Don't forget the four free Summer Concerts co-sponsored by the Topanga Banjo•Fiddle Contest and the National Park Service at the beautiful Peter Strauss Ranch on the second Sunday of June, July, August, and September of 2010! Enjoy bluegrass, old time and/or folk music sittin' around the outdoor amphitheater under the shade of the giant old oaks. Parking and admission are FREE! Come on out and enjoy an afternoon of great music from 3pm to 5pm for the huge cost of nuttin' honey!
The LA-based Dust Bowl Cavaliers play a unique blend of bluegrass, alt-country, folk, and rockin' old-time country. From traditional mountain tunes to spirited originals to bluegrass covers of the Ramones and U2, the DBC always put on a high energy show. The band has released three self-produced CD's, and played on two CD's for CMH Records' "Pickin' On..." series of bluegrass tribute recordings. Please visit the band online at www.myspace.com/thedustbowlcavaliers.
California-based fiddle, guitar, and banjo player, and ardent 78 collector Frank Fairfield has made his living as a musician, often found playing on the streets of Los Angeles. He opened for the Fleet Foxes on their 2008 U.S. tour and released released a 7" and his self-titled debut album on Tompkins Square.
Border Radio's original sound combines heartfelt songs with prairie swing, tied together with a
thread of sweet nostalgia for another time. Kelly's songs tell stories that are both sincere and
wry, and deliver them with range and beauty. She has been compared to Patsy Cline and their
music dubbed "an Americana fantasy where cowboys dance with pretty girls and couples get dressed
up to break up..." (Music Connection) With serious string and swing arrangements along with tight
harmonies, Border Radio has carved its own niche in Americana music.
Kelly's original songs have gotten her to Kerrville, Texas, as a New Folk Finalist at the
prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival. The band has also played at SxSW in Austin and has been
featured on bluegrass, folk, and Americana stations across the country. They have played all
over Los Angeles County, including the Skirball Museum, Pershing Square, Autry National Center,
Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, Topanga Banjo Fiddle and Folk Festival, and many city parks and
listening rooms. Please visit the band online at
http://www.border-radio.com.
Like any good Slumgullion stew, Plow borrows ingredients from Americana Heritage Music, adds its own
spices, and puts the whole pot on a rolling boil. The result is a simmering musical concoction that
wafts through the air and connects the listener to America's musical past and present.
When Acoustic musicians find synergy, it's special. When the result of that synergy is unexpected,
with improvised twists and turns, the ride is exciting, amusing and ultimately satisfying. Plow is the
result of three men finding common musical ground, then deciding to break new ground and bring their
own personal and shared musical expressions to listeners.
Please visit the band online at http://plowroots.com.
The Haberdashery Ensemble is a genre defying acoustic ensemble based in Los Angeles, CA, known for their energetic, evocative and witty performances. Led by composer/bassist Brandon Turner, the Haberdashery Ensemble synthesizes their diverse and eclectic influences of Tango, Classical, Jazz, Folk, Gypsy, and French music with the precision of chamber ensemble; and expands upon those influences with the improvisational freedom of a jazz combo. The Haberdashery Ensemble's versatile acoustic musicians, Gee Rabe- Accordion, Paul Cartwright- Violin, and Brandon Turner- Double Bass provide a memorable range of timbres and textures. Please visit the band online at http://www.haberdasherymusic.com/.
The Statmen play a fusion of bluegrass, swing, gypsy jazz and latin with original compositions by mandolinist Paul Statman. The gypsy swing rhythm of the band is contagious, and it's not unheard of for people to get to their feet and dance to The Statmen's music. This band started in 2001 and won the band contest at the 2004 Topanga Banjo•Fiddle Contest. Their fiddler, Connor Vance, also took the 1st place advanced guitar prize this year.
From either the greater Los Angeles area or the greater Ventura/Camarillo area, take the Ventura Freeway (101) to the Kanan Road exit. Go south on Kanan Road 2.8 miles to Troutdale Road. Turn left on Troutdale Road and go two blocks to Mulholland Highway. Turn left on Mulholland Highway then make an immediate right under the arch into the Peter Strauss Ranch parking lot. Walk back across the bridge on Mulholland Highway and enter the main gate into the ranch. Free Parking.