TOCA Backstage

Question: What happens when you invite veteran comedy writers and character actors to tell tales of their love able friends with tails? Answer: you get MY DOG IS BETTER THAN YOUR DOG, a hilarious and heartwarming evening of stories about our four-legged friends.  This story driven show features comedian Carol Leifer (Writer/Producer Hacks, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld), Humorist and novelist W. Bruce Cameron (A Dog's Purpose) and award winning actor and storyteller Stephen Tobolowsky (Groundhog Day, The Goldbergs), as well as a story and short film by Writer/Director Cindy Chupack (Sex and the City, Modern Family, Otherhood), plus some surprise guests. Hosted by Tasty Words' Wendy Hammers.

Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience is the nation's most innovative and unique show utilizing the works of the Beatles. This amazing group, anchored by brothers Billy, Ryan and Matthew McGuigan, does away the worn out “tribute” format of bad wigs and fake accents. Instead, they perform as themselves and leave the song choices completely in the hands of the audience. This is done through request cards that audience members fill out prior to the show. On those cards, the audience member only needs to fill out three things: their name, their favorite Beatles song and the reason why they chose that song. The cards are collected and two minutes before the show begins, a set list is created based upon the songs chosen by that particular audience. As an added treat, the reasons that the audience members chose those songs make up the narrative of the evening.Performing live at the Armstrong Theatre on Sat. May 14, 2022Tickets at www.torrancearts.org

Many of us recognize her from the platinum-selling Number 1 hit song “Stay (I Missed You)” from the film Reality Bites. Since then, she has enjoyed a successful career in music, film, television, voice-over work and children's recordings. In addition to raising two children in LA, she stays busy working on her growing eyewear line, her music for grown-ups as well as books and CD's for kids and families. Her most recent collection of songs is called “A Simple Trick To Happiness." TOCA is proud to bring you Grammy® winner singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb.Lisa will be in concert Saturday March 19, 2022 at 8pmTickets at www.torrancearts.org

A mime with noise, stand-up with no talking – drama with no acting. Viral sensation Tape Face has to be seen to be believed. Tape Face is a character created by performer Sam Wills; delightful, wry, many-layered, hilarious and with universal appeal. He accesses an inner child in us all that must be fed. Through simple, clever and charming humour, aimed at satisfying that hunger, this America's Got Talent Finalist gives a performance which is delightful, wry, and hilarious. Through simple, clever and charming humour, Tape Face has created one of the most accessible and enjoyable shows the world has ever seen. Tickets available at www.torrancearts.org or the theatre ticket office at (310) 781-7171

Terry Casey and Chris Pierce talk about the band

Emmy® nominated, Irish singer - producer, Michael Londra is from the opera capital of Ireland, a small town on the South East coast called Wexford. He decided in his early 30’s to follow his heart and pursue a professional singing career. His leap of faith was rewarded when he soon became a leading man in musical theater in Dublin playing many roles culminating in becoming the lead singer for Riverdance and touring internationally.

Every now and again, something so cool comes along that I just have to share it with you.  Audiojack is a very unique experience that I highly recommend you give it a try. As the website describes it, it is an audio based movie with no words to mindfully engage your imagination.  In short, you close your eyes, listen to a bunch of sound effects that are specifically designed to elicit a response from your imagination. The story that is created is yours and yours alone. It was my pleasure to speak with David Tobin the creative genius behind Audiojack.   With a history of working in film, television and music, David stumbled upon the creation of this unique tool that is used not only for education and health programs around the world but to engage the imagination of everyone.  The best part is that it’s free to use (there is a subscription price to the app if you want to unlock all the “stories”) and it will help you escape to hustle and bustle of the craziness we are all going through.

Chris Jacobson is an enthusiastic businessman who learned about the plight of foster youth who are aging out of the foster care system. Rather than just feeling sorry for them, he took it upon himself to create a company that not only sells great coffee, but also involves these young people in hopes to give them a foundation for building their future. Building on the premise of helping those in need, Chris has set up a system to give 20% of coffee orders to selected non-profits. Just like TOCA. Coffee is available in whole bean, ground, Single Serve Cups, decaf and flavored. You can buy just one package or subscribe. Click here to check it out! goodstuffcoffee.com/toca

If you don’t have plans for this Saturday October 3, I can recommend the streaming performance by Los Angeles Virtuosi under the direction of Maestro Carlo Ponti.  To learn more about this event, check out our podcast here. Maestro Carlo Ponti has been bringing music to the world for over 20 years. From the Russian National Orchestra to the San Bernardino Symphony. In 2013, he founded the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra – an ensemble emphasizing music’s educational value of which he is the Music and Artistic Director, and currently performing its’ sixth concert season (2020-2021) in Los Angeles, California. For tickets to the October 3rd event, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carlo-ponti-the-los-angeles-virtuosi-orchestra-rising-stars-tickets-118365603707

Typically, these newsletters and podcasts are used to let you know about the exciting shows we have coming up. A quick glimpse into the background of the artist, a simple reminder to get your tickets or just come interesting information about TOCA or the art as they relate to the South Bay or Torrance. I feel, however, that I would be remise in my duties if I didn’t make you aware of a virtual program that is coming up on October 2. I first learned about “Mortified” over 12 years ago. I heard about the book, then discovered that they had a show in Hollywood. My wife and I drove out to a small performance venue on Hollywood Blvd not sure what to expect… we ended up laughing so hard and enjoyed the show so much we went several more times. Each time a new and different group. Hailed a “cultural phenomenon” by Newsweek and celebrated by This American Life, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Wired, The AV Club, The Today Show (twice), and beyond, Mortified celebrates stories revealed through the strange and extraordinary things we created as kids. It was great to speak with the Mortified artistic director, Neil Katcher who gives more details on what Mortified is and what it has become. Once just a small show presented in Hollywood, now shows being created around the globe, television series, podcasts, book and now a game you can play at home. If you can’t make their live event on Oct. 2, I highly recommend that you check out their Netflix documentary and series. 

It was a pleasure speaking with Oisín Mac Diarmada about his upcoming virtual performance, Breakfast in Ireland. This special performance will be Zoom live streamed from Sligo, Ireland with Oisín Mac Diarmada (fiddle) and Samantha Harvey (dance / piano) Fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada has spent most of his musical life living in Sligo, an area noted historically for an extraordinarily rich fiddle tradition. Founder of leading traditional group Téada, with whom he has toured extensively throughout the world since 2001, Oisín’s solo performances have seen him play at specialist music festivals such as Masters of Tradition in West Cork, accompanying former Irish President Mary McAleese on a State visit to Romania and performing Charlie Lennon’s Island Wedding suite with the Southern Georgia Symphony Orchestra in the US and the Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen in Germany. Oisín has toured frequently in recent years with noted singer/accordion-player Séamus Begley, with whom he has released 2 duo albums. Most recently, Oisín was co-author along with fellow-Sligo musician Daithí Gormley, of Fiddlers of Sligo Tunebook, a publication focussed on the Sligo fiddle tradition. Providing masterful accompaniment on piano, Samantha Harvey originally from Ventura, California now living in Sligo, is also an award-winning step dancer. Samantha's energetic dance and musical performances on stage has seen her become an increasingly prominent touring performer and teacher. Samantha has toured with a number of touring shows such as Téada, Irish Christmas in America, Ireland – The Show, and Tomaseen Foley, including performances with orchestras such as the Omaha Symphony and Edmonton Symphony. Since this will be streamed via Zoom, you may want to make sure that you have your robe on.

With all the craziness going on in the world today, I have to confess that at times, it seems like we are riding an emotional rollercoaster. Some days we are truly optimistic and some days are filled with despair. Then you meet someone like Grace Fisher. I learned about Grace through an old friend of mine who shared some of her videos on her social media page. The video posts were mostly of a young girl in her mid-late teens playing music. She was full of life and you could tell that the music was inside her just waiting to come out. 5 years ago, Grace lost all ability to move. She can no longer strum her guitar, dance on the stage or do just about anything else that a young girl in her early 20s can do. Still, she has found a way to create music, stay optimistic and enjoy the beauty in life. This year marks that 30 year anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In light of this special day, Easterseals has put together a film challenge honoring people with disabilities. This year, Lynn Montgomery (the director of the feature length documentary ‘Amazing Grace’) entered a 5 minute documentary about Grace’s story. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goLiaNItVrw&t=231s Easterseals’ social media contest for these short videos is an attempt to bring awareness not only to the organization but the ADA as well. The video that gets the most views and shares wins! You have until August 2nd to help Grace’s video win. Please watch, like, and forward this message to help us promote our short.  Grace also has a non-profit organization to help young people with disabilities experience the arts. Learn more here: https://www.gracefisherfoundation.org/

Jon Armstrong has won numerous awards including Close Up Magician of the Year. His special brand of humor and magic have been seen in 30 countries, not to mention “The Today Show”, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Penn and Teller’s Fool Us” , which caused Penn to exclaim his act as “the most original I’ve ever seen!” When you see him live, Jon hopes that you laugh loudly, are amazed by his skills, and most of all, feel like you made a new friend. Jon will be performing a truly interactive 45+ minute performance that will blow your mind. Unlike any televised performance by a magician, you know that there are no camera tricks, edits or special effects as it is happening live via Zoom. The performance will be Saturday July 25, 2020 at 7pm

Bearing an ever expanding repertoire of, as she puts it, "obscure, lovely and naughty songs from the 1910s, '20s and '30s," Janet Klein is a musical archaeologist hiding in the body of an F. Scott Fitzgerald heroine. Her music is as timeless as her personality.

TOCA's SouthBay Festival of the Arts was supposed to be Saturday June 27th. However, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, we had to cancel the event. Still, with all that's going on in the world, we'd still like to share the arts with you this weekend. On Friday June 26th at 7pm, TOCA will present a live concert, streaming on our Facebook page. Jeff Bordes is an amazing musician who has appeared on TOCA's stages. Together with his guitarist, they will be streaming live from Jeff's porch in Northern California. Don't miss it!

The current COVID pandemic has taken its toll on performing arts organizations and performing artists. In hopes to support these artists who are critical to our success, we have created TOCA To Go. A way to support local artists and TOCA. Do you know someone who is missing the excitement of a live performance? Got a special occasion that you want to celebrate or need a special gift you want to send to someone? Try TOCA TO GO! With just a few clicks, we will send a performer to your home, place of work or to their email inbox. Laura Ellis is one of the performers you can hire. A singer, actress, and recording artist, Laura Ellis is known for her beautiful voice, her vintage vocal styling, and her sparkling stage presence Laura performs across country in her touring productions. With her retro jazz flair, she has graced cabaret and concert stages including the famed Jazz Alley in Seattle, Feinstein’s at the Nikko in San Francisco, and the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista, CA. Her broadcast credits include History Channel’s Route 66 and Modern Marvels documentaries, the HBO Carnivale series, and ABC’s Modern Family. In recent years, she has starred as the singing voice of the adventurous, Kat Knight, on the video game Contrast, by Compulsion Games, downloaded more than 1.5 million times. Her most recent recording, Broken, Lovely, was in consideration for a Best Vocal Jazz Grammy in 2016. Additional performers who are a part of TOCA To Go are: Janet Klein Janet is the very definition of an “old soul”. Growing up in a region of Southern California where the last vestiges of the “California Dream” were still barely in tact as strip malls proliferated, she linked historical images she’d seen of early turn-of-the century postcards with bungalows along palm lined streets, orange groves, grand Mission style hotels & onion-domed libraries- the way things were got into her blood, and today she’s the most refreshing anachronism to every materialize from the ether of the Prohibition. Klein doesn’t merely perform songs from “ lost America” –she actually lives them, and transports her audiences along the way. Klein considers herself a “musical archeologist and treasure hunter” digging up compositions by the likes of Wilton Crawley and A.P. Randolf and Robert Cloud, songs of the Victrola and lost Vitaphone films. She and her LA based band the Parlor Boys authentically resuscitate early jazz of the 1920s and 1930s with wild spirit, vigor and grand skill. SEND A TAIKO PERFORMANCE Yuta Kato Yuta Kato was born and raised in California to a Japanese speaking family.  Introduced to taiko by Kagami-Kai, a local rice-pouding group, he decided to further his studies with San Francisco Taiko Dojo at the age of 10. Since then he has been a part of UCLA Kyodo Taiko, Nihon Taiko Dojo, Getsuyoukai, and professional groups: TAIKOPROJECT, ON Ensemble, and Portland Taiko, Unit Souzou. From Fall 2007 until Winter 2011, he resided in Japan to study under masters of various traditional Japanese music. Upon returning to the US in 2011, he served as Coordinator for the 2011 North American Taiko Conference at Stanford University. Kato now focuses his attention to teaching taiko and currently resides in California serving as the principal and instructor for LATI (Los Angeles Taiko Institute) housed at  Asano Taiko US, which opened in 2013. He performs as a member of UnitOne (Torrance, CA). Isaku Kageyama Isaku Kageyama is a taiko performer, educator, and recording artist currently working with Asano Taiko US, Los Angeles Taiko Institute, and UnitOne.  His resume includes performances on networks such as NBC and VH1, venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and tours of across North, South, and Central America, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Julia Asano Trio Julia Asano, then Julia Kato, began her taiko career under the tutelage of Seiichi Tanaka as a member of San Francisco Taiko Dojo Rising Stars Dream Team.  She was also a performing member of TAIKOPROJECT in 2005 and 2006 before moving to Japan and marrying into the drum-making Asano family.  She helped found Asano Taiko U.S., teaches at Los Angeles Taiko Institute, and performs with the Asano Taiko U.S. resident ensemble, UnitOne.

Arts organizations (as well as small businesses) was hit with Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) at the beginning of the year which outlines a new way to determine who is an independent contractor vs an employee. With the changes in the determination, many found that creative artists who were once paid per gig or as an independent contractor were now seen, in the eyes of this bill, as an employee. Needless to say, that has major financial repercussions for these organizations and business. Then, if that wasn’t bad enough, along comes Covid 19 which is close to being the devastating blow to most organizations. I reached out to Julie Baker the Executive Director for the Californians for the Arts organization to see if she could help answer some basic concerns.  Julie Baker is a seasoned arts and marketing professional. Prior to becoming Executive Director of Californians For The Arts and California Arts Advocates in October of 2018, Julie Baker served on the board for four years as chair of the membership committee and of Confluence, an arts advocacy conference. She serves as the California State Captain to Americans for the Arts', National Arts Action Summit and is chair of the visibility committee for the State Arts Action Network. From 2009-2017, Julie Baker served as the Executive Director of The Center for the Arts, a non-profit performing arts venue and California WorldFest, an annual music and camping festival located in Grass Valley, CA. Prior to moving to California, Baker worked in New York City at several prominent art galleries and the international auction house Christie’s before becoming the President of her family’s art marketing agency, Gerngross & Company Inc. In 1998, she moved with her family to Nevada City, CA where she was first employed as a Senior Executive Producer for Tristream, a 20- person web development and marketing/branding company. In 2001, she returned to her passion for the arts and opened Julie Baker Fine Art, a gallery of emerging artists. She was the co-founder of Flow art fair, a satellite art fair to Art Basel Miami Beach. She is active in her local community including serving on the high school Site Council and the board of California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project.  

During this time of social distancing and stay at home orders, sometimes the only way to stay connected with friends and family is through photos, videos and Zoom calls. We’ve all had times when we have taken a selfie or photo and instantly deleted it because we didn’t like it. Or maybe you are on a Zoom happy hour or business meeting and you look at your image compared to others and can’t seem to get the lighting just right. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to talk to Mark Comon from the Creative Photo Academy and Paul’s Photo in Torrance.  Mark and I met during one of the city of Torrance’s Arts Leadership meetings. We met again when he came on board to work with TOCA on the photo exhibit for the SouthBay Festival of the Arts. I’ve been following him on social media for a while and noticed that once the Covid crisis hit, he immediately started posting short videos about being creative and hints on how to take better, more creative photographs.  I thought, if there was one person out there that could help create better images, it would be him. Mark Comon is founder of Creative Photo Academy, PMA Academy and the PMA Certified Photo Instructor program. Mark has effectively taught photography to amateurs, hobbyists, professionals and other photo instructors. His passionate approach to creativity, simple explanation of technical topics and inspirational images will help your photography take flight. Mark loves to inspire you to take, make and keep better photographs. Mark teaches Photo Boot Camp, Advanced Classes and is a leader on many Adventures and Workshops. Mark is also available for one-on-one tutoring on any subject. Hope you enjoy this conversation. Be sure to follow him on social media or visit him at Paul’s Photo when you are able.

Magic Up Close One of the shows that we had lined up for this season before we had to postpone everything was Magic Up Close. This is one of my favorite shows that we produce. Changing the Nakano Theatre into a very intimate performance area, we bring in magicians to present a full length presentation of magic up close. This year we had scheduled Jonathan Levit and George Tovar for this intimate evening of magic. While we are waiting for the “all clear” to reschedule the performance, I thought we would share the interview we had done prior to the postponement. If you can’t wait until the new date is announced for an evening of magic, you can try a cyber magic presentation by Jonathan Levit by visiting his website: Cybermagicshow.com Or… do you want to learn magic? Here’s a great way to start, or if you’re like me, pick it up again after a REAL long time. The Night Academy of magic https://www.myboxofmagic.com The Night Academy was founded by world-renowned magician Nicholas Night. The Art & Illusion of Nicholas Night & Kinga, appeared on stage and television in over 30 countries with featured appearances in the U.S. on ABC's Champions of Magic, Masters of Illusion, and Magic on the Edge television specials. In addition to a full-time career in magic, for over ten years Nicholas worked as an executive in animation and gaming, creating and pitching original gaming, film and television concepts to top studios and networks such as Disney, MGM, Nickelodeon, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, NatGeo, PBS Kids and Cartoon Network. So what led him to start a mail-order magic school? Nicholas says, "Teaching magic and sleight-of-hand to my 10 yr. old son Jackson and his friends made me realize that "kid magic" - the kind you get in every magic set - was basically synonymous for "bad magic". The props are inferior, and the tricks are tired and old-fashioned. I decided to create professional quality, easy-to-master original magic tricks that can be performed by anyone aged 8 to 88!" And as a testament to the quality of the effects found in My Box Of Magic, a number of professional magicians have started to perform these tricks as part of their act - they're THAT good!

Prior to the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, TOCA was looking forward to presenting Go Now: The Music of the Moody Blues. Lead by Gordon Marshall, the drummer of the group for over 25 years, this was sure to be one of the highlights of the season. Needless to say, as the current health crisis began to limit travel, the group had to cancel their US tour, leaving us to have to cancel our April performance. However, prior to all this, I had the good fortune of speaking with Gordon for our TOCA Backstage podcast. It turns out the group was just as disappointed as the fans to have to back out of the tour, so they have created an hour long concert on video that they would like to share. To view, just click this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/UIoTPjzrviE   ABOUT THE ARTIST: THE MOODY BLUES.   They sold in excess of 70 million albums worldwide, were awarded 14 platinum and gold discs, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.  But the band has not performed together in concert for the past few years and have no plans to return to touring. Gordon Marshall, the drummer with The Moody Blues for over 25 years, knew that there was a hunger in the market for Moody Blues music.  Five years ago, to fill the void, he put together an amazing group of musicians and formed the band GO NOW!, a tribute to the music of The Moody Blues.  Mick Wilson, the lead singer of GO NOW!, was the lead singer with 10cc for over 20 years. Mick was also the “singing voice” in the Academy Award-winning movie Bohemian Rhapsody for the actor who portrayed Queen’s drummer.  Gordon and Mick are joined on stage by Patrick Duffin, Ryan Farmery and Nick Kendall, and together recreate the magical music we all know, including all the major hits.  With 25 years’ experience with The Moody Blues, Gordon has created true-to-the-original arrangements, making every performance truly magical. In an endless sea of rock and pop formats, The Moody Blues distinguished themselves through four decades as that shimmering jewel vindicating rock music as a substantial artistic contribution to Western culture.  Since the 60’s, as a part of the historic original British invasion of Supergroups, The Moody Blues lit up the hearts and minds of millions of rock fans with inspiring anthems like “Nights in White Satin,” “Tuesday Afternoon” and “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band),” which express universal themes of love, compassion and peace.  The band’s unique style of music consistently finds airplay on radio stations globally and continues to illuminate concert arenas around the world.  From being immortalized on The Simpsons to having their music featured in movies, television and in national advertisement campaigns such as VISA, The Moody Blues are embedded in not only music history but in pop culture.  They have sold in excess of 70 million albums worldwide and have been awarded an astonishing 14 platinum and gold discs; they were inducted into the Rock & Roll hall of Fame in 2018.  But the band has not performed together in concert for the past few years and have no plans to return to touring as The Moody Blues.   For the past four years GO NOW! have performed throughout the UK, selling out theatres and making many return appearances.  Their first venture into the U.S. in 2019 resulted in 12 out of 12 sold-out performances at venues in Arizona and resulted in a repeat 14-show run in Arizona and California in the spring of 2020.    Their April 2021 engagements with the Virginia Symphony, the Omaha Symphony and the Philly Pops have made it possible for more U.S. venues to bring the hauntingly beautiful music of The Moody Blues to Baby Boomer fans who still swoon when they hear those first magical notes of “Nights in White Satin”.

As I am fond of saying... "I appreciate dance, but I don't always understand it." So, I thought I would chat with someone who might help to understand this often underappreciated art form. Brenda Way received her early training at the School of American Ballet and Ballet Arts in New York City. She is the founder and artistic director of ODC/Dance and creator of the ODC Theater and ODC Dance Commons, community performance and training venues in San Francisco's Mission District. She launched ODC and an inter-arts department at Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music in the late 1960's before relocating to the Bay Area in 1976.

When it was decided that we wouldn’t be able to bring you interviews of the artists in our season due to the postponement of shows, I reached out to a number of people that I thought would be interesting to speak with. Kelly Freemon Craig, award winning film director and screenwriter was gracious enough to take me up on the offer. Kelly started out writing sketch comedy and spoken word poetry in college, then landed an internship in the film division of Immortal Entertainment, where she read her first film script and began to pursue screenwriting. She developed several screenplays during the 2000s, including a modern high school retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac and a comedic remake of the 2004 French drama Intimate Strangers for Paramount Pictures. One of her scripts, Ticket to Ride, caught the attention of Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman. He bought the script under his The Montecito Picture Company as a directing vehicle for Reitman. According to Reitman, the script was rewritten at least 15 times. The film was released, under the new title Post Grad. The film was instead directed by Shrek director Vicky Jenson and was released in 2009 and starred Alexis Bledel, Michael Keaton and Carol Burnett. In 2011, Kelly completed another script titled Besties and sent the script over to James L. Brooks. Brooks bought the script and was announced that Kelly would direct the film and Brooks would serve as a producer and mentor for her in directing her first film. The film was released by STX Entertainment in Fall 2016 under its new title The Edge of Seventeen to critical praise. I was curious about how she got her start in Hollywood… knowing that she spent some time in community theatre, we talk about her inspiration to go to Hollywood, her past projects and the film she is currently working on. The project that Kelly is currently working on is a film adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” by Judy Bloom. A book that Ms. Bloom once said she would never let be adapted for the screen. I was curious how she planned to make the film version of a Judy Bloom book that would appeal, not only to children but also to the adult who may have grown up reading her books. Coming from an authentic place and full reverence for the material, Kelly’s plan seems to be well thought out. Despite the fact that I have never read “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret”, I know I will be anxiously awaiting its release next year.

While not a part of our upcoming season, it was an honor to speak with Tommy Chong.

Christian Wolf sat down to talk to the members of the Hot Licks Band about their performance in Torrance.  Upcoming shows here: https://torrancearts.org/upcoming-shows/   Dan Hicks passed away on Feb. 6, 2016 but his band, The Hot Licks, play on! The Hot Licks are original members of Dan’s backing band. They perform classic gems written by the Man himself as well as songs that Dan Hicks loved to cover in his own original style – Folk-Swing – A blend of Gypsy Jazz, Folk and Swing with lots of vocal harmonies. The Hot Licks are dedicated to preserving the original sound and spirit in the way Dan taught them! They carry the banner for Folk-Swing with his signature style that has inspired so many others. The Hot Licks:Paul Robinson, Guitar/VocalsDaria, Vocals/Percussion/MelodicaPaula Sonnenberg, Vocals/Percussion Featuring: David Boyden, Violin Alex Baum, Bass www.facebook.com/hotlicksmusic

Christian Wolf sits down with Jocelyn Argueta (AKA Jargie the Science Girl) about her upcoming show in Torrance: https://torrancearts.org/jargie-science-girl/   Explore the world through the eyes of Jargie the Science Girl! And her lab assistant, Benjamin the Penguin. Come visit her laboratory for an energetic, interactive scientific adventure that is sure to rattle the molecules of your mind. Bubbles, chemical reactions, rockets and dooblybloppers galore, this performance is filled with exciting experiments and demonstrations based on the next generation science standards.      

Take a comic journey from “love at first sight” through “‘till death do us part”, and all the funny stuff in between. Mark Cordes is an inventive comedian and humorist who has been hailed by critics as a “One Man Laugh Factory.” From his humble start at an open mic, he steadily worked his way up the comedy ladder.  Enjoy a hilarious peek into the real world of relationships, a decidedly positive view of “sweet togetherness.” Whether you’re searching or already with that hunk-of-burning-love, you can’t miss with The Spouse Whisperer.   Tickets to the performance on January 11, 2020 can be found by clicking here:  https://torrancearts.org/the-spouse-whisperer/    

Performance coming up in Torrance, CA on November 3, 2019. Reserve your seat here:  https://torrancearts.org/mostly-kosher/   Mostly Kosher, the acclaimed Jewish cultural revival band, radically reconstructs Judaic and American cultural musical roots through ravenous post-klezmer beats and arresting Yiddish refrains. Mostly Kosher is a musical feast that explodes into a global food-fight of Jazz, Latin, Rock, Hip Hop, and Folk. Led by Leeav Sofer, one of Jewish Journal’s “30 under 30” most accomplished professionals in the Los Angeles’ Jewish diaspora, Mostly Kosher is comprised of some of the highest regarded Los Angeles musicians: violinist Janice Mautner Markham, drummer Eric Hagstrom, bassist Adam Levy, accordion/trumpet Mike Bolger, trombonist Mike King, and guitarist Will Brahm.

Tickets to the Torrance CA Performance on November 2nd here: https://torrancearts.org/one-small-step/ This interview is with Toby Hulse of the show! Join us in the #SouthBay area of Torrance for this family friendly event to please the astronaut in all of us! Check your oxygen, adjust your space, suit and buckle up for the biggest mission of your life… …the ignition sequence has begun. 5 seconds and counting… 385,000 kilometres from home… 2 superpowers in the ultimate tussle… 1 giant leap for mankind. Following five-star rave reviews across the United Kingdom and international tours where it was seen by more than 19,000 people, One Small Stepis a fast, furious and full throttled trip to the moon! Recounting history’s greatest adventure, the race between the United States and the Soviet Union to send the first man to the moon, One Small Step is an inventive, funny and surprisingly moving action-packed show that crams 50 years of history into 60 minutes! Two actors magically conjure more than 40 characters with the aid of simple household objects, as well as creating the famous Apollo, Gemini and Sputnik capsules from buckets, lamps and cardboard boxes, capturing the imagination of all ages. Not to be missed.

Interview with Jay White, #1 Neil Diamond performer in the world. It is without question the most authentic Neil Diamond Concert Experience on the planet when you go to a Jay White concert. (Performing in Torrance, CA at The James R Armstrong Theatre) Shows Here: https://torrancearts.org/upcoming-shows/ Conceived in response to Mr. Diamond’s retirement from the concert stage due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis and the huge demand from audiences worldwide to enjoy the music of the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame icon in a live music setting, Jay’s Mission is to pick up the torch, pay homage to his music idol and entertain Diamondheads of all ages. www.jaywhitelive.com “Jay, keep singing, so I can stay home and relax. Your friend in music – Neil”. – Neil Diamond

John Tesh has Six music Emmys, two Grammy nominations, three gold records, seven Public Television specials and 8 million records sold. After more than three decades as an international entertainer, John Tesh’s recording and live concert career continues to thrive today. Celebrate the Season with this extraordinary performer and enjoy the interview with Christian Wolf - Executive Director of Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation.

Christian Wolf sits down with David Benoit and discusses his 40 year career in music!  David will be performing at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation on September 21, 2019 in Torrance, CA. His show is a personal journey that will explore all facets of David’s 40 year career in music including a sneak preview from his brand new album, plus perennial favorites and a special tribute to his jazz piano heroes. An evening of music from a jazz icon that you won’t want to miss. Tickets here: https://torrancearts.org/david-benoit/    

This week Christian Wolf sat down with Abbie Gardner who will be the first performance for the Studio Cabaret series this season! Abbie Gardner is a fiery #dobro player with an infectious smile. . Her show will be October 18-19, 2019 at the George Nakano Theatre. Tickets are available here: https://torrancearts.org/abbie-gardner/ Whether performing solo or with Americana darlings Red Molly, her acclaimed tales of love and loss, both gritty and sweet, are propelled by her impeccable slide guitar chops. Her live show is truly unique – as both an award winning songwriter and interpreter of folk styles, a captivating vocalist, and a world class lap style dobro player,  she has an unmistakable sound all her own. “Not only a first-rate Dobro player, but a songwriter to be reckoned with.” –John Platt, WFUV

Christian Wolf sat down with Rick Farrell, one of the Judges for 2019's "South Bay's Got Talent"! Audition info/link here: https://torrancearts.org/south-bays-got-talent-auditions/ Purchase your tickets for September, 28, 2019 here: https://torrancearts.org/south-bays-got-talent-2019/

We had a great conversation with Jon Cohn and Ashley Alvarado from KPCC In Person . We talked about how YOU can be involved in this story telling show #UnheardLA coming in October to Torrance. Want to participate in an Unheard LA performance? Join us in July to listen past participants, KPCC staff and learn how to make your story perfect for the upcoming show in October! Purchase tickets to the upcoming October show here: http://bit.ly/2FZM8l2

Maria Muldaur is an American folk and blues singer who was part of the early 1960s music revolution. She recorded the 1973 hit song “Midnight at the Oasis,” which garnered several Grammy nominations and enshrined her forever in the hearts of Baby Boomers everywhere. In the 40 years since “Midnight at the Oasis,” Maria has toured extensively worldwide and has recorded 40 solo albums covering all kinds of American Roots Music, including Gospel, R&B, Jazz and Big Band — not to mention several award-winning children’s albums. She has now settled comfortably into her favorite idiom, the Blues.

Tickets to her Torrance, CA show March 1st and 2nd here: Gina Chavez Tickets Gina Chavez is blending the sounds of the Americas with tension and grace. A multi-ethnic Latin pop songstress, Chavez is a nine-time Austin Music Award winner — including 2015 Musician of the Year and Album of the Year for her sophomore release, Up Rooted. Her independent album topped the Amazon and Latin iTunes charts after a national feature on NPR’s All Things Considered and has been hailed by The Boston Globe, USA Today, Texas Monthly and the Austin Chronicle. Her band’s Tiny Desk concert made NPR’s top 15 of 2015.

Jack London’s classic tale comes to life on stage. Tickets to this an other performances in Torrance here: TOCA Performances This multi-media adventure mixes performance and storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the story of Buck, the magnificent offspring of a St. Bernard and Scottish Collie… Kidnapped from his lavish life on a California estate and sent to work as a sled dog during the great Klondike Gold Rush of the 1800s, Buck becomes the most famous dog in the northland’s history and discovers the endurance and strength of his wild, primal ancestors as their call courses through his blood. A thrilling tale of courage and survival. The production uses 180-degree projection that surrounds the performer and provides scenic, artistic, and historical context to the show. The images feature a unique mix of Philip R. Goodwin’s classical illustrations from the book’s first edition, period photographs, and brand new drawings and animations created by artist Michael Rae.

Kugelplex is one of the West Coast’s purveyors of klezmer and Old World music. Since 2001, the group has performed its soulful music at concerts, festivals and Jewish lifecycle events throughout the United States. ​ Kugelplex has received awards from the Zellerbach Family Foundation and San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music and has been the klezmer-band-in-residence with the Oakland Symphony for the past 10 years. ​The ensemble features an all-star cast of Bay Area virtuoso musicians. Everyone in the ensemble tours internationally, performs/records with a wide range of bands, and then comes together as Kugelplex to play the music they so deeply love.

Staff and students of Asano Taiko US and Los Angeles Taiko Institute (LATI) present contemporary and traditionally inspired taiko repertoire in their end-of-year recital.  Performances are interspersed with explanations of the roots and context of taiko and commentary on the challenges and joys of learning Japanese drums. Torrance Cultural Arts Center Upcoming Show Here:  TOCA Show  

Hiroya is a one-of-a-kind composer, guitarist and singer-songwriter from Kyoto, Japan. He began playing the five-string banjo when he was 13, and took up the guitar shortly after. The rest, as they say is history. In 2000, Hiroya received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and came to the United States. Upcoming Shows at Torrance Cultural Arts Here: TOCA upcoming shows

Join Christian Wolf and Robin Spielberg as they talk about Robin’s background as a prolific composer, with 17 recordings to her credit and over 40 compilations around the world. Her sing-a-long is coming to Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation November.