E. Doctor Smith's Blog

Putting together an inspired collection of talent, Voices of Latin Rock presents The 5th Annual Benefit for Autism Awareness as a benefit for The Alex Speaks Foundation on Saturday January 24th, 2009 at the newly refurbished Warfield Theater, 982 Market Street, San Francisco, California. Headlining the bill is multi-platinum selling band WAR, Azteca, Los Cenzontles, Voices of Latin Rock Review, featuring members of Cold Blood, Malo, El Chicano and Santana. They will also be honoring the following Women of Latin Rock: Rita Gentry, Lydia Pense, Wendy Haas, Sheila E. and Linda Tillery. As in past years, many surprise guests will also appear. The show benefits schools in the Bay Area dealing with autism on a daily basis. This disorder has increased recently to 1 in 150 births, up from 1 in 166 just a few years ago. When questioned about special needs children in the most recent presidential debates, both candidates mentioned the need for increased funding for research for a...

Back in October, I wrote this article about the Palm Wine Boys and their founder, Richard Linley. Sadly, ill health has kept Linley down, but not out. He is finally back on the mend and happily, the Palm Wine Boys are returning for a special concert in Oakland this Sunday. These days, Richard Linley, writer, singer, guitarist and founder of "The Palm Wine Boys", has been spending much of his time in recording sessions for his latest album, pausing only for treatment while he battles a recent, life threatening illness. His music and spirit has been inspirational to his fellow musicians, especially the latest incarnation of the 'Boys; bassist Ariane Cap, guitarist Mathew Lacques and his long-time collaborator, percussionist QB Williams. "When words fail we turn to music, to listen, or to play", recalled Cap. "Richard's tunes have been turned to by many a restless soul to find relief. His songs are so hopeful, comforting, joyful." Fittin...

Looking to take a musical walk on the wild side? Tonight at the San Francisco Community Music Center comes some of the area's best artists in every sense of the word. "The Doctor Bob Concert Series" a series of shows featuring Edgetone Records' Doctor Bob and special guest artists. Doctor Bob is a project of avant cellist and vocalist Bob Marsh and nouveau lap steel player and film maker David Michalak. They play songs for a dark and turbulent world ranging from scary to the surreal. This show will feature new material from their upcoming release called, "Chance" as well as songs from their "Dark Times" CD on Edgetone Records. Andre Custodio will join the duo on drums and percussion. Pamela Z is an international composer, performer, sound artist, and extended vocalist will feature some new works for voice, electronics, and video. Ms. Z has been commissioned to compose works for new music chamber ensembles: the Bang On A Can Allstars; ...