Mostly Music -
2013 Columns
December, 2013 The Multi-
Local musician Danny Pelfrey sat in on saxophone with Tower of Power's superlative horn section during their recent performance at Castoro Winery. Founded in 1968, Tower of Power is known for their upbeat "urban soul music." Danny used to be a regular member of the band, but now only occasionally plays with them.
November, 2013 Swan's Songs
Although he did not realize it at the time, playing with the Lester Lanin Orchestra at the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana was one of the highlights of Mike Swan's professional music career. This was one of a number of international music venues where Mike performed that had a formative influence on his varied musical repertoire.
October, 2013 Judy Philbin
Judy Philbin smilingly sings a sublime samba to the delight of the audience. Whether performing to a concert audience or restaurants and wineries, Judy relishes the opportunity to be energized and inspired by her listeners. She is excited about her newly released CD, Keeping It Simple, in which she collaborated with local talented guitarist and composer, Adam Levine.
September, 2013 Happily Singing the Blues: Ted Waterhouse
Under the hot August sun in the expansive outdoor beer garden at the Barrel House Brewing Company, Ted Waterhouse was setting up for the weekly Thursday evening Real Blues Jam. He has gathered a group of talented local musicians who start the event by "jamming," with Ted leading on guitar and vocals.
August, 2013 Staycation
Soaring slowly over the alluvial golden hills punctuated by mature oak trees and orderly rows of grapevines in a hot air balloon can be a transcendent, once in a lifetime experience. This is just one of the many offerings for a close to home "staycation," in the bucolic wine country in northern San Luis Obispo County. Every month has its unique activities, so determining travel dates warrant consideration of when the weather and activities meet the needs of the types of travelers — families, couples, friends or singles.
July, 2013 Siren Song
Listening to Dawn Lambeth's rhythmic, joyful jazz vocals, one would be surprised to learn that she initially had no plans to become a musician. Her unique vocals emphasize simple but pure jazz and swing from the 1920's, 30's, and 40's. Her humble, gentle countenance belies the fact that she has received admiring reviews from jazz historians and hosts of NPR music programs, and been compared to such greats as Jo Stafford and Maxine Sullivan, and enjoyed national and international airplay.
June, 2013 Royal Garden Swing Orchestra
Under the energetic direction of Dr. Warren Balfour, The Royal Garden Swing Orchestra
(RGSO) has been performing their upbeat big band sound from the swing-
May, 2013 Let's Dance!!
San Luis Obispo County is home to one of the premier social dance scenes in the United States. Social dance is a category of dance styles which can be performed with a variety of partners in a relaxed, social setting. While many people think this type of dancing if primarily for competition, locally less than 5% of the dancers are competing. The rest of the dancers are doing it simply for fun.
April, 2013 Jody Mulgrew: Local Native Rocketing to the Top
Jody Mulgrew has come full circle — returning to his home turf of the Central Coast,
where he woos audiences with his stirring vocals and deftly-
March, 2013 Meet Adam Levine!
Meet Adam Levine! Not the front man for Maroon 5, but the local guitarist, composer, and arranger who lives and performs on the Central Coast.
February, 2013 Living in Harmony
Brett and Julia Mitchell make beautiful music together . . . and apart. But how these two got to their shared lives as local musicians took each down very different paths.
January, 2013 D'Anbino Cellars and Tasting Room: World Class Music in a Local Venue
Listening to nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians is always a soul-