look at it. It was in the days other would consume my mother they belonged and that we got to a point of those two-foot long video cameras, almost completely. So, during the mid that they were loved before Lyle passed on — he and so I brought one along and filmed our ’90s I began writing songs and singing and worth more than words could ever taken. Personally, I would have just as George and I — and we could sound trip to Indio going and coming back. He in coffee shops as did my brother express. I love my parents and miss soon been the Sparrows or the Finches. pretty good. But George became flipped that car off Wildcat Canyon Derek. I don’t know what she enjoyed then immeasurably but am truly thank - Aside from disappearing into the involved in making some of the finest Road ... and totaled it but didn’t get a more, the coffee or all the music that ful for every second I had with them chasm of forgotten bands, what the steel guitars I have ever seen scratch. Got a red one to replace the would come pouring out of these and for all that they taught me. I am Ravens did for me was to turn me into a (www.georgeboards.com) and doesn’t white. I had this pretty cool ’67 Jag with places, but whatever it was, she was thankful for their great love of music, solo act. It just mortified me to do bad care about playing with bands very right hand drive and about that time hooked. which leads me to where I am today, vocal arrangements of some of the much. He just does his solo Hawaiian my one other cool thing was a ’66 It took a little convincing, but it was - writing to all of you. I am grateful for finest sounding harmonies I had ever gig now and then. Rickenbacker 360 12-string. n’t long before my dad was on board the opportunity to share a small piece heard. Trying to figure out who was flat I moved up into the mountains and One Friday when I came home from and the family became busy painting, of our family history, knowing the more or atonal or what was making the thing began expressing myself musically by work and was parking on Nautilus, Lyle building a stage, gathering art, and I share the more I will remember. whangy just wore me out. way of some quite unsophisticated runs up to me and says, “Jim, you won’t booking singer-songwriters to perform Man, did we play some dives. I still country-folk songs that I love to write. I believe who is coming to our practice in our coffee house, which was called remember this drunk with slits for eyes got away from computers and the the Upper Room. Now, it would be a Jim Wakefield coming up and saying to us, “Let me viable living they provided and began Friend, Bandmate stretch to say that any of us were good give you guys shum conshructive to use my liberal arts background to Continued on page 6. at running a successful small business. critishism: you shuck.” Oh, the pain of write a few newspaper articles, music Much of the coffee and pastries were Birds of a Feather given away to our customers because, n the early to mid-’80s, I rented a lit - after all, most of them were our friends. tle beach bungalow at Windansea in On top of that there were days that we La Jolla. I was programming comput - just couldn’t pull ourselves away from a eIrs and although it was like chewing on beautiful day at the beach, so we just pebbles, I was stuck in the gig ... it paid would not open (which is never a good the rent and La Jolla wasn’t cheap then idea if you’re trying to make money, either. One day my landlady, Hope and I’m pretty sure that’s why you open Owens, told me her daughter Ellen and a business to begin with). The charac - son-in-law, Lyle, were moving back to ters who came through our doors are a La Jolla from Brawley and that Lyle was story all their own. Sometimes people a musician, a bass player. would burn sage in the bathroom to I was always strongly influenced by cover up who knows what and when the Beatles and the Byrds, because the sage was burning, my dad would being the age I am, they were the cool panic, completely convinced people groups at the time. I was 17 when the were “smoking dope in there.” Beatles hit the U.S. Although they were One band that played there had a the ones to use the Ricky 12-string first, very nice looking lead singer who I met what really grabbed me enough to go very briefly but would later come to be buy an electric 12-string guitar (hey, known as my husband. (As an interest - wait, can’t leave Dylan out) was the ing side note, my mom also met my Byrds release of Turn Turn Turn and Mr. husband, Ben, that night and was Tambourine Man . Those songs had this immediately convinced that he was the jingle-jangle thing that was compelling. one for me. They only talked for a few I was always more interested in the 12- minutes but somehow she just knew. A string, and when Dylan said he was few years went by but my mom influenced by 12-stringer Huddie remained certain that he and I were Ledbetter, I went and bought a meant to be. She persisted with this Smithsonian discography and album idea despite other relationships we set compiled by Alan Lomax, the folk both had, all of which were to become historian. I recommend listening to complete disasters, at least for me, but Huddie. He would keep such a beat of course she already knew that.) going and play on top of it, a talent he Eventually I decided to give her idea developed playing solo for dances a chance so I asked the boy out. Within around the Texas-Louisiana border a week or two Ben and I were both area. It was loud and strong and able to rather pleased that I took her sugges - penetrate the din of a beer joint with - tion. I guess it just goes to show that out amplification. mother always knows best. Well, Lyle and I were on the same The Upper Room was an amazing page musically. He was seven years experience for all of us, marking a peri - younger than I but had siblings and od of time that is now so distinct and was ushered into the music. We started one that I will never forget. It gave me playing together as soon as he hit www.sandiegotroubadour.com 5 February 2005 • San Diego Troubadour ppaarrlloorr sshhoowwccaassee

Lyle Duplessie and Ellen Owens, 1977 Lyle and Ellen with Megan, Jenna on the way Lyle with Megan Megan with Ellen Ellen with one-year-old Jenna and Megan 1977 ➨ 1978 ➨ 1979 ➨ 1980 ➨ 1981

Like me, Lyle had a career in educa - music in San Diego. Remembering Lyle and Ellen Duplessie tion. But he was uncompromising in his Socrates said that a philosopher passion for music. Their home was a rehearses his own death. It’s an aware - Continued from page 5. er — that was apparent — but Lyle and a lot from Lyle and Ellen Duplessie, and hub of musical activity. Guitars and ness of one’s own death, not just as a I never talked girls much. It was music that’s the thing I think about the most: amps lined the walls of many rooms. distant intellectual concept but as a Jim Wakefield, cont. and cars! But I am a romantic and I This could be your last day, I tell Mic stands and drums were always concrete fact clarifying our other - think of the greatest love as enduring, myself. What are you going to do with set up. They were living the life wise muddy decision-making tonight: Gene Clark! He was walking by having that quality of tenacity that it? they wanted to live. What a process. Death guides us to and I recognized him and started ask - reflects the character of the people. Lyle Duplessie walked through the concept. the path with heart. Making ing him questions and talking...he is These two made a life together. They door and came upstairs. Mark Jackson Inspired by their exam - decisions firmly knowing great. He’s coming!” were parents to several golden-haired and I were auditioning bass players. ple, I began to work hard - that this might be your last Well, Gene came that night and he children and partners through bless - Lyle had answered an ad Mark placed er on my musical ambi - year, your last month, your came back again and again. When he ings and adversities. Ellen was gracious in the Reader . He pulled out his big tions. They showed me it last day shortens the list was in town to play at the Belly Up, we as a friend to Lyle’s friends. The kids Rickenbacker. We probably played was possible to be good of options and greases the would ask him to come stay the night if are young adults now. They’re musical some Merle Haggard song. Right away at several things at once. I skids of decision. We are he needed to and he often would. We and coming into their own. If you don’t we knew that Lyle was a great fit. We could have a career and be a nothing but the result of our would play at Windansea after he had know of Derek Duplessie as a musician loved all the same bands, and Lyle had serious musician too. And they own choices and actions. We already played a gig. I will be remem - already, you probably will soon. a passionate, encyclopedic grasp on all showed me there was a place in choose. We act. We invent our - bering Gene forever as a genuine trou - Ellen was so supportive of the things West Coast country rock. I didn’t the San Diego music scene for selves. If we’re smart we look badour who loved to play. I also really music, and I have the feeling that as really think there were guys like this country rock, folk rock, alt coun - around for good examples. Lyle liked him for being so willing to play our times pass all too briefly, we will out there walking the earth, and there try, and roots rock — you know, and Ellen taught us how to live with us, even when we made sounds see those two again in the not too dis - he was. Jackson and Bolland had all that stuff. When they launched fully in the glaring reality of our that would make me wince. tant future. Those of us who knew them become a trio. the San Diego Troubadour with own dreams. No one else was Jenna In fact, I have a tape of a couple of as friends, as publishers, as parents, I guess I first met Ellen at a Derek their friends Liz Abbott and Kent going to start a paper like the hours of Lyle and me playing with Gene and as musical people to the utmost Duplessie gig. In every sense of the Johnson, it was yet again another Troubadour , so they did. No one else that I have never played for anyone. I’ll have something precious. I hope my word Lyle’s partner, in every sense of example of dreams becoming real was going to help Derek make great just say that Gene sounds pretty good ramblings have done a little justice for the word Derek’s mother, Ellen brought through the simple application of effort records so they did. They were cre - on that tape. I have a great memory of this memorial issue. her considerable focus to bear on the and energy ... and an unwillingness to ators, never victims. They chose to act driving up to L.A. to the Central (later Treasure your friends. Lyle called me task at hand, whatever that task was. be limited by narrow definitions of what in the face of limitless options, the kind the Viper Room) and parking in the one the morning of his heart attack, sound - Her energy was the twine that bound it grown men and women were “sup - of limitless options that paralyze so available parking place at the front ed great, and left a message on my all together. Everyone came to count on posed” to do. many of the rest of us. door, stepping out of the Jag (it was answering machine. “Hey, Jim! I need to Ellen. She just had that power. A natu - And, of course, I met Danny Cress right hand drive, remember) right at the pick up that music stand I left at the gig ral ally and friend, once you met Ellen, through the Duplessies. He was playing curb, and nudging into a line of patrons in Julian. We have a practice tonight!” the world got a little kinder and safer. drums in Derek’s band called the Brad Owens waiting to enter the Byrd’s show ... get - Love you, my brother. Lyle and Ellen came into my life at a Desert Poets and in an other band with Brother of Ellen Duplessie ting my Rickenbacker out as the line I miss you both. time when I was exploring the balance Lyle called the Scavengers. I had Ellen Duplessie, B.C. (Before parted and being ushered in by the between my professional career and admired him from afar for a long time Christianity) doorman and going backstage with my musical career. At the time I labored Peter Bolland before I finally got up the nerve to ask those guys. Closest feeling I’ll ever under twin delusions. Either you were a him to join Marcia Claire and me in our ost of the readers of the San Friend, Bandmate have to being a rock star. I owe some broke, itinerant musician, or you were a original music project. I walked up to Diego Troubadour knew Ellen corporate suburbanite with a career great adventures to my friendship with The Duplessie’s Special Gift him on stage before his set with the Duplessie from the time she Lyle. and an expensive guitar you never Desert Poets at the Adams Avenue eMntered onto the San Diego music Ellen is the other half of a great love one of us has very much time. played tucked under the bed. Neither Street Fair in September 2002. He said scene. This period began when she and story. I don’t mean that I know any inti - We’re only here for a short model worked for me, and I was trying yes. It was that simple. Two and half her family lived in Ramona — around macies of their affection for one anoth - while, then we’re gone. I learned to find a way to bring the two worlds years later, The Coyote Problem is the time they opened the coffee house, N together. The Duplessies showed me going strong, and the spirit of Lyle and The Upper Room. Of course, Lyle had how in their characteristically graceful Ellen run through everything we do. been involved in music long before fashion. They made a place for this kind of that, but Ellen’s participation up to that

6 www.sandiegotroubadour.com San Diego Troubadour • February 2005 ppaarrlloorr sshhoowwccaassee

Jenna, Lyle, Megan Jenna, Lyle, Megan Lyle, Jenna Lyle, Megan, Ellen, Jenna 1982 ➨ 1983 ➨ 1984 point was more as a “groupie.” In fact, However, these trips epitomize what feelings lessen some as we get back to them together at the dining room table Derek was 12 years old when I first met while Lyle and the kids had musical tal - Ellen was made of. She was strong, our daily living. In our memories they and my mom took them to surf shops him four years ago, but his talent, ent, the same could not be said, with independent, and resolute—sometimes become two folks bound together with around town. We all had a board and focus, and maturity exceeded most any credibility, about Ellen. She was the to the point that it drove me crazy, but family and friends to share a great love soon our whole family — kids and our musicians three times his age. I contin - manager, the stagehand, part of the that was my problem, not hers. for music that made a mark on this eccentric parents alike — were riding a ue to play in bands with him and hope I road crew for that posse, but not a As we all know, she was also a lov - earth. When we are on stage playing Retroskate. always will. He and his sisters Megan musically talented member. By that ing, kind and thoughtful person, both and singing our hearts out or sitting in I still think an old time ’60s style and Jenna are truly fine, together peo - time, Ellen had found her religion and it B.C. and after. We all miss Ellen a great the audience moved to tears we may board could make a huge comeback. ple. They are a living testament to Lyle had become a focus—along with music deal. But even as we miss her, we feel hear Ellen’s calm voice or Lyle’s laugh I’m waiting to see it. But that takes per - and Ellen’s legacy. and her family—that was central to her the sincere and strong sense that we and know they are still with us. sistence and neither of my parents The dozens of gigs, rehearsals, and life. were lucky that she had been a part of wanted to devote their lives to making dinners we shared left me with many Before her emergence on the music our lives. For me, the Ellen B.C. and skateboards. The idea was always to nice memories of them that I will scene—long before that—she lived a since was and is my sister, and my life Jeff Berkley have fun, never to hit it rich, and soon always cherish. They also introduced Friend, Musician life that was “less guided by Christian has been better for that. And to her such issues as liability insurance, the me to many lovely people who have principles” (if we wanted to be gener - credit, all that was good about her life A Passion for Music boring humdrum of assembling them, brought me so much happiness both ous) or downright unreligous (if we lives on through her three great kids: and waiting for a sale took its toll until personally and professionally. There are wanted to be a bit more accurate.) Megan, Jenna, and Derek. remember the way Lyle and Ellen they were ready to move on, to lie in so many I can’t begin to name them all. Since most of the readers of the would stand completely still, faces wait for the next great scheme. They know who they are. Lyle and Ellen Troubadour are more familiar with the glowing in the side stage light, All that remains now is a box of changed my life for the better. For this, Christian part of Ellen’s life, I thought Mark Jackson I I will always be grateful. I will always watching their kids perform. As though nuts and bolts and spare wheels in the Friend, Bandmate that I might be able add some depth they were under a spell, they would shed, two of our finest Retroboards miss them and know they are still with and dimension to her life by providing a Bass Player Looking for a Band just stand motionless and gaze at the mounted on the living room wall, and us. few anecdotes to describe the “before lights. the occasional person, who asks every Christianity” period. The ad in the San Diego Reader read Lyle and Ellen, your infectious love so often, “Do you still have any of Sherrie Ackerman Ellen was almost six years younger something like . . . and fiery passion for music is already those skateboards?” Sister of Lyle Duplessie than I, so for most of her life, she was Bass player is looking for a band being multiplied by your children, but my little sister. We didn’t have many to play some Sunvolt, Buck we'll miss seeing it in person. Rest in My Brother, My Friend common friends or interests, due most - Owens, Whiskeytown, and Merle peace. Danny Cress ly to the difference in our ages. What I Haggard. Call Lyle and leave a Friend/Bandmate yle Duplessie was my brother and remember most in our early years was message! my fantastic, multi-faceted friend. Duplessies, Me, and Music how she used to tell our parents if I Jenna Duplessie Pabalate Cress His loss is still so close. Our final was doing something I shouldn’t. That’s t was 1996 and with the alt country Daughter cLonversation seems so fresh and yet a eeting Lyle and Ellen Duplessie right. She used to rat me out to our movement just swinging into high Retroskate Skateboards was one of the best things that lifetime ago. He was so much with me parents. It doesn’t seem possible even gear, it was so cool to find someone ever happened to me. As two of on our final day together. It was a love - now, but it’s true. The result was that I wIho would mention Sunvolt and Merle ly late spring day as we shared one of n our house an idea was always a tMhe nicest, kindest, and friendly people kept a cautious distance, particularly Haggard in the same ad. Peter Bolland dangerous thing. The best ideas anyone could meet, I was very lucky to our favorite pastimes, a leisurely break - when I was doing something that I was - and I had been performing as a duo for generally turned into spending a lot know them. The shock and sadness of fast at his favorite La Jolla spot. We n’t supposed to do, which was a major - several years and weren’t particularly oIf money and time going all over the spent the day together in conversation their untimely passing just can’t be put ity of the time. looking for a bass player, but when I city until the goal, whatever it might be, into words. about so many things important to us By the time she began high school, I read that ad I knew we had to call. Over was accomplished. In the summer of I got to know Lyle when he played and we laughed until we cried and thought she deserved another chance. I the next several years Lyle and I not 1996 the big idea was a ’60s-style bass with the Scavengers, a cover band cried until we laughed again. He had felt it was time to give her the benefit only performed together with Jackson- skateboard like the kind my parents I had been playing in. Shortly after he definite goals to accomplish that day, of my years of experience in the school Bolland and in a handful of other music rode as kids growing up in San Diego. I joined us he asked if I would play a gig system. When I explained to her how Continued on page 8. projects but we also became good don’t know what started it, probably with his son, Derek, at the Del Mar Fair. she could skip school and provide a friends and fellow lovers of great coun - watching old surfing documentaries or flawless forged note from home, she try music. seeing a photo, but one of them must told me she knew how to do that. In This issue of the San Diego have turned to the other and said, fact, she told me she had been doing it Troubadour is dedicated to Ellen and “Why don’t they make skateboards like for several years already. I figured she Lyle Duplessie, two folks who, through that anymore?” which must have led to must have fallen in with a bad group at their tireless devotion to raising public a big discussion about how cool small Sacred Heart High School, but if she awareness of the local roots music boards were and, finally, the ultimate hadn’t been caught, they must have scene, helped forge a true community conclusion, “We’ve got to bring them been a competent group at least. of musicians and fans. Lyle spent most back!” Another time, I remember wonder - of his days as a school teacher to pro - At least that’s how I imagine it. I ing why Ellen always seemed to get vide for his family, but in the evenings wasn’t there. I must have been out of away with so much more than I did. he would be off rehearsing or perform - town during that time, because I When I wanted to do something that ing with an endless variety of bands, remember that when I came back home my parents wouldn’t allow, I would playing everything from old rock and my mom wanted to show me some - fight tooth and nail to prove I was right. roll to original hard core country. His thing “really cool,” a big surprise. In Of course, it was a fight I invariably love for ’60s and ’70s country rock was typical Ellen Duplessie fashion she lost. In a moment of self-pity, it came to passed on to his son Derek who, coerced me into the car and drove us me: her approach was to ask if she together with the Desert Poets, went up to North County without telling me could do something and when she was on to perform with Chris Hillman. While where we were going. It wasn’t until we told no, she would simply say, “Okay,” Lyle and Derek (and sometimes Jenna were in the surf shop that she revealed and then do whatever she had been and Megan) were on stage and in the why we had come. “This is what we’re told she could not. I choose to believe studio, Ellen was always there building going to do,” she told me, pointing to a it was my “mentoring” that helped her the relationships that are so important wall of classic boards. “We’re going to to recognize how to avoid these recur - to any community. It wasn’t much of a start making these kinds of skate - ring conflicts. surprise when I received a phone call boards.” Hence, Retroskate Ellen also did several amazing from Ellen one day to tell me they had Skateboards was born. things while she was in college: She started a small monthly news letter Before the dust had settled or any traveled alone by train through Mexico about San Diego’s acoustic, bluegrass, plans had been made, we were all busy to Guatemala and then hitchhiked and country music scene. thinking up logos. Soon the UPS guy alone across the U.S. When I think back When a community loses two good became a familiar face as the boxes of on those two trips, they seem pretty friends, there is always tremendous nuts and bolts and roller skate wheels remarkable to me for a young blonde sorrow and grief. But over time these filled the living room. My parents put American girl to travel on her own. www.sandiegotroubadour.com 7 February 2005 • San Diego Troubadour ppaarrlloorr sshhoowwccaassee

Ellen Lyle and the girls Gene Clark playing music at Duplessie house Gene Clark and Ellen, pregnant with Derek Lyl 1984 ➨ 1985 ➨ 1986 ➨ 1987 ➨ 1988 ➨

away. When she found out we were become “famous.” Ellen found out I Remembering Lyle and Ellen Duplessie huge fans of the Byrds, especially Gene worked as a freelance graphic designer Clark, she suggested that Kent give Lyle for a living and had more than 20 years’ exaggeration. He would conjure moods, a call and get together with him to jam. experience writing, editing, and coordi - Continued from page 7. situations, and events à la Murphy’s Liz Abbott That day came one Sunday afternoon nating the production of publications. Law and the Domino Effect, imagining Friend, Troubadour Co-Founder and the two of them played Byrds’ Perfect. Kent piped up that he knew all Sherrie Ackerman, cont. aloud disastrous outcomes of epic pro - songs all afternoon. They were in heav - the ins and outs of distribution from his portion with hysterical consequences. Happy Memories but as usual, he took a circuitous route en. By the time Kent had to go home, 20+ years delivering the Ken Cinema When the situation called for it, he through downtown San Diego. We he planets must have been they were both giddy from the joy of schedule. Perfect.They looked at us would realistically and optimistically walked until I had huge blisters on my aligned at the time we got to playing music. That led to our participa - with surprised shock. No one needed accept the inevitable and resolutely act heels. Two weeks later, he was gone. know the Duplessies, because in tion in open jams at the Duplessie’s to say a word. It to effect a positive outcome. In all mat - The blisters were still sore at his rTetrospect it seemed like it one of those house with other friends of was under - ters, his faith was great and his trust in memorial service, a reminder of our meant-to-be meetings. It was during Lyle’s who were into the Byrds stood that God was absolute. precious day together. I never wanted the height of Java Joe’s success at his as well. The Duplessie home we’d After the passing of his beloved wife those blisters to heal! Ocean Beach location when the Bacon was always warm, invit - be Ellen, Lyle said he felt old and without Lyle was a man of convictions and St. stage saw a multitude of major play - ing, and friendly. Ellen direction. Soon, his optimistic zeal passions and he had a lot of them. He ers, both locally and internationally would usually keep to returned as he contemplated his ardently attempted to imbue his stu - known. It was also during that time herself upstairs while future. Lyle truly loved being dents with an appreciation of history that the Duplessie’s son the boys and I sang young and he had plans. He and learning. He loved his students and Derek was carving a every Byrds song looked forward to more his fellow teachers. He developed his name for himself as a we could think of. years as father, grand- art of teaching for the kids’ sake, but singer-songwriter at the And so began father, uncle, and great he often felt cornered by the political tender age of 12. My a friendship uncle. Becoming a grand - quagmire he was forced to wade husband, Kent, loved to based on our father was the most through. go over there to hang mutual love for exciting event he had Lyle would feverishly argue his point out after hours with music. experienced for a long of view about national politics, music, the Java Joe regulars, Whenever the time. He was excited at beer, whiskey, cigars, or the merits of which at the time four of us got the potential in all of the the best skateboards ever made. As included Jason Mraz, together the kids he loved and antici - intense as he was regarding any sub - Jeff Berkley, Steve energy was elec - pated the role he would play ject he cared about, he would patiently Poltz, Gregory Page, Jon tric. We talked for each of them. He lives on in listen and seriously consider the posi - Edwards, Mary Dolan, incessantly, we his children, nieces, nephews, and tion of family members and friends on Megan, Jenna and Lisa Sanders to name a laughed, we argued, granddaughter. Still, his physical pres - topics that they found important. This few. As for me, I preferred to stay in we had fun. So I guess ence is gone too soon. could go on into the wee hours, until my cozy nest at home to work on vari - it was natural for Ellen to Today there is a huge chasm in my the coffee ran out, or until he was ous projects, read, or whatever. Oh, we turn to us one day to share heart because my precious brother is ready to walk it off on the beach until often went together when it was early an idea she had, which she gone from my sight. Yet my heart is full another debatable subject popped up. enough in the evening to catch some didn’t want to tell us over the because Lyle will always be my brother. Lyle could be as dismissive to those music. We even had a little heyday of phone but rather wanted to drive Lyle, I’ll miss you forever and I’ll see who he termed “knuckleheads” as he our own, singing with José Sinatra down from La Jolla to tell us in per - you soon. Until then, I’ll pretend you’re was passionate with those about whom either with his band or as a trio. It was son. Although Ellen had already stuck in Lodi again. he cared. fun. But once the music ended, I usual - talked to Kent about it one night at Java Lyle was the most whimsical guy I ly headed home. Joe’s, Ellen and Lyle formally presented have ever known. He could verbally cre - Kent was the first to get to know to us both their vision for a music ate a pessimistic image with huge Ellen and Derek, since he was at Java newspaper, one that would include — Joe’s so often and so were they. He was rather than exclude — those involved part - taken by Derek’s talent and soon he in the local music scene rather than ners. We and Ellen were chatting the evening merely the few around town who had grew more excited as the pieces of this puzzle began to come together. Ellen had already got - ten print estimates, had solicited various music-ori - ented businesses for advertising, and rounded up people like Lou Curtiss, Paul Abbott, and Russ Bauder (aka Gus Williker) to write columns. She and Lyle would write the main stories. It sound - ed so homespun, it reminded me of one of those Judy Garland-Andy Rooney movies in which they’re planning to stage a play in the barn or something and somebody pipes up, “My mom can sew the costumes!” At any rate, Ellen had done her homework. Now all she had to do was figure out how she was going to put it together and get it out there. She found her answer in Kent and me. With Lyle as head writer, Ellen’s vast network of local music con - nections, me as graphic designer and editor, and Kent as distribution guy and advertising salesperson, our team was complete.

8 www.sandiegotroubadour.com San Diego Troubadour • February 2005 ppaarrlloorr sshhoowwccaassee

le and Derek Derek Lyle and Derek The whole family on vacatiion, 1995 Lyle, 2002 1989 ➨ 1990 ➨ 1993 ➨ 1995 ➨ 2002

So I set out to design a logo. Already On one occasion, Ellen was due to It’s my birthday, about four years together as gifts, but it’s probably a we have seen in Derek’s continued Ellen was pushing for a September come over, but she called to kind of ago, and I’m hanging out with a few select group. It was pretty funny, but it musical growth, absolutely correct delivery and here it was August already. warn me about a change that I knew friends at my apartment in Pacific also demonstrates what was so great about his potential. I became accus - She wanted to be early enough for the would take hours and hours to do. Why Beach. (Some of you may ask why I about Ellen. The tee-shirt: she loved tomed to her calls and e-mails about an Adams Avenue Street Fair people to couldn’t she have thought of it earlier? was living in P.B. I can’t really answer music, knew I was a supporter of her upcoming this or that, and then as advertise on the back page. So I I was angry when I hung up the phone that, but the mistake has been recti - son’s band, and was a tireless promoter Derek played more gigs I would run humped. Most mornings, after Kent and and Kent jumped up immediately, fied; I’m now in West Mission Hills. of him. The Bible: Ellen was strong in into them at various shows. Her tireless Lyle had both gone to work, Ellen demanding to know what she had said. Turns out overhead airplane noise, her convictions, and she practiced efforts always impressed me and we would drive down from La Jolla after Despite my protests, Kent called Ellen train whistles, and ship horns are much them faithfully. She never tried to con - spoke about the local music scene dropping Derek off at school to bring back and read her the riot act. I certain - quieter than Mesa College drop-outs on vert me, but it was clear what she often. I last saw her at a gig a few days me photos, handwritten articles from ly didn’t want it to escalate into this! I beer benders. Who knew?) believed in. I love that. The beer: I don’t before her passing, and it’s a testament Lyle, calendar listings, and whatever. It called her back to apologize. She was - Right before my li’l birthday bash think Ellen tiptoed through life. That’s to her strength that no one I knew sus - was our little morning n’t there. I left a message. I emailed her had begun, I was on the phone with not code for being some kind of party pected we would lose her within the and apologized. When she pulled up in Ellen Duplessie. She wanted to come girl—I really don’t know—but she week. front of our house, I ran out to the car by and drop off some Troubadours, so I seemed to soak up every wonderful Lyle and I bonded a bit later as the and threw my arms around her. “I’m could deliver them in the beach area. I thing about life. Maybe that included Troubadour began to establish itself. At sorry I’m such a bitch. I love you, mentioned that I had a few people over some suds? She knew I liked beer. first we saw each other mostly at gigs Ellen.” She said, “I love you too. But for my birthday, but it was cool for her That much is for sure. The strange com - and street fairs, discovering that we I hate Kent,” which caused us both to drop by. That was her advance warn - bination of gifts—while silly in some had much in common —as well as to begin roaring with laughter. ing… about ten minutes. I didn’t expect ways—demonstrates what I really some differences — and I looked for - That’s what I loved about Ellen or ask for anything, but shortly there - loved about Ellen. She was generous, ward to our conversations. As we and Lyle. We accepted each other, after she’s at my door, with several thoughtful, and a little offbeat. I miss became friendly, at pretty much any warts and all. stacks of bundled newspapers and a her. party we would both happen to be at, We actually accomplished bag full of birthday gifts. we’d always end up in a crowd deep in quite a bit during the short time It was one of those birthdays where discussion. Lots of laughs were before Ellen’s health limited her everyone sits around and watches the Bart Mendoza involved, of course. It was common, on involvement. We held a successful birthday boy open up all his gifts and Friend in Music, Troubadour writer the occasions that we would get Troubadour Showcase down at then dutifully thanks each thoughtful Remembering Lyle and Ellen together, to start talking about the Dizzy’s, we played a major part in gifter. I got a pair of really nice J. Crew state of the music scene, politics, gui - reuniting the Scottsville Squirrel boxers from my friend Sherri. Chad itting here at four in the morning tars, the environment, or any number Barkers for the first time in 30 gave me a glow-in-the-dark toilet as I try to type this, it becomes of things, with the knowledge that years, we helped promote and seat. My girlfriend, Devan, got apparent to me how difficult it can these would only end when one of us were actively involved in the me a slang dictionary and the bSe to put feelings into words. Hard to had to leave. Some of my fondest mem - ritu - Adams Avenue Roots Festival Hedwig and the Angry Inch believe it’s been a year since we lost ories revolved around rehearsals with al. I saw and the Adams Avenue Street soundtrack. I didn’t remember the Duplessies and time hasn’t dimin - Derek in the Duplessie’s music room her just Fair, we organized a day of any of these gifts; I had to be ished the loss. If anything, it becomes adjacent to the living room in their La about every gospel music one summer re-informed by my lady. (In more apparent with each passing day Jolla home. Complete with a ton of day. Sunday afternoon on the huge the middle of writing this, I what a rare breed they were. I met Ellen great vintage gear, Beatles and surfing And so, despite lawn in front of the Duplessie’s yell out, “Baaaaaaaby, do first, as she made the rounds promot - memorabilia on the walls, as well as all the snags, snafus, church, and we began hosting a you remember what gifts I ing and supporting Derek’s initial musi - pics of Gene Clark’s visit to the house and misunderstandings, we Troubadour Holiday Open got from our friends for my cal forays. She was a hard worker, looking down on the proceedings, I did it. One Friday afternoon House, a tradition that is still birthday, in P.B., the one gathering up gigs and info, and any always had the feeling that the Ellen picked up the papers from going strong. when the Duplessies help that she could get to let the world Duplessies had to truly love music or the printer in Poway and drove them Now they’re both gone and dropped by?!” She rattled know about her son’s music. She was down to our house. We finally held the Kent and I are still going. I don’t them off like they were writ - enthusiastic and determined and, as Continued on page 12. first printed issue in our know how or why — well, I know ten on the back of her hand. hands.Unbelievable. We were proud. why — but we manage to hold it Unreal.) And this was just the beginning. We together. Producing the paper still Derek We had already opened up had a million ideas: articles to write, gives me a lot of satisfaction. I love all the other gifts, but the gift-givin’ people and topics to research, events researching new ideas for potential sto - group was still assembled around me. I to plan, and ways to bring the music ries. Will Edwards and Chuck Schiele took the gift bag from Ellen and, one by community together. We had a vision. are working more closely with us now, one, I pulled the packages out. First: Maybe we weren’t the smartest in a way filling the void that Ellen and the tee shirt. It was a Derek Duplessie business people on the planet to pub - Lyle left. I miss them. I still cry. and the Desert Poets shirt. Makes lish a newspaper but we had plenty of At Lyle’s memorial service last July, sense, and I showed it off to the crowd. heart. Lyle’s criteria was always when the neighbor at whose house Gene A pretty normal reaction, with some publishing the paper stopped being Clark was staying when Lyle noticed scattered comments like, “cool” and fun, we should quit. Sometimes we’d him walking down Nautilus Street one “you’ll wear that.” Second: a Bible. disagree or argue, but things always day got up to speak. Following one of Now, my close friends know that I’m a seemed to work out. In fact, at times I the first afternoons Lyle and Gene got hard core agnostic, but I don’t adver - would be furious with her. That usually together, the neighbor recalled saying tise it. I’m sure there were some stifled happened when she wanted to change to Gene, “It must have been an honor giggles when I held up my New Century something at the last minute. And me, to spend time with someone who has Version soft cover. Heretic or no, every - being the pushover that I am, would idolized you since he was a teenager.” one needs a Bible, so that’s cool. Third: give in and then cry out of frustration or Gene Clark looked at his host and said, a beer?! I remember looking at friends complain to Kent. For a designer, last “No, the honor was mine.” who were wearing smirky almost-ready- minute changes are a nightmare. As the to-laugh faces. I almost lost it when I last guy on the production line before a said, “And a beer. Thank you, Ellen!” publication goes to print, the work Russell Bauder (Another outburst in real time…”Baby, piles up like a log jam when the design - Friend, Former Troubadour Columnist you don’t remember what kind of beer er gets it — all the tweaks, corrections, it was, do you?!” She responds, “No, A Birthday Gift from Ellen layout changes — there are a million but wouldn’t you be scared if I did?”) things to do. And then you worry. You he tee shirt is packed away I’m pretty sure it was some sort of worry so much about typos and errors, somewhere. The Bible is on my micro brew though, definitely not you’re afraid to look at the finished bookshelf. And the beer is long Coors, Bud, or Corona. piece when it comes back from the gTone. Now, I can’t be the only person printer. I still go through that. who’s received a Bible and a beer

www.sandiegotroubadour.com 9 February 2005 • San Diego Troubadour rraammbblliinn’’

Bluegrass

CORNER no new products to show. Just the same great luxurious stuff. In fact, one of the by Dwight Worden by Sven-Erik Seaholm most recent product reviews I found on their website was from June 2001 … and NAM- A-L AMM -A-D ING -D ONG I wrote it! Here’s a link: http://www.aval - BLUEGRASS IN THE SCHOOLS LOST AND FOUND ondesign.com/review29.html Sven-Erik Seaholm In addition to playing great music, San There I was again, stumbling Still there’s always something new, Diego bluegrass musicians do many through the hallowed aisles of the even if it is harder to find some years headstock, neck, strings, bridge, and good things for the community that you NAMM show, eyes and ears futilely sift - than others. Here are a few: Earthworks pickups, protecting them from the cor - may not be aware of. Let’s take a look at rosive effects of rust, dust, oxidation, one of them: Bluegrass Music in the ing through the spectacle and cacopho - introduced its new Drum Kit™ system and humidity. Velcro straps make for Schools. Maybe you are a teacher, or ny to catch some glimmer of innova - ($2,100), which includes two of their know a teacher, who would like to make tion, something cool, anything new. TC25 omni directional mics for over - easy access come gig time. use of this program. After reviewing my findings, maybe I heads and a SR25 cardioid mic for the Mike Matthew’s Electro-Harmonix is Backed by the sponsorship of the non- should just say that I’m glad to be back kick. Also included is their KickPad™ still going very strong, adding tons of profit San Diego Bluegrass Society, The Lost and Found home, wearing my cozy slippers and my new stuff to their already burgeoning SDBS Bluegrass in the Schools Program (available separately for $120), an inline product line and branching out specifi - was started The San Diego Bluegrass Society “Jimmy Olsen, cub reporter” fedora, and impedance pad/filter that supposedly many years ago brings Lost and Found, a top national leave it at that…but I guess that would - optimizes any microphone for use on cally into the realm of our fave subject, by then SDBS band, to the First Baptist Church of n’t make for much of a column for this bass drum. home recording. president Liz Pacific Beach on Saturday, February 5 at month, would it? Blue Microphones spun off a new Here’s just a partial list of EH’s new Burkett and 7:30 pm. Founded by original members Progress is a fishy beast when subsidiary called (of course) Red. The offerings (list prices not yet available, KSON’s banjo- Allen Mills, Dempsey Young, Gene but not super expensive either): The playing Wayne Parker, and Roger Handy in 1973, Lost viewed from the perspective of the mak - new company will focus on vintage-style POG is a “polyphonic octave generator” Rice. In those and Found has penned and performed ers and buyers of music-related products. parts and accessories and has its own early days the some true bluegrass classics, including This year’s breakthrough is next year’s microphone, Type B ($699). Noteworthy effects pedal that can add one octave up, program was “Love of the Mountains” and “Wild update, and last year’s standard is this of the Red mic’s design is its ability to two octaves up, and one octave down, Wayne Rice called Mountain Flowers for Mary” among oth - year’s clearance item. Yet every 12 use interchangeable capsules, including and blend all of them together with Grassology, a program that Wayne and ers. Several of the band’s CDs have been your original signal. It even works on Liz and other members of Wayne’s band issued on the Rebel label, and they are months, retail merchandise buyers Blue’s complete Bottle Cap line and clas - chords, giving your guitar the ability to Lighthouse took into the school class - all good bluegrass listening. Current return to the Anaheim Convention sic Neumann-Gefell models. rooms. They would play some bluegrass, band members include Allen Mills, Center with high hopes (though one sound like a 12- or even 18-string instru - do a show and tell with the instruments, Dempsey Young, Scottie Sparks, and might suspect increasingly lowered ment. The NY-2A is an eight tube, rack- and combine entertaining with educating Ronald Smith. This is a rare San Diego expectations), and the manufacturers mountable studio compressor that fea - their young audience. The early program appearance that you won’t want to miss. spend the next four days exhibiting tures dual mono, linkable stereo audio - was very well received and developed a There will be a 30 minute opening set by phile-quality performance. The White pretty good curriculum. SDBS’s own Full Deck, led by John smiles with the tensile strength of steel In more recent years, Emma Radcliffe Deckard, to get the evening started. girders and an equally robust sales pitch. Finger is a pedal-style mono, non-tube, and her Gut Bucket Band have carried Admission is free, although a goodwill Software manufacturers are the most multiple FET compressor that looks like on with a SDBS-sponsored school out - offering will be requested, so come on interesting case in point. They are virtu - the answer to many a budget-minded reach program. Emma’s Gut Bucket Band down for what looks to be a great show. ally required to have “version 2.5” of recordists’ prayers. is comprised of a floating group of about The church is located at 4747 Soledad Sure, it’s easy to become a bit jaded 20 musicians who volunteer their time, Mountain Road in Pacific Beach. whatever their product is ready to show My favorite “cool little thing” from by that date regardless of its current the show had to be the PikCard ($1.99, with regard to NAMM’s lack of “block - and when given the call, anywhere from THE PERFECT STRANGERS ARE four to ten players show up. The program buster” action this year, but there’s COMING! state of readiness. Consequently, there’s pictured). Basically the size of an ATM typically starts with a tune or two, fol - tons of “new and improved” stuff in card, it houses four die-cut medium always something cool if you look. And, lowed by an entertaining instructional Not to be confused with San Diego’s their booths. There’s also, by conse - gauge picks. You just punch one out once again, I’m glad I did. portion of the program in which each Virtual Strangers, Perfect Strangers are quence, a great deal of buggy code that instrument is introduced and played. a touring when needed and press it back into Sven-Erik Seaholm is an independent pro - slips through, virtually guaranteeing a More songs are performed and then the national band. place when you’re done. Great for those ducer for Kitsch & Sync Production program is highlighted by a demonstra - Founded four constant stream of updates among of us who never seem to have a pick (www.kaspro.com). He is also a recording tion of how bluegrass music is put years ago by major version upgrades. There are, of handy. Now it’s as close as your wallet! together with a live demonstration of a well known artist who performs with The Wild Truth, course, many exceptions, and, generally Equally useful and inexpensive, the classic bluegrass tune, wherein the artist Chris and will be performing Saturday, February speaking, the really big names like instruments add their voice one at a time. Brashears, the Neck Sock ($19.99), is kind of like a golf 26 at Cosmos Café, 8278 La Mesa Blvd., Cakewalk (Sonar, Guitar Tracks Pro, A lively question and answer exchange is band features club cover for your guitar. It covers your 7-10 p.m. enccouraged throughout the show as the Chris Brashears and Peter Bob Black on Project 5) and Propellerhead (Reason) classroom becomes acquainted with the McLaughlin of Perfect Strangers banjo — who aren’t going to risk tarnishing their ster - played with Bill history of bluegrass music. The students, ling reputations with such semantics. and teachers love the show. Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys — along Similarly, tiny little startups like Poland’s Emma’s Gut Bucket Band has visited with multi-grammy nominee Jody Stecher on mandolin and Peter PSP (Vintage Warmer, EasyVerb, Nitro) McLaughlin, national flatpicking guitar aren’t quite as susceptible to such pres - champion, on guitar. Anchoring the group sures. There’s generally fewer “cooks” for is Forrest Rose on bass. With several of their products, resulting in higher per - their CDs out on Rebel records, this band sonal accountability and lower margins can be counted on for a great show. Don’t miss their first San Diego appear - of error. Were a hardware manufacturer ance on February 20 at the Normal to rush out a product in such a fashion, Heights Methodist Church, 4650 costs of correcting any consequential Mansfield St., for another in the series of errors would be astronomical, and the great concerts hosted by Acoustic Music company’s good name (and profits) San Diego. For tickets and info: Emma Radcliffe and her Gut Bucket Band www.acousticmusicsandiego.com would be all but scuttled into obscurity or, worse yet, infamy. schools in Escondido, Clairemont, Chula LYLE AND ELLEN DUPLESSIE Vista, National City, San Diego, and else - This all plays out somewhat accord - Good-bye Lyle and Ellen. Gone too where. They have played for individual ingly. Guitars, keyboards, and other young and too soon, you will be missed. classes as well as at all-school assem - instruments didn’t really change all that blies. A typical program is 50 minutes But, your little paper lives on! We honor much from last year. Nor did micro - long. The Gut Bucket Band has also per - you by continuing to play the music you formed at many local rehabilitation hos - loved and by writing about it in the paper phones, preamps, and other P.A. and pitals, nursing homes, church events, you founded, the San Diego Troubadour . recording equipment. Essentially the mobile home parks, and the like. The I hope you all had fun at the Blythe same stuff, with new cheaper versions at group is available for any worthwhile Bluegrass Festival and at the Ralph the low end and the introduction of cause, and the price is right because it’s Stanley concert! See you next time! expensively made “boutique” items at free ! If you would like to participate as a musician, or know a school that might the high end. like to invite this great program to its Then there are companies like campus, contact Emma Radcliffe at arad - Avalon Design. All their stuff is of the [email protected]. Or contact the SDBS highest standard and is also, for many of at [email protected]. us, prohibitively pricey. So there they were for the fourth year in a row with

10 www.sandiegotroubadour.com San Diego Troubadour • February 2005 ramblin’ s n e v e t S

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Hosing Down r Radio B

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by José Sinatra happy that the young whippersnapper, Derek, has them in print to read, Daze Grief, according to one modern sage remember, and cherish. A big thank you — either Ashlee Simpson or O.J. (I to Liz and Kent for fostering this tribute. As another late, beloved friend of ours can’t really be sure. I often get the two by Jim McInnes confused.), is a state of sentiment con - used to say, “You’re the Best.” taining something demonstrably less Enough hindquarters-kissing. After all, a whole paragraph was mistakenly positive than its distant cousin, Joy. The scintillating Mr. Sinatra que vida! Now, Joy has always been one power - deleted from my column last month, Jim McInnes ful and enchanting little lady and will rendering it even more inscrutable than Little does the public know, however, first met Ellen Duplessie at the name was Red Skelton and that he always remain a major score. But the it normally is/can be/thinks it is. about his “lost weekend” — a period of annual Troubadour holiday had been a pilot in the R.A.F. during bitch Grief is ultimately more memo - Like an unlubricated assault from desperation, dishonor, and delinquency; party in 2003. When she WWII. “Wow, my dad was a pilot for rable, more powerful, incredibly infec - the rear, Grief ravished me and left me depths of depravity, determined to I the U.S. Navy in the war,” I said. As tious and uniquely devious. embarrassed and humiliated. The only drink, debauch, do drugs despite ... oh attempted to take a photograph of we walked down the pedestrian Only time can loosen Grief’s grip on reason I’m able to have regained a ... excuse me. I was confusing mys... me I warned her, “Careful, cameras plaza, the crowds of people seemed a heart; even then fragments of her somewhat meaningful life is that I uh, someone else with Derek. Damn. don’t work when you try to take my to part to let us pass. When we got filthy nails will remain embedded. The began to compare Grief’s insidious Yeah, now that’s the kind of para - picture!” Her camera failed. But she best we can do is try to ignore her degrees — the loss of a paragraph, for graph to drop: b.s. with a capital W, no did convince me to write for the San within a block of our hotel he said, residue and conscientiously avoid example, against the loss of two par - value or truth at all. Unlike the one last Diego Troubadour . “There’s the Grafton. I must go now. transferring the taint to others. ents. My resultant shame must have month, which of course I am so over. My life has had many little cosmic Nice to meet you. Enjoy your stay in Despite days, months, years until we immediately made me something of a Like I said, there are degrees. These events like that one. Let me tell you Ireland.” I bent to pick up my bag, lousy lay; the vicious vixen exited swift - begin to feel we’ve ditched her, she’ll aren’t tears — a fly just flew into my about a few of them. turned to say thanks, and he was ly, entirely unsatisfied. never lose the scent of our trail. She’ll eyes, I think. No, it’s because I’m happy I was at a birthday party at Tom gone. Poof! And I am not making Lost paragraphs have their own les - hover secretly nearby and await her Derek still has family who are willing Ham’s Lighthouse for one of my this up! sons, it seems. next opportunity to jump our bones and and determined to nurture and guide radio business acquaintances. We A few days later, while I was in Every day I’m reminded of Ellen and rape our hearts. such a fine young man, to make sure he were talking about local musicians bed, somewhere between awake But you gotta hand it to her. She’s Lyle by the weirdest, strangest things, never has a paragraph dropped from who had been screwed by the big and asleep, at the same hotel, I was beautiful, seductive, and hornier than and my grief at their absence is tem - any of his own writings, which can be record companies. I was raving visited by my mother, Jeanne. She Wacko Jacko at a Cub Scout jamboree. pered by the real joy of having been really hurtful to someone too sensitive about the album Sleep Convention had passed away when I was with And she, too, seems amazingly beyond allowed to know them in the first place. to take it. Trauma of this kind some - by Trees. Trees was basically two her in Illinois four months earlier. As justice. Because she really is. Now I’ll turn my focus upon some - times makes writers do weird things guys: drummer Marty Eldridge and sure as I am sitting here writing this, Last year, in two of my columns, I one whom I continue to admire and like taking the first letter of each para - keyboardist-singer-composer Dane Mom came to tell me everything responded to two more of her ugly always enjoy encountering. graph to create a message or some Conover. Dane had moved to Japan was going to be okay and that she assaults. I honestly explained my feel - Any kid who can survive being a other twisted affectation. a few years earlier and I hadn’t seen was fine. It was the most mind-bog - ings after first Ellen Duplessie, then her plaything — perhaps the youngest, Each person develops his/her own gling experience of my life! (She husband Lyle, were removed from our most innocent victim — at two of Lady way of Banishing the Bitch (Grief) and nor heard from him in the interim. also visited my wife Sandi in much physical fellowship. No sarcasm or Grief’s deluxe orgies within such a eventually Jumping for Joy. Derek After raving about the album to my the same way.) twisted irony for once. Make that twice. short period of time commands an Duplessie is on his mark now. When he friend, I turned to go to the bar and Most recently, during the big Earlier this week I reread those uncommon amount of respect. lands, my bet is that it’ll be a perfect upon completing a 180 degree words and was happy that I had been No one could have more respect for bulls-eye, and Joy herself will soon be about face, I looked into the smiling rains last month, our telephone line so honest. him than I, I stupidly tell myself, suc - jumping, right before taking his hand face of . . . yes, Dane Conover! Out shorted out. We were without a Somehow I feel it would be useless cumbing easily to the worn charms of and leading him in an ecstatic and of all the gin mills in all the cities on phone from Thursday, January 13 to add to those words now — I would - common American hyperbole and arro - enduring dance. this great big planet, there he was! until Monday, January 17 . . . gance. Forgive me. That can’t be right, n’t think of reprinting them because He and I talked for a few minutes, except . . . on Saturday the 15th, can it? What is? they seemed almost genetically “of the he walked away, and I haven’t seen when the phone rang! Deny him respect, and I’d bet you’d moment” and anyone who gave a rat’s him since! Sandi and I looked at each other be inviting more Grief. This is a kid to ass about my feelings would have When the wife and I separated at in disbelief. She answered. It was a watch, folks. The love and music and already read, absorbed, and/or discard - the start of 1997, she moved out call from Chris Carmichael, publisher ed them. faith he grew on isn’t about to shut and I was living alone in our big of an online radio fan site Seeing so many new tributes and down. To many, many people, he’ll Tierrasanta spread. About a month (www.sdradio.net), who wanted to memories expressed elsewhere in this prove to be the greatest gift his parents after the split I got a call at the radio let us know he was all right because issue is a wonderful thing, and I’m could ever have given. station from a former colleague, the he had been hit by a car while British deejay/flamenco guitarist/ crossing Sports Arena Boulevard and gypsy Digby Welch, from whom I’d had broken both an arm and a leg! not heard a peep in over 15 years. I Five days with no phone service and said, “Well, mate, if ya need a place this one call gets through! to stay, I got lotsa room!” So Digger This is for Derek Duplessie, in moved into one of the many spare memory of his parents. You may not bedrooms. When my wife, Sandi, see them, Derek, but they’re there and I reconciled, we put the house with you. on the market. It was Digby who Remember, your life is amazing. fixed up the house and yard in You just have to pay attention. exchange for rent. We sold the Hear Jim McInnes weekdays on The Planet 103.7 place for a nice profit, moved into 2-7pm and then again on Sunday nights 6-8pm for his show The Vinyl Resting Place ®. new digs in Kensington, and Digby left for points unknown. We haven’t heard a peep from him in seven years! My wife and I were on a bus in Ireland taking us from the Dublin airport to downtown Dublin. As we were chatting away, we were ignored by the locals as just a cou - ple more Yankee tourists. I said to Sandi, “I’ve been to the Grafton Plaza Hotel before, but I don’t have a clue how to get there now.” Just then an elderly man with a kind face and a twinkle in his eyes turned around in his seat and said, “I can take you there.” All right! We got our bags off the bus and walked along with this guy. He told us his www.sandiegotroubadour.com 11 February 2005 • San Diego Troubadour ppaarrlloorr sshhoowwccaassee

Continued from page 9. oned him anyway. The facts surround - ing the co-founding of the San Diego Bart Mendoza, cont. Troubadour have been detailed before, they wouldn’t have allowed us to annoy but I do want to mention how great his their neighbors like that. They always articles on San Diego music history made us all feel welcome and the were, with an attention to detail to be rehearsals were something to look for - envied. He was thrilled to help spark ward to. That said, it was the time we interest in San Diego’s musical past spent following the rehearsals were and was especially happy to have been something to look forward to. That part of getting the Scottsville Squirrel said, it was the time we spent following Barkers to reunite for a series of gigs, the rehearsals that was the most spe - with the weekend they played at the cial. Lyle would come downstairs, and Adams Avenue Roots Festival, he told Danny, Dylan, Derek, and I would gath - me, one of life’s biggest thrills. er and then the debating would start. But what I really admired about him Lyle with Gene Clark (center) and Jim Lyle and Derek, May 2004 Liz Abbott, Lyle, Kent Johnson sing Smokey Wakefield, 1988 Rogers’ “Gone” at Dizzy’s Even as it was happening, I knew the most was the fact that with all the their entire family were huge lovers of activities of being a dad, working full these were moments to remember. through which they set the bar higher music. Music was their life as if it was a time as a teacher, writing for the news - stand that she is not here. I can’t erase Voices were raised, contradictions in the local acoustic music scene. Most part of them, within their soul. Ellen paper, and helping Derek with his gigs, their name and home phone numbers pointed out, and ideas flowed freely. of all I think they’d be happy to know and Lyle were so young at heart. They he still found the time to be not just a from my cell phone. Makes me feel like Politics was a big deal, and on at least how much of an impact they made on explored their dreams together in sev - musician, but a prolific one. He truly they are still here – I think that’s called one occasion there was a spirited so many lives. eral different markets, such as the denial . After Ellen died, I kind of hung debate on the Iraq war. Another week loved music and took every opportunity Skate Board shop they started, surfing, onto Lyle. We had a few meaningful we discussed corporate America. But to play in numerous groups and on any and the coffee shop they had in phone conversations and celebrated the last few times I saw Lyle we were occasion. He had fun; it showed and Millie Moreno Ramona. Being very spiritual people his birthday in April with a large barbe - talking about the Yardbirds. Lyle loved was infectious. I loved the daredevil Friend, Troubadour Photographer they were also members of Mt. Soledad cue with family and friends on his front the British beat era group and had side to his playing and he was willing Presbyterian Church. Memories and Pictures of You lawn. I don’t know why, but I thought I recently acquired a new biography of to tackle anything, no matter how unre - Their children are talented, smart, hearsed, with a smile and a shrug. This would always have him around and the band by author Alan Clayson. He ’m glad it’s 2005. Last year was a intelligent, and sweet, including Derek was never more evident to me than at now that Ellen was gone, I decided to had a touch of writers block, and we difficult year. We lost our founders, and two beautiful daughters, Megan one particular Troubadour party when a spend more time with him and the fam - had begun a long discussion on differ - Ellen and Lyle Duplessie. How I miss and Jenna, all of whom I have come to group of us attempted a ramshackle ily so we could all miss her together. He ent writing techniques. Bottom line was Ithem so. I still can’t comprehend that love, over the years, like family. They invited me for coffee and said to call that he didn’t care for Clayson’s writing Beatles tune, held together solely by were such a close, perfect family — they are not here. They were such an when I wanted to grab a cup and chat. I style and had me read it to see what I his adept bass playing. We all laughed, successful, talented, good-natured, inspiration to me, to so many people. wanted to go so bad because I loved thought. We discussed it in the minuti - and it’s a favorite memory. responsible, spiritual, educated, people I can recall the first time I picked up him and loved spending time with him ae that only hard core music junkies The Duplessies are very much who gave back to the community, just the San Diego Troubadour . I found it in and I knew we both needed to remi - can appreciate, with the side debate missed. The e-mail inbox is much qui - overall ideal. a coffee shop in Ocean Beach. I fell in nisce about Ellen. However, you know about whether Clapton, Beck, or Page eter these days, but it still hasn’t quite Sometimes when I was late with my love with it. It covered the genres of how it is when you work everyday and were the best guitarist sadly left unfin - sunk in that they’re gone. The sudden - photography submission deadline, folk, roots, Americana, gospel, jazz, “life happens,” you lose track of time. ished. It really did feel like Lyle was ness of it all has certainly made me Ellen was never angry. I kept waiting for country and bluegrass — all of my Unfortunately, not even two months very much a kindred spirit. appreciate people more, and the finali - her to voice her disappointment or favorites. I was in love. Then, I saw the later, as I’m standing on the side of the Like Ellen, he was also deeply proud ty of it all comes to mind more often anger but she never did. The more I photo page. Being an avid photogra - road, taking down information from a of Derek’s accomplishments. But truth these days, but truth be told I still sort came to know her, the more I realized, pher since the age of nine and all driver who had just totaled my car, I get be told, as one of San Diego’s biggest of expect to see them at a show. I’m she never showed it because she never throughout my high school newspaper, the call that we had just lost him too, supporters of local music, even if Derek sure they’d be happy to know that their felt it. She would always say, and I yearbook, college, and thereafter, I just minutes ago. My world was shat - weren’t his son, he would have champi - musical legacy continues in Derek’s mean, always, “Ohhhhh, that’s okaaay. thought, okay, it is now a new dream to tered. I so regret not calling him and music as well as with the Troubadour, Don’t worry about it. we’re just happy take pictures for this publication. I making that coffee visit a priority. I to haaave you.” I used to think she could have the best of both worlds: lis - have since changed my views and pri - was just this way with me, but at her tening to the music I love while taking orities about what is really important in memorial service I realized she was this pictures, something I equally love. So, I life and I now make the most of every - way with everyone and she treated looked at the credits page and found day with those I love. everyone equally. (I wanted to speak at Ellen’s name. I thought, this woman Time has passed now – but only a Ellen and later, Lyle’s memorial service must be superwoman. Not only is she short 6-10 months since their passing. but I was so upset, I knew I would have the founder and editor-in-chief, but she They both passed within less than four fallen apart so I refrained. I hope they is also the photographer and a writer, months of each other. I think this due have forgiven me for this.) along with Lyle Duplessie. I thought to their amazing, eternal love for each I can recall a time when I started this must be a married couple who other – like Johnny Cash and June having house concerts at my new probably likes to do everything for the Carter Cash. It is still very tough to venue, Millie’s by the Bay. I got the idea publication so I probably don’t have a think of them not being here and I cry from my friend, Lizzie Wann, who hosts chance. But, being the overly optimistic as I write this but I’m slowly getting the Meeting Grace house concerts. I person I’ve always been, I decided to better. Only time will heal…along with thought it was an awesome way to hear put together a portfolio proposal and the fact that I know I will see them the music I love and support musicians give them a call. again in Heaven. and local music in general. I could When I met Ellen, I was shocked at When I look at Jenna and Megan, I always count on Ellen for her support in how much of an angel she was — so see Ellen as a young girl and think of all everything I did. She was never judg - sincere, so welcoming, so kind and of the dreams and aspirations she must mental or negative. At my first show, easy going. She said, in a way that only have had. I see her straight, blonde when Gregory Page performed (she those who knew her can relate, “Oh hair blowing in the wind as she rides adored Gregory and absolutely loved yeeeeeah, we’d love to have your help, the waves. She loved to surf. It breaks his voice and music), she brought yeahhh, that would be great.” She had my heart, but it also fills me with friends and family to help fill the seats, a soft, yet slow, way of speaking, warmth and happiness because she since I wasn’t sure if people would stressing certain syllables of her words. lives on in my thoughts. actually show. She also brought Derek (This makes me smile now when I think When I hear Gram Parsons, Chris who performed a few opening tunes of her.) So, I began to take pictures for Hillman, and Herb Pedersen singing the reminiscent of Chris Hillman and Gram the Troubadour… that was over four songs Lyle loved so much, I can almost Parsons. It all made for a beautiful years ago. hear Lyle singing with them. I some - night. She was always there no matter I later met her 12-year-old son, times think I actually do hear his voice. the weather. Derek and her husband Lyle. They It hurts but it makes me smile. Then I When she passed on Ash played and sang together and later see him smiling back and it makes it Wednesday last year it was shocking started a band, The Desert Poets. Lyle easier to carry on. He was such a gen - and unexpected. I knew of her health was such a sweet and understanding tle, knowledgeable man. complications but she seemed so man. You could go to him with a signifi - Thank you, Ellen and Lyle, for tak - healthy and fine. Her spirits were cant challenge and he would have such ing me into your family. Thank you for always high. I can remember seeing her a simple, yet wise answer, which would your continuous love and support, your one night when she had just had make the once huge challenge seem kindness, your wisdom, your chemotherapy hours before and she non-existent. He was so caring and visions….for sharing your lives with me. said she felt great; she was just having calm. You will always be loved, remem - a problem catching her breath some - I came to find that Ellen, Lyle, and bered, and a part of all of our lives. times. I still can’t bring myself to under -

12 www.sandiegotroubadour.com San Diego Troubadour • February 2005 ooff nnoottee

David Page Morris Palter Jocelyn Yard Kirsten Dehaan The Coyote Some Other Time Novelty Ragtime String Theory Conform Problem by Paul Hormick Xylophone by Frederick Leonard by Frederick Leonard Wire Filled with recordings on which This CD contains 10 sweet gui - This CD opens up with a he has taken part, Some Other by Paul Hormick tar tracks that transcend folk and slinky-sly sexy rocker called by Ed Burns Time is a musical Curriculum Vitae The instructional banners that classical styles. Slinging a “Money Sinner.” There’s a killer for drummer David Page. hang in every first grade class - Cordoba and a Takamine, Jocelyn little groove going on here, and The Coyote Problem’s debut Nephew Gregory Page has put room to illustrate the alphabet Yard teams up with producer/ the title is very intriguing. album strikes a perfect mix together samplings and snippets start with Apple, Box, and Cat. At engineer/instrumentalist Jonathan Kirsten Dehaan wrote this and between familiar Americana style from his uncle’s career that show the end, right before the words Gardner to render a soothing and sang it, and occasionally played and heartfelt songwriting expert - off his strength of time, feel, yardstick and Zebra comes engaging document of guitar acoustic guitar on it. Enlisting Al ise. rhythm, panache, versatility, and Xylophone. instrumentals, occasionally Pitrelli on guitars, Dominic In fact, Wire plays out like a all the other qualities a great That’s usually about as much accompanied by vocal, percus - Galucci on guitars, Chris Miles master’s course in roots rock style, drummer should have. exposure to the instrument as sion, mandolin, bass, and subtle on bass, and Phil Ashley and each song distinct, yet effortlessly It was once said of Ornette most folks ever get. Your uncle studio antics including stock sam - Rob Arthur on piano, she is sup - fitting into the overall theme. Coleman that his musical genius might have some old Zappa ples of thunder and/or square ported in a modern and dance - It’s hard to miss the Eagles’ was so great that he was one of records that have some xylo - wave noise through a phaser. If I able rock sheen not far off from influence that runs through much nine persons in the world who phone passages, but for the most had to guess off the top o’ my Garbage and, say, the Devinyls. of the album. Singer, guitarist, could jam with anybody. With this part xylophones are about as head as to what five CDs were in Musically speaking, this suck - and writer Peter Bolland seems to disk Page shows he is in the run - common as ugly women in beer her CD player right now, I'd say: er is tip-top. The players are have situated the arrangements in ning for a nomination to this commercials. It’s just not a com - Lawrence Juber, Andre Segovia, tight, well-arranged, and have order to put his voice in the upper nonet, being something of a mon instrument. Quick: Name Chet Atkins, the Romero Brothers, fun with guitar sounds. It’s limits of his register, much like Swiss army knife on the drums. five friends who have a xylo - and Kansas. clean, smart music and this Don Henley. It’s a savvy move that He performs some great jazz in phone. See what I mean? I have to listen to this in two Pitrelli guy plays some cool, tasty gives the material a sense of France with San Diego guitarists Things were different around ways. solos. Dehaan holds her own urgency and angst. Joey Carano and Art Johnson on 1900. The xylophone was com - The first way you won't find and is perfect for delivering the But when you think you’ve got “Green Dolphin Street.” He really monly performed, usually as part anything that rivals the seeming heaviness of her tunes, which Wire figured out, the band turns swings with some big band style of a comedy schtick with a bug- nonchalant fluidity of Andre specifically (and generally) focus the wheel and gives you a fresh drumming, and the heritage of eyed xylophonist hammering Segovia, nor the sensuality of on being the one caught on the look. From tunes like “Goin’ to his native Ireland is included as away on a vaudeville stage. G.H. Juber, nor the adept seasoning of wrong side of a break-up. It’s Vegas,” which feel slow, heavy, Page gives us the snap and clatter Green, however, was one man Chet Atkins. But I don't have any - arranged in a way that would and cynical, to “It’s Easy,” which of the drums on “The Green Hills who took the instrument serious - thing bad to say about these cuts. render itself wonderfully played sings along with a Dave of Tyrol” and “The Banks of Allan ly. A prodigy on the instrument, (She actually plays above many of live as well. My favorite track, Matthews-like bass line and Water.” His playing is all over the Green thought the xylophone as the slingers I've seen and know.) “Fade Away,” is just a voice and upbeat harmonies. And despite map, literally and figuratively. noble and worthy as the piano or The second way is that — a guitar in a Mazzy Star-ish sort the variety, bassist and backing Besides performing, Page has violin and penned serious compo - judging by her photo — she's of coffeehouse ambience. Even vocal wunderkind Marsha Claire’s also invented a line of drums that sitions for it. hardly 20? At such an early place though I think the band is alto provides the connective tissue known for their firm and resonate Morris Palter, a doctorate of in hopefully a long career, she is superb, and they serve up that holds the mix of styles right sound. One of the cuts, “Wind in musical arts candidate at UCSD, way ahead of the game. Way! appropriate and groovy arrange - on the track. the Bamboo Grove,” features has given us Novelty Ragtime Playing in classical, Latin and folk- ments, this is the most honest The band really shines when Evelyn Glennie, the world’s great - Xylophone , a compilation of rockish picking styles, she gets moment we get from the girl. It Bolland is allowed to stretch out est percussionist, executing a 5/4 Green’s compositions. (One, “Dill around the fretboard just like the is heart-bearing, heart-breaking, and assume the role of balladeer. as though she had been weaned Pickles,” is by composer Charles L. hot skateboarders around here vulnerable, and dark, yet sweet. His mournful voice almost seems during a Dave Brubeck practice Johnson.) Backed by a trio, Palter who get around by hopping the An absolutley delicious take. genetically designed to bring life session. plays these compositions with plaza steps. She grabs her strings This is definitely a rainy day to sad songs of loss and undiscov - In particular if you’re a member extraordinary precision. Every with the confidence of knowing album. The songs, when heard ered redemption. “Hold On” is a of the baby boomer generation, note is exactly where it should be, “the music” and not just a bag of right after breaking up, make perfect example. Its simplicity Page has been part of the sound - even on the most up-tempo of tricks and a few A7s. She’s written you feel as if each one is speak - showcases their greatest strength: track to your life. Here you find the tunes that test a xylophonist’s most of the cuts and they are also ing personally to you. In half the long slabs of two-part harmony the “Colonel Bogey March” from ability to bring mallet and wood well composed, interesting. A few songs she pretends that she’s that seem the perfect soundtrack the film Bridge on the River Kwai , together. of them are rudimentary but are “moved on” even though she’s for a long lonely ride out to the including the stiff upper lipped The term ragtime is applied a still worth the ride. “Mosaic still talking about it. In the other desert. whistling of the British POWs. bit loosely here, referring to the Jungle,” however, is a wonderful, half she’s not coping quite as Perhaps the best surprise Wire There’s a snippet from a Marilyn general genre in which Green wonderful guitar composition. It’s well. “...You say to me/And provides is its set of upbeat, irrev - Monroe film, in which Page worked. The compositions run the kind of fretting likely to could you possibly be the one erent, and pop tunes. While helped to musically illustrate the from a fox trot, to a Spanish inspire other guitarists to learn for for me/But you know I’ve heard Bolland’s first solo release (2003’s sex symbol’s famous bum. For tinged melody, to a waltz. the sake of their own guitar ego. it all before,” is one of many Frame ) focused exclusively on bal - you Python fans Page was one of Additionally, Green played around Along with that, I was most lines, in kind, that represent this lads and intense narratives, The the musicians on the recording of with these forms, making them happy to listen to “Moonlight singer’s anguish, specifically the Coyote Problem has made a point Sousa’s “Liberty Bell March” that ever so slightly off-kilter. It seems Sonata,” which demonstrates her point of anguish where apathy, of collaborating with San Diego started each episode. As you listen as though he stretched the forms proficiency in allowing the soul to courage, and passion become hero Dave Howard and others to to these selections one by one, to fit in all the music he wanted speak through the playing. confused and indiscernible from bring a lighter touch to several the different styles and recording in a short space and time. If this is her first CD I can't wait one another. The interesting cuts. “It's Always 4:20 techniques, coupled with the Although Green was a serious to hear the next one. Further, I thing is that while simply read - Somewhere” and “You’re So intermingling of memory, create composer, his compositions are can't wait to say I was one who ing the words I found them sub - Damn Pretty” (cowritten with an evocative pastiche, almost a still fun. They don’t have the self- reviewed her first CD long ago tly spiteful — a touch at a time Howard) leading the charge. collage of mind, melody, and reflective irony of Joplin, but they when she gets around to releas - — with a dose of reserve. In Released on Long Road memory. still have that pluck and pizzazz ing her tenth. If she maintains the contrast, Dehaan never really Records, Wire will be available that comes to mind when you relentlessness of this head start, delivers a spiteful expression, but soon on the band’s website: the - hear the term ragtime. she'll be noticed in big ways. rather alludes to hope in her coyoteproblem.com low, sweet cry of delivery. www.sandiegotroubadour.com 13 February 2005 • San Diego Troubadour ‘‘rroouunndd aabboouutt

FEBRUARY CALENDAR WEEKLY The Parting Glass (Celtic ensemble), Dave Alvin/Los Straitjackets , Belly Up Opossums of Truth , Liebow Auditorium, every sunday Turquoise Cafe-Bar Europa, 873 Turquoise St., 7:30pm. (every Wed. except Feb. 23.) tuesday • 1 Tavern, 9:15pm. School of Medicine, UCSD, 7:30pm. Info: 7th Day Buskers , Farmers Market, DMV Mike Nadolson & Friends , Round Table 858/481-0765. parking lot, Hillcrest, 10am. Open Mic Night , The Packing House, 125 S. Main St., Fallbrook, 8pm. Pizza, 1161 E. Washington, Escondido, 7pm. sunday • 6 Kristin Korb/Todd Johnson Trio w/ Steve Connie Allen , Old Town Trolley Stage, Twigg Adrienne Nims/Calima , Calypso Cafe, 576 Barnes , Dizzy’s, 8pm. St. & San Diego Ave., noon-5pm. Open Mic Night , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Bad Credit , Lestat’s, 9pm. N. Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 8pm. Martin Storrow/Jen Knight/Ashley Matte/ Traditional Irish Music , Tom Giblin’s Pub, 640 Highland Way , Tom Giblin’s Pub, 640 Grand Reserved 16 , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Grand Ave., Carlsbad, 3pm. Ave., Carlsbad, 8:30pm. wednesday • 2 monday • 7 Alfred Howard & the K23 Orchestra , Irish Dance , Dublin Square, 554 Fifth, 3pm. Pat Molley , Egyptian Tea Room, 4644 College Lestat’s, 9pm. Ave., 9:30pm. Blue Largo , Calypso Cafe, 576 N. Hwy. 101, Eve Selis , Calypso Cafe, 576 N. Hwy. 101, Celtic Ensemble , Twiggs, 4pm. Encinitas, 8pm. Encinitas, 8pm. The Blazers , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa, 9pm. Traditional Irish Music , R. O’Sullivan’s, 188 every thursday Cheeky/Kim DiVincenzo/Sara Petite , Angela Mudd/Ron Franklin , Lestat’s, 9pm. E. Grand Ave., Escondido, 4pm. Lestat’s, 9pm. sunday • 13 Irish Music Class , Acoustic Expressions, Traditional Irish Music & Dance w/ 2852 University Ave., 7-8pm. wednesday • 9 Coyote Problem CD Release w/ Jeff Cobblestone, 5-6:30pm/Boxty Band, 6:30- 10pm., The Field, 544 Fifth Ave. Sue Palmer , Martini’s, 3940 4th Ave., 7pm. thursday • 3 Derek Trucks Band , Belly Up Tavern, 8pm. Berkley , Dizzy’s, 6pm. Beppe Gambetta/Dan Crary , Acoustic Jazz Roots w/ Lou Curtiss , 8-10pm, KSDS Open Mic Night , Just Java Cafe, 285 Third Billy Watson , Calypso Cafe, 576 N. Hwy. Bob Weir & Ratdog , 4th & B, 9pm. (88.3 FM). Ave., Chula Vista, 7-10pm. 101, Encinitas, 8pm. Music San Diego, 4650 Mansfield St., Radio Free Earth/The Natters , Lestat’s, 9pm. 7:30pm. Info: 619/303-8176. Open Mic Night , Blarney Stone Pub, 5617 Open Mic Night w/ Timmy Lee , The Packing Chris Carpenter/Bologna Ponies/Doomsday Balboa Ave., 9pm. House, 125 S. Main, Fallbrook, 8pm. Device , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Cahill & Delene , Dark Thirty Productions House Concert, Lakeside, 7:30pm. Info: Traditional Irish Music , Acoustic Pete Thurston Night , Lestat’s, 9pm. thursday • 10 The Bluegrass Special w/ Wayne Rice , 10- 619/443-9622. midnight, KSON (97.3 FM). Expressions, 2852 University Ave., 8:15pm. Jump Jones , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa, 9pm. Tommy Emmanuel/Tom Boyer , Bonita Golf Club, 7pm. Ani DiFranco , Copley Symphony Hall, 1245 Joe Byrne , Blarney Stone, Clairemont, 7th Ave., 8pm. every monday 8:30pm. (also Fri. & Sat.) Steve Earle & the Dukes/Allison Moorer , friday • 4 Belly Up Tavern, 7:30pm. Just John/Pete Stewart , Lestat’s, 9pm. Connie Allen , Old Town Trolley Stage, Twigg Clay Colton/B.J. Morgan , R. O’Sullivan’s, 188 E. Grand Ave., Escondido, 8:30pm. Larry Robinson/Dave Sawyer , The Packing Nashville Songwriters Assn. Int’l , Claire de St. & San Diego Ave., noon-5pm. House, 125 S. Main St., Fallbrook, 8pm. Lune, 2906 University Ave., 8pm. monday • 14 Tango Dancing , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., 8pm. Swing Thursdays , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., 9pm. Earl Thomas , Bookworks, Flower Hill Mall, Amy Obenski/Keith Housel/Davida , Twiggs, Rookie Card Sidwalk Players/Bart Open Mic Night , Lestat’s, 7:30pm. Del Mar, 8pm. 8:30pm. Davenport/Ex-Friends , North Park Brehon Law , Tom Giblin’s Pub, 640 Grand Ave., Carlsbad, 9pm (also Fri. & Sat.). Kyle Jester , Calypso Cafe, 576 N. Hwy. 101, Rockin’ Aces , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa, 9pm. Vaudeville Theater, 2031 El Cajon Blvd., every tuesday Encinitas, 8pm. Ember/Biddy Bums Lestat’s, 9pm. 7:30pm & 10pm. Connie Allen , Old Town Trolley Stage, Twigg Jazz, Latin Jazz, Bossa, & Blue , Turquoise Will Edwards/Curtis Peoples/Just John & St. & San Diego Ave., noon-5pm. Cafe-Bar Europa, 873 Turquoise St. Call 858/488-4200 for info. the Dude/Brian Goodwin/Derek Evans , friday • 11 tuesday • 15 M-Theory New Music Happy Hour , Whistle Twiggs, 8:30pm. Stop, South Park, 5-7pm. friday Ronstadt, Ramirez & Santa Cruz River Acoustic Alliance , Brick by Brick, 1130 every Neal Wauchope, Brett Sanders, Joey Zydeco Tuesdays , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa, 7pm. Carano, & Troy Jennings , Dizzy’s, 8:30pm. Band , Acoustic Music San Dieg, 4650 Buenos Ave., 7pm. Connie Allen , Old Town Trolley Stage, Twigg Greg Laswell CD Release , Lestat’s, 9pm. Mansfield St., 7:30pm. Info: 619/303-8176. Open Mic Night , Cosmos Cafe, 8278 La St. & San Diego Ave., noon-5pm. Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 7pm. Don Shipley & Sharp Shooters/Truly Lover Cathryn Beeks Band , The Packing House, wednesday • 16 California Rangers , McCabe’s, Oceanside, 125 S. Main St., Fallbrook, 8pm. Open Mic Night , Crossroads Cafe, El Cajon, 4:30-9pm. Trio/DJ Reb , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., 9pm. Double Dose of Swing w/ Cheap Leis/Sue Joseph Angelastro Duo , Bookworks, 7pm. Palmer & Friends , Dizzy’s, 7pm. Clay Colton/Colin Beasley , R. O’Sullivan’s, Flower Hill Mall, Del Mar, 8pm. Traditional Irish Music , The Ould Sod, 7pm; 188 E. Grand Ave., Escondido, 8:30pm. Carol Ames , Humphrey’s, Shelter Island, saturday • 5 Fred Benedetti & George Svoboda , Dizzy’s, Blarney Stone, Clairemont, 8:30pm. 8pm. Irish Folk Music , The Ould Sod, 9pm. Andy Hill & Renee Safier , San Dieguito Comedy Night w/ Mark Serritella , Lestat’s, 8pm. Open Mic Night , Egyptian Tea Room & Stephen Clare/Quincy , Lestat’s, 9pm. 9pm. United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Chuck Brodsky , Meeting Grace house con - Smoking Parlour, 4644 College Ave., 9pm. Magdcalena, Encinitas, 7:30pm. 858/566- cert, 8pm. Info: [email protected]. 4040. every wednesday Jazilla , Turquoise Cafe-Bar Europa, 873 Hot Club of San Diego , Twiggs, 8:30pm. thursday • 17 Turquoise St., 9pm. Chinese New Year’s/Valentine’s Party/Folk Scarlet Symphony/Smug , Lestat’s, 9pm. Songwriter Series: Love Songs & Joe Rathburn , The Galley, 550 Marina Pkwy, Dancing , Dancing Unlimited, 4569 30th, Chula Vista, 6:30-9:30pm. 7:30pm. Info: 619/281-5656. The Joey Show , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa, 9pm. Lullabyes , Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, every saturday Clay Colton/Craig Yerkes , Monterey Bay Shelter Island, 6:30pm. Connie Allen , Old Town Trolley Stage, Twigg Jeff Moore/Dean Smith , Calypso Cafe, 576 Canners, Oceanside, 7pm. N. Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 8pm. Gabriella LaLicata w/ John Randolph/The St. & San Diego Ave., noon-5pm. saturday • 12 Pride of Erin Ceili Dancers , Rm. 204, Casa Earl Brothers , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Talent Showcase w/ Larry Robinson & the Hugh Gaskins/Dave’s Son/Lindsey Yung/ Pam Gadd , Museum of Making Music, 5790 del Prado, Balboa Park, 7pm. Krister Axel , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Acoustic Underground: Keltic Karma w/ Train Wreck Band , The Packing House, 125 Armada Dr., Carlsbad, 1pm. Fred Bennedette/Chris Vitas/Kev , Lestat’s, High Society Jazz Band , Tio Leo’s, 5302 S. Main St., Fallbrook, 8pm. Shawn Loescher Quartet , Dizzy’s, 8:30pm. Tim Flannery , East County Performing Arts 9pm. Napa St., 7pm. Brazil Carnaval 2005 , 4th & B, 9pm. Clay Colton Band , Tom Giblin’s Pub, 640 Center, El Cajon,, 7:30pm. Hot Rod Lincoln , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa, 9pm. Sue Palmer Supper Club w/ Deejha Marie & Grand Ave., Carlsbad, 90pm. Lisa Sanders/Jenny Yates/Lindsey Troy , Eliza Bilkyson/Slaid Cleaves , Acoustic Sharon Shufelt , Caffe Calabria, 3933 30th St., Lestat’s, 9pm. Christian/Gospel Open Mic , El Cajon. Info: Music San Diego, 4650 Mansfield St., 6-8pm. J.D., 619/246-7060. Todd Stedman & Fattones/Cornelius House , 7:30pm. Info: 619/303-8176. friday • 18 Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa, 9pm. X-Ray Robinson & Friends , 1st Unitarian Mr. Pease , The Packing House, 125 S. Main José Sinatra & the Troy Danté Inferno , Church, 4190 Front St., 7:30pm. St., Fallbrook, 8pm. Hard Rock Cafe, La Jolla, 9pm. Perfect Strangers , Acoustic Music San Lauren DeRose/Pete Stewart/Shaun & Int’l Silver Strings Submarine Band w/ Diego, 4650 Mansfield St., 7:30pm. Info: Chris , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Billy Watson , Bookworks, Flower Hill Mall, 619/303-8176. Del Mar, 8pm. Judy Henske w/ Craig Doerge/Buddy Blue , José Sinatra & the Troy Danté Inferno , Dizzy’s, 8:30pm. Paul Seaforth & Friends , Dizzy’s, 8pm. Lestat’s, 9pm. Robin Henkel , Lestat’s, 9pm. Collin Elliott/Josh Hall/Cheeky Monkey/ Sue Palmer/Blue Largo , Patrick’s, 5th & F May River , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Vern’s Burnt Chicken , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa, Sts., 9pm. 9pm. 7th Day Buskers CD Release , Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park, 9pm. Susie Suh/Gregory Paul/J. Turtle , Lestat’s, monday • 21 saturday • 26 9pm. Gary LeFebvre’s All-Star Band , Dizzy’s, Sven-Erik Seaholm , Cosmos Cafe, 8278 La Blue Rockit/Michele Lundeen , Tio Leo’s, 8pm. Mesa Blvd., 7pm. 5302 Napa, 9pm. Judy Taylor , San Dieguito United Methodist tuesday • 22 Church, 170 Calle Magdcalena, Encinitas, 7:30pm. 858/566-4040. saturday • 19 Kenny Wayne Shepherd , 4th&B, 9pm. Steve Denyes’ Waiting on Arleen , North Int’l Dance Festival , Recital Hall, Balboa Park Vaudeville Theater, 2031 El Cajon Park, noon-4:30pm. wednesday • 23 Blvd., 8pm. Alan James , Templar’s Hall, Old Poway Arman/Anna Troy , Lestat’s, 9pm. Benefit for Lou Curtiss w/ Judy Henske/ Park, 7pm. 858/566-4040. Craig Doerge/Flying Putos/Mario O Berkley, Where Hart Thou? , Seaside Escovedo/Gregory Page/Tomcat Courtney , Church, 613 Lake Dr., Encinitas, 7:30pm. thursday • 24 4th&B, 8pm. Info: www.berkleyhart.com. Bill Evans Tribute , Dizzy’s, 8pm. Kim DeVincenzo/Midnight Rooster/J. Intro to Dumbek drumming , Dancing Turtle , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Unlimited, 4569 30th, 7:30pm. 619/281-5656. Danielle LoPresti & the Masses/Alicia Champion/Jane , Twiggs, 8:30pm. Gilbert Castellanos Quartet , Dizzy’s, Peter Sprague , Dizzy’s, 8pm. 8:30pm. Rip Carson , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa, 9pm. Nick Smith/Collin Elliott/Tim Mudd/ 7th Day Buskers CD Release , Lestat’s, 9pm. Campaign for Quiet , Lestat’s, 9pm. Jennifer Lee/Borne , Twiggs, 8:30pm. The Freemonts , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa, 9pm. Bobby Rock Bio Tribe/Chasing Paper , Lestat’s, 9pm. friday • 25 sunday • 27 Hot Monkey Love , Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa, Manhattan Transfer , East County 9pm. Performing Arts Center, El Cajon, 7:30pm. Gregory Page , Lestat’s, 9pm. J. Turtle , The Packing House, 125 S. Main sunday • 20 St., Fallbrook, 8pm. monday • 28 Int’l Dance Festival , Recital Hall, Balboa Sue Palmer Trio , Bookworks, Flower Hill Music Mondays w/ Bridget Brigitte , Park, noon-4:30pm. Mall, Del Mar, 8pm. Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, Shelter Chris Walden Big Band CD Release , Steve Denyes’ Waiting on Arleen , North Island, 6:30pm., 8pm. Dizzy’s, 6pm. Park Vaudeville Theater, 2031 El Cajon Blvd., 8pm

14 www.sandiegotroubadour.com San Diego Troubadour • February 2005 the local seen y y l l l P l e e h n n o n n t o o y o l : D l

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Greg Gross at Just Java open mic Jerry Pena at Just Java open mic Walt Lipsi at Just Java Open Mic Bob Arsenault @ Just Java Open Mic www.sandiegotroubadour.com 15 Advertise with us in April and get a bonus distribution of 20,000. April is the month of the Adams Avenue Roots Festival. As the official program of the Roots Festival for the third year straight, the San Diego Troubdour is distributed door to door throughout Kensington, Normal Heights, and parts of University Heights. There are also 5,000 handed out on the day of the Festival itself. Reserve your space today. For rates and information, email [email protected].