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Brilliant Vocalist, CATHY SEGAL-GARCIA at the SMOKEHOUSE RESTAURANT in Burbank
By Debra Graff
Incredibly gifted vocalist/teacher /coach/composer/producer, Cathy Segal-Garcia, was the shining star at the SRO celebration at the Smokehouse Restaurant in Burbank, commemorating the 9th Year Anniversary of her Jazz Jam Sessions. Seasoned and budding musicians and singers, as well as jazz enthusiasts from near and far, showed up to honor her. Many in the audience have been attending her jams from the get go, attracted by her joyful spirit and enthusiasm. Cathy brings a fun, friendly, warm, and relaxed energy to the room. The diverse crowds come for their love of jazz, stay for the community and camaraderie, and profess that once the music starts, they forget all their worries. Cathy's jams are known locally, nationally, and internationally. When people are in town, they come to her jams, currently every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 8p-12M, at the Smokehouse, which provides a real stage, sound system and lights, huge room, great staff and bartenders, scrumptious menu served until 10pm, full bar, ample parking, no cover, and 2 drink minimum or food.
Cathy opened the night in her signature, smooth style and terrific technique with "Cheek to Cheek," "Midnight Sun," and "Body and Soul," backed by fantastic instrumentalists, accomplished bassist Bill Markus, skilled keyboardist Eddy Olivieri, and ingenious drummer Steve Pemberton. Superb saxophonists, Billy Kerr and Jeff Snow, tremendous trumpeter, Guy Mack, remarkable harmonica player, Tim Welvaars, from Holland, and competent conga player, Van Gray, stood in throughout the evening.
Guitarist, Michael Near, calls this a unique creative outlet where you can get over your issues of stage fright, performing with an audience and rhythm section. "Music is a living art, people need to play together. I get a lot of encouragement and satisfaction here." Drummer, Marc Van Aken, has gotten studio work from the sessions. "I love Cathy. You can't beat her. Just look at her smile. It says it all."
Attending Cathy's jams regularly inspired John Destler to take up singing again after 20 years. Vocalist, Lady Kay, says, "I like the realness of getting in touch with myself. As soon as I start singing, nothing else matters. All my troubles go away." Singer, Ann Mark loves the opportunity to network with lots of different people. "They've become like a family to me." Songster, Iona Morris, calls this nurturing group supportive, not competitive. They give each other suggestions, hoping to help one another become their best. "The music is the love that binds us. We're all here for a common vision of keeping jazz and its essence alive."
Fans, Dan Espanza and Judy Barrat, have been attending Cathy's jams since the beginning. Dan told me, "We've come to appreciate jazz and consider the band members our brothers. We feel privileged to spend Wednesdays with the best people and best music in town." Judy enjoys being around Cathy's cheerful, happy vibe. "It's the most underrated jazz jam, the city's best kept secret."
Check out Cathy's amazing CD's on www.cdbaby.com, her book, "Basics of Vocal Technique" on her website, www.cathysegalgarcia.com, her blog at www.lajazz.com; 818-368-8839, cathy@cathysegalgarcia.com.
The Smokehouse Restaurant, 4420 West Lakeside Dr., Burbank, CA 91505; 818-845-373.1
Platinum Rock Stars at the Sagebrush
By Joseph Marchelewski
The Platinum Rock Stars recently played an electric, crowd pleasing show at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, displaying the kind of high-energy rock that defined the 70's and 80's. Fans of some of the biggest bands of their day gathered at The Sagebrush, located in Old Town Calabasas, just off the 101 Freeway. The Sagebrush is a unique outdoor venue that features a great setting to experience live rock music. Built in heaters made the chilly night quite warm, and wait staff worked hard to make sure everyone enjoyed their show, meal and drinks.
The Show
The Platinum Rock Stars played 5 song sets by six different classic bands - Led Zeppelin, Boston, Journey, Van Halen, Def Leppard and Bon Jovi. The band features some fantastic musicians who work tirelessly, and successfully, to recreate the sound that set these bands apart from their competition. Possibly the most defining characteristic of many of these groups was their lead guitarist, putting some serious emphasis on the guitar players of any cover band. The Platinum Rock Stars met the challenge admirably, dazzling the crowd with some excellent finger work, particularly when faced with the challenging Van Halen set. Eddie Van Halen's name is easily mentioned along with Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton as the greatest guitar players of their generation, and the Platinum Rock Stars did his music justice. These musicians transported the audience back through the decades to a time of big hair and loud music.
The band is made up of David Victor on lead vocals and guitar, Glen Jost on drums and backup vocals, Al Estrada on lead guitar and backup vocals, Victor Bender on keyboard, guitar and backup vocals and Mike McManus on guitar and backup vocals. The show incorporates the costumes, cache and attitude that each of these bands demonstrated during their heyday, and David Victor manages to incorporate the crowd's energy into every song he sings. The band has an intense energy about them, and their chemistry makes each set seamless, even as they covered songs from six different bands and songs that cover over 15 years of rock history.
History Lesson
The late 1970's and early 1980's were a unique period in music, one that left many fans of rock at a loss. Culturally, people were disenfranchised from the ineffective 60's revolutions and the music displayed a clear disconnect from current events. Disco and dance music ruled the day, and only rock bands with serious talent and a passion for their craft were able to break through and grab the attention of American music fans. Many of the bands featured in this set share the common reality that they were fighting an uphill battle, and benefitted from the experience. Unlike many of today's bands, this music created a bond with listeners, and the Platinum Rock Stars conveyed the passion those in attendance felt with that music. People were not just reliving their youth at the Sagebrush Cantina; they were reliving a rebellion against passionless music that filled the disco halls of 70's and 80's. When the lead singer was belting out Van Halen's "Panama", Journey's "Don't Stop Believen'" or Boston's "More Than a Feeling" the crowd responded in a truly unique and emotional way. These were not just songs from their youth, these were the songs that helped them discover their way in life, and the Platinum Rock Stars were helping them recover those memories.
Final Verdict
The Platinum Rock Stars rocked the stage at the Sagebrush Cantina in Old Town Calabasas, bringing back to life the music and attitude of songs from 35 years ago. The audience may have felt old before the show, but when the music began the years faded away and moms and dads turned back into teenagers.
Sagebrush Cantina, 23527 Calabasas Rd,
Calabasas.
(818) 222-6062
www.sagebrushcantina.com
Weber's Sports Bar and Grill
Rockabilly Friday Nights
By Jonathon Freeman-Anderson
Weber's Sport's Bar and Grill, located at 19312 Vanowen St., in Reseda, at Tampa is featuring Rockabilly music, live, on Friday nights. Including rockabilly/psychobilly/punk/jump/swing/roots, art shows, DJs, burlesque acts, and more, Weber's is declaring Friday night time to jump, jive, and wail. Recently, Weber's hosted a night of legendary talent and electrifying rockabilly fun with musical performances by Captain Jeffery's Musical Chumbuckets, The Fourty Fours, and The Blasters, as well as, a classic car show by Keith Weesner, and a burlesque performance by Charlotte Labelle.
The audience on Fridays at Weber's fill up the club and turn back the energy to a time when speakeasy's were standard, martinis overflowed, and the zoot suits strut around like bosses. Regularly laid out like a sports bar, Weber's set up Friday nights to look like a classic joint with a big band stage, decent dance floor, and fantastic sounds. Local celebrities came out for this intimate performance by legendary blues and rockabilly group, The Blasters.
The Blasters embody the best traditions of American Music, performing with passion and integrity that for over three decades has won the hearts and souls of fans worldwide. Composed of founding members vocalist-guitarist Phil Alvin, drummer Bill Bateman and bassist John Bazz with Keith Wyatt on guitar, they carry on a hard-won legacy as one of the most recognizable and credible bands in American Music. Fronted by Phil Alvin's powerful vocals, the band follows through with spontaneity, power, and grit that make their live performances into experiences not to be missed.
The 44's are a Los Angeles-based band that plays blues-roots-rock music. The band members include harmonica player Tex Nakamura (Formerly of war), Singer guitarist Johnny Main, Upright bassist Mike Turturro (Formerly Lynwood Slim/Candye Kane, also John Turturro's brother), and drummer J.R. Lozano. The 44's' energetic live performances has gained a local following, and they are a fixture on the Los Angeles blues scene.
With quality food and fun, Weber's is the hottest spot in the valley for Friday nights guaranteed. Get out those classic clothes; take the cover off the classic car, and get down to Weber's. April 23 will be Vicky Tafoya and The Big Beat. May 7 will be Big Sandy and his Fly-rite boys. May 14 features The Lucky Stars. May 21 will be The Redondos featuring Vicky Tafoya and Eddie Nichols. May 28 will be 29 Mules. June 4 will be Vicky and the Vengents. June 16 will be Russel Scott & his Red Hots. June 18 will see Dave Gonzales and The Stone River Boys, and keep posted for a performance in the future by James Intveld.
Regular days and hours of the week also feature amazing, cool events and fun at Weber's sports bar and grill. Happy hour is 4PM-7PM, with 2 for 1 well drinks and domestic beers, and half off appetizers. Every major sporting event including MLB, NFL, NBA, Fifa World Cup Soccer, NHL, UFC, and Boxing is available for viewing on any one of their many TVs lining the walls. Nightly events usually feature an artists' showcase and open mic on Sundays and Wednesdays, stand-up comedy on Mondays, 80s/90s Dance hits on Tuesdays, western and roots music on Thursdays, and Top 40 dance music on Saturdays. For more information, go to weberssportsbar.com or myspace.com/webers, or call (818) 343-4345.
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