Festival Director Don Franken, right, with actor Paul Dooley at the film announcement party on Feb. 28 at Pierce College.
Film Selections Announced
At Sneak Peak Party on Feb. 28
Calabasas, Calif., Feb. 28, 2008 - A film lineup for the 10th annual The Method Fest independent film festival featuring 19 feature films and four dozen shorts was announced at a Sneak Preview Party today at Pierce College's Performing Arts Center. The Sneak Preview Party, presented by LA.COM and the Los Angeles Daily News, attracted local filmmakers and star actors from the selected films. The feature films and shorts have been selected to play in the festival, slated for March 27 April 3 in Calabasas. Click Films and Shorts (or Films in this website's masthead) to access a synopsis of the selected works. |
Indie Music To Be a Big Part of Celebration At 10th Annual The Method Fest
Please see Event Schedule | Film/Shorts Screening Schedule
Calabasas, California, March 25, 2008 - As it has in past years, Indie Music will be a big part of the daily post-screening scene as The Method Fest Independent Film Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2008.
Indie Music is an essential part of quality Independent films, so it is no surprise that it is featured every night at The Method Fest. The music events at The Method Fest are presented by Songsalive!, and Toni Koch heads music programming for the festival, with assistance from Derek Horne, Co-Head shorts programmer for The Method Fest.
The Organizations supporting the event include NARIP, NSAI, LAWIM, LAMN, LAMU, SongNet and other national songwriter organizations having their talent booked for The Method Fest.
The 2008 Method Fest music schedule features:
• Wed., Mar. 26, 7:00 10:00pm; Leonis Adobe
Johnny Mozzei of JohnnyfromKings (solo) 7:30pm 8:30pm
Songwriter Johnny Moezzi has been lead-guitarist to "living-legend" Los Angeles blues-diva, Miss Mickey Champion for the past 5 years. Johnny's music has been described as "beatnik-blues." Johnny band, "JohnnyFromKing's", new debut album "Angel City Letter" is available now online and in person.
Scott Bergman (solo) 8:30pm 9:30pm
Described as exceptional pop rock songwriting with an acoustic vibe, it's understated with a very distinctive vocal style. Influenced by David Gray, Nick Drake, Bono, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, and the Beatles, J Scott Bergman continues to evolve with mysteriously evocative songs of love and hope.
Performers are aware time is approximate depending on presentations timeline
• Thurs., Mar. 27, 9:30pm 12:30am; Calabasas Inn
Angelique Music 9:30pm 10:00pm
A prolific and socially conscious singer-songwriter has appeared on the horizon and her name is Angelique. Multi lingual Angelique's funky neo-soul "World Bop" melange of musical styles is reflective and passionately soulful. Angelique's penchant for writing good songs with social and universal appeal guarantee her a long and successful career in contemporary music. Angelique is a breath of fresh air with a style that's got heart, class and soul.
Kathy Compton 10:10pm 11:00pm
If Madonna and Gershwin had a love child, Kathy Compton would be it. Poppy songs under the influence of jazz, whimsical and heartbreaking-music for drunken angels. Kathy confides, "I've always been intrigued by the shared energy that exists between an audience and an artist. I want to feel good and I want to make people feel good without misgiving or reservation."
Kelly's Lot 11:10pm 12:15am
Kelly's Lot is a Los Angeles band that weaves a bluesy-folk influence with a blues/rock foundation. Selections from their diverse collection of original songs, form a dynamic set of sometimes mellow and moody; sometimes raucous and radiant;but always soul searching lyrics. Kelly Z leads "the Lot" which consists of Rob Zucca on lead guitar, bass player Mark Drews, Sebastian Sheehan on drums and percussion, Bill Johnston on Sax and Perry Robertson playing rhythm guitar.
• Fri., Mar. 28, 9:30pm 12:30am;
Chapter 8.
DJ provided by Chapter 8
• Sat., Mar. 29, 6:15pm 7:10pm Louis B. Mayer Theatre and Sat.,
• Mar. 29, 9:15pm 10:10pm Prudential Building
Afro Beat Down (drum circle rhythms)
AfroBeat Down: L.A. 's Premier Afrobeat Ensemble had a few of their members to entertain us tonight. Afrobeatdown delivers driving, raw, un-cut African Funk straight to your Nyash; making your body move and shake to the rhythms of Nigeria circa 1970. ABD's members are inspired and dedicated to maintaining the Afrobeat musical tradition; the legacy of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. ABD's message is fused in Power packed, Political, Polyrhythmic Consciousness focused on bringing people together to fight Oppression and enjoy a peaceful, light filled life. Aloha.
• Sun., Mar. 30, 9:30pm 12:00am; Agoura Community Center
Kelly Fitzgerald 9:30pm 10:05pm
Singer/Songwriter Kelly Fitzgerald has toured all over the world as a solo and ensemble performer, sharing the stage with artists such as Shelby Lynne, Nancy Griffith, Cheap Trick, Eddie Money, Vonda Shepard, the Gin Blossoms and many others. Kelly and her band have been nominated twice by the LA Music Awards and won Album of the Year for their debut effort in 2000. Kelly and her band had the pleasure of recording their 2nd album with Grammy Award Winning producer Jack Douglas.
James Hurley 10:15pm 10:50pm
For James, "Performing live is where the magic is. There's a thing that happens when you're performing that reveals the commonalities of the human experience." At shows he'll share songs from "The Sun And The Moon," along with selections from his previous self-titled release. For him, the current tour is, "Something of a reawakening. It's elemental. No band, no amps, no drums. Just one man armed only with his guitar and his voice. There's something inherently musical in that formula.
Celia Chavez Trio 11:00pm 11:35pm
Celia Chavez worked non-stop in both Seattle and New York as a session vocalist, a backup vocalist, a songwriter, a jingle writer, and a musician. She co-wrote and has vocals featured on European trance hits by Cosmic Culture as well as Swiss producer DJ Spoke. She sang with reggae legend Burning Spear on his Grammy-nominated album Our Music and is featured in the studio footage of the album's DVD. Celia's new cd, "Sailor's Daughter" is available now.
Darryl Blood Band 11:45pm 12:30am
With musical influences from the Beatles to Beck, DARRYL BLOOD merges 60's Folk with modern Indie Rock. Seeping through his musical past can be heard an array of heroes including Nick Drake, Donovan, Syd Barrett and Neil Young, and modern artists Ryan Adams, Elliott Smith, Wilco and Radiohead. Whether it be songs for the weary traveler or the wounded at heart, Darryl Blood's music will stay with you.
• Tues., Apr. 1; 9:30pm 12:30am; Calitalia Restaurant
Joselyn and Wild Root 9:30pm 10:05pm
The music of Joselyn & wild roots rides in on a funky, percussive
wind, reminding you that music, real and primal, comes raw with
unexplained metaphors, dancing close with a smile for your soul. On
her CD, "ShapeShifting", Joselyn's voice soothes with spoken word and
soulful melody, while catching your spirit in the sudden excitement that something
is coming.
Mike Vitale 10:15pm 11:00pm
Mike's bio reads "So, the PERFECT words for friendly conversation escape you? You say, "It's on the tip of my tongue." Well, I beg to differ. In actuality, those words are not on the tip of your tongue at all. I stole them and used them in my songs." We're glad he did.
Jackie Bristow 11:00pm 12:00am
It's a long way from Gore, New Zealand to sharing a stage with the likes of Madeleine Peyroux, Art Garfunkel and Daniel Lanois. It all sounds pretty exciting and exotic in former Gore musician Jackie Bristow's world. 2007 has seen Jackie secure exposure for her music in stores across 7,000 Starbucks locations in the USA, as well as New Zealand and Australia. Jackie can be seen on the brand new in store screens throughout New York and Seattle and through the highlighted show "Contemporary Grind". Bristow's songs have featured on hit Australian television shows "The Secret Life Of U" and "Home And Away", and in 2004 her song "Carry Me Away" featured in the Australian movie "Go Big".
• Wed., Apr. 2; 9:30pm 12:00am; The Rack
The High Priestess (duo with Harp/percussion/keyboards)
High Priestess's moon-washed vocals bring the lilting, lyrical sense of Bjork to grips with a smooth CCR-like jazzy background. Reminiscent of Enya at times, Tori, Voltaire...the High Priestess's music is honestly written from her heart, with celtic, jazz, rock, and gothic overtones. There is no category for this slightly psychedelic folk artist but her music is definitely ultra dimensional and refreshingly ethereal with very earthy moods mixed in to make you move to the natural rhythms.
• Thurs., Apr. 3; 9:00pm 12:30am; Sagebrush Cantina
Outside Stage:
Sara Petite Band 9:15pm 10:00pm
Sara Petite is a modern-day June Carter with the lyrical sense of Dolly Parton. With strong roots in classic country, bluegrass and classic rock, she falls firmly under the genre of Americana. Sara's inspiration for songwriting comes from fond memories of home and her many travels throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Western and Eastern Europe. Sara has opened for great acts such as Todd Snider, Ralph Stanley, Lance Miller and Bert Jansch. Influences include: Dolly Parton, Steve Earle, Shelby Lynne, Todd Snider, Hank Williams, the Beatles, John Mellencamp, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen.
Laura Bradley Band 10:15 11:00pm
Miami/L.A. singer, songwriter and musician Laura Bradley creates a singular pop sound that is haunting, languid and lush on her new CD Rain. Evocative of Sarah McLachlan and Amy Lee of Evanescence, Laura's classical three-octave range has a pop sensibility all its own as she performs an anthology of her poignant stories of love, loss and longing back by her powerhouse band. Recently returned from the east coast, Laura has opened for Dionne Warwick and currently has released a CD, "Prayers", that has songs performed in 5 different languages.
Inside Stage:
Wayne Storm 9:00pm 9:25pm
Wayne Storm is an Actor/Singer/Musician now working as a screenwriter and songwriter, residing in Encine, CA. Wayne, who's first love is music, started his career in the business recording on Decca and MCA Records and performed at Carnegie Hall opening for the Dave Clark Five. Wayne was cast in the movie "The Sting", which brought him out to Hollywood for a long career in acting with some incredible tv credits and movies including Pennies from Heaven, They Call me Bruce and Pink Cadillac with Clint Eastwood.
Mister B 9:30pm 9:55pm (trio)
With his distinctive Roy Orbison-meets-U2 vocal style and his high powered performance of original and familiar songs MisterB is a great live show! A remarkable songwriter as well as performer, MisterB's songs are consistently getting airplay on college and internet radio. His two songs, Lucky Stone and Doo Wop Boys, have been placed in indie films.
Manda 10:05pm 10:35pm
In 2005 Manda won the LA Music Award for Independent Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year, and in 2006 she won the LAMA for Rock Single of the Year. Manda just completed her independent debut album produced by Guy Erez entitled "Keeps On Turning." Manda's style appeals to those who appreciate Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Lucinda Williams.
Amy Clarke 10:45pm 11:30pm
Award-winning performing & recording artist Amy Clarke crafts an eclectic blend of keyboard-driven alternative pop/rock with soul and emotional depth. Blending her classical training with her modern electronic influences, she is a dynamic performing artist - whether commanding a grand piano, accompanying herself on percussion, or mixing effects on her synth keyboard. Amy recently was honored with her second ASCAP Plus award in January 2008.
Jacqui Hylton Band - 11:40 - 12:15am
Born with a passion to inspire and ignite, Canadian singer/songwriter Jacqui Hylton uses music as a tool for healing and emancipation. Lush vocals are delicately garnished with acoustic guitars, cello, violins and tablas. Jacqui began her career as a vocalist and is noted for her performances with Oscar Peterson's protege Ken Skinner and the Jazz Mongers, John Tesh's principle violinist Jim Sitterly and champion cellist Marston Smith. She has also taken the stage with LA's dynamic CrossHart Jazz duo, headed by the inordinately talented bassist Ryan Cross and his sensational partner drummer Lorca Hart. |
