36th Annual Lotus Festival

“Lotus flowers often appear in images of the Buddha. It is a symbol of things which are pure and good. A lotus is a flower that begins its life in the mud at the bottom of a pond and then rises to the surface to flower.  It therefore reminds people that in the same way, people can rise above their problems and achieve enlightenment.”

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up from the mud the flower blooms

Purity and rebirth are attributes I came across referring to what the Lotus Flower represents.  It was a true pleasure to participate this year in a well established festival with a purpose to promote understanding. Special thanks to all who made special effort to make our band set go well and get some documentation of it. You know who you are.

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Beautiful Day in the neighborhood of Echo Park CA.
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The OK Corralers takin’ it to the streets!
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Yeah, I’m a Leo.
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Tadg Galleran is an entertainer, player, singer, writer.
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I love playing bass, singing is fun. Gotta make that music!
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as I was saying,

Introducing Drummer Vocalist Tony Jones

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What a Wonderful World
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Testifying! Tony Jones, Leslie Baker, Tadj Galleran
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Tyler Combs brings us good vibes
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fun show, fun audience, fun time
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up from the mud the flower blooms

 

Another exciting week end in July 9 & 10 , 2016

Lotus Festival this Week End! Leslie Baker and Friends perform Sunday 1:30 PM

36th Lotus Festival

If you want to see us, don’t be late….it’s a short set. We are surrounded by dancers.

Saturday from 6-9 PM I return to play in Lisa Casalino’s Jazz Band on the Westside, at the Grove near Nordstrom

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Thanks Joe Weinroth for the photo
Lisa and Leslie making music
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Jazz Singer Lisa Casalino

SUMMER!

So we’re hot! I’m doing what I can to not get bothered…..Full moon, Solstice, Fire’s, Father’s Day.  Summer events and performances are rolling along.

Here’s what Father’s Day looked like for me as I enjoyed being the bass player for the Dale Fielder Quartet at Whisky Red’s Marina Del Rey, CA

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Delicious

The Band Plays on the Patio, Bass and Drums under a Gazebo

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Dale Fielder and Rick Olsen
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Don Littleton

Don and Leslie workin' a selfie!

On this very hot day the ocean breeze made things nice.

Fisherman's Village View

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A lovely day

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Fisherman's Village Viewbakerbass

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The biggest boat I’ve seen in this bay
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Used to be Shanghai Red’s

roasted pig

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The Venue

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Bandleader Dale Fielder enjoying brunch after playing his heart and soul at Whiskey Red’s

This coming Saturday, 6/27/16 I will be with Lisa Casalino’s Band at the Grove, 3rd and Fairfax in front of Nordstrom from 6-9 An evening of fun, free for the public performance.  It is always nice to see friends and fans at these shows.

We had a great time with Lisa and the band was definitely cooking with Ark Sano on keyboard and Dustin Haner on drums!!

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Songbird Lisa Casalino leads her band.
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Thanks Joe Weinroth for the photo
Lisa and Leslie making music.

July 4th I’ll be at Lacy Park in San Marino with the Tom Sullivan Band. We are part of a line up of bands followed by fireworks-big ones up close!  Reservations and tickets required:

http://www.ci.san-marino.ca.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=1237

Happy 4th of July Weekend!  Lots of bands, a parade—very Americana as I get to contribute to the festivities performing with Tom Sullivan’s Dixieland Band. We are being joined by a choir for our closing selection “Amazing Grace”. Tickets available- check Lacy Park, San Marino CA

And of course that is not all, just all for now…..stay tuned

LAJS Jazz in Schools Program 2016

With the new year comes another chance to give grammar school concerts all over L.A. that teach about Jazz.  I am very happy to once again participate in this program with bandleader Dr. Bobby Rodriguez and his very talented band.  If you would like to observe a concert, contact me at bakerbass@mac.com to arrange for a guest pass.

We continue to bring Jazz music and history to young ones
We continue to bring Jazz music and history to young ones. Thanks to our sponsors, LAJS, Herb Alpert Foundation, MPTF. Photo Joe Weinroth
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Photo Greg Lloyd
backstage, photo Greg LLoyd
Photo Greg Lloyd
Leslie Baker Bass
Recognition from the City of Angels for our work in schools. Photo Joe Weinroth
lajs 2016
Photo Greg Lloyd
Leslie Baker Bass
Maria Martinez, Darrick Edmondson, Bobby Rodriguez, Leslie, Oscar Hernandez. Photo: Greg Lloyd
Mark XX, Maria Martinez, Bobby Rodriguez, Leslie, Oscar Hernandez. Photo: Greg Lloyd
Mark Miller, Maria Martinez, Bobby Rodriguez, Leslie, Oscar Hernandez. Photo: Greg Lloyd
Bobby Rodriguez, Maria Martinez, Leslie. Photo: Greg Lloyd
Bobby Rodriguez, Maria Martinez, Leslie. Photo: Greg Lloyd