Music has a powerful connection to our memories, so much so, that everyone holds an inner catalogue of their favorite songs from growing up. These could be the chart-topping songs that debuted while you were in high school, or older songs you remember your parents or grandparents listening to.
Temple Beth El in Santa Maria is no stranger to putting on a concert, especially those that celebrate musical styles from decades past. Diane Borad-Mirken, a fundraising chairperson with the temple, has sung classic standards and show tunes at the temple in the past, but she was on the lookout for a program that could excite music fans from many generations.
“So Terrie Miley and I know one another because she does karaoke all over the Central Coast and has for years,” Borad-Mirken said. “She has several vocalists who follow her from place to place, and we were talking about doing a show.”
Miley, who is a talented singer herself, will be providing all the sound equipment and backing tracks for an upcoming showcase of vocalists at Temple Beth El called A Stroll Down Memory Lane. The concert will feature seven different local singers who will be performing different iconic hits spanning from the 1950s through the ’70s.
The singers all represent different professions and ages, but they all share a passion for music. Each singer has selected a range of songs, Miley explained, that fits their voice and holds a nostalgic place in their lives.
“Your soul is looking to make a song, to contribute, and we have found the venue and the place at which to do that,” Miley said. “That is the cool thing about being a DJ, is I never know what is going to come out of a singer’s mouth.”
Performing and running karaoke events has helped Miley keep an open mind about who may or may not be comfortable on the microphone. Also, there’s no telling what style someone may choose to perform, or what artist they may feel a connection to.
The concert will include well-known songs from the likes of Patsy Cline, Bobby Darin, Sha Na Na, Connie Francis, Carol King, the Mamas and the Papas, Karen Carpenter, and others. The seven singers Miley’s bringing will also be doing quick costume changes to appear in the style of clothing from each song’s respective era—it’s just another way to bring the memories home.
“With music, it always takes me back to where I was then, who I was with, what I was doing, and I get in touch with that joy of those carefree days,” she said. “There is a lot of energy in music, it can transport you to another place and another time.”
A Stroll Down Memory Lane will include emcee Borad-Mirken, Miley providing the music, and vocalists Conrad and Crestina Fierra, Michael and Janet Glenn, Jim and Shirley Herfurth, and Kathryn Kitts. There will also be an appearance by a mystery artist who will perform a selection many will find amusing, Miley said.
“It’s a wide spectrum of music,” she said. “The energy of the day is fun and playful and reminiscent, so we really want people to come out and play.”
Casino concerts
The Chumash Casino Resort offers a live concert featuring Latin group Voz de Mando performing live Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. Country star Sara Evans performs live Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez. More information is available at 1-800-CHUMASH or chumashcasino.com.
Triple Down at the Rancho
The Rancho Nipomo Gold Rush Cantina includes live music by Triple Down Theory on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at the cantina, 108 Cuyama Lane, Nipomo. More information is available at tripledowntheory@charter.net.
Hear Peter and the boys
Bluegrass West presents a concert featuring Peter Feldmann and the Very Lonesome Boys on Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. at the Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos. Cost is $12, $15 at the door. More information is available at 688-9894 or bluegrasswest.com.
Fresh off D’Vine
The D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro includes regular live entertainment, including Santa Rosa performing on Oct. 18. Jacob Cole performs Oct. 22. Jerry Stickle performs Oct. 23. Mike Shelton performs Oct. 25. Shows happen from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro, 107 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. More information is available at 430-8356 or dvinewinebarandbistro.com.
Jamming at Vintners Bar and Grill
The Radisson Hotel presents live music Fridays and Saturdays with Juan Marquez performing Oct. 17 and 18 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the hotel, 3455 Skyway Dr., Santa Maria. More info: 928-8000.
Live at the winedown
Cottonwood Canyon Winery holds a Friday Night Winedown event including wine, food, and live music on Oct. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cottonwood Canyon Winery, 3940 Dominion Road, Santa Maria. Free. More information is available at 937-8463 or cottonwoodcanyon.com.
Sharing verses
Lucia’s Wine Co. offers an open mic event for musicians and poets on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Lucia’s Wine Co. Tasting Room, 126 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. More information is available at 332-3080 or lucias-wine-co.com.
Maverick music
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment each weekend, including a performance by The Dusty Jugz Band on Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. Concert on the Deck with Melissa Rugge is Oct. 18 at 3 p.m. Rockabilly Night will include the Crown City Bombers performing Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.
Contact Arts Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Oct 16-23, 2014.