Charles Andrews

Santa Monica

Political Columnist and Music Journalist at Santa Monica Daily Press

Freelance Writer and Editor at Freelance

SMDP columnist activist music lover

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Articles

McCabe’s, Pop, Phil, ‘Hands Off!’

3 weeks ago | smdp.com | Charles Andrews

RICK SHEA, TONY GILKYSON -courtesy photo McCabe’s“HANDS OFF!” GLOBAL PROTEST, THIS SATURDAY! – This is the time to show up, with signs and anger but not violence, to support those around the world who will be protesting the chaos, destruction and death the bully baby and his billionaire boss are already wreaking, not just here but worldwide. (If you think that is hyperbole, you are underinformed.
Gerald goes Gershwin

4 weeks ago | smdp.com | Charles Andrews

GERALD CLAYTON -courtesy photoAM I ONLY tossing in these occasional political announcements because I no longer write my CURIOUS CITY column on a regular basis? No. Trump’s chaos directly affects the arts. One example: he fired the board at the Kennedy Center in D.C., a preeminent arts institution nationally, and put himself in charge. Will we now see honors go to the likes of Carrie Underwood, Lee Greenwood, Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, 3 Doors Down, Billy Ray Cyrus? Ted Nugent, the Village People?
Mozart and Mike’s

1 month ago | smdp.com | Charles Andrews

YUM YUM EAT ‘EM UP! – OK that was silly but hopefully got your attention. I love chain restaurants that practice giving back to the community and Jersey Mike’s has been doing it for years. THIS WED, MARCH 26 - they will donate 100% of NET SALES, every penny that comes in the door, to a local charity. They are also my favorite sub shop of all, for taste. Lincoln & Broadway, or just across the border in Venice at 245 Main Street. If you think of it, tell them the Daily Press sent you.
Toledo, Tesla, Van, Midori, Mozart

1 month ago | smdp.com | Charles Andrews

MIDORI TONIGHT! -courtesy photoMUSK - TRUMP PROTESTSaturday noon 3/15 at Broadway and Third, near the Tesla dealership. To demand accountability, for Trump turning his unelected billionaire donor loose to cause so much pain and damage, and to enrich his own business interests. Sponsored by CODEPINK. Such protests are popping up worldwide. A lot. And yes, this does affect the arts, big time.
Wolfgang, Kris, Gustav, Neil

1 month ago | smdp.com | Charles Andrews

KRIS -courtesy photoROCKIN’ IN THE FREE WORLDLike he’s still 19 with something to prove, but 84 with his idealism and activism intact, like few other “rock stars.” Neil Young just announced he will kick off his summer European tour with a free concert in the Ukraine. That sends a strong message, and is also courting danger. A lot more risky than Bob Hope in Viet Nam. I’m waiting for other artists to step up. All of them. Now.
McCabe’s Scores Again

1 month ago | smdp.com | Charles Andrews

COLIN BLUNSTONE LAST MINUTE BOOKING - courtesy photoTOMORROW! FRI 2/28 - Even the people who voted for Trump (but not Elon) are crying from the pain he is causing needlessly. So many of us are wailing, what can we do!? Yes, it is very hard to resist the combination of incredible sums of money, social media control, and a powerful established political mechanism. But what do we have? Numbers. Numbers! Not even 50% of voters marked “Trump,” not to mention the millions who did not vote.
Time for thanks, giving

Nov 27, 2024 | smdp.com | Charles Andrews

MUSIC, ART, CUBA – HELP!Every good cause is now asking for your donations. But here’s a very worthy one you might not otherwise consider. I was angered but not surprised a few days ago when some MAGA idiot was railing against “dangerous terrorist states” like Iran, China, North Korea… and Cuba. It is for narrow U.S political agendas that the remarkable people of Cuba continue to suffer from an embargo of nearly 65 years.
Such variety to choose from

Nov 14, 2024 | smdp.com | Charles Andrews

TONY GILKYSON – courtesy photo by Margaret Olivares-GilkysonNOTHING TO DO WITH THE ARTS But I would like to acknowledge a couple of local eateries who have been giving back to the community for years. JERSEY MIKE’S sub sandwiches gave 20% of their gross last weekend to Best Buddies, an organization that pairs volunteers with someone mentally or developmentally challenged, to give them perhaps their first friend in their life. So they don’t have to feel so alone and shut out.
TAKE STING OUT OF ELECTION BLUES

Nov 7, 2024 | smdp.com | Charles Andrews

Overview: The best in local concerts, including the return of the legendary Sting to Los Angeles. STING 3.0: The Police legend returns to Los Angeles, remaining experimental and relevant– Courtesy PhotoBy Charles Andrews HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:HOT CLUB OF LOS ANGELES — You can go to the Cinema Bar any Monday night, 9-11:30, for more than a decade now, and hear these hot players run through Django Reinhart-style ‘30s jazz. This amazing ensemble is a treasure.
Please Vote No on SMRR, No on QS

Nov 1, 2024 | smdp.com | Charles Andrews

THIS IS THE FOURTHVersion of this column. Number three was pretty good, I thought. Some context, a little storytelling. But it wasn’t what I intended. I tend to overthink these things. And many times, a piece of writing gets its own mind and just runs away with you. But I learned a long time ago that the reader does not care about your process. Not two figs. So let’s get right to it. We have a really consequential election Tuesday. Nationally, of course, but locally too.