I just learned about the following. Perfect timing, I have a class just down the road and plan on leaving early for this:

Instore CD signing with Ry Cooder - 7/16/2005 12:00 PM
Tower Monterey Park (2331 S. Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA )


Mention the name Ry Cooder, and anyone who knows anything about music will probably have a great story about a Ry Cooder show, or a favorite Ry Cooder record. Beginning his musical career in the 1960s, Cooder was best known for his early work with critically acclaimed artist such as Captain Beefheart, Taj Mahal, and Jackie DeShannon. Later years would find him laying down tracks with Randy Newman, Gordon Lightfoot, and The Rolling Stones, not to mention writing and producing a slew of his own solo records. Cooders most recent successes include his collaboration with Ibrahim Ferrer, Compay Segundo, Ruben Gonzales, and Eliades Ochoa on the Grammy award winning Buena Vista Social Club release.



Cooders latest release, Chavez Ravine includes performances by local Los Angeles artists Little Willie G, Don Tosti, and Lalo Guerrero. With lyrics in both English and Spanish, Chavez Ravine is a collection of both radio friendly and eclectic numbers that spotlight Cooders songwriting ability, bouncing from rock to rumba, from polka to corridos, and so much more.



If youve been waiting for a chance to meet this legendary sonwriter, producer, and performer, your wait is over. Ry Cooder will be appearing at the Tower Records in Montery Park for an exclusive, and quite rare CD signing instore event. The event will take place on Saturday July 16 at 12:00 p.m, and Ry will be signing copies of his latest release, Chavez Ravine. Dont worry if you havent already purchased your copy of Chavez Ravine  well have plenty on hand, sale priced at 15.99 while supplies last through July 31, 2005.



Please feel free to call us at (323) 262-1211 for further information

Bumping for my local homies.

i was once a local homey

Yes, you were. Now, you're a faraway homie.

Today.

I had no idea there was a Tower in MP. Of all places...

that would be cool to see. his album with ali farka toure is great and the paris, tx soundtrack is one of my alltime favs.

c.

After spending about an hour under a hot sun in Monterey Park, I was finally allowed into Tower Records with about 5 other people. I don't know why I thought there would be an instore performance and was slightly disappointed to learn it was an autograph signing only. Truthfully, it really didn't matter. Cuz aside from Ry Cooder, I also got to meet Lil' Willie G, Flaco Jimenez and the Arvizu Sisters -- all who perform on Chavez Ravine. Fuckin' legendary performers whose names I had heard growing up in East Los Angeles. (Harry, I bet you would've loved to have been here.)

I'll tell ya, what made the sun bearable was meeting an older couple standing behind me. The gentleman was born and grew up in Chavez Ravine (my dad lived there for awhile too when he moved from Texas) and it was interesting listening him talk about the photos in the album booklet. "You see this house, son? That's where I used to live." Being an LA native, I sometimes forget how rich my city's history is -- good and bad -- and I loved hearing my dad's stories from those days. About the pachucos, the Zoot Suits...a different era.

It's been a good afternoon.