My friends Michael Culhane and Emily Zuzik will join me on March 14! (Facebook RSVP)
We have an update for Saturday’s show: the great Emily Zuzik will be joining us! Melissa Gordon got sick and lost her voice, so Emily agreed to step in!
Emily and I met about a year or so ago doing a Sam Cooke tribute show, put together by Steve Key at the Cambria Center for the Arts. I jumped in on one of her numbers, then invited her down to do our series last April. I’m so happy she’ll be with us.
I met Michael through the annual Harry Nilsson Singalongs, and Melissa at The Beatle Jam at Hotel Cafe. So, obviously, we all share a deep love for inventive pop that goes beyond Laurel Canyon (not to say that individual Beatles and Harry didn’t do some time in my old neighborhood!). Melissa joined us for the sampler show back in January for a couple songs, so I’m excited to hear her expanded set. And I’ll be accompanying Michael, so I’m just getting to know his music and excited for what we’ll do.
Recent praise for Emily:
“I’m loving the new Emily Zuzik ep. Real, authentic, organic rock-n-roll songs with tons of soul that reeks of L.A. Great songs and the kind of voice that brings you like in like an old friend.”
-Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors/Joan Osborne)
MC’s Bio:
Michael Culhane is a singer, ASCAP songwriter, producer, performer, band leader of Circus Guy and award-winning writer based in Los Angeles.
Circus Guy regularly performed in New York and on post-9/11 goodwill tours, free for the public, sponsored by the State Department, that took them to Syria, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Kuwait, Morocco and more. Their album The Lovely Luna traveled well, and its songs continue to feature in Michael’s live sets.
As Stereophile Magazine noted in its review of Circus Guy The Lovely Luna: “After sold-out gigs at Mercury Lounge in NYC, Culhane and company put together this album of extraordinarily well-crafted, power-pop–tinged confections in the Bill Lloyd and Aimee Mann traditions (yes, it’s that good.) Culhane writes songs that are simultaneously smart and ridiculously catchy.” – David Sokol
Michael has performed in Los Angeles at UCLA with the Arab Music Ensemble, at annual Harry Nilsson tribute concerts, and also at the San Diego Beatles Faire — and at the IPO (International Pop Overthrow) Festival in both Los Angeles and San Diego.
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+
These are challenging days. If you feel the need to vent, rage and commune in like-minded resolve, we have a gig for you. This Is Not a Drill!: Protest Songs for Authoritarian Times is a night of music focused on songs that speak truth to power.
The event features an exhilarating lineup of storied Southern California musicians including Cindy Lee Berryhill, Thee Holy Brothers, Bill See, Jason Luckett and Gary Calamar. All are tasked to bring their unique artistic voices to protest music, be they originals or covers. Renowned Los Angeles music journalist Chris Morris will serve as the evening’s host. This Is Not a Drill!: Protest Songs for Authoritarian Times is destined to be a very special, unforgettable experience and maybe a well-needed salve for these unsteady days. All ticket proceeds will benefit the California Collaborate for Immigration Justice (ccijustice.org).
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!
I’ll be joined by Jeanne Newhall and Robbie McDonald for this special Second Saturday! Both are brilliant singer/songwriters and Jeanne is a master interpreter of future standards outside of the Great American Songbook.
As usual, doors open at 7:30, music starts at 8 and music goes until about 10:30 with just short breaks to enjoy the homemade cookies and some bevvies. Pay what you can to support the musicians and this wonderful community event. Suggested donation is $25.
This is a night for friends, couples, singles and any combination or iteration! Ha! We never don’t need love in this world. But today it seems we need more and more. Agape, romance, whatever!
Prior to the show, starting on the Martin Luther King Holiday, Monday, January 19, 2026, donated artwork will be available for bids** in the Benefit’s online Silent Art Auction—which will close on show day, February 20, 2026. Co-curated by Spicer, the Benefit is being produced gratis by MoSamp Productions, with select segments directed by Phylliss Bailey Brooks. For further benefit details or questions, please go totillartistscollective.org.
Because the October 11 benefit sold-out, get your tickets now to support Highways with any of the three tax-deductible levels at EARLY BIRD RATES through Sunday, February 8, 2026: General Admission Benefit tickets @ $30**; Student/SeniorBenefit tickets @ $20** (incl. post-show dessert reception); and limited-quantity VIPBenefit tickets @ $55** (incl. the post-show dessert reception, and the exclusive pre-show reception/art showing, with a listing in the Souvenir Program). For benefit sponsorship options, please click here. Highways is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and its Tax ID is 95-4231812. For individual donations only, please click here.
Current sponsors for “From Emmett Till to SNCC & Beyond: Words + Music + Art” include: The Weingart Foundation; The William & Ellen Craft Foundation, The Justin Carr Wants World Peace Foundation (JCWWP) and Now & Zen Productions.
In addition, from now through Saturday, October 11, there is donated artwork available for bids** in the Benefit’s online Silent Art Auction—click here to bid. Co-curated by Spicer, the Benefit is being produced gratis by MoSamp Productions, with select segments directed by Phylliss Bailey Brooks. For further benefit details or questions, please go totillartistscollective.org.
Get your Early Bird discountsnow to support Highways with General AdmissionandStudent/SeniorBenefit tickets** (incl. post-show reception), as well as limited-quantity VIPBenefit tickets** (incl. the post-show reception, and the pre-show reception/art showing, with a listing in the Souvenir Program). By request Early Bird discounts have been extendedthrough this Sunday, October 5, withregular rates resuming on Monday, October 6. For benefit sponsorship options, please click here. Highways is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and its Tax ID is 95-4231812. For individual donations only, please click here.
Current sponsors for “From Emmett Till to SNCC & Beyond: Words + Music + Art” include: The William & Ellen Craft Foundation, The Justin Carr Wants World Peace Foundation (JCWWP) and Now & Zen Productions.
* (special multimedia performances)
** (silent art auction winning bids and benefit tickets are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law)
It’s been a long time since I’ve been in Ventura County and even longer to Ojai! Very excited to share the evening with Zoe. I’ll be accompanying her and doing my own music, too. Tell your friends and don’t miss it yourself! Happy that Zoe arranged this with Bernie Larsen!
DETAILS:
Artist:JASON LUCKETT
Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: Second Saturdays Jazz Night+
Award-winning Bay Area journalist turned singer-songwriter Zoe FitzGerald Carter returns with her rich, honey-toned voice and vivid, literary songwriting. Touring her acclaimed album Before the Machine—inspired by memories of a pre-smartphone world—Zoe blends Americana, jazz, blues, and folk into songs that feel both intimate and timeless. The title track won first place in the Corpus Christi Songwriters Contest, with critics praising her voice for its “authority, experience, and character.”
She’s joined by acclaimed musician and writer Jason Luckett, whose soulful sound draws from classic singer-songwriters, jazz, soul, and samba. With seven albums released and performances around the world—including SXSW and Glastonbury—Jason brings depth, warmth, and thoughtful storytelling to every stage.
Zoe and Jason first met during an Aretha Franklin/Smokey Robinson tribute and have since shared stages across California and beyond, including an official FAR-West showcase. At Ojai Underground, each will perform a set of original songs, with Jason joining Zoe on harmonies and lead guitar.
Expect a cozy, intimate evening of deeply human music—designed to slow time, open hearts, and offer a little refuge from the noise of the world.
Expect a cozy, intimate evening of deeply human music—designed to slow time, open hearts, and offer a little refuge from the noise of the world.
Expect a cozy, intimate evening of deeply human music—designed to slow time, open hearts, and offer a little refuge from the noise of the world.
Excited to start the year with friends from back in the day at UCLA all the way to new friends from Lineage Performing Arts Center. Early January is a funny time to organize sets, so I’ve invited a bunch of artists I love to create a sort of open stage. Most all are new to our stage and will be doing a song or two so I can introduce them to you. Guests are subject to change, but as of now I think it’s Robbie McDonald, Stefanie Naifeh, Sophia Kaminski, Patricia Bahia, David Crittendon, and Melissa Gordon.
