Americana Joy
Americana Joy at Bigfoot Lodge is a FREE monthly music series.
Join musical legacy artist Matt Axton (son of Hoyt Axton) along with Grand Ole Country Bunker as they bring a new crop of the best original Americana artists to the City of Angels each month. From bluegrass to folk to southern rock and everything in between, Americana Joy takes great pride In creating a free community based showcase that gives a high quality platform to local, regional and touring independent musicians.
This event is FREE and tickets are not required.
UPCOMING
Date & time
Friday, March 20th · 8pm - 1am PST
Location
Bigfoot Lodge
3172 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
This Months Artists
Matt Axton & Badmoon ( 11pm )
Ted Z and the Wranglers ( 10pm )
Switchback ( 9pm )
DJ Max Maxstofferson ( 8pm )
Upcoming Artists
matt axton
-Los Angeles-
Some say rock is dead, but fans of Matt Axton know that Mountain-Soul, Rock & Roll is alive and kicking. With The Axton Musical Legacy as his guide, this West Coast-based singer/songwriter and band leader’s music is a powerful mix of classic folk songwriter storytelling and guitar-driven roots-rock resulting in a true Americana sound. Matt Axton’s distinct baritone voice, unique finger-picker guitar style and wealth of legacy stories lands perfectly in an intimate listening room or a late-night honky-tonk. Whether it's getting crowds to kick up some dancing dust at large festivals opening for acts like Midland, Paul Cauthen or Leftover Salmon, getting funky entertaining packed rooms at Los Angeles’ premier Americana showcases or bringing together local and touring bands with his Americana Joy Music Series and Tahoe Joy Festival, the end result is always the same: good music with good people having a great time. Grown in the mountains of Tahoe, Axton’s eclectic style was proudly honed in the heart of the Axton Musical Legacy. Matt honors his family at every show with his own versions of their #1 hits “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Joy to the World” and many more. Matt has recorded with music legends Steve Feroni (Tom Petty), Hal Cragin (Iggy Pop), Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd) and collaborated on projects such as “Abbey Road Reimaged - A Tribute to the Beatles.” Aaron Badgley of Spill Magazine said Matt’s version of “Octopus’s Garden,” “is pure genius and the best cover here. It is just a joy to listen to and really does stand out as an example of keeping the beauty of the song and artists putting their own spin on things.” Boasting over 300 original songs and some of Los Angeles’ best players behind him, Axton continues to carve his path in the independent Americana scene and proudly celebrates the family tradition of bringing just a little more “Joy to The World!” Mattaxton.com Facebook Instagram Youtube Spotify iTunes
WEBSITE- MATTAXTON.COM
Ted z and the wranglers
- ORANGE COUNTY -
Ted Z and The Wranglers is a band hailing from Southern California, known for their unique blend of Americana, rockabilly, and roots rock music. The band was formed by frontman Ted Zakka in 2012. With Ted Z at the helm, the musical collective have cultivated a distinct sound that pays homage to the rich musical traditions of the American West while infusing it with modern energy and flair. As a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, Ted Z brings a raw authenticity to the group's music, drawing inspiration from his own experiences. His gravelly, whisky-drenched vocals and passionate delivery are trademarks of the group's sound. The Wranglers, consisting of Jackson Leverone (lead guitar, vocals), Marcos de la Cruz (drums, vocals), Henry Clift (bass guitar, vocals), and James Hamilton (guitar, vocals), provide the perfect musical backdrop for Ted Z's evocative storytelling. With their tight rhythms, explosive guitar solos, and soulful thick vocal harmonies, the band adds depth and texture to Ted Z's songs, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
Since their formation, Ted Z and the Wranglers have built a loyal following with their electrifying live performances and catchy Americana tunes. Sharing bills with heavy hitters including Lynyrd Skynyrd and Steppenwolf among others, the band brings their relentless energy and passion to every show.
Their first label release Ghost Train was recorded at Yellow Dog Studios in Wimberley, Texas and produced by Monte Byrom (Big House, Eddie Money). The 11 track album received acclaim from the likes of PopMatters and catapulted them into the spotlight. Their 2019 album release Southland was featured in Billboard, with the outlet praising their music as "a foot-stomping honky tonk revival".
2024 will see the release of the band's brand new album Kerosene. The album is a continuation of the evolution of their songwriting, incorporating more rock elements while staying true to their sound. Ted Z shares, "I believe that this album is our best work thus far. It offers moments of contemplation but is also a fun and cohesive sonic ride. We want our listeners to be able to spin the entire album and feel a full gamut of emotions. It took a few years to finish this project, but that let us road-test these songs and grow together as a band, and I think you can hear that in the arrangements and performances." The full length was recorded and mixed by drummer Marcos de la Cruz at Firefly Music Studio in Orange County, California. Leading single "Right That Wrong" is a twist on a classic love story, incorporating a call to action for the lovers to live in the moment and understand the fleeting nature of their existence. "The song ignites the heart's desire to follow our passion and take a chance on chasing dreams," proclaims Ted Z.
Ted Z and the Wranglers are planning an extensive US and European tour to support the album release. With their unmistakable sound and undeniable talent, they continue to captivate audiences and earn critical acclaim wherever they go. Whether they're performing classic favorites or debuting new material, one thing is certain: Ted Z and the Wranglers are here to stay, leaving their mark on the American music scene one unforgettable song at a time.
Website - https://www.tedzandthewranglers.com/
Switchback
-Michigan-
There is a point in certain musicians’ careers where their music begins to be recognized for its influence on others. At that point, they cease to be part of the crowd, but rather, the standard to build upon. The duo Switchback, has become such a standard, with critical recognition of their contribution to Celtic and Americana music, as well as their overall success as consummate entertainers.
American Songwriter Magazine (who placed them alongside Americana icon Steve Earle) praised Switchback as one of the seminal groups to blend American roots and traditional Celtic styles. Switchback’s hybrid has an energy and joyous abandon that Matt Malloy of The Chieftains proclaimed “powerful!”
In his review of their music, Ron Pen, professor and Director of the John Jacob Niles Center for American Music’s (division of musicology and ethnomusicology at the University of Kentucky) says Switchback is “more than Americana-it is America itself.“
Peggie Miller of the The Courier in Montgomery County, Texas writes, "Not in recent memory has the Crighton Theatre, through the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society, hosted so personable a duo...Their voices blended in heart-tugging harmony, and they made more music with two guitars, a sometimes mandolin, and those voices than some six piece bands produce."
With three PBS specials, music on NBC, and appearances with the Moody Blues, Jethro Burns, Clifton Chenier, John Hartford, Leon Russell, Dale Watson, the Chieftains, Liz Carol, Martin Hayes and many others, Switchback has earned a place among musical legends.
That said, it is perhaps the continuing mission of playing music for those who need it most, in prisons, special needs homes, schools, juvenile detention centers, and nursing facilities, that set them apart from their peers. As the creator of the National Poetry Slam and author Marc Smith said, “Switchback hits an everybody note.”