News for January 2025
January 2025
Hello everyone and happy new year!
As we step into this year, it’s clear that many of us in Los Angeles have faced a challenging start, and our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating fire crisis that has impacted our beloved community. While my family and I are grateful to be safe, we feel a deep sadness for the countless Angelenos navigating this difficult time. It’s essential to acknowledge the broader struggles around us and to foster a spirit of gratitude for our own safety. I encourage everyone, whether near or far, to consider supporting local organizations that are tirelessly working to provide aid and assistance to those in need during this emergency. Together, we can embody the values of compassion and collective responsibility that are so integral to the folk music scene, reminding us that even in tough times, we can find strength in our shared stories and connections. Let us remember that music and community can be powerful sources of comfort and resilience, guiding us through these trying moments with hope and unity.
I greet you all to welcome you to a new year of music for The New Folk Ensemble. We have lots to tell you about!
Our new music video of Karla Bonoff’s song “Home” debuted in December of 2024 and is a beautiful testament to the power of love, family and community. The band was joined by our wonderful guest artists, Andy Hill and Renee Safier, who contributed great music and even greater heart. Find it here: “Home” from the New Folk Ensemble.
Also last fall, the band debuted a new show we’re calling “Diamonds in the Rough: Great songs by great songwriters.” Finding hidden gems in and among the hits by some of the greatest Americana songwriters in the world has been an exciting discovery. With tunes by Linda Thompson, Gillian Welch, Steve Earle, Iris Dement, John Prine, John Lennon and others, our show has been delighting audiences since last September.
We brought our year to a close with a triumphant return to Boulevard Music in Culver City, California, once again in collaboration with one of the world’s finest lead guitarist, Grammy winning Laurence Juber. Leading the charge on our American Songbook collection, Laurence and the band rocked a sold-out crowd to a standing ovation, with songs such as “Embraceable You,” “Stardust” and “The Frim Fram Sauce.” The entire six song set was filmed and edited into a long-form video that I hope you will watch here: The Standards Set with Laurence Juber.
Our first set of that night was also filmed in a fun video montage: The Americana Set
You can see all of these shows on YouTube, and why not do even better and become a subscriber to our channel! Find it here: The Susie Glaze New Folk Ensemble on YouTube
Now the new year brings a great line up of shows, beginning with a favorite venue of ours that we return to after years away, Russ and Julie’s House Concerts in Oak Park, California on Saturday, February 8. This venue is always a highlight for us during any program year, and this year will be no exception. You can RSVP here:
Russ and Julie’s House Concert RSVP
Next up will be another return after years away, to The San Diego Folk Heritage Society, on Sunday, April 27 for an afternoon show. Find the tickets and info here: San Diego Folk Heritage Tickets
Returning on May 17 to Live at the A-Frame, we will be in concert alongside a wonderful new group, Stepwise. Find tickets here:
Live at the A-Frame Ticket Link
I’m happy to announce that I’ve been invited to return to the teaching faculty once again for the Yosemite Songwriting Virtual Retreat February 8 and 9. All songwriters out there! I highly recommend this great gathering and teaching event. Check them out here: Yosemite Songwriting Retreat
We hope to see you at a show or two this year, and we send you our best wishes for a safe, abundant and happy new year!
Susie and the New Folk Ensemble
