Musical tastes and interests know no bounds. And now, thanks to our modern technology, we have regular access to a cornucopia of musical genres to pick and choose from. A benefit concert for Temple Beth El in Santa Maria has brought two unlikely tastes together to round out a diverse—and above all fun—show called “More Broadway to Bluegrass.”
The “More” alludes to that fact that the concert will be a reprisal of last year’s “Broadway to Bluegrass” show. As with that performance, the first half of “More Broadway to Bluegrass” will feature the singing and show-womanship of Diane Borad-Mirken.
Originally from the Los Angeles area, Borad-Mirken has been involved in acting since childhood and began seriously singing in her late 20s. She’s always loved the theater and has a penchant for comedic acting and a deep love of the vocal repertoire paired with it.
“I love listening to beautiful melody, and I also enjoy sunny songs,” she said. “I also love songs that are acted out in character.”
Most of her half of the program will feature selections from American musical theater, and a few standards. But, she’s quick to remind everyone that most songs people consider “standards”—like “Summertime” by Gershwin—are actually from musical plays to begin with.
“You’re acting when you’re singing—not just making a beautiful sound, but also making the audience feel what you’re feeling,” she said.
While in Los Angeles, Diane (just Borad at the time) met Bill Mirken. They wed not long after. Mirken wasn’t inclined to play music until his freshman year at UCSB when he heard the sound of a five-string banjo come through his dorm mate’s radio.
“When I heard the five-string banjo for the first time and I heard all these notes cascading out of seemingly nowhere, it was a huge sensation for me,” he said. “I said to my roommate, ‘Frank, if it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to learn to play banjo like that.’”
[image-2]
Mirken performed last year with his group The Wild River Ramblers, but he brings his other group, Wildwood, this year. The ensemble includes Ron Miller on flattop guitar and lead vocals, Dan Wolf on dobro and vocals, and, of course, Mirken on the banjo and blending his vocal harmonies with Miller and Wolf’s sounds.
The first time my other group, the Wild River Ramblers, did the show and it was straight bluegrass,” he said. “This band, Wildwood, does do some bluegrass, but we also do country roots, blues, cowboy music, and we might even throw a modern surprise in there.”
Though the couple is musically inclined, they don’t play music together, mostly because of the lack of Broadway tunes set for banjo, but they do share a healthy sense of humor. Mirken is a dictionary for banjo jokes, and Borad-Mirken entertains and informs between her songs, which are always filled with laughs. Mirken also cites his No. 1 banjo influence as his wife.
“Because she lets me practice!” he said.
Borad-Mirken has been involved with the Temple Beth El for several years; she’s a former president of the temple, former principal of the temple’s school, a fill-in cantorial soloist, and current Ways and Means chairwoman.
The show will feature two 50-minute sets divided by a 15-minute intermission complete with refreshments and treats. Borad-Mirken suggests that interested parties try to get their tickets early, because they might just sell out.
[image-3]
Music at the Maverick
The Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez presents DJ Totem on Oct. 20 at 9 p.m. The country music of Teddy Spanke and the Tex Pistols is Oct. 21 at 8:30 p.m., followed by DJPJ at 11:30 p.m. Concert on the Deck is Oct. 22 at 3 p.m. Teddy Spanke and the Tex Pistols perform Oct. 22 at 8:30 p.m., followed by DJPJ at 11:30 p.m. Tickets are available at 688-0383 or talesfromthetavern.com.
Worship him
The Chumash Casino Resort presents 1980s rock and roll icon Billy Idol in concert on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez. Cost is $45 to $85. More info: 1-800-CHUMASH.
Mall music
The Santa Maria Town Center presents a “Salute to the Arts: Music in the Mall” event featuring a performance by Solomon Creek on Oct. 22 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the mall on Main Street and Broadway in Santa Maria. More info: 925-0951, Ext. 414, rnarez@ci.santa-maria.ca.us, or ci.santa-maria.ca.us.
Prolific pair
Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen are joined by Bill Bryson and Larry Park for a concert in benefit of the Santa Maria Orthodox Church of the Annunciation on Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. in the Edwards Barn, 1095 Pomeroy Ave., Nipomo. More info: 354-0879 or luci.fetzko@odox.org.
Addamo rocks
The Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro presents “ROCK”tober! Wednesday nights during October featuring live music and a costume party including a “Fright Night”-themed evening featuring Time Furnace on Oct. 26 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 400 E. Clark, Old Orcutt. Free. More info: 937-6400 or bethany@addamovineyards.com.
Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Oct 20-27, 2011.