Uketoberfest 2009!

thenaturalstageproject — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:38:59 +0000

“I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since the last Uketoberfest!”
-Jim Hall, NSP Supporter

It’s that time of year again – UKETOBER FEST time! It is both a sad and happy time for us here at the Natural Stage Project. Sad: It marks the end of our season (stay tuned! We kick back up in March). Happy: We welcome the lovely Madame Pamita, The Ukulady, Kate Micucci, and many more. And I, (Sara, not Jon) will get a chance to break out my Dirndl! Seriously. Bring your Uke or ask us about borrowing one if you’d like to play a song.

Location / Directions:
We are going to be exploring the Fern Dell area of Griffith Park (in Hollywood). “Under dense pine trees and shaded ferns, this relaxed walk will lead you along wooden bridges and past small cascading waterfalls. The sound of running water and hushed conversation makes for a peaceful and pleasant 15-minute stroll.” Aimee Brodeur of Metromix.

We’ll actually be trekking through the part of Fern Dell without waterfalls, though we encourage you to come early and explore the entire park. The entrance is at Franklin and Fern Dell at the Los Feliz/Hollywood border. Lots of great little trails at this part of Griffith! Speaking of trails, you’ll begin your journey on foot at the parking area across from The Trails Cafe.

Enter through one of the many paths along the parking area and then make a left.

If you’d like to check out the path along the creek, go right instead…but be sure to head back to the left for The Natural Stage. You’ll end up at a restroom that looks like this:

Once you’re there (it’s really only a 30 second walk), you will see a small bridge to your right. Please go ahead and cross it and proceed left. Keep walking. There will be some really cool rocks to your left:

Once these end, make a right onto the path pictured below:

After the little tree, make a left and follow the path…

You’ll cross over a pipe in the path. Watch your step!!! You’re almost there You’re about to approach an area that looks like this:

Once you approach the tree with the graffiti on it, hang a right…

We’ll be gathering right up here! This will be our stage area:

Things to bring:
- An UKE, should you chose to partake in some open “mic” activity.
- Water – you can never have too much water
- A blanket for sitting.
- A picnic if you’re hungry! The Trails Cafe has tasty treats and/or stop by Locali!
- Friends!!!

Support our friends:
Locali (on Franklin and Canyon Drive) has great snacks, drinks and sandwiches. Visit Localiyours.com for more info! Use the coupon code: NaturalStage1009 to get 10% off!

Merch:
We still have some tote bags left. They cost $7 and ALL proceeds go to charity.

Notes:
- If you need to bring alcohol, PLEASE conceal it to the best of your ability. “But this isn’t UketoberFest without a good beer!” you say. Well, let’s plan on having an after party somewhere, such as the Red Lion. We are open to suggestions, and will announce the after party at the event.
- No SMOKING for obvious reasons!
- This is a very short mini-hike and it is very simple, but is a popular spot with frequent passers-by. We encourage you to mind your surroundings be respectful to other hikers.
- Don’t forget bug spray and sunscreen. It’s a shady trail, but that sun can be a bugger! And those bugs… well. Just bring bug spray.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Sara and Jon

Griffith Park – Bronson Caves

thenaturalstageproject — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:11:15 +0000

Hello friends!

We have an EXCITING triple-bill for you on Sunday, September 6th – 3pm. First, the short backstory… the location was initially chosen to be Millard Falls which is currently engulfed in flames and supposedly will closed for at least the next week or so (Best wishes to anyone in the area!). Our second choice was going to be Elysian Park, but there’s a Dodger game that day…. but never fear – we would never let you down!

The final decision is now to go where shade is abundant…

the Bronson Caves (AKA: The Bat Caves) in Griffith Park.

If you haven’t been there before, the hike is super short, the location is quite convenient to all, and you really just can’t go wrong with a spot made famous by a 1960s TV series. The only thing worth making an extra special note about is that this is quite a public spot, so please be COMPLETELY inconspicuous if you plan on bringing alcohol of any sort. The Natural Stage Project strives to be alcohol free or to at least APPEAR to be alcohol free. Thank you for helping us accomplish this goal.

Now, without further ado… our lineup…

The Dustbowl Revival

Son Ark

Coyote

We are very excited to welcome The Dustbowl Revival and Coyote to our group of Natural Stage performers. Son Ark, on the other hand, has performed with us at one of our first Natural Stage Projects and we are thrilled to have them back! We urge you to check out the links to their music – it’ll just make you that much more excited for the event.

Location / Directions:

From Hollywood Boulevard, turn north up Canyon Drive or Bronson Avenue (which merges with Canyon Drive later). Take Canyon Drive up north, through the gates into Griffith Park, to where the road seems to end, then park and prepare for a short hike. The trail to the caves begins at the very end of Canyon drive. When you leave the gravel parking lot, take the trail to the right. Do not hike more than 1/4 mile. When trail forks, go left. Check out this hilarious webpage that offers pictures to show you where to go.

Things to bring:

- An instrument, should you choose to partake in some open “mic” activity.
- Water – you can never have too much water
- A picnic if you’re hungry! (don’t forget your picnic blanket!)

- Friends!!!

Notes:

– If you need to bring alcohol, PLEASE conceal it to the best of your ability.
- No SMOKING! This is Fire season!
- The hike is only about 1/2 mile TOTAL round trip. It’s super easy! So bring your parents or grandparents or children. They’ll have a blast! But bring chairs or picnic blankets, there is no real natural seating (at least nothing that comfortable!)

SUPER BONUS:

If you’d like to pick up some picnic supplies on your way – shop local at LOCALI. We’ll get you a discount. (5825 Franklin Ave). When you are checking out, use the coupon code NATURALSTAGE0909 for 10% off! Also, if you have an empty water bottle, you can fill it up there with their reverse-osmosis water tap!

Natural Stage Project Merch:

For those of you who don’t already have one of our amazing eco-totes, we sell them at our events for $7. All proceeds go to a charity of your choosing at www.TheNaturalStageProject.com on the online poll.

Save The State Parks:

We strongly encourage everybody to attend the FYF Fest (http://www.fyffest.com). On Saturday, September 5th (the day before NSP), you can help save our state parks by attending the annual FYF Fest. Check out the website for details.

See you guys soon!

Sara and Jon