Large concerts are still banned, but small live music gatherings continue to take place. Married couple Sharine Borslien and Ron Hagadone, who perform as a duo under Sharin and Ronoffered intimate concerts at Atascadero restaurant and bar, LaDonna’s, every Thursday, as they will this Thursday July 9and then Thursday July 16and for the foreseeable future (6:30-8:30 p.m. live, and also streamed on facebook.com/sharene.borslien).
“We play a variety of covers from the 1930s to today, as well as original songs,” Borslien said via email. “There is no charge for patrons to enjoy our performances, although tipping is encouraged. Recently we have been playing either outside on their new sidewalk patio in warm weather or inside from their “party room”, which is separated from the rest of the room by a wall and a glass door, so guests can still see us while listening to the music through our sound system. By the way, LaDonna’s serves comfort food farm-to-table as well as beer, wine and cocktails, all at reasonable prices, and the place is family friendly.”
Sounds like the place to be. I’ve heard a few Sharine & Ron tracks online, and their repertoire is eclectic and deep. Not only does Borslien have an engaging voice, but she’s a truly talented flautist. Hagadone is a terrific guitarist who easily slides between genres. If you’re looking for a surefire way to get your fix of live music (and a tasty meal), this is it!
During a normal summer, Atascadero would invite people to enjoy free live music at their Saturday in the Park 2020 summer and fall concert series, but this pesky pandemic has put a stop to large gatherings.
Instead, “The City of Atascadero is very pleased to announce a fantastic lineup of bands selected for the Saturday 2020 Summer/Fall Concert Series at the Park July 11-October 3!” announces the city. “For the safety and well-being of our community, we will be launching the new concert series virtually! This event will begin with fantastic virtual programming that you can enjoy from your own backyard or plan a watch party with your family or your group of friends! The virtual concerts will be available live on KPRL AM 1230 from 6-7 p.m., and on our YouTube channel and Facebook page Atascadero Recreation from 6-7:30 p.m.
They added that they may have in-person concerts at the Lake Atascadero Park bandstand if health guidelines permit. For now, tune in to this Saturday July 11for classic rock and country Martin Paris Group. Paris is a first rate guitarist! Don’t let the pandemic keep you from enjoying live music while sheltering in the safety of your home.
“We hope you enjoy the sounds you’ve come to love and tune into this summer!” added the city. “Stay healthy! #besafebecalmbekind.”
There’s no doubt that the pandemic has added stress to almost everyone’s life. An unfortunate side effect of on-site accommodation is an increase in domestic violence. For more than 30 years, Dr Sandi Curtis– a licensed music therapist – has worked with women who have suffered physical, mental and sexual abuse, helping them “rewrite their own victim stories into survival songs,” according to a recent press release.
“Trauma doesn’t have to destroy us,” Dr. Curtis said. “Trauma can be overcome, and it can inspire us to create, express ourselves and heal, and music can help us help others know they are not alone. There is power in literally singing and figuratively speaking your own song, to beating your own drum; and there is strength in sharing your songs with others.”
To this end, Curtis recently published, Music for Women (Survivors of Violence): A Feminist Music Therapy Interactive eBook, in which she “demonstrates how music can heal trauma, as well as make the daily stresses of life more bearable”. The book is available at barcelonapublishers.com.
Curtis also has a podcast called The healing power of musicwhich you can hear on livehappy.com.
Despite the pandemic, the New Times Music Awards will take place this year, with entries being accepted from From Thursday 23 July to Monday 10 August. You can find the rules and entry information on page 3 of this week’s issue. How the live event will play out is pure speculation at this point. It may be virtual, but the show will go on.
I also wanted to talk to you about American society International Songwriting Competition, who recently released the list of judges for the 2020 contest. They include Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha, Tom Waits, Cam, Arturo Sandoval, Linkin Park, Tanya Tucker, and more. Also included are record label executives from many of the top major and independent record companies.
There is over $150,000 in cash and prizes split between 71 winners, with the grand prize winner taking home $25,000. You can enter at songwritingcompetition.com.
SLO Jazz Federation continues to add classic local performances to its YouTube channel, which you can access through Jazz Fed’s website, slojazz.org. This week’s addition is the Omar Sosa African-American Quintetrecorded September 18, 2003 at the Cal Poly Theater (now called Spanos Theatre).
“Pianist Omar Sosa was born in Cuba and currently resides in Barcelona, Spain,” noted the Jazz Fed board. “He received Grammy nominations for four of his Latin jazz albums and received a 2003 Smithsonian Associates Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the development of Latin jazz in the United States.”
This is a great resource for jazz lovers!
“We hope you are all doing well and continuing to listen to great jazz online,” the board added. “Please practice jazz safely.” Δ
Contact senior writer Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
