People, places and things to do ...

Waking Ashland

INDIE MUSIC: LA music duo JamisonParker and Waking Ashland are playing a gig together Aug. 19 at La MontGo Plaza. I interviewed the Jamison half of JamisonParker yesterday and you can read the story on-line right now. You can also listen to their song "Best Mistake" here (RealPlayer) or here (WindowsMedia) (Courtesy of Interscope.)

MONTY-PALLOZA: Ms. M reports that bluse/rock musician Monty Byrom packed out the house at Fishlips last week when he kicked off his month-long concert series there. Along with there being excellent people watching (Ms. M spotted plenty of us media types there, including the Shoopster). Byrom got up and jamed with his friend Ed Berghoff and former Big House members, Byrom's brother Tanner Byrom on drums and Ron Mitchell on bass. "Even Sonny California from Big House, showed up to sit in on a few numbers with his blues harmonica," sez Ms. M.


Have you seen this band?

HOT STEPPER: The Soulsteppers (currently consisting of original members AJ and Mike) are threatening to make music again. Well, actually they are making music again, and that's a good thing. Who doesn't love a little soul? A little reggae? Of course they've asked me to sing backing vocals on their latest release. That could go either way. But it's still very fun thing ... It's especially fun when I haven't done any singing since saxophonist Tony O'Brien and I took a break our modern jazz band of revolving characters.


Guess who's back?

AT RANDOM: George Lopez is coming back to town. He's doing a Nov. 25 show at the Rabobank. Tickets go on sale Aug. 27 later this month. You can read all about it here ... Chevelle and the Kottonmouth Kings are both playing fall gigs in Bakersfield. Chevelle will be here Sept. 12 and KK are coming in Oct. 23. ... Christian rock act Fusebox is playing Beach Park Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. as part of "Operation School Bell," a free event to collect school supplies and give them to needy kids ... Country music artist Kevin Sharp is coming to Buck Owens' Crystal Palace Thursday night ...