The Standard

Join us this Wednesday for a very special Desert Nights benefiting Japan.  We’re going to kick it off a little earlier this week at 7pm sharp and we’re taking our folk international. The first band on the line-up will be the traditional Japanese music group Matsutoyo Kai.  Followed by the very talented Farmer Dave Scher, the alluring Jason Simon, and the enchanting duo of Alanna Vicente & Jonny Flower.

(Click here to see Matsutoyo Kai perform)

Matsutoyo Kai is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting minyo, the traditional music of Japan.  In addition to singers Matsutoyo Kai’s line up for Desert Nights will also include traditional Japanese instruments, the shamisen, the traditional Japanese guitar, and taiko, the Japanese drum.  

(Farmer Dave Scher is a clever blogger)

LA, Venice Beach, Long Beach, New York , Arrrriiiba San Miguel de Allende…..HEY, it’s Farmer DAVE! Farmer Dave Scher of Beachwoods Sparks and All Night Radio fame. In addition to his previously starry bands, pedal steel master Farmer Dave Scher is known for his strong appearances, production, and performances that include the likes of Jenny Lewis, Interpol, Elvis Costello, Jonathan Rice, and Vetiver. The pedigree of Dave’s projects comes close in hand with his debut album, filled with gorgeous lush arrangements and jams that reflect sunny JJ Cale meets Motown lovin. There’s something so quality about Dave’s honest marriage of nostalgia and now, Scher keeps country minded and blends it properly with psych, soul, surf, and tinge of B. Bacharach.

(Watch Jason Simon’s video here)

Jason Simon is the frontman of stoner-rock stalwarts Dead Meadow.  With Dead Meadow, Jason Simon has helped craft many captivating, hook-laden song while the band has enjoyed a successful, highly regarded decade-plus career. Simon’s “wispy tenor” and “mystical lyricism” have been called “mesmerizing” by Rolling Stone while his distorted axe riffs and wah-wah pedal effects have been said to “ooze early ’70s psych-rock power and experimentalism” by Spin. With his solo debut, Simon takes listeners through an acoustic wormhole by using the palette of spacey atmospherics, head-nodding prog-blues and pop sensibilities.

(Alanna Vicente has a lovely voice)

Singer Alanna Vicente met bassst Jonny Flower about a year ago and said simply: “let’s do something!”  Voila! That is how genius is born.

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What is Desert Nights?

Desert Nights is a weekly gathering at The Standard, Hollywood. Every Wednesday, we curate 3 musical acts to perform a special acoustic set in our hotel lounge. The vibe is warm and intimate, evoking an impromptu jam in a musician’s living room. Also, expect 2 clever cover songs delivered by each performer.  March 30th’s event starts at 7pm and we are requesting a $10 donation at the door.  All door proceeds benefit Japan relief.