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+
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.
Admission:Reserved seats $25.00 CCA Members: $20.00
Age restrictions:All Ages
Notes:
You already know the songs—”Eli’s Coming,” “And When I Die,” “Stoney End,” and the chart-topper “Wedding Bell Blues.” Join us for a special tribute concert celebrating the timeless music of Laura Nyro and The 5th Dimension, presented by Songwriters at Play.
Performers on December 7 include:
Jack Roberts, Donna Phillips, Zoe Fitzgerald Carter, Jason Luckett, Jeanne Newhall, Naomi Nektare, Toots Prichard, Pi Jacobs, and Steve key.
Enjoy 5th Dimension classics like “Workin’ On a Groovy Thing,” “Up, Up and Away,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”
We’ll also explore deeper cuts from Laura Nyro’s songbook, including “Sweet Blindness” and “Christmas In My Soul.”
This concert is produced by Songwriters at Play, the husband-wife team Steve Key and Bonnie Nelson-Key. A lifelong Laura Nyro fan, Bonnie will host the show. Past tributes at CCAT have honored artists such as Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan.
Excited to have a FAR-West Reunion for our November edition. We have my great friends, Joselyn & Don, and a new friend, Mz. Etta — who’ll I’ll accompany — joining us. RSVP on Facebook or right here below.
Montana-raised, Los Angeles-based music duo Joselyn & Don are celebrating the release of their third album “Lost & Found Highway,” which is receiving critical praise for its blend of soulful grit and intimate Laurel Canyon-esque songwriting. Its songs have been featured on NPR syndicated radio shows and recently charted on the Folk Alliance International radio chart. The duo tours venues across the West with their warm and engaging show, using their music as a way to share truth and build community.
It’s rare to find anyone in the blues, jazz, soul, funk, or R&B genres who isn’t familiar with her name. Arietta Ward, affectionately known as Mz. Etta has become an integral part of Portland’s vibrant and diverse music scene. She began her musical journey alongside her beloved mother, the late pianist and esteemed Northwest legend, Janice Marie Scroggins.
Because of her diverse musical background and unparalleled versatility, Arietta has been a Featured Artist-At-Large at the 2023 Sawtooth Valley Gathering festival in Stanley, Idaho, a beloved staple at the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival for many years & as a bandleader, opened for the Iconic Macy Gray at the famed Elsinore Theatre in Salem Oregon.
In addition, She has worked with acclaimed artists such as Esperanza Spalding, the late Obo Addy, Linda Hornbuckle, Curtis Salgado, Jarrod Lawson, Nigel Hall, Tony Ozier, Tyrone Hendrix, and Farnell Newton.
