New Music: Albums shine a light on diverse sounds

Several outstanding reissues and a terrific new album are worth exploring this week.

Artist: The Go-Go's

Title: God Bless The Go-Go's (Eagle Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Go-Go's, Belinda Carlisle

Tell me more: God Bless the Go-Go's, the Los Angeles' quintet's 2001 reunion album has just been released as a must-own deluxe edition. Celebrated in connection with its 20th anniversary, God Bless the Go-Go's has been reissued on CD, vinyl and digital formats via Eagle Records. This is the first time the original album version of the album is available on LP (pressed on 140-gram, blue colored vinyl). The deluxe CD and digital versions feature new cover art and both include two bonus tracks. The album fully captures the power and magic of the Go-Go's' groundbreaking 1981 debut Beauty and the Beat. The driving "Unforgiven" (featuring guest Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day), "Stuck In My Car" and "Automatic Rainy Day" display a flair for melody and power pop without abandoning the group's punk roots. Equally potent are the tuneful mid-tempo confessionals "Apology," "Vision of Nowness" and "Insincere" as well as the shimmering ballad "Here You Are." The two winning bonus tracks – the straightforward rocker "I Think I Need Sleep" and melodic "King of Confusion" – definitely make this collection worth adding to your collection. Here is one fan happy to hear that singer Belinda Carlisle, lead guitarist Charlotte Caffey, singer-guitarist Jane Wiedlin, bassist Kathy Valentine and drummer Gina Schock are set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2021 on Oct. 30. Information: gogos.com.

Artist: The Palace Guard

Title: All Night Long: An Anthology, 1965-1967 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Animals, 1960s rock, the Kingsmen

Tell me more: The explosive sound of '60s garage rock is captured across the outstanding new compilation All Night Long: An Anthology, 1965-1967 featuring the Palace Guard. Although poor management ultimately dimmed The Palace Guard's prospects for widespread acclaim, the Hawthorne, CA-based troupe did have enough regional success in Southern California to record enough great material to fill a disc. There are rousing rockers – notably the opener "All Night Long" along with "Falling Sugar," "Oh Blue (The Way I Feel Tonight)," "Saturday's Child" and "Party Lights" – which collectively capture the spirit of the era. Just as impressive are the wistful mid-tempo rock cuts showcasing the band's wonderful vocals ("Playgirl," "A Girl You Can Depend On," "If You Need Me" and more). The psychedelia-styled "Greed" is another true gem on the set. The Palace Guard featured brothers Don, John and David Beaudoin, their roommate Mike Conley, drummer Emitt Rhodes (who subsequently enjoyed success with Merry Go Round and a solo career), bass guitarist Rick Moser and lead guitarist Chuck McClung; Terry Rae replaced Rhodes in 1966 while Teddy Rooney replaced Moser in early 1967. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Weezer

Title: Van Weezer (Atlantic / Crush)

You might like if you enjoy: Weezer, 1970s and '80s hard rock

Tell me more: Weezer explores their adolescent influences along with an appreciation of the electric guitar on their fifteenth album Van Weezer which has its obvious roots in the band's early love affair with melodic hard rock of the 1970s and '80s. Weezer (singer-songwriter-guitarist Rivers Cuomo, guitarist Brian Bell, drummer Pat Wilson and bassist Scott Shriner) conjures up the days of Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake to deliver a batch of instantly-likable tracks. Take "Blue Dream" – which sonically echoes Osbourne's 1980 classic "Crazy Train" – Weezer blend their signature melodic sheen with plenty of guitar-anchored hard rock attack. "The End of the Game" with its hammering guitar intro and in-the-pocket crunchy verses evokes hits by Whitesnake and 38 Special. Even while cranking up the guitars the band's melodic sense rules the day; the head-banging "1 More Hit" is bolstered by a vocals-heavy chorus and a wicked mid-song heavy metal break while "I Need Some of That" is equally strong with an undeniable chorus and tuneful guitar lines. Elsewhere, Weezer's own distinctive style is showcased on several of the disc's best cuts; "All the Good Ones" recalls the sound of their 2005 favorite "Beverly Hills" while "Sheila Can Do It" mirrors Weezer's mid-90s power pop-meets-indie rock approach. Always eager to surprise, Weezer closes with the gentle acoustic ballad "Precious Metal Girl." Information: Weezer.com.

Artists: Steve Goodman

Title: It Sure Looked Good on Paper: The Steve Goodman Demos (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Steve Goodman, John Denver, Don McLean

Tell me more: Blessed with a terrific voice and equally impressive talents as a top-tier songwriter and acoustic guitar player, Steve Goodman sadly lost his battle with leukemia at the age of 36 in 1984 – before the Chicago native could be acknowledged beyond the small and dedicated group of artists and fans who recognized his greatness during his lifetime. Los Angeles' Omnivore Recordings has gone a long way over the past several years to reintroduce Goodman to a wider audience of discerning followers; the newly-issued It Sure Looked Good on Paper: The Steve Goodman Demos is packed with 20 previously-unissued recordings that include both solo acoustic and band demos. The range and depth of the material is truly impressive; an uptempo run through his beloved original "City Of New Orleans," winning Gram Parsons-flavored decree "Eight Ball Blues," romantic "Would You Like To Learn To Dance" and "Yellow Coat," countrified standout "You Never Even Call Me By My Name" co-written with John Prine (and a 1975 hit for David Allan Coe), melancholic "Song For David" and lovely closer "The Water Is Wide." The collection features restoration and mastering by Grammy Award-winning engineer Michael Graves, who has again teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Cheryl Pawelski (who compiled this 20-track collection) to add another important chapter in celebrating the work of Goodman's legacy. Available via audio CD and gatefold double LP, the release features new liner notes by Lee Zimmerman and photos from the Goodman family archive. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: John Linnell

Title: State Songs (Craft Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: They Might Be Giants, Fountains of Wayne

Tell me more: An expanded digital edition of John Linnell's 1999 cult classic State Songs has just been released via Craft Recordings. One half of groundbreaking outfit They Might Be Giants (along with John Flansburgh), Linnell introduced "State Songs" via a five-song EP issued in 1994; five years late a full-length album was released on audio CD by Zoë/Rounder Records. More than two decades after its creation, "State Songs" remains a fun and fascinating listen with a vast array of far-flung instruments, wide-ranging musical styles and smart lyrics fused together into something special. The instrumental carousel-flavored "Illinois," power-pop gem "The Songs of the Fifty States," sly "West Virginia," buoyant "South Carolina,"glorious "Montana" and Americana art damage cut "Pennsylvania" are among the early standouts on the timeless collection. Just as inviting are the genre-defying "Utah," lovely "Arkansas," swirling "Maine" and the catchy bonus track "Louisiana" (the latter initially released as a B-side on the 1999 vinyl single of "Montana" - a collectible die-cut record in the shape of the USA). For those who love "State Songs" the additional good news is that Linnell is readying his next solo release, "Roman Songs"; that forthcoming EP is reportedly made up of songs written entirely in Latin. Information: CraftRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Weezer release new song from upcoming 'Van Weezer' album - Listen to "Hero" now!

Looking for a wonderful shot of melodic rock? Check out Weezer's great new single "Hero" out today...Robert Kinsler

Weezer / Photo credit: Sean Murphy

Today, Weezer are thrilled to release a new song called “Hero,” their first new material since last year’s Top Five Alternative radio hit “End Of The Game.” “Hero” is a new song off the band’s forthcoming album, Van Weezer, which was originally set for release this month; a new release date for the record will be coming soon. A video for the song, paying tribute to frontline workers, is out today as well.  

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “HERO”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “HERO” 

In honor of the real heroes, the band has teamed up with Postmates to support healthcare heroes caring for COVID-19 patients. Tonight, hero nurses at LA’s Good Samaritan Hospital will be sent meals from Uncle Paulie’s Deli during their breaks thanks to Weezer, Postmates and Feed Hero Nurses, a volunteer-run organization in partnership with Random Acts that is dedicated to providing meals to nurses on the frontlines. 

Van Weezer, the band’s fourteenth studio album, is produced by Suzy Shinn (Panic! At The Disco, Fall Out Boy). The inspiration for this album derives from the deepest roots of Weezer - metal! What has metal got to do with Weezer, you ask? In his earliest years, Rivers was a huge KISS fan; Brian was a big Black Sabbath fan; Pat worshipped at the altar of Van Halen and Rush; Scott loved Slayer and Metallica. The last time this vein of harder rock was mined by Weezer was on their much-loved 2002 album Maladroit; Van Weezer is primed to take that album's sonics many steps further courtesy of producer Suzy Shinn. 

Van Weezer follows the release of last year’s Weezer (The Black Album), as well as their covers album, Weezer (The Teal Album), whose streaming numbers have well surpassed 100 million. Weezer has sold 10 million albums in the U.S., and over 35 million records worldwide since their debut album’s release in 1994. The mol ir catalogue has included such megahits as “Buddy Holly,” “Undone (The Sweater Song),” “Say It Ain’t So,” “El Scorcho,” “Hash Pipe,” “Island In The Sun,” “Beverly Hills,” “Pork and Beans,” and more.  

Watch “End Of The Game” on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2019

Watch Matt Damon and Leslie Jones debate Weezer on SNL in 2018

Pre-order the album Van Weezer here. 

Weezer performing at Coachella in Indio on April 20, 2019.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

You can check out my review of Weezer's memorable performance at Coachella in 2019 here.

Coachella 2019: Weekend 2 Roundup

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The 20th anniversary edition of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival offered up an incredible experience over Weekend 2 (April 19-21) at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Event-goers were completely immersed in a world of stellar music and larger-than-life art installations, with dozens of groundbreaking artists performing each day of the fest. 

Those attendees who only arrive at Coachella late in the afternoon miss some of the incredible up-and-coming artists who perform. This writer tried to soak in as many complete performances as possible.

Here is a chronological run through my favorite sets of a magical Coachellafest weekend:

Let's Eat Grandma performing in the Gobi tent.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The British duo known as Let's Eat Grandma has an interesting name to be sure. In addition, long-time musical pals Jenny Hollingworth and Rosa Walton were able to unleash the musical magic and muscle to match their curious moniker with a spellbinding 40-minute set in the Gobi tent on Friday afternoon. Both have winning soprano voices that work alone or when joining forces with harmonies. While mostly using their twin Novation electronic keyboards, both showed off skills with different instruments and even the use of choreographed hand claps and a recorder on the ambitious art damage opus "Donnie Darko." 

Hurray for the Riff Raff singer Alynda
Segarra, left, with keyboardist Sarah
Goldstone. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Turning things on a dime in the same concert space was Hurray for the Riff Raff, a terrific Americana-meets-Latin rock band headed by arresting singer-songwriter Alynda Segarra. The New Orleans-based group's inspired and energetic approach was bolstered by memorable songcraft, Jordan Hyde's tasty lead guitar work and Segarra's passionate vocals. The band's 40-minute set was filled with songs tackling hot topics with equal parts protest and hope including "The Navigator," "Rican Beach" ("First they stole our language / then they stole our names" Segarra sings) and the wonderful closer "Pa'lante" (Spanish for the idea  "to move forward"). 

Brooklyn, New York rock quartet Beach Fossils attracted a huge crowd to the Gobi with their mix of dream pop, melodic rock and lo-fi atmospheric soundscapes. Standouts included the faraway "Sugar," driving New Order-minded "What a Pleasure," shoegaze gem "Sleep Apnea" and otherworldly sortie "May 1st."

Kacey Musgraves at Coachella on April 19, 2019.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Kacey Musgraves brought her multi-Grammy winning album Golden Hour to the Coachella Stage for a fast-moving 50-minute set weighted mostly from that already-classic 2018 disc. Musgraves opened with the acoustic-styled "Slow Burn" (track one on "Golden Hour") before turning things up a notch via the uptempo sheen of "Wonder Woman." Looking around at the massive crowd during her performance there was a palpable sense of Musgraves' authentic style and burgeoning star power. One young Coachella-goer I saw was in tears for much of the set, clearly moved by the singer's brand of modern country. Musgraves' signature vocals soared in the expansive late afternoon, with the wistful "Lonely Weekend," the tender "Rainbow," bona fide country favorite "Family Is Family" (from her Pageant Material LP) and super-catchy set closing "High Horse."

The Frights performing in the Sonora tent.Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

What fun The Frights offered up a blistering turn inside the colorfully-decorated Sonora tent, including the use of large balloon arrangements cast into the air to enhance the cool atmosphere. From the time the Poway, California-spawned punk rockers took the stage with "Crutch," fans were moving (some clearly enjoying the mosh pit and even a few brave souls stage diving later on) in time with the hard-edged punk rock. Another  highlight was the irreverent "Whatever," with the four member band clearly having a ball at the high-profile gig.

Manchester, England's The 1975 lit up the main Coachella Stage with dance-minded electropop brew including the uptempo opener "Give Yourself a Try," slower "I Like America & America Likes Me," and monster indie rock dance cut "Chocolate." 

Dylan Minnette of Wallows at Coachella.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Saturday brought another slew of standout performances, beginning with Los Angeles-based Wallows. The emerging melodic rock outfit proved to be the perfect outfit to welcome the day, recalling all that is great about power-pop, indie rock and the '80s strains of the Psychedelic Underground via great originals like "Ice Cold Pool," "Are You Bored Yet?" and "I'm Full." Singer-guitarists Dylan Minnette and Braeden Lemasters give Wallows an obvious one-two punch; the group's official full-length debut Nothing Happens was released by Atlantic Records in late March.

A R I Z O N A performing on the Coachella stage.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

New Jersey's A R I Z O N A were many more times as powerful when I was positioned in front of the Coachella stage in person than when I had caught the band on Weekend 1 via the YouTube live-stream. One of the most exciting discoveries I've made courtesy of Coachella 2019, the band tore it up across 40 minutes; lead singer Zachary Charles, guitarist Nate Esquite and keyboardist David Labuguen (assisted by a touring drummer) were on fire throughout. So many highlights: the anthemic "Find Someone," R&B/pop brew "Electric Touch" and blistering "Let Me Touch Your Fire," the latter which included Esquite smashing one of his guitars on the stage. The finale was a beautiful take on "Cross My Mind," one of the single best moments at Weekend 2 of Coachella 2019.

Los Angeles' The Interrupters brought a fun-filled mix of ska and punk rock to their 45-minute outing on the Outdoor Theatre stage. Capturing the spirit of the weekend was the hard-edged "Take Back the Power," with lead singer Aimee Interrupter noting the song is both a song of protest and a call for unity. The band also tore through great songs like "Title Holder," "Gave You Everything," "Family" and set-ending "She's Kerosene."

Vancouver, Canada-based duo Bob Moses (featuring Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance) conjured up a mix of dream pop, electronica and alternative music during an immersive appearance on the Outdoor Theatre stage. The swirling intro "Heaven Only Knows," alt rock dance groove that played out via "Talk," textured "Like It or Not" and dance-heavy "Enough to Believe" were among the tracks that hit the mark.

Weezer performing at Coachella in Indio on April 20, 2019.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Weezer mixed things up a bit when performing Weekend 2. While the Los Angeles rockers had played with several guests the previous week (including the two members of Tears for Fears), singer-guitarist Rivers Cuomo, drummer Patrick Wilson, bassist Scott Shriner and guitarist-keyboardist Brian Bell used this turn to handle things on their own. The results and new track listing definitely pleased the massive crowd. After offering up an a Capella vocals-only version of "Buddy Holly," the band then went on to offer the classic version of that 1994 hit via a full-on electric take. The band's set list featured a bunch of great Weezer classics ("Hash Pipe," "Undone - The Sweater Song," "Island in the Sun," etc.) as well as outstanding covers of some of the tracks off the band's 2019 Teal Album." Takes on the Turtles' "Happy Together" (with so many fans singing along) and Toto's "Africa" were especially memorable.

Emily King at Coachella.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Because there are so many stages at Coachella, it is often difficult to see everything on a "wish list." That proved to be the case for yours truly on Sunday morning; I opted to catch all of Mansionair in the Mojave tent knowing full well that I could only catch a little of Emily King in the nearby Gobi tent. The good news is I was able to catch Mansionair thrill listeners with a shimmering style of guitar- and keyboards-layered synthpop-rock. The Australian trio was outstanding across its 40-minute set, particularly on the lovely "Falling" and driving "Violet City." The group finished things off with the captivating "Astronaut - Something About Your Love."  

I quickly made my way to the Gobi where Emily King was conjuring up magic of her own. A wonderful singer, I watched her lead a band and two backing singers through several tracks including the dance-fueled "Remind Me" and R&B-funk ride "Can't Hold Me."




I stayed put in the Gobi for two more unforgettable performances. First up was boy pablo, a terrific and fun-minded indie pop group from Norway. Singer-guitarist Nicolás Muñoz and his four-man band had a blast, and so did the audience. Faves like the hyperactive "Feeling Lonely," breezy "Everytime" and aptly-pegged "Dance, Baby" were a true reason to move. 

Alice Merton at Coachella.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Rising rock singer Alice Merton impressed with her dynamic soprano and '80s-flavored rock attack, including the ferocious "Learn to Live," "dance-tinged rocker "Trouble in Paradise" and even better "Lash Out."





Soccer Mommy draws positive comparisons with a range of greats including Mazzy Star and Moonpools & Caterpillars, but the artist (a moniker for Sophie Allison) is something special on her own. The mix of three textured guitars, some keyboards and hypnotic rhythm section elevated the dreamscapes created in "Try," "Cool," "Wild Flowers" and a great new track titled "Lucy."

My last stop was to check out CHVRCHES in the Mojave tent. The Scottish trio comprised of singer Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty was simply incredible, performing its fun, high-energy synth-pop with artful persuasion for an adoring and massive crowd. The soaring "Get Out," introspective "Graffiti," driving "Forever" and electronica dance cut "Leave a Trace" were among the incredible works offered up with power and perfection in the desert late Sunday night.

An artist working on a colorful
recycling bin at Coachella.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Robert Kinsler


Editor's Note: This column was originally published in the April 24, 2019 print edition of  The Desert Star Weekly newspaper.

The Monkees' 'Christmas Party' coming October 12

Exciting news and even more reason to get into the holiday spirit courtesy of the Monkees' plans to release their first-ever full-length holiday album!

The upcoming album titled Christmas Party (courtesy of Rhino Records) will include new original songs along with a number of holiday classics featuring the voices of Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and even the late Davy Jones (taken from vintage recordings, Jones' voice will be heard on two of the album's cuts).

"Silver Bells," "The Christmas Song," "Wonderful Christmastime" are favorite standards featured. New songs included on the disc have been penned by the celebrated likes of Peter Buck (R.E.M.), Scott McCaughey (the Minus 5, the Baseball Project), Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), Andy Partridge (XTC) and album producer Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne).

Christmas Party track listing 
1. Unwrap You At Christmas
2. What Would Santa Do
3. Mele Kalikimaka
4. House of Broken Gingerbread
5. The Christmas Song
6. Christmas Party
7. Jesus Christ
8. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
9. Silver Bells
10. Wonderful Christmastime
11. Snowfall
12. Angels We Have Heard On High
13. Merry Christmas, Baby

Arroyo Seco Weekend update: Great Music, Chef-Curated Picnic Baskets, Kidspace, more!

Arroyo Seco is only a month away and the news just keeps getting better and better...

Mike Campbell and Tom Petty of the Heartbreakers perform at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in October 2010. Photo: Kelly A. Swift  ARROYO SECO WEEKEND JUNE 24 & 25, 2017 STARRING TOM PETTY &THE HEARTBREAKERS AND MUMFORD & SONS Arroyo Seco Weekend Announces Chef-Curated Picnic Baskets; Kidspace Programmed Family Jam; Magic Giant & Rachel Platten Added To Lineup Rivers Cuomo of Weezer performs at Pacific Amphitheatre in August 2011. Photo: Kelly A. Swift Goldenvoice's inaugural Arroyo Seco Weekend Festival, coming June 24th and 25th to the shady oaks and parkland of Brookside next to the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, has announced its chef-curated picnic basket program from celebrated local restaurants Crossroads Kitchen, République, Barrel & Ashes, Rose Cafe and Redbird.  A modern take on the classic picnic, each basket is packed with a full three-course meal for two, beverage vouchers, snacks and unique festival necessities. Order your picnic basket now to secure preferred pricing. Available for pre-order from Thursday, June 1 at 10 a.m. via the festival site. Deadline for orders is Wednesday, June 21, 2017. Tom Petty is Arroyo Seco bound. Photo: Kelly A. Swift The festival, headlined by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Mumford & Sons, Alabama Shakes, Weezer, The Meters and The Shins, has now added two further artists to the line up: Magic Giant and Rachel Platten. Arroyo Seco Weekend can also reveal details of its unique Kidspace Family Jam created by Pasadena's renowned Kidspace Children's Museum. The museum will be closed for the weekend as its staff joins Arroyo Seco Weekend to create a program of entertainment and interactive activities for families attending the festival. From noon - 7 p.m. each day Family Jam will feature an array of activations, including make your own instruments, jam with drummers, rock star photo booth, instrument petting zoo and create your own concert buttons. More information on the Kidspace event page. Arroyo Seco Weekend is a world class culture event featuring three stages of live music along with the most sought-after dishes and award-winning restaurants the Los Angeles and Pasadena communities have to offer. The selection offers a wide range of cuisine, from classic Italian dishes, authentic Mexican, to Korean BBQ and gluten-free and vegan options celebrating Los Angeles' melting pot of a food scene.  With an extensive line-up of craft beers by Beer Belly and an incredible raw and natural wine list, participating chefs and restaurants include:

CHEFS: Bruce Kalman | Union Dakota Weiss | Sweetfin Poke Ilan Hall | Ramen Hood Jason Neroni | Rose Cafe Neal Fraser | Red Bird Marcel Vigneron | Wolf Phillip Frankland Lee | Frankland Crab & Co Ray Garcia | Broken Spanish Rory Herrmann | Barrel & Ashes Steve Samson | Sotto Walter Matzke | République

RESTAURANTS: Beer Belly Chego Dog Haus Fat Dragon Fritzi Coop Genghis Cohen Kettle Black Kogi LocoL NoMad Petty Cash Sawyer Sumo Dog Tikifish

The festival will include performances by: SATURDAY JUNE 24: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Alabama Shakes The Meters Dawes Live Broken Social Scene Charles Bradley & The Extraordinaires Preservation Hall Jazz Band Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra Roy Ayers William Bell John Mayall The Bennie Maupin Ensemble SUNDAY JUNE 25: Mumford & Sons Weezer The Shins Fitz & the Tantrums Andrew Bird Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real Galactic The Revivalists Andy Grammar ZZ Ward Lettuce Jamtown (ft.. G. Love, Donavon Frankenreiter & Cisco Adler) Alice Smith The Mowgli's David Lindley Con Brio NK Band Rachel Platten Magic Giant Mumford & Sons during on the opening night of U2's North American tour on May 12, 2017. Photo: Kim Kinsler Pass Prices Single day GA:  $125 + fees Weekend GA:  $225 + fees Weekend Preferred parking:  $50 Picnic Basket Pricing & Options: Chef curated basket (available for purchase in advance)  $100 - $120   Festival basket (available for purchase in advance and on site) $80 Baskets Include: Entree for two, salad for two, 2 side dishes, dessert, snack and two drink vouchers. Comes with utensils. Restaurant curated baskets (available as pre-order only): Crossroads' Mediterranean Basket  - Chef Tal Ronnen / Crossroads Kitchen - $120 Classic French Bistro Basket -  Chefs Walter Manzke & Margarita Manzke / Republique - $120 Barrel's Best BBQ Basket - Chef Rory Herrmann / Barrel & Ashes - $100 Beachside Basket  - Chef Jason Neroni  / Rose Cafe - $110 Angeleno Picnic Basket - Chef Neal Fraser / Redbird - $110 Arroyo Seco Weekend is truly Pasadena taking its name from The Arroyo Seco stream, meaning "dry stream" in Spanish, that passes through Brookside Golf Course and Pasadena from the San Gabriel Mountains. Arroyo Seco Weekend: Website * Facebook * Twitter *  Instagram * YouTube About Goldenvoice:  Goldenvoice, creators of Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach: California's Country Music Festival, also operates successful Los Angeles music venues including the Fonda Theatre, El Rey Theatre, and Shrine Auditorium.  Beginning as an independent punk rock promoter in the early 1980s, Goldenvoice grew to be the preeminent alternative promoter in Southern California by forging strong relationships with both bands and music fans.  Goldenvoice promotes over 1400 concerts a year in California, Nevada, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii and Canada.