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Arts & Entertainment

ALFRED JOHNSON PLAYS THE SONGWRITER SANCTUM

This wonderful free monthly music series, produced by Dana Charnofsky, brings an array of fabulous singer/songwriters together for an afternoon concert at
the Church in Ocean Park in Santa Monica.

This Sunday is Earth Day and we're gonna celebrate with music. What better way to acknowledge the "sacredness" of our planet, than by raising our voices together in song? In honor of Earth Day we'll join the National Sing Out! and sometime during the concert we'll all sing "This Land Is Your Land." Elsewhere, people will be singing together at Noon (Pacific time), but we will add in our voices a few hours later. If you're interested to learn more, see:  http://www.occupella.org/earth.html

Here's the line-up for this month's show without the exact times.

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Alfred Johnson
Aireene Espiritu
Marc Black
Frank Spano

& Artist-In-Residence  DALE  LADUKE

Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

ALFRED  JOHNSON is an animated performer whose songs seem to jump to life right before your eyes. His masterful keyboard playing & clever lyrics render him a cut above mostof his peers. He's published at least 70 songs & written around 900! Early in his career Alfred co-wrote with Rickie Lee Jones on her platinum Grammy-nominated album containing the hit single, "Chuck E's In Love." Jazz singer Dianne Reeves recorded his tune, "Company."  With a zesty pinch of musical theatre, Alfred's tasty compositions combine delectable lyrics with flavors of gospel, pop, "rhythm & bluegrass," and rock 'n' soul. "I think he is a genius lyricist..." claims the lauded songwriter, Dave Frishberg. The National Academy of Songwriters asserts, "...a talent of this caliber is a rare treat."   http://www.myspace.com/alfredjohnson  

AIREENE  ESPIRITU The "tools" that laid the groundwork for Aireene Espiritu's songwriting are deeply rooted in true American music. First inspired by Alan Lomax's field recordings, her music draws from latin/african rhythms, folk and bluegrass pickings, and inspirations from gospel music. She picked up a guitar to learn songs by the likes of Ledbelly, Robert Johnson, Etta James, and Odetta.  Aireene later found her fingers at home on the tenor ukulele, with itstonalities complementing her deep and down to earth vocals. In her recent five-year duoproject with Rick DiDia, Aireene had the honor of opening for a few folk favorites suchas Harry Manx, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. For the past year or so she has thrived as a solo performer, touring often. Don't miss her on the uke!  http://www.aireeneespiritu.com  

FRANK  SPANO singer/songwriter, has played music intermittently in the Los Angeles area for many years,  returning two years ago after a long detour to Arizona. His music career has included performing & writing in popular L.A. bands such as Clear County Line and Five Wheel Drive. While he stands out as a solo cover artist, he most recently shines aspart of the Dale LaDuke Group. Frank has done studio recording for television shows andco-written several songs with Michael Duff (of Chalk Farm). Among his musical influenceshe counts Glen Cambell, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, and The Eagles, as well as his mom's beautiful voice and his dad's great harmonica playing. When y ou catch himp erform, you can't help but be impressed by Frank's multi-talented musicianship.  

MARC  BLACK has been traveling the country singing about everything from hydro-fracking to his unabashed love of Rachel Maddow. His most recent CD reached #6 on the DJ Folk Chart. Art Garfunkel, John Sebastian, and Richie Havens are just a few of the folks he has performed and recorded with. Years ago, while raising a family, Marc  scored commercials and won both the Mobius and the London International Advertising Awards for Best Original Music. More recently, his songwriting has become influenced by political and social forces. He's sung "No Fracking Way" at rallies in several states and also wrote "Sometimea Spark," a tune that tells the story of Mohamed Bouazizi, the man who started the Arab Spring. Three days after posting the song, Marc was  interviewed on Tunisian State Radio.   http://marcblack.com  

DALE LaDUKE Multi-instrumentalist & singer/songwriter  Dale LaDuke  plays in bands, has a solo career, teaches music, & hosts a weekly open-mic. His skills accompanying other musicians are in demand. As the artist-in residence for Songwriter Sanctum, he performs alone or with his band at the monthly concerts. Dale's songwriting has been recognized numerous times, including by the Billboard  Song Contest, the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, Independent Singer/Songwriter Awards, and the Los Angeles Music Awards. His much anticipated CD should be coming out later this year -- stay tuned for info on how to help fund it in the final stages! Some of his audience's favorite songs include "De Los Angeles," "Shine It All  Around," and " The Lone Ranger." Known for his alluring vocals, Dale's tunes resonate with people, & often compel them to sing along.  http://www.myspace.com/daleladuke


~ open to the public ~ donations appreciated
~ snacks and beverages provided
~ kids and calm, quiet dogs are welcome
~ some free street parking, but BRING QUARTERS for metered parking (metered parking lot is just west of Main St., running parallel to it)

http://www.churchop.org/

Support Independent Music!

We have a new website (in progress)  http://concertsinharmony.webnode.com

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