Category Archives: Music

Lara Downes Debuts as LACO Creative Partner with ‘CURRENT: Routes’ at the Autry Museum of the American West

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Lara Downes Debuts as LACO Creative Partner with CURRENT: Routes,

Off-the-Beaten Path Program Exploring Black Cowboy Culture + Migrations in American Music, Featuring Grammy-Winning Folk Musician Dom Flemons and LACO Artists

 Saturday, November 23, 2024, 7:30 pm

Autry Museum of the American West

(Los Angeles, CA – October 30, 2024) Iconoclastic American pianist Lara Downes makes her highly-anticipated debut as the inaugural Creative Partner of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO), a preeminent interpreter of historical masterworks, with CURRENT: Routes, a program that navigates the highways and byways of American music, tracing the journeys and migrations that have shaped the country’s musical landscape. Downes appears with celebrated Grammy-winning folk musician Dom Flemons, known as The American Songster®, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Autry Museum of the American West.

CURRENT: Routes explores the complex intersections of folk and classical traditions, showcasing how these influences have evolved over time and uncovering untold narratives of American life, including the stories of Black cowboys and their enduring contributions to Western culture.

WHAT/WHO:
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Presents CURRENTS: ROUTES
Lara Downes, curator/pianist

Dom Flemons, The American Songster®

Josefina Vergara, violin

Susan Rishik, violin

Jonathan Moerschel, viola

Giovanna Clayton, cello

WHEN/WHERE

Saturday, November 23, 2024, 7:30 pm
Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027

PROGRAM:
An exploration of unexpected musical connections between American roots music and classical music curated by LACO Creative Partner Lara Downes

TICKETS/INFORMATION:

$41 (general admission)

www.laco.org
213 221 3920
Email: boxoffice@laco.org

Artists, program, ticket prices, date and venue subject to change.

Aloha Everywhere Concert Series at Downey Theatre

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Hawaiian Island Creations Lifestyle

Presenting the Best in Hawaiian Music with the
Aloha Everywhere Concert Series

Presents
Three-Time GRAMMY Winner
Kalani Pe’a

Brings his Festive Hawaiian Christmas Tour to Los Angeles

Special Guests
Kumu Hula Chase Keoki Wang & Hālau Nā Mamo O Pana’ewa


Downey Theatre – Saturday, December 14, 2024; 7pm

The Aloha Everywhere Concert Series presented by Hawaiian Island Creations (HIC) Lifestyle presents three time GRAAMY Winner Kalani Pe’a with his Hawaiian Christmas Tour 2024 at the Downey Theatre on Saturday, December 14 at 7pm, bringing the best in Hawaiian music to Los Angeles. Kalani Pe’a known for singing everything from classical, musical, ballads, R&B, soul to traditional and original Hawaiian music, displaying his wide-ranging talents as a songwriter and music composer. His talent for lyrics is on display in his original Hawaiian songs alongside his affectionate bilingual arrangements of R&B favorites. Special guests Kumu Hula Chase Keoki Wang and Hālau Nā Mamo O Pana’ewa join Kalani Pe’a for a memorable Hawaiian Christmas show.

Spend an evening enjoying the musical spirit of the Hawaiian Islands and its welcoming aloha culture, celebrating the warmth and special ‘aloha’ of the season, sharing much-loved songs from both western and Hawaiian roots. Kalani Pe‘a is quite charismatic with a beautiful and powerful presence who will share the stage with special guests Kumu Hula Chase Keoki Wang and Hālau Nā Mamo O Pana’ewa.

“We are excited to bring the Aloha Everywhere Music Series to Downey. Hawaiian music fans will enjoy ringing in the holidays with Kalani Pe’a as we bring culture, dance, and aloha everywhere,” noted Patrick Landeza, Executive Director of HIC Lifestyle.

“Gifted with a gorgeous voice and a flair for composing resonant Hawaiian songs, [he’s] a major, innovative figure in contemporary Hawaiian music.” – Maui News

The Aloha Everywhere Concert Series, presented by Hawaiian Island Creations (HIC) Lifestyle, started as a small surf shop on Oahu’s Windward shore. Through a commitment to quality, service and aloha spirit, the brand has built a reputation as an icon of Hawaiian surfing recognized throughout the world. The retail chain has grown to include seventeen stores across three islands, providing authentic Hawaiian surf gear to both locals and visitors alike and they subsequently branched out into the world of presenting Hawaiian music’s top artists, bringing excellent music, cultivating community, and nurturing culture by spreading aloha everywhere.

WHEN: Saturday, December 14, 2024; 7 p.m.

WHERE: Downey Theatre, 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA 90241

PARKING: FREE on-site parking

TICKETS: $40 – $65

HOW & MORE INFORMATION:
– https://www.downeytheatre.org/; 562-861-8211; boxoffice@downeytheatre.org
– https://www.facebook.com/DowneyCivicTheatre; https://www.facebook.com/HICLifestyle; https://www.facebook.com/KalaniPeaMusic
– https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1932263/downey-theater/; https://www.instagram.com/kalanipeamusic
– Kalani Pe’a music video Ku’u Poli’ahu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7IsxQKApKI

– Kalani Pe’a Hawaii Theatre Highlights from last year’s Christmas Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgcviPCPX50&t=22s

Kalani Pe‘a got his start at the age four when he was diagnosed with a speech impediment; his mother introduced him to singing and music to help him pronounce his words. His father who comes from a musical family and his mother encouraged him to take vocal lessons and choir, and by age 8, Peʻa was winning numerous talent competitions. His winning streak continued with Brown Bags to Stardom, and first place in the National Association Teachers of Singing Competition in Colorado/Wyoming chapter, in men’s classical and musical divisions.

His debut album brought him into working with Dave Tucciarone, a 13-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award- Winning Engineer and Producer based in Honolulu, leading him to win a 2017 GRAMMY® and his first Na Hoku Award. This successful collaboration continued with Peʻa’s second CD, No ‘Ane‘i [We Belong Here], garnering rave reviews and a second GRAMMY win in 2019. Now his 3rd CD Kau Ka Pe‘a has once again brought him GRAMMY recognition, and he was also featured in the GRAMMY Opening Premiere Concert.

A fluent Hawaiian speaker and graduate of Hawaiian language school, Peʻa went on to illustrate and publish five Hawaiian language children’s stories while working on his master’s degree in early childhood education at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo. He taught at Kamehameha Preschools in Kona, followed by 8 years as a Hawaiian resource coordinator for Kamehameha Schools Maui, teaching Hawaiian culture (science focus), and creating curriculum.

The GRAMMY wins opened the door for his performing and touring career, and he was honored by the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives with an official proclamation: “It is vital that Native Hawaiian culture and the arts be perpetuated for future generations: Kalani Pe’a is a torchbearer and we recognize his accolades, accomplishments, and continued work on behalf of Native Hawaiians.”

Lara Downes Debuts as LACO Creative Partner with ‘CURRENT: Routes’ at the Autry Museum of the American West

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Lara Downes Debuts as LACO Creative Partner with CURRENT: Routes,

Off-the-Beaten Path Program Exploring Black Cowboy Culture + Migrations in American Music,
Featuring Grammy-Winning Folk Musician Dom Flemons and LACO Artists

 

Saturday, November 23, 2024, 7:30 pm

Autry Museum of the American West

 

(Los Angeles, CA – October 30, 2024) Iconoclastic American pianist Lara Downes makes her highly-anticipated debut as the inaugural Creative Partner of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO), a preeminent interpreter of historical masterworks, with CURRENT: Routes, a program that navigates the highways and byways of American music, tracing the journeys and migrations that have shaped the country’s musical landscape. Downes appears with celebrated Grammy-winning folk musician Dom Flemons, known as The American Songster®, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Autry Museum of the American West.

WHAT/WHO:
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Presents CURRENTS: ROUTES
Lara Downes, curator/pianist

Dom Flemons, The American Songster®

Josefina Vergara, violin

Susan Rishik, violin

Jonathan Moerschel, viola

Giovanna Clayton, cello

 

WHEN/WHERE

Saturday, November 23, 2024, 7:30 pm
Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027

PROGRAM:
An exploration of unexpected musical connections between American roots music and classical music curated by LACO Creative Partner Lara Downes

TICKETS/INFORMATION:

$41 (general admission)

www.laco.org
213 221 3920
Email: boxoffice@laco.org

Artists, program, ticket prices, date and venue subject to change.

THE FOLK LEGACY TRIO at LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

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LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE announces

THE FOLK LEGACY TRIO

October 5 (2:00pm &7:30pm)

$41 – $51

What have you been doing since 1971? Hemming your bell bottoms? Rebuilding your Volkswagen bus? George, Rick and Jerry have been performing the music they love at the highest levels of national and international stages. THE FOLK LEGACY TRIO brings together the talents of George Grove, Rick Dougherty and Jerry Siggins to sing the great songs of the folk era. These three men have been involved with the music of the great Folk Era since its very beginning.  The Folk Legacy Trio are George Grove, formerly with “The Kingston Trio” for 41 years, Rick Dougherty, former member of “The Limeliters” and “The Kingston Trio” for 25 years and Jerry Siggins, former lead singer for 27 years of the legendary doo-wop group “The Diamonds.”     

THE FOLK LEGACY TRIO

Sunday, October 5 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm

$44 – $54

 Tickets can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-2787. Group discounts are available by calling 949-497-2787 ext.229.  Prices subject to change.                                                                                                                                                      

The box office is open Tuesdays – Sundays: 12pm to 4pm; Mondays open 2 hours prior to show time and until 15 minutes after curtain.  Open until showtime on all performance days.

For more information on all shows and programming visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.  LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach. 

Founded in 1920, the historic Laguna Playhouse (David Ellenstein, Artistic Director/Bill Kerlin, Managing Director) is one of the oldest continuously-operating not-for-profit theatres on the West Coast and is proud to be an active participant in the celebrated Laguna Beach arts community. From classic plays and musical comedies to the current off-Broadway smash, cutting edge and traditional music exhibitions, dance festivals and stand-up comedy performances, Laguna Playhouse brings the magical experience of the performing arts direct to over 80,000 patrons each season.

 

Laguna Playhouse educational programming includes year-round classes, productions by and for children and teens (Youth Theatre) and is one of the few companies in the region that offer a curriculum-based professional theatre-touring program, TheatreReach, which aligns with the California State Standards for literature, history and performing arts curriculum.      

 

Laguna Playhouse has been recognized in for the past five years as one of Orange County Register’s “Best of OC” in the category of Live Theatre. The Laguna Playhouse has featured many talented performers on stage, including Ed Asner, Leslie Caron, Hershey Felder, Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith, Val Kilmer, Gregory Harrison, Dan Lauria, Hal Linden, Wendie Malick, Rita Rudner, Peter Strauss, Jobeth Williams, Joely Fisher, Charles Shaughnessy, French Stewart, Loretta Swit, and Bette Davis.

 

Learn What’s Going On at www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

Na Leo Pilimehana at the Downey Theatre

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 Hawaiian Island Creations Lifestyle

Presenting the Best in Hawaiian Music with the
Aloha Everywhere Concert Series

Featuring
Na Leo Pilimehana

Legendary Hawaiian Music Group Celebrating 40 Years

With Special Guests
FAIVA 

Downey Theatre – Saturday, October 19, 2024; 7pm

The Aloha Everywhere Concert Series presented by Hawaiian Island Creations (HIC) Lifestyle returns to the Downey Theatre on Saturday, October 19 at 7pm, bringing the best in Hawaiian music to Los Angeles featuring Na Leo Pilimehana, the world’s top-selling female Hawaiian music group celebrating their 40th anniversary. Opening for Na Leo Pilimehana is FAIVA, the popular Polynesian/Hawaiian musical trio from SoCal.

 

Spend an evening enjoying the musical spirit of the Hawaiian Islands and its welcoming aloha culture.

It was 40 years ago that the world was introduced to the harmony of three high school friends, Nalani Jenkins, Lehua Kalima, and Angela Morales, singing on stage at the Brown Bags to Stardom talent contest at the Waikiki Shell. It was that performance that started it all for Na Leo Pilimehana and changed the direction of contemporary music in Hawai`i. With their original song “Local Boys,” Na Leo Pilimehana won the talent competition and put themselves on the map as musicians. To this day, “Local Boys” remains the #1 selling single in Hawai`i’s history. That was only the beginning. Today, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning Na Leo Pilimehana has over 23 CDs, and wrote, recorded, and performed more than 20 number one hits, with two of them hitting the top 25 on national charts, their music has marked life’s milestones for fans with their music becoming the playlist of their lives.

 

Organic good vibes and blissful harmonies light up the authentic uplifting sound of FAIVA across an ever-expanding repertoire. Made up of lifelong musicians Dr. Grant Muāgututiʻa, Vaea Aʻetonu, and Loa Greyson, FAIVA embodies the power of shared passion, vision, and devotion for the music of Polynesia. Though each member of FAIVA traces their ancestry to the islands of Sāmoa, they found their connection while living in Southern California. Nominated “2023 Best International Pacific Artist” by Pacific Music Awards, FAIVA embraces their heritage and infuses their music with the rich cultural traditions of Samoan music.

 

“We are excited to bring the Aloha Everywhere Music Series to Downey. Hawaiian music fans will enjoy our upcoming line-up as we bring culture, dance, and aloha everywhere,” noted Patrick Landeza, Executive Director of HIC Lifestyle.

 

The next Aloha Everywhere concert will be the sensational three-time Grammy Award-Winner Kalani Pe‘a performing a holiday show on December 14, 2024, celebrating the warmth and special ‘aloha’ of the season, sharing much-loved songs from both western and Hawaiian roots. Kalani Pe‘a is quite charismatic with a beautiful and powerful presence who will share the stage with special guests Kumu Hula Chase Keoki Wang and Hālau Nā Mamo O Pana’ewa.

 

The Aloha Everywhere Concert Series, presented by Hawaiian Island Creations (HIC) Lifestyle, started as a small surf shop on Oahu’s Windward shore. Through a commitment to quality, service and aloha spirit, the brand has built a reputation as an icon of Hawaiian surfing recognized throughout the world. The retail chain has grown to include seventeen stores across three islands, providing authentic Hawaiian surf gear to both locals and visitors alike and they subsequently branched out into the world of presenting Hawaiian music’s top artists, bringing excellent music, cultivating community, and nurturing culture by spreading aloha everywhere.

 

WHEN:  Saturday, October 19, 2024; 7 p.m.

 

WHERE:  Downey Theatre, 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA 90241

 

PARKING:  FREE on-site parking

 

TICKETS:  $40 – $65

 

HOW & MORE INFORMATION:
– https://www.downeytheatre.org/; 562-861-8211; boxoffice@downeytheatre.org
– https://www.facebook.com/DowneyCivicTheatre; https://www.facebook.com/HICLifestyle;
– https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1932263/downey-theater/
– Na Leo Pilimehana performing Not The I But The You In Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5OjO0OUdrY
– FAIVA official music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUrpmL6dQNE

Performance Review: 3 Faces of Steve: Sondheim in Concert

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Odyssey Theatre Ensemble has put together a fun and touching concert to honor Stephen Sondheim, who dedicated his life to musical theatre. Three opera singers present an impressive catalog of songs, covering some of Sondheim’s most celebrated pieces of musical theatre.

Soprano Angelina Réaux, baritone Michael Sokol, and bari-tenor Bernardo Bermudez display their singing and performance skills in two acts. Included in this collection are pieces from Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, Follies, Gypsy, West Side Story, Marry Me a Little, and more.

William Ah Sing plays the piano for all of the songs, giving the voices and the piano an intimate atmosphere to appreciate the poetry and sensibility of Sondheim’s lyrics and music. As expected, the voices of opera-trained singers add a great deal of depth and texture to the songs. The theatricality of their performances is a unique intersection of opera and musicals, elevating the experience.

Some of the most amazing numbers are “Can That Boy Foxtrot” (Michael & Bernardo), “A Little Priest” (Angelina & Michael), “I’m Still Here” (Angelina), “Ah Paree!” (Michael), “Not A Day Goes By” (Bernardo), and “Send In the Clowns” (Angelina). The three singers offer anecdotes of how they came across Sondheim’s music and the impact on their lives. In the case of Réaux, she had the opportunity to work with Sondheim on Sweeney Todd, an experience where the expression break a leg took on a new meaning in her life.

This performance is a brilliant addition to the Odyssey’s catalog of shows supporting the varied landscape of performing artists. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the extensive legacy of one of the greatest lyricists and composers of the 20th century in the voices of three exceptional and experienced opera singers.

3 Faces of Steve: Sondheim in Concert

Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90025

Performances: Sept. 6 – Sept. 29:
• Thursdays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 12, Sept. 19. Sept. 26
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 6 (opening night), Sept. 13, Sept. 20*, Sept. 27
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Sept. 28
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: Sept. 15, Sept. 22
• Sunday at 5 p.m.: Sept. 29 ONLY
*Wine Night Fridays: Enjoy complimentary wine and snacks after the show on the third Friday of every month.

Tickets: odysseytheatre.com

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Directed by Angelina Réaux. Music Director William Ah Sing. Starring soprano Angelina Réaux, baritone Michael Sokol, and bari-tenor Bernardo Bermudez. Presented by the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Ron Sossi Artistic Director. Lighting designed by Leigh Allen and graphic design by Peter Simpson Cook. The stage manager is Katie Chabot.

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble Presents “Being Piaf”

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NEWS RELEASE
September 3, 2024

Odyssey Theatre’s ‘Music at the Odyssey’
presents Eleanora Owen in ‘Being Piaf’ 

WHAT:
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble’s ongoing “Music at the Odyssey” series presents a two-weekend engagement of Being Piaf. Actress, singer and writer Eleanora Owen channels the “little sparrow,” sharing her life story and repertoire with the audience. Tim Byron Owen directs this original solo play with music that highlights Piaf’s joie de vivre, resilience, and triumph over a life of abject poverty and despair.

WHO:
• Written and Performed by Eleanora Owen
• Directed by Tim Byron Owen
• Produced by Beth Hogan in association with Georganne Aldrich Heller and The Sarah Fulton Group
• Presented by the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Ron Sossi Artistic Director

WHEN:
Oct. 18 – Oct. 27:
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Oct. 18* and Oct. 25
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Oct. 19 and Oct. 26
• Sundays at 4 p.m.: Oct. 20 and Oct. 27
*Wine Night Fridays: Enjoy complimentary wine and snacks after the show on the third Friday of every month.

WHERE:
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90025

TICKET PRICES
$30 (plus $3 credit card fee if applicable)

HOW:
OdysseyTheatre.com
(310) 477-2055 ext. 2

Music Review: The Redline Syndicate

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The Redline Syndicate is a band from Moscow, Idaho. They played at the famous Whiskey A Go Go on Aug 15, 2024. Their performance was electrifying, as the band is a reminiscence of the classic rock bands that have played at the Whiskey. Guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and an energetic vocalist make up the band that draws attention from the get-go.
Coming from different music influences, the members of the band bring a dynamic range of styles to the stage, all unified in a pure rock baseline, musically and lyrically speaking.
Below is the interview with Jeff Mack, vocalist/songwriter of The Redline Syndicate:
Glamgical: Your music is a mix of blues, hard rock, and metal, and even a bit of country. Musically, what is your background?
  • Jeff: We all have a diverse collection of musical interests. I have mainly been influenced by some of the greats in the 70’s 80’s and 90’s. Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Bad Company, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden. I have always been receptive to good music no matter the genre. Chris Chalmers is my song writing partner. He also has a diverse catalog of influence, but I would say the country influence comes mainly from him.
 
Glamgical: How did you guys come together to form The Redline Syndicate?
  • Jeff: The Redline Syndicate was started by Chris and I. We have been playing together for a number of years and we were in a harder more metal type band called Vial 8 and we both wanted to branch out to a little more accessible sound and venture into some of our deeper influences. I had known Dan Mullan (drums) from a previous band situation, so I got a hold of him and he was available and knew a bass player so we got together and right from the get go we clicked. We started writing songs and added Kent Nelson (guitar) whom I had known from a previous band. We wanted to add Keyboards and Dan’s wife Linda Mullan (keys, background vocals) was added  and we were off to the races. Daryl Mead (bass) has been added recently to replace the original bass player. I knew Daryl from a previous band that I was in called Scatter Creek that Kent was also involved in.
Glamgical: There is a great deal of energy in your performance, who is your influence, visually speaking?
  • Jeff: My stage performance is influenced by Robert Plant, David Lee Roth, Paul Rodgers, David Coverdale etc.  I have mixed their influences and then added my own personality to it.
Glamgical: Where have you guys played? Festivals, venues, cities?
  • Jeff: The Redline Syndicate is really just getting started playing festivals and shows. Chris and I have done multiple shows opening for nationals such as Joan Jett, Godsmack, Tesla, Living Colour, Theory of a Deadman and many others. I’m hoping to branch out to national opening shows and possible travel with The Redline Syndicate, but it’s a slow process getting your foot in the door. I really think this band’s Music and performance capabilities will eventually enable us to get through some of those doors.
Glamgical: How much do you guys practice for your performances?
  • Jeff: We all live in a few different towns so we don’t get to practice a lot but we try and practice a few times a month.
Glamgical: How do you release your music?
  • Jeff: We have released 12 original songs on all of the digital platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, etc.
Glamgical: Who writes the lyrics?
  • Jeff: Primarily I write the lyrics and melodies, and Chris writes the music, then we bring it to the band and the other players add their own spin.
Glamgical: Are there any recurrent themes in your lyrics?
  • Jeff: I rarely write with a specific theme, but I would say all of the lyrics stem from personal experience. The song “The Unknown” was specifically written about anxiety because I thought it was a theme that touches a lot of people.
Glamgical: What are the advantages and disadvantages for bands that are far from major music centers?
  • Jeff: The biggest obstacle is getting the exposure for larger markets to even consider letting you play. It’s a lot harder to get the word out in smaller markets via shows and word of mouth.
Glamgical: How did you guys book the gig at the Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood?
  • Jeff: I saw a flyer on Facebook where the Whisky was asking for opening bands so I submitted our music and they let us on the bill. 
Glamgical: In terms of promotion, what’s the difference between social media and a label?
  • Jeff: I think the availability of social media makes it easier for bands to get their music out, but it is still hard to get noticed because of the volume of music on social media. I think the music industry has had a major shift since social media, but having a label for promotion is still something that is helpful for consideration to get shows or airplay on a broader scale.
Glamgical: What’s next for you guys?
  • Jeff: What’s next for us is to continue to build our presence through shows, social media and keep writing good songs. We are very close to going back in to record another batch of 12 songs. 
Glamgical: Where can people find your music?
  • Jeff: To access our music we are on all the digital platforms, Facebook, Instagram etc. If people go to www.redlinesyndicate.com there are links to all of that.

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble presents 3 Faces of Steve: Sondheim in Concert

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

‘3 Faces of Steve: Sondheim in Concert’ spans the
breadth of Sondheim’s oeuvre at the Odyssey Theatre

Sept. 6 through Sept. 29

WHAT:
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble presents 3 Faces of Steve: Sondheim in Concert, a song compendium that spans the breadth of Stephen Sondheim’s oeuvre, directed by soprano Angelina Réaux, who personally knew and worked with Sondheim. Three world class singers, including Réaux, baritone Michael Sokol and bari-tenor Bernardo Bermudez, sing solos, duets and trios from 14 of Sondheim’s classic stage works. Not “just another” Sondheim song-to -song revue, 3 Faces of Steve places dazzling songs from shows like Follies, Company, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, A Little Night Music and Merrily We Roll Along alongside Réaux’s personal and professional remembrances of the master.

WHO:
• Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
• Directed by Angelina Réaux
• Music Director William Ah Sing
• Starring soprano Angelina Réaux, baritone Michael Sokol, and bari-tenor Bernardo Bermudez
• Presented by the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Ron Sossi Artistic Director

WHEN:
Preview: Thursday, Sept. 5
Performances: Sept. 6 – Sept. 29:
• Thursdays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 5 (preview), Sept. 12, Sept. 19. Sept. 26
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 6 (opening night), Sept. 13, Sept. 20*, Sept. 27
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 7, Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Sept. 28
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: Sept. 8, Sept. 15, Sept. 22
• Sunday at 5 p.m.: Sept. 29 ONLY
*Wine Night Fridays: Enjoy complimentary wine and snacks after the show on the third Friday of every month.

WHERE:
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90025

TICKET PRICES
• Thursdays and Fridays: $40
• Saturdays and Sundays: $45
• Preview: $25
(plus $3 credit card fee if applicable)

HOW:
OdysseyTheatre.com
(310) 477-2055 ext. 2

8th Annual Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
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Torrance-Based Kala Koa Entertainment

Presents

8th Annual Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival


A Celebration of the Small Four-Stringed Wonder; Unique Family-Friendly Festival Filled with Workshops for All Levels and Live All-Star Performances;
Free for Kids 12 & Under


Saturday & Sunday, September 21 – 22, 2024

WHAT:
Celebrating the small four-stringed wonder – theUkulele – which has been captivating hearts and bringing musical joy into people’s lives for over 100 years, the 8th Annual Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival presented by Torrance-based Kala Koa Entertainment, returns the weekend of September 21-22, 2023, at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. An exciting weekend dedicated to exploring the musical versatility of the ukulele for the experienced ukulele player, the occasional strummer, or simply the curious spectator. This unique, family-friendly festival includes workshops for all levels of playing ability to work on technique or simply learn to play and enjoy live all-star performances by some of today’s most popular ukulele players. Please visit www.Ukulele.LA for more information and to purchase tickets.

The Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival takes place from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, featuring unlimited access to workshops for all levels, live performances throughout the day, strum-alongs and presentations, ukulele marketplace, food, and, of course, shave ice. In addition, and in conjunction with the Ukulele Festival, a special (separately ticketed) concert on Sunday, September 22; 2 p.m. at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation (TOCA) presenting a live concert at the James Armstrong Theatre featuring Feng E, the young musical sensation from Taiwan and the Langley Ukulele Ensemble, made up of 28 middle and high school students whose ages range from 12 to 18 years, with a rigorous performance schedule that includes as many as 80 concerts per year locally, regionally, and internationally.

In addition, Free Beginner Classes (Nakano Theatre at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center)*Does not include entry into the main festival event: FREE beginner classes and demonstrations throughout the day during the festival on Saturday, September 21. No admission required but seating is first-come, first-served. Bring your ukulele; if you don’t have one, there will be a variety of entry-level friendly instruments available for purchase. There will be prize giveaways as well.

– Saturday, September 21; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. – 8th AnnualLos Angeles International Ukulele Festival

The 2024 Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival also hosts a Ukulele Marketplace, located in the entry plaza of the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. Free and open to the public, attendees can browse boutique Ukulele builders, entry level and budget friendly instruments, fun accessories and ukuleles handcrafted in Hawaii, as well as open mic performances. In addition, authentic island style shave ice and food is available for purchase, and Hawaiian and Pacific Islander vendors round out the festival activities on Saturday.

Ukulele Artists and Workshop Instructors include: Aldrine Guerrero (from Hawaii), Jeff Peterson (from Hawaii), Hi’ikua (from Hawaii), Bernadette Plazola (from California), Boris Mogilevski (from The Netherlands), Danilo Vignola (from Italy), Victoria Kolasinski (from New York) and 4-String Boy (from Copenhagen).

Sponsors of the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival include Mitch Chang Mortgage, Ohana Ukuleles, Anuenue Ukuleles, Flight Ukuleles, Kanilea Ukuleles, and Islander Ukuleles.

Workshops

– Ukulele 101 Beginner Bootcamp
– Seniors: Get Started Playing Ukulele
– Confident Beginner
– Intermediate Level
– Advanced Level
– Strum-Alongs

– Slack Key Ukulele with Kamuela Kimokeo

– Fingerstyle Ukulele with Jeff Peterson
– Blues Ukulele with Boris Mogilevski
– Percussive Ukulele with Viggy Kolansinski

– Build your own Chords with 4 String Boy

– Flamenco Sevillanas with Daniel Ward

– More Classes TBD

Live Performances

– Cali Rose & CC Strummers
– Danilo Vignola
– Victoria “Viggy” Kolasinski
– Sammy Turton
– Hi’ikua
– Bernadette Plazola & Friends
– Boris Mogilevski
– Jeff Peterson
– Langley Ensemble
– Daniel Ward
– Aldrine Guerrero
– Strum-Along with Heidi Swedberg

– Sunday, September 22; 2 p.m. Special Concert with Feng E and Langley Ukulele Ensemble
Special concert presented in cooperation with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation at the James Armstrong Theatre (separately ticketed), featuring Feng E, the young musical sensation from Taiwan. Feng E’s notoriety continues to skyrocket, with over 600K YouTube subscribers and millions of views. His expert renditions of popular music and inventive approach has turned heads and stolen the hearts of some of the biggest stars in the world. Opening for Feng E is the Langley Ukulele Ensemble, made up of 28 middle and high school students whose ages range from 12 to 18 years, with a rigorous performance schedule that includes as many as 80 concerts per year locally, regionally, and internationally. Led by Musical Director Peter Luongo, they have traveled across Canada, throughout the US, and Japan and have performed at major ukulele festivals; $35-$45. Tickets and more information: https://losangelesukulelefestival.com/sunday-concert

WHO, WHEN, WHERE, TICKETS:

– Saturday Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival, September 21; 9:00 a.m.-6 p.m.
Torrance Cultural Arts Center;3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503; (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)

–       All Access Entry (includes unlimited access to Workshops & Performances): $55; $20 full-timestudents with ID at the door; free for kids 12 & under accompanied by an adult. www.Ukulele.LA

–       Free Beginner Classes (Nakano Theatre at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center)*Does not include entry into the main festival event: FREE beginner classes and demonstrations throughout the day during the festival on Saturday, September 21 only.

– Sunday, September 22; 2 p.m. Special Concert with Feng E and Langley Ukulele Ensemble

James Armstrong Theatre (separately ticketed): https://losangelesukulelefestival.com/sunday-concert

HOW/INFORMATION:

–  Full festival lineup, artist & workshops, and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.Ukulele.LA; or https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/kalakoa/1723

–  800-595-4849; kalakoaent@mac.com
–  https://www.facebook.com/laukulelefestival

–  https://www.instagram.com/kalakoaentertainment