We had such a good time at the Monkey House last month, we thought we’d do it again soon! Join us as we play a brunch-time couple of sets at the incomparable Burlington Hotel Sunday, June 29th from 11 AM - 1 PM. The Burlington Hotel ( http://thehotelburlington.com/ ) is a Victorian jewel located in the wee and magical town of Port Costa, CA close to the Benecia bridge in the North bay. Come let us serenade you as you sip freshly ground coffee and sample buttery fresh-baked pound cake and cornbread topped with local honey (just in case you need to provide sweetness to counter some of our bitter songs, tender as they may be. Best of all, it’s a free show!

We want to see your shining Sunday faces - join us in Port Costa!

Love,

We are happy to announce that after a lengthy respite Loretta Lynch will be playing out in full band format Saturday, May 31st at the Monkey House (1638 University Ave in Berkeley – right next to the pole dancing school ;-). We’ll be testing out some new material as well as hauling out some familiar tunes. Joining us to swap sets will be Monkey-in-chief Ira Marlowe himself, along with his own band including bassist Peter Gillette and some special guests.

Newsflash - Ira has just signed on to write music for the San Francisco Mime Troupe! Now we'll like 'em even more.

Haven’t been to the Monkey House? It’s truly a delightful, intimate and informal venue created for those who love music unadulterated by the sound of espresso machines and bar noise. Bring your own delicious beverages and snacks and meet new people (or curl up on a couch) while you watch and listen to your favorite local music on professional stage and sound system. Read more about the MH and other "living room stages" here:

http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/the-living-room-stage/Content?oid=3922270

Doors at 7, Show at 7:30 sharp. Reserve your seats now! reservations@themonkeyhouse.org (specify 5/31 Loretta Lynch show in the subject line!)

See you there,

Love,

Albert Schweitzer once said that “There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.” One might add dogs and maybe an occasional unique chicken to this, but there is no doubt about the music element. To that end we want to to let you know about some upcoming gigs – all Loretta-related! We’ve been busy busy busy, both working on the new material, collaborating with others and booking some solo gigs as well.

First, don’t miss our own Ari Fellows-Mannion for a night of dark and sparkling stories Saturday, April 26th at Ira Marlowe’s now-infamous Monkey House (1638 University Ave in Berkeley)! She’ll be sharing the bill with the Monkey-Master himself, Ira Marlowe, and with the fabulous High-Diving Horses (the duo of Danny & Laura Allen). Joining for Ari’s songs will be percussionist Chris Shirley. If you haven't been to the Monkey House yet, you are in for even more of a treat. It’s is a cool low-volume venue, all plush and dark, with excellent sound - you can actually hear the lyrics. (It's also a cheap date, as no refreshments are sold: you can bring your own, from swill to the most delicate of cordials.) Doors at 7:30, show from 8-10, all-ages. Reserve your spots & get more info here.

Then – the gals of Loretta are happy as (healthy) honeybees to be singing harmony vocals once again for the amazing Maurice Tani and 77 El Deora at the Freight and Salvage Friday, May 2nd. This is going to be an amazing night, as also joining Maurice will be bassist Mike Anderson, English songstress Pam Brandon, jazz pianist Randy Craig, violinist Steve Kallai and Ken Owen on the drums, and Jeanine "on-the-tambourine" Richardson on hand percussion. As Maurice says, the new Freight is certainly the nicest venue anyone on the Americana circuit can play. If you haven't been there yet either, know that it's designed from the ground up as a purpose-built, state-of-the-art, tuned concert hall for acoustic music. Even the seats are comfortable, custom designed, springy-back sorts. How far we have come! Get your tickets now! Doors 7 PM Show promptly at 8 PM http://thefreight.org/

As if this weren’t enough, Dan Olmsted’s band Dandeline will be playing at Port Costa’s historic Burlington Hotel Friday, May 30th. Another amazing venue, and an opportunity to see this sweet as cherry pie duo in a rare and intimate performance. And the show is FREE! For more info, visit www.thehotelburlington.com (Loretta will be playing there in full band format in late June – more on that soon!)

But wait – there’s more!!! Loretta will be playing the aforementioned Monkey House in full band format, with the ultra-talented Nathan Moy on cajón Saturday, May 31st! We’ll send more information about that soon, but be prepared for new songs to alternately tickle your funny bone and make you recall misspent youth.

Spring has sprung! Join us for some or all of these dates. We miss you!

Love,

We'll be taking a short hiatus this winter/early spring, but don't despair! We'll be back before you know it with brand spanking new material, ready to serenade you all!

See you soon,

Rain rain rain rain ... beautiful rain! Dunno if folks recall, but the last time it rained in the Bay Area Loretta was in cahoots with Maurice Tani and 77 El Deora, and whaddya know? It’s looking like rain again just as Loretta Lynch, Maurice Tani and 77 El Deora join forces again to play Berkeley’s Starry Plough this Friday night, Jan. 31st at 9 PM. Pure coincidence? Let us know your thoughts.

Loretta will start off the evening in full band mode, with new songs and old, and then the gals will hop up on stage with Maurice, Mike Anderson, John Hanes, David Phillips and Jeanine Richardson for a set of cleverly reworked covers singing back-up vocals. As if this weren't enough, Maurice will then play a full-on set of “Hillbilly Noir” with El Deora. If last night’s rehearsal was any indication of what’s in store, you’re in for a treat! It’s an amazingly talented and fun band.

Hope to see you and your dusted-off boots for some fun and frolic (and fresh-cut french fries – mmmmm...) Friday!

Love,

Loretta

P.S. Thanks to Maurice for the fine poster!