Boulevard Music

2023-07-23 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
The fabulous Bernie Pearl with the superb Mike Barry on bass.
The blues is life itself to Bernie Pearl. A guitarist with an upbeat, finger-poppin’ picking style he learned at the elbows of bluesmasters Sam ‘Lightnin’ Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb, Mississippi Fred MacDowell, and others. Yet, Bernie Pearl is no hidebound traditionalist. As music critics and aficionados have said for years, he is a craftsman who packs his songs with melodic interpretations that are new and personal each time he picks up his vintage Martin or National. To hear him tell it, “I’m not a retro player. I’m playing real blues for right now.”
Bernie, who grew up in the Los Angeles community of Boyle Heights, took up the guitar in the 1950’s. Later, at his brother’s legendary blues showcase, the Ash Grove, he met, studied with, and often performed with greats like Hopkins, Lipscomb, and MacDowell as well as with Freddie King, Albert Collins, and Big Mama Thornton. Bernie played duets with John Lee Hooker at Gerde’s Folk City in Greenwich Village. “They were my teachers,” he says, “and it wasn’t just music they were teaching. If you took Mance or Lightnin’ out fishing you got philosophy, history, and lessons in life”.
Armed with the teachings of those and other blues icons, Bernie raises the roof with dazzling guitar solos – acoustic and electric – and with his own Bernie Pearl Blues Band, which has backed the likes of B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Dixon, and Big Joe Turner. The Bernie Pearl Blues Band has been a popular draw at many of Southern California’s best-known musical haunts: the House of Blues, California Plaza Presents, the Blue Café, Disney’s California Adventure, and the Playboy Pasadena Community Jazz Festival. Bernie has appeared at major Festivals in Chicago, The Poconos, Vancouver, Portland, and Long Beach, as well as in Europe.
A life-long blues evangelist, Bernie began broadcasting Nothin’ But the Blues on KPPC FM in 1968, making him L.A.’s first all-blues FM disc jockey. He went on to host the blues on KLON and KCRW from 1980-92, helping found the Long Beach Blues Festival along the way.
His 15-year relationship with Louisiana blues man Harmonica Fats produced three outstanding CDs, with the unplugged Two Heads Are Better and Blow, Fat Daddy, Blow, each garnering W.C. Handy nominations in the mid-1990’s. Tonight Pearl shares the stage with bassist/producer Mike Barry who is a perfect match to set the groove for the tunes they perform.
Bernie applied his studio skills as a producer and songwriter-arranger of jazz-rocking violin pioneer Papa John Creach’s critically-acclaimed 1992 Papa Blues CD (Bee Bump BBCD 03).
As president of Big Time Blues Productions, Pearl was named national “Blues Promoter of the Year” by the Blues Foundation in 1987, and he continues to book, promote, advertise, and oversee blues acts at annual events such as the Big Time Blues Festival and the Blues Harmonica Blowdown. He has taught blues history and blues guitar courses at several area universities, and continues to teach at Cal State Long Beach, as well as privately.
His first solo CD, released in August 2002, was recorded in an all-acoustic concert at Culver City’s Boulevard Music and is appropriately titled Bernie Pearl Live From Boulevard Music (Major Label ML 011-CD).
For music lovers tired of market-tested commercial radio and industry-buffed overnight phenoms, Pearl provides virtuosity, country wisdom, a warm voice, and the kind of fingerpicking and slide guitar work that still gets juke-joints jumping.
“…Pearl’s music and voice evoke the unpretentious, truth-telling qualities of the blues. The sparse arrangements that grace this 15-song set only heighten the soulful and spiritual nature of the music. Pearl’s guitar virtuosity is evident, whether he’s playing lead, rhythm, or slide guitar…his version of (Son House’s) Shetland Pony Blues would make the old master proud”
Stephen A. King, Living Blues Magazine
“Making blues music draws from someplace deep,” he says. “I’m lucky. It’s what I do.”
http://www.berniepearl.com
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PETER MCLAUGHLIN, CHRIS BRASHEAR, & BRIAN DAVIES
2023-07-22 20:00 - 22:00
Chris Brashear and Peter McLaughlin have been playing and singing together as a duet since 1992, and their performances include sibling-like harmonies, intricate arrangements, and stunning instrumental virtuosity. Though steeped in bluegrass tradition, they perform many original songs inspired by western landscapes, history and wild rivers. Tonight they will be joined by the fabulous upright bassist Brian Davies.
Chris and Peter have two duet CDs. Their first collaboration, Canyoneers, was released by Copper Creek Records in 2003. This release includes fresh, original material from both Chris and Peter, along with a traditional fiddle tune and some classic numbers from the golden years of the Delmore Brothers. Their second CD, entitled So Long Arizona, was released on Dog Boy Records in 2008 and has also been very well received.
Peter McLaughlin started playing the guitar at the age of eight and was very soon jamming at bluegrass festivals and fiddle conventions. He lived in Denmark in the early 70s, and attended a Danish high school. In 1974, Peter moved again, this time to attend Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, where he played with Tom Rozum (mandolin, fiddle, and vocals), Roger Smith (bass and vocals), John Zarske (rhythm guitar and vocals), and Frank Dedera (banjo) in the group Flying South, an acoustic string band specializing in bluegrass and early swing era jazz. A later incarnation of Flying South included Kirby Mittelmeier (mandolin and vocals) and John Willis (bass and vocals).
In 1983, Peter moved to Tucson, where he played music with banjo player Ross Nickerson in various bands, including the 1988 Telluride Band Contest winners, The Titan Valley Warheads, who Peter still plays with on occasion.
In 1991, Peter had the opportunity to reunite with his long-time pal, Tom Rozum, and joined Laurie Lewis, touring nationally and internationally for six years as guitarist and harmony vocalist with her band.
Peter’s credits include:
• First Place in National Flatpick Guitar Championship, Walnut Valley Festival, Winfield, KS (1988)
• Second Place in National Flatpick Guitar Championship, Walnut Valley Festival, Winfield, KS (1986)
• First Place in Telluride Bluegrass Guitar Championship, Telluride, CO (1988, 1991)

Peter’s longtime partner, Chris Brashear, is a talented vocalist, songwriter, and a dynamic fiddler and guitarist with a penchant for writing memorable songs on subjects seldom touched on in today’s realms of songwriting. He has made multiple showcase appearances at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), first with Kentucky Rose in 1992, with Peter in Frog Mountain in 1994, and with Perfect Strangers in 2000. Chris performed for two years in Italy as violinist with the Maurizio Geri Swingtet. He has also toured for many years with Robin & Linda Williams and Jim Watson, and more recently with the Piedmont Melody Makers, which includes Alice Gerrard, Cliff Hale and Jim Watson.
His first solo recording, called Wanderlust, is a 1999 release from Copper Creek Records, and was produced by Jody Stecher. His second solo CD, Heart of the Country, produced by Jim Rooney, was released in 2013 on Dog Boy Records.
http://www.petermclaughlin.info
http://www.chrisbrashear.info
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Joellen Lapidus & the Urban Gypsies + Gustavo Bulgach & Klezmer Juice
2023-07-08 20:00 - 22:00
The Urban Gypsies bring the whimsical and innovative mountain dulcimer player/builder Joellen Lapidus together with the musical talents of violinist Yvette Devereaux and bass player Oliver Steinberg. They pride themselves in taking their audience on a musical journey with surprise changes of pace and style. A jazz tune may follow a country song followed by a exquisitely beautiful and quiet instrumental, followed by a lullaby followed by a howling sing a long. They are musical “Urban Gypsies”, wandering the musical landscape, gathering up lovely, inspiring, funny, raucous tunes that help us all feel and express the complex palette of human experience.

Klezmer Juice—a Los Angeles-based Klezmer/Jewish soul band with a healthy dose of Latin flavor, led by International Clarinetist Gustavo Bulgach—provides exactly that. Klezmer Juice is the new generation of Jewish Soul music. With wide-ranging international backgrounds, a youthful vibe, and adding an exciting Latin undertone to their music, they are the torchbearers of an ancient traditional craft that unites generations in spirit. They create fresh interpretations of traditional and original tunes that capture the hearts of a new generation of fans.
After an unforgettable performance in the Hollywood Mega Hit Movie The Wedding Crashers, Klezmer Juice entertains—and brings people together with their unique and upbeat international sounds.
Klezmer Juice is vibrant Yiddish soul imbued with musical influences both old and new from around the world. Representing a new generation of Jewish soul musicians, the youthful group members see themselves as the new generation carrying on the tradition of this ancient craft.
http://www.lapidusmusic.com
http://www.klezmerjuice.net
Youtube Channel: Joellen Lapidus
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JIM KIMO WEST + KYRAN DANIEL
2023-06-24 20:00 - 22:00
Two fabulous fingerstyle players with an array of styles on the same bill. One a “Slack Key” guitar specialist and the other a fabulous fingerstyle guitarist with fantastic and diverse arrangements.
Kimo West is regarded as one of the world’s foremost “ki ho’alu” or Hawaiian “slack key” guitar artists and his music has garnered over seventy-five million spins on streaming services. Slack Key” means that some of the strings on a guitar are slacked from standard tuning, with the bass, melody, and improvisation played at the same time, and is often played to accompany traditional dance or song. He is a 2021 Grammy Winner for his recent CD, “More Guitar Stories” and a 2019 Grammy nominee for “Moku Maluhia-Peaceful Island”. He is also a 2008 winner of the Hawaii Music Awards and four-time Na Hoku Hanohano (the Hawaiian ‘Grammy’) nominee. He is also a two-time winner of the LA Treasures Award for his efforts in keeping this important acoustic guitar tradition alive. This warm and engaging fingerpicked guitar style has its roots in 1840’s Hawaii, when Mexican vaqueros first brought guitars to the Big Island of Hawaii. If you saw the Oscar-winning film, “The Decendants” you have experienced this great acoustic guitar tradition.
His numerous CDʻs feature many original compositions as well as inventive arrangements of the genreʻs classic repertoire. His seventh CD, “Guitar Stories” goes beyond slack key, exploring other genres like West African guitar, Middle Eastern Music and Americana.“Slackers In Paradise” features duets with slack and steel guitar legend, Ken Emerson and his latest CD, “Moku Maluhia-Peaceful Island” is a mix of “nahenahe” or very relaxing compositions.
For his work as long-time guitarist with “Weird Al”, he has earned four Grammy’s and a Billboard #1 CD debut for 2015’s “Mandatory Fun”.
Kimo has also worked as a composer for film and TV for many years and maintains a sophisticated private studio in Los Angeles. He has composed music for features films, network TV shows and specials and cable shows. His slack key compositions have been used in a number of features, TV spots, cable, web and in many documentaries.
Australian Guitarist, Songwriter and Producer, Kyran Daniel began his career performing internationally alongside Grammy Nominee Tommy Emmanuel AM, Michael Franti, and Japanese guitar legend Kotaro Oshio. His debut album ‘Per Se’ became a notable work in the acoustic guitar world, with composition ‘The Chase’ featured on Sony SME Japan release ‘Guitar Paradise’. His diverse musical palette, superlative musicianship and production prowess saw him fast become one of Australia’s finest musical & production talents, and a go-to for artists and labels domestically and abroad, with releases including 4 songs on Gretta Ray’s ARIA Nominated Album ‘Begin To Look Around’ (EMI), Australian and European tours with legendary rock group Kingswood, and televised performances with pop sensation G Flip.
‘I knew at that time he would be an incredible force in music…he was always received with thunderous applause and standing ovations…’ – Tommy Emmanuel
https://jimkimowest.com
https://www.kyrandaniel.com
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IN THE BIG ROUND with Tracy Newman, Art Podell, Severin Browne, Ken Holme, Melinda Gibson, and John Zipperer
2023-06-10 20:00 - 22:00
Back long before the pandemic started, a group of top-notch professional singer-songwriter friends in Southern California decided to start meeting weekly to critique and inspire each other’s performances. These live meetings were forced to use Zoom during Lockdown but have continued throughout this whole time. Despite the clamoring by their friends who have tried to convince them to invite an audience, these meetings have always been totally private! But not anymore!
Featuring:
Tracy Newman is a TV writer/producer and a singer/songwriter. In 1997, she won an Emmy and a Peabody Award for co-writing the “coming out” episode of Ellen. Tracy has played guitar since she was 14. Her CDs with her band Tracy Newman and the Reinforcements are “A Place in the Sun,” “I Just See You,” and “That’s What Love Can Do to Your Heart.” She also has CDs for kids through her company called RunAlongHome.
Art Podell has been a professional performer since the early sixties. He debuted on Columbia Records in 1959 in Greenwich Village, NY with his then singing partner Paul Potash (The acclaimed “Art and Paul”. Once Art was in California as a solo act, he became one of the original members of The New Christy Minstrels where he wrote many of their songs. Art’s songs have been recorded by The Smothers Brothers, Ann Murray and Rod McKuen among many others.
Severin Browne was raised in a musical family as evidenced by his older brother Jackson, a talented singer/songwriter with many albums for the Asylum/Elektra and Inside Recordings labels. A former Motown recording artist and staff songwriter, Severin continues to enchant audiences with his clear voice, masterful guitar playing and finely crafted songs. Since leaving Motown in the mid-seventies, Severin has had songs recorded by Thelma Houston, Patti Dahlstrom, Colin Blunstone, Twiggy, The Dillards, and Pamela Stanley, as well as recording four solo albums and five with The Tall Men Group.
John Zipperer has long been recognized as one of the top Americana performers in all of SoCal. In fact, John’s repertoire of first-class original tunes along with selected classic covers serves as a definition of the Americana moniker, ranging from sweet folk and country ballads, through bluegrass-flavored rave-ups, swinging jazz dance numbers, soulful gospel and blues inspirations, and even some flat-out rockers! Since the 2014 release of his debut CD “Full Circle”, John and the Current Band have been amazing enthusiastic crowds at venues throughout the Southwest.
Ken Holme writes songs inhabited by large cats, yappy dogs, future newlyweds, ex-lovers, and the temporarily confused.
Melinda Gibson —At first glance one might expect soul-baring, acoustic-guitar based, introspection…Nope. Melinda prefers guitars that generate voltage, and displays an enviable, natural talent for writing infectious hooks and songs that rock. Every once and awhile she digs out her acoustic guitar for a special solo performance…Tonight she’s doing that with her friends.
Though she credits Tom Petty, Green Day, Weezer and Led Zeppelin as inspiration, Melinda’s sound is all her own… Fun, catchy, and accessible.
http://www.tracynewman.com.
http://www.severinbrowne.com
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INCENDIO
2023-06-03 20:00 - 22:00
The latin guitar world fusion group Incendio with elements of Flamenco, rock, and jazz all fused together and done with twin guitars and bass. They subtly bring influences as diverse as Weather Report, Jimi Hendrix, XTC, Paco de Lucia, Buddha Bar and Joni Mitchell to bear on their musical tapestry.
Incendio Features:
Liza Carbe on bass who was asked to play guitar and sing on Lindsey Buckingham’s solo tour across the United States and Canada. Amongst the highlights of this tour was getting to play “Go Your Own Way” with Lindsey every night, playing Radio City Music Hall, and opening many dates for Tina Turner as part of her “farewell” stadium tour.
JP Durand on guitar who through his early years was doing Jimi Hendrix and later morphed into Paco de Lucia. You can hear elements of both in his music. The JP in his name is short for Jean Pierre, although it might as well stand for Jimi and Paco.
Jim Stubblefield with his many influences including Jazz and World Music creating exciting solos up and down the neck of his guitar.
Three fabulous players who come together like an incredible mix of exciting and sensitive original compositions.
http://www.incendioband.com
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RICHARD SMITH + SPECIAL GUEST KYRAN DANIEL
2023-05-20 20:00 - 22:00
Richard Smith is one of the greatest guitar players on the planet. Incredible fingerstyle player (2001 National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion) and, also, one of the hottest Bebop/Django/Flatpicking players in the world. Tonight Richard Smith presents an evening of fingerpicking classics, originals, Joplin rags, jazz standards, classical and everything from pop to Sousa marches. The playing ranges from amazing to flashy and beautiful.
Here are a couple of quotes regarding Richard from Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed. “The most amazing guy I know on the guitar. He can play anything I know, only better.”
Chet Atkins, CGP
Richard Smith owns many instruments, but his most prized is a guitar, which has written on it, “To my hero, Richard” — signed Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins
Richard has also performed or recorded along the way with Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Tommy Emmanuel, Suzy Bogguss, Steve Wariner, Jimmy Fortune, Earl Klugh, Martin Taylor, Joscho Stephan, Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, John Schneider, Lee Roy Parnell, Brent Mason, Rory Hoffman and a host of others.
Mandell says “Two Thumbpicks Up! Way up.”
As a special addition to the show Australian fingerstyle great Kyran Daniel will do a brief opening performance. Kyran has toured extensively with Tommy Emmanuel opening those tours. ‘I knew at that time he would be an incredible force in music…he was always received with thunderous applause and standing ovations…’ – Tommy Emmanuel
https://www.richardsmithmusic.com
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PEPPINO D'AGOSTINO
2023-05-13 20:00 - 22:00
A native of Italy, D’Agostino has made his considerable international mark as a musical artist on the guitar since he arrived in America 35 years ago. In 2017 Guitar Player listed him as one of the 50 transcendent superheroes of the acoustic guitar. The CD, “Every Step of The Way,” was awarded by Acoustic Guitar’s People’s Choice Awards with a Bronze medal for Best Acoustic Album of All Time. His signature Seagull acoustic guitar has been voted among the ten best signature guitars by Guitar Player magazine.
Peppino gives guitar workshops, master classes, and seminars worldwide. Top leading publishers such as Truefire, Alfred Publishing, Hal Leonard, and Acoustic Guitar Magazine Books have published his compositions and instructional methods.
Peppino and his wife Donna are the founders of the Music World Retreats, where they host music workshops across the globe and partner with some of today’s best instrumentalists and songwriters.
To date, Peppino has recorded 19 CD’s, performed in over thirty-five countries at international festivals and concert halls. He has shared the stage with such greats as Larry Carlton, Eric Johnson, Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Martin Taylor, Roland Dyens, David Tanenbaum, and many more. D’Agostino’s 2020 release ‘Connexion’ was released by A-Train Entertainment.
“Peppino’s command of the instrument is amazing, he can play in so many styles, employing many different techniques. He is one of the most versatile acoustic guitarists I’ve ever met.” —Andy Mckee
Photo credit: Joe Tecza
http://www.peppinodagostino.com
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BANSHEE IN THE KITCHEN
2023-04-29 20:00 - 22:00
Banshee in the Kitchen plays Celtic music with eclectic skill and merry abandon.Touring and recording since 2002, the trio has delighted audiences in festivals, theaters, living rooms, and countless other venues from NewYork to Japan. They take traditional Celtic tunes, find the sweet spot between old and new, stirring it all up with trademark playfulness and musicality they term “bansheefying”.
To do it right, Celtic music requires a certain amount of sassiness, a bit of impudence along with strong respect and joyful spirit. The four women of Banshee in the Kitchen know how to balance their audacity with reverence of the art form.
—Joe Ross, reviewer, talentondisplay.com and Bluegrass Unlimited
National Champion hammered dulcimer player Brenda Hunter (fiddle, hammered dulcimer) and Jill Egland (flute,accordion, whistle) trade off inspired flights of lead and counter melody overdynamic backing by Kat Edmonson (six and twelvestring guitar, bouzouki). No strangers to the microphone, the four trade off lead and backing vocals on a choice selection of songs, as well as jocularcommentary in between.
http://www.bansheeinthekitchen.com
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Tony Furtado
2023-04-22 20:00 - 22:00
Tony is an evocative and soulful singer, a wide-ranging songwriter and a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist adept on banjo, cello-banjo, slide guitar and baritone ukulele who combines elements of folk, blues, bluegrass, rock, and a whole lot more into a potent Americana musical blend. He’s also an accomplished and awarded sculptor. All of the music of America is in Tony’s music. Relix hit the nail on the head when writing of Tony: “True talent doesn’t need categories”.
”A native of Pleasanton, California, who now makes his home in Portland, Oregon, Tony Furtado took up the banjo at age 12, inspired by the Beverly Hillbillies television show and a sixth-grade music report. He ﬁrst attracted national attention in 1987, when he won the National Bluegrass Banjo Championship in Winﬁeld, Kansas. Not long after that, Tony opted for the life of a full-time professional musician, joining Laurie Lewis & Grant Street. A second victory at Winﬁeld, in 1991, bookended his years with Grant Street.
In 1990, Tony signed a recording deal with Rounder Records, one of the country’s preeminent independent record companies. Beginning with Swamped in 1990, he recorded six critically acclaimed albums for the label, collaborating with such master musicians as Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien, Stuart Duncan, Kelly Joe Phelps and Mike Marshall. During this period, Tony also performed and recorded with the band SugarBeat and the Rounder Banjo Extravaganza with Tony Trischka and Tom Adams.
Beginning in the late 1990s – inﬂuenced by such musical heroes as Ry Cooder, David Lindley and Taj Mahal – Tony added slide guitar, singing and songwriting to his musical toolbox and began leading his own band.He especially values the opportunities he has had to tour with such legendary musicians as Gregg Allman and with such esteemed slide guitarists as David Lindley, Derek Trucks and Sonny Landreth.
Tony has performed throughout the world at top venues and appeared at such prestigious music festivals as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, San Jose Jazz Festival and countless others.
“Tony Furtado is a major musical force without a doubt. He has his black-belt in voice and bottleneck guitar and his banjo playing scares the crap out of me.”
– David Lindley, musical adventurer
https://tonyfurtado.com/
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ACOUSTIC ASYLUM
2023-04-08 20:00 - 22:00
Acoustic Asylum explores all kinds of musical vibes that are exciting and challenging. Here, they’re free to play without studio tricks, without a bunch of pedals or synthesizers… just free to make grooving organic music. Each of them brings decades of study, hours of inspired listening and their natural good humor to make music that’s fun to play, fun to listen to and stretches boundaries without offending the listeners’ sensibilities. You’ll hear influences from Jazz, Funk, Klezmer, Americana and Popall mashed up by some of Los Angeles’s finest musicians. They’re not sure if they’re finding “Asylum” or in an “Asylum.” Either way, they bring the audience along with them.

Personnel;
Dan Radlauer-Accordion, Vocals, Producer
Dan is an award winning composer for TV, Film and Commercials. His compositions have been
​heard on every Network and inhabited continent. You can see his full CREDITS HERE.
The idea for Acoustic Asylum came after working in the studio with these amazing musicians on film and TV scores and hearing them play with mastery in so many styles.
Carl Verheyen-Guitar, Vocals
In his 50-plus years of playing the instrument, Carl has created a wildly successful, multi-faceted career. He is a critically acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and educator with 14 CDs and 2 live DVDs released worldwide. Carl is commonly regarded as a guitar virtuoso capable of playing any style of music with remarkable mastery and conviction. He has been one of LA’s elite “first call” session players for the past 30 years, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows.
Dave Marotta-Bass
Dave has been a fixture in the LA Studio scene performing on records, movies, jingles, television productions, as well as touring and recording with artists such as Colbie Caillat, the Mark-Almond Band, Burt Bacharach, Gino Vannelli, Phil Collins, Carl Verheyen, Manhattan Transfer, Bruce Hornsby, David Benoit, and many others.
Mark Hollingsworth-Woodwinds
Los Angeles studio Woodwinds player and composer, Mark Hollingsworth draws on the experience of his work with artists including Stevie Wonder, Santana and Luther Vandross to create an upbeat and sophisticated collection of music full of depth and soul. In Acoustic Asylum, Mark gets to show his amazing Clarinet and Baritone Sax chops.
Gordon Peeke-Drums
Gordon has played drums and percussion with many famous artists such as The Woody Herman Band, The Stanley Clarke-George Duke Project, Jeffrey Osbourne, Isaac Hayes, Michael Jackson, DEVO, and The Los Angeles Philharmonic. He has played Broadway shows such as Sister Act, Spamalot, Flower Drum Song, Mask, Stormy Weather, and Drowsy Chaperone. Gordon has played on over seventy major movie soundtracks…..mostly for Mark Mothersbaugh.
Megan Shung-Violin
Often described as ‘the 21st Century violinist’, is a Grammy-nominated international violinist, composer, speaker, and educator based in Los Angeles, California. She is adept at non-traditional performance practices and styles including jazz, pop/rock, experimental music, and has performed/recorded with artists including Anthony Kiedis, Michael Bublé, Jhene Aiko, Kimbra, George Watsky, Billy Childs, and Louis Cole.
http://www.AcousticAsylum.weebly.com
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TERESA JAMES & BRUCE FORMAN
2023-04-01 20:00 - 22:00
Tonight we feature two artists at the top of their game in a rare performance together.
One virtuoso vocalist and one virutoso guitarist making more music together than one person might imagine. Teresa James on vocals and Bruce Forman on guitar.
Teresa James
Her persuasive pipes slathered in honey and soaked in Texas-bred sass, keyboardist Teresa James and her band, the Rhythm Tramps (12 albums done to date), have long reigned as one of Los Angeles’ leading contemporary blues outfits. Their 2019 CD Here in Babylon was nominated for a Grammy in the Contemporary Blues Album category. Known to many people for her work in the world of Blues her repertoire goes way beyond the standard 12 bar blues progressions. Everything from Texas-style grease and blues into Memphis soul or New Orleans-flavored grooves and all points in between with fun and abandonment
Her diversifed career has included recordings with Walter Trout, Eric Burdon, Spencer Davis, Tommy Castro, Stephen Bruton, Randy Newman, LeeRoy Parnell, Neil Diamond, and more; plus live performances with countless others, including Marcia Ball, Levon Helm, Lloyd Jones, Delbert McClinton, and Eric Burdon & the Animals. She has been a featured act on Delbert McClinton’s Sandy Beaches Cruises for more than twenty years. Bruce also pointed out that Teresa is also Bonnie Raitt’s favorite singer which is not a bad credit to add to anyone’s resume.
Bruce Forman
A hectic touring schedule; eighteen recordings as a leader, including his newest release, Junkyard Duo; countless sideman recordings including Ray Brown, Bobby Hutcherson, Roger Kellaway; soundtrack performances on three of Clint Eastwood’s distinguished films—most notably Academy Award-winning Million Dollar Baby; producer, arranger, acclaimed educator, in residence at USC’s Studio/Jazz Guitar Dept., when does Bruce Forman rest?
Deep immersion in American culture inspires Forman to contribute to the traditions that he drew from. Formanism (his trio project); original works like The Red Guitar; his popular podcast with Scott Henderson, GuitarWank; Cow Bop and the “road challenges” down historic byways like Route 66; JazzMasters Workshop; his newest project: Junkyard Duo…these are only the latest answers to the endless question that underlies Bruce Forman’s creativity. His music and life reflect every step of his journey, and demonstrate the awareness of an artist who’s very much at home in the world, and at the top of his form.
“A rock solid jazz/bebop player with a harmonic knowledge in his playing which is brilliant. One of the few really great jazz players out there whose playing sounds classic.”—Gary Mandell

https://teresajames.com/
https://www.bruceforman.com/
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THE MIGHTY ECHOES—CANCELED
2023-03-25 20:00 - 22:00
“We are deeply disappointed, but as one of the Mighty Echoes has tested positive for Covid, we are forced to cancel next Saturday’s performance.” —Harvey Shield leader of the Mighty Echoes. The group was really looking forward to this reunion (it had just sold out) and we hope to reschedule a show in the near future. All online and instore ticket purchases will be refunded. Please allow 2-3 days for funds to arrive in your account.

CHRIS SMITH QUARTET + MARK LEGGETT
2023-03-18 20:00 - 22:00
Chris Smith Quartet
An evening of standards (Stadust, Autumn Leaves, All the Things You Are) and classic blues gems featuring the fabulous Chris Smith on Chromatic Harmonica rather than the usual trumpet or sax.
Smith started playing harmonica in about 1978 when he borrowed a friend’s blues harp on a surfing trip. He fell in love with it and started playing LOTS !!!. Eventually that lead to recording session work including his first big name artist, Sammy Hagar on his debut Fillmore Shuffle album. His first very successful local band Hot Lips and Fingertips established a 10 year residency at Santa Monica Irish Pub O’Mahony’s that they packed 4 nights a week.
After leaving that band to pursue his solo career he met Lee Oskar of War who recommended him to Michael Jackson who was recording a duet with Paul McCartney, ” Say, Say, Say”. Chris played the soulful solo on the tune and it went on to sell 4.6 million copies. Other credits include playing on a duet with Smokey Robinson and Dolly Parton, several songs with Rickie Lee Jones produced by Walter Becker of Steely Dan; Art Garfunkel, Regina Belle, Queen Latifah, and many others. He has also done a ton of TV /film work including Murphy Brown,In The Heat Of The Night end credits, all episodes of The Oldest Rookie.
He did two blues rock albums for the German label Herman “Down But Not Out ” and “Livin’ On My Own”. Played the Waterfront Blues festival in Portland OR and got a standing ovation. He has performed live on stage with Albert King, Johnny Winter, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Turner and Mick Taylor.
Chris Smith—Chromatic Harmonica
Stu Elster—Piano
Ahmet Turkmenoglu—Bass
Charles Ruggiero—Drums

Mark Leggett
Plus on the same bill Mark Leggett, an artist who spends most of his time doing film scoring, making a rare appearance performing his original tunes and arrangements. Mark will be playing his fingestyle/slide arrangements of original and classic tunes. Twice Emmy nominated for his composing work, Mark has written music for Levon Helm and The Band, Dolly Parton’s films, the tv show My Name is Earl, and many others. We recently saw Mark perform at the Wiltern Theatre opening the show performing 3 songs solo for a screeening of Easy Rider done with a fabulous live band performing the original songs and incidental music accompanying the dialogue instead of the pre-recorded original songs and music. Mark’s arrangements of the three songs lead to the inevitable, this guy needs to be heard and discovered by more people. A fantastic tasteful player. Don’t miss him.
http://www.markleggett.com
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GONZALO BERGARA QUINTET PRESENTS THEIR LATEST RELEASE "9"
2023-03-05 20:00 - 22:00
The all-acoustic Gonzalo Bergara Quintet plays a modern variant of the 1930s Django Reinhardt-inspired sound. As His first CD, Porteña Soledad, was Editor’s Pick in Guitar Player Magazine, and Vintage Guitar Magazine called it a “masterpiece.” Featuring young Violinist Daisy Castro, Andre Todes guitar, Brian Netzley on bass, and Brian Carmody on cajon. The music is heavily influenced by Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France, as well as the traditional jazz and music of Bergara’s true home, Buenos Aires. “Gonzalo Bergara’s music exists in a way that very little music does. He has lavished such care on every phrase, built each arrangement with such lapidary precision and pared away anything extraneous, the music becomes sculpture. It has weight, density, gravity. This is serious…and deeply moving.” Vintage Guitar Magazine. Tonight Bergara will perform his entire new recording “9”. The following is a stellar review of this masterpiece.
“Gypsy Jazz is an entire world. History, hierarchy, boundaries. That may be why Gonzalo Bergara, though accepted within the ranks of masters of the form, has left it behind. Not to say he won’t join an all-star jam or play a Djangofest. But he has chosen composition over what are the inevitable reiterations of genre performance.
Bergara has always sounded like himself. Fast –bordering on mechanical– streams of 16th notes, strict, rigid, careful even. They’re still there, but now he sounds like nobody else. He has broken free from his own rules. The music reminds us of nothing so much as a Paul Klee watercolor, a line going for a walk. Even as he is creating the line, Bergara is following it. He discovers his composition in the playing.”—Jeff Fiskin.

– Best thing to happen to gypsy jazz in last 20 years – Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois Sur Seine
– Finalist in John Lennon Songwriting Competition 2012
– Best Seller on CDBaby 2012
https://www.gonzalobergara.com/
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CHRIS CERNA & BLUEGRASS REPUBLIC + ROCKY NECK 2.0
2023-02-25 20:00 - 22:00
Tonight Boulevard music presents two fine bluegrass bands that feature fabulous playing and fine vocals. Chris Cerna and The Bluegrass Republic (featuring Patrick Sauber on banjo) plus Rocky Neck 2.0
Chris Cerna, formerly the mandolinist with the Lonesome Otis Band, brings his new great band The Bluegrass Republic, down to the Boulevard featuring experienced players performing clean instrumentals accompanied by fine vocal harmonies. This band is guaranteed to satisfy even the most critical of bluegrass music aficionados. They are a dedicated band that specializes in hard-driving, traditional bluegrass. Their set lists include traditional, gospel and the bands fine original songs performed by Chris Cerna – mandolin, vocals; Celeste Cerna – Bass, vocals; David Dickey III – Guitar, vocals, Patrick Sauber banjo.

Plus Rocky Neck 2.0 Bluegrass Band. The Southern California based group with a current lineup featuring Devitt Feeley—guitar/mandolin vocals, John McDuffie—dobro/guitar/vocals John Rosen—banjo/vocals, plus Ron Vance—upright bass. Rocky Neck started in the bluegrass music field by winning first place in the 2009 Topanga Banjo and Fiddle “Band Contest”. In January of 2012 they took first place in the California Bluegrass Association’s “Great 48 Showcase Showdown”, competing against the top bluegrass bands from across the state. Their first recording, “Rocky Neck Bluegrass Band” released in November of 2010, was recorded in a 1920’s cabin in the mountain community of Big Bear, CA, and was mastered by legendary bluegrass engineer Billy Wolf in Arlington, VA. Their bluegrass arrangement of Neil Young’s “Comes A Time” as well as the fresh arrangement of “Girl I Left Behind Me” have been receiving regular airplay on radio stations across the country. There blend of fresh bluegrass arrangements, original tunes, traditional music is attractive to fans of not only bluegrass but also blues, country, and folk-oriented listeners.
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BILL BURNETT SINGS LEONARD COHEN
2023-02-11 20:00 - 22:00
“Bill Burnett’s Leonard Cohen show was a delightful entertainment and a thoughtful and well-curated exploration of Cohen’s great songs. Backed by his Merry Band, Bill took us through greatest hits and deep cuts, with a songwriter’s understanding and a singer’s intimacy. A remarkably well-paced evening, highlighting both Cohen’s dark sardonic side, and his playful romantic side. A fantastic night of song. Hallelujah!” — Brian Woodbury
Bill Burnett is a modest creative gem with an unreal resume of projects he has produced or written over the years. This creative force within him makes him truly a fabulous performer and storyteller making this particular performance more than someone just playing the Leonard Cohen catalog of songs. Being the creative director of Fred/Alan he generated satirical campaigns for MTV, Nick-at-Nite, and Comedy Central. He in fact came up with the name Comedy Central. He has written several songs including theme songs for various shows over the years and also sang several of them and did acting voices on many episodes.
The show will feature Rhiannon Lewis on vocals and percussion, Randon Davitt on Bass, Geoff Levin on Guitar and keyboards and Michael Levine on Violin. And of course Bill Burnett on guitar and vocals.
A note about Leonard Cohen from Gary Mandell,
I went with a friend to see Leonard Cohen and was expecting to experience a real downer evening of music based on my limited exposure to his music at the time. “Suzanne takes you down, etc”. WRONG! It was one the wittiest and fun concerts I can ever remember going to. I became an instant huge fan. With Bill Burnett’s wit and charm the songs are in good hands and ready to perform.

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THE FOLK COLLECTION
2023-01-28 20:00 - 22:00
The Folk Collection impresses audiences of all ages, with set lists full of beloved songs like “This Land is Your Land,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Greenback Dollar,” and “City of New Orleans.” Renee Gaumond, formerly of Berkeley’s Freight & Salvage Coffee House, has said, “The Folk Collection is a testament to the enduring quality of this upbeat and universal music, and the best way to enjoy it is to sing and clap right along with them. Bring your kids, because they’ll have a great time, too.” In addition to performing several of their original songs, The Folk Collection’s arrangement of a medley of TV western theme songs from the 50’s (including Bonanza, Davy Crockett, and Rawhide), is always one of the highlights of their show.
It all started in the mid 60’s, when Hollywood High School buddies Ed Labowitz and Tony Unger performed in a local folk trio. After the military, Tony was a touring musician and pop singer for 15 years. Ed went on to law school at Cal. Mike Sirota played folk songs as a camp counselor in Los Angeles and then graduated and received his teaching credential from Cal. Flash forward to the new century. After many years, Ed and Tony put their old folk trio together, only this time they added new friend, Mike, and The Folk Collection was formed. Their memorable three-part harmonies now bring family and friends together, making even more merriment and memories.
Labowitz is an L.A. entertainment lawyer, Sirota serves as a cantorial soloist at two Southern California synagogues, and Unger is the pastor of a church in Bishop, California. Just like the folk songs they have performed around the country, the magic lies within seemingly disparate elements coming together as one, creating the unforgettable music that continues to shape our lives.
“We grew up loving this sort of music, and we’ve been thrilled by the amazing response to our shows from people of all ages who really get a kick out of joining in with the words and harmonies. The show is all about folk music and good clean jokes,” says Labowitz. Unger adds, “The Folk Collection provides one of those all-too-rare opportunities for family friendly fun. We get a real kick out of watching teenagers reluctantly coming to our gigs as a favor to a their mom and dad, and then watching them walk out of there smiling and humming the tunes that we all love so much. No matter how different we may be, the music never fails to bring us together.”
http://www.thefolkcollection.com
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JIM CURRY PRESENTS THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER
2023-01-14 20:00 - 22:00
Husband and wife team, Jim and Anne Curry with backup deliver the multi-platinum hits of the great John Denver in a fun-filled evening of singing and stories. Jim plays the guitar and sings John’s songs in a crystal clear tenor that will take your breath away. Anne, his wife and musical partner, plays guitar and mandolin and sings harmony in all the right places. In addition to this add orchestral string sounds and the sound is fabulous. You’ll be invited to sing along, share in the memories, learn new songs and howl at the moon (literally!) The music of the late John Denver is like an old friend, outlasting trends and standing the test of time. Join acclaimed performer Jim Curry for this tribute to the music of one of the most beloved singer/songwriters ever to grace the stage. Tribute artist Jim Curry, who’s voice was heard in the CBS-TV movie Take Me Home: The John Denver Story, has performed Denver’s music in sold out shows throughout the country and has emerged as today’s top performer of Denver’s vast legacy of multi-platinum hits. Jim’s uncanny ability to mirror John’s voice and clean-cut look takes you back to the time when “Rocky Mountain High” “Sunshine” “Calypso” and “Annie’s Song” topped the charts, and his popular music had the heartfelt message of caring for the earth and caring for each other. Denver’s message is worth repeating: “Be kind to the Earth and to each other. ” Jim will appear with his wife, Anne who plays mandolin and guitar, sings harmony and generally keeps Jim in line! Together, they will take you on a musical journey of the heart, where you will be invited to sing, clap your hands, stomp your feet and howl at the moon. Don’t worry, you already know the words to the songs.
http://www.jimcurrymusic.com
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JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS
2022-12-10 20:00 - 22:00
Janet Klein with her band the Parlor Boys perform forgotten gems and naughty ditties from the 1910’s, 20’s and 30’s with panache, style and wit. Her Parlor Boys in the backup band behind Janet’s uke playing include John Reynolds on guitar, Randy Woltz on ragtime piano, Bennie Brydern on violin, Marquis Howell on bass. Her Parlor Boys are a group made up of time warped musicians with fabulous musicianship. “Klein is a music historian as much as she is a musician and singer. She’s an essential worker on the front lines of forgotten music, resuscitating life into material lost to disintegrating celluloid.”—Matt Maranian, Chronicle Books.

http://www.janetklein.com
PLEASE NOTE: ORDERS CAN ONLY BE PLACED BY CALLING BOULEVARD MUSIC AT THIS TIME AT 310-398-2583 OR AT THE DOOR IF AVAILABLE. THE CART IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE.

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CARL VERHEYEN BAND—ACOUSTIC
2022-11-19 20:00 - 22:00
One of the Top 10 Guitar Players in the World” Guitar Magazine
“One of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time” Classic Rock Magazine
“Verheyen’s guitar work will blow you away” Guitar Player Magazine
In his 50-plus years of playing the instrument, Carl has created a wildly successful, multi-faceted career. He is a critically acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and educator with fifteen albums and two live DVDs released worldwide. Carl is commonly regarded as a guitar virtuoso capable of playing any style of music with remarkable mastery and conviction. He has been one of LA’s elite “first call” session players for the past 38 years, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows. As a solo artist, Verheyen has graced the pages of countless industry publications and been the subject of numerous articles chronicling his rise to the forefront of the modern day guitar scene. Carl has won numerous polls and musical honors in the US, Germany, France, Italy and the UK.
A member of the British rock group Supertrampsince 1985, Carl has played to millions of enthusiastic fans in sold out arenas worldwide. As the creative force behind the Carl Verheyen Band, he has released an impressive and eclectic discography that showcases his endless talents across a wide array of musical genres. The CVB tours all over the world and continues to draw fans on the festival circuit as well as theaters and clubs.
A much sought after studio musician, Carl plays on other artists’ CDs whenever his busy schedule permits. He has recorded and played with a virtual who’s who of the music industry. His vast collection of movie soundtrack and television credits is enviable. 67,000,000 people heard Carl as a featured soloist at the 2009 Academy Awards. He is also heavily featured in the documentary film about the electric guitar called Turn It Up!
As an active performer, songwriter, teacher and producer Carl continues to work and practice the guitar everyday.
“Every time I start to feel good about my playing and general overall knowledge of the guitar, I will get together with Carl and see truly how far I have to go. I am proud to call him my friend. A master of the guitar and a hellava nice guy to boot.”—Joe Bonamassa
Also performing in this incredible ensemble is Dave Marotta on bass, John Mader on drums and vocals, and Troy Dexter on keys and vocals.
http://www.carlverheyen.com
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LAURENCE JUBER
2022-11-05 20:00 - 22:00
Laurence Juber is a solo performer, recording artist, composer and arranger. His playing fuses folk, jazz, blues, pop and classical styles, creating a multi-faceted performance that belies the use of only one instrument. First internationally recognized as lead guitarist in Paul McCartney’s Wings, with whom he won a Grammy®, Juber has since established himself as world-renowned guitar virtuoso and entertainer.
Juber, known to his fans as LJ, has recorded more than two dozen albums which spotlight his unique touch and tone on acoustic guitar. His latest release, Select Blends, is a collection of ‘virtually live’ streaming performances, recorded during Covid lockdown.
His LJ Plays The Beatles was voted one of Acoustic Guitar Magazine’s all-time Top Ten albums. His solo arrangement and performance of The Pink Panther Theme earned him a second Grammy®, while his arrangement of Stand By Me was heard nationally in a Diamonds Are Forever commercial. Juber’s DVD-Audio project Guitar Noir (AIX Records) won a CES Demmy award for best surround-sound audio.
His ‘photo memoir’ Guitar With Wings was published by Dalton Watson Fine Books.
As a studio musician, he can be heard on recordings from artists as diverse as Harry Styles, Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, and the French chanteuse Sylvie Vartin, plus his playing is featured on the soundtracks to hundreds of TV shows such as Home Improvement and movies including the academy award-winning Dirty Dancing, Good Will Hunting and Pocahontas.
Juber co-composed the soundtrack of the award-winning video game Diablo III and scored the NBC Dateline documentary Children Of The Harvest. His music is also featured in the Ken Burns’ documentary The Tenth Inning.
“A stunning sense of space and fluidity…a truly wondrous sound” – Guitar World
“Uniformly exquisite and dazzingly executed” – L.A.Times
“Juber scores high marks for the clarion precision of his playing and for his tasteful arrangements” – Downbeat
“A Master!“- Pete Townshend, The Who
http://www.laurencejuber.com
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Christie Lenée—In Concert
2022-10-21 20:00 - 22:00
Singer, songwriter and renowned fingerstyle guitarist (2017 International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion) Christie Lenée is more than a musician – she’s an experience. Symphonic compositions flow from her fingertips effortlessly, with sound ranging from transcendental folk-pop to virtuosic instrumentals. Her recent title of Acoustic Guitarist of the Year 2019 awarded by Music Radar Magazine out of the UK, has launched Christie’s career towards international stardom.
Christie is often described as ‘Michael Hedges meets Joni Mitchell and Dave Matthews,” integrating melodic pop lyricism with catchy hooks and percussive, harmonic textures. As an Official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International consistently logging a number of major festivals, events, opera houses and theaters nationwide, Christie Lenée performs with radiant joy that awes crowds and inspires fellow musicians. She recently told Digital Journal that “years ago, I set my intention to be an inspirational songwriter, though over time I’ve come to realize that inspiration comes in many forms. Talking about the dark and the light, the beauty and moments of pain are all forms of inspiration.”
Her International destinations have included Australia, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Shanghai, Beijing and several other Chinese cities.
Christie recently completed the MusiSHEans trio tour of Europe which included stops in the UK, Paris, Rome, Prague, the Netherlands, Austria and Germany, as well as a 4 city support for Tommy Emmanuel in Poland.
Christie has also shared stages with Tim Reynolds (Dave Matthews Band), Andy McKee, and Amy Ray (Indigo Girls) to name a few, who have all raved about her talents. Her first-place victory in the acclaimed 2017 International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship has earned her featured coverage in Guitar Player Magazine, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, Premier Guitar and Vintage Guitar. She has released five albums, with “STAY” one of three finalists for “Best CD of 2016” (Indie Acoustic Project Awards). The album includes three instrumentals produced by Grammy Award Winning producer Will Ackerman, founder of Windham Hill Records, and a music video for the title track supporting a movement on suicide prevention.
In 2018 Christie released an arrangement of Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill” which garnered media attention across several Digital Publications. AXS.com‘s Jim Wood noted “through the use of harmonics and tapping, Lenée’s infectious style utilizes all parts of the guitar and combines elements of folk, rock and pop into one tasty and eclectic musical stew.”
Christie is currently working on a solo album in addition to collaborative tracks with artists such as Tommy Emmanuel, Phil Keaggy and Laurence Juber. In July 2020 she was featured on the Grammy Museum’s virtual program streaming from Los Angeles, along with another 4-page article in Guitar Player Magazine. With over 16,500 fans on Facebook and over a million plays on YouTube, Christie continues to spread the love of music through live streams, digital airplay and virtual appearances on television stations. As an artist, she hopes to bring joy, freedom, and light to the world though the love of music.
http://www.christielenee.com
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JAMES LEE STANLEY
2022-10-15 20:00 - 22:00
“So where have they been hiding James Lee Stanley? We could say that James Lee Stanley is probably the last great undiscovered singersongwriter in America. But true as that may be let’s say something else. Let’s say that a diamond has been smuggled into the wasteland… and here is where the wasteland ends.”
– Tom Robbins, Author of Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
Tonight James will perform music including tunes from his recent recording “Without Susie” which is a versatile and refreshing mix of acoustic guitar fueled socio-political commentary and love songs featuring his modern age blues tune “Hang Up and Drive.” His actual latest recording he did with Dan Navarro is called Wood and Led and features great original arrangements of Led Zeppelin tunes done acoustically.
It is only a long lived singer-songwriter career that lets JAMES LEE STANLEY unite the unpredictable creativity and the eclectic elements that make up his world. His remarkable ability as a vocalist and composer allow him to create songs, each recorded with a finely crafted backing that sonically enhance the impulse behind the lyric, coupled with his outragously hilarious repartee. He is one of the few all time greats and undisputed geniuses among singer-songwriters. Fi Magazine listed his FREELANCE HUMAN BEING as “one of the finest recordings of 1998 and one of the Top 200 Recordings
JAMES LEE STANLEY, the true renaissance man, was born into a musical family in Philadelphia, PA, and already performing and recording for LeGrand Records by the time he was fourteen. He majored in music at California State University, did a stint in the Air Force as a chinese linguist, performing three hundred dates a year with such diverse acts as BONNIE RAITT, ROBIN WILLIAMS, and CHICK COREA & RETURN TO FOREVER by the time he landed his second recording contract.
http://www.jamesleestanley.com
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MISKEY MOUNTAIN BOYS
2022-10-01 20:00 - 22:00
A bluegrass band like not other, THE MISKEY MOUNTAIN BOYS seamlessly blend jazz, classical and swing with traditional Bluegrass into a new genre they lovingly call Classgrazz. They incorporate such innovative elements as bluegrass cello, duo-style mandolin pieces, high energy slap-bass, blazing fiddle trios, stellar flatpicking and soaring vocals. Featuring the world class musicianship of Michelle Lynskey, John Marshall, Evan Marshall, Alisha Bauer, Alex Finazzo and Andy Rau, they’ve performed all over the world, and at such events and venues such as the HOLLYWOOD BOWL, THE DISNEY STUDIOS, POPS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS, THE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES and THE LAGUNA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS. They have been featured performers in radio, television and film, including THE OSCARS, THE EMMYS, A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION, and a plethora of live events and soundtracks.
With their uniquely “Miskified” arrangements and extraordinary musicianship, this show blends mastery with laughter, joy and camaraderie to create an unforgettable experience.
http://miskeymountainboys.com/index.html
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Tony McManus
2022-09-17 20:00 - 22:00
Please note that this show only will end online sales on Thursday 9/15/22 at 6pm. After that time they may be purchased at Boulevard Music in person, over the phone before 6pm the night of the show, or if available at the door.
Hailed by John Renbourn as ‘the best Celtic guitarist in the world’ Tony McManus has also been listed as one of the 50 transcendent guitarists of all time by Guitar Player Magazine. Tony has both extended and transcended the parameters of contemporary Celtic music. Ranked by peers and predecessors alike alongside the guitar world’s all-time greats, his fiendishly dexterous, dazzlingly original playing draws on traditions from the entire Celtic world, along with still further-ranging flavours such as jazz and eastern European music. Long applauded for his uncanny ability to transpose the delicate, complex ornamentation characteristic of traditional bagpipe or fiddle tunes – even the phrasing of a Gaelic song – onto his own six strings, McManus is increasingly being acknowledged also as a pioneering figure in bridging the realms of Celtic music and other guitar genres.
Born in 1965 in Paisley, near Glasgow, McManus was introduced to traditional music via the family record collection. Having first tried his hand at the fiddle, whistle and mandolin, he took up the guitar aged ten, although subsequent academic inclinations got him halfway through a PhD in maths before the music won out. After rapidly making his name as an unusually fluent and sensitive accompanist, he took the solo plunge with a triumphant main-stage debut on the final night of Glasgow’s inaugural Celtic Connections festival in 1994, supporting Capercaillie in front of a 2500-strong crowd.
With the loyal support of Greentrax Recordings in Scotland Tony’s first self-titled recording in 1996, followed by Pourquoi Quebec in 1999 led to worldwide recognition. However, it was with the release of Ceol More in 2002 that Tony’s stature as a first-class musician reached a new level. Having heard his session work on several albums, Nashville based Compass Records released “Ceol More” in North America to universally ecstatic reviews. Critics hailed the focused, spell-binding nature of the music, from the plaintive Jewish hymn “Shalom Aleichem” to the ingenious arrangement of the Charles Mingus tune “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”. Having been nominated as Musician of the Year by both the BBC Folk Awards and The Scottish Traditional Music awards, in 2002 “Ceol More” hit the Critic’s Album of the year list in Acoustic Guitar magazine and was named Live Ireland Awards’ Album of the Year.
https://www.tonymcmanus.com
Please note that this show only will end online sales on Thursday 9/15/22 at 6pm. After that time they may be purchased at Boulevard Music in person, over the phone before 6pm the night of the show, or if available at the door.
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LED ZEPAGAIN—ACOUSTIC
2022-09-10 20:00 - 22:00
Tonight we present a rare chance to hear all of the Led Zeppelin classics acoustically. As they are celebrating their 30th year in existence in 2018, Sony recording artists Led Zepagain have become highly regarded as the most accurate and authentic replication of Led Zeppelin in the world today. With well over a million downloads on iTunes to their credit, Led Zepagain’s popularity has also seeped into pop culture by having been mentioned on the network TV shows “The Gilmore Girls”, “Chicago Fire” and “Bad Judge” !
In January of 2004, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page himself attended a Led Zepagain show at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. He was absolutely astonished at the bands accuracy stating “It’s amazing how much you sound like us. You must have grown up on this because you were inside the music, and you paid attention to detail in your presentation…I can tell you guys really love our music!” This encounter led to the members of Led Zepagain attending Led Zeppelin’s 2007 Reunion Concert at London’s O2 Arena by invitation of Mr. Page as well as a surprise visit from Jason Bonham in March of 2009 as he sat in with the band on their encore performance of the song “Rock and Roll”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w6noToYSqQ
Led Zepagain was honored to have been featured on AXS TV’s “World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” in 2014, and were asked to come back for an encore performance in March of 2017 to perform the iconic Led Zeppelin lV album in it’s entirety.
Having played nationally and internationally in such places as Japan, Russia, Ireland, Panama, Alaska, Germany, Chile, Bosnia, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Canada, Paraguay, Kosovo, Mexico City and Guam, Led Zepagain regularly performs to packed houses all over the world. We guarantee that from the sound and the look, to the vintage equipment and costuming, Led Zepagain will be the closest thing that you will ever see to a live Led Zeppelin performance! Come on out and see what Jimmy Page was talking about.
https://www.zepagain.com/

JOELLEN & THE URBAN GYPSIES + SCHMALTZ—SORRY TO SAY CANCELLED
2020-05-30 20:00 - 22:00
Sorry to say this show has been cancelled.
Joellen and the Urban Gypsies bring the whimsical and imaginative mountain dulcimer player/builder and accordionist, Joellen Lapidus, together with the musical talents of extraordinary jazz violinist Yvette Devereaux and multi genre upright bass player Oliver Steinberg.
“We present Americana/Roots/Folk/World music through an urban lens being equally comfortable playing square dance tunes from Appalachia, jazz standards from the 40’s, Indian Ragas, pop tunes and Klezmer.
We are musical “Urban Gypsies”, wandering the musical world, gathering up lovely, inspiring, funny, raucous tunes that help us all feel and express the complex palette of human experience.”—Lapidus
SCHMALTZ: Schmaltz literally means chicken fat but musically means an overly theatrical, campy, and extremely rich performance.
Four extraordinary talented musicians, two from Eastern Europe, one from LA and one from New York City have embraced the modes melodies and rhythms of the Eastern European Jewish folk music called Klezmer. Mix in their urban exposure to classical music, blues, jazz, Indian and Middle Eastern music and you get SCHMALTZ. The interplay between Yvette Devereaux’s electrifying, cascading, haunting violin, and Leo Chelyapov’s soaring, chuckling clarinet is an explosion of dazzling musical technique gushing with delicate, raucous, humorous, deeply emotional, uplifting, ecstatic, transformative musical conversation. Klezmer’s infectious rhythms, sometimes delicate and sometimes fierce, are generated by Joellen Lapidus’ accordion and Igor Kogan’s upright bass. It’s very rich! “That’s why we call ourselves SCHMALTZ.”—Joellen.
http://www.lapidusmusic.com

CLAUDE BOURBON—SORRY THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED
2020-05-23 20:00 - 22:00
Sorry this show has been cancelled.
Ready for a unique and talented take on a wide range of musical traditions? Claude Bourbon is known throughout Europe and America for amazing guitar performances that take blues, Spanish, and Middle Eastern stylings into uncharted territories.
Claude’s inimitable style incorporates all five digits on each hand dancing independently but in unison, plucking, picking and strumming at such speed and precision that his fingers often seem to melt into a blur. Thousands of people in the UK, Europe and USA have enjoyed listening to this virtuoso and for the majority of his audience it is an experience that compels them to return again and again to hear and watch him play, as his fingers lightly dance over the strings of his guitar and create a unique sound that is ’Claude’.
It is very hard to describe the almost endless amalgam of different influences in Claude’s playing, all melting into each other, as he moves from classical openings, across a whole continent of cultural roots, from the Balearic’s to the Balkans, and then across to the Mississippi Delta, and shoehorned into all that is music that would not have been out of place in the courts of Emperors and Kings.
Claude Bourbon weaves his songs through the audience as if on a journey through life taking in different flavours of Europe and beyond. His Spanish medieval blues evolves into Gypsy, Eastern European, with a splash of Paco de Lucia, Delta Blues and more. Holding audience attention under a musical spell.
It’s not easy to begin to describe the breadth or mastery of the music you will hear if you are fortunate to catch one of Claude’s gigs, it is a sort of sensory experience like no other. A top master of his craft and never appearing to be rushed, he has impeccable timing and makes things that one can only marvel at seem simple.
Now based in the UK, some of this guitarists’ influences allow us a fascinating insight into this remarkable musician; Paco De Lucia: Deep Purple’s Richie Blackmore; Joaquin Rodrigo; JJ Cale; JS Bach….
Claude has played countless venues, including Glastonbury Festival, Isle of Wight Festival, Colne Great British & Blues Festival, Rock O’Z Arene, Avenches, Switzerland, among others. He has shared the stage in Europe and the USA with countless musicians, Calvin Russel, Charlie Morgan (Elton John, Gary Moore), Jan Akkerman (Focus), Steve Grossman (Miles Davis), Herbie Armstrong ( Van Morisson), Jose barrense Dias and many more.
Experience an evening of exploration in the unique ambiance of the Thumb!
“ Claude Bourbon is a unique figure today… his playing is almost indescribable“ – The Hook, Charlottesville, USA
“Never heard anyone get that much beautiful sound out of a J-45”, Bob, Tucson, AZ
“A breathtaking acoustic fusion of blues, jazz, folk, classical and Spanish guitar from a stunning guitar virtuoso…”Altadena News, USA”
“…This accomplished artist offers tender, compelling performance through highly developed precision. His sound instantly creates ambience – from haunting Spanish moods to lyrical, romantic jazz, Claude Bourbon provides both a rich evening of music for lovers, and a real treat for music lovers…”, BBC, UK
http://www.claudebourbon.org

VARIETY NIGHT OPEN MIC—SORRY TO SAY CANCELLED
2020-05-17 20:00 - 22:00
Sorry to say this show has been cancelled.
Variety Night (Hosted by that Mandell guy since 1974) presents a special guest plus as always our talented sign-ups to fill out the bill. This month we will begin taking sign-ups for Variety Night on Sunday, May 3 at 1pm. Sign-ups are taken until all eight slots have been filled. Variety Night-See it or be it. Do it or review it. A fun night out.
