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!
Playing a rare Valley show! Jacque Meyers & Angela Parrish at 8pm, Michael Russeck at 9pm, Jason Luckett (me) at 10pm, Bailey Drew at 11. Doors open at 7:30. I didn’t actually realize that I was playing so late when I agreed to this, but I hope you night owls will join me!
I’m told this is a really cool dive-ish bar where a lot of the Wild Honey Orchestra people play. I’m looking forward to trying something new!
Playing a rare Valley show! Jacque Meyers & Angela Parrish at 8pm, Michael Russeck at 9pm, Jason Luckett (me) at 10pm, Bailey Drew at 11. Doors open at 7:30. I didn’t actually realize that I was playing so late when I agreed to this, but I hope you night owls will join me!
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).
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’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)
