May 21, 2010

Warbling in Western L.A.: Songwriter Showcases – Part 3

Posted by Kim Ohanneson under Daily Go Go | Tags: , , , , |
Leave a Comment 

Singer/Songwriter: Welcome to the Talking Stick CD Release Party/Fundraiser May 21st/

 

Whether you live in Santa Monica (a.k.a. extremely west Los Angeles to you Eastsiders) or the depths of the West Valley (Canoga Park, represent!), there are sites for songsters and the people who love them.  

Ms. Go Go knows that group includes you.   

The Talking Stick  

Art gallery, coffee house, neighborhood  hang…the Talking Stick in Santa Monica is many things to many people but for everyone, it’s THE Westside spot for every kind of great music, including and especially singers/songwriters.   Come for an eclectic mix of promoter-organized evenings, the big, friendly, open vibe, and the generous sense of community.  

Friday, May 21st!:  A $10 advance ticket  for Singer/Songwriter: Welcome to the Talking Stick gets you entry into the Talking Stick’s  CD release party/fundraiser show, featuring tons of top-notch talent.  (That ticket will be $15 at the door…if available…so don’t linger, Go Go’ers.)  

The Guitar Merchant  

In yesterday’s post, when Ms. Go Go said there were songwriters in “every corner” of Los Angeles, she was talking about The Guitar Merchant way out in Canoga Park.  This full-service guitar store can handle all your “Stairway to Heaven” needs but their Wednesday night Open Mic night is also a haven for songwriters in the  wild, wild west (valley).   Come because you’re in Canoga Park, the music is calling and you need a guitar pick….  

Go west, young Go Go’ers, go west.  

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….  

(more…)

 

May 19, 2010

The valleys are alive…with the sound of music: Songwriter Showcases – Part 2

Posted by Kim Ohanneson under Daily Go Go | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
[7] Comments 

Kulak's Woodshed: a paradise for songwriters.

 

Go Go’ers, every corner of L.A. is chockablock with writers with songs in their hearts and their well-thumbed notebooks.   Check out a few (or a lot!) at these cozy, Valley (some San Fernando, one San Gabriel, all good) hangouts and make your ears happy.  The rest of you will surely follow.   

    

Kulak’s Woodshed   

You’ll feel like you’re inside your hippie aunt’s magical mystery tour parlour at Paul Kulak‘s tiny, labor-of-love, storefront joint.   There’s no liquor or food; it’s all about the music at Kulak’s, which is why performers flock to play here.  (The songwriters-in-the-round is one of L.A.’s best. )  Lounge on the bed or the couches…anywhere, really…and you may end up on the live webcast of the show. (“Hi Mom!”)  Viewers  at home can send messages to the musicians and donations to Paul.   Come for the L.A. music community’s best-kept secret.  (Now you know it too.)   

Note:  On Friday, May 21st, witty, wonderful singer/songwriter (and Emmy-winning writer) Tracy Newman headlines with the Reinforcements while erudite piano man Marty Axelrod starts the night out right.    

Tracy Newman @ Kulak's Woodshed on May 21st. (Photo by Sherry Barnett.)

 

    

Hallenbeck’s General Store & Cafe   

There may not be music in the establishment’s title but this charming reproduction of  an old time general store, complete with pot belly stove, is a magnet for musicians who love the raised stage (no bad sight lines!), the mellow sound, the period atmosphere, and the delish drinks, desserts and light dinner fare.  Come for a great show and a tasty supper while taking care of all your gift-shopping needs.   

    

Wine & Song @ Wine Styles   

Brad Colerick’s  Wednesday night Wine & Song  has become a  weekly, home-away-from-home hang for music-savvy South Pasadeneans who appreciate the top-drawer talent and the tasty wine from event co-sponsor Donati Vineyards.  Sink into the leather chairs with gourmet nibbles from WineStyles during the show.  Come for the comfortably upscale, neighborhood vibe and because you never know who will drop in to say hi and sing.   

 Standing in the corner has never been so much fun.   

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….   

(more…)

 

May 17, 2010

Shhh! Songwriter showcases in the City of Angels – a three-part series: Part 1 – Mid-City

Posted by Kim Ohanneson under Daily Go Go | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |
Leave a Comment 

Nashville Flood Relief Benefit @ Hotel Cafe TONIGHT, May 17.

 

Sometimes you want the music so loud that you can’t hear yourself think.   But sometimes, you want to sit quietly and marvel at how a songwriter can combine a chord and a lyric in a way that makes you tear up, catch your breath, or shake your head cause you know you’ve just  heard something right and true.  

Los Angeles has a wealth of intimate songwriter showcases amidst the glitz and glitter.  Just be sure to silence your phones and get your visiting done before the show or prepare to be shushed….  

Hotel Cafe  

After ten years, this  inviting, brick-walled nightclub  has become known for jump-starting the careers of  young, usually female, singer-songwriters.  Come for the great acoustics  and I-Saw-Them-When cred.  

TONIGHT: Monday, May 17th, MusiCares hosts the Nashville Flood Relief benefit with a list of performers too numerous to mention.  $10 donation.  9:00PM – 1:00AM  

    

Largo at the Coronet  

The two-year-old incarnation of Mark Flanagan’s formerly-on-Fairfax  venue features the same high-end mix of crooners (Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple) and comedians  (Sarah Silverman, Patton Oswalt) with resident maestro Jon Brion still doing frequent sets.   Come for the  elegant, historical Hollywood vibe and the chance to see top singer-songwriters and comedians in their clubhouse.  

   

Room 5  

Tucked away at the top of Amalfi Restaurant’s stairs, the cozy Room 5 Lounge features singer-songwriters (often from out-of-town) and a regular, Monday night songwriters-in-the-round.  Come for the immediacy of a living room with an inexpensive cover charge and no bad seats.  

Remember to check your chatter at the door….  

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….  

  (more…)

 

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 96 other followers