Inland Empire, CA – Arlo Guthrie, the man who told us the story of ‘Alice’s Restaurant’, and has ridden on the train to the “City of New Orleans”, is “Coming into Los Angeles” – Riverside, to be exact, when he headlines a weekend of music celebrating his father, folk legend Woody Guthrie. Guthrie’s concert at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside is the finale of a weekend long series of events throughout the Redlands and Riverside area. From the opening presentation on Woody Guthrie’s life and songs, to the interactive children’s concert, and rousing evening rockabilly concert with JImmy LaFave, to the final evening with Arlo Guthrie, the weekend promises to entertain the whole family.

The weekend kicks off with a Friday evening presentation at the San Bernardino County Museum, free to the public. “Woody’s America” features Joel Rafael as singer, poet and storyteller – bringing Woody Guthrie’s words and music to life. Rafael himself has been a featured performer at the annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in the legendary artist’s hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma since its inception in 1998. Considered a natural and pre-eminent interpreter of Guthrie’s music, Rafael is also a member of the national touring cast of the celebrated Guthrie revue, Ribbon Of Highway, Endless Skyway. He has released two albums honoring Guthrie’s songs, Woodeye, released on Jackson Brown’s Inside Recordings in 2002, followed by Woodyboye in 2005.

On Saturday afternoon, Sarah Lee Guthrie (Woody’s granddaughter) and Johnny Irion bring their interactive children’s concert, “Go Waggaloo!” to the museum. This musical experience is a delightful experience for kids, by kids and with kids. Growing up in the Guthrie family, Sarah Lee knew first hand how positive & transforming music can be for children. Together with her husband, Johnny and their children they have created a musical experience that reaches kids at their level. Prior to the afternoon show, families can participate in a ‘make your shaker’ workshop where children can make their own rattles for use in the show.

Saturday evening at Mill Creek Cattle Company brings the Jimmy LaFave Band and his own brand of Red Dirt Music. One of the most sought after performers of the folk-rock scene, LaFave will have you on your feet, unable to stay rooted. His shows are spellbinding. Jimmy, the author and featured performer of the Ribbon Of Highway, Endless Skyway Woody Guthrie Tribute, is also considered one of the foremost Bob Dylan interpreters.

The weekend culminates in a concert by Woody Guthrie’s son, Arlo Guthrie at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside. Arlo is known through his own legacy of humorous and insightful stories, including the epic 1967, Alice’s Restaurant. He was one of the key performers at the historic Woodstock in 1969, and was featured in the Oscar winning film of the same name. His series of albums over the last 40 years have included his hits, most notably the Steve Goodman song, City of New Orleans, which he made famous. His acoustic concerts are entertaining and informative as he brings stories of Woody and his own adventures in America and throughout the world.

Date: Friday, April 8^th, 2011 – Sunday April, 10^th, 2011

Where:
Friday, April 8 – 7:30 PM – “Woody Guthrie’s America”, San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM)– Redlands
Saturday, April 9 – 1:30 PM –“GO Waggaloo!” Children’s Concert –SBCM – Redlands
Saturday, April 9 – 8:00 PM – Jimmy LaFave Band – Mill Creek Cattle Co – Mentone
Sunday, April 10 – 7:30 PM – Arlo Guthrie – Fox Performing Arts Center – Riverside

Info: www.laacousticmusicfestival.com

Ticketing for Arlo Guthrie: www.ticketmaster.com or www.foxriversidelive.com