"); // write the dividing line rule dividingLine(); // document.write("
");
if (this.image != "") {
var imagestr = "
"); document.write(this.title); document.write("
"); } else { // The short view includes a link to the detail view. document.write(""); document.write(this.title); document.write("
"); } if (showDescription) { document.write(this.notes); document.write(""); if (this.url != "") { document.write("" + this.url + ""); // how can we put target="_blank" here? // document.write(this.url.link(this.url)); } } if (theEventDate.getTime() > nowDate.getTime()) { if (this.regadvprice != "") { if (this.itemName != "") { title = this.itemName + " (Regular): " + this.eventDate + ": $" + this.regadvprice; itemname = this.itemName + " (Regular): " + this.eventDate; writePayPalButton(title, this.regadvprice, this.shipping, itemname); } else { if (showDescription) { document.write("
"); document.write(this.regadvprice + " advance"); document.write(", " + this.regdoorprice + " door"); document.write(" ... Tickets"); } } } if (this.senioradvprice != "") { if (this.itemName != "") { title = this.itemName + " (Senior/Student): " + this.eventDate + ": $" + this.senioradvprice; itemname = this.itemName + " (Senior/Student): " + this.eventDate; writePayPalButton(title, this.senioradvprice, this.shipping, itemname); } else { if (showDescription) { document.write("
"); document.write(this.senioradvprice); } } } if ((this.regadvprice != "" || this.senioradvprice != "") && this.itemName != "") { writePayPalViewCartButton('orders@noecvalleymusicseries.com'); } } if (this.image != "") { document.write("
"); } document.write(""); } } // end displayListView function writePayPalButton(title, price, shipping, itemname) { // document.write('
 | |
| '); document.write(''); document.write(' | '); document.write(title); document.write(' |
| |
| '); document.write(''); document.write(' | '); document.write(''); document.write(' |
| ');
document.write(' |
"); // document.write("gEvtCnt=" + gEvtCnt + "
"); var showAll = false; if (paramstr.indexOf("show=all") > 0) { showAll = true; } while (dispCnt > 0) { dispCnt--; gEventRecs[contentIndex].displayListView(contentIndex, showDescription, showAll); contentIndex = (contentIndex + 1) % gEvtCnt; // document.write("
"); } dividingLine(); linkurl = baseurl + "?show=all&"; linkText = "Show All Events"; document.write(linkText.link(linkurl)); document.write(" | "); linkurl = baseurl; linkText = "Show Upcoming Events"; document.write(linkText.link(linkurl)); } // addEventRec( "Date available for a Southern CA Booking", "Call 510.444.0323 or write bookings@kitka.org for more info.", "October 10, 2002", "", "", "", "", "", "" ); // template // addEventRec( title, notes, eventDate, ticketSaleStartDate, saleEndDate, image, url, itemName,regadvprice, senioradvprice,shipping ); function OLDBuildEventDatabase() { addEventRec( "event title", "event notes", "April 9, 2003", "March 26, 2003", "April 8, 2003", "", "http://www.imaja.com", "shopping cart item code", "20.00", "", "0.00" ); // addEventRec( title, notes, eventDate, ticketSaleStartDate, saleEndDate, image, url, itemName,regadvprice, senioradvprice,shipping ); } // end OLDBuildEventDatabase function BuildEventDatabase() { var event; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 6, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Peppino D'Agostino and Duck Baker"; event.notes = "We present an evening of great acoustic, steel string guitar as two of the best perform in both a solo and duo format.
Emigrating to the U.S. 20 years ago from Italy, Peppino D'Agostino has achieved a unique style, blending virtuoso technical wizardry with the lyricism, fire and passion of his Mediterranean heritage. He has released nine critically acclaimed solo albums, in addition to collaborations with David Tannenbaumand Stef Burns, and appearances on many guitar samplers.
The eclectic Duck Baker is unique among guitarists in that his repertoire spans the entire history of jazz guitar, from ragtime through swing, to modern masters such as Thelonius Monk and Herbie Nichols, to free improvisation with musicians such as John Zorn Eugene Chadborne, Bruce Ackley and Henry Kaiser. Acoustic Guitar magazine hailed his 'Spinning Song' recording as 'one of the best guitar records ever recorded by anybody.'"; event.url = "http://www.peppinodagostino.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 20, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Gamelan Sekar Jaya presents 'Music and Dance from Bali: Bronze & Bamboo'"; event.notes = "The twenty-member ensemble known internationally as the 'finest Balinese Gamelan orchestra outside of Indonesia,' performs a concert filled with the glistening sonorities of its bronze and bamboo ensembles and the expressive intensity of Balinese dance. The shows will be directed by outstanding Balinese artists in residence, composer I Nyoman Windha and dancer I gusti Agung Warsiki. In addition to traditional works, this performance will highlight the world premiere of a new dance piece created by Windha especially for Gamelan Sekar Jaya. The dancer and choreographer will be Indonesia's famed transgender dancer, Didik Nini Thowok. This new work shows the kind of artistic interchange that has brought this group its glowing, international reputation."; event.url = "http://www.gsj.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 26, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Jeanrenaud, Masaoka, Ochs"; event.notes = "Featuring the staggering talents of cellist Joan Jeanrenaud (a founding member of the Kronos Quartet), koto master Miya Masaoka and Larry Ochs (ROVASaxophone Quartet) this trio explores the cutting edge of composed and improvised music.
Formed in 2000 to perform a special commission for a concert in San Francisco, this unusual trio is preparing to release its first CD this spring on the Swiss Intakt label. Rather than pure, collective spontaneous-composition, the trio works from compositions written for improvisers. This is their first appearance at our music series."; event.url = "http://www.ochs.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "April 3, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Manring Kassin Darter"; event.notes = "'Bach meets Monk, meets Varese, meets Zappa? Manring Kassin Darter tosses colossal musical ideas back and forth as if genres and styles didn't exist.' - Ernie Rideout, Keyboard Magazine
Our series of concerts featuring three-name ensembles that perform composed and improvised music, continues with this trio that combines the influences of jazz, classical, rock, folk, avant-garde and world music with a dose of silliness and virtuoso musicianship.
Michael Manring has been hailed as 'the world's greatest electric bassist.' Larry Kassin's flute was featured with Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek and beat poetry legend Michael McClure on their new CD, 'There's A Word!' and dazzling pianist Tom Darter's compositions 'make one leap for joy!' according to one Chicago reviewer."; event.url = "http://www.mkdmusic.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "April 23, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Chirgilchin, Stephen Kent, Danny Heines, Sarymai Urchimaev"; event.notes = "Chirgilchin is the cream of the crop of today's younger generation of Tuvan throat singers and are the current champions of the Tuvan national throat singing competition. Tonight they team up with dijeridu master Stephen Kent (founder of Trance Mission), virtuoso guitarist Danny Heines (who has forged new directions in world music by combining folk music from Eastern Europe to Africa) and Sarymai Urchimaev, who plays all the traditional instruments from his central Asian Republic of Altai and imitates and interprets the sounds of animals and birds.
The performance, called 'Karashay', will feature various combinations from solo to full ensemble, creating a myriad of fresh, new sounds.
Tuvan throat singing involves a singer being able to sing 3 or 4 notes at once. Don't miss this opportunity to hear these amazing sounds in our acoustically ideal hall."; event.url = "http://www.tarbagan.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 1, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Larry Karush"; event.notes = "With roots in jazz, 20th century western music, African based percussion and the music of North India, pianist Larry Karush has performed in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to the Purple Onion to around the world. He has performed jazz with John Abercrombie, Eddie Gomez and Oregon, world music with Kanai Dutta, Francisco Aguabella and Glen Velez and new music with Steve Reich. He has recorded on the ECM, Vanguard, Inner City and NAXOS labels and has received commissions from the NEA, the NY Foundation for the Arts and a Guggenheim Fellowship. 'Karush draws together such disparate elements as bluegrass, banjo, stride, tinges of Erik Satie, boogie-woogie, country and the blues. But his own vision, one of the most fascinating in jazz, remains constant.' LA Times
Tonight's concert is entitled Jazz at the Root and features new compositions and improvisations commissioned by the city of Los Angeles."; event.url = "http://www.larrykarush.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 8, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The Crooked Jades and Los Cenzontles"; event.notes = "American and Mexican traditional music meet in a multi-cultural cinco de mayo celebration.
Old-Time Americana string band The Crooked Jades join Los Cenzontles (in a rare SF appearance) for an evening of traditional music, recreated and reinvented for modern timesÉ tradition with attitude.
Playing an eclectic array of vintage instruments, the Crooked Jades perform driving dance tunes and haunting ballads, influenced by old-time music from the pre-radio era.
Los Cenzontles play their own crooked brand of Mexican folk music, from tropical Sones Jarochos of Veracruz (presented with dance and percussion) to haunting Pirecuas of Indigenous Michoacan (sung in Purepecha), Sones de Mariachi and upbeat rancheras sung in the popular dueto style. www.crookedjades.com www.cenzontles.com"; event.url = "http://www.crookedjades.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 22, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:00 PM"; event.title = "Gamelan Sekar Jaya performs Music and Dance from Bali: Bronze and Bamboo at the Dance Palace, 5th and B Streets in Point Reyes Station"; event.notes = "At the Dance Palace, 5th and B Streets in Point Reyes Station
The twenty-member ensemble known internationally as 'the finest Balinese Gamelan Orchestra outside of Indonesia,' performs a concert filled with the glistening sonorities of its bronze and bamboo ensembles and the expressive intensity of Balinese dance. The shows will be directed by outstanding Balinese artists in residence, composer I Nyoman Windha and dancer/choreographer I gusti Agung Warsiki, and will feature traditional works as well as new pieces created for Gamelan Sekar Jaya. Note: Concert will be at the Dance Palace, 5th and B Streets in Point Reyes Station"; event.url = "http://www.gsj.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 5, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Leni Stern w/George Brooks - CD release"; event.notes = "Selected five times as Gibson 'female guitarist of the year,' the German-born, New York-based, Leni Stern celebrates the West Coast release of 'When Evening Falls'. This CD draws upon her travels to Kenya, India and New Orleans and is her most cohesive singer/songwriter album to date. Leni first gained international recognition in her trio with guitar great Bill Frisell and drummer Paul Motian. Eight years ago she started adding jazz vocal stylings to her stunning guitar improvisations. For this performance she will be joined by her New York-based trio, plus the great jazz/world music saxophonist George Brooks."; event.url = "http://www.lenistern.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 11, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Jewels and Binoculars"; event.notes = "Led by the American-born, multi-reed master Michael Moore, this lyrical, jazz-based trio from Amsterdam takes on the formidable task of instrumentally interpreting the music of Bob Dylan. What results is a remarkable uncovering of harmonic and textural features, a use of tension and release and a discovery of spontaneous melodic ideas never heard before in Dylan's music. Launching musical ideas and improvisations off of the relatively simple musical forms, the trio has a breathtaking ability to surprise, inspire and delight, elevating the music from beyond a simple tribute to an imaginative reinterpretation. One reviewer hailed their first (2000) recording as 'without qualification, a classic of the new century.' This is their first West Coast tour."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 12, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The Palm Wine Boys"; event.notes = "Acoustic folk and West African palm wine music blend together to make up the mellow, rhythmic sound of the Palm Wine Boys. With intertwining guitars, simple catchy rhythms and gorgeous harmonies, the 4-piece ensemble sets a laid-back, yet very rhythmic, toe-tapping mood."; event.url = "http://www.palmwineboys.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 19, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "An evening with Hawaiian slack-key guitar greats Cyril Pahinui & Patrick Landeza"; event.notes = "Three-time Hawaiian Grammy (Na Hoku Hanohano) award winner, Cyril Pahinui combines his Hawaiian music roots with a jazz-influenced rhythmic approach. His musical intelligence, incredible ear and great technique have made him one of Hawaii's most respected and beloved performers. Patrick Landeza studied with slack-key masters Raymond Kane and George Kuo and in 1995 and 1996 was the only mainland performer invited to the Ki ho 'alu fest, the granddaddy of all slack key events. With his sweet vocals, distinctive style and sense of tradition he is an essential part of the renaissance in traditional Hawaiian music.
Slack key guitar started when Mexican and Spanish cowboys brought guitars to Hawaii in the 1830's. The Hawaiian cowboys or paniolo adopted the instrument into their culture calling it ki ho 'alu or 'loosen the key'."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 26, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The San Francisco Klezmer Experience in a CD release concert"; event.notes = "Created by violinist Daniel Hoffman, the SFKE celebrates the wild and passionate essence of klezmer with modern sensibilities, virtuoso musicianship and a great sense of humor. Combining Yiddish folk and art songs with klezmer and improvisational jazz, the SFKE has performed with the San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas, and The American Conservatory Theater."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 10, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "We celebrate Bastille Day with The Baguette Quartet"; event.notes = "French chanteuse/accordionist Odile Levault performed in the streets and cafes of Paris before moving to the Bay Area twelve years ago and forming the Baguette Quartette, the only ensemble in North America exclusively dedicated to performing Parisian cafe music from the 1920's, 30's and 40's. The quartet's repertoire includes the popular dances of that era: valse musette, java, tango, fox trot, paso doble and marches, plus French chansons. Lavault introduces the music in her beguiling English, transporting the audiences back to the tiny alleys of Paris."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 30, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Rachel Grimes (from Rachel's) plus Brightblack"; event.notes = "Pianist Rachel Grimes (from the cinematic/ambient rock band Rachel's) will perform solo in an evening of intimate music by Chopin, Debussy, Joplin, Ellington, Bjork and Rachel's. The band Rachel's was best described by indie-guru Steve Albini as 'part movie, part soundsculpture, part lush romantic porch song... If you didn't know better you'd think it was modern classical or experimental chamber music.' Founding member Rachel Grimes' compositions and playing form the backbone of the ensemble, and as one reviewer stated, 'Grimes' piano is peerlessly beautiful as this chamber-music big-band seems to glide as its bow breaks through crashing waves without ever breaking its beautiful gait.'
The 'whiskeygospel trio' Brightblack opens the evening with their chunky, folk-blues flavored sliding harmonies and laid back melodies.
www.thebrightblackmorninglight.com"; event.url = "http://www.rachelsband.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$12"; event.regdoorprice = "$14"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 31, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Box Set Duo plus Hyim"; event.notes = "Our favorite harmony folk-rock duo returns to their favorite venue for an evening of tight, impeccable harmonies, intelligent lyrics, infectious hooks and exciting musical surprises. Having recorded both of their Live Duo CDs at our venue, Jim Brunberg and Jeff Pehrson have packed clubs and concert halls all over the west for the past twelve years, leading critics to compare their sound with 'the best work of David Crosby and Graham Nash.'
The fast rising hip-hop, singer/songwriter Hyim opens the show. 'This blend of pathos and humor, soulful voice and mournful piano, and urban grief and folk optimism makes for a very inspiring listen. Add in poetic, socially conscious lyrics set against a frequently lush and exotic backdrop of Cuban son, calypso blues, hip-hop and rock and it's hard to deny the spiritual spell Hyim weaves into his music.' - SF Bay Guardian
www.hyimvibe.com"; event.url = "http://www.boxset.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "August 7, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Shana Morrison & Band"; event.notes = "With her great blues/rock voice and a style that adds r&b, country and jazz to the mix, Shana Morrison has electrified audiences from Europe to the U.S. Following her 2002 Vanguard Records release, 7 Wishes, Shana started to receive the recognition she deserved, recently opening shows for Lyle Lovett, Joe Cocker, Michael MacDonald, John Hyatt, and Keb 'Mo. She has appeared on the BBC, A&E, VH-1, the Oxygen channel and Howard Stern's show, and has also been featured in Rolling Stone and Interview magazines. She performed live at the BRIT Awards when her father (Van) was presented with his lifetime achievement award. With her 'smooth, elastic voice and a style that lands between jazz chanteuse and rock chick' (Rolling Stone Magazine), Shana appears tonight with her acoustic band."; event.url = "http://www.shanamorrison.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$12"; event.regdoorprice = "$14"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "August 28, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Terry Riley & Larry Karush"; event.notes = "Two of America's greatest composers perform solo on piano (& voice) and together. One of the most influential composers of the last 50 years, Terry Riley launched the minimalist movement with his revolutionary piece, In C.
Based on interlocking patterns, echoes of his music were subsequently heard in the compositions of Philip Glass, Steve Reich, John Adams and rock groups such as The Who, Tangerine Dream and Curved Air. He has penned 13 compositions for the Kronos Quartet. The Times of London listed him as 'one of the 1000 makers of the 20th century.'
With roots in jazz, contemporary classical, African based percussion and the music of North India, pianist Larry Karush has performed around the world, in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to the Purple Onion. He has performed jazz with John Abercrombie, Eddie Gomez and Oregon, world music with Kanai Dutta, Francisco Aguabella and Glen Velez and new music with Steve Reich.
www.larrykarush.com"; event.url = "http://www.terryriley.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "September 18, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "'Dance When You're Broken Open', a poetry concert with Jami Sieber, Kim Rosen, Michaelle Goerlitz & Rhiannon"; event.notes = "Cellist Jami Sieber, poet Kim Rosen, percussionist Michealle Goerlitz and special guest, vocalist Rhiannon perform in an evening exploring the interplay of poetry and music. Weaving the poems of modern and classical poets with original, dynamic and spontaneous music, they focus on an equal relationship between the artforms rather than the traditional approach in which the music is background to the poem.
Electric cellist and vocalist Jami Sieber, an internationally recognized pioneer of her instrument, was winner of the NAMA Award for Best Rock Instrumentalist (no easy feat for a cellist). Poet/performance artist Kim Rosen has performed all over the U.S. in venues ranging from lockdown facilities to concert halls and Michaelle Goerlitz is featured in 'Wild Mangoes.' After much too long of an absence, the extraordinary vocalist/performance artist Rhiannon returns to our venue where she has been featured with performers such as Bobby McFerrin and SoVoSo."; event.url = "http://www.kimrosen.net/"; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 2, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The California Guitar Trio"; event.notes = "With their breathtaking technical wizardry and wide range of repertoire, the CGT performs everything from unique originals to dazzling, cleverly arranged versions of jazz, classical music and surf rock. Consisting of Bert Lams (from Belgium), Hideyo Moriya (from Japan) and Paul Richards (from Utah), this trio's 'astonishing synergy and overall sense of purpose serves as the core paradigm for this unique, superfine effort' says Downbeat Magazine. The trio met while studying under guitar legend Robert Fripp and joined Fripp's 'League of Crafty Guitars'. In 1995 they toured with King Crimson and are frequent collaborators with Crimson members drummer Paul Mastelotto and bassist Tony Levin."; event.url = "http://www.cgtrio.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 9, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The Incredible String Band-only Bay Area concert! Plus Espers"; event.notes = "With their cerebral acoustic-based music featuring a skewed mixture of bluegrass and Celtic folk, the Incredible String Band burst onto the music scene in 1966 with their masterpiece album '5000 Spirits', one of the top 25 recordings of all time, according to David Bowie. Six months later, with the hit release of 'The HangmanÕs Beautiful Daughter,' The ISB was propelled to the top of the British album charts, behind The Beatles, Cream and The Rolling Stones. Double bills with groups such as Pink Floyd helped their crossover to rock audiences and luminaries such as John Lennon, Mick Jagger and Robert Plant acknowledged their influence. In 1969, they appeared at Woodstock and were the subject of Peter Neal's film for the BBC, 'Be Glad for the Song Has No Ending.' By the time the band broke up in the mid 70s, they had released 12 albums on the Elektra and Island labels. With interest in the band renewed, due to the 25th anniversary of Woodstock, they started touring again, headlining at The Royal Festival Hall and Fairport Convention's Cropredy festival. Their Elektra albums were reissued on CD, outselling the rest of the Elektra catalogue, and once again influencing artists from Robert Plant, who called them 'an inspiration and a sign' to Simpson's creator Matt Groening, who based his 'Futurama' series on the ISB's song 'Robot Blues' from their U album.
The present version of ISB features founders Mike Heron (guitars, keyboard and vocals), Clive Palmer (banjo, guitars and vocals) and new addition Lawson (keyboards, guitars, percussion, harmonium and vocals). We are proud to host their first Bay Area concert in 30 years! The popular Phildelphia-based band Espers will open."; event.url = "http://www.incrediblestringband.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$20"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 16, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The Poetry of Donald Rumsfeld and Other Fresh American Art Songs"; event.notes = "Set to music by San Francisco composer/pianist Bryant Kong, The Poetry of Donald Rumsfeld is an unusual and timely set of songs whose lyrics are direct quotes from the Defense Secretary's Pentagon briefings and other interviews. Performed by soprano Elender Wall, with Kong on piano, these songs are attracting worldwide attention, with coverage and reviews of their CD by The Associated Press, CNN, NPR's Morning Addition, the SF Chronicle, the BBC and other TV, radio and print media throughout the world. These songs (as well as the others that will be performed) are an expression of Kong's goal to update classical music and make it accessible to a broader audience. This performance will help launch 'Faze II' of their 'Weapons of Mass Distraction Tour.'"; event.url = "http://www.stuffedpenguin.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 29, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Celebration of the music of Phil Ochs with SONiA of disappear fear, Greg Greenway, Magpie, Kim & Reggie Harris, Pat Humphries & Sandy O, David Roth, Tom Prasada-Rao, John Flynn, hosted by Sonny Ochs. With Special Guest Eric Anderson."; event.notes = "..."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 6, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Peter Lang, Dale Miller, and Teja Gerken"; event.notes = "Discovered by guitar legend John Fahey in 1972, Peter Lang was signed to Fahey's Takoma records label and released his first recording 'The Thing at the Nursery Room Window' later that year. His next recording was a joint effort entitled 'Fahey, Lang and (Leo) Kotke' which went on to top the Billboard FM charts and become the label's best-selling album. After 1978 Lang stopped touring and recording, resurfacing in 2002 with 'Dharma Blues', hailed as a 'dazzling sampling of his polyglot blues/folk/improv picking' by The Star Tribune. This is his first Bay Area concert in 25 years!
Known for his exquisite solo guitar arrangements of Ragtime, Jazz and popular melodies, Dale Miller became the best-selling artist on the Kicking Mule Records label in the 70s. Recently returning to recording, he released the critically acclaimed set of jazz standards, 'Both of Me' and 'Azzurro Verdi,' a CD of opera arias arranged for guitar.
Guitar wizard Teja Gerken, known for his use of alternate tunings, right hand tapping and percussive effects, has been hailed as 'a fine technical player' by Dirty Linen magazine. Performing everything from jazz standards to traditional Irish music, Gerken has also written several books about guitar."; event.url = "http://www.dalemiller.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 12, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Tango No. 9 with the Tango Con*Fusion Dancers"; event.notes = "With original members Catherine Clune (violin), Greg Stephens (trombone), Joshua Raoul Brody (piano) and new accordionist Isabel Douglass, Tango No. 9 is joined by the adventurous dance quintet Tango Con*Fusion for an exciting collaboration celebrating Argentina's classic art form. Beginning as a tribute band to Astor Piazzolla, Tango No. 9 has since expanded their repertoire to include traditional tango, waltz and milonga, performing to rave reviews all over the west coast.
Tango Con*Fusion is a collaboration of five professional tango dancer/teachers (Christy Cote, Chelsea Eng, Debbie Goodwin, Michelle Loughlin & Pier Voulkos) with extensive backgrounds in contemporary and classical dance.
Pushing Argentine Tango beyond its traditional boundaries, this ensemble creates a fusion of genres within their choreograph."; event.url = "http://www.tangonumber9.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "December 4, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Mamadou Diabate with Walter Strauss"; event.notes = "'Mamadou Diabate just makes brilliant music...' -The Miami New Times
Mamadou Diabate is a master of the kora, a 21 stringed West African harp. From a long line of jelis (the West African musician caste) in Mali, Mamadou's musical lineage goes back seven centuries. He is an adventurous composer and virtuoso who combines the traditional with all manner of musical styles, having performed with jazz luminaries Donald Byrd and Randy Weston, blues masters Eric Bibb and Guy Davis and Zimbabwean legend Thomas Mapfumo.
Performing with Mamadou is acoustic guitar innovator Walter Strauss, whose percussive and orchestral fingerstyle approach brings a new and stirring voice to a familiar instrument. Together they create an intimate and magical experience, spanning several centuries and continents."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "December 11, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "A Chanukah celebration with Davka"; event.notes = "With their Middle-Eastern, Ashkenazi Jazz sound, 'Davka does with Jewish motives what Bela Bartok does with traditional Hungarian motives. The result is impressive.' - Ha'aretz
Our annual Hanukah celebration (complete with Menorah lighting) features this virtuoso chamber-quartet with Daniel Hoffman (violin), Moses Sedler (cello), Kevin Mummy (percussion) and Paul Hanson (bassoon). Combining the musical influences of Klezmer, Middle-Eastern/Sephardic, Western classical and American jazz and pop, this innovative band has performed throughout the US, Canada, Europe and Israel and records on John Zorn's Tzadik label."; event.url = "http://www.davkamusic.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "December 18, 2004"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "A Celtic Christmas Concert with Todd Denman, Kyle Thayer & friends"; event.notes = "Continuing what started as a family tradition, we present our annual reflection on peace, community and the true meaning of the season. With poetry, storytelling and Celtic music, this group of performers features Todd Denman (hailed as 'a master of Uilleann pipes and whistle' by Dublin's Irish music magazine), guitarist, vocalist, poet and storyteller Kyle Thayer, vocalist/fiddler Erin Shrader and more."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 8, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Ramblin' Jack Elliott plus Sonia"; event.notes = "Now at the pinnacle of his lengthy career, the legendary troubadour/storyteller once again starts our concert year. Jack's 'South Coast' recording won the Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album and later that year he received the National Medal of Arts award and was honored with a dinner at the White House. Recently, the award-winning documentary film 'The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack' introduced a new generation to his timeless music and yarns.
The inspiring, Glama award-winning singer/songwriter Sonia (of disappear fear fame) will open the performance."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 15, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Manring Kassin Darter"; event.notes = "'Bach meets Monk, meets Varese, meets Zappa? Manring Kassin Darter tosses colossal musical ideas back and forth as if genres and styles didn't exist.' - Ernie Rideout, Keyboard Magazine
Michael Manring has been hailed as 'the world's greatest electric bassist.' Larry Kassin's flute was featured with Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek and beat poetry legend Michael McClure on their CD, 'There's A Word!' and dazzling pianist Tom Darter's compositions 'make one leap for joy!' according to one Chicago reviewer. Together this trio combines the influences of jazz, classical, rock, folk, avant-garde and world music with a dose of silliness and virtuoso musicianship."; event.url = "http://www.mkdmusic.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 22, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Box Set Duo plus Corinne West w/James Nash (from the Waybacks)"; event.notes = "With their soaring harmonies, intelligent lyrics and infectious hooks, the acoustic duo version of Box Set has led critics to compare their sound to 'the best work of David Crosby and Graham Nash.' Jim Brunberg and Jeff Pehrson return to their favorite venue (where they have recorded two live albums) after packing clubs all over the west coast."; event.url = "http://www.boxset.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 3, 2005"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "Bill Frisell's 858 Quartet featuring Hank Roberts, Eyvind Kang & Jenny Scheinman
NOTE: This concert will be held at The Raven Theater, 151 North Street, Healdsburg"; event.notes = "'Frisell is, without a doubt, the single most important guitarist in jazz, a genius who is going to have the kind of influence on his instrument Jimi Hendrix and Wes Mongomery had before him.' The Seattle Times
'It's hard to find a more fruitful meditation on American music than in the compositions of Bill Frisell.' The New York Times
We welcome one of the true giants of American music to our intimate venue. On his many albums and film soundtracks, Bill Frisell has demonstrated, as both composer and guitarist, a mastery for combining far flung musical influences both familiar and obscure. The result is a great, new music that is deep, yet enjoyable, groundbreaking yet accessible. His most recent recording, 'Unspeakable' (which features the 858 Quartet, among others) was just nominated for a Grammy award in the Contemporary Jazz category. Frisell formed The 858 Quartet (with Jenny Scheinman on violin, Eyvind Kang on viola and Hank Roberts on cello) to perform a commissioned work inspired by the paintings of German artist Gerhard Richter. This piece, along with literary responses to Richter's work by various writers and poets, is featured in a book released in conjunction with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. We celebrate our 24th anniversary with these special performances."; event.url = "http://www.zebulonslounge.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 4, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:00 PM"; event.title = "Bill Frisell's 858 Quartet featuring Hank Roberts, Eyvind Kang & Jenny Scheinman
NOTE: This concert will be held at The First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley"; event.notes = "'Frisell is, without a doubt, the single most important guitarist in jazz, a genius who is going to have the kind of influence on his instrument Jimi Hendrix and Wes Mongomery had before him.' The Seattle Times
'It's hard to find a more fruitful meditation on American music than in the compositions of Bill Frisell.' The New York Times
We welcome one of the true giants of American music to our intimate venue. On his many albums and film soundtracks, Bill Frisell has demonstrated, as both composer and guitarist, a mastery for combining far flung musical influences both familiar and obscure. The result is a great, new music that is deep, yet enjoyable, groundbreaking yet accessible. His most recent recording, 'Unspeakable' (which features the 858 Quartet, among others) was just nominated for a Grammy award in the Contemporary Jazz category. Frisell formed The 858 Quartet (with Jenny Scheinman on violin, Eyvind Kang on viola and Hank Roberts on cello) to perform a commissioned work inspired by the paintings of German artist Gerhard Richter. This piece, along with literary responses to Richter's work by various writers and poets, is featured in a book released in conjunction with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. We celebrate our 24th anniversary with these special performances. $25 general/$20 students with I.D."; event.url = "http://www.billfrisell.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$25"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 4, 2005"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "We present The 6th Annual San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival:
Rafe Stefanini, The Shiftless Rounders, Kenny Hall & the Long Haul String Band"; event.notes = ""; event.url = "http://www.sfbluegrass.org/"; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 5, 2005"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM and 9:30pm"; event.title = "Bill Frisell's 858 Quartet featuring Hank Roberts, Eyvind Kang & Jenny Scheinman"; event.notes = "'Frisell is, without a doubt, the single most important guitarist in jazz, a genius who is going to have the kind of influence on his instrument Jimi Hendrix and Wes Mongomery had before him.' The Seattle Times
'It's hard to find a more fruitful meditation on American music than in the compositions of Bill Frisell.' The New York Times
We welcome one of the true giants of American music to our intimate venue. On his many albums and film soundtracks, Bill Frisell has demonstrated, as both composer and guitarist, a mastery for combining far flung musical influences both familiar and obscure. The result is a great, new music that is deep, yet enjoyable, groundbreaking yet accessible. His most recent recording, 'Unspeakable' (which features the 858 Quartet, among others) was just nominated for a Grammy award in the Contemporary Jazz category. Frisell formed The 858 Quartet (with Jenny Scheinman on violin, Eyvind Kang on viola and Hank Roberts on cello) to perform a commissioned work inspired by the paintings of German artist Gerhard Richter. This piece, along with literary responses to Richter's work by various writers and poets, is featured in a book released in conjunction with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. We celebrate our 24th anniversary with these special performances."; event.url = "http://www.billfrisell.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$25"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 11, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "We present The 6th Annual San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival:
John Reischman & The Jaybirds, Due West"; event.notes = ""; event.url = "http://www.sfbluegrass.org/"; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 12, 2005"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "We present The 6th Annual San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival:
Jackstraw, Crooked Still, Matt Bauer"; event.notes = ""; event.url = "http://www.sfbluegrass.org/"; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 19, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "We present The 6th Annual San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival:
The Peter Rowan / Tony Rice Quartet, The Greencards"; event.notes = ""; event.url = "http://www.sfbluegrass.org/"; event.regadvprice = "$25"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 26, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "kanjira/percussion master Ganesh Kumar & Ensemble"; event.notes = ""; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "April 16, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Maria Marquez with John Santos & Larry Vukovich"; event.notes = "While her vocal gifts echo those of Edith Piaf and Nina Simone, Maria's approach blurs the lines between jazz and world music. Perhaps Billboard Magazine described it best: 'Those who have swooned over the classic boleros of such Buena Vista Social Club linchpins as Ibrahim Ferrer and Omar Portuondo will probably lose it when they hear this Venezuelan singer Maria Marquez.'
For this special performance she will be accompanied by two masters of Jazz and Latin Jazz: Larry Vukovich on piano and John Santos on percussion, plus Buca Necak on acoustic bass, for a tribute to some of the greatest Latin American composers of out time in an evening entitled The Latin American Songbook. 'If Maria Marquez's voice were a tropical beverage, it would be rum of a dense amber tone, with hints of chocolate and tobacco on the palate, taken straight up.' - Mark Holston, Jazziz"; event.url = "http://www.mariamarquez.org/"; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 7, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Gamelan Sekar Jaya"; event.notes = "The 30 member ensemble, known internationally as 'the finest gamelan orchestra outside of Indonesia' performs a concert filled with the glistening sonorities of its bronze and bamboo ensembles and the expressive intensity of Balinese dance. The shows will be directed by outstanding Balinese artists-in-residence, composer I Made Terip and dancer I Wayan Budiarasa. In addition to traditional works, this performance will feature the world premiere of a new dance piece with music by Terip and choreography by Budiarasa commissioned by Gamelan Sekar Jaya. Don't miss this opportunity to hear this glorious music in our intimate concert hall!"; event.url = "http://www.gsj.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 14, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:00 PM"; event.title = "NOTE VENUE: At The Dance Palace in Pt. Reyes Station -- Gamelan Sekar Jaya"; event.notes = "The 30 member ensemble, known internationally as 'the finest gamelan orchestra outside of Indonesia' performs a concert filled with the glistening sonorities of its bronze and bamboo ensembles and the expressive intensity of Balinese dance. The shows will be directed by outstanding Balinese artists-in-residence, composer I Made Terip and dancer I Wayan Budiarasa. In addition to traditional works, this performance will feature the world premiere of a new dance piece with music by Terip and choreography by Budiarasa commissioned by Gamelan Sekar Jaya. Don't miss this opportunity to hear this glorious music in our intimate concert hall! -- Tickets for this performance are available at ZUMA 11265 Hwy 1 in Pt. Reyes Station as well as our other usual outlets."; event.url = "http://www.gsj.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 21, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Marley's Ghost -- only Bay Area concert"; event.notes = "Combining English folk roots with Jamaican reggae, gospel, country, R&B, Cajun and Scottish bagpipe tunes, Marley's Ghost has been one of the most popular folk roots bands over the last 15 years. Hailed by critics as 'the one band folk festival,' they will be celebrating the upcoming release of their eighth CD, Spooked, produced by Van Dyke Parks. The band features Tony nominated Danny Wheetman on guitar, fiddle bass banjo and harmonica, Jon Wilcox on mandolin, guitar and bouzouki, Ed Littlefield Jr. (formerly of the swing band, Lance Romance) on guitars, dobro, pedal steel guitar & bagpipes and honey-voiced Michael Phelan on guitars, dobro and fiddle."; event.url = "http://www.sagearts.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 29, 2005"; event.eventTime = "7:00 PM"; event.title = "Crooked Still, Jeff Kazor & The Swerve Beats"; event.notes = "The hit of this year's SF Bluegrass & Old Time Festival, (they sold over 50 CDs at their Feb. 12th Noe Valley concert!), Crooked Still has been hailed as 'the most important folk group to emerge from Boston since the early 60s' by the Boston Globe. With the blazing, virtuoso accompaniment of Rushad Eggleston on cello, Gregory Liszt on banjo, Corey DiMario on bass and the hauntingly, silky voiced Aoiefa O'Donovan, the band somehow intertwines traditional American songs with shades of Ricky Lee Jones & The Cowboy Junkies.
A new band from Crooked Jades' leader Jeff Kazor, The Swerve Beats play old time music with a vintage Hawaiian and country spin. Adding ukulele, Hawaiian slide and marimba to the usual compliment of guitar, banjo and fiddle, the band features Erik Pearson, Kurt Stevenson and Megan Adie. This unusual Sunday night concert should not be missed!"; event.url = "http://www.crookedstill.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 10, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Tango No. 9 - concert / dance performance & tango lesson / dance party"; event.notes = "Tango No.9 and special guest dancers Christy Cote & Darren Lees and Chelsea Eng & Andrew Conway, will be featured in an evening that will start with a one-hour concert & dance performance, followed by an intro Tango lesson and milonga (dance party). With original members Catherine Clune (violin), Greg Stephens (trombone), Joshua Raoul Brody (piano) and new accordionist Isabel Douglass, Tango No. 9 is joined by some of the Bay Area's premiere tango dancer/instructors in an exciting collaboration celebrating Argentina's classic art form. Beginning as attribute band to Astor Piazzolla, Tango No. 9 has expanded their repertoire to include traditional tango, waltz and milonga, performing to rave reviews all over the West Coast"; event.url = "http://www.tangonumber9.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 11, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:00 PM"; event.title = "NOTE VENUE: At The Dance Palace in Pt. Reyes Station -- Tango No. 9 - concert / dance performance & tango lesson / dance party"; event.notes = "Tango No.9 and special guest dancers Christy Cote & Darren Lees and Chelsea Eng & Andrew Conway, will be featured in an evening that will start with a one-hour concert & dance performance, followed by an intro Tango lesson and milonga (dance party). With original members Catherine Clune (violin), Greg Stephens (trombone), Joshua Raoul Brody (piano) and new accordionist Isabel Douglass, Tango No. 9 is joined by some of the Bay Area's premiere tango dancer/instructors in an exciting collaboration celebrating Argentina's classic art form. Beginning as attribute band to Astor Piazzolla, Tango No. 9 has expanded their repertoire to include traditional tango, waltz and milonga, performing to rave reviews all over the West Coast. -- Tickets for this performance are available at ZUMA 11265 Hwy 1 in Pt. Reyes Station as well as our other usual outlets."; event.url = "http://www.tangonumber9.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 11, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Za'atar - music of the Jews of Arab and Muslim lands"; event.notes = "Za'atar is an 8-piece ensemble performing traditional devotional and social music of the Jewish communities of the Near East and North Africa. Presenting this music with traditional instruments such as the oud, kanoun (Near Eastern lap harp), ney (end-blown cane flute) and frame drum as well as violins and bass guitar, Za'atar's music combines driving, infectious rhythms, lush Eastern melodies and both contemplative and ecstatic religious expression, highlighting the cultural heritage shared by Jews, Arabs, Muslims and Christians of the Near East."; event.url = "http://www.zaatar.web.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 2, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "CUARTETO DOS ALAS with John Santos, Orestes Vilato, Elio Villafranca & John Benitez"; event.notes = "This exciting new group featuring four contemporary Latin jazz greats, plays music steeped in the classic Afro Caribbean traditions of Cuba and Puerto Rico through a contemporary jazz perspective. Cuban pianist Elio Villafranca and Puerto Rican bassist John Benitez currently reside in New York City, while percussionists Orestes Vilato (from Cuba) and Machete Ensemble founder/director John Santos (who is of Puerto Rican/Cape Verdean descent) are Bay Area residents. Between them, they have played with many of the greatest names in jazz and Latin music including Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Eddie Palmieri, Cachao, Max Roach, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, Mongo Santamaria and Carlos Santana and have received numerous Grammy awards and nominations.
The name Dos Alas comes from a quote from Cuban martyr Jose Marti 'Cuba y Puerto Rico son de un pajaro las dos alas.' -'Cuba and Puerto Rico are two wings of the same bird.'"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 9, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "We celebrate Bastille Day with Baguette Quartette"; event.notes = "French Chanteuse/accordionist Odile Levault performed in the streets and cafes of Paris before moving to the Bay Area thirteen years ago and forming the Baguette Quartette, the only ensemble in North America exclusively dedicated to performing Parisian cafe music from the 1920s, 30s & 40s. The quartet's repertoire includes the popular dances of the era: valse musette, java, tango, fox trot, paso doble and marches plus French chansons. Lavault introduces the music in her beguiling English, transporting the audiences back to the tiny alleys of Paris."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 16, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Kora (African Harp) master Prince Diabate & Band"; event.notes = "Born into a prominent family of griots (oral historians) in Guinea West Africa, Prince Diabate learned to play the kora (the traditional 21-stringed harp/lute) when he was five years old. At sixteen he won the international kora competition held in Ivory Coast and was hailed as 'Prince of the kora.' Recognized throughout the world as one of the great masters of the instrument, he has toured in Africa, Europe and Canada and tonight makes a rare San Francisco appearance. While sometimes playing traditional kora music, he also fuses the old with the new, and has amazed reviewers with his 'Jimi Hendrix' kora style, characterized by a lightning-quick, percussive technique. Accompanying him will be an ensemble featuring balafon (West African xylophone) and percussion, in an evening of rhythmic traditional and contemporary music from West Africa.
'Prince Diabate is clearly a masterful kora player with the capacity to extract an astonishing array of sounds and melodies from his utterly unique instrument.' - Don Heckman, L.A. Times"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 23, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Adrian Legg - Only Bay Area concert"; event.notes = "'He's simply the best acoustic guitar player I've ever heard.' - Joe Satriani
One of the world's greatest finger-style guitarists, Great Britain's Adrian Legg makes his first San Francisco appearance in many years. Voted Best Finger-style Guitarist four years straight by the readers of Guitar Player magazine and Acoustic Guitarist of the Decade by England's Guitarist magazine, the Boston Globe hailed his live performances for their 'technical brilliance paired with a troubadour's tale-weaving skill.' He has toured with Richard Thompson, David Lindley, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and as part of the G3 tour with Satriani, Johnson and Steve Vai. Tonight he celebrates the release of his ninth CD, 'Inheritance' on the Favored Nations label. Any fan of acoustic guitar should not miss this concert!"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 30, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Box Set Duo"; event.notes = "With their soaring harmonies, intelligent lyrics and infectious hooks, the acoustic duo version of Box Set has led critics to compare their sound to 'the best work of David Crosby and Graham Nash.' Jim Brunberg and Jeff Pehrson return to their favorite venue (where they recorded two live CDs) after packing clubs all over the West Coast."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "August 20, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "A benefit for The Writing Center with: JEFFREY HALFORD & the Healers -- Plus: THE PINE BOX BOYS"; event.notes = "Singer/songwriter Jeffrey Halford will showcase songs from his acclaimed Railbirds album in a rare acoustic performance to benefit The Writing Center, a non-profit center that helps San Francisco students ages 8-18 to develop their writing skills.
Jeffrey Halford has been touring the country with his band The Healers for the last 15 years, playing alongside the likes of Taj Mahal, Los Lobos, Etta James, The Radiators, Robert Earl Keen, John Hammond, Dave Alvin and Guy Clark. His music is truly original: part roots, part rock n' roll with a pinch of country fried blues. 'Halford has a storyteller's eye for detail, and a rootsy guitar ethic that can quickly surge into a loud wail. Merle and Fogarty would be proud of Halford's rootsy rock.' - NY Times
The Pine Box Boys have been pickin' and hollerin' at Bay Area audiences for about two years. Their music is a blend of Americana and bluegrass, often with very dark overtones. Note: this is not your grandfather's bluegrass band."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "August 27, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "An evening of superb jazz vocals with NATASHA MILLER & Basie band vocalist JAMIE DAVIS"; event.notes = "'There is something quite unique and special about Natasha's singing and performances. It's called magic and comes from a most wonderful combination of talent, ability and, most importantly, HEART!' -Opera diva, Frederica von Stade
There is spunk and soul coming from Natasha Miller's instrument - a voice that one minute leaves you with intense longing, then turns you around and inspires you to jump up and clap your hands. Hers is the innate gift of being able to feel the special magic of a song and summon the listener to the same experience. Tonight she celebrates her upcoming CD release.
For five years Jamie Davis was The Count Basie Orchestra's lead vocalist, leaving last year to go out on his own. Starting his musical career singing spirituals in his father's Pentecostal Church, Jamie went on to sing jazz, blues and soul sounds in the style of artists such as Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Lou Rawls and Al Green. He has appeared with such notables as Milt Jackson, Eddie Henderson, Dave Leibman, Melba Moore and Pharaoh Sanders. With his big, rich baritone voice, critics have compared him with Billy Eckstein and Johnny Hartman and, as jazz critic Mike Drew stated in a review in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: 'Jamie Davis proved a worthy successor to the Basie Band's Joe Williams-Jimmy Rushing chair.' This October he will perform with the Harry James Orchestra."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "September 10, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "MAMADOU DIABATE & WALTER STRAUSS"; event.notes = "'Mamadou Diabate just makes brilliant music...' - The Miami New Times
Mamadou Diabate is one of the world's great masters of the kora, a 21 stringed West African harp. From a long line of jelis (the West African musician caste) in Mali, Mamadou's musical lineage goes back seven centuries. He is an adventurous composer and virtuoso who combines the traditional with all manner of musical styles, having performed with jazz luminaries Donald Byrd and Randy Weston, blues masters Eric Bibb and Guy Davis and Zimbabwean legend Thomas Mapfumo.
Acoustic guitar innovator Walter Strauss' percussive and orchestral fingerstyle approach brings a new and stirring voice to a familiar instrument. As evidenced by their previous standing ovation performance at our series last December, Mamadou and Walter create an intimate and magical experience, spanning several centuries and continents."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 8, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Fingerstyle guitarist Brian Gore & flamenco virtuoso Juan Martine at The Dance Palace in Pt. Reyes Station"; event.notes = ""; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 22, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "SLAMMIN all-body band - CD Release Concert"; event.notes = "Combining the electrifying a cappella harmonies of Bryan Dyer, Zoe Ellis, Kenny Washington and Destani Wolf with the beatboxing of Steve Hogan and the innovative body-music/percussion of Keith Terry, this allstar group pushes a cappella outside the box and over the ledge. They bring down the house with their lightning-fast improvisations, incredible harmonies, blazing percussive dance and raucous humor, skillfully revealing how the body can amaze us in the most musical of ways. 'Who needs a boombox, batteries and a CD wallet when you've got your body man? That's the idea Slammin is working with.' - Stefanie Kalem, East Bay Express
"; event.url = "http://www.crosspulse.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 5, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The Stairwell Sisters with Smith & Jones, and Special Guest Keith Terry"; event.notes = "Those pep-steppin, hometown darlings, THE STAIRWELL SISTERS, throw down deep and rowdy old-time stringband music for counterculturalists of every generation. With their new release, Feet All Over the Floor, they add a solid standing of original material that is already winning praise. Stephanie Prausnitz (fiddle) and Evie Ladin (banjo, clogging) are steeped in the old-time repertoire, bringing tunes with just the right chomp and jive to suit the quintet's dynamic feel. Lisa Berman's unique old-timey dobro adds a grit that walks a line through country and blues. Martha Hawthorne (bass) and Sue Sandlin (guitar) motor the band forward with their lock-step rhythm. All of the Sisters sing, and they have a knack for infusing the old music with insatiable energy and soul.
'Vocal prowess with skilled multi-instrumental chops and a hellbent-for-leather attitude' -Old Time Herald
Opening the show is venerable old-time music duo Beverly Smith & Carl Jones, who have backed everyone who's anyone in traditional music. Their duets on fiddle, mandolin, guitar and vocals are stunning. PLUS: Special Guest - Percussionist/Body Musician Keith Terry (Slammin, Crosspulse) will rhythmicate the Stairwell Sisters's final set. Dance Tent!"; event.url = "http://www.stairwellsisters.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 12, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "CASCADA de FLORES "; event.notes = "'Cascada de Flores explores the musical traditions of Mexico and Cuba with grace and sensitivity. The result is rich, delicate and lovely.' - Sing Out! Magazine
Celebrating the diversity of Mexican and Cuban music of the early 1900s, this group features the hypnotic vocals of Arwen Lawrence de Castellanos & Sabra Weber, and the multi-instrumental talents of guitarists Jorge Liceaga and Jorge Mijangos on traditional instruments such as the tres, guitarjon, flute, marimbol (thumb piano) and donkey's jawbone."; event.url = "http://www.cascadadeflores.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "December 3, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "An evening of great singer-songwriters with Eric Andersen & SONiA"; event.notes = "In a career spanning over 30 years, 21 albums and tours all over the world, Eric Andersen has written poignant songs recorded by artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Peter Paul & Mary, Judy Collins, The Grateful Dead, Fairport Convention, Rick Nelson and Francoise Hardy. With her band disappear fear and as a solo performer, SONiA covers the issues of today with the same passion Phil Ochs and Bob Dylan had in the 60s. Her CD 'No Bomb is Smart' was nominated for a Grammy. Together they present a spectrum of meaningful and moving song-writing, too rare and too important not to hear in today's world."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "December 17, 2005"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "We celebrate Hanukah (early) with THE KLEZ- X (formerly The San Francisco Klezmer Experience)"; event.notes = "We present our 10th annual (sort of) Hey Klezmeh! Hanukah Festival with a reunion of virtuoso musicians the SF Chronicle hailed as 'the hottest source for klezmer.'
Founded by DAVKA violinist Daniel Hoffman in 1996, the Klez-X mines the rich depths of klezmer, Yiddish folk and art song and modern jazz, creating a sound that is brilliantly original, yet still rooted in the bedrock of Yiddish musical culture. In addition to Hoffman's soulful violin, this all-star band features multi-reed player Sheldon Brown, trumpeter/cantor Stephen Saxon, trombonist Charlie Seavey, bassist Richard Saunders, percussionist Kevin Mummey and the effervescent, impeccable Yiddish vocals of Jeanette Lewicki. L'Chiam!"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 7, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Ramblin' Jack Elliott"; event.notes = "Our 17th annual beginning of the year treat features the legendary troubadour/storyteller at the pinnacle of his lengthy career. Having won a Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album and receiving the National Medal of Arts award, his legend has spread to new generations with the award-winning documentary film, The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack. We're honored to have this national treasure start another concert year (going on 25) for us."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 14, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Ray Manzarek & Michael McClure --- with Larry Kassin"; event.notes = "The backbone of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, joins one of the seminal poets of the beat (& beyond) era, Michael McClure, for an unforgettable evening of spoken word & music. Flutist (and music series founder) Larry Kassin will join the festivities which will be recorded for an upcoming CD.
This performance is the first in a series of concerts celebrating the 25th year of The Noe Valley Music Series (and its presenting, non-profit organization, San Francisco Live Arts) by bringing back some of the great performers we've had throughout the years!"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 28, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "TANGO No. 9 & Tango Con*Fusion -- Present BEYOND TANGO!"; event.notes = "The Bay Area's favorite tango band, Tango No. 9 joins Tango Con*Fusion, an all woman dance company, to take you on a daring journey beyond the traditional boundaries of Argentine Tango. With Catherine Clune on violin, Joshua Raoul Brody on piano, Greg Stevens on trombone and Isabel Douglas on accordion, Tango No. 9 presents a vibrant and voluptuous accompaniment to the 'Sensuous' (according to the Voice of Dance) gender-bending grace of Chelsea Eng, Christy Cote, Debbie Goodwin and Pier Voulkos, the members of Tango Con*Fusion. 'La dolce vita, indeed!' - SF Bay Guardian"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 3, 2006"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "The 7th Annual San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival -- An evening of local legends with The PAPERMILL CREEK ROUNDERS, KLEPTOGRASS, HIGH COUNTRY -- Please note the 7:30PM start time for Feb. 3 only."; event.notes = "Please note the 7:30PM start time for Feb. 3 only. Our opening Festival night features three Bay Area all star bands. The Papermill Creek Rounders features David Nelson, founder (with Jerry Garcia) of The New Riders of the Purple Sage, Banana (from The Youngbloods), Ed Neff, Paul Shelasky & Paul Knight. Kleptograss is the brainchild of Eric Thompson, an important member of the music scene since forming bands with Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. It features local (and international) heroes Laurie Lewis, Jody Stecher, Paul Shelasky, Scott Nygaard & Suzy Thompson. High Country delivers upbeat excitement with driving rhythm, skillful picking & soulful vocals."; event.url = "http://www.sfbluegrass.org/"; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 4, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The 7th Annual San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival -- PETER ROWAN w/Sharon Gilchrist, Boulder Acoustic Society"; event.notes = "Beginning with his stint as lead singer and guitarist with Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys, to his band Old & In The Way with David Grisman, Jerry Garcia & Vassar Clements through collaborations with Flaco Jimenez and Jerry Douglass, Peter Rowan has been an important and eclectic original voice on the American music scene. For tonight's performance he is joined by mandolin virtuoso Sharon Gilchrist.
With a deep respect for tradition, a passion for innovation and the addition of marimba and ukulele to the usual instruments Boulder Acoustic Society is known for their inventive improvisation, intimate vocals and genre-bending songwriting."; event.url = "http://www.sfbluegrass.org/"; event.regadvprice = "$22"; event.regdoorprice = "$24"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 10, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The 7th Annual San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival: KEITH LITTLE & JIM NUNALLY, BELLE MONROE & HER BREWGLASS BOYS"; event.notes = "Two of the Bay Area's bluegrass heroes, who have performed on Grammy award winning recordings with Dolly Parton and the Chieftains (Keith) and 'True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe' as well as the theme song to 'The Beverly Hillbillys' movie (Jim) step out on their own tonight. Having been featured members of top bands such as Ricky Skaggs, Country Gentlemen and the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, they have an amazing vocal sound, in addition to virtuoso multi-instrumental (guitar & banjo) chops.
Belle Monroe and Her Brewglass Boys have been knocking out audiences for the past 10 years with sparkling vocals and blazing instrumentals. They deliver traditional bluegrass and familiar tunes along obscure songs you'd never expect a bluegrass outfit to attempt.
Note: This lineup replaces Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen who cancelled due to Chris' recent wrist surgery. If you bought tickets to that show you can receive either a refund of $20 per ticket or be able to see this show with a $7 refund per ticket. Bring unused tickets to any of our shows or mail them to: PO Box 862, Fairfax, CA 94978 for a refund."; event.url = "http://www.sfbluegrass.org/"; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 11, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The 7th Annual San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival: THE DREW EMMITT BAND, DONNER MOUNTAIN BLUEGRASS BAND"; event.notes = "Leftover Salmon founder and multi-instrumentalist Drew Emmitt brings in his exciting new band with Jeff Sipe (drums), Tyler Grant (guitar) and Greg Garrison (bass), for an evening of smokin' Colorado-infused acoustic bluegrass and Leftover Salmon-flavored, jam-band newgrass. One of the nation's top mandolinists, Drew will also play some mean fiddle, banjo, harmonica, flute and guitar.
The Donner Mountain Bluegrass Band features some of today's hottest, young pickers and players. With the dazzling fiddle of Annie Staninec, Frankie Nagle on banjo, Tom Kingsley on mandolin, Dave Goodings on bass and Joe Schwab & Tom Davies on guitars, they mix artful, melodic music with amazing chops."; event.url = "http://www.sfbluegrass.org/"; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 18, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "We celebrate our 25th Anniversary of presenting concerts with MANRING KASSIN DARTER & special guests RAY MANZAREK & MICHAEL McCLURE"; event.notes = "'World's greatest bassist' Michael Manring and superb pianist/composer Tom Darter join flutist and NV Music Series founder Larry Kassin in an evening celebrating 25 years of great music at this wonderful venue. 'Bach meets Monk, meets Varsese, meets Zappa? MKD tosses colossal ideas back and forth as if genres and styles didn't exist.' -Ernie Rideout, Keyboard Magazine.
The backbone of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, joins one of the seminal poets of the beat (& beyond) era, Michael McClure and flutist Larry Kassin as special guests for a set of unforgettable spoken word and music. Anniversary cake will be served and candles will be blown out!"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 4, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Jeffrey Halford & The Healers"; event.notes = "'Halford has a storyteller's eye for detail and a rootsy guitar ethic that can quickly surge into a loud wail. Merle and Fogarty would be proud of Halford's rootsy rock.' - NY Times
Singer/songwriter Halford has been touring the country with his band for the last 15 years playing alongside the likes of Taj Mahal, Los Lobos, Etta James, Robert Earl Keen, John Hammond, Dave Alvin and Guy Clark. Part roots, part rock, with a pinch of country fried blues, he is truly an American original. Part of the proceeds from tonight's performance will benefit Clarendon Elementary School."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 11, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "An evening of BALINESE SHADOW THEATER -- Performed by LARRY REED with live Balinese Gamelan accompaniment"; event.notes = "Shadowlight Productions presents Waying Bali: Arjuna Wiwaha Story, performed by Shadowlight Production's Artistic director and founder, Larry Reed with live Wayang Gender musical accompaniment. Reed is one of the first American performers of Balinese shadow theater, featuring a stunning array of intricate, handmade shadow puppet figures silhouetted on a backlit screen. The audience can view from behind the screen as well, where Reed maneuvers up to thirty puppets, to see how it's done. The stories blend religious mythology, historical events and humorous improvisation. Arjuna Wiwha dates back to the 11th century and is the first written record of Indonesian shadow theater. It remains one of the most popular stories."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 24, 2006"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "BILL FRISELL'S Ensemble performs Probability Cloud created with visual artist, JIM WOODRING"; event.notes = "Celebrated guitarist/composer Bill Frisell performs Probability Cloud, a new work created in collaboration with visual artist Jim Woodring. The ensemble features Jenny Scheinman - violin, Eyvind Kang - viola, Hank Roberts - cello, Ron Miles - coronet and Chris Cheek - saxophone. The program will include some of Jim Woodring's 'Frank' cartoons with live music and is similar to the one performed last month at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall theater.
We are privileged to welcome back some of our favorite performers as part of our 25th Anniversary celebration. Last year's Contemporary Jazz Grammy award winner, Bill Frisell leads an amazing sextet in a very special performance.
'Frisell is without a doubt, the single most important guitarist in jazz, a genius who is going to have the kind of influence on his instrument Jimi Hendrix and Wes Montgomery had before him.' - The Seattle Times"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$25"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 24, 2006"; event.eventTime = "9:30 PM"; event.title = "BILL FRISELL'S Ensemble performs Probability Cloud created with visual artist, JIM WOODRING"; event.notes = "Celebrated guitarist/composer Bill Frisell performs Probability Cloud, a new work created in collaboration with visual artist Jim Woodring. The ensemble features Jenny Scheinman - violin, Eyvind Kang - viola, Hank Roberts - cello, Ron Miles - coronet and Chris Cheek - saxophone. The program will include some of Jim Woodring's 'Frank' cartoons with live music and is similar to the one performed last month at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall theater.
We are privileged to welcome back some of our favorite performers as part of our 25th Anniversary celebration. Last year's Contemporary Jazz Grammy award winner, Bill Frisell leads an amazing sextet in a very special performance.
'Frisell is without a doubt, the single most important guitarist in jazz, a genius who is going to have the kind of influence on his instrument Jimi Hendrix and Wes Montgomery had before him.' - The Seattle Times"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$25"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 25, 2006"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "BILL FRISELL'S Ensemble performs Probability Cloud created with visual artist, JIM WOODRING"; event.notes = "Celebrated guitarist/composer Bill Frisell performs Probability Cloud, a new work created in collaboration with visual artist Jim Woodring. The ensemble features Jenny Scheinman - violin, Eyvind Kang - viola, Hank Roberts - cello, Ron Miles - coronet and Chris Cheek - saxophone. The program will include some of Jim Woodring's 'Frank' cartoons with live music and is similar to the one performed last month at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall theater.
We are privileged to welcome back some of our favorite performers as part of our 25th Anniversary celebration. Last year's Contemporary Jazz Grammy award winner, Bill Frisell leads an amazing sextet in a very special performance.
'Frisell is without a doubt, the single most important guitarist in jazz, a genius who is going to have the kind of influence on his instrument Jimi Hendrix and Wes Montgomery had before him.' - The Seattle Times"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$25"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 25, 2006"; event.eventTime = "9:30 PM"; event.title = "BILL FRISELL'S Ensemble performs Probability Cloud created with visual artist, JIM WOODRING"; event.notes = "Celebrated guitarist/composer Bill Frisell performs Probability Cloud, a new work created in collaboration with visual artist Jim Woodring. The ensemble features Jenny Scheinman - violin, Eyvind Kang - viola, Hank Roberts - cello, Ron Miles - coronet and Chris Cheek - saxophone. The program will include some of Jim Woodring's 'Frank' cartoons with live music and is similar to the one performed last month at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall theater.
We are privileged to welcome back some of our favorite performers as part of our 25th Anniversary celebration. Last year's Contemporary Jazz Grammy award winner, Bill Frisell leads an amazing sextet in a very special performance.
'Frisell is without a doubt, the single most important guitarist in jazz, a genius who is going to have the kind of influence on his instrument Jimi Hendrix and Wes Montgomery had before him.' - The Seattle Times"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$25"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "April 28, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "KITKA Women's Vocal Ensemble presents SPIRIT VOICES: A Cathedral concert featuring KITKA and special guest TZVETANKA VARIMEZOVA, Bulgarian Folkloric Soprano"; event.notes = "We continue with our 25th Anniversary celebration, welcoming back the spellbinding Eastern European women's vocal ensemble to our intimate, acoustically ideal hall after much too long of an absence."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$20"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 13, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "JOHN SANTOS performs 'Rhythmic Stories'"; event.notes = "Bay Area treasure, three-time Grammy nominee and Machete Ensemble founder John Santos performs in a unique lecture/demonstration/concert. 'Rhythmic Stories' is a mini-history of Afro-Latin-America as told through several of her percussion instruments. The renowned performer/educator offers a unique lecture/ demonstration/performance of dozens of rhythms, chants and percussion instruments from Africa, Cuba, Brazil and Puerto Rico.
John has been at the cutting edge of Latin Jazz for over 25 years and has been featured with Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Cachao, Max Roach, Eddie Palmieri, Omar Sosa and many others. We are honored to have him perform this unique evening as part of the 25th anniversary of the Noe Valley Music Series (presented by San Francisco Live Arts).
"; event.url = "http://www.johnsantos.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 19, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "San Francisco Guitar Summit with TEJA GERKEN, SAN FRANCISCO GUITAR QUARTET, ADAM LEVY & WILL BERNARD DUO"; event.notes = "Featuring three internationally acclaimed acts, The San Francisco Guitar Summit will present the varied range of music possible on the instrument; from acoustic fingerstyle, through modern classical, to cutting-edge jazz.
Born in Germany, Teja Gerken's playing blends myriad influences into a musical style that hovers around the perimeters of folk, contemporary classical, and world music, often involving alternate tunings, right-hand tapping and percussive effects. His latest CD 'Postcards' was featured on KFOG's Acoustic Sunrise list of Favorite New CDs of 2005. www.tejagerken.com
The San Francisco Guitar Quartet (David Duenas, Patrick Francis, Christopher Hanford and Mark Simons) explore the varied possibilities of four guitars playing an expansive and vibrant repertoire of new works and classics. From Brazilian rhythms to Balkan dances, from passionate tangos to the hypnotic textures of minimalism, these virtuosos present a modern and all-embracing approach to chamber music for classical guitar. www.sfgq.com
Adam Levy (of Norah Jones' Handsome Band) and Will Bernard (T.J. Kirk, Jai Uttal, Peter Apfelbaum) have jazz roots but branch way beyond. They are consummate improvisers whose eclectic repertoire goes from Beach Boy Brian Wilson and western swing guitar wiz Jimmy Briant, to Italian film composer Nino Rota and their own unique compositions. www.adamlevy.com www.www.willbernard.com.com
"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 3, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "HOYLE & HOYLE An Evening with Geoff Hoyle & Dan Hoyle"; event.notes = "'Breathtaking virtuosity' - Newsweek Magazine Our favorite physical comedian/actor/mime/New Vaudevillian, Geoff Hoyle, returns from New York and joins our favorite monologist/world observer, Dan Hoyle in a very special evening.
Geoff says he will 'dip into my thirty year old treasure trove of classic comedy vignettes, followed by a few experimental tid-bits from son Daniel.'
While Dan says he will present 'all new journalistic theater, featuring a panoply of characters from my Fulbright year in Nigeria, with a few hoary old skits as a curtain-raiser from dad.'
This will all be followed by them performing together. We welcome this special evening as part of our 25th anniversary celebration $14adv/$16door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 9, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "THOTH -The Oscar-winning film and live concert"; event.notes = "'...haunting and almost otherworldly' - SF Chronicle The multi-disciplined performance artist Thoth will perform selections from his three act 'solopera', 'The Festad'. Playing the violin, singing in a four-octave range (all while dancing athletically and accompanying himself on foot percussion) he presents stories far removed from everyday life, sung in his own language. The evening will open with a viewing of the Academy Award-winning documentary 'Thoth'. If you've never seen him before, you're in for an unforgettable experience. $15adv/$17door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 17, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "ROVA Saxophone Quartet"; event.notes = "Those giants of new music for the saxophone return to our acoustically-ideal setting for a special evening in preparation for a European tour. The performance will feature both old and new compositions. $15adv/$17door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 24, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:00 PM"; event.title = "Larry Reed's Shadow Light Theater will perform Balinese Shadow puppet theater with live Balinese Gamelan accompaniment AT THE DANCE PALACE, 5TH & B ST. IN PT. REYES STATION"; event.notes = "Larry Reed's Shadow Light Theater will perform Balinese Shadow puppet theater with live Balinese Gamelan accompaniment AT THE DANCE PALACE, 5TH & B ST. IN PT. REYES STATION. $14adv/$16door. Tickets are available at our usual outlets and also at Zuma, 11265 Hwy 1 in Pt. Reyes Station (415)663-1748."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 8, 2006"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "Boulder Acoustic Society, Iron & the Albatross, Hot Club of Berkeley"; event.notes = "Tonight we feature a journey through Jazz and beyond... from ragtime & bluegrass influenced stringband music, to Gypsy Jazz and indifusion, with three of today's most diverse and original bands.
Boulder Acoustic Society is a virtuoso quartet of classically-trained musicians with a new take on American Roots Music. Using guitar, fiddle, string bass, mandolin ukulele, banjo and marimba, their sound combines ragtime, bluegrass and jazz in a way that is sometimes reminiscent of cartoon music of the 30s, but with a very innovative and contemporary twist.
Trumpet player Ara Anderson leads his small chamber group, Iron & Albatross through sonic circus sounds, haunted junkyards, silent movie screenings and the music of New Orleans and Brazil. He has performed and recorded with Tom Waits, Jolie Holland, Victoria Williams, Jonathan Richman, the Brass Monkey Band, Sean Hayes and many others.
The Hot Club of Berkeley are proponents of the 'Gyspy Jazz' sound originated by guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephan Grapelli and the Quartet of the Hot Club of Paris in the 1930s. $13adv/$15door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$13"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 22, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The Baguette Quartette"; event.notes = "We celebrate Bastille Day (late) with the Baguette Quartette. French Chanteuse/accordionist Odile Levault performed in the streets and cafes of Paris, before moving to the Bay Area fourteen years ago and forming the Baguette Quartette, the only ensemble in North America exclusively dedicated to performing Parisian cafe music from the 1920s, 30s & 40s. The quartet's repertoire includes the popular dances of the era: valse musette, java, tango, fox trot, paso doble and marches, plus French chansons. Lavault introduces the music in her beguiling English, transporting the audiences back to the alleys of Paris. $15adv/$17door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "September 30, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "TANGO No. 9 & Dancers in Tango Time"; event.notes = "Tango No. 9 returns to the Noe Valley Music Series with special guest dancers Christy Cote and Chelsea Eng of San Francisco, Moti Buchboot of Los Angeles and Darren Lees of San Diego for another journey through the traditions of Argentine Tango in TANGO TIME.
Led by violin virtuoso Catherine Clune and featuring Joshua Raoul Brody on piano, Greg Stephens on trombone and Isabel Douglass on accordion, Tango No. 9 presents a wide spectrum of tango music and dance, ranging from the classic 2/4 tango, waltz and milonga to the groundbreaking compositions of Astor Piazzola; from the early tango sounds of the 20s to the present day. Their vibrant, voluptuous sounds will accompany the passionate dancing of Cote, Eng, Buchboot and Lees. 'La Dolce Vita, Indeed!' - SF Bay Guardian $16adv/$18door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 7, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:00 PM"; event.title = "at The Dance Palace, 5th & B streets in Pt. Reyes Station: TANGO No. 9 & Dancers in Tango Time"; event.notes = "8PM at The Dance Palace, 5th & B streets in Pt. Reyes Station ---- Tango No. 9 returns to the Noe Valley Music Series with special guest dancers Christy Cote and Chelsea Eng of San Francisco, Moti Buchboot of Los Angeles and Darren Lees of San Diego for another journey through the traditions of Argentine Tango in TANGO TIME.
Led by violin virtuoso Catherine Clune and featuring Joshua Raoul Brody on piano, Greg Stephens on trombone and Isabel Douglass on accordion, Tango No. 9 presents a wide spectrum of tango music and dance, ranging from the classic 2/4 tango, waltz and milonga to the groundbreaking compositions of Astor Piazzola; from the early tango sounds of the 20s to the present day. Their vibrant, voluptuous sounds will accompany the passionate dancing of Cote, Eng, Buchboot and Lees. 'La Dolce Vita, Indeed!' - SF Bay Guardian $16adv/$18door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 13, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "An evening of Great Guitarists with: PEPPINO D'AGOSTINO & ENRIQUE CORIA"; event.notes = "Two of today's most dazzling acoustic guitarists are featured in our new 'Great Guitarists' series. 'D'Agostino is a phenom in the same league with John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Doc Watson and John Renbourn.' - Jazziz
Born in Italy, Peppino D'Agostino moved to the Bay Area in 1984. With his melodic approach, dazzling technique and explosive rhythms, he was soon sharing the stage with the likes of Leo Kottke, Doc Watson, Chet Atkins Badi Assad, Laurindo Almeida, John Lee Hooker, Michael Hedges and Egberto Gismonti. After numerous recordings on various labels his work came to the attention of guitar legend Steve Vai's highly regarded Favored Nations label, where his most recent effort was a collaboration with Huey Lewis & The News lead guitarist Stef Burns. Other recent recordings feature his work with classical guitar master David Tannenbaum, The World Guitar Ensemble and the acclaimed children's choir Voena. With his passionate playing (and singing) and innovative percussive effects, his music touches people in a heartfelt way, both emotionally and intellectually.
Enrique Coria mixes the folk rhythms and sounds of his native Argentina and South America with European classical music and jazz. His popularity became more widespread after he joined the amazing David Grisman Quartet in 1994 (adding 'Dawg Music' to his repertoire). With his beautiful technique and his rich, full sound he creates evocative music that ranges from noted South American composers to folk rhythms from Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia and the U.S., to jazz and beyond. $16adv/$18door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 4, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "JEFFREY HALFORD & The Healers, JIM BRUNBERG (BOX SET), CHRIS DONOHOE"; event.notes = "A great singer/songwriter triple bill!
'...a storyteller's eye for detail, and a rootsy guitar ethic that can quickly surge into a large wail... Merle and Fogerty would be proud of Halford's rootsy rock' - NY Times.
With his special mix of roots rock, country fried blues and soul, Jeffrey Halford is 'an engaging singer with razor sharp guitar chops who writes catchy songs loaded with storied lyrics- it's almost frightening how good this guy is.' - Salt Lake City Weekly.
Jim Brunberg is best known as one of the co-founder/lead singers of the popular west coast band Box Set. On his own, he combines exquisite and intelligent lyrics with great song hooks presented with a clear, smooth-but-soaring voice and some good guitar and piano chops to boot.
Chris Donohoe's songs have been recorded by performers in Nashville as well as the Bay Area. Tonight marks his SF debut. $14adv/$16door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 11, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The BETH CUSTER ENSEMBLE"; event.notes = "Clarinetist/composer extraordinaire Beth Custer presents her new ensemble with guitarist David James (from Spearhead), drummer Jan Jackson (from Will Bernard's Motherbug), pianist/composer Graham Connah, and Geoff Brennan on bass.
They will perform Beth's rich repertoire of film and dance scores as well as their underground hit CD 'Empire of the United States' from their 2005 release, 'Respect As A Religion', and past ensembles Eighty Mile Beach and Dona Luz 30 Besos.
The group's blend of jazz, trip hop and alternative rock has been a hit in clubs, theaters, performance spaces, museums and concert halls all over the US. $14adv/$16door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 18, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "'No Blood for Hoyle' or 'Hoyled Again' --- An Evening with GEOFF HOYLE & DANIEL HOYLE"; event.notes = "'Breathtaking virtuosity' - Newsweek Magazine
Our favorite physical comedian/actor/mime/new vaudevillian, Geoff Hoyle, joins our favorite monologist/world observer, Dan Hoyle, in an evening of (mostly) new bits, mixed in with a few classic, old favorite vignettes. They will each perform separately, then, they'll do some pieces together, all without the aid of a net! $14adv/$16door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "December 15, 2006"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "KITKA presents WINTERSONGS"; event.notes = "For the first time, the internationally acclaimed women's choir performs their special holiday treat at the Noe Valley Music Series."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$22"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 6, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT Plus: Jeffrey Halford"; event.notes = "'Ramblin' Jack Elliott has been a towering influence on a generation of folk and rock musicians, most notably, Bob Dylan.' - The Boston Globe
Now at the pinnacle of a 50 year career, the legendary troubadour/storyteller, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, has, once again been nominated for a Grammy Award. In recent years he has started to receive the accolades befitting a great folk music legend, having garnered two other Grammy nominations, (his 'South Coast' album won) the National Medal of Arts award, and being honored at a special dinner at the (Clinton) White House. Recently the award-winning documentary film 'The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack' introduced a new generation to his timeless music and yarns. Jack is a national treasure and a direct link to Woody Guthrie and the other founders of the American folk music tradition.
Singer/songwriter Jeffrey Halford opens the evening with his potent mixture of roots, rock and country fried blues. $18adv/$20door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 12, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "ADRIAN LEGG - Only Bay Area concert! and MANRING KASSIN DARTER"; event.notes = "'He's simply the best acoustic player I've ever heard.' - Joe Satriani
One of the world's greatest finger-style players, British guitar wizard Adrian Legg returns for a rare San Francisco performance. Voted Best Finger-style Guitarist four years in a row by the readers of Guitar Player magazine, and Acoustic Guitarist of the Decade by England's Guitarist magazine, the Boston Globe hailed his performances for 'technical brilliance paired with a troubadour's tale-weaving skill.'
Opening the performance will be the trio of 'world's greatest electric bassist' Michael Manring, superb pianist/composer Tom Darter and flutist/NV Music Series founder Larry Kassin. 'Bach meets Monk, meets Varese, meets Zappa? MKD tosses colossal ideas back and forth as if genres and styles didn't exist.' - Ernie Rideout, Keyboard Magazine $16adv/$18door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 3, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "TIN HAT - CD release concert"; event.notes = "With the release of its first CD for Hannibal/Rykodisc, The Sad Machinery of Spring, the internationally acclaimed band of genre-leaping musical adventurers known as Tin Hat (formerly Tin Hat Trio) begins a new chapter in its remarkable decade-long career. The new lineup features founding members Mark Orton (guitar, dobro, banjo) and Carla Kihlstedt (violin, viola, vocals); with new members Ara Anderson (trumpet, baritone horn) and Ben Goldberg (clarinets), adding up to an ensemble of brilliant, imaginative, virtuoso musicians who are also delightfully idiosyncratic composer/arrangers. $18adv/$20door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 9, 2007"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "JACKSTRAW, THE STAIRWELL SISTERS, THE WRONGLERS"; event.notes = "One of the hottest, high energy bluegrass bands around, Portland's Jackstraw combines virtuoso chops and ferocious pickin' with some tight, wicked harmonies and a deep respect for the traditional core of bluegrass. This spirited band plays with '...enough hell-bent speed to make a punk band envious.' --Casco Bay Weekly, Portland, ME
San Francisco's all-gal urban teardown, The Stairwell Sisters, play a rowdy repertoire of timeless tunes, plus a solid collection of original material that is winning praise on a national level. 2006 saw them touring coast to coast, including appearances at Lincoln Center in NYC and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival here in SF. The gals are fresh back from their first UK tour, debuting at the Celtic Connections festival in Scotland and just performed on A Prarie Home Companion.
The Wronglers' love and respect for bluegrass is evidenced by the pure, infectious joy and pleasure that spreads to the audience when they perform. The eight piece Bay Area band describes their sound as 'Simple music by complicated people.' $16adv/$18door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 10, 2007"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "PETER ROWAN BLUEGRASS BAND, ALHAMBRA VALLEY BAND"; event.notes = "One of the most unique and influential musicians around, the eclectic Peter Rowan came to public prominence as rhythm guitarist and lead singer with Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys in 1964. Three years later he teamed up with David Grisman, forming the folk-rock band Earth Opera and later started Seatrain, a band whose recordings were produced by George Martin. In 1973 he joined the allstar bluegrass band Old & in the Way, with Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, Vassar Clements and John Khan. Their one recording remains the biggest selling bluegrass album of all time. Later, he formed the bluegrass band Muleskinner with Grisman, Clarence White and Richard Greene. After a successful solo career, he went on to collaborate with dobro ace Jerry Douglas, Tex Mex hero Flaco Jimenez, The Rowan Brothers band, The Free Mexican Airforce and, most recently, Tony Rice. Tonight his band features Bay Area bluegrass heroes Jody Stecher, Keith Little & Paul Knight.
Celebrating their 20th anniversary, The Alhambra Valley Band delivers a tasty blend of bluegrass classics, skillful newgrass stylings and award-winning songs by guitarist Lynn Quinones. 22adv/$24door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$22"; event.regdoorprice = "$24"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 24, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "KRIS DELMHORST, Ana Egge"; event.notes = "With her dusky, warm, distinctive voice, genre-bending, indie singer-songwriter Kris Delmhorst has carved out a jazz/folk/pop niche somewhere between Jolie Holland, Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams and Norah Jones.
Her most recent project, an intriguing, brilliantly realized collection of songs based on the poems of Walt Whitman, Edna St. Vincent Millay, George Eliot, Robert Browning, Robert Herrick, Rumi, Virgil and others, has garnered praise all over the US and was hailed by the LA Daily News as 'Alternately moody, euphoric and transforming, this is the smartest good time you'll have with a disc all year.'
Singer/songwriter Ana Egge will open the concert. Lucinda Williams hailed the Brooklyn-based Ana Egge as 'an exceptional songwriter...a folk Nina Simone!' $16adv/$18door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 31, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "SLAVYANKA Men's Russian Chorus"; event.notes = "Prepare to be transported to another time and place with ethereal sacred melodies and intricately woven folk songs. Now in its 27th year Slavyanka's repertoire is drawn mostly from Russian Orthodox liturgical, Russian folk and other Slavic folk and composed music. Directed and conducted by Gregory Smirnov, Slavyanka performs compositions by Mussorgsky, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and a host of lesser-known purveyors of the Slavic soul in song.
In addition to their seven CD recordings, Slavyanka was featured performing in the film 'What Dreams May Come' (starring Robin Williams, Max Von Sydow and Cuba Gooding Jr.) and in the soundtrack of the film 'Little Odessa.' $18adv/$20door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "April 14, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "TANGO No. 9 & Dancers"; event.notes = "Tango No. 9 returns to the Noe Valley Music Series with special guest dancers Christy Cote and Chelsea Eng for a journey through the traditions of Argentine Tango.
Led by violin virtuoso Catherine Clune and featuring Joshua Raoul Brody on piano, Greg Stephens on trombone and Isabel Douglass on accordion, Tango No. 9 presents a wide spectrum of tango music and dance ranging from the classic 2/4 tango, waltz and milonga to the groundbreaking compositions of Astor Piazzola; from the early tango sounds of the 20s to the present day. Their vibrant, voluptuous sounds will accompany the passionate dancing of Christie Cote, Chelsea Eng and their partners.
'La Dolce Vita indeed!' -- The Bay Guardian $16adv/$18door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "April 21, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "BILL EVANS String Summit"; event.notes = "Bringing together guitarist Scott Nygaard (with Darol Anger), dobro player Michael Witcher (with Dolly Parton), bassist Cindy Browne (formerly with Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme & Wake The Dead), and five-time National Fiddle Champions Tristan & Tashina Clarridge, banjo phenom/composer Bill Evans (Bluegrass Intentions, Due West) has formed one of the west coast's hottest all star string bands. Using bluegrass as a stylistic meeting ground, this intergenerational band combines a myriad of styles from jazz and classical to folk and world music traditions. $16adv/$18door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "April 27, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Cuban jazz piano virtuoso ELIO VILLAFRANCA w/Babatunde Lea, Howard Wiley and Jeff Brennan"; event.notes = "'The musical history of Cuba is full of extraordinary pianists, and Elio Villafranca is amongst the best representatives of the new generation of Cuban pianists and composers.' --Paquito D'Rivera
Born in the Pinar del Rio province of Western Cuba and classically trained in percussion and composition at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Villafranca's playing has been compared to that of Chucho Valdes and Gonzalo Rubalcala. The complex themes that lace his compositions result from a combination of graduate studies in classical & folkloric percussion with extensive explorations in African and Afro-Cuban drumming traditions. In addition to his many film soundtracks, he has toured the world with his own quartet as well as many of today's great jazz and latin-jazz stars.
Tonight his quartet features percussionist Babtunde Lea, saxophonist Howard Wiley and bassist Jeff Brennan. $16adv/$18door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "April 28, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "GAMELAN SEKAR JAYA"; event.notes = "The twenty-member ensemble known internationally as 'the finest Balinese Gamelan Orchestra outside of Indonesia,' performs a concert filled with the glistening sonorities of Balinese music and the expressive intensity of Balinese dance. The shows will feature as guest directors, one of Bali's most vibrant young composers, I Putu Putrawan and one of Bali's most noted dancers Ida Ayu Ketut Suciawani, and will feature three different gamelan ensembles -- angklung, joged, and gender wayang. Highlights include an arrangement of an early 20th century classic, Palawakia for gamelan angklung, a lovely traditional piece from Munduk (our guest artists' home village), a rockin' piece for gender wayang batel showing off Putu Putrawan's amazing drum chops, and many other treats! $15adv/$17door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 12, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "COUNTRY JOE McDONALD'S Tribute to Woody Guthrie"; event.notes = "'Like no one of his generation Country Joe McDonald carries on the mission of Woody Guthrie.' --Billy Bragg
In a magical evening combining music & theater, Country Joe McDonald 'deftly conveys all the charm, talent and social and political consciousness of the legendary folksinger from Oklahoma.' With the blessing of the Guthrie family, Country Joe 'channels' Woody, starting with a moving performance of 'This Land is Your Land' and continuing through 12 more of Woody's songs plus melodies Joe has written to Woody's poems & lyrics. Joe grew up with Woody's music in the household (his dad was a farm boy and hobo like Woody and also grew up in the Okalahoma dustbowl of the 20s and 30s) and Joe's 'Thinking of Woody Guthrie' album was called 'one of the finest Woody Guthrie albums ever made' by Marjorie Guthrie (Woody's wife).
Country Joe McDonald is, of course, best known for his band Country Joe & the Fish and this year marks the 38th anniversary of his performance at Woodstock. With this tribute to a true American hero, Joe continues dedicating his own life to social consciousness and political activism. We are proud to host this not-to-be-missed performance. $23adv/$25door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$23"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 16, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "ZA'ATAR: Music of the Jews of Arab & Muslim Lands"; event.notes = "Za'atar is an 8-piece ensemble performing the traditional devotional and social music of the Jewish communities of the Near East and North Africa. Za'atar's music combines driving, infectious rhythms, lush Eastern melodies and both contemplative and ecstatic religious expression in a traditional style and instrumentation, drawing audiences in for an exciting and uplifting experience.
With Rachel Valfer (vocals), Daniel Eshoo (kanoun - Turkish lap harp), John Erlich (oud - Arabic lute), Lila Sklar (violin), Daniel Ratner (bass guitar, vocals), and Juliet Lee, Aharon Wheels Bolsta & Oz Ashkenazi (each on hand drums and percussion), Za'atar's music highlights the cultural heritage shared among Jews, Arabs and Christians of the Near East."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 21, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The BAGUETTE QUARTETTE"; event.notes = "We celebrate Bastille Day (late) with the Baguette Quartette. French chanteuse/accordionist Odile Levault performed in the streets and cafes of Paris before moving to the Bay Area fifteen years ago and forming the Baguette Quartette, the only ensemble in North America exclusively dedicated to performing Parisian cafe music from the 1920s, 30s & 40s.
The quartet's repertoire includes the popular dances of the era: valse musette, java, tango, fox trot, paso doble and marches plus French chansons. Lavault introduces the music in her beguiling English, transporting audiences back to the alleys of Paris."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "August 4, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The SWELL SEASON w/GLEN HANSARD & MARKETA IRGLOVA -- SOLD OUT"; event.notes = "The SWELL SEASON w/GLEN HANSARD & MARKETA IRGLOVA -- SOLD OUT
Dave McGraw The stars of the hit movie 'Once' perform their music from the film. Singer/songwriter Dave McGraw opens the concert. $20adv/$20door Sorry, this concert is completely sold out --- HOWEVER: Glen and Marketa will be playing free-of-charge in the store at Amoeba Records on Haight Street at 2:00pm on August 4th."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$20"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "August 10, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "SASHA DOBSON"; event.notes = "'Her plangent, almost vibrato-free voice rides over a melange of island rhythms, bossa nova and folky acoustics that go down as easily as frozen margaritas.' -Time Magazine
Infusing intriguing musical landscapes with her distinctive and soulful voice, Sasha Dobson blends jazz, Brazilian and roots music in a compelling mix of styles. A hit as a featured performer at last spring's San Francisco Jazz Festival, the N.Y. Times hailed Dobson as 'a charming young singer with an eminently listenable voice.'
NPR hailed her 'powerful, uplifting music.' The daughter of two of the Bay Area's top jazz musicians (late pianist Smith and vocalist Gail), she has earned national raves for 'Modern Romance', her collaboration with Norah Jones producer Jesse Harris.
Backing Sasha up will be Richard Julian on vocals & guitar, John Finkbeiner on guitar & banjo, John Shifflet on bass and Robert Dipietro on drums & percussion. $18adv/$20door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "August 18, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "International Fingerstyle Guitar Summit with PETER FINGER, TEJA GERKEN, STEVE BAUGHMAN"; event.notes = "In one of the guitar highlights of the year (and part of our 'String Theory' Series), we are proud to present three unique artists with diverse styles within the instrumental fingerstyle genre and a rare opportunity to hear Germany's star soloist, Peter Finger, in the US.
Playing an open-tuned, steel string guitar with metal fingerpicks, Peter Finger presents a depth, dynamic range and rhythmic energy that few can match. With his effortless, virtuoso technique he magically fuses wide-ranging influences transporting him into the pantheon of acoustic players.
Teja Gerken has shared the stage with John Renbourn, Kaki King, Adrian Belew, Alex de Grassi and Henry Kaiser. He blends folk, contemporary classical and world music, using alternate tunings, and percussive effects.
Rounder Records recording artist Steve Baughman was called 'One of the best Celtic guitarists in the United States' by Dirty Linen Magazine. He has authored five instructional guitar books with Mel Bay Publications and his duo album 'Celtic Guitar Summit' with Robin Bullock was an Acoustic Guitar Magazine editor's pick in 2003. $16adv/$18door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "September 15, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Jeffrey Halford, Chris Donohoe, Keith Greeninger"; event.notes = "We present a special songwriter's night with three of the Bay Area's best.
In addition, Jeffrey Halford & the Healers and Keith Greeninger celebrate the release of their new CDs which are climbing the Americana charts. (Jeffrey's is #19 and rising!)."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "September 29, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "A CD Release Concert with MARTY EHRLICH & MYRA MELFORD Duo"; event.notes = "New York based alto saxophone/clarinet virtuoso Marty Ehrlich, hailed by the Village Voice as 'one of the most formidable multi-instrumentalists since Eric Dolphy' teams up with Bay Area piano virtuoso Myra Melford, hailed by critic Francis Davis as 'the most gifted pianist/composer to emerge from jazz since Anthony Davis' to celebrate the release of 'SPARK!' on the Palmetto Records label. Respected as composers, as well as instrumentalists, Marty Ehrlich was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in composition, while Myra Melford teaches composition and improvisation at UC Berkeley. Each has appeared on dozens of recordings with many of the other greats of contemporary jazz. This will be their only Bay Area concert!"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 6, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Ben Goldberg, Scott Amendola & Devin Hoff"; event.notes = "Celebrate the release of their CD 'plays Monk'
Clarinetist Ben Goldberg, Bassist Devin Hoff and drummer Scott Amendola honor the spirit of jazz pianist/icon Thelonious Monk with their new recording. Exploring the dichotomy of Monk's simplicity/complexity while distilling the truth and joy of his music, this trio offers a new interpretation to one of the most unique musical voices of the 20th century."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 20, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "KIHNOUA w/Larry Ochs & TIPS Trio"; event.notes = "ROVA Saxophone Quartet stalwarts Bruce Ackley & Larry Ochs are featured in new ensembles. TIPS Trio features Ackley's soprano sax with Philip Greenlief on alto sax and Aurora Josephson on vocals. The trio will perform 'Tips' a piece written by Steve Lacy with the French text taken from the notebooks of the great expressionist/cubist artist George Braque (14 Aphorisms by George Braque from 'Le jour et la nuit'). The performance is an homage to Steve Lacy, one of the giants of jazz and improvised music, whose Noe Valley Music Series performances are among the most memorable of our 26 year series.
KIHNOUA, combines contemporary improvisation with the traditional musics of Asia. Korean vocalist/performance artist Dohee Lee is featured, along with Scott Amendola on percussion, performing new works by saxophonist Larry Ochs. The two trios will present an evening of excitingly innovative, groundbreaking musical explorations."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 3, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "IVA BITTOVA - Czech singer & violinist"; event.notes = "'Iva Bittova is an extraordinary artist. Raw and defined, passionate and contained, she has the soul of a gypsy, the voice of a troubadour, and the mind of a genius.' - NPR, All Things Considered
Enchanting Czech composer, singer and violinist Iva Bittova is famed for her powerhouse performances that fuse Old World and New Music sensibilities. In her original compositions as well as her arrangements of traditional pieces, plaintive violin interweaves with emotion-filled vocal lines, creating an avant-garde style infused with the spirit and language of Czech, Slovak and Moravian folk music. A prominent cultural figure in her native country, Bittova is also well-known for her performances of music by Czech composer Leos Janacek, and for her career as a film actress. She was featured in the film 'Zelary' which was nominated for an Academy Award for best foreign language film in 2004.
Internationally recognized, Iva has performed regularly around Europe, but rarely in the US. She has recorded numerous solo albums, including intriguing collaborations, such as her 2005 CD entitled 'Elida,' recorded with the NY music collective Bang on a Can, and the 2007 ECM release 'Matar' by Slovakian composer Vladimir Godar. This is her first Bay Area appearance since 1998."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 10, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "BRUCE BARTHOL - former music director, SF Mime Troupe"; event.notes = "Bruce has been the resident songwriter for the Tony Award winning San Francisco Mime Troupe for over three decades. The original bass player with Country Joe and the Fish, Bruce will perform an evening of eclectic, satiric and political songs. He has performed and recorded with an amazing array of artists, including Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert, Rosalie Sorrells, Barbara Dane, Arlo Guthrie, Paul Dresher, the Greenbriar Boys, Scoop Nisker and many more. His songs have been recorded by the SF Mime Troupe, the Edlos, the Human Condition and the Funky Nixons. He has written music for the SF Shakespeare Festival, the Working Theater (NY), Make-A-Circus, ACT, the Arts Council of Berlin, ODC, Intersection for the Arts and the Dick and Dubya Show."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "December 1, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "ROVA Saxophone Quartet"; event.notes = "CD release concert
These masters of improvisation will perform their latest recording 'The Jukebox Suite,' a series of seven compositions by Jon Raskin that blend diverse musical strands from cultures ranging from Brazilian to Eastern European, to 'Afrobalkan' to Detroit blues, as well as other new compositions. The Suite is ROVA at its most approachable and would be a great introduction to this ensemble, which has combined stellar musicianship, adventurous compositional creativity and brilliant collective improvisation for over 30 years. The result is music that is ardent and riveting, exhilarating and free-spirited."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "December 8, 2007"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Ya Elah & Miriam Peretz"; event.notes = "This special holiday performance features music from varying faiths combined with sacred dance. Led by Kitka's original artistic director, composer and arranger Bon Brown, the singers and musicians of Ya Elah inspire compassion between diverse cultures through settings of sacred and original texts woven from various faiths, and is inspired by Bulgarian and Middle Eastern music. Miriam Peretz derives her dance influences from the expressive dances of the Silk Road, Middle East, Roma (Gypsy) culture, Israel, North Africa, the Whirling Dervishes and the poetry of Rumi and Hafiz. Her dances aim to create a spirit of respect, love and unity between cultures."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 5, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Mike Beck"; event.notes = "The folk music legend returns
'Ramblin' Jack Elliott has been a towering influence on a generation of folk and rock musicians, most notably, Bob Dylan.' --The Boston Globe
Mentored by Woody Guthrie himself, Jack is one of the key artists responsible for the worldwide embrace of American folk music starting in the 60s. Now at the pinnacle of a 50 year career, he has received accolades befitting a folk music icon. Ten years ago his 'South Coast' album won him a Grammy and he has received two more nominations subsequently. He won the National Medal of Arts Award and was honored with a special dinner at the (Clinton) White House. Recently the award-winning film 'The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack' introduced a new generation to his timeless music and yarns. We're honored to have this national treasure start our concert year."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$20"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 19, 2008"; event.eventTime = ""; event.title = "postponed: OLIVER LAKE"; event.notes = "postponed: The jazz saxophone legend will perform the world premiere of a solo piece."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$"; event.regdoorprice = "$"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 25, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Cellist/vocalist LINDSAY MAC, Singer/songwriter STEVE SESKIN"; event.notes = "Featured on the cover of STRINGS Magazine last year, Lindsay Mac is a true original. Classically trained, she holds the cello like a guitar, strapped around her small frame, and sings original songs in the folk/jazz tradition, creating a sound both groundbreaking and compelling. In a review of her recent CD 'Small Revolution,' one reviewer stated 'I can't rave enough about this dazzling debut, one of the years' best in every way.'
Steve Seskin is an electrifying performer. His songs have been recorded by Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Peter Frampton, Waylon Jennings, Alabama, Peter Paul & Mary, Neal McCoy and many others. His song 'Don't Laugh At Me' was a finalist for CMA 'Song of the Year' and has spurred an entire tolerance movement."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 26, 2008"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "An evening of phenomenal bass with MICHAEL MANRING, EDO CASTRO & YVES CARBONNE"; event.notes = "Three of the best players redefine the role of the bass.
Hailed as 'a master of the fretless bass without rival' by Guitar Club magazine, Michael Manring picked up where his mentor Jaco Pastorius left off, pioneering the exploration of the instrument. He has been featured on over 100 albums, with artists ranging from folk-based songwriters such as John Gorka, to experimental post-metal rockers such as Tim Alexander (Primus) and Alex Skolnick (Testament) to guitar wiz Michael Hedges to dozens of solo recordings.
Edo Castro transforms the sound of the multi-stringed bass into a palate from which intricate compositions are drawn, luring the listener to embark on an amazing journey.
Hailing from Paris, Yves Carbonne delivers a potent blend of jazz, R & B, progressive rock as well as spiritual/reflective music. He was the first to perform on 10 and 12 stringed fretless sub-bass instruments."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 2, 2008"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "We welcome the San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival with: the Stairwell Sisters, the Crooked Jades, Spring Creek"; event.notes = "We welcome the San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival with: the Stairwell Sisters, the Crooked Jades, Spring Creek"; event.url = "http://www.sfbluegrass.org/"; event.regadvprice = "$20"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 8, 2008"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "We welcome the San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival with: JACKSTRAW, THE WRONGLERS, FRET NOT"; event.notes = "Portland's (and the northwest's) finest bluegrass band, Jackstraw, has some of the fastest and hardest pickers in the west, but combines that with great singing, lots of depth, loads of soul and the utmost respect for the music and its history.
The Wronglers describe their music as 'simple music by complicated people'. Producing an intelligent, intimate sound with an abundance of twang, they were featured at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival.
Led by Lori Arthur's fiery singing, Fret Not plays boot-stomping, old-time roots gospel music from the traditions of America's rural churches."; event.url = "http://www.sfbluegrass.org/"; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 9, 2008"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "We close the San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival with: The PETER ROWAN BLUEGRASS BAND, ERIC & SUZY THOMPSON"; event.notes = "A unique and influential musician, the eclectic Peter Rowan came to public prominence as lead singer and guitarist with Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys in 1964. Nine years later he joined the all-star bluegrass band Old and in the Way with Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, Vassar Clements and John Khan. Their one recording remains the biggest selling bluegrass album of all time. Other collaborations included stints with dobro ace Jerry Douglass, Tex Mex hero Flaco Jimenez, The Rowan Brothers Band, Free Mexican Air force the folk-rock band Earth Opera (with David Grisman) and Seatrain, whose recordings were produced by George Martin. Tonight his band features Bay Area bluegrass heroes Jody Stecher, Keith Little and Paul Knight.
Eric & Suzy Thompson perform an entire history of American roots music, from Appalachian story-songs, southern fiddle tunes and ballads, to bluegrass breakdowns, country blues, Louisiana Cajun dance music and more. Founding members of the Black Mountain Boys, Any Old Time, the Klezmorim and the California Cajun Orchestra, Eric & Suzy have worked with Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, Darol Anger and the Savoy Doucet Cajun Trio. $23adv/$25door
These performances are dedicated to Mike Carey, a great friend, a huge bluegrass fan and a great help in putting on and supporting the Noe Valley Music Series.
Tickets for the Bluegrass shows are available at www.Acteva.com, in addition to our usual outlets."; event.url = "http://www.sfbluegrass.org/"; event.regadvprice = "$23"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 16, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "SHOW CANCELLED: VIENNA TENG Only Bay Area concert"; event.notes = "SHOW CANCELLED: Describing her music as 'chamber folk', singer/songwriter/pianist Vienna Teng weaves a magic spell, bringing the audience into her head and heart with her chillingly quiet, pure voice. With her keenly observational lyrics, her songs range from sultry jazz to country-tinged euphoria to a personal intimacy that reminds the listener of a contemporary version of Joni Mitchell or Simon and Garfunkel. Her second album, 'Warm Strangers' reached #2 on Amazon's best-seller list. She's appeared on David Letterman's show and has opened for Shawn Colvin, Joan Osborne, Patty Griffin, Joan Baez and the Indigo Girls. SHOW CANCELLED. Refunds for advanced purchase tickets available where tickets were purchased."; event.url = "http://viennateng.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$22"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "Feb 23, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "SHOW CANCELLED: Manring Kassin Darter"; event.notes = "SHOW CANCELLED: 'Mindboggling musicianship. Complex, provocative compositions. Darter, Manring and Kassin are all-around awesome!' -- Greg Rule, Keyboard magazine
Performing 'chamber music for the new millennium' this virtuoso trio has been astounding audiences for the last ten years with their amazing chops, quiet soul and diverse compositions. With over 100 albums to his credit, bass phenom Michael Manring has been hailed as 'the world's greatest electric bassist' while pianist Tom Darter's compositions have drawn praise from Elliott Carter, Aaron Copland and Karel Husa and music critics have compared Kassin's flute playing with Rahassan Roland Kirk, Hubert Laws and Paul Horn. While listeners can hear echoes of classical, folk, avant-garde, and world music in their performances, the net result is music that tears down stylistic walls and refuses to be compartmentalized. SHOW CANCELLED. Refunds for advanced purchase tickets available where tickets were purchased"; event.url = "http://www.mkdmusic.com/"; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 29, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "WILL DURST plus special guests"; event.notes = "'Quite possibly the best political satirist working in the country today.' --NY Times
We welcome back our favorite political comedian!
Will Durst has made more than 400 television appearances, including Comedy Central, Countdown with Keith Oberman, Crossfire, CNN, Fox News, Good Morning America, The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. His radio show with Willie Brown (Will & Willie) has achieved a statewide cult status. He has been nominated for five Emmy Awards and was the recipient of seven consecutive nominations for American Comedy Awards Stand-Up of the Year.
For years Will Durst has been preaching that Americans need to take a 'common sense' approach to politics, one that isn't red or blue, but truly bipartisan. Barak Obama in his South Carolina victory speech exclaimed 'It's about whether we settle for the same divisions and distractions and drama that passes for politics today or whether we reach for a politics of common sense.' --Will has offered his one-liners in exchange for the VP spot.
Somehow, Will has even gotten the liberal left and conservative right to agree on something; with Air America Radio calling him 'one of the greatest commentators on all things political' and Fox News Radio hailing him as 'a great political satirist and one of the funniest guys around! For anyone that keeps up with politics in this important election year, this is an evening not to be missed!'"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "April 26, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Houston Jones --- benefit concert"; event.notes = "'Wow! Smoking.excellent.wonderful.awesome.amazing! What a great voice,fabulous lead guitar, one of the best percussionists around. What a great team!' -Dave Stafford, KKUP
Playing their special blend of American roots music, most of the members of Houston Jones were original members of the Waybacks. These versatile musicians have backed up artists such as Nora Jones, Bo Diddley, Rickie Lee Jones, Peter Rowan, Ramblin' Jack Elliott and more. Billboard.com called the band 'a wonderful gem.'
Tonight, they will be performing a benefit for Music in the Schools Today, which has provided programs that have reached over 10,000 Bay Area school children."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 9, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Tango No. 9 with Mila Salazar & Dancers"; event.notes = "San Francisco's premier Tango Nuevo ensemble performs in an evening devoted to the fiery, seductive music birthed in the brothels of Buenos Aires, the Tango. And for those who desire a visual introduction to the dance known as 'the beast with two backs', Mila Salazar and her stellar troupe of dancers will interpret pieces from the repertoire of Tango No. 9. Featuring violinist Catherine Clune, trombonist Greg Stephens, accordionist/bandoneonist Isabel Douglass and pianist Joshua Raoul Brody, Tango No. 9 will perform the music of Astor Piazzolla as well as premiers of contemporary compositions by Argentine composer Alejandro Oyuela and band members Stephens and Brody."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 10, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Gamelan Sekar Jaya"; event.notes = "Gamelan Sekar Jaya, the Bay Area's acclaimed gamelan ensemble, present the interlocking rhythms and refined dances of Bali in a special presentation; they will recreate the traditional 'kalangan' stage arrangement where groups play in temple courtyards surrounded by the audience. Led by one of Bali's most brilliant artists, Dewa Ketut Alit Adnyana (guest music director) from the famed Cudamani ensemble, Sekar Jaya will feature two large percussion orchestras; the bronze gamelan gong kebyar and the four tone ceremonial orchestra, gamelan angklung; as well as the delicate music of the gender wayang, a quartet that usually accompanies the shadow puppet play. Also featured will be guest dancer Kompiang Metri-Davies, from the Gadung Kasturi dance ensemble."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 30, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "VIENNA TENG"; event.notes = "Describing her music as 'chamber folk', singer/songwriter/pianist Vienna Teng weaves a magic spell, bringing the audience into her head and heart with her chillingly quiet, pure voice. With her keenly observational lyrics, her songs range from sultry jazz to country-tinged euphoria to a personal intimacy that reminds the listener of a contemporary version of Joni Mitchell or Simon and Garfunkel. Her second album, 'Warm Strangers' reached #2 on Amazon's best-seller list. She's appeared on David Letterman's show and has opened for Shawn Colvin, Joan Osborne, Patty Griffin, Joan Baez and the Indigo Girls."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$22"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 31, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "VIENNA TENG"; event.notes = "Describing her music as 'chamber folk', singer/songwriter/pianist Vienna Teng weaves a magic spell, bringing the audience into her head and heart with her chillingly quiet, pure voice. With her keenly observational lyrics, her songs range from sultry jazz to country-tinged euphoria to a personal intimacy that reminds the listener of a contemporary version of Joni Mitchell or Simon and Garfunkel. Her second album, 'Warm Strangers' reached #2 on Amazon's best-seller list. She's appeared on David Letterman's show and has opened for Shawn Colvin, Joan Osborne, Patty Griffin, Joan Baez and the Indigo Girls."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$22"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 7, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Peppino D'Agostino"; event.notes = "Recently voted Best Acoustic Guitarist by the readers of Guitar Player magazine, the dazzling fingerstyle guitarist was hailed as 'a phenom in the same league with John Fahey, Leo Kotke, Doc Watson and John Renbourn' by Jazziz magazine. With his passionate playing (and singing), amazing technique and innovative percussive effects, Peppino's music touches listeners in a heartfelt way, both emotionally as well as intellectually. ---- This performance is part of our String Theory series."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$20"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 13, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Merle Kessler & Joshua Raoul Brody present Another EVENING OF SONG"; event.notes = "After a much too-long hiatus, we welcome back this charming soiree with genial host Merle Kessler (of Ian Shoales and Duck's Breath Mystery Theater fame) introducing about 30 different performers (some well-known, some less so) each singing a song of his or her choice, accompanied by maestro J. Raoul Brody & his Experimental Love Orchestra. The evening's theme is Memory/Nostalgia. This Noe Valley Music Series version of American Idol will not feature any judges (ditzy, mean or otherwise), commercials or voting, but will result in a great time for all who attend."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 14, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Mimi Fox"; event.notes = "Winner of the last five Downbeat Magazine International Critics polls, jazz guitarist Mimi Fox was selected by that magazine as 'a guitarist in the worlds of jazz, blues and beyond whose work is innovating, invigorating and perpetuating the guitar tradition.' Her music ranges from bop-fueled romps and earthy blues to gorgeous ballads, alluring bossas and sensuous sambas. Tonight she will be featured in an intimate solo concert covering jazz standards as well as timeless gems from the American Songbook, with selections by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichel as well as originals. With her warm, clean tone, Mimi Fox offers a fresh take on the jazz guitar tradition while also paying respect to her biggest influences, Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery and Pat Martino. --- This performance is part of our String Theory"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 28, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "moira smiley & VOCO w/Keith Terry & Evie Laden"; event.notes = "moira smiley & VOCO sing powerful , emotional music with lush harmony and the delicious vaudevillian combo of cello, accordion and banjo. Sprinkled throughout their songs are rompin' stompin' body percussion sets. Voted #1 a cappella band in the U.S. and last year's Harmony Sweepstakes winners, the four members of VOCO create post-folk, improvisation-built songs while digging into old Americana and Eastern European sounds; as well as Bartok and original music.
Opening the evening will be Bay Area musical heroes Keith Terry (Crosspulse) & Evie Ladin (Stairwell Sisters), a dynamic rhythm duo performing on box, bells, banjo and body music; featuring creative and energetic music and dance that encompasses the unexpected with humor and skill."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 11, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The BAGUETTE QUARTETTE"; event.notes = "Our annual Bastille Day concert will feature a preview (and explanation) of music that will be performed by the Baguette Quartette (to accompany a film by Rene Clair) at this year's SF Silent Film festival, as well as other songs. French chanteuse/accordionist Odile Levault leads the only ensemble in North America exclusively dedicated to performing Perisian cafe music from the 1920s, 30s & 40s. The quartet's repertoire includes the popular dances of the era: valse musette, java, tango, fox trot, paso doble and marches plus French chansons. Lavault introduces the music in her beguiling English, transporting audiences back to the alleys of Paris."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "August 9, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Hawaiian Guitar Kings LED KAAPANA & MIKE KAAWA"; event.notes = "Multi Grammy winner & slack key guitar master Led Kaapana joins 12-string virtuoso Mike Kaawa in a special evening celebrating the release of their new album 'Force of Nature.'
Led Kaapana has collaborated with a dazzling list of musicians ranging from Alison Krauss, Chet Atkins, Leo Kotke, to Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder and many more. His amazing guitar technique and soaring baritone to falsetto vocal range are legendary. An accomplished performer on ukulele, autoharp, bass, and steel guitar, Led is one of Hawaii's most beloved traditional musicians.
Hailed as Hawaii's finest 12-string guitar player, Mike Kaawa is an illuminating performer who captivates audiences with his masterful fret board technique and enchanting vocal abilities. His innovative style integrates many styles, including jazz, ragtime, cachicachi and 'transpacific steamer blues.' Together Led and Mike create a unique sound that both guitar aficionados and music lovers of all stripes should not miss."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "September 26, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Merle (Ian Shoales) Kessler & Joshua (Raoul) Brody in SLOUCHING TOWARDS DISNEYLAND"; event.notes = "Merle Kessler is the fast-talking, hard-bitten, hilarious social critic and Joshua Brody is his near-catatonic sidekick in their latest 'one man show so big it takes two guys and a six-pack of beer to do it,' Slouching Towards Disneyland.
In words and music, the duo modestly presents a history of the world -- from the Big Bang of pre-yesteryear to the bleating blogs of today.
It's all here: the sweep of history, of brooms, of old worlds and new. Why do we dream of imaginary places? Why is there always better than here? Why do used car lots have inflatable gorillas? You will learn of the invention of time and the subsequent wasting of it. You will learn about intoxicating beverages and how they helped form empires, and destroy them. --About Pirates! Money! Liars! Confidence Men! And the self-deluded! Songs! Jokes and much more! You don't want to miss this journey from the marketplaces of ancient Greece to a sun baked parking lot in Anaheim, waiting for gates to open to the 'Happiest Place on Earth!.'"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 11, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The GAS MEN"; event.notes = "This spirited traditional Irish music band plays rollicking dance music (jig's reels, and hornpipes) as well as lyrical songs and ballads. Last summer they completed a well received tour of Ireland. They will be celebrating the recent release of their CD, Clement Street and their performance in the soon-to-be released Sean Penn movie, Harvey Milk."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 25, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "SOLD OUT ---> HOYLE & HOYLE: Buy one, get one free! <---SOLD OUT"; event.notes = "SOLD OUT ---> We are proud to welcome back Geoff and Dan Hoyle in an evening of new works and pre-election observations.
Geoff and Dan will each be trying out new material to be included in their upcoming solo shows. In addition, they will perform some pieces together and engage in some timely political (and economic) humor.
Dan has just returned from his trip through Middle America, talking with people in the red states about their lives and their thoughts about the upcoming election. His observations and stories about some of his travels have been appearing in The SF Chronicle. His previous solo show, Tings Dey Happen enjoyed a sold out run at the Marsh before a very successful run in New York.
Geoff Hoyle (Dan's dad) the wonderful physical comedian/actor/mime/New Vaudevillian, was hailed by Newsweek Magazine for his 'Breathtaking virtuosity.' He has performed in solo and ensemble shows with Berkeley Rep as well as theaters all over the world and was the ringmaster for Cirque de Soleil.
Don't miss this great evening of theater & comedy! $15adv/$17door <---SOLD OUT"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 1, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "HOYLE & HOYLE: Buy one, get one free!"; event.notes = "We are proud to welcome back Geoff and Dan Hoyle in an evening of new works and pre-election observations.
Geoff and Dan will each be trying out new material to be included in their upcoming solo shows. In addition, they will perform some pieces together and engage in some timely political (and economic) humor.
Dan has just returned from his trip through Middle America, talking with people in the red states about their lives and their thoughts about the upcoming election. His observations and stories about some of his travels have been appearing in The SF Chronicle. His previous solo show, Tings Dey Happen enjoyed a sold out run at the Marsh before a very successful run in New York.
Geoff Hoyle (Dan's dad) the wonderful physical comedian/actor/mime/New Vaudevillian, was hailed by Newsweek Magazine for his 'Breathtaking virtuosity.' He has performed in solo and ensemble shows with Berkeley Rep as well as theaters all over the world and was the ringmaster for Cirque de Soleil.
Don't miss this great evening of theater & comedy! $15adv/$17door"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 21, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Stringwoman's Ball, a stringband dance party featuring THE STAIRWELL SISTERS and THE CREOLE BELLES"; event.notes = "Two of the hottest Old-Time/Cajun/roots bands are featured in an all-ages dance party.
The Stairwell Sisters crank out old-time music with a rock-n-roll energy. They've been featured on 'A Prairie Home Companion,' and on festival stages ranging from Lincoln Center and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, to Celtic Connections (UK), and a sold out performance in our own venue at last year's San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival. Their 3d CD, 'Get Off Your Money,' was recently released.
The Creole Belles bring in their pure, high-energy, driving, authentic Louisiana swamp music to our hall. These ladies are the real deal, having played with Cajun & Creole greats such as Dewey Balfa, Marc & Ann Savoy, Michael Doucet (from Beausoliel) and Danny Poullard, plus old-time stalwart Kenny Hall and guitar legend Doc Watson.
Their debut CD was recently released on the Arhoolie label.
Don't miss all the fun!"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "December 6, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "ROY ZIMMERMAN and STEVIE COYLE in a special holiday season concert"; event.notes = "The popular satirical songwriter takes aim at both the joys and absurdities of the holiday season in his special PeaceNick performance. Roy presents an evening of Pacifist-Humanist-Seasonal satire - music to laugh at while the presents get unwrapped and the administration in Washington gets ready to change. In this time of war, natural disaster and social & economic upheaval Roy's songs enable us to laugh in the holiday season with a hilarious and heartfelt look at Christmas and 'a lacerating wit and keen awareness of society's foibles that bring to mind a latter-day Tom Lehrer.' -The LA Times. Roy's songs have been heard on NPR, PRI, Air America and Sirius Radio.
Stevie Coyle (a founding member of the Waybacks) injects American roots music into the holiday spirit. In the 80s Roy and Stevie performed together as the Reagan Brothers and later went on to form the Foreman, a comedy/satire band that recorded on the Warner Brothers label. For tonight's concert they'll perform solo and together."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "December 13, 2008"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Legendary singer-songwriter JD SOUTHER in a rare concert appearance. Plus April Smith"; event.notes = "One of the great singer/songwriters of the last 35 years, JD Souther was one of the principal architects of the California country-rock sound, playing a key role in the formation of the Eagles. He co-wrote their hits 'New Kid in Town', 'Best of My Love', 'Heartache Tonight', and 'Victim of Love', as well as Linda Ronstadt's classics 'Faithless Love', 'Simple Man', and 'Prisoner in Disguise'. His chart-topping hit 'You're Only Lonely' was followed by the James Taylor duet 'Her Town Too'. He formed the Souther Hillman Furay Band with Poco's Richie Furay and the Byrd's Chris Hillman. In 1985 he walked away from his performing career and subsequently wrote hit songs for artists as diverse as Roy Orbison, Crosby Stills & Nash, Dixie Chicks, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Buffet, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, Don Henly and many more. After a 25 year hiatus he is performing again in a rare San Francisco concert.
With her music featured on MTV's hit shows The Hills and Newport Harbor, April Smith brings her sly wit, cheeky attitude, sticky cadences and profound lyrics in to open the show."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$25"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 3, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT"; event.notes = "The folk music legend returns
Plus Corinne West
'Ramblin' Jack Elliott has been a towering influence on a generation of folk and rock musicians, most notably Bob Dylan.' --The Boston Globe
Mentored by Woody Guthrie, Jack is one of the key artists responsible for the worldwide embrace of American folk music starting in the 60s. Now at the pinnacle of more than a 50 year career, he has received accolades befitting a folk music icon. Ten years ago his South Coast album won him a Grammy and he has received two more nominations subsequently. He won the National Medal of Arts award and was honored with a special dinner at the (Clinton) White House. Recently the award-winning film The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack introduced a new generation to his timeless music and yarns. We are honored to have this national treasure start our concert year.
Up & coming roots music diva Corinne West sings and plays with the intensity of rock, the sincerity of country, the storytelling of bluegrass and the wide-openness of Americana."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$20"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 17, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "CULANN'S HOUNDS & THE EARL BROTHERS"; event.notes = "Irish & American roots music meet head-on in a rollicking evening.
Culann's Hounds play what has been referred to as 'Irish American Roots music.' They seamlessly blend the core values of traditional Irish music with high-energy pub rock, punk and Americana, resulting in a rocking, fun show featuring virtuosity, fireworks and a dance-your-butt-off sound. The Earl Brothers feature Bobby Earl Davis & Danny Morris in an original American, Old-Timey, mountain music sound."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 30, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "BRUCE FORMAN presents The Red Guitar"; event.notes = "The dazzling jazz guitarist has created a one-man show that explores the psychology and spirituality of music. In a story in jazz that's about jazz (and how 'the music chose him') Forman combines elements of 'The Red Shoes and 'The Red Violin' with his amazing guitar playing and storytelling chops. 'Imagine an evening with John Coltrane, Sigmund Freud and Faust... it's all that and more in a musical and narrative journey into the influences and temptations that shape an artist's soul. It's a melting pot of jazz virtuosity and dazzling word play that swings with humor, hardship, insight and hope.' --Peter Coyote. Bruce will also perform a jazz set and do a Q & A afterward."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 31, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "MANRING KASSIN DARTER"; event.notes = "With bassist Michael Manring, pianist Tom Darter and flutist Larry Kassin; these three improvised-music virtuosos combine jazz, world, rock, folk, avant-garde & classical music into what critics have referred to as 'chamber music for the new millennium' or 'the world's most sophisticated Jam Band.'
'Mind-boggling musicianship. Complex, provocative compositions. Darter, Manring and Kassin are all-around awesome!' --Greg Rule, Keyboard Magazine "; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$14"; event.regdoorprice = "$16"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 7, 2009"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "SF Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival: Original CROOKED JADES Reunion, HUCLEBERRY FLINT, WATER TOWER STRING BAND"; event.notes = "For the first time in 6 years the original Crooked Jades lineup of Jeff Kazor, Lisa Berman, Stephanie Prausnitz and Tom Lucas are joined by Erik Pearson and Megan Adie, playing brilliantly surprising arrangements of Old-Time music with driving energy and thrilling innovation.
Huckleberry Flint breathes fresh life into old-time music while the Eugene, Oregon-based Water Tower String Band fuses the hard driving energy of an old-time stringband with bluegrass and country music.
Note 7:30PM start time."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 13, 2009"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "SF Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival: LAURIE LEWIS & KATHY KALLICK ...Together"; event.notes = "SF Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival: Two Bay Area Bluegrass greats perform with their own bands and together.
Multi Grammy-winner, Laurie Lewis was the first female bluegrass star born outside the music's native southland. She is a pivotal figure in transforming the genre from a regional to an international musical language and was twice honored as 'Female Vocalist of the Year' by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Tonight she is joined by ace mandolinist-singer Tom Rozum and their smokin' band.
Kathy Kallick co-founded (with Laurie Lewis) the internationally-acclaimed band, Good Ol' Persons in 1975. She went on to release 14 albums, tour the world, receive a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from the California Bluegrass Association and won a Grammy and two International Bluegrass Musician Awards. She is joined by mandolin virtuoso Tom Bekeny, bassist Dan Booth and dobro master Greg Booth.
Note 7:30PM start time."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$20"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 14, 2009"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "SF Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival: The DEL WILLIAMS BAND, BLUE & LONESOME, Homespun Rowdy"; event.notes = "The final night of the SF Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival features a salute to the classic bluegrass style popularized by the First Generation founders of the 40s & 50s. Guitarist/vocalist Del Williams, son of the late, legendary Vern Williams, spent three decades in his father's band honing his craft; mixing power and an unabashed worship for the melody with a deep feeling for an honest song. Fellow Vern Williams Band alum Danny Van Meter (Sally's brother) combines a big voice with his Monroe-style mandolin, Paul Lee (fiddle, vocals), Billy Moore (banjo, vocals and James Judd (bass), round out the genuine, early bluegrass sound. Blue & Lonesome features Ed Neff, Mike Wilhoyte, Larry Cohea, Paul Shelasky and Jeff King, five of today's top traditional players. Homespun Rowdy is a young, high energy, traditional bluegrass band, delivering powerful raw harmonies and dynamic picking around a single microphone.
Note 7:30PM start time."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 28, 2009"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "Winter Flowers, Eagle Winged Palace, Randazzo Robinson"; event.notes = "to learn more about the bands, visit their web sites (please copy these URLs into your browser address line):
www.myspace.com/winterflowers
www.myspace.comeaglewingedpalacecali
www.myspace.com/randazzorobinson"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "April 4, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "jazz vocalist Kendra Shank & Quartet"; event.notes = "jazz vocalist Kendra Shank & Quartet"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "April 18, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "AUSTRALIAN BEBOP RAGAS"; event.notes = "Celebrating the release of their first CD, Snakes and Ladders this extraordinary and innovative trio weaves together intriguing elements from far-flung corners of the globe to create an adventurous musical hybrid. With didjeridoo master Stephen Kent, touchstyle fretboard (Chapman Stick) pioneer Teed Rockwell, and jazz, world fusion and Indian Classical tabla/percussion virtuoso Jim Santi Owen; they present a globally eclectic, rhythmically unearthly, haunting sound."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "April 25, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Gospel Night with Fret Not Gospel & Rev. Roland Pollard & Friends"; event.notes = "Old-school gospel meets old-time gospel in a special evening that promises to 'raise the roof!' Lead by Lori Arthur's intense and fiery singing, Fret Not plays old-time, boot-stomping, roots gospel with songs from the traditions of America's white and black rural churches; backed by acoustic fiddle, bass, guitar and banjo.
Rev. Roland Pollard started his career performing with Sister Sledge, The Barkays and the Mississippi Mass Choir. Backed by keyboards, bass and drums, he and the choir play an urban, full-tilt, old-school, funky, Earth Wind & Fire black gospel, with a heavy emphasis on the great voices in the choir.
The contrasting yet connected styles, sources and high energy of these ensembles will make this an unforgettable evening for those who want to clap, stand up and holler, as well as those who just want to listen and soak it all in."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 2, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "TANGO No. 9 & Zoltan Lundy -- with dance performances by Mila Salazar and her troupe!"; event.notes = "'La dolce vita, Indeed!' -- SF Bay Guardian
Tango No. 9, singer Zoltan Lundy, and Mila Salazar & her dancers return to The Noe Valley Ministry for a special evening. See, hear and revel in the words, the dance and the music of tango.
The performance will feature Zoltan Lundy, singing tango through the ages. From tango classics to songs of Piazzolla, it promises to be a romantic and historical journey."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 9, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The Bittersweets"; event.notes = "'Goodnight San Francisco is a melancholy beauty, built from melody and poetry' --Peter Cooper, The Tennessean
Singer Hannah Prater has a delicious knack for simultaneously rocking out and whispering in our ears. --The Boston Globe
Originally based in SF, the popular alt folk-pop duo makes a much anticipated return to celebrate their new CD, Goodnight San Francisco. With Chris Meyers (on guitar, keyboards & vocals) and the wonderfully smoky/breathy-voiced Hannah Prater (on lead vocals & guitar) The Bittersweets fuse blues, sunniness, melancholy and lush arrangements with transcendent melodies. They create songs that have a stirring, not-neatly-sewn-up quality, weaving a captivating tension between hope and poignancy. Recently they were featured on the WB's hit show One Tree Hill and completed a very successful UK tour (fans were rushing the stage in London!) Their EP Live in Atlanta went to #1 on the popular artist-to-fan website Noisetrade."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 15, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "From Germany, Harmony Sweepstakes winners: VOCALDENTE -- plus Stephen Saxon"; event.notes = "In the past two years, Vocaldente has won international vocal competitions in Austria, Finland, Taiwan and the US. They will be in town to host the Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella National Finals (which they won last year) but their appearance at our venue will be the Bay Area's only opportunity to see them in a full-length concert setting.
Vocalist/trumpeter Stephen Saxon is best know for his work with The San Francisco Klezmer experience/Klez X, the Klezmorim, Chantacleer and recent guest solo appearances (on PBS) with KITKA. He has also served as cantor for congregations Beth Abraham in Oakland and Beth El in San Mateo.
Don't miss this night of amazing vocals!"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 6, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Merle Kessler & Joshua Raoul Brody present Another Evening of Song"; event.notes = "Our annual extravaganza, as 25 different singers (some well-known, some ...not so much) each perform a song of their choice, accompanied by J. Raoul Brody & The Experimental Love Orchestra. Merle (Ian Shoales) Kessler will be the genial host of the evening. This Noe Valley Music Series version of American Idol will not feature any judges (ditzy, mean or otherwise) saying 'You rock!' or commercials or voting, but will result in a great time for all who attend."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 20, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "JAMES CARAN, The FOLK OPERA by ANNIE BACON"; event.notes = "Performer/composer James Caran's music draws from rock, world, folk and jazz idioms. With his clear voice and fine guitar playing, his sound is sophisticated yet soulful. Fresh from releasing his album 'Tracks in Progress' on the Free Measure label and headlining venues such as the Great American Music Hall (where we were knocked out by his performance) James will bring in a 4 piece band, special guests and an improv choir.
Composed entirely on ukulele by Annie Bacon, the Folk Opera is a delightful performance piece which combines operatic and folk music styles. The piece features upright bass, fiddle and the voices of Elizabeth Greenblatt, Joel Dean and Annie Bacon. Annie has perfomed with Corinne West, The Elationists, Sweet Crude Bill and Annie and her Oshen."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$12"; event.regdoorprice = "$15"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 27, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "THE BAGUETTE QUARTETTE"; event.notes = "Our annual Bastille Day concert is about 17 days early this year. Nevertheless, we're prepared to party with the wonderful Baguette Quartette. French chanteuse Odile Levault leads this ensemble, the only one in North America dedicated to performing the Parisian cafe music of the 20s, 30s and 40s. Their repertoire includes the popular danses of the era: valse musette, java, tango, fox trot, paso doble and marches, plus French chansons. Lavault introduces the music in her beguiling English, transporting the audiences back to the alleys of Paris. Tonight they will preview music from their upcoming CD."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 11, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "MANRING KASSIN DARTER --live concert recording"; event.notes = "Performing 'chamber music for the new millennium,' Manring Kassin Darter has been astounding audiences for the last ten years with amazing chops, quiet soul and diverse compositions. Referred to by some music critics as 'the world's most sophisticated jam-band,' the group features three of the top virtuosos on their respective instruments. With two gold records, over 200 albums recorded and multiple Grammy nominations to his credit, bass phenom, Michael Manring has been hailed as 'a master of the fretless bass without rival' by Guitar Club Magazine. Bass Player Magazine recently named him Bass Player of the Year. Pianist Tom Darter's compositions have drawn praise from Elliott Carter, Aaron Copland and Karel Husa and music critics have compared Larry Kassin's flute playing to Rahassan Roland Kirk, Hubert Laws and Paul Horn. While listeners can hear echoes of jazz, rock, classical, folk, avant-garde and world music in their performances, the net result is music that tears down stylistic walls and refuses to be compartmentalized.
Tonight's performance will be recorded for their new CD.
'Mind-boggling musicianship. Complex, provocative compositions. Darter, Manring and Kassin are all-around awesome!' --Greg Rule, Keyboard Magazine"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "August 14, 2009"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "Bluegrass Blowout with: Spring Creek, Belle Monroe and her Brewglass Boys and Black Crown String Band"; event.notes = "Three high energy Bluegrass Bands perform in a special Noe Valley Bluegrass evening.
Colorado-based Spring Creek has been breaking into the national scene with a youthful, fresh sound that honors the first generation of bluegrass greats. Recently signed to the Rebel Records label (whose ranks include Ralph Stanley, Steep Canyon Rangers and others) they won the Telluride and RockyGrass Festivals and their original crowd favorite 'High Up in the Mountains' was named 'Best Americana Song' by the Independent Music Awards.
Belle Monroe has been winning over audiences with her strong, bluesy bluegrass and swing vocal style. Featuring Tom Drohan, Ted Silverman, Jordan Klein and Diana Greenberg, Belle and her band offer up a new take on some great, old bluegrass standards.
Black Crown String Band is a colorful group of Musicians coming from both worlds of Bluegrass and Old-Time and meeting somewhere in the middle. Their music includes fiddle driven old-time numbers, twisted up bluegrass standards and plain old, straight ahead mountain music."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 2, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "David Grisman Quintet flutist Matt Eakle with The Matt Eakle Band"; event.notes = "One of the world's top improvising flutists, Matt Eakle performs 'flute-fired fusion' with his quartet, featuring bassist Alex Baum, drummer Jack Dorsey and pianist Joey Edelman. A member of the David Grisman Quintet for 20 years, Matt has performed and recorded with Stephane Grappelli, Jerry Garcia, Vassar Clements, Tony Rice, Mark O'Connor and Bonnie Raitt. He was featured on Linda Ronstadt's CD Canciones de Mi Padre and on Chris Issak's Always Got Tonight CD, as well as all of the David Grisman Quintet and the Garcia/Grisman recordings. After 20 years of playing 'Dawg music' Matt has put together a rhythm-driven jam band that digs deep into the groove. In addition to all his performing, Matt produced the Headwaters Project CD that raises money for non-profits fighting to save the redwoods."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 10, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "STELLAMARA -- CD release concert"; event.notes = "With their otherworldly melodies, deep musical meditations and astonishing improvisations; and featuring the siren-like voice of Sonja Drukulich, 'Stellamara travels deeply beyond any derivations or trends in world music diving deeply into a felt experience of the divine.' --Media Deva
Those who favor Balkan, Medieval, Persian, Arabic, Greek, Turkish or Far Eastern music will find themselves transported by the free flowing music. With Gary Hegedus, Peter Jaques, Faizal Zedan and Evan Fraser playing an array of exotic drums and Middle-Eastern instruments, and Sonja's exquisite voice bringing to mind shades of Loreena McKennit, Azam Ali and Lisa Gerrard, the music ebbs and flows from faraway places and times for a hauntingly elegant listening experience. '...undeniably beautiful.' --SF Bay Guardian
Tonight they celebrate the long-awaited release of their third CD, The Golden Thread."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 24, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Kora (African Harp) master PRINCE DIABATE & Band"; event.notes = "The Guinean kora master, Prince Diabate, updates griot music for Westerners without diminishing its traditional power.' --The New Yorker
Hailed as 'the Jimi Hendrix of the Kora' for his lightning-quick, percussive technique, Prince Diabate brings in his acoustic trio, featuring Ken Rosser on guitar and Linda Albertano on bolon (traditional bass) and gongoman (thumb piano), for his first SF performance in four years. Dividing his time between France, the US and his native Guinea, his recent tours have included Europe, Africa and Canada.
Incorporating the sounds of reggae, rap, blues and funk, Diabate still remains true to his Malinke roots. With his clear, soaring vocals and masterful kora technique, Diabate's trio features an evening of joyous rhythmic, traditional and contemporary fusion music from the Mandingue countries of West Africa."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 20, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "An evening with two time Grammy winner JIM LAUDERDALE"; event.notes = "With successes in both bluegrass and country music, international recording artist Jim Lauderdale won Artist of the Year and Song of the Year at the first Honors and Awards Show held by the Americana Music Association in 2002. Subsequently he has hosted the same show for the last seven years. One of Nashville's premier songwriters, his songs have been recorded by The Dixie Chicks, Solomon Burke, Mark Chesnutt, Vince Gill, George Strait, John Mayall, Kathy Mattea, Lee Ann Womack and many others. He has toured with Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rhonda Vincent and, most recently, Elvis Costello. He won his first Grammy for Lost in the Lonesome Pines recorded with the legendary Ralph Stanley and his second for his Bluegrass Diaries album at the 50th Grammy Awards in 2007. He has had two other Grammy nominations. We are honored to host an evening with one of today's major bluegrass and country singer/songwriters."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$20"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 21, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "HOUSTON JONES -- CD release concert"; event.notes = "'Wow! Smoking...excellent...wonderful...awesome...amazing! What a great voice, fabulous lead guitar, one of the best percussionists around. What a great team!' --Dave Stafford, KKUP
One of the smokinest roots bands around, most of the members of Houston Jones got their start as members of the Waybacks. Playing their 'high octane Americana,' these versitile musicians have backed up artists ranging from Norah Jones, Bo Diddley, and Peter Rowan to Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Rickie Lee Jones and more. Billboard.com called the band 'a wonderful gem.' Tonight they celebrate the release of their new CD, Jericho Road."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 27, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "THE BOOKS, Manring Kassin Darter"; event.notes = "The Books, a.k.a. Nick Zammuto and Paul de Jong, didn't invent the audio collage, but they have perfected the idea of incorporating found sound into their music. Performing on cello, guitar and voice while projecting their videos, The Books have always been an entity that defied category, or any definable aesthetic. As XLR8R once put it, 'It sounds like everything from Asiatic Appalachian folk to a soundtrack for a future where robots made of empty tomato cans, dam radios, and duct tape rule the world.'
The amazing avant/improvising trio of bassist Michael Manring, flutist Larry Kassin and pianist Tom Darter opens the concert."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "November 28, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "THE BOOKS, Manring Kassin Darter"; event.notes = "The Books, a.k.a. Nick Zammuto and Paul de Jong, didn't invent the audio collage, but they have perfected the idea of incorporating found sound into their music. Performing on cello, guitar and voice while projecting their videos, The Books have always been an entity that defied category, or any definable aesthetic. As XLR8R once put it, 'It sounds like everything from Asiatic Appalachian folk to a soundtrack for a future where robots made of empty tomato cans, dam radios, and duct tape rule the world.'
The amazing avant/improvising trio of bassist Michael Manring, flutist Larry Kassin and pianist Tom Darter opens the concert."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "December 5, 2009"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "British acoustic guitar legend ADRIAN LEGG, with Teja Gerken"; event.notes = "'He's simply the best acoustic guitarist I've ever heard.' --Joe Satriani
One of the world's greatest finger-style guitar players, British guitar wizard Adrian Legg returns for a rare San Francisco performance. Voted Best Finger-style Guitarist four years in a row by the readers of Guitar Player magazine, and Acoustic Guitarist of the Decade by England's Guitarist magazine, the Boston Globe hailed his performances for 'technical brilliance paired with a troubadour's tale-weaving skill.' Tonight he will go back to his acoustic roots playing without many of the pedals and effects he had used for the past few years. Originally hailing from Germany, acoustic guitar wiz Teja Gerken opens the concert."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 2, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Music Legend and current Blues Grammy nominee RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT"; event.notes = "'Ramblin' Jack Elliott has been a towering influence on a generation of folk and rock musicians, most notably Bob Dylan.' --The Boston Globe
One of the last true links to the great folk traditions of this country, with over 40 albums under his belt, Ramblin' Jack Elliott is considered one of the legendary foundations of folk music. In the tradition of roving troubadours Jack has carried the seeds and pollens of story and song for decades from one place to another, from one generation to the next. They are timeless songs that outlast whatever current musical fashion strikes today's fancy.
He was a mentor to Bob Dylan as Woody Guthrie was to him. In 1950, he met Woody Guthrie, moved in with the Guthrie family and traveled with Woody to California and Florida, from the redwood forests to the Gulf Stream waters.
Along the way he learned the blues first-hand from Leadbelly, Mississippi John Hurt, the Reverend Gary Davis, Big Bill Broonzy, Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry, Jesse Fuller and Champion Jack Dupree. So it's fitting that he has just received his first Grammy nomination in the Traditional Blues category for his album, A Stranger Here. (He has 3 previous folk Grammy nominations and won for his South Coast album). He won the National Medal of Arts award and was honored with a special dinner at the White House. Recently the award-winning film The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack introduced a new generation to his timeless music and yarns.
We are honored to have this national treasure start our concert year."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$20"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 9, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Yale University's award winning a cappella group REDHOT & BLUE"; event.notes = "With their thrilling arrangements that break down the barriers of traditional a cappella repertoire, Redhot & Blue has been blowing away audiences around the world. This year they will perform at the White House, tour both coasts, plus Japan and the Caribbean. Though rooted in jazz, their repertoire spans a wide variety of genres from calypso to rock.
'From the compositions of Cole Porter and George Gershwin to those of Thelonius Monk, there is a sense of innovation in every Redhot & Blue moment. The arrangements soar and their voices thrive at the soul and center of the music.' --A Cappella Party
Don't miss this NVM Series version of 'glee!"; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "January 30, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "GLASS HOUSE, Sharon Knight"; event.notes = "Featuring Mark Vickness (acoustic guitars, harp guitars, and table) and David Worm (vocals and vocal percussion) Glass House performs in an alternative folk genre, combining acoustic guitars and voice in songs that incorporate elements of folk, rock, pop, jazz, and Indian music.
In addition to his stellar, soulful voice, David Worm is one of today's great, beat-boxing masters. In 1989 he became a founding member of Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra ensemble and performs regularly with McFerrin on recordings, videos, and international tours. David is also one of the founding members of the internationally acclaimed A Cappella group SoVoSo, and the innovative improvisational trio WeBe3, where he teams up with vocal powerhouses Rhiannon and Joey Blake. Mark Vickness has written several film and dance scores. His playing focuses exclusively on acoustic, steel string guitars, and harp guitar using original tunings, harmonics, percussive techniques, and looping.
'The group's songs mix matters of the heart while tackling divisive cultural issues such as racism, using music as a unifying force.' -East Bay Express
With her spirited Celtic vocals, Sharon Knight opens the performance."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 6, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "ROVA Saxophone Quartet"; event.notes = "We present an evening with improvised/new music greats, Rova, as they premiere works highlighting their signature, seamless blend of improvisation and composition. New pieces will be presented from individual quartet members, as well as new developments in the ongoing group project, The Glass Head - an innovative composition combining improv strategies with open-ended composed elements. Recently Rova has been busy with commissioned works, collaborative projects, touring and recording. This special evening offers a rare opportunity to hear Rova on its own, performing in a friendly, vibrant and ideal acoustic environment."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 12, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "TANGO No. 9 in Tango for the new decade"; event.notes = "Just in time for Valentine's Day, Tango No. 9 will explore this great Argentinean music in all its myriad forms: classic standards,Êcontemporary experiments, and the revolutionary tango nuevo of Astor Piazzolla, plus waltzes, milongas, and romantic ballads.
Tango No. 9, with violinist Catharine Clune, trombonist Greg Stephens, and pianist Joshua Raoul Brody will be joined by singer Zoltan Lundy, who's been adding to the group's repertoire for the past year and will premier pieces from the traditional repertoire; accordion wizard Rob Reich of the Nice Guy Trio; and dancers Mila SalazarÊand Count Glover, who will add a dance dimension to several pieces."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 13, 2010"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "SF Bluegrass & Old Time Festival with The WRONGLERS, FRET NOT Gospel, FAMILY LINES"; event.notes = "SF Bluegrass & Old Time Festival with
The WRONGLERS, FRET NOT Gospel, FAMILY LINES
Fret Not plays boot-stomping, old-time roots gospel. Lead by Lori Arthur's fiery singing, with songs from the traditions of America's black and white rural churches, it's as if the Whitstein Brothers and Sister Rosetta Tharpe held a barn dance together. In fact, Lori's grandparents did just that on their New Mexico ranch during the Great Depression. Fret Not brings the old-time gospel to the dispirited and disheartened of modern life, with appearances in prisons, recovery missions, funerals, and at benefits. There is something in the old songs that uplifts our spirit and helps us through life's trials and tribulations.
The Wronglers have now been performing together for some three-and-a-half years, much to their own amazement. They continue to expand their repertoire to include more original and old-time material. 2010 is going to be a particularly special year for The Wronglers as they have been invited to perform at both SXSW and The Old Settler's Festival in Texas, as well as return to High Mountain Hay Fever in Colorado for a second time. Of note is the fact that one member of The Wronglers is San Francisco's beloved Warren Hellman, founder of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival.
A trio that performs outstanding original music as well as folk, blues, and roots favorites, Family Lines features rich vocal harmonies that blend somewhere beyond the DNA. Led by SFBOT head honcho, Ken Frankel, Family Lines delivers lively and riveting performances that'll get you out of your seats and make you feel like..... family.
Please note: tickets for the Feb 13 & 19 shows are also available online at www.bluegrass.org, in addition to our usual outlets."; event.url = "http://www.bluegrass.org"; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "February 19, 2010"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "SF Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival with JACKSTRAW, CROOKED JADES, BLACK CROWN String Band"; event.notes = "SF Bluegrass & Old-Time Fest with
JACKSTRAW, CROOKED JADES, BLACK CROWN String Band
We close out our SFBOT offerings appropriately enough, with an evening of virtuoso bluegrass & vintage old-time music.
Bluegrass fans round up your cowboy hats and toe tapping shoes. One of the northwest's finest bluegrass bands, Jackstraw (from Portland) features some of the hottest, most amazing pickers to be found anywhere. They play fast and hard (and their driving rhythms are infectious) but the band is best known for its musical depth, feeling, and it's soulful, harmonious vocals. Jackstraw was born when rhythm guitarist Darrin Craig and lead player Jon Neufeld met mandolin picker David Pugh and bassist Jess Withers in 1997. Four records later, the band has toured all over the U.S., playing roadhouses, listening rooms, clubs and festival stages.
Performing driving dance tunes and haunting ballads with an amazing array of vintage and eclectic instruments, The Crooked Jades are modern innovators in the old-time Americana world, recreating a cinematic sound based on Americana roots infused with the diverse musical influences of Europe and Africa. On a mission to reinvent old world music, they bring their brilliantly surprising arrangements of obscure old tunes mixed with beautiful original compositions to clubs, concert halls, and festivals around the United States and Europe. The lineup for this special performance is Jeff Kazor (vocals, guitar, ukulele), Lisa Berman (vocals, hawaiian slide, banjo, harmonium), Erik Pearson (banjo, Ukulele, harmonium) and Josh Rabie (Fiddle).
Black Crown Stringband is the latest supergroup to emerge from the fertile San Francisco Bay-Area bluegrass and old-timey scene. Bringing together founding members of the Earl Brothers and the Mercury Dimes, the band first appeared at the 2008 Berkeley Old-Time Convention Stringband Contest where their hard-driving sound earned them first prize. Black Crown combines the best elements of old-time stringband music and Bill Monroe's 'high lonesome' sound to create a unique fusion that is at once old-school and brand new.
Please note: tickets for the Feb 13 & 19 shows are also available online at www.bluegrass.org, in addition to our usual outlets."; event.url = "http://www.bluegrass.org"; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 6, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "GEORGE COLE Quintet, The FISHTANK ENSEMBLE"; event.notes = "We present a high energy evening of 'cross-pollinated gypsy music' and American influenced gypsy jazz, celebrating the centennial of the great jazz guitarist, Django Reinhardt.
George Cole combines his crooning jazz vocals with Django inspired guitar work and Gershwin, Mercer and Porter inspired compositions, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the Hot Club of Paris. With Julian Smedley's soaring, Stephane Grapelli like violin, the quintet is 'a must see for any fan of vintage jazz.' --Guitar Player Magazine
With their unique blend of Romanian, Gypsy jazz, Flamenco, Balkan, Turkish and Tango, the Fishtank Ensemble presents what LA Weekly hailed as 'cross-pollinated gypsy music' and 'one of the most thrilling live acts on the planet.' Tackling everything from French hot jazz to flamenco to wild Serbian and Transylvanian gypsy anthems, the group features French fiddler Fabrice Martinez (who got his start gigging around Europe with a horse drawn caravan), flamenco guitar master El Douje, punk accordionist Aaron Seeman and vocalist/musical saw player Ursula Knudson."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$20"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 19, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "San Francisco CD release concert for NELL ROBINSON in Loango with John Reischman & the Jaybirds, The Henriettas"; event.notes = "With her warm, sexy voice Nell Robinson stays true to her family's rural Alabama roots, performing new and traditional bluegrass and country music with John Reischman and the Jaybirds.
For this special evening, Nell will be performing backed by a smokin' band with: John Reischman, mandolin; Jim Nunally, guitar, slide steel; Nick Hornbuckle, banjo, brushes; Greg Spatz, fiddle; and Trisha Gagnon, string bass.
The concert will include a live, radio show appearance by The Henriettas (Nell and Cary Sheldon), a revival of the 1930's sister's act, the Dezurik Sisters (whose barnyard novelty yodeling has tugged at our hearts and become an obsession) complete with a 1930's style radio announcer."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "March 26, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The PAPER RAINCOAT with special guest VIENNA TENG"; event.notes = "The Paper Raincoat is an imaginative collaboration between Brooklyn songwriters Amber Rubarth and Alex Wong that brings to life a colorful world teeming with compelling characters, dream-like storylines, and metaphorical narratives. Their songs are a cinematic blend of orchestral pop, electronic textures and unforgettable melodies. Their music is featured on One Tree Hill, Real World, and Jersey Shore; and in the upcoming Touchstone Pictures feature film, The Last Song starring Miley Cyrus and Greg Kinnear. Their live show has been described as 'riveting' by audiences, featuring everything from an a cappella number using nothing but harmonies and body percussion, to a 3 person drum jam, to 'Right Angles', a piece for four hands on piano.
Spellbinding singer songwriter Vienna Teng will join them for several pieces."; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 8, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Beth Custer Ensemble"; event.notes = "The Beth Custer Ensemble returns to the fabulous, acoustically unique, concert series of the Noe Valley Ministry. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear Custer's newest work culled from her critically acclaimed release 'Roam', new songs created at her recent residency in Montalvo Arts Center, and much more. The ensembles' influences of jazz, funk, and Latin rock meld with Custer's view of the world as her musical oyster.
The Beth Custer Ensemble features the creme de la creme of Bay Area musicians, including drummer Jan Jackson (who played with Grammy-nominated Will Bernard, Chuck Berry), guitarist/composer David James (Curtis Bumby, Spearhead, Sila), bassist Lisa Mezzacappa (Duo B; Go Go Fightmaster), Diana Mangano, backup vocals (lead vocal in Jefferson Starship), iconic pianist Graham Connah, trumpet player Chris Grady (Club Foot Orchestra, Mark Growden) and Beth Custer (Trance Mission, Club Foot Orchestra, Clarinet Thing). The band bursts forth with a genre-defying repertoire. Don't miss this intimate show!"; event.url = "http://www.bethcuster.com/st-roam.html"; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "May 22, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "The CROOKED JADES and the Kate Weare Dance Company"; event.notes = "For tonight's performance the Crooked Jades will feature special guests Genessa Kealoha on bass, Rose Sinclair on banjo and slide and Elise Engelberg on fiddle.
The Crooked Jades continue to explore new frontiers as they begin an exciting collaboration with the critically acclaimed New York modern dance group Kate Weare Company, previewed tonight in its formative stages as one highlight in an entire evening of hypnotic old-time music with The Crooked Jades.
The dance, entitled 'Gone Before and Rattling' features a quintet of dancers and explores the cyclical nature of human experience with piercing, powerful choreography and fiery, soulful live music. Premiering in its entirety at New York's Joyce Theatre in August, the collaboration tackles the emotional undertakings-kinship, belief, suffering, love-that shape us in our lifetimes and repeat in cycles through the ages. www.kateweare.com"; event.image = ""; event.url = "http://www.crookedjades.com"; event.regadvprice = "$18"; event.regdoorprice = "$20"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 5, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Guitar Summit with Teja Gerken, The San Francisco Guitar Quartet, Matthew Montfort"; event.notes = "In what is certain to be a concert highlight of the year for Bay Area guitar lovers, SF Live Arts & the Noe Valley Music Series present a one-of-a-kind evening featuring three internationally acclaimed acts with deep roots in the local music scene. The San Francisco Guitar Summit features the varied range of music possible on the instrument -- from acoustic fingerstyle through modern classical, to pioneering world fusion. The summit features Matthew Montfort performing on scalloped fretboard and fretless guitars, fingerstyle guitarist Teja Gerken, and classical and modern music by the San Francisco Guitar Quartet.
Teja Gerken is no stranger to those familiar with the Bay Area acoustic guitar scene. Born in Germany, but calling San Francisco home, he is a seasoned performer, and has shared the stage with players such as Alex de Grassi, Henry Kaiser, and John Renbourn , as well as with his mentor, Peppino D'Agostino. Gerken's playing blends myriad influences into a musical style that hovers around the perimeters of folk, contemporary classical, and world music, often involving alternate tunings, right-hand tapping, and percussive effects. Gerken's CD, Postcards, is featured on KFOG's Acoustic Sunrise list of 'Best New CD's of 2005.'
The San Francisco Guitar Quartet consists of David Due–as, Jon Mendle, Patrick O'Connell, and Mark Simons -- four Bay Area guitarists presenting an expansive and vibrant repertoire of newly composed works and time-tested classics. Exploring the many and varied possibilities; from the infectious rhythms of Brazil to the whirling dances of the Balkans, from the passion of the tango to the hypnotic textures of minimalism, the SFGQ manifests a modern yet all-embracing approach to chamber music for classical guitar--with deep roots in both the folk and classical traditions. Through their national and international touring, ground-breaking recordings, and featured performances at major guitar festivals, the SFGQ has established itself as an enduring presence in the classical guitar world.
Matthew Montfort is the leader of the world music ensemble Ancient Future. Featured in the December 2009 commemorative Les Paul issue of Guitar Player Magazine, Montfort is a pioneer among guitarists who have had their fretboards scalloped in order to play various forms of world music that require intricate note-bending ornaments while still being able to play chords. Montfort immersed himself in an intensive study with vina master K.S. Subramanian in order to fully apply the South Indian gamaka (note-bending) techniques to the guitar. He is also known for his work on Glissentar (11 string fretless guitar), electric guitar, flamenco guitar, sitar, charango, mandolin, and gamelan. He has performed concerts worldwide, from the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra in Spain to the Festival of India in Mumbai and has worked with many world music legends, including tabla phenomenon Zakir Hussain and Chinese zither master Zhao Hui."; event.image = ""; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 19, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Multi-Grammy winner JIM LAUDERDALE -- CD release concert"; event.notes = "Nashville-based Jim Lauderdale is one of the giants of American Roots Music. Tonight he takes time off from his touring with Elvis Costello's band to celebrate the release of his new Americana-based CD, Patchwork River. The CD features original songs co-written with Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. With successes in both bluegrass and country music, he was awarded Artist of the Year and Song of the Year at the first Honors and Awards Show held by the Americana Music Association in 2002. Subsequently he has hosted the same show for the last seven years. A featured performer at The Grand Ole Opry, he is also one of today's great songwriters. His songs have been recorded by The Dixie Chicks, Solomon Burke, Mark Chesnutt, Vince Gill, George Strait, John Mayall, Kathy Mattea, Lee Ann Womack and many others. He has toured with Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Rhonda Vincent in addition to Elvis Costello. He won his first Grammy for Lost in the Lonesome Pines recorded with the legendary Ralph Stanley and his second for his Bluegrass Diaries album in 2007."; event.image = ""; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$20"; event.regdoorprice = "$22"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "June 26, 2010"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "Another EVENING OF SONG - note 7:30PM START TIME"; event.notes = "Hosted by Merle Kessler, 25 singers each sing a different song based on the given theme 'them's the breaks' backed by The Experimental Love Orchestra led by Joshua Raoul Brody. Our Noe Valley version of American Idol won't involve any judging, but will be tons more fun than the original."; event.image = ""; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "July 31, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "GEOFF HOYLE previews his new piece, GEEZER"; event.notes = "The wonderful physical comedian/actor/mime/New Vaudevillian presents a preview of his new theater piece about aging, 'Geezer.' The internationally acclaimed performer was hailed by Newsweek Magazine for his 'breathtaking virtuosity.' He has performed in solo and ensemble shows with Berkeley Rep (as well as many other major theaters) was the ringmaster for Cirque de Soliel and starred as Zazu (the bird) for the Broadway run of Disney's 'Lion King.' Don't miss this great evening of theater and comedy!"; event.image = ""; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$16"; event.regdoorprice = "$18"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "August 21, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Maurice Tani & Jenn Courtney: 77 El DEORA, with Misisipi Rider"; event.notes = "San Francisco-born singer-songwriter Maurice Tani returned to his California alt-country/Americana roots in 2000, following a 15-year stint as the singer-guitarist with the hugely popular club bands Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra and Big Bang Beat. With singer Jenn Courtney as his muse, central character and sparring partner, Tani has constructed a repertoire of alternately wry humor and romantic rumination. With two albums under their belt and a third ready for release later this summer, Tani, Courtney and 77 El Deora have refined an evolving style characterized by his smart, original writing and her vivid persona and luxurious voice.
Misisipi Rider is a buzzworthy Folk Pop string band driven by tight harmonies and a bluegrass meets the Beatles sound. Since 2008 they have released two critically acclaimed CDs and have toured the globe, from Portland to London to Munich and many points in between. Featuring three prolific songwriters, the music is dynamic, lyrically thought provoking and melodically catchy with an emphasis on uptempo toe tappers."; event.image = ""; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "August 28, 2010"; event.eventTime = "8:15 PM"; event.title = "Stellamara Trio and Round Mountain"; event.notes = "With their otherworldly melodies, deep musical meditations and astonishing improvisations; and featuring the siren-like voice of Sonja Drukulich, 'Stellamara travels deeply beyond any derivations or trends in world music diving deeply into a felt experience of the divine.' - Media Deva
Those who favor Balkan, Medieval, Persian, Arabic, Greek, Turkish or Far Eastern music will find themselves transported by the free flowing music. Debuting new works with multi-instrumentalist and newest band member, Evan Fraser and Stellamara co-founders, Gari Hegedus and Sonja Drakulich, Stellamara plays an array of exotic drums and Middle-Eastern instruments. With Sonja's exquisite voice bringing to mind shades of Loreena McKennit, Azam Ali and Lisa Gerrard, the music ebbs and flows from faraway places and times for a hauntingly elegant listening experience. 'Éundeniably beautiful.' - SF Bay Guardian
Round Mountain is New Mexico's two-man singing folk orchestra. Featuring Robby & Char Rothschild, Round Mountain explores the territory where folk meets world. Sometimes raucous (imagine trumpet and accordion played simultaneously by one person), sometimes subtle (the harp-like sound of the West African kora), Round Mountain touches audiences with great songs, emotional honesty, and an engaging live show. 'Their original melodies, arrangements and their lyrics in particular, demand a similarly high level of listening from us. The rewards are legionÉ a treasure of sound... which you'll want to share, as well as treat yourself to.' - Jeff Kaliss, Songlines Magazine, UK"; event.image = ""; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$15"; event.regdoorprice = "$17"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 23, 2010"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "BILL FRISELL & The 858 Quartet !"; event.notes = ""; event.image = ""; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$25"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 23, 2010"; event.eventTime = "9:30 PM"; event.title = "BILL FRISELL & The 858 Quartet !"; event.notes = ""; event.image = ""; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$25"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = "October 24, 2010"; event.eventTime = "7:30 PM"; event.title = "BILL FRISELL & The 858 Quartet !"; event.notes = ""; event.image = ""; event.url = ""; event.regadvprice = "$25"; event.regdoorprice = "$25"; // Template commented out by if statement: if (1==2) { event = new makeBlankEvent(); event.eventDate = ""; // i.e. March 14, 2004 event.eventTime = ""; // i.e. 8:00 PM event.title = ""; event.notes = ""; event.ticketSaleStartDate = ""; event.saleEndDate = ""; event.image = ""; event.url = ""; event.itemName = ""; event.regadvprice = ""; event.regdoorprice = ""; event.senioradvprice = ""; event.shipping = ""; } } // end BuildEventDatabase // Run the functions to build and view the calendar. BuildEventDatabase(); // output the event calendar by calling CalendarViewAsList(); // CalendarViewAsList(true); // true shows description // or // CalendarViewAsList(false); // false hides description // end ImajaCalendarScript