New -- And Old -- Folkies Highlight The Live Music Scene This Week in Clubland

by Tomm Carroll

eminent singer-songwriters of the new Folk movement, John Gorka returns to the performance room for a two shows at 8 and 10 p.m. While his early hit, "I’m From New Jersey," continues to be one of his most requested songs, Gorka has eight albums worth of material to share, the latest of which is The Company You Keep on Red House Records.

The old guard of singer-songwriters is represented Saturday night at McCabe’s by none other than the great Tom Paxton, performing at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. His contemporary Guy Clark says it best: "Thirty years ago, Tom Paxton taught a generation of folksingers that it was noble to write your own songs. And like a good guitar, he just gets better with age." Paxton is truly an American treasure and a couple of songs into his set, it will become evident why.

Often dark on Sundays, this weekend McCabe’s features two shows. At 11 a.m. is a special benefit concert for the Marcia Berman Fund for Music and Young Children. Along with Berman herself, other participating children’s music performers include Jacki Breger, Dan Crow and Dave Kinnoin. And then at 6:30 p.m., it’s the monthly Open Mic Night at McCabe’s, hosted and emceed by Jef Davis.

Another young folkie with a more aggressive bent, Dan Bern is back in town again, but foregoes McCabe’s for a gig at Santa Monica’s Temple Bar on Tuesday evening, along with Hanuman. On Saturday night, Temple Bar features Arkestra Clandestina and Natural Afrodisiac. Rusty’s Surf Ranch on the Santa Monica Pier welcomes Mama Sutra, Minibar and William Postell on Friday, followed by a double bill of The Jenerators (featuring Billy Mumy of "Lost in Space" and Barnes & Barnes fame) and Band Name of the Week The Late Walter Phobicman on Saturday.

The Beastie Boys’ turntablist Mixmaster Mike returns to Santa Monica’s Lush for some disc-spinnin’ on Tuesday, while Medusa and Cupid Lee team up for Club Honeycomb at the Gig in West L.A. on Sunday. The "cowjazz madness" of accordionist/guitarist/yodeler Sourdough Slim and sidekick clarinetist Blackwood Tom overtakes Boulevard Music in Culver City Saturday night. On Sunday, the folk venue welcomes onetime Supertramp guitarist Carl Verheyen for a solo show.

Looking for more bang for your buck? There are five (count ‘em) bands on tap at 14 Below in Santa Monica Friday night: Smackerjack, Pretty Sneaky Sis, Throttlebody, Dan Blitz and the Jet Age Hoods and Lazybones. On Saturday, the bill is down to a more typical three, featuring That Fat Frog, Strokebass and Big Green. Harvelle’s in Santa Monica presents blues from Mama’s Boys on Friday and the 11-piece extravaganza that is Blowin’ Smoke and the Fabulous Smokettes on Saturday night.