Coffee Gallery Backstage

It's all about the feeling, isn't it?

David Crosby must employ the greatest PR person on the planet. He's here, he's there, he's everywhere! What do you all think of Crosby and his music?

Bunny Wailer, a founding member of the Wailers, the Jamaican group he founded with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, which helped bring #reggae music to a worldwide audience, died yesterday in Jamaica. He was 73. We've actually had a few reggae acts play here at CGB, believe it or not.

"Tom and Dick Smothers came to CBS in 1967 not really intending to lead or support a revolution. They just got caught up in it and they happened to have a network program, with some 30 million viewers, on which they criticized the war in Vietnam, celebrated rock 'n' roll music and satirized politics and politicians."

LA #bluegrass fans! Check out this interesting Facebook group - The Los Angeles Bluegrass History Project. A stunning archive of posts and imagery documenting the LA Bluegrass scene of previous decades. It might just inspire us to build the scene back up again. Follow the link below: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2981835731916746

Looking for something #safe and #fun under the sun to do this weekend? Head over to Irvine for some #Bluegrass-Ish music from The Storytellers, one of So Cal's hottest #Jamgrass bands, at a large outdoor space! Admission is FREE. Parking is validated. Gourmet food and craft beer. All ages! Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/251359049857321/

Dear Friends We hope this post finds you and yours in #creativity, #health and #prosperity. Bob and Beverly are in good health and spirit. Bob is busying himself writing his autobiography, reflecting on his good fortune and glad to still be playing the game. He, Doug Weston and Ed Pearl once ruled the venue part of folk music in Los Angeles. Bob is sad - but at the same time glad - to be the last one standing. That said, Bob DOES intend to reopen the Coffee Gallery Backstage later this year when it is safe to do so. He is excited to think of announcing the commencement of booking acts. While Bob has negotiated a reduced rent for the space, he welcomes and appreciates donations at the PayPal link below. Thank you for your continued interest and enthusiasm in the CGB. https://www.paypal.com/donate/

We're thinking of booking this folk trio for our grand re-opening. Who should open? :-)

Bluegrass music is amazing. When we reopen, we'll need to book more bluegrass acts at the Gallery. Who agrees? We hear there's a new bluegrass festival coming to So Cal.

"It took Joe Muggs until his 30s to get into Mitchell’s grown-up music, but once it clicked, the whole history of music was rewritten in his head."

"It seems like it would create some sort of disturbance in the universe if one saw these two giants of music, supremely steeped in American tradition, both in the same room at the same time. It simultaneously seems like it would be an obvious thing for them to do, but also, perhaps, too on the nose if Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan collaborated and remained close friends."

We recommend getting on the RootsGrass Music bandwagon now. When live music opens up, they will specialize in management, promotion and live event production for bands specializing in roots, #bluegrass, folk and jamgrass music including a new local "RootsGrass" music festival. They know what they're doing. Give em a like or follow. https://www.facebook.com/RootsGrassMusic

Who remembers these three folky sisters, The Roches? Any personal stories?

Arlo Guthrie, a folk singer whose epic-length "Alice's Restaurant" became a 1960s touchstone, says he's retired from performing. https://www.cnn.com//arlo-guthrie-retires-strok/index.html

Jerry Jeff Walker, the Mr. Bojangles songwriter and a pioneer of the cosmic cowboy sound that would evolve into outlaw country, died Friday after a long battle with throat cancer. He was 78.

Spencer Davis, a British guitarist and bandleader whose eponymous rock group had 1960s hits including "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "I'm a Man," has died. He was 81. https://www.spin.com//spencer-davis-gimme-some-lovin-guit/

Makes perfect sense.

#ThursdayThoughts from bluegrass music legend Ralph Stanley. Always stay true to what you do! #banjo #bluegrass #bluegrassmusic #banjoist StorytellersBand.com

This is something worth reading for sure. Beware, be wary! CoffeeGallery.com

Eddie Van Halen, a local Pasadena boy who made good has left the stage. https://www.latimes.com//20/eddie-van-halen-guitar-dies-65

Helen Reddy, singer of the 70's feminist anthem "I Am Woman," died Tuesday, according to a statement on her Facebook fan page. She was 78.

Ditto. Also anti-#fascism here. Share if you are.

A new film, Linda and the Mockingbirds, documents Linda Ronstadt’s 2019 journey to Mexico with Jackson Browne and a group of young students. Here's the trailer:

Linda Ronstadt will star in another documentary: Linda and the Mockingbirds. Directed by James Keach, the film chronicles her 2019 visit to Mexico with Jackson Browne and students of a Los Angeles cultural arts academy.

Here is a direct link to PayPal if you'd like to donate to help keep the Coffee Gallery Backstage's doors open! Thank you for your kind consideration.

Bob Stane writes: I just sent you (plural) a message concerning when The Coffee Gallery Backstage will reopen. I have received numerous replies of encouragement and thanks for The Coffee Gallery Backstage. Your appreciation means more than words can relay. I am sure you know that I, and the entertainers, do this for the love of the game. Our time, hearts and lives are invested in delivering the best of the best in intimate and meaningful musical entertainment. We do it for yo...u and we do it for us. What could be better than making tuneful magic to entertain you? I will try to respond to each one individually as your comments were engaging, encouraging and humbling. I am scuffing my bare toes in the dust, averting my eyes, hooking my thumbs into the suspenders of my worn coveralls, my straw hat stuffed over my eyes and mumbling, "Awe, gee. I would like to frame them all. They made me feel like I have accomplished something over the last 50 years. Yes, a half century. I have acquired no other skills. And why would I? It has been a magnificent journey. I am still in motion, still traveling. Scores of the responses encouraged me to have shows on Zoom, Facebook or YouTube so money can be invested in helping The Coffee Gallery Backstage and the entertainers ride the evil storm. Working on that. Many more insisted I establish a PayPal Fund for timely, direct contributions to The Coffee Gallery Backstage. I do not know when we will reopen. No guarantees. However, I honor all your suggestions. Only if you can afford it, you may chip into the fund by scanning the code below to keep the rent, licenses, insurance and utilities current. I hesitate to be bold but I am obediently responding to your collective directions. It will give The Coffee Gallery Backstage a better chance to live.