News

Well, it’s that time again, where we here in Los Angeles sing songs about snow, sleighs, and white Christmases. But the hell with snow, we’d be delighted if it would just rain like crazy for a few weeks. My lawn and most of the smaller trees in my yard are turning a nice crispy brown from not watering (doing my part by doing nothing). So forget singing “Let It Snow,” we’re singin’ “I Wish It Would Rain.”

I have a couple of cool holiday shows coming up. This Sunday, Dec. 13 at 7pm come see the ALL-STAR CHARITY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL XMAS SHOW at Cal State Northridge’s Plaza Del Sol. I’m doing a big song that opens the second-half, as well as a cool Johnny Mathis-style duet with my friend and veteran recording artist ROSEMARY BUTLER. Here’s the lineup of stars I get to work with on this show: DEBBI PETERSON (The Bangles), ALBERT LEE (Bill Wyman, Emmylou Harris, Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton), CARNIE WILSON (Wilson-Phillips), FREEBO (Bonnie Raitt), and MARKY LENNON (VENICE – the band), plus many others, including my pals KIKI EBSEN, JOHN WICKS, and LOIS BLAISCH. The charity is MUSICARES, which helps musicians in need. Come make it a good holiday season for some deserving folks, while you enjoy a great night of music.

Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster HERE. The address is 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA. It should be an amazing show, and the band is killer.

It’s become a ho-ho-holiday tradition that I do the music for the annual SIT ‘N’ SPIN Holiday Show at the Comedy Central Stage at The Hudson Theater in Hollywood (corner of Hudson and Santa Monica Blvd.). It’s a great lineup: MATT PRICE, GARY SHAPIRO, SPENCER GREEN, SHAZ BENNETT, and KEVIN PASS. And I’ve got a GREAT band in STEVE POSTELL, SCOTTY BREADMAN, and JENNIFER LEITHAM. There will be some surprises as well. The show is on Dec 17th at 8pm, and usually sells out fast (although it IS a free show!), so call 323-960-5519 ASAP. Thanks to Maggie Rowe for bringing me back for the fun.

And, on Dec. 20th, at 5pm I’m opening for veteran rocker and TV composer JOHN PRATT at Bogies in the Westlake Village Center. 32001 Agoura Rd., Westlake Village. Thanks to the great Lauri Reimer for booking me on both of these shows, and for her support of local performers. https://www.facebook.com/events/1713541925547636/

Lots of new news coming up after the holidays, including some more concerts and a new musical. Have a lovely – and hopefully wet – Holiday Season. Love from here.

TOMORROW NIGHT – THURSDAY – E-Spot at VITELLO’S

Hi all, just a quick announcement about a set I’m doing this Thursday, Oct. 22nd at the E-spot at Vitello’s Restaurant (Don’t ask for the Robert Blake special).

I’m opening for my good friend Brian Woodbury. It’s the CD release party for his new Pay Attention CD. I’m doing about 40 minutes at the top of the show.

7:30pm, dinner and drinks available. $15 cover, or $40 VIP admission. It’s a semi-acoustic show, so come hear Brian’s great tunes, and me getting to play a nice big grand piano. Reservations 818-769-0905, or at vitellosrestaurant.com/buy-tickets

Announcements soon about my McCabe’s appearance, Nov. 21!

SEPTEMBER 19th LIVE AT THE A-FRAME!

AUSTIN CITY UNLIMITED

(and I’m on a new CD)

Have you ever thought, “You know, I’d like to see Gary do a longer set sometime. These 3, 4-song appearances are hardly worth going out to see?” Well, if so, you’re in luck…

Saturday night (Sept. 19th) I get to do a whole evening’s show on a mountain top with a view of the canyon, open air, and a backup chorus of stars. I’ve done a few great house concerts in the LA/Valley area, but mostly always shared the bill. This time it’s all me, two sets, with some new songs and some surprises.

It’s Live At the A-Frame, hosted by Coddy Nuckols, who not only built the place, but is a fine songwriter himself. You’ll hear a couple of tunes by him as well. Doors at 6pm, show at 7, suggested donation is 15 bucks. There’ll be food and drink, but feel free to bring something snacky, wet, or sweet. RSVP for address/directions to coddy.nuckols@gmail.com or (818)486-8505

Then, I’m off to Austin, TX for the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance conference (SWRFA). I’ll be meeting a whole bunch of other touring artists, and doing some pickin’ and playin’ for – and with – people there. So many unique and amazing singers, songwriters, and musicians at these kinds of gatherings, and I get inspired by them all.

Last March, Hillary Rollins produced a show at McCabe’s starring the great Christine Lavin. Christine, being not only brilliantly talented, but very generous, invited a few of their friends to join. Then, my friend Hillary got me on the show to perform a song as well. The show was great, and the guy from McCabe’s recorded it. Now it’s a CD, Hillary Rollins presents Christine Lavin and Friends, full of memorable performances by Christine (naturally), along with Daniel Cainer, Cynthia Carle, David Lucky, MaryJo Mundy, and Pat Whiteman. Oh yes, and I’m doing my song, “Daughter.” It’s available at CDBaby, and I’ll sell some at my gigs. Pick one up!

And thanks to Hillary for slipping me in the back door, and making me a part of such a classy shindig.

TALL MEN and ME in SANTA CLARITA THIS FRIDAY

HOUSE CONCERT THIS SATURDAY

Hey everyone, I just spent a few days at MB Gordy’s cool studio in Tarzana, with Steve Deutsch on bass, and MB on drums, recording tracks for a new CD (actually, I have enough tunes for TWO CDs!). I’m looking forward to getting the new songs out there, and working with some of my world-class musician friends. Stay tuned for more details!

Now here’s what’s happening this weekend:

First, on Friday night, Aug. 14^th, I’m playing the SUMMERFEST FESTIVAL at Rivendale Park in Newhall. I’m appearing with the Tall Men Group; a band made up of some of the superstars of Los Angeles singer/songwriters, including Severin Browne, Ed Tree, Marty Axelrod, Jimmy Yessian, John Stowers and Jeff Kossack. I’ll also be sharing the bill with Northern CA’s Michael McNevin, whose pickin’ will definitely keep you grinnin’. Hosting the event are the Locke Brothers, who have been fixtures on the scene for decades. I’m grateful they brought me in with such illustrious company. 6pm to 10pm at Rivendale Park & Open Space 22425 The Old Road, Newhall CA 91321 (661) 799-3378 

Then, the following night, Aug. 15^th, at 7pm, I’m doing a House Concert with my great and talented friend Amy Engelhardt. We’ve done many shows together, and her sophisticated, quirky songs mix wonderfully with mine. We also sing on each other’s tunes, and we’ll be playing our two songs that share the same title. The house is in Chatsworth, and if you RSVP to concert@ityfaq.com, Marc Zev will send you the address and details. Either $20 donation for the show, or pay $25 and you’ll get a CD from both of us!

And coming up Sunday Aug. 23rd, I’ll be playing at 6pm at Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena, on the Side Stage, opening for the great Gonzalo Bergara. The Pavilion is in Memorial Park, 85 East Holly, Pasadena, CA, 91103

I just want to put in a quick plug for Dan Navarro, my dear friend, who, besides being a true “hit songwriter,” has always been there with good counsel and sound advice for me, while working tirelessly with SAG/AFTRA to make conditions better for professional singers. He’s doing a house concert at Russ and Julie’s the same night Amy and I are doing ours. Of course, we’d rather you come see us, but if you can’t make Chatsworth, head to Thousand Oaks to see Dan.