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Are YOU A Neoconservative?
If one had to choose a word to describe neoconservatism,...
Roses:
Gift of the Angels for Gentle Healing Roses have seduced people...
Leaks and Landscape During a Dry Winter
Did you know that most water customers start off the...
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Thom Hartmann

The nation's #1 progressive radio talk show host and the New York Times bestselling, 4-times Project Censored winning author of 21 books in print. In its eighth year, The Thom Hartmann Program  airs live daily, NOON – 3pm, ET simulcast as both radio and TV on over 120 radio stations. into more than 50 million homes via both nationwide satellite TV systems (DirecTV and Dish Network). http://www.thomhartmann.com

Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys

Written by Sara Kocher | 01 February 2010

The San Luis Obispo Blues Society welcomes Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys on Saturday, February 20. The show will open with Lenny Blue and the Otter Guys at 8:00pm in the SLO Vets Hall at 801 Grand Avenue. Free dance lessons are offered at 7:30pm. All tickets are sold at the door, 21 and over only; Blues Society members $17; general public $20. For more information or to volunteer, call 805/541-7930 or visit www.sloblues.org.

Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys
Affectionately known as the Zydeco Sweetheart, Rosie Ledet fronts the Zydeco Playboys with a sultry voice and an irresistible accordion that continues the party music tradition of Clifton Chenier and Queen Ida. Since 1994, Rosie has recorded eight albums with over 90 original compositions and has performed at blues, zydeco, and heritage music festivals throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Born in rural Louisiana in 1971, Rosie taught herself to play her husband’s accordion by playing along with the recordings of Boozoo Chavis and John Delafose. She sings and writes in both Creole French and English, and is famed for double entendres. Rosie’s lyrics are anchored by a female perspective, “I try to give a woman a voice - they seldom get one in this kind of music,” while her dance-friendly tunes, like all authentic zydeco, are relentlessly rhythm oriented. Rosie tells interviewers that she thinks of zydeco as “sped up blues.” Ledet’s version of zydeco honors the Cajun traditions and Afro-Caribbean rhythms of the genre, while incorporating R&B influences. Currently, the Zydeco Playboys feature Andre Nizzari on guitar, Pernell Babineaux on bass, Kevin Stelly on drums, and Malcom Walker on rubboard. Visit her website for soundclips: www.myspace.com/rosieledet.

Lenny Blue and The Otter Guys
Lenny Blue and the Otter Guys play a lively and danceable musical stew of blues blended with R&B, soul, west coast swing, funk and world-beat.  The band features Lenny Blue on guitar and lead vocals, Ed Frawley on lead guitar, Curtis Miller on drums, Jambo on bass guitar and Scott Andrews on saxophone. Listen to “Down to New Orleans” on  www.myspace.com/otterguys.

 

Help Feed the Hungry

28 January 2010

You are invited to a perfect evening for Potters and family fun!

During Art after Dark, on Friday, Feb. 5, from 6 to 9 pm you can help feed the hungry on the central coast by glazing a bowl at Throw Fest.  Artist and owner, Shevon Sullivan along with several local artists and her student potters have been making bowls all month long. Now families are asked to come and glaze (paint) the bowls for a contribution of $5.00 each. The bowls will be donated to the annual Empty Bowls event that takes place in March.  Guest at the Throw Fest will enjoy hors d’ oeuvre from the Creamery’s Mama’s Meatball and wine from Qupé Winery.

Anam-Cre’ Studio is located in space 140 of the Creamery at 570 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo. For more information about Art After Dark Throw Fest at the Anam-Cre’ Pottery Studio visit the website: www.anamcre.com or call 896-6197. 

Empty Bowls

An annual event to feed the hungry.  Scheduled to take place in March, for a donation of $20 participants choose a beautiful handmade bowl, enjoy a simple meal of gourmet soup and bread, and take the bowl home as a reminder of the meal’s purpose to help feed the hungry. For the past 9 years ceramic artist throughout the Central Coast have contributed bowls to this wonderful luncheon.  Every year Anam-Cre’ Pottery Studio joins forces with local artists, businesses and potters from all over the Central Coast to create bowls. In addition to their artistry, Anam-Cre’ supports Empty Bowls by offering classes and time in the evening for families to come and roll up their sleeves and glaze a bowl. For more information about the 2010 Empty Bowl’s events and the Foodbank for Santa Barbara County please call (805) 937-3422 ext. 106 or go to www.foodbanksbc.org

Celebrating the Life & Work of Martin Luther King Jr.

07 January 2010

The Sharing the Dream 15th annual Concert and Festival, honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will take place on Saturday, January 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Laguna Middle School in San Luis Obispo. Sharing the Dream honors Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of equal respect for all people. The non-profit has provided culturally responsive events to the citizens of San Luis Obispo County since 1994.

The concert will include an All-Star Jam featuring Grammy award-winning artist Louie Ortega, local sensation Al ”Shival” Redwine, Balaram Redwine, and Founder of Sharing the Dream, Michael LoveGene.

Also featured will be performances by the Higher Movement Dancers, House of Prayer Choir, Tim Jackson, Pastor Gerald & Betty Purify, David Smith, and California Arts International. The program includes guest speakers, videos of speeches by Dr. King, a presentation of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recognition of the top three winners of Sharing the Dream’s 1st annual Essay and Art Contest. The prompt for the Contest is: I believe the King Holiday is meaningful and important for all Americans’ and should be celebrated in our county because…

Children, students and seniors are free. A suggested donation of $10 for adults helps Sharing the Dream promote and organize this and future celebrations and educational opportunities, like the above mentioned 1st annual essay and art contest. Lunch by Bon Temps Creole Café will be available at $5 a plate.

About the performers:
Glenn Starkey of the New Times has said that Ortega’s “hauntingly sweet voice [is] the perfect vehicle for his smartly written songs about love and life.” Ortega won a Grammy in 1990 for his performance and translation of the song “Soy de San Luis.”
Shival has played with artists such as Carlos Santana, Grateful Dead Drummer Mickey Hart, Nigerian Drummer and Grammy winner Babatunde Olatunji, Master Percussionists Airto Moriera and Renaldo Jackson. Event organizer Kim Harris says that, “Shival’s fun, rhythmic, and culturally diverse style makes him a visionary in the music world.”


Sponsors include: The City of San Luis Obispo, KCBX FM Radio, New Times, Sierra Club, Information Press, Bill Gaines Audio, The Drum Circuit, Bon Temp Creole Café, and Carlton and Regina Brown.
Vendor space and sponsorships are still available. For more information email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 805-784-9410 or visit www.slosharingthedream.org.

Big Reggae Shows

06 January 2010

February:  Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash & Black History Month

“We must start to care and give back”  --Ras Danny

On Thursday, Feb 4th, Ras Danny & Reggae All Star Productions will produce "Trenchtown Tribute" a benefit Reggae Show for the Trenchtown Youth, at Down Town Brew from at 7 - 11pm. This show is open to all ages.

Proceeds from the show will go to buying musical instruments for the Trenchtown Culture Yard, one of Bob Marley’s favorite charities, on the infamous First street~Trenchtown, Kingston 12. Ras Danny is taking drum kits, guitars, bass, and amps to replace the guns and violence with musical instruments. He cares that his own grandchildren, living in Jamaica, will grow up safe and have a future. By giving back he is demonstrating his love and devotion.

Another show will take place at Mother’s Tavern on Saturday, February 6th in honor of Bob Marley’s birthday and is the 10th Annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash, started by Ras Danny in 2000. Ras Danny is one of the original reggae musicians and friends of Bob Marley that started the annual reggae event in Trenchtown the year after Marley’s passing due to cancer.

This will benefit the SLO Senior Nutrition Center.

Natural Incense

01 January 2010

Performing at a club near you.

http://www.myspace.com/naturalincense

Everyone, I’d like to introduce you to Natural Incense, a local act with great talent and sound, as well as a large fan base throughout the west coast. When I had the chance to speak with Eric Singer, the frontman of this three-piece reggae rock band, I was instantly impressed with the atmosphere he provided through his philosophies and character. These musicians seem to lead interesting and positive lives touring and sharing moments with people all over California and beyond, and are quite delighted to do so. “This is how we exist, happily,” Singer said.

This band has honest lyrics and amazing music. A little bit of rock, reggae and psychedelic sound all come together to make what is Natural Incense. Evan Davies’ bass lines simply compel the body to move, Brent Wetli’s drums keep a great swaying beat, and Singer’s guitar has a multitude of qualities; ambient at times, driving at others. The vocals, also provided by Singer, seem to seep integrity and experience. It’s hard to believe there might be a soul out there who couldn’t be touched by their style.

Singer stated that the band has been around since 2006, yet it wasn’t until the last half of 2007 that it truly came together with Davies and Wetli. Based out of Isla Vista, Natural Incense has a plethora of live experience, playing 16 or more performances a month at times. In a way, the road has acted more as their home than their own houses for the last few years. While such a schedule can be grueling at times, it’s the music and the performances that make it worth their while. “You’re always coming back and you’re always preparing to leave. [Yet] it’s therapy; music soothes the savage beast in me.”

Part of the reason Natural Incense has had such success is the chemistry within the band itself. People gravitate toward things that feel good, and that goes beyond the music and delves into the very relationships in and surrounding the ensemble that creates the music. “Bands need a history together to be successful; they have to love each other like friends love each other. You’re not going to get anywhere if you don’t; it’s a lot of work,” said Singer.

Good work ethic isn’t the only good thing they have going for them. The message they like to spread is do no harm and appreciate life. “We’re just trying to live our lives and give back, because we’ve already been given so much.”

Natural Incense can be heard througout the central coast. See their scheudule and learn more at facebook.com/naturalincense.

Celebrating All Tribes

Written by Adaire Hahn | 30 November 2009

Bring out your zills, doumbeks, and best zagreet, it’s time for the 6th Annual Tribal Fusion Faire. Gathering under the theme of Celebrating All Tribes, the faire will take place on Saturday December 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Arroyo Grande South County Regional Center. The center is located at 800 Branch Street

Since its first event in 2003, the Tribal Fusion Faire has become an anticipated annual event for San Luis Obispo County residents who enjoy Middle Eastern dance. It always features a full line of stellar performances by top dancers and troupes from around the world and in our own backyard. Open dance intervals allow everyone to get up and shake what yer mama gave ya!

Aligning with the theme, Celebrating All Tribes, participants and attendees will be welcomed into the tribal encampment ambiance, complete with tents, canopies, Bedouin costuming and regalia. Vendors will be on hand to haggle prices for that beaded Choli top, hip scarf, tabla, or authentic tribal jewelry. Shop till ya drop, or at least until your significant other’s arms give out! Excellent ethnic cuisine and drinks will be available for purchase. Music performances include Ras Danny and DJ Katchafiya.

For dancers, world class workshops from some of the top and hottest names in the Bellydance and Tribal Bellydance communities will be offered. Teachers include Amy Sigil of Unmata, Karma, Anaar of Tombo Studios, Rose Harden of Ultra Gypsy, Elizabeth Mahina, Zoe Jakes, and many more. Get your bids in early for these workshops, as they do sell out quickly. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the novice, as well as the professional performer, to work with and hone their skills. Workshop details and sign ups are available on the website: www.meddevi.com/tribalfusionfaire.

Tickets are $10.00 at the door, $8 in advance at Bali Isle at their new location, 672 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo. For information, call 544-7662. Sponsored by: Bali Isle, Dance Obispo, Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce, Information Press, and New Times.

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