New music: Sparkle*Jets U.K., Tony Valentino, Jorma Kaukonen, The Mosquitos

The intoxicating sounds of Southern California's Turn-of-the-Century music scene, as well as the groundbreaking stylings of the 1960s, 1980s and acoustic roots music are revisited thanks to a handful of great 2023 releases.

Artist: Sparkle*Jets U.K.

Title: Best of Friends (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings, Psychic Rain, Jellyfish

Tell me more: For many years I wrote an award-winning column titled "Orange Pop" for The Orange County Register where I had the thrill of covering that region's explosive music scene. Many of the artists — notably No Doubt, Sugar Ray, Walter Trout and Lit — went on to global success after making a splash locally. However, many of my favorite artists achieved only cult status despite their incredible talent. It's great to see Turn-of-the-Century power pop trio Sparkle*Jets U.K. return with a fantastic new album (Best of Friends, available June 30) — the band's first new studio LP in more than 20 years. The aptly-titled Best of Friends finds Michael Simmons (lead and backing vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums), Susan West (lead and backing vocals) and Jamie Knight (bass, 12-string guitar) offers their distinctive sonic stamp on 21 gems originally recorded by Southern California-based artists who were their contemporaries. The album opens with a wistful take on Walter Clevenger's "Hold On Tight" before the band turns on a dime to deliver a glorious take on The Masticators' "He's Coming Out." A Baroque pop reading of Kompost's "One Summer Sunday," luxurious cover of Cockeyed Ghost's "Ludlow 6:18," a buoyant version of Candypants' "I Want a Pony" and rollicking run through The Dons' "Till We Meet Again" are among my other faves on the first half of the terrific title. The momentum and caliber of the collection never falters; sumptuous versions of The Shazam's "Sunshine Tonight," Linus of Hollywood's "Good Sounds," Wondermints' "In and Around Greg Lake," Kenny Howes and the Yeah!'s "Right Idea," The Negro Problem's "Mahnsanto" and The See Saw's "Probleme Romantique" on the last half of the set have me pretty sure that Sparkle*Jets U.K.'s Best of Friends will land on my favorite albums of 2023 list. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Tony Valentino

Title: Dirty Water Revisited (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Standells, the Electric Prunes, the Chocolate Watchband

Tell me more: Released on May 26, Dirty Water Revisited marks the high profile return of founding Standells' guitarist Tony Valentino. Along with singer-keyboardist Larry Tamblyn, bassist Jody Rich and drummer Benny King, Valentino was a key player in the Los Angeles-spawned quartet's groundbreaking garage rock sound showcased in their timeless 1966 hit "Dirty Water." On his return Valentino — as well as vocalist/drummer Duane Waider, keyboardist Zero E and bassist-guitarist/vocalist Gary Kaluza — revisits a handful of the enduring gems recorded by the Standells including a rousing take on the aforementioned "Dirty Water," rhythm guitar-anchored "Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White" (the latter bolstered by Valentino's harmonica playing), the electrifying "Barracuda" and rollicking "Try It." The Valentino-produced album also hits high marks thanks to the surf-meets-soul rocker "There Is a Storm Comin'," the blistering hardcore tribute "I'm a Sexy Punk Rocker" (the latter a nod to the Standells' influence on punk rock), infectious "Vicki" and psychedelic "Love Me." Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Jorma Kaukonen

Title: Live at the Bottom Line (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna, acoustic blues

Tell me more: Recorded live on Aug. 23, 2003, the new title Live at the Bottom Line is a fantastic concert recorded featuring legendary singer-guitarist Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) accompanied by Barry Mitterhoff (mandolin, octave mandolin, tenor guitar, tenor banjo) and Cindy Cashdollar (steel guitar). Captured not long after the release of his 2002 Grammy-nominated album Blue Country Heart, this is truly a flawless mix of Americana, country, blues and folk music performed by a trio of virtuoso musicians. The buoyant "Blue Railroad Train" (which includes terrific mandolin playing from Mitterhoff), countrified Jimmie Rodgers nugget "Waiting for a Train," his beautiful original "Do Not Go Gentle" (written for Kaukonen's father) and luxurious instrumental "Living in the Moment" are standouts on disc one. Disc two features an ambitious 11+ minute version of the traditional spiritual "Good Shepherd," an uplifting country blues cover of Reverend Gary Davis' "I Am the Light of This World" and masterful arrangement of the traditional "Hesitation Blues." Two decades after this magical performance was staged at New York's Bottom Line music venue, it's great that a wider audience gets to hear the magic again. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: The Mosquitos

Title: this then are The Mosquitos! (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five

Tell me more: Fans of melodic '60s-mining rock will want to get a listen to the wonderful this then are The Mosquitos! The Mosquitos' story is almost as compelling as the band's music; in the mid-1980s the rising outfit called it quits on the brink of stardom (indeed, the band was named Best New Rock Group at the New York Music Awards in 1986). Now fast forward to 2023 and The Mosquitos' infectious style blending songwriting elements spanning from the 1950s and 1960s to the 1980s can be heard by all. Standouts abound on the 47-track double CD that collects many of the Mosquitos' best studio and live recordings, with shining vocal harmonies a key part of what makes the outfit's sound so special. As noted in press notes released in connection with the collection: "Since the band only recorded a third of their original songs in the studio, the rest are represented in a live setting. Much care was taken to find the best versions, and some you'll swear are studio recordings." 

"Let's Stomp" is a hyper successful mix of 1950s rockabilly and Devo-like minimalist rock that connects with a single listen. "You Don't Give a Hang (About Me)" is fully original, with layers of shimmering guitars and immersive vocals. "Darn Well," "Quit It" and "I'm So Ashamed" are rousing garage rockers; "Wrong Side of Town" and "I'll Just Hide" conjure up the bona fide excitement of the British Invasion. The band's melodic power pop nugget "That Was Then, This Is Now" (a cover of that Mosquitos original was a comeback hit for the Monkees in 1986), sumptuous "I Know a Secret," propulsive "Standing In the Rain," tender "Stephanie Says" and affecting "Christmas Dream" are other wonderful songs on the essential collection. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Robert Kinsler

Music Worth Buying episode: Michael Ubaldini, Kiefer Sutherland

On the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING, co-hosts TJR and Robert Kinsler assess the latest album releases from Americana singer-songwriters Michael Ubaldini and Kiefer Sutherland:



Below are links where you can purchase the latest album releases from Michael Ubaldini ("Starshaker") and Kiefer Sutherland ("Starshaker"):


Purchase Kiefer Sutherland's 'Down In A Hole' here


Buy Michael Ubaldini's 'Starshaker' here

Masterworks fuel winning crop of new releases

Lovers of authentic Americana, blues and roots music, funk, as well as of the late Grammy- and Academy Award-winning composer James Horner all have reason to celebrate thanks to an outstanding crop of 2015 releases available this summer.

Artist: Michael Ubaldini
Title: Songster – The Acoustic Reels (Blackwater Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Steve Earle, Johnny Cash, Walter Clevenger, Bob Dylan

Tell me more: Discerning fans of the burgeoning Americana movement have been rightfully encouraged by the success of a slew of talented newcomers but worry about the parade of unceasing acts whose slick approach (notably Milk Carton Kids and the Lumineers) threaten the movement's delightfully-authentic rough edges that are at odds with modern country's cliché-heavy approach. Leave it to alternative Americana hero Michael Ubaldini to strip things down to their acoustic underpinnings, using nothing more than an acoustic guitar, harmonica and his emotive baritone to set free a mix of new originals, as well as reworked  standouts from his own rich discography and revisited traditional songs (the Celtic "Handsome Molly" and biting folk nugget "The Cuckoo") on the ambitious 21-track Songster – The Acoustic Reels. Ubaldini is never less than both literate and artful with his lyrical approach as evidenced by the playful "Jean Harlow," bona fide celebration of romance ("Sweet ole Riddle"), beautiful expression of loss ("Rosewood Night"), defiance and perseverance ("Walk Through Fire") and probing look at America's endangered freedoms ("Money, Bible and a Gun"). Information: rocknrollpoet.com.

Purchase 'Songster' -the Acoustic Reels today

Artist: Rock Candy Funk Party
Title: Groove Is King (J&R Adventures)

You might like if you enjoy: Daft Punk, Mark Ronson, Prince, Joe Bonamassa

Tell me more: Music rarely gets funkier or grooves harder than the joyous Rock Candy Funk Party sophomore effort Groove Is King. Blending rock, funk, electronica, jazz, and R&B across its 16 tracks, RCFP offers up a mostly instrumental affair over its 70+ minute run; the wonderful exception is an amazing reworking of Peter Gabriel's "Digging in the Dirt" where Zia offers up some vocal shadings. Fans of guitar great Joe Bonamassa will want to wrap their ears around "Uber Station," where Bonamassa's masterful fret work is featured amidst the heavy grooves and a soulful horn section (featuring Randy Brecker, Ada Rovatti and James Campagnola); his graceful work on the heretofore noted "Digging in the Dirt" and speedy jazz licks on "Rock Candy" are a wonder. Everywhere the music making is outstanding, with performances that technically dazzle while simultaneously motivating the listener to move. The physical edition of the album comes with a bonus DVD that includes 50 minutes of in-studio footage of RCFP. Information: rockcandyfunkparty.com.

Buy 'Groove Is King [CD/DVD Combo]' here

 

Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd (and guests)
Title: One More For the Fans (Loud & Proud Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Peter Frampton, Robert Randolph, Gregg Allman, Cheap Trick

Tell me more: A full-length concert featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd and a cast of acclaimed guests was staged in Atlanta, GA on Nov. 12, 2014, and has now been thankfully released via a must-have deluxe package including the event presented on two audio CDs and on DVD. While the highlight may well be the band itself delivering an incredible marathon-length take of "Free Bird," the rest of the 19-track set is pure joy. Imagine no more what it would be like for power-pop greats Cheap Trick to tackle Skynyrd; the quartet delivers a fiery version of "Gimme Back My Bullets." Later Gov't Mule powers through an emotionally-charged Southern Rock-styled "Simple Man" while country great Jamey Johnson offers up a bluesy "Four Walls Of Raiford." Peter Frampton offers up great fretwork and top-flight vocals on a version of "Call Me The Breeze." Other sterling performances come courtesy of Alabama ("Gimme Three Steps") and Gregg Allman ("Tuesday's Gone"). Information: loudandproudrecords.com.

Buy 'One More For The Fans' here

Artist: James Horner

Title: Southpaw (Sony Classical)

You might like if you enjoy: James Horner's previous soundtracks 

Tell me more: Whether enveloping the listener with tense and unsettling soundscapes ("The Preparations," "A Fatal Tragedy," "A Cry for Help") or touching our emotions at the deepest of levels ("A More Normal Life," "Dream Crusher," "The Funeral, Alone…"), composer James Horner's Southpaw is a compelling listen for lovers of modern-day soundtracks and contemporary symphonic music. With its mix of traditional orchestral layers and electronica textures (just listen to "Suicidal Rampage"), Southpaw demonstrates Horner's unique ability to bring additional depth in support of diverse film projects. Sadly, following the completion of this soundtrack, Horner died at the age of 61 when the single-engine plane he was piloting crashed into the Los Padres National Forest in Southern California on June 22, 2015. Among Horner's best-known scores were Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn (1982), Aliens (1986), Titanic (1995) and Avatar (2009). Information: sonyclassical.com.
Purchase 'Southpaw (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' here

Artist: The Pinder Brothers
Title: Melancholy Sea (Inner World Music)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fray, Ben Folds 5, America

Tell me more: Although The Pinder Brothers' wonderful 11-song Melancholy Sea was released in winter, the duo's bright melodic rock sound is ideally suited to summer. From the wistful "Same Mistake" (whose sound spans folk rock to psychedelia along its run) to the longing "Driving You Home," brothers Michael Lee Pinder and Matt Pinder have an innate instinct how to meld infectious melodies with heartfelt song craft. The lyrics, straightforward and earnest, are delivered amidst nice harmonies and creative arrangements. Information: pinderbrothers.com.

Get 'Melancholy Sea' here

Artist: Blinddog Smokin'
Title: High Steppin' (Silver Talon Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Billy Branch, Bobby Rush, Boxing Gandhis

Tell me more: Although high-powered funk collective Blinddog Smokin' earned a well-deserved Grammy nomination for 2014's Decisions (a collaboration with legendary soul-blues singer Bobby Rush), the seven-member troupe is still deserving of plenty more attention. The newly-released High Steppin' disc might just be the ticket. The nine-track LP is an inviting addition to the group's strong discography. The range of material is wide, with the songs all hitting the mark. Highlights include the infectious funk blast "Pimp Shoes," heavy Chicago blues song "Tell 'Em Shuffle" (featuring some incredible blues harmonica work from Carl Gustafson), New Orleans-styled "Don't Put No Money On Me," and the emotive "If I Died Today." Information: silvertalonrecords.com.

Get' High Steppin' ' today

Artists: B.B. King & Eric Clapton

Title: Riding With The King (Audio Fidelity)

You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Robert Johnson

Tell me more: Originally released in June 2000, Riding With The King was the first –and ultimately only – full-length studio collaboration teaming blues greats B.B. King and Eric Clapton. With Riley B. King's death in May 2015, the sterling reissue of the dozen-track collection via Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity label as a limited edition Hybrid SACD (that plays on all SACD and CD players) is worth discovering again (or for the first time). The set originally earned the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album, and time has only amplified the strength of the material and performances captured on the disc. Among the gems on the album are a rollicking cover of John Hiatt's "Riding With The King" featuring King and Clapton sharing lead and harmony vocals, King's original blues ballad "Ten Long Years," the buoyant rockabilly-styled "Days of Old" and the heartfelt "Marry You." Information: audiofidelity.net.
Purchase Riding With The King directly via the Audio Fidelity Web site here

Artist: Lindi Ortega

Title: Faded Gloryville (Last Gang Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Nikki Lane, Whitney Rose, Emmylou Harris

Tell me more: When Lindi Ortega sings the title track on her most recent album Faded Gloryville, the songstress is recounting her own path while also singing for the countless other great artists who have created an amazing body of work while working mostly under the radar. A singer and songwriter of incredible depth, the Canadian native now based in Nashville had released a trio of albums before Faded Gloryville that earned uniformly-strong critical acclaim but failed to bring her much-deserved commercial success. Faded Gloryville continues to cast a bright light on the talented Ortega; the Juno Award winner has a voice capable of mining the deepest of emotions as evidenced by the confessional "Ashes," tender "Someday Soon" and a remarkable version of the Bee Gees' 1967 hit "To Love Somebody." Fusing rockabilly, alt country, folk and Americana into an original soundscape is the final masterstroke in Ortega's winning approach on the wonderful Faded Gloryville. Information: LindiOrtega.com.
Purchase 'Faded Gloryville' here


Artist: Whitney Rose
Title: Heartbreaker of the Year (Cameron House Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves
Tell me more: Produced by celebrated Mavericks frontman Raul Malo, singer-songwriter Whitney Rose's sophomore album Heartbreaker of the Year (available on Aug. 21, 2015) is a beautiful collection that straddles the worlds of neo-traditional country and classic girl group-styled '60s pop. There are gorgeous authentic country ballads ("The Last Party," "Lasso"), spirited pop-rock ("Little Piece Of You," "Only Just A Dream"), tunes that blend both styles ("My First Rodeo," "Ain't It Wise"), a touch of country blues ("The Devil Borrowed My Boots") and a captivating cover of the Ronnettes' "Be My Baby" featuring Rose trading vocals with Ralo's tenor - all delivered with a contemporary energy that both celebrates and defies the wealth of retro influences that add luster to the rich collection. Information: whitneyrosemusic.com.

Purchase 'Heartbreaker of the Year' here

Music Worth Buying episode: The Lone Bellow, and 'Beyond Belief: A Tribute to Elvis Costello'

On the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING, we take a close look (and listen) at The Lone Bellow's Then Came The Morning and Beyond Belief: A Tribute to Elvis Costello:

Weekend Preview: KSBR Birthday Bash, Southern California Americana Festival

With the long holiday weekend upon us, the good news for music fans here in Orange County are several music festivals coming on Sunday. Read on…

KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival set for Sunday, May 25, 2014

Melissa Manchester

Mission Viejo, CA - Saddleback College Radio Station KSBR (88.5 FM) is proud to announce that Grammy Award-winning vocalist Melissa Manchester will be making her debut appearance at this year's KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival. Among the more than 30 other musicians who will join her are Najee, Paul Brown, Slim Man, Greg Adams, Bill Cantos, Max Bennett and Tony Guerrero. The Birthday Bash will take place on the Village Green of Oso Viejo Park, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo on Sunday, May 25.

In addition to great music, the event also includes The Taste of the Bash, which features more than 15 local restaurants showing off their finest creations. The Taste is an added value so those purchasing tickets to the concert can enjoy the Taste of the Bash for no additional charge.

Gates open at 3:30 p.m.; Taste of the Bash from 3:30 - 5 p.m.; Military Appreciation Festivities at 4:30 p.m.; music at 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts or call the Saddleback College Fine Arts Ticket Office at (949) 582-4656.


First-ever Southern California Americana Festival coming to Surf City, Huntington Beach on May 25

What better way to spend Sunday, May 25 than to hit the beach in the morning and early afternoon, and then head over to the Marlin Bar to catch a great line-up of roots artists scheduled to perform at the First Annual Southern California Americana Festival. The event is a benefit for Sweet Relief ("Healing Musicians In Need").

Here is the great schedule of artists set to perform, including a trio of my favorite Americana artists (Michael Ubaldini, The Fallen Stars, Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings):

Michael Ubaldini - 2-2:40
Micah Justice - 3-3:40
Lauren Chanel Cobb & Ryan Ratfield 4-4:40
Tall as Men 5-5:40
Travis King 6-6:40
Riddle & The Stars 7-7:40
Phil Cody 8-8:40
Courtney Chambers 9-9:40
The Dairy Kings 10-10:40

Here is the cool poster!

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/259119180943185/

NAMM 2013: Squeezing in Yamaha's 125th Anniversary Celebration, Take 6, bumping into Matthew Sweet and more!

Newcomer Isaac Moore at the NAMM Show in Anaheim. Photo: Bob Steshetz, for the Register

Even as late as the eve of this year’s NAMM Show, it appeared as if the only can’t-miss event would be Yamaha’s 125th anniversary concert with Elton John, Sarah McLachlan, Michael McDonald and more on Friday night (January 25, 2013). But once more musicians started gathering in and around the Anaheim Convention Center it was clear that this year was going to be another banner batch of performances from top names in pop, rock, jazz and Americana.

Only a few hours after wrapping up Thursday with an impressive Tower of Power concert, it was time to arrive early on Friday to see what the day had in store. The first great set of the morning came via the Tora Bora Boys, mostly comprising musicians who are with San Francisco’s Saga Music. The band’s 25-minute set of rousing bluegrass was enhanced by 11-year-old guest singer and guitarist Isaac Moore.

Saga president Richard Keldsen led the band through several classics, notably the upbeat “Shady Grove” (with Paul Shelasky tearing it up on fiddle) and even faster “Salty Dog” (kicked off by banjo virtuoso Rick Shubb, of Shubb Capos). When Moore was brought up front (he had been playing guitar throughout the set) to sing on the sixth cut, “I Just Think I’ll Go Away,” he instantly impressed with emotive vocals revealing a depth beyond his years, then sealed the deal with a strong lead solo on his Blueridge acoustic guitar.

After that, I dashed to the Hilton Acoustic Stage for O.C.’s own Fallen Stars, an Americana outfit led by husband-and-wife duo Bobbo and Tracy Barnes. They attracted a capacity crowd to hear sterling originals like melodic “Massachusetts” (with harmonies evoking the magic of Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris), ambitious rocker “Dam” and country-flavored “Part Time Cowboy,” as well as a loose but winning take on AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” to cap their 35-minute showcase.

Later, waiting for award-winning a cappella ensemble Take 6 to appear at the Shure booth, it dawned on me that all six members might not fit onto its relatively small stage. Instead, it was as if the large crowd were watching them in a small rehearsal space, which created palpable energy as the group performed its unique blend of jazz, gospel and R&B in astounding arrangements. The nonstop 15-minute turn included a powerful cover of “Stand by Me” that showcased Joey Kibble’s lead vocals and their own harmony-filled “Spread Love.”

Of course, the highlight of the weekend was my opportunity to attend the Yamaha concert featuring a big cast of legends on Friday night. Over the course of almost four hours, everyone from openers Earth, Wind & Fire to Sir Elton performed brief sets. While it was great to see John's energetic five-song set that completed the night, my favorite sets were actually from McLachlan, the aforementioned EW&F, newcomer Leogun's rocking (as in "hard rocking") blistering two songs and a lengthy jazz piece featuring Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin and some of their pals. You can read Ben Wener's full-length review of the show here on the Orange County Register site.

Saturday is always the busiest day at NAMM, with tens of thousands of conventioneers crowding into the main hall as well as the adjacent Hilton and Marriott hotels, which also host performances.

It was just after 8 a.m. when Ian Ethan Case took the stage to kick off a long day of music-making. Inside the Hilton’s Pacific Ballroom he served up a 20-minute set of his compositions, delivered on both acoustic double-neck guitar and kalimba (a small African percussion instrument often called a thumb piano).

Spotlighting material from his new album The Narrow Way, he admitted to having “this thing for weird instruments” before performing “The Ridge” entirely on kalimba. Plucking at the tiny metal tines and utilizing small holes on the instrument to further ornament the sound with rich vibrato, he concocted rich, involving soundscapes out of an instrument many western audiences view as alien. His finished on guitar, however, for “North by Northeast,” blending harmonics and hammering on the neck with top-flight fretwork.

Deering is one of the industry’s most celebrated banjo manufacturers and the San Diego company always attracts aces to perform at its booth. Mark Johnson (the father of “clawgrass” banjo) and Emory Lester (mandolin) were slated to perform as a duo but were quickly joined by several high-profile friends, including Uwe Kruger (guitar) and Joel Landsberg (bass) of the Kruger Brothers. Jamming in such a casual setting allowed fans to get up close with these picking heroes.

Caught up with singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet, who had stopped by Fano Guitars’ booth to check out the new GF6 guitar and GF4 bass models. He was so impressed, according to company head Dennis Fano, that he ordered one of each and now owns about a dozen Fano instruments. While checking out the various wares, chatting with fans and signing autographs, Sweet did a little jam with his lead guitarist Dennis Taylor, but they opted out of playing a structured set — the hall was simply too loud to get it right.

Among the many celebrated players I ran into on Saturday but missed seeing perform were guitarist Craig Chaquico, lead guitarist of Jefferson Starship, Vicki Peterson of the Bangles and Mike Collins, drummer of Throwback Suburbia. Also spotted but not there to perform were Walter Clevenger and members of his great local band the Dairy Kings, John Borack (of the Popdudes) and singer-songwriter James Grey.

IPO brings power-pop to Orange County this weekend

Is it August already? If so, that means some of power-pop's greatest modern day heroes will be performing as part of International Pop Overthrow ("IPO") in Orange County this weekend.

There will be a concert at Fitzgerald's Irish Pub in Huntington Beach on Saturday night, Aug. 4 and a day-long event in The Hangar at the Orange County Fair on Sunday, Aug. 5. These will be the final two dates of the Southern California staging of IPO.

Walter Clevenger

Among the highlights of the Saturday night show (which kicks off at 7:30 p.m.) in Surf City will likely be sets from Sparkle*jets UK, the Relatives, Phil Vandermost and Telesound, Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings, and the welcome return of Scarlet Crush.

Sunday's daytime event (which runs from 10:30 a.m. until 4:15 p.m.) features another five hours of melodic bliss courtesy of Popdudes, Jeremy, Dave Rave and many others!

Check out my review of several of the same acts that are playing this weekend in a write-up I did after they appeared in concert at the Orange County Fair in July 2011.

For more information, visit the IPO Web site's schedule page here.

Power-Pop festival coming to Orange County Fair on July 22

Nushu (from left, featuring singer-guitarists Lisa Mychols, Hillary Burton and drummer Tom Richards) performed at the "Popgarden Radio Presents the Rock on the Road Tour" at the Orange County Fair in July 2011. 


Although it are the big names such as Tears for Fears, Duran Duran, Adam Lambert and Heart that will draw the biggest crowds to the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa this summer (July 13 - Aug. 12, 2012) when they headline as part of the Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series, there is an under-the-radar day-long mini fest that may well be just as much fun and comes at the mere cost of admission to the fair itself!

Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings, Nushu, Popdudes and the Tickets are among the featured power-pop rock acts that will perform at the fair from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (or so) on Sunday afternoon, July 22. Here is the schedule of times and artists playing that day I have courtesy of an email from Nushu:

11-11:30 Steve Kobashigawa
11:40 - 12:10 Rick Hromadka & Phil Rosenthal
12:20 - 12:50 Brittney Bouchard
1:00 - 1:30 Bart Mendoza
1:40 - 2:10 Popdudes
2:20 - 2:50 The Tickets
3:00- 3:30 Nushu
3:40 - 4:10 Walter Clevenger


Here is the link to Nushu's announcement on Facebook.