Band of Horses and Sea Wolf: Down For The Cause!

If the already awesome line up wasn't "awesome enough" for you, well, then guess what kiddos? It just got that much better. Band of Horses and Sea Wolf has been confirmed to perform stripped down, acoustic performances at the Pablove Benefit concert on November 21st (hosted at The Avalon) along with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Tom Morello: The Nightwatchmen and loads of others.

Jeff Castelaz, head boss man at Dangerbird Records (who you can thank for giving you the sounds of Eulogies, Dappled Cities, Silversun Pickups, Sea Wolf and tons of others), will be wrapping up his Pablove Across America bike ride in Long Beach earlier that day and will be heading over to The Avalon to join you generous and loving peeps at the show.

What is Pablove Across America?



What's Pablove?

"The Pablove Foundation is named after Pablo Castelaz, the son of Jo Ann Thrailkill and Jeff Castelaz, and the little brother of Grady Gallagher. On May 17, 2008, Pablo was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms’ Tumor, a rare form of children’s cancer. The cancer appeared out of nowhere, with no warning signs in Pablo’s general demeanor or health. He underwent treatment at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. On June 27, 2009, Pablo’s individual fight with cancer ended. But we fight on in his name, with the spirit of love that Pablo embodied and inspired.

Every year, the Pablove Foundation gives money to improve the lives of children with cancer, at both a national level as well as a local level here in Los Angeles. As we carry out our mission, we wave a flag for anyone to see. On it are these words: Kids get cancer too. They need your help. It’s not somebody else’s problem."

Tickets for the Pablove Benefit concert are available ($35-$65) via TicketMaster.

A very limited number of Patron VIP tickets for $150, which gives you seats in an exclusive opera box. To buy those, please visit the Giftberry page.

A Heartbeat and a Guitar: Johnny Cash and the Making of Bitter Tears Book Release

Photos and Words: Lorna Pacheco
A Heartbeat and A Guitar: Johnny Cash and the Making of Bitter Tears Book Release Party
Thursday, November 5th
Make Out Room, San Francisco

Writer and filmmaker, Antonino D’Ambrosio, hosted Thursday’s event at San Francisco venue, Make Out Room, for his poignant new book: A Heartbeat and a Guitar- Johnny Cash and the making of Bitter Tears (with original artwork on the cover by Shepard Fairey). It’s a tapestry of stories of social and political upheaval during the 60’s that inspired Cash’s visceral folk protest record 'Bitter tears: Ballads of the American Indian.' D’Ambrosio brings light to Cash’s drive to use the power of music to bring interdependence, awareness and change. D’Ambrosio was joined by Bay area musicians, which included performances from Tiny Television, Yard Sale, Billy and Dolly (of the Monolith) and a special acoustic performance by Sean Hayes. The evening consisted of covers of Cash’s catalogue, a blend of folk and country music which included the catalyst song for D’Ambrosio, “Ballad of Ira Hayes.” Renowned music photographer Jim Marshall was also at hand to share some words in regards to his photo contributions. He was an enchanting, wonderful person. I had to catch my breath. I was conversing with a living legend!



I was introduced to author Antonino D’Ambrosio by Noise Pop Industries events director Stacy Horne (Thank you Stacy!). D’Ambrosio was energetic, excited and very engaged in the environment as the bands played. I perceived immediately that he was devout to his works. This man was burning for change. He asked me if I was enjoying the show. I simply replied “ I feel Johnny Cash’s presence, he is here with us tonight, through his music and stories.” A glowing Cheshire cat grin became visible in the darkness of red-lit Make Out Room. I’d like to believe that I induced that smile. He shook his head up and down, agreeing with me. We spoke a little more on his friendship with Marshall, his current tour, and mentioning that his New York engagement would be co-hosted with Chuck D. He then politely excused himself as he timed his cue up to the stage to read an excerpt from his book. I believed that I had witnessed a moment of him sensing accomplishment... of his ability to socially engage the audience, enlightening them through the narrative threads of his writings and Cash’s “Bitter Tears.” A connection surged within the crowd. The music was being heard; the painful history and cries of social injustices were penetrating into our consciousness. Music and politics intersecting, that is as powerful as music can get. Antonino is currently on tour for his book and his next stop is Portland, Oregon. A big thanks to Noise Pop for inviting us to this amazing event!














Antonino D’Ambrosio is the author of "Let Fury Have The Hour: The Punk Politics of Joe Strummer." The film version was directed by D’Ambrosio and set to be released in 2010. He writes for The Progressive, The Nation and The Believer among others. He also is the founder/executive director of La Lutta a media and production non-profit. For more information on the book, and tour dates please visit the book's site by clicking HERE.