by The Editors on February 17, 2008
The Museum of Making Music is hosting a special exhibition “The Violin in America: Old World Tradition, New World Sound” that will explore the transplanting of European violin making traditions to American soil.
On February 23, 2008, you are invited to help us celebrate the opening of this premiere exhibition. Come explore the development of American violin making from its European beginnings and early New World identity to the work of today’s best masters.
At 6 PM, the Museum will host a wine and cheese reception followed by a performance by the Hutchins Consort and the talented Anne Akiko Meyers at 7 PM.
Tickets are $30; $20 for museum members. Advanced purchase is required. Contact (760) 438-5996, ext. 212 for tickets or click here to purchase tickets securely online.
[Link: The Museum of Making Music]
by The Editors on January 18, 2008
Hensley’s Flying Elephant Pub & Grill owner Matt Hensley has had a storied career that spans the world of professional skateboarding, music, and now the hospitality industry.
Skateboarding Magazine music writer Arlie Carstens recently interview Matt for the February 2008 issue of the magazine and found out why Matt just couldn’t stay off the road.
Flogging Molly tours really hard. I mean hard-touring bands look at our schedule and go, “Goddamn, you guys are f—kin’ crazy.” Ten years of that just got to me; I was missing too many of my kid’s games, and I just got manically depressed over all of it. One day I just freaked the f—k out and said, “I’m gonna walk away, I just can’t do this anymore.” And then I had to do something with myself, so I started a pub—a musical place—so I could be around music still and kind of keep it together. But I dunno, after doing it for a while and taking some time away from it (the band) I kind of came to the realization that the grass is always greener no matter what you do. Not being in the band anymore just kind of screwed my whole gig up; it’s such a big part of my life and who I am, it’s just weird to not be part of that anymore. It just doesn’t feel right. So after talking with those guys and going back and forth, they were happy to have me back.
And if all this makes you thirsty for some Guinness and “sweet piano playing” blonde rocker then stop by Henley’s tonight, January 18, 2008 from 7-10 PM to check out Taryn Donath. This girl can tickle her some ivory. Seriously.
[Link: Skateboarding.com]
by The Editors on January 10, 2008
On Friday, January 25, 2008 at 7 PM, the Museum of Making Music welcomes award-winning guitarist Muriel Anderson for an evening of memorable music. Muriel will be joined by Thom Bresh, son of the legendary Merle Travis. Tickets are $20 for general, $15 for Museum members and $8 for students. Reservations are required. Follow the jump for the complete details.
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by The Editors on December 12, 2007
According to a story in the North County Times Ike Turner died today at 11:38 AM in his San Marcos home. He was 76 years old.
A groundbreaking guitarist, pianist and bandleader who helped pioneer both early rock ‘n’ roll and modern rhythm and blues, Turner’s reputation was tarnished by his drug addiction, stint in prison and allegations on film and in print that he abused Tina Turner, his famous former wife.
We know he lived in San Marcos, but we used to see his Benz (with personalized plates) around town so much that we’ve made Ike Turner an honorary Carlsbadistanian and we’re sad to see the musical genius go. He will be missed.
[Link: San Diego Union Tribune and IkeTurner.com]
by The Editors on November 28, 2007

On December 15, 2007 at 7 PM the Museum of Making Music, is presenting a “festive seasonal program” by John Doan, one of the few masters of the rare twenty-stroing harp guitar. In the performance Doan “re-enacts what it might have been like to celebgrate Christmas a century ago.” It’s called A Victorian Christmas and tickets are $20 ($15 for members) Click here to purchase tickets online.
John explores how the Victorians invented many Christmas traditions we remember and quite a few we have forgotten. Harp guitar, tremblelin, classical banjo and ukelin are but a few of the authentic instruments featured in the performance. They were once popular in American homes and parlors, on vaudeville stages and in mandolin orchestras. In addition to performing on each instrument, Doan explains their history in an entertaining and often zany fashion.
Fans of “zany” Christmas music shows, rejoice.
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by The Editors on October 18, 2007
We’re not going to pay $250 for a “three day hands-on approach to drumming and rhythm” or spend the weekend of November 9-11, 2007 with “featured drummer, composer, author, and educator Ed Roscetti .” But for those into drumming and percussion this over-18 event hosted by the Museum of Making Music may be the best drum school ever.
Styles covered include: samba, olodum, Afro-Cuban, jazz, blues, rock, funk and hip-hop. The rhythm section will accompany large and small group ensemble classes leading up to a final performance. On the last day, family and friends are invited to enjoy this interactive day of fun and music as students showcase their newly developed rhythmic skills.”
Contact Jillian Jepsen at (760) 438-5996, ext. 212 for information and registration. Get it on, bang a gong, get it on.
[Link: The Museum of Making Music]
by The Editors on October 6, 2007

We all know that deep down in its soul Oktoberfest is really just a beer holiday. And we went to the 25th Annual Rotary Oktoberfest in Carlsbad’s Holiday Park today with that in mind. But like any thought, reality hits the senses a little harder. Let’s just say there are a lot of people in Carlsbad who really, really enjoy drinking beer. Not alone. Not in their own homes, but out in a park with all their friends. And that means that Carlsbad’s Oktoberfest is crowded, noisy, and filled with smiles.
Two different Rotary groups sponsor this event according to Gene Forsyth: Rotary of Carlsbad, and Carlsbad High Noon Rotary. “It’s a joint effort by two clubs,” he said while serving up some wine from the Carlsbad Coastal Winery. “And we’re doing it to support our charities. Not just one in particular. Most of the money from this event will go to the Women’s Resource Center and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.”
The long tables were full of people dining on a $10 traditional German dinner of Bratwurst, knockwust, German potato salad, sauerkraut, and a dinner roll. It was mostly good. And though the crowd featured a few too many tough dudes with beer buzzes, it was a great way to spend the afternoon.
Follow the link for the rest of the photos. And if you’re reading this before 10 PM tonight, cruise on over and check it out. You’ll probably get there just in time for the chicken dance and a few fights. . . if you’re lucky.
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by The Editors on September 28, 2007
It’s hard to keep a traveling according player tied down. Last January Matt Hensley announced that he was quitting the band Flogging Molly and was going to spend a little more time with his family in Carlsbad. He even bought Squid Joe’s and turned it into Hensley’s Flying Elephant Pub & Grill. But now, with a new album in the works, it appears that the former pro skateboarder is getting back in the band.
Matt says of his return, “The truth is that my life makes sense again, and I feel like I’m where I need to be in this world.” He also ads, “I missed the feeling of ‘knowing where you’re at.’ Being the accordion player in this band is my zone; where I belong. I got emails all the time from people who care deeply about the band. I missed being able to affect people in a positive way.”
While we’re going to miss seeing him around Hensley’s, Flogging Molly fans around the world are going to be much happier that Matt has returned to the band.
[Link: Transworld Skateboarding]
by The Editors on September 18, 2007
Since May 26 when we first mentioned the 4th Annual Carlsbad Music Festival being held September 24-30, it appears that at least one thing has changed: oddly, a “Los Angeles” concert has been added to the schedule (we’re not walking to that one). In Carlsbad, however, we’re still looking forward to thrilling performances. Not that we’ve heard of any of these groups before:
- Friday, September 28, 2007 8pm, Schulman Auditorium: Real Quiet and Matt McBane
- Saturday, September 29, 2007 8pm, Schulman Auditorium: So Percussion
- Saturday, September 29, 2007 1pm Museum of Making Music: So Percussion Demo
- Sunday, September 30, 2007 2pm Schulman Auditorium: Calder Quartet and Christine Southworth
Get all the info on their website Carlsbadmusicfestival.org.
by The Editors on September 16, 2007
Nothing. Okay, bad joke. We apologize. The Museum of Making Music is one of Carlsbad’s most interactive, educational, entertainment experiences yet we are continually forgetting that it exists. As a reminder here’s what’s coming up on Saturday September 22:
The World Beat Rhythms (WBR) interactive concert performance features Ed Roscetti & Maria Martinez, both critically acclaimed drummers, composers, authors, and educators. They combine a wide range of percussion instruments and drumset to perform an eclectic mix of hybrid compositions in a World Music setting. . . . WBR offers a six-piece ensemble made up of four multi-percussionists, a guitarist and a bassist. Chanting vocals are incorporated, adding layers of dynamic improvisation. Audience participation (voluntary) on shakers and hand drums provided by WBR always proves to be a favorite part of the show.
Reservations are required and tickets are $12 ($10 for museum members). Contact Jillian Jepsen at (760) 438-5996, ext. 212 for tickets.
[Link: Museum of Making Music]