Let the Healing Begin! Live Music Can Soothe the Sorrowful Soul

By Tomm Carroll

Friday, September 14-Thursday, September 20—Given the recent current events, club-hopping may not be the activity at the top most people’s agendas. Then again, if the non-stop nothing-but-news coverage is depressing you – or just burning you out – a night or two at a club to catch some live music may be just what you need to cope. At this difficult time, it may be wise to heed the words of the great philosopher Neil Young: "Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World!"

However, considering the tenuous nature of live entertainment events this week, plus the travel restrictions implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration, some of these shows may be postponed or cancelled, either because the club has decided to close or the performer was not able to make it to the gig. It is advisable to phone ahead to ensure that these shows are still happening.

This week’s best bets:

Friday Singer-songwriter-guitarist and all-around folkie Cheryl Wheeler performs her funny yet touching material at McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica for 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. shows. Phone: 828-4403.

The ladies sing the blues when the 12-piece, all-female Some Like It Hot Revue lives up to its name at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. 395-1676.

Even more women share the bill for "Rude Girls’ Night Out" at Rusty’s Surf Ranch on the Santa Monica Pier. Performers include: The Laurels, Go Betty Go, Tequila Slamdance, Galapagos, Mighty Mo, Exploiting Eve and Snap-her. 383-7437.

Soprano saxophonist and flautist Jane Burnett and her outfit Spirits of Havana bring their take on Cuban songs and rhythms to Culver City’s Jazz Bakery for a three-night-stint (through Sunday). 271-9039.

Saturday

It’s tribute time again at 14 Below in Santa Monica as an odd couple of cover bands performs: The Atomic Punks recreate the songs of the David Lee Roth-era Van Halen, while Asbury Park salutes none other than the Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen. 451-5040.

Featuring former members of Etta James’ band, Jimmy Z and the Z Tribe certainly have a degree in the blues, and they’ll display it at Harvelle’s.

More blues from the phenomenon known as Peach at the Century City jazz club Lunaria. 282-8870.

Sunday

Shari Elf celebrates the release of her new CD, I’m Forcing Goodness Upon You, when she brings her All-Star Seamstress Band to McCabe’s for a show.

The urban-edged Latin outfit Los Mocosos joins forces with Khaley Nquewel for a show at Santa Monica’s Temple Bar. 393-6611.

Tuesday

"Guitarapalooza" features such six-string-slingers as Rick Brannon and Robby Longley at Rusty’s.

Wednesday

Moonlighting from her day job as a Go-Go, Kathy Valentine’s side project, The Delphines, returns to 14 Below for a show. Also on the bill are Galapagos, Zoey’s Trip and Casting Runes.

Reggae group The Soul of John Black and singer-songwriter Damon Aaron bring a little skanking soul to Temple Bar.