The Standard

Sit back, relax, and enjoy! It’s time for another fantastic music filled Wednesday at The Standard, Hollywood’s Desert Nights. At Desert Nights the weather is warm, the drinks are cool, and vibe is chill.

Kris Orlowski: Kris Orlowski’s honest folk-pop songs offer you a story, a moment or a mood – from wistful to happy. Coming off a break out 2011 in the northwest that included debut performances at Bumbershoot, City Arts and sharing the stage with standout indie artists James Vincent McMorrow and Allen Stone this fall, he is getting a lot of attention. His released “Warsaw” with a four piece backing band in November and unless you’ve had your heart surgically removed, these are songs that will move you. Conjuring the spirit of Everyman may not be glamorous, but it’s also not easy. Orlowski writes from a real, unguarded place and that accessibility is tangible. There are no walls here — only a palpable honesty and really, really good songwriting.

Dawn Mitschele: Dawn Mitschele is at the top of a new generation of talented musicians thriving in the Southern California acoustic music scene. In January 2009, she was named by San Diego Magazine as one of “50 to Watch” in the new year, and her first album, “In the Moonlight” was praised by the San Diego Troubadour, describing Dawn as having “a firm grip on her artistic vision as well as the talent to bring it to fruition as she fearlessly explores folk, pop, jazz, Latin, and blues sounds.” It is Dawn’s truly angelic voice and honest lyrics that grab and retain the listener’s attention and keep her loyal fans hooked on her sound. Dawn Mitschele is dedicated to producing honest music founded in love and gratitude, and she hopes to carry this message to her listeners, especially during live shows. After a recent performance, a local musician expressed that, “people were just hanging on to her every word. I think that’s the difference between someone who sings a song and someone who truly believes what they are saying.”

Niilo: Niilo Smeds is a California-based singer and guitarist supporting his self-released debut, “Helicopter Circles.” His music carries echoes of Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed along with Central Valley forebears like Pavement and Grandaddy. “The sound of working-class rock gospel, steeped in Central Valley dust, shots of whiskey, and simmering blood.” - Jefferson Beavers / fresnofamous.com

What is Desert Nights?

Desert Nights is a weekly gathering at The Standard, Hollywood, hosted by KCRW’s DJ Valida. Every Wednesday, Valida curates three acoustic musical acts to perform a set in the Cactus Lounge. The vibe is warm and intimate, evoking an impromptu jam in a musician’s living room. The music begins at 7:30pm, it’s always free and always a good time. Guaranteed.