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Rockabilly on the Streets of Long Beach
The Long Beach Summer and Music Concerts continued on Saturday with "Rockabilly on Pine" starring James Intveld and also featuring Miguel Garcia and the Vaquetones. The 13 free outdoor events are staged right in the streets amongst some of the cafe's and bars of Downtown Long Beach, making it easy to drink and dine while checking out the array of musical genres showcased in the summer-long festival.
Headliner Intveld—well versed in guitar, slap bass, slide, steel and drums—has been in high demand by national rockabilly and honkytonk forums for nearly 20 years. He has performed with legends and notables like Brian Setzer, The Blasters, Rosie Flores, Dwight Yoakam and Trisha Yearwood. His particular sound is riddled with equal parts tragedy and resilience, and his performance captivates like Elvis and commands a close ear like Hank Williams, Sr. Intveld’s talent bridges onto the silver screen as well, making cameos in Sean Penn's directorial debut, “Indian Runner,” as the singing voice of Johnny Depp’s character in “Cry Baby,” and most recently costaring with Billy Bob Thorton in “Crystal.” In 2006, Intveld made his own directorial debut for the western film “Miracle at Sage Creek,” starring David Carradine.
In 2008, he released his third studio album, “Have Faith,” featuring seven originals and some impressive tributes to Johnny Paycheck and Wynn Steward. His first album (self-titled) was also a big success. Named “Best Studio Recording Project” and “Best Country or Roots CD of 1996” by California's Music Connection magazine, Intveld successfully produced, arranged, sang and played all the parts on his first, acclaimed release. His tour schedule has him skirting the UK, the west coast and everywhere in between, making a special appearance in downtown Long Beach to headline Rockabilly on Pine at 7:30 p.m.
Miguel Garcia and The Vaquetones—hailing from Orange County with a rare brand of Baja-Western—opened up the eve of howling hollow bodies and hair product. This six-piece has played with the likes of Rockabilly idols Lee Rocker, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Sue Moreno, Asleep at the Wheel and Wayne Hancock, among many others. On the heels of a new release, “25 Cent Pony,” Miguel and The Vaquetones are gearing up for an extensive southwestern summer tour. Nominated for “Best Latin Act” in 2009 at the OC Music Awards, this group cranks out a brand of Honkytonk, Tex Mex and Americana Roots music all their own.
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After an enormously successful inaugural season in 2009, Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) and the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency (RDA) are bringing SAM back for a solar-powered sequel. Scheduled to run from June to August, the line-up for SAM 2010 is estimated to draw at least 34,000 people throughout the summer.
This year’s itinerary features 13 eclectic music events, including some favorites from last year, such as Battle of the Tribute Bands and Funk Fest. Concerts will span the genres of folk, jazz, pop, rock, funk and beyond, bringing together artists and art enthusiasts of all kinds. Classical Beats for example, will be an innovative August show bridging the gap between classical string arrangements and hip hop overdubs, set to the scene of public art displays.
Showcasing a renewed focus on environmental concerns, all concerts will be held on self-contained solar-powered stages. The DLBA and RDA, in conjunction with SAM founding members, are partnering with Sustainable Waves, a San Diego/Austin-based all-solar staging, lighting and sound company offering 100 percent pollution-free concerts.
To that end, SAM is a homegrown development on all fronts. It’s founded by two Long Beach residents with strong musical connections to the city: Justin Hectus, founder of Schooled In Song, and Rand Foster, owner of popular local record shop Fingerprints. SAM features an abundance of local and regional talent, including Long Beach musicians, photographers, graphic designers and media professionals. And, it generates enormous support from and revenue for local businesses and community organizations. In short, SAM is of the people and for the people. Visit www.summerandmusic.com or call (562) 436-4259 for more information.
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