This is my second time up there to play the festival. It comes at the end of a weeklong writing retreat, bringing in songwriters from all over the country. I made fast good friends and collaborators from being there, including Steve Key, whom I’ll accompany the day before. I’m excited to be back!
A solo hike at the 2022 retreat! Yes, I’m happy!
Brett Perkins Presents: Idyllwild Songwriters Festival 10th Anniversary June 27/28 2026
Amilia K. Spicer * The Brothers Landau Paula Fong * Will Hawkins * Ricky Berger * Steve Key * Syante * Kathryn D’Costa * Jason Luckett * Dave Preston * Nick Justice * Mikele Kreitner * Paddy Marsh * Julie Lee * Apis Mellifera * actual size * Dennis & Laura * Mark Alciati & Sherie Davis * Mike Berman * Joshua Winget-Hill
The Idyllwild Songwriters Festival is celebrating a tenth year of presenting original singer/songwriters at Spirit Mountain Retreat @spiritmountainretreat , Idyllwild, California, as a free to the public, fully outdoor, family and dogs friendly event produced in support of Idyllwild Help Center @idyhelpcenter via voluntary donations accepted during the event.
Singing for Sunday Services at North Hollywood Church of Religious Science. They’ve got great musicians and it’s always a pleasure to play and take in the service.
Click to watch “Daydream” performed in December at NHCRS
Notes:Singing for Sunday Services at North Hollywood Church of Religious Science. They’ve got great musicians and it’s always a pleasure to play and take in the service.
This month Alison Lewis is returning and we’ll have a new friend of mine, Mary Scholz.
I met Alison at a Joni Mitchell 80th birthday celebration and her version of “A Case of You” brought me to tears. She has such a pure and expressive voice. I’m honored to accompany her this night.
Mary and I met through a FAR-West show just last month in Santa Monica. Her voice grabs you, her songs keep you. And her commitment to social justice inspires.
Here’s what others have to say about Mary and Alison:
Alison Lewis is “a singer with a hauntingly beautiful voice who transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary with brilliant arrangements and vocal experimentation.” — Elliot Zwiebach of Cabaret Scenes
“Mary Scholz’s music captures the spirit of the American experience, and resonates with sincerity and emotion. Her songs have a mesmerizing tone that carries listeners to a world of meditation and reflection, by fusing heartfelt words with melodious orchestration. Listeners are invited on a trip through the sorrow and joy of life by Scholz’s distinctive voice, which is warm and vulnerable. Her songs, which explore themes of love, sorrow, and personal development, are a true representation of the human experience…mesmerizing audiences with her unbridled talent and unmistakable charisma. Mary Scholz is a formidable force in the Americana music industry, and her work is a tribute to the effectiveness of narrative storytelling and the universality of song.” — Viberate
I’ll open with a song then do the closing set. I’m thinking I might do all “new” songs if I get enough free time before the show to practice. To help with that, please RSVP, spread the word, and purchase in advance. That helps me relax and will get you a reserved seat, if you’d like that! Let me know. I appreciate all the love generated by this series!
I wrote this in advance of our FAR-West Show, hosted by Joselyn & Don, who performed for us back in November, I believe: I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with @maryscholz, she’s got a voice — musical and political — that I admire! I’m so thankful to @joselynanddonfor putting this night together under the auspices of Folk Alliance @farwestfolk! A couple weeks ago I did a show that sought to answer the question, “Where are the protest songs for today?” Mary’s got ‘em, Joselyn & Don have ‘em, and we all have deeply humanistic songs of love, joy, and humor to feed your soul in this moment. To borrow my friend Peter J Harris’s (@blackmanofhappiness) phrase, the goal is to make “VoiceMusic for Whole Living” in our way. How we all need that now!
Saturday, 5/9/26 Second Saturdays Jazz Night+ with Jason Luckett and Friends: Alfred Johnson, Special Guests! Doors 7:30, Show 8-10:30.
Archetype Yoga, 638 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 301, Pasadena, CA
$25, $35, $50, $10 Donation Suggested Online or Pay-What-You-Can at the door to sustain the artists and series.
Thursday, 5/21/26 FAR-West Third Thursdays, Jason Luckett, Mary Scholz, curated by Joselyn and Don! Doors 6:30, Music starts at 7 PM followed by a song circle (with limited signups).
Shorts:
Mother’s Day, Sunday, 5/10/26 Mama, You Been On My Mind: A Mother’s Day Night Celebration (I’m reading, not playing music). 7 pm
I’m in the midst of a big period of activity that’s got me going in multiple places. But in the end, I’m always finding that the encounters and sharing bring joy. Here’s a post from last Monday’s show that I like. Our gathering was really strong for the collective purpose, and a personal highlight was to get such positive feedback from fellow performer Ruthann Friedman, who wrote one of my favorite songs from the sixties (“Windy,” by the Association) and is still writing strong work today. Still with link to video of Hope Again.
I loved the strangeness of playing in a bar on Thursday for the first time in years. And Friday in San Luis was so perfect to make music at a nursery that supports Transitions-Mental Health Association. And I was surprised there by a friend from college that I hadn’t seen since college! So many little things in the world make you feel like it is indeed small, and we’re taken care of. That’s important to acknowledge when you can in these days.
Okay, acknowledging that I have some shows coming up.
Saturday, our featured guest for Second Saturdays is Alfred Johnson! He’s the cowriter—with Rickie Lee Jones—of one of my favorite songs, “Company,” from her debut album, which I sang in Cambria not too long ago for a Rickie Lee Jones and Tom Waits tribute. I’m honored to have him as a dear recent friend who’ll join us for a set. (Read his bio and get more info on my site.) I’ll also be doing a set. And we expect to have a guest or two. This is a little different than we’ve done things in the past, but it reflects the practicality of how to sustain this series. We may be changing the name, too. Jazz Night doesn’t quite encapsulate all we do. And we’re now offering other ways to support the show. Going forth, the pricing structure will be listed as:
$25 — Suggested Entry
$35 — Supporter
$50 — Patron (helps sustain the music + space)
$10 — Student / Low Income (everyone is welcome)
If we’re able to generate a little more income, we’ll be able to comfortably support our artists and hopefully establish a video feed for out-of-towners and someone to operate it! I wear a lot of hats on these nights, so I’m looking to shed a couple. 🙂
Then on Mother’s Day (Sunday), I’ll be at Library Girl again, this time not playing, but reading a new story about my mother. This is in Santa Monica at the Ruskin Theater in the Santa Monica Airport. Get tickets here.
The following week I’ll be in Santa Monica again on the 21st at the UnUrban for a FAR-West showcase curated by my friends, Joselyn and Don. They did a Second Saturdays last year and will be part of the song circle following the two featured sets, one by Mary Scholz and one by me. Get tickets and info here.
That’s enough for now. So much good stuff. You can get all the details on my site jasonluckett.com, on the socials, and through linktr.ee/jasonluckett. Please make sure to like, share, and RSVP so we can build up this community!
Saturday, 5/9/26 Second Saturdays Jazz Night+ with Jason Luckett and Friends: Alfred Johnson, Special Guests! Doors 7:30, Show 8-10:30. Archetype Yoga, 638 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 301, Pasadena, CA
$25, $35, $50, $10 Donation Suggested Online or Pay-What-You-Can at the door to sustain the artists and series.
Thursday, 5/21/26 FAR-West Third Thursdays, Jason Luckett, Mary Scholz, curated by Joselyn and Don! Doors 6:30, Music starts at 7 PM followed by a song circle (with limited signups).
Shorts:
Mother’s Day, Sunday, 5/10/26 Mama, You Been On My Mind: A Mother’s Day Night Celebration (I’m reading, not playing music). 7 pm
I’m in the midst of a big period of activity that’s got me going in multiple places. But in the end, I’m always finding that the encounters and sharing bring joy. Here’s a post from last Monday’s show that I like. Our gathering was really strong for the collective purpose, and a personal highlight was to get such positive feedback from fellow performer Ruthann Friedman, who wrote one of my favorite songs from the sixties (“Windy,” by the Association) and is still writing strong work today. Still with link to video of Hope Again.
I loved the strangeness of playing in a bar on Thursday for the first time in years. And Friday in San Luis was so perfect to make music at a nursery that supports Transitions-Mental Health Association. And I was surprised there by a friend from college that I hadn’t seen since college! So many little things in the world make you feel like it is indeed small, and we’re taken care of. That’s important to acknowledge when you can in these days.
Okay, acknowledging that I have some shows coming up.
Saturday, our featured guest for Second Saturdays is Alfred Johnson! He’s the cowriter—with Rickie Lee Jones—of one of my favorite songs, “Company,” from her debut album, which I sang in Cambria not too long ago for a Rickie Lee Jones and Tom Waits tribute. I’m honored to have him as a dear recent friend who’ll join us for a set. (Read his bio and get more info on my site.) I’ll also be doing a set. And we expect to have a guest or two. This is a little different than we’ve done things in the past, but it reflects the practicality of how to sustain this series. We may be changing the name, too. Jazz Night doesn’t quite encapsulate all we do. And we’re now offering other ways to support the show. Going forth, the pricing structure will be listed as:
$25 — Suggested Entry $35 — Supporter $50 — Patron (helps sustain the music + space) $10 — Student / Low Income (everyone is welcome)
If we’re able to generate a little more income, we’ll be able to comfortably support our artists and hopefully establish a video feed for out-of-towners and someone to operate it! I wear a lot of hats on these nights, so I’m looking to shed a couple. 🙂
Then on Mother’s Day (Sunday), I’ll be at Library Girl again, this time not playing, but reading a new story about my mother. This is in Santa Monica at the Ruskin Theater in the Santa Monica Airport. Get tickets here.
The following week I’ll be in Santa Monica again on the 21st at the UnUrban for a FAR-West showcase curated by my friends, Joselyn and Don. They did a Second Saturdays last year and will be part of the song circle following the two featured sets, one by Mary Scholz and one by me. Get tickets and info here.
That’s enough for now. So much good stuff. You can get all the details on my site jasonluckett.com, on the socials, and through linktr.ee/jasonluckett. Please make sure to like, share, and RSVP so we can build up this community!
Thursday, May 21st. Doors 6:30 PM / Music starts at 7 PM followed by a song circle (with limited signups). FAR-West Presents: Third Thursdays at the Unurban Coffee House, 3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405. Featuring: Jason Luckett, Mary Scholz, and special guests. Curated by Joselyn & Don. $20. admission. Advance Tickets and Song Circle Sign-Up: https://far-west.org/…/1255703-jason-luckett-mary…
FAR-West Presents is a monthly series devoted to promoting songwriters and artists and building community throughout Southern CA. The series features standout artists of the southern CA songwriting scene, compelling new voices and a participatory songcircle. https://far-west.org/far-west-presents-third-thursdays
Jason Luckett Musician and writer Jason Luckett — raised in Southern California, with roots in Maine, Mississippi, and Hawaii — has released 7 albums, performed in the US, Europe, and India, including the Glastonbury Festival and South by Southwest (SXSW), UCLA’s Royce Hall (with jazz legend, Kenny Burrell), and has appeared in Film and TV (La La Land, Scandal, Extended Family). Primarily known as a singer and guitarist, his music mixes elements of classic singer-songwriters with the jazz, soul and samba he grew up hearing at home. Fearlessly addressing topics of social justice in his songwriting has led to publication of his lyrics and original essays in various anthologies. Since 2023, he has led the Second Saturdays Jazz Night with Jason Luckett & Friends residency in Pasadena. www.jasonluckett.com www.instagram.com/jasonluckett www.facebook.com/jasonluckettmusician Photo Credit: Kimberly Adamis Fongheiser
Mary Scholz Mary Scholz’s stunning voice and evocative songwriting have made her a live circuit favorite for over a decade. With her unique brand of gritty folk-charm, the Philly born, LA based artist forges a personal connection with her audience every time she takes the stage. Her 2022 record, Begin Again, produced by Jonathan Wilson (Father John Misty, Margo Price), paints a panoramic, starry landscape, addressing how we process life internally, and how we respond as a community. Her songs have charted on Americana Radio and the Billboard Compilation Chart. A dedicated activist, Mary can most often be found writing songs about the times, and hosts a weekly activism live stream on Instagram called “On Wednesdays We Write Letters.” www.maryscholz.com www.instagram.com/maryscholz www.facebook.com/mary.scholz.77 Photo Credit: Eva Gal
Joselyn & Don Montana-raised, Los Angeles-based Americana duo Joselyn & Don blend Laurel Canyon folk, soul, and classic Americana with a cinematic edge. Their third album “Lost & Found Highway” has earned international radio play and critical praise for Joselyn’s “singular voice” and Don’s “skilled fingerpicking,” as well as their bold lyrics and harmonic sensibility. Songs such as “Choose Love” and “Workin’ the Hi-Line” have been featured on many NPR syndicated radio shows and recently spent ten weeks on Americana radio’s Top 100. The duo tours throughout the Western US with their warm and engaging show, inviting audiences along on their sonic road trip. http://facebook.com/joselynanddon https://instagram.com/joselynanddon https://joselynanddon.com/joselyn-don-epk
I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited about an artist that will join us at our series. Dwight Trible is one of the freest artists I’ve witnessed in my lifetime. His voice and artistry connects seamlessly to spirit. When I hear and watch him sing, I see a vision of the divine reaching out to show us possibilities of sound, of being. No liminal barrier can stand in the way of this search for truth and goodness.
“Few musicians have done more to cultivate the L.A. scene over the past four decades than vocalist Dwight Trible…
“Drawing from the spiritually charged universe of Pharoah Sanders and the politically radical realm of the late great pianist/composer Horace Tapscott, Trible imbues songs with celestial soul. His warm, pliable baritone can soar into a high tenor territory, and rumble with chesty authority.”
He says this about himself:
“These are the three things that shaped me: One, treat everyone with the utmost respect, no matter what their station in life. People will support you. Two, give freely of yourself, your time and energy, without expecting anything in return. Blessings will show up in ways you never dreamed of. Three, do what you can where you are to bring people together, create a better understanding about each other and make the world a better place.”
Can you see why I love him?
He’s the executive director of The World Stage Art, Education & Performance Gallery in Leimert Park, and I’m so honored to have him bring that energy which has inspired me for over three decades to us in Pasadena.
My new friend, Katy Jungmann, joins us from the UK via a friend that goes back to my post UCLA wander around Europe. I’m excited that she’ll join us during her couple weeks in town. We share a love of Jobim, standards and a love of playing for dancers!
Hence, I’m so excited to say that my friend, Haize Hawke, is joining to dance with us on the 11. Haize and I go back to the days barely out of our teens, making art in LA, Venice, all around this city. We last collaborated at Live Arts LA in Eagle Rock about a decade ago and have been wanting to do something together again since! In addition to her dancing and choreography, she’s also a master doula! Read more about her here: https://www.haizehawke.com.
DETAILS:
Artist:JASON LUCKETT
Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: Second Saturdays Jazz Night+
Library Girl Presents: Mama, You Been On My Mind. Mother’s Day Night, May 10th at 7pm! Readings by: Debbon Ayer, Chanel Brenner, Jane Cantlllon, Jen Cheng, Karen Croner, Alexis Rhone Fancher, Cassandra Lane, Jason Luckett, Steven Meloan and Pat Thomas. Music by Julianne Glass. Ruskin Group Theatre, 2800 Airport Ave, Santa Monica 90405. 2 doors west of former location. $20. Get your tix now: https://app.arts-people.com/?show=310767
Library Girl, now in its 17th year. Created, curated and produced by Susan Hayden. Cover Photos: Shirley MacLaine and her daughter, Sachi. By Allan Grant 1959 LIFE magazine.
Notes:Library Girl Presents: Mama, You Been On My Mind. Mother’s Day Night, May 10th at 7pm! Readings by: Debbon Ayer, Chanel Brenner, Jane Cantlllon, Jen Cheng, Karen Croner, Alexis Rhone Fancher, Cassandra Lane, Jason Luckett, Steven Meloan and Pat Thomas. Music by Julianne Glass. Ruskin Group Theatre, 2800 Airport Ave, Santa Monica 90405. 2 doors west of former location. $20.
Alfred Johnson is a prolific songwriter/pianist who has written over 200 performable songs while working over 30 years in engineering. A few examples of the musical “company” he keeps include Rickie Lee Jones, with whom he cowrote two songs on her platinum-selling, premier album (the album which included her hit song “Chuck E’s In Love”). The album received a Grammy for Best Album of the Year.
An article by the National Academy of Songwriters states of Alfred: “A talent of this caliber is a rare treat. He wrote “Company” with Rickie Lee Jones, which is an almost unbearably beautiful song that has lost none of its power with the passing years. “His songs hold a lot more than one expects songs to hold,” Harriet Schock, (writer of “That Ain’t no Way to Treat a Lady”), says of Alfred.
She goes on to say, “Alfred Johnson is one of those songwriters who, like Cole Porter, Marie Caine, and Stephen Sondheim, takes your breath away with the sheer craft of it, and makes you proud to be in this often under-acknowledged profession of songwriting”.
A few of his musical highlights include recording tracks in the Main studio in Abbey Road (The Beatles Studio in London, with Zack Starkey (Ringo’s son and drummer with The Who), John Entwistle bassist also for “The Who”), the legendary Georgie Fame, DJ Fontana, Gallagher and Lyle, and others in a group called the “Wiseguys”).
Alfred opened for like Stoller of what is perhaps one of the most famous cowriting teams in rock music history: Leiber and Stoller, who penned, “Stand By Me,” “Goin’ to Kansas City,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Ruby Baby,” “Spanish Harlem,” “Love Potion Number 9,” to name a very few.
Alfred’s songs have been published on a number of occasions, including by Diane Reeves (on her “Never Too Far” album, with George Duke and Stanley Clarke, and the legendary Jerry Riopelle (writer, performer, and producer) to name a few.
Most recently, Alfred performed in a video accompanying Rolling Stone, Ronnie Wood’s entitled “Mad Lad” (Ronnie’s Chuck Berry tribute album).
Alfred has, (during his avocational career), performed for over 40 years, both domestically as well as internationally, from Mexico to Madrid, Berlin, and Bristol to Barstow, Rio (De Janeiro, Brazil) to Riverside (California), and from France to Fontana.
DETAILS:
Artist:JASON LUCKETT
Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: Second Saturdays Jazz Night+
Sharing the bill with Steve Key! Kind of a make up for my show scheduled back in October up in SLO. Coincidentally, I’m playing the night before in Los Angeles (Tarzana) with Bailey Drew, the other artist scheduled on our cancelled show, which Steve had booked for us! All things come together in time!
And Growing Grounds looks like such a cool place! It’s an actual garden store/nursery, as well as a supported employment program of Transitions-Mental Health Association. Such a good idea! I’m so glad Steve invited me!
That helps me relax and will get you a reserved seat, if you’d like that! Let me know. I appreciate all the love generated by this series!
