Ragg Wants Your Vote/A Shambler Goes to Nashville

I never thought I’d see the day when heavy metal acts sounded like presidential candidates. But I recently got an e-mail from the local band Ragg, soliciting votes.

The band, formed in San Luis Obispo in 1996, has been nominated in three hard rock categories by "All Access Magazine," an online and print mag dedicated primarily to the L.A. music scene: Best Female Vocalist (Debi Redd), Best Female Guitarist (Monique Grajeda)and Best Hard Rock Group. But to win, they have to earn the most online votes.

Voting ends tonight so if you dig Ragg’s music, vote now. And if that wasn't enough, they are also nominated for Best Modern Rock Band in the Rock City Music Awards, which also solicits your vote. Ragg will perform at the Rock City Music Awards Dec. 6 at B.B. King's at Universal City in Los Angeles.

Ragg is somewhat unusual for a metal band in that it features female lead vocals. In fact, two of the five band members are women.

You can see Ragg at the World Rhythm and Dance Studio in San Luis Obispo tomorrow night at 8 p.m.
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On the topic of local bands, I was also contacted recently by Lucas Ohio of the Shamblers. Ohio recently traveled to Nashville, meeting with several industry executives to explore future opportunities for his band, which we profiled in Ticket a year ago.

The Shamblers, combining blues, rock and jazz, is fronted by Ohio’s Jim Morrison-like vocals. Their self-titled album was one of last year’s best local CDs.

While in Nashville, Ohio performed several solo shows, staying at the Nashville Rescue Mission, an inner city outreach serving the poor, homeless and hungry.

“Living among the men, some still on the streets and others who had made a commitment to lead a new life,” he wrote, “I had the opportunity to witness first-hand men whose lives had in many cases radically changed, people now filled with hope and purpose for their lives.”

Among those offering praise for the Shamblers is Caleb Quaye, a long-time member of Elton John’s band who has also played with Paul McCartney and Hall and Oates.

The Shamblers are planning a live album. Meanwhile, their final concert of 2007 is set for Nov. 10 at Frog & Peach in San Luis Obispo.

--Pat P.

Yes lead singer keeping busy in A.G. (and beyond)

Jon Anderson, the lead singer of Yes, might appreciate the quiet lifestyle in Arroyo Grande, but that doesn’t mean he’s resigned to hanging out in the Village, drinking lattes and perusing antiques every day.

Anderson, whom we profiled in Ticket last March, is constantly working on projects, including an album he recently co-wrote with progressive rock band Glass Hammer and a “rap opera” he’s currently working on.

Glass Hammer recently released its 10th album, “Culture of Ascent,” which includes Anderson compositions and a couple of songs Anderson performs on.

The album is a concept record based on Jon Krakhauer’s book Into Thin Air,which chronicled a deadly 1996 mountain climbing mission at Mount Everest.

The album includes a cover of “Southside of the Sky” by Yes.

Glass Hammer, based in Chattanooga, Tenn., is a Tolkien-loving,prog rock band in the spirit of early Yes and the Peter Gabriel-led Genesis. They met Anderson through mutual acquaintances.

“He’s my Elvis, my John Lennon,” Glass Hammer front man Steve Babb said recently in a story published by the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Glass Hammer isn’t a household name (their CDs sell around 10,000 copies). But Anderson often collaborates with both established and relatively unknown musicians.

This summer, for example, he solicited musicians for a project he calls a rap opera.

As noted on his web site in July:
“Jon has also started work on three large-scale choral projects and a work he calls a ‘rap opera,’ so he has expanded his search to talented choral singers and rap producers as well!”

Anderson has lived in the county for more than a decade. But he’s constantly on the road. In November he’ll kick off a European tour, which will include stops in Belgium, Sweden, Russia, the Netherlands and Germany.

And if that wasn’t enough, during the interview with the Tribune last spring, Anderson suggested Yes would probably get together again soon.

— Pat P.

A star is born?

Think you have what it takes to hit the big time?

The Pewter Plough Playhouse is searching for a female singer to perform on New Year’s Eve.

Vocalists should be versatile and familiar with the Great American Songbook repertoire, as well as jazz and pop styles.

The chosen vocalist will perform pop and jazz standards with pianist David Manion at the Pewter Plough Playhouse Café in Cambria. The gig lasts from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Dec. 31.

To audition, contact James Buckley at 927-3031 or cafelounge@pewterploughplayhouse.org.

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The New Year’s Eve Bash starts with a performance of the musical tribute “Over the Rainbow with Harold Arlen.” He’s the American Songbook composer behind such standards as “Stormy Weather,” “Get Happy,” “That Old Black Magic” and, of course, “Over the Rainbow.”

There’s also champagne, a buffet and cabaret music. Tickets are $125.

The fun starts Dec. 31at the Pewter Plough Playhouse, 824 Main St. in Cambria’s West Village. www.pewterploughplayhouse.org or call 927-3877 for more information.

Back at the PAC

It’s a packed week at the PAC.
Over the next few days, audiences will see choirs, an up-and-coming comedian, a family-friendly musical and Latina divas at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo.
The fun starts Saturday with a joint concert by Cal Poly’s finest vocalists.
Cal Poly organist Paul Woodring will man the majestic Forbes Pipe Organ during inspirational tunes sung by Polyphonics, The University Singers and the Early Music Ensemble.
Cal Poly’s barbershop quartets and outstanding student soloists will also take the stage.
The concert starts at 8 p.m. Saturday at the PAC. Tickets are $13 to $15.

Sunday brings the zany, energetic Broadway musical, “Seussical.” Kids will recognize several characters from Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s books, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the elephant, and an imaginative young Who named Jo Jo. The show, by Theatreworks USA, is appropriate for ages 4 and up.
Catch the fun at 3 p.m., Sunday. Tickets are $18.

Fast-forward to Thursday, with a visit by East Coast stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia.
Known for his hilarious “Secret Public Journal” routine, Birbiglia performed in San Luis Obispo a year ago as part of a comedy tour featuring regulars of radio’s nationally syndicated “The Bob and Tom Show.”
This time, he brings along a cast of Comedy Central favorites and indie musicians. (Note to parents: This show is rated “PG-13.”)
Tickets for Mike Birbiglia are $27. The show is 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1.

Friday features the Divas Latinas, led by Chilean-born flutist Viviana Guzman.
The group, which also features singer Rosa Rojas, guitarist Gyan Riley and percussionist John Waller, expresses the riches of Latino cultures through song and dance.
From tango to flamenco, they focus on fire and passion.
That performance starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2. Tickets are $35.

All of the above shows are at the Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo. For more information, call 756-2787 or visit www.pacslo.org.

-- Sarah L.

Ready for a brand-new sound?

You’re bored of the blues. Rock's run you ragged. Jazz has lost its jive.

No doubt about it, music lover, you're ready for a new sound. Why not check out some of the exotic acts coming to the Central Coast this week?

On Wednesday, Japanese marimba virtuoso Naoka Takada visits the Clark Center for the Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande.

Renowned for her speed, grace and accuracy, Takada will play selections by J.S. Bach, Yasutaki Inamori, Astor Piazzolla and others, accompanied by guest percussionist, Robin Sharp.

Many of the pieces were originally written for violin, piano and guitar.

Based on folk music instruments in South America and Africa, the modern marimba features wooden blocks struck by mallets to make musical tones. Although pitched lower, it’s similar to a xylophone – or jazz music’s vibraphone.

Takada performs as part of the Clark Center’s Young Masters Series, designed to promote up-and-coming musicians. She won the world-famous Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 2002.

The concert is 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Clark Center, 487 Fair Oaks Ave. in Arroyo Grande. Tickets are $20 to $30.

For more information, call 489-9444 or visit www.clarkcenter.com.

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Saturday brings an exotic blend of gypsy, flamenco, Balkan and world music to San Luis Obispo.

Led by vocalist Ursula Knudson, Fishtank Ensemble will perform at a concert sponsored by the SLO Folk Music Society – better known as SLO FOLKS. Based in California, the group is touring to promote its debut album, “Super Raoul.”

Fishtank Ensemble performs 7 p.m. Saturday at artMinds Studio, 560 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $15.

Call 788-0205 or visit the artMinds Web site for more information.

You can also check out www.fishtankensemble.com to hear some of the band’s eclectic, dynamic music.

-- Sarah L.

Rocket Man coming to AG?

I’m not one to spread rumors – unless, of course, they’re juicy ones.

And the buzz is that there’s a chance that Elton John and longtime co-writer Bernie Taupin might drop in to see “The Tumbleweed Connection” at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande.

“I can tell you there is a chance,” playwright Chris Kahn said a couple of weeks ago. “They have been invited, and they are most definitely aware that it is happening.”

More recently, Kahn added that inquiries had been made on behalf of both John and Taupin. So who knows.

The musical, which begins a 3-week run this weekend, is featured in Thursday’s Ticket cover story.

It’s based on the album of the same name, written by John and Taupin. Kahn, who grew up in San Luis Obispo and now lives in Los Angeles, is putting the show on here, hoping it will be picked up by Broadway.

While John and Taupin were not involved in the production, they did sign off on licensing the music.

“It took a lot of hammering away for me to get the licensing for the performances,” Kahn said. “Elton and Bernie have never licensed their song for regional theater before.”

Kahn has invited several movers and shakers to the show, and two producers – Grammy and Academy Award winners – have pledged to come. But he’d like to have John and Taupin there as well.

Taupin lives in nearby Santa Ynez so it’s conceivable. And while John performs in Vegas on the weekends, he’s usually off Sundays.

The play centers on two brothers –- a favorite son and a black sheep -- set during World War I. While most of the music comes from John’s 1970 album, a few others from that era –- like “Madman Across the Water” –- will also be performed.

Ironically, “Tumbleweed Connection” will wrap up just before “Movin’ Out” comes to Cal Poly. That Broadway musical, now touring the nation, is based on the music of another piano man, Billy Joel. You can read about that play in the Nov. 1 Ticket.



--Pat P.

Films with a focus

Read on for a summary of HopeDance FiLMs through the rest of the month:

Tonight
“Beyond the Call”
This documentary focuses on the founders of Knightsbridge International, a men’s organization that offers food, money, medicine and clothing to war-torn areas around the world. 7 p.m. SLO Library. $5.

Oct. 15
Filmmaker Sarah George explores the world of hobos and freight train hoping, following folks like Switch, Baby Girl and Luther the Jet. 7 p.m. SLO Library. $5.

Oct. 19
“10 Questions for the Dalai Lama”
Santa Barbara resident Rick Ray adds insights from the spiritual leader to his own observations traveling through India and the Middle East. 7 p.m. SLO Library. $10.
NOTE: This film will be screened again at 7 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the SLO Library.

Oct. 26
“Entheogen: Awakening the Divine Within”
This documentary traces humanity’s fascination with consciousness-altering drugs from ancient mystery cults to Burning Man. Sunset. Utopia Bakery. $5.

Oct. 30
Van Jones speech
In case you missed it in September, HopeDance brings viewers a filmed speech by Van Jones, civil rights lawyer, activist and founder of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. 7 p.m. SLO Library. Donations welcome.

— Sarah L.