Mobetta Loretta: News

Hey everybody! I just wanted to let you know that I'm working with a new band! I'm very excited about it and wanted to introduce them to you: Guy Vanderveen (guitar), Professor Steve (Blues Harp), Tubby (Drums - also from the band "All Marbles") and Klutz (bass guitar). We're having our first show at the Little Fisherman on Friday, January 30th at 9:00 p.m.

Working with a band is so enjoyable! It poses many new opportunities for creating music by pooling the talents together of such a diverse group. It certainly is the difference between night and day from being a solo artist!

I love this group of musicians! I think you will too! Even though we can't think of a name for the band yet, we're calling ourselves, "Mobetta Loretta & Friends" because we are just that--and friends! These guys are laid-back and easy-going (just like me). And we love playing music together! Check out the photo posted in the gallery, courtesy of our photographer friend, Mike Ingram.

I always invite some friends to come up and join me for a song or two! I always love to have Blue Bird (Mia Mercado) and Cliff Vermillion join us for some songs! Heck, at our last gig at the Palms located in Wonder Valley, we had two members from the Sibley's join us: the drummer, James Sibley and the bass player, Thom Merrick, who backed us up with a rhythm section for the entire evening! It was a blast! Man, those guys are great! If you haven't heard them yet, go to www.myspace.com/thesibleys.

And of course, I always love being accompanied by Sean "Jukebox" Johnson on guitar! So you will never know what kind of surprises you will find at a Mobetta Loretta show!

One arrangement the new band has put together that I think you will like is in the song, "Freedom of the Heart." We have included an all new instrumental break (that is quite danceable) to include only drums and bass and an ending with all male voices (which I love). Also the blues originals that I normally do acoustically are kicked up a notch with the rhythm section carrying the song and the lead sections varying and are quite enjoyable to listen to.

We sure have fun playing music as a group! Isn't that what it's all about? So, come on over and join us this Friday evening, Jan. 30th at the Little Fisherman!

The Little Fisherman is located at 1175 W. Redlands Blvd., Redlands, CA 92373 Phone (909) 798-5998. Show starts at 7:00 p.m. with Cobalt Blue and Mobetta Loretta & Friends at 9:00 p.m.

I've been writing songs like crazy recently. I have a new project underway that has me delving into my roots, finding inspiration from my family tree. I'm tapping into the nation's consciousness, cleaving to the seeds of hope, finding renewal and the healing has begun.

These are important times. Our world views are changing. We are progressing in the human spirit with dignity and respect, beyond race, color or gender barriers from the past. These are important times--crucial because we are on the brink of a new way of thinking--a pioneer spirit! We learn from our past and find new ways to improve, change and become even better!

So far, I've written nine songs for my first full-length album. I think I will need about 3 or 4 more songs before we are done with the initial process of writing and arranging the music. I'm collaborating with guitarist/arranger, Sean "Jukebox" Johnson on the new material. Our writing sessions have been very fruitful and have continued to inspire me.

We are both very excited about getting into the studio to record the new album! I'll let you know how things progress as we get closer to putting the finishing touches on the new songs.

Love & respect,

Mobetta Loretta

Thanks to everyone who voted in the Presidential Election! We made history! These are exciting times we are living in!

I have spent many hours editing the original version of my video, "Bring Us Hope." This new version is more synched-up than the first. Noneless, I hope that you will listen and watch this election very closely. I have much faith in Barack Obama! I am very excited about this election. I think many people have placed their faith in Barack. We are believing in the positive nature in humanity again! We are thinking in the right direction! Let's go Barack!!!

Bring Us Hope (New Edition)

If you want to make a difference, you can! Register to vote through my weblink at Rock the Vote!

Just click on the link and you will be taken directly to Rock the Vote, secure registration!

By registering with my private link, you will also give me a chance to open for the "DemROCKracy Concert" event at both the Democratic and Republican conventions to take place in Denver, Co!!!!

Make your voice heard! Register today!

Thanks for making a difference!

As a Folk Rock artist, I always enjoy making a political statement!

My latest video, called "Bring Us Hope" was inspired by Presidential Hopeful, Barack Obama. It is posted on Youtube.com. If you get a chance, please view it and leave me your comments!

My hope is that this video will inspire you to join the movement! Perhaps you will volunteer, or tell your friends about it!

Obama Mania is on!

I am pleased to announce very special musical guests, David Vidal and John Amos will be joining me on Friday, June 27th from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Riverside Plaza (located at the West end near El Torito).

This fabulous duo also known as the "Damn Coyotes" are currently on tour throughout the Western U.S. They are taking time out of their schedules to stop by and give us a special treat!

David Vidal plays acoustic blues, with infusions of New Orleans funk, hard core country and huge doses of original whimsy. Brought to a hard boil and turned down to a slow simmer.
Influenced by bluesmen like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, country icons like Hank Williams and Merle Haggard, latter day practitioners like Ry Cooder, Taj Mahal and Tom Waits, Vidal's music defies easy categorization and transcends expectations.

In addition to being an award winning songwriter, Vidal's guitar, harmonica and vocalizations have been featured on a number of recordings, films and television shows, including the Oscar winning My Cousin Vinny and the hit series Friday Night Lights. He also produced and played on Detroit singing phenom Laura Creamer's debut CD, featuring guest performances by Eagles Joe Walsh and Glen Frey.

John Amos' style is uniquely fresh and creative. His textured, expressive voice ensnares the listener and takes them to the heart of his lyrics. He has a rare and profound humor regarding the human condition of love, heartbreak and all that falls between.

His original scores and provocative lyrics have won him praise and accompaniment on "Bending the Light" from such noteworthy players as singer/songwriter Keith Sykes, LLoyd Maines, Mark Andes, Kevin Welch, Jed and Kelley, and Michael Hearne.

Amos' CD entitled, "Bending the Light" is continuing to climb Americana Radio charts and is gaining critical acclaim.

For more information and to listen to samples of David Vidal's music, please visit: http://www.myspace.com/davidvidal. For more information on recording artist, John Amos, please visit: http://www.myspace.com/bendingthelight.

On June 21st, 2008 - Mobetta Loretta will be performing at 6:00 p.m. on the Americana Stage at the Armory Center for the Arts, located at 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103. Also appearing on the Americana Stage will be David Vidal, John Amos, Dorian Cheah, Dead Rock West and many, many more!

If you love music, you will absolutely love this event: Fête de La Musique coming on Saturday, June 21st from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. in Old Town Pasadena. You will find six stages of eclectic artists, from major label French and American artists such as the Plasticines and the Raveonettes to emerging artists from all genres including World Music, Jazz and Americana. You won’t want to miss Make Music Pasadena!

Fête de La Musique began as a French cultural event to bring free concerts to the masses. It is an interesting mix of amateur and professional musicians, performing on street corners, sidewalks, cafés, rooftops and basically, anywhere someone can find a spot, all brought together to showcase artistic expression! There will also be six main stages with a fantastic lineup of artists all day long!

Make Music Pasadena is presented in part by Levitt Pavilions Free Music across America and is produced by One Colorado, Old Pasadena Management District, Playhouse District Association, Pasadena Arts Council, Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau, Armory Center for the Arts, the Alliance Française de Pasadena, French Cultural Services in Los Angeles and FLAX, France Los Angeles Exchange.

Be sure to check out the Make Music Pasadena website for a complete lineup and set times at http://makemusicpasadena.org/program.html.

Hey Folks!

Just wanted to let you know about my next show coming up at the Cat Club on Monday, May 19th! Join us for Acoustic Indie Music Night at one of the hottest music venues on the Strip! The Cat Club is owned by the legendary drummer of the Stray Cats, Slim Jim Phantom!

I don't know about you, but I've been a fan of the Stray Cats for years! I'm really excited about this show!

The only thing that bums me out is that my late drummer, Gary, will not be banging on the drum kit that Slim Jim sets up on the stage for bands to borrow!

However, I will have some very special guests joining me! My set begins at 8:30 p.m. and will include several blues numbers and a little rockabilly for you cats out there!

The Cat Club is located at 8111 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90069. Phone (310) 657-0888. There is an $8 cover charge at the door/$5 with the flyer.

For more information you may visit http://myspace.com/thecatclub.

Coming up--Lake Alice Country Night with our special friends, Bucksworth!

This will be an evening with great music from several local bands beginning at 8:00 p.m. with Chris Leroy from Death of Me www.myspace.com/deathofmeband and www.myspace.com/thejohnnyhickmanchrisleroysongbook, Mobetta Loretta scheduled for 8:30 p.m., The Last Americans. www.myspace.com/thelastamericans and headlining will be Bucksworth! www.myspace.com/bucksworth
Lake Alice Trading Company is a sports bar and grill, located in downtown Riverside at 3616 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501. (951) 686-7343. www.myspace.com/lakealicetradingco
Lake Alice was voted the best sports bar and the Best LIVE Music Bar in the Inland Empire by the Press Enterprise Reader's Choice Award for 9 consecutive years!

An exciting show is coming up on Saturday, April 19th located at the Riverside Plaza from 7-9:00 p.m.

The evening will be shared with some very special friends for a show entitled, "A Celebration of Women Singer/Songwriters."

Kicking off the event will be singer/actress, Blue Bird, who will be sharing some of her favorite tunes with us www.myspace.com/bluebirdmusic. Also joining us will be Crystal McKee, I.E. Music Awards winner for Best Pop Artist www.myspace.com/crystalmckee.

We will be playing at the west end of the Plaza between El Torito and Chico's. It will be a fun night of women & song as we harmonize and share our favorite songs with you.

So please, come on out, bring your chairs and enjoy the show!

A Memorial Service will be held for Drummer and Friend, Gary Van Noty on Saturday, April 5th at 3:00 p.m. at the La Sierra University Church located at 4937 Sierra Vista Ave., Riverside, CA 92505.

Peace Be With You.

Dear friends, family, fellow muscians, fans & new visitors who just found my website: I have very unfortunate news--my drummer, Gary Van Noty had a heart attack and passed away early Tuesday morning, 3/25/08 at approximately 7:00 a.m. It came as a shock to his family and friends, since Gary had no family history of heart failure.

Gary was survived by his wife, Pam, who he was married to for 27 years, his two sons, Travis-age 21 and Geoff-age 18 and his father, who he was very close to.

Gary was an avid church-goer, actively participating in church and praise bands throughout his life. His religion was a way of life.

Gary learned to play the drums when he was only ten years old. His main influence was the legendary, Buddy Rich. Gary enjoyed jazz and rock music, especially Led Zeppelin. I was privileged to play with Gary and to have him as a friend.

His excellent muscianship was surpassed only by his devotion to God, to his wife, Pam and his family. He was a great father and teacher. He taught us how to be kind, loving and accepting. His life was a noble example of what it means to live and walk in love. Gary was only 54 years old. Peace be with you, Gary...You will be missed.

Just wanted to tell you all about my upcoming concert with David Serby & The Sidewinders at the Vault on Saturday, March 29th at 9:00 p.m. I've played with David Serby & The Sidewinders before and was very impressed! David & the Band are top notch! They sound a little like Dave Alvin and have a cool Bakersfield sound! If you haven't heard them before, you have to check them out! If you've seen them before, well then, you know what I mean! You can hear a sample of their music at www.myspace.com/davidserby. The Vault Martini Bar is located at 14 E. Vine St.,
Redlands, CA 92373.

Fresh, live tracks from our show at the Mint in Los Angeles are now posted on myspace! There are two FREE, new tracks now available for downloading at http://www.myspace.com/meetmobettaloretta. Or if you want to support the band, please feel free to purchase them for only $ .99 each.

The first track is an original song called, "Granny's Flat." The second is also an original number entitled, "Think 'Bout Where You're Goin'." Both tracks are influenced by roots music and blues.

"Granny's Flat" is a little country shuffle depicting an Elvis on the Fly influence, "Uh-uh-huh!" and an early Beatles, "Yeah, yeah, yeah!" The song, "Think 'Bout Where You're Goin'" is a blues song infiltrated with a little rockabilly back beat and the remembrance of the classic "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johny Cash.

These have been made available for purchase exclusively through Snocap.com. You may also find a Snocap Store located on this web site under the "Products" tab or you may also visit myspace. The cost is only $ .99 per track and have been released solely through digital distribution.


The original 5-song EP is still also available for individual download or you may dowload the entire album via Snocap as well as, iTunes and Rhapsody.com.

We will be at the Coffee Depot playing regular dates, (every 2nd Sunday of the month) beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Coffee Depot is located at 3405 Riverside Plaza Dr., Riverside, CA 92507, Phone: 951-222-2219. Please stop by and join us!

For more information on the Coffee Depot, you may visit their web site at http://www.myspace.com/coffeedepot.

Hello,

Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving with family and friends! Now, December is upon us and Christmas is right around the corner! Phew! Time sure flies when you're making music! I feel like, "Where did the year go???"

Well, I'm excited to be playing with two talented musicians. Some of you may already know, Sean "Jukebox" Johnson who plays outstanding lead guitar. We just recently added a drummer by the name of Gary Van Noty who used to play with my dear friend, "Curry" Chris Harter, blues harp player. Gary and Curry used to belong to a praise band way back in the day, before Curry became "Taoist." Curry has recently moved back to Des Moines, Iowa to be near his aging parents. We will miss him, but we commend him for making the move! Afterall, his parents are in need of his presence.

Both Sean and Gary are accomplished musicians that know loads of music theory and make me feel quite intimidated with my street knowledge. I call it my "ghetto-style" of playing guitar, you know--the way you play by ear and imitate what you hear.

Well, I may have missed my chance to go to music school, but I haven't missed my chance to make my dreams come true! I'm continuing to perform and write new songs! Yes siree, I am living my dreams on a daily basis!

I've almost sold out of my debut EP! Thanks to those of you who have picked up a copy or have downloaded the songs from iTunes, Rhapsody.com or Napster, to mention a few. Just to let you know, MP3s are now also available on my myspace page from SnoCap.com.

I'm hoping to get back into the studio in 2008! So keep posted for more on upcoming releases!

Thanks for your support! Have a wonderful Christmas and HAPPY and SAFE New Year!!!!

Love,
Mobetta Loretta

Two exciting shows coming up at the MInt in L.A.!!! The first will be on Wednesday, December 12th at 9:30 p.m. with the band plus a special "unplugged" solo acoustic show on Sunday, December 16th at 7:30 p.m.

Hope to see you there!
http://events.la.com/los-angeles-ca/events/show/80952786-mobetta-loretta

If you haven't had the chance to catch the exclusive interview with Mobetta Loretta on Hispanic Lifestyle, it will be rebroadcast on KPBS-KVCR, Channel 24 on Friday, November 29th at 7:00 p.m. Tune in to find out what Mobetta reveals and who inspires her writing and music!

The Redlands Underground will be hosting an all-female showcase featuring the Slater Sisters with Mobetta Loretta and many others to be announced! The event will be on Thursday, November 1, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. located at 19 E. Citrus, Ste. 103 (Cope Bldg.) Redlands, CA 92373. Phone 909-798-1500.

Please come out and support your local female musicians and the Redlands Underground!

For more information please visit: http://www.myspace.com/redlandsunderground

Sorry to inform you all that the Redlands Music Festival scheduled for Sunday, October 21, 2007 will be postponed until the Spring of 2008 or until further notice!

We ask that the businesses and residents of Redlands be willing to support such a needed music program in the Spring of 2008. We also ask for your help in raising awareness about the proposed event to help increase the value that musicians are worth in this community! Demand it!!!

Thanks for your support!

Hello!

Well, the performance went well during the live taping of the show, "Hispanic Lifestyle" last weekend! It was a great learning experience to see how a live production is run! I am thrilled about the increased exposure the broadcasting will bring to my music! The range of broadcast is from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA. The show is scheduled to air on Saturday, 9/29/07 at 7:30 p.m. on KPBS-KVCR, Channel 24 on Satellite and Channel 9 for Desert Cities TV.

http://kvcr.org/tvprograms1.htm

Mobetta Loretta will be featured at a live taping this Saturday, September 22, 2007 for the PBS show 'Hispanic Lifestyle" http://www.hispaniclifestyle.com. The show focuses on hispanics who have a positive impact on their communities.

The television show will be filmed in front of a live audience at the Ontario Mills Mall at 1:30 p.m. located in the Food Court area.

Please feel free to join us for the live taping! Bring your signs and loud cheers in support of local music!

Keep posted for more information on the airing of the live performance on television!

On Sunday, September 16, 2007, to be held at the Vault, the Redlands for Darfur Awareness will be hosting their first event to help raise awareness in the community about the ongoing genocide in Darfur. Please stop in and listen to some great music, view film screenings, hear public speakers and write your own letter to congress! This will be an all day event starting from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. Mobetta Loretta performance starts at 12:15 p.m.

Mobetta Loretta will be opening for Illinois-raised singer/guitarist, David Serby on August 18th at the Vault, located in Redlands, CA. David Serby, currently based out of South Pasadena, was the only unsigned act to perform at Coachella's first annual, "Stagecoach" festival this year (the country counterpart to the annual Coachella rock festival). Serby http://www.davidserby.com is receiving rave reviews for his new album, "Another Sleepless Night" and being recognized in country circles internationally. So, mark your calendars because you won't want to miss this exciting show! Show starts at 9:00 p.m.