The life of a traveling musician is full of twists, turns, and tumbles. It’s not a profession where the fittest survive; rather, that distinction goes to people most committed to the art. One local concert series gives a home on the road to traveling and local musicians who specialize in the storytelling and wisdom-sharing side of music. Now celebrating its 10th year of concerts, Tales from the Tavern presents a lineup of musicians guaranteed to deliver an authentic experience.
Founded in February 2003 by brother and sister Ron and Carole Ann Colone, Tales from the Tavern first found a home at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos before eventually making its way to the Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez. The concert series focuses mostly on acoustic singer songwriters seasoned by years of performing on the road.
“We had spent years, both my sister and I, on the road working with different musical artists,” said Ron, co-producer for the concert series. “We were inspired by the real musical troubadours that have put in the years and the miles and that have the authenticity of the true singer songwriter.”
To truly understand the spirit of Tales from the Tavern, it’s helpful to understand exactly what a troubadour is.
“Well, there’s probably a more academic explanation, because they served a function throughout time and across cultures,” Colone said, “but they are the keepers of the stories and the relators of our histories, mythology, and philosophy.”
The concert series takes a serious approach to the oft-marginalized acoustic singer-songwriter. According to Colone, you can “hear a pin drop” during the music at Tales for the Tavern. In between songs, artists tell stories, relate philosophy, and elicit laughter. Performing artists include many touring musicians either signed on indie labels or their own. There have also been performances by big name artists who couldn’t wait to get in on the concert series, including Joan Baez, Donovan, Sarah Lee Guthrie with Johnny Orion, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, and Ryan Bingham.
The April 25 concert will feature the local duo of Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen. Hillman is an inductee of the Country Music Hall of Fame and of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an original member of the Byrds. He and Pedersen have collaborated for years and participated in the very first season of Tales from the Tavern. During their sound check for that performance, Colone said, none other than David Crosby (Santa Ynez local and original member of the Byrds) stopped by and rehearsed with Hillman and Pedersen and joined them on stage that night.
“David Crosby has been extremely supportive of our series,” Colone said. “He has really acknowledged in a positive way what we do.”
Tales from the Tavern pulls out all the stops when it comes to professionalism and musical integrity. Every single show has video and audio recorded with high-quality equipment. Tales from the Tavern has its own record label of live performances by favorite artists, as well as a compilation album. The video from the series was used to make a documentary film that premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The film included performances and interviews with the artists, exploring the nature of the modern troubadour.
Tales from the Tavern has literally sold out every show, Colone said. Tickets can be purchased on talesfromthetavern.com either for the whole series or for individual shows. Most concert regulars, Colone explained, buy their tickets before the lineup is even solidified for the season. The series is also made possible by sponsorship from many local businesses and patrons.
“This is made up of people who understand that this is a community concert series and they really want to support the community,” Colone said.
All that jazz
The inaugural Santa Maria Valley Jazz Festival celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month with a concert featuring performances by the Santa Maria High School Jazz Ensemble, Pioneer Valley High School Jazz Ensemble, and the Cuesta College Jazz Ensemble on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Santa Maria High School’s Ethel Pope Auditorium, 901 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Admission is by donation. More info: 925-2567.
Blazing trails
“Trailpaloosa” 2012 is a family friendly event open to the public in benefit for and celebration of the opening of Santa Maria Valley Open Space. The event is an outdoor music festival that will feature live local bands, local wineries, Santa Maria-style barbecue, raffles, and children’s picnic activities on April 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Newlove (Breitburn) Picnic Grounds, 1555 Orcutt Hill Road, Orcutt. Free. More info: info@smvos.org or smvos.org.
Viva musica
Viva el arte de Santa Barbara presents Grandeza Mexicana, Los Angeles’ premier folklorico dance company, performing April 20 at 7 p.m., Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Goleta; April 22 at 7 p.m. at the Marjorie Luke Theatre, Santa Barbara Junior High, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara; and April 21 at 7:30 p.m., Guadalupe City Hall Auditorium, 918 Obispo St., Guadalupe. More info: 884-4087, Ext. 7, or myspace.com/vivaelartedesantabarbara.
Those who gain fame
The Famous Jazz Artist Series presents seasoned jazz trombonist Andy Martin joined by Charlie and Sandi Shoemake, Luther Hughes, and Colin Bailey in concert including dinner April 21 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Terrace Dinner Theater, 1693 Mission Dr., Solvang. Cost is $35. More info: 691-9137 or prplus@earthlink.net.
Maverick musicians
The Maverick Saloon and KRAZy Country 105.9 present Jackson Taylor and the Sinners in concert April 19 at 8 p.m. Admission costs $10. The saloon offers live entertainment, including country music by Sean Wiggins and Lone Goat in concert April 20 at 8:45 p.m. followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. Right as Rain performs in concert April 21 at 8:45 p.m. followed by guest DJs at the saloon at 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.
Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Apr 19-26, 2012.
